Your uncle filled you in on an upcoming ball that will serve as your debut to high society, and gave you a schedule of the next few days to give you a much-needed crash course on socializing, dancing and playing the role of countess well. You ate lunch and met with Gimbly for your dance lesson, impressing him with the speed you picked up the lessons at but lamenting your lack of precise footwork. You turned an offhand remark of his into a little jab about what he said before, and he actually seemed impressed.

You ate dinned and caught up on what your friends had been up to, learning that Sena has an affinity for spirit magic and the manipulation of essence. You've yet to work out if that leans more towards necromancy or divine magic, but you cautioned her about being careful with it. Then you went to your sword lessons and got the shit kicked out of you over and over again. Your strength, skill and speed helped you to avoid getting killed, but Captain Pucelik, the man your uncle sent to teach you, made sure to make every blow you struck on him feel like a miracle.

You passed out from blood loss as he concluded the lesson, and your ancestor greeted you with a little present for pleasing him with your combat skills. You gained an extra point of Spirit, as well as a Spell Point for boosting your firesinging or activating spells or magic items. You don't have any spells, but now you can turn your firesinging into something with a combat benefit. You woke up briefly during the night to find Sena sleeping beside you, probably after trying to heal you, and went back to bed.

A new days dawns.

Character Sheet:
http://pastebin.com/SzSTEHDV

Thread twitter:
@BecomeQM

Previous adventures at:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Become%20The%20Dragon%20Quest

The rules:
Best of three rolls, critical threat on a 20, confirmed if another roll is 20-modifier or higher. Modifier is Stat being rolled+Relevant skill. You can decide which skill to apply. If no one applies one, no skill will be added on. If you don't have a logical reason to apply a skill, don't do it.
Critical fails are at least two 1s on a roll. May expand this later to increase shenanigans.
Success is on a sliding scale and is situational. Some things are easier than others. Use your head.

You awaken to the sound of birds tweeting. Sena is still beside you, but her book and wand are on the bedside table now. There's a maid beside the bed holding an envelope for you, and she smiles softly.

“Good morning, madam. You have a letter, and breakfast is waiting for you. There isn't much time before you have to study, but Cenere insisted that this was brought to you immediately.”

>Read letter
>Get ready and read the letter at breakfast
>Other (write-in)

I wrote a thing!

http://pastebin.com/9dmr6XWx

Millie's Day Off. It's a little rough considering I wrote it all in one go last night while waiting for my internet to work, but there you go.

>>42415742
>>Read letter

>Read letter

File: 1398222625647.jpg (190 KB, 808x1034)

190 KB JPG

You take the letter from the maid and open it. Inside is a small note with a single phrase hastily scribbled on it. There's a red smudge on the bottom corner.

“The Order of Fire lives.”

The moment your eyes reach the end, the note bursts into a puff of flame and vanishes, the envelope turning to ash in your hand. The maid vanishes and reappears with a broom and brush.

“I hope that it was something interesting, madam. Usually letters are such boring affairs. Your outfits are ready for you in the dressing room if you'd like to get ready for breakfast.”

>Get up and get ready
>Wake Sena up and talk
>Other (write-in)

>>42416446
>>Get up and get ready


So anyone worried now?

>>42416446
>Get up and get ready

KANE LIVES!

>>42416446
>Get up and get ready
Looks like not only the church will support us soon...

File: 1398283685646.jpg (59 KB, 803x600)

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You slip out of bed and head off to the bathroom to get ready for the day ahead, calling your maid along to take care of your hair for you. After removing your robe you take stock of your injuries from the day before. Nothing too serious, and you doubt any of it will leave a scar, but it still aches a little. You remove the bandages and take a bath, cleaning your wounds gently but thoroughly to prevent infection.

-

You have 3 minor wounds

-

You let the maid brush your hair for you and head for the dressing room, facing much the same issue as yesterday. You have outfits to choose from. Once again you'll be meeting with your uncle's friends for your lessons, but yesterday you wore a fancy dress and got... well, exactly the reaction most women would want to have. It made you desirable and showed off your figure. You're not sure that's how you want to be seen by these people.

>Pick the fancy dress again
>Pick the fancy suit
>Pick the plain dress
>Pick the plain suit
>Other (write-in)

>>42416839
> Pick the fancy suit

>>42416839
>Pick the fancy dress again

>>42416839
>>Pick the fancy suit

>>42416839
>Pick the fancy suit

>>42416839
>Pick the fancy suit

File: 18574_1193976000.jpg (104 KB, 600x429)

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You slip on the fancy suit and look at yourself in the mirror. Your hair is tied back again, and you look like a feminine gentleman rather than a woman in a suit. You debate letting your hair down as you make your way to breakfast, or perhaps a touch of makeup. Maybe Kat would have a good suggestion. But when you reach the diningroom to eat there's no trace of anyone. No Gil, no Kat and no Sena. There's a single plate at the table loaded with food resting in front of your chair, along with a glass of juice and a cup of tea.

>Eat breakfast, they're probably all still asleep
>Go looking for them yourself
>Ask a maid or butler where they are
>Other (write-in)

>>42417146
>Ask a maid or butler where they are

>>42417146
>>Ask a maid or butler where they are

>>42417146
>Ask a maid or butler where they are

>>42417146
>Eat breakfast, they're probably all still asleep

File: 1440544375309.jpg (155 KB, 742x604)

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You sit down at the table and sigh softly, snapping your fingers. Cenere appears and bows slightly.

“Is something the matter, madam?”

You gesture to the empty table, and he nods.

“Your friends are currently occupied. Sena is currently still asleep, and Kat and Gil are, ahem, enjoying each others company. They requested breakfast in bed for the time being. Gil sends his apologies.”

You turn to your food and dig in, munching idly. You had eaten alone plenty of times at home. Your father was always up early and ate breakfast out in the fields, and your mother would usually eat before waking you if you weren't joining him. But you were never by yourself like this, and the manor suddenly feels a little too big as you chew your way through sausages and apple slices.

You finish your meal and head for the patio to greet your next instructor, and you're greeted by the faces of Millie, Gimbly and Sir Meniver. Gimbly is smirking at you, while Sir Meniver simply gives you the same appraising look from the day before. Millie is munching her way through a chocolate bar and gives you a little wave.

“Greetings, Countess. We are here today to instruct you on etiquette, as well as to ensure that you know the names and faces of the other important figures in the capitol. Your morning will be spent with me, memorizing important facts and trivia so that you'll be up to date on current events within the capitol and getting to know the various guests so that you'll know who you can trust and who you can't. Your afternoon with Gimbly working on your etiquette, poise and manners, and your evening will be spent with me going over everything that you've learned.”

>Sounds fine to me
>This sounds boring
>Other (write-in)

>>42417377

>Maybe stuff like this was why my father left this place. Very well, let's begin.

>>42417377
>>This sounds boring
Still must be done, let's get too it.

>>42417377
>Sounds fine to me

File: 1440543197859.jpg (157 KB, 621x828)

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“It sounds like a chore, but it's a necessity. And the sooner I succeed, the sooner we can all rest more easily.”

Sir Meniver gives a small nod.

“Precisely.”

He walks towards you.

“All labor is labor. The sooner you complete the labor, the sooner there is no labor to be completed.”

Gimbly walks next to Sir Meniver and pats him on the shoulder.

“Don't believe this guy if he ever says he's an altruist. He's the laziest guy I know. He only works when he absolutely needs to. He's helping out because Tirio's got him in a bind.”

Sir Meniver flashes Gimbly a glare and sighs.

“Let's get this over with, shall we?”

>Head for the den, let's get our study on
>Ask Gimbly something
>Ask Sir Meniver something
>Other (write-in)

>>42417582
>>Head for the den, let's get our study on

>>42417582
>>Head for the den, let's get our study on

>>42417582
>Head for the den, let's get our study on

Power through it.

>>42417582
>Head for the den, let's get our freak on
Make sure that if Cenere is otherwise occupied with those accounts there is someone else on hand to assist us with notes.

Make a Sleuth roll and then a Smarts roll. Remember, only one roll per post please.

Rolled 11 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42417661
Sleuth

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>42417661

Smarts

Rolled 2 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42417661
Sleuth

Rolled 3 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42417661

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>42417661

Smarts

Rolled 6 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42417661

Sleuth

File: 1440542801736.jpg (188 KB, 500x600)

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You head for the den with Sir Meniver and sit down to begin your lesson. He speaks for several hours, reciting facts and making you write them down. Millie is right there beside you busily writing down his words verbatim, taking bites of her chocolate from time to time. You learn a few significant things amidst his talking.

The first is that the noblity of the kingdom are divided into several major and minor houses. The major houses all reside at the capitol and have deep ties to one or two knightly orders, with members of those orders consisting mainly of members of their respective houses or people who married into them. It's rare for people to be allowed into a specific order without being on good terms with that family. The Orders of Steel, Scales, Pieces, Defense, Spells, Light and Oak are all related to noble families.

The second is that the king, the ruler of the land, is an elected position, sort of. When the king dies or abdicates the noble houses cast votes as to which house should be promoted to the role of royal family. No house may vote for itself. The head of the family that wins the election becomes the new king or queen. The Exalleg family has won the past three elections, and King Avio's son is being groomed to succeed his father. Sir Meniver notes that the success of the family likely stems from being able to play politics exceedingly well, and that it also likely has to do with systematic blackmail and manipulation.

The last, and perhaps most pressing, thing you learn is that the Imidarius family is on the brink of being replaced with a minor family within the next few months. Your uncle, current head of the family, has no legitimate heirs since Millie is an elemental construct, and your father doesn't exist as far as the public is aware. With the family in such a shaky position, and with his rank of general at stake, you now know precisely why your uncle wants you married as soon as possible; he'll lose everything if you don't make the Imidarius family name worthwhile again.

Everything else is just trivia to you, and while you do memorize a good portion of it, you're sure you missed a fact or two here and there. You could always look over Millie's notes later though.

>Lunch time then etiquette time
>Ask Sir Meniver to stay for lunch and chat
>Other (write-in)

File: hah.jpg (6 KB, 225x224)

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>>42418068
>since Millie is an elemental construct

pic related

>Lunch time then etiquette time

>>42418127
I thought that was pretty obvious since she does similar funky magic stuff to the house staff.

Also read the side story I wrote.

Sir Meniver does not fuck around when it comes to explaining things.

>>42418068
Shit, is our uncle married? If not, it sounds like he has some work to do as well. We also need to figure out the process, if one exists, for adopting others into the family.

>>42418068
>Ask Sir Meniver to stay for lunch and chat
Ask him about what the nobility think about our dad.
We might have to ask our dad to come back and do something about the politics,, if we want to go on adventures

>>42418068
>>Ask Sir Meniver to stay for lunch and chat

Has my name been off this whole time? Crap.

On a different note, running a quick errand. If anyone wants to know about the various knightly orders and families and stuff in terms of what Sir Meniver told you, let me know and when I get back I'll start writing stuff up between posts.

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>>42418068
>Quick letter to dad.

Make a Schmooze roll

>>42418305

More on order of scales of course

Rolled 17 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42418815
the smooth schmooze

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>42418815

One more roll

Rolled 10 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42418815

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When Sir Meniver finishes talking you wrap up your notes and rise to your feet. He lets out a yawn and stretches a bit.

“Well, that's me done for today then. I'm going back to bed.”

You chuckle a bit.

“I'd like it if you stayed for lunch, actually. I'm thoroughly informed about other families, but I have some questions about my own if you have the time. I know you're not the sort to do a good deed for no benefit, but I think Tirio would consider taking the extra effort while you're still here to be a positive thing. Whatever bind he's got you in, I'll put in a good word.”

Sir Meniver shrugs slightly and smiles, stroking his goatee.

“I suppose I could spare the time. Lead on.”

You lead Sir Meniver to the dining room and sit down to a light lunch. He looks at you expectantly as you're served.

“What do you wish to know about?”

>Write-in

>>42419216
My father and my family, what was he and they like?

>>42419216
My father, his deeds, what the order of Fire did to slander his name after he left. Millie's story.

>>42419216
This Order of Steel thing could bite me in the arse, what can you tell me about it?

>>42419216
>Me and my family. Where exactly does my legitimacy as a Countesse come from?

>>42419216
"What could you tell me about my family's standing among the noble houses? It sounds like my father disappeared with a tarnished reputation. Who benefited from this?"

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“I want to know about my father and my family. About their deeds, and what they were like.”

Sir Meniver takes a few moments to sip his wine, looking thoughtful.

“Your father was the only man to ever beat me at a game of chess. He had a certain ability that made him an exceptional knight. He could see the heart of things. He found the way to beat me, not by being better at the game, but by making losing appeal to me. He could look at a dragon and know in an instant if it was wicked or kind, and what he had to do to make his fiercest opponents into his most trusted allies. It was because of him that the Order of Scales rose to such prominence during his time as a knight. He wasn't the strongest man, or the most noble, and certainly not the cleverest, but he knew things that no one else could see. Knowledge is power, Countess, and your father is living proof of that.

As for your family... Your father and uncle both came to the capitol city from the southern portion of the kingdom, near the border. They were mere boys at the time, and they joined the knights almost the first day they got here. Your father's keen eye for the hearts of people and your uncle's own talents led to the two of them rising through the ranks swiftly. Your father was granted a title of nobility, as was your uncle, but since your father was the elder brother he was the head. I don't think that sat well with either of them. It may have been a large part of why your father left the knights.

Your uncle used the title to pursue a career as a military official, then as a general, and has kept the family name among the major houses by being indispensable to the army and knightly orders. Unfortunately his work leaves little time for romance, and his only family before you arrived was his personal attendant, Millie. Without an heir, the family won't remain in its position of power for much longer.

I don't know anything about the rest of your family beyond that. Your uncle never speaks of them, and your father would only ever answer in roundabout ways regarding them. The current theory at court is that they were orphans who struggled their way across the kingdom to the capitol and decided to make a life for themselves there, but before that there was talk of them being monsters in disguise.

The whole Order of Fire affair is almost tragic. Your father formed a knightly order after leaving the Order of Scales and went adventuring, governing them through letters and directing them to aid the Order of Steel. It was an odd move for a man like him. There was no benefit to him in supporting the Order of Steel, but I suppose he felt there was something rotten at work in the capitol that needed uncovering. But without being there personally, it's no wonder he didn't see the black hearts of his own followers as they turned their gaze to destroying the capitol they were sworn to protect.”

>Push for more information
>Ask about something else
>Other (write-in)

>>42419640
>Push for more information

>>42419640
>Push for more information
How and why?

>>42419862
Care to be more specific?

>>42419640
>What exactly were they going to do and why did they say they were doing it?

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You nod slowly as you take in what he has to say, before looking at your drink for a few moments to let his words sink in.

“The Order of Fire... What exactly were they trying to do?”

Sir Meniver sighs softly.

“Well, the official story is that they were building an anti-magic bomb that would obliterate every magical device in the city and create a tear in the fabric of reality that would prevent the manipulation of elemental aspects. It would utterly ruin the entire city, destroy the infrastructure, and who knows what would happen to the elemental constructs. They were caught with a large amount of Null Stones, as well as equipment for a process referred to as isolation, where the aspects of a Null Stone are manipulated by isolating the properties from the stone. Null Stones can't be influenced by magic normally, but with specific necromantic processes it's possible to meddle with them and make their anti-magic properties more readily usable.

As for the why, no one knows. Some suspect that their leader, Augus Flynn, found something so truly wicked that he felt there was no other option. Others think he planned to force the nobility into giving him the crown by keeping one finger on the trigger. My theory, on the other hand, is that the Order of Fire was-”

He stops short and looks over at the doorway. Gimbly is standing there, leaning against the door frame and smiling softly.

“Sorry to interrupt, but I do believe I have some lessons to take care of. I'd hate if Tirio were to find out you were delaying the Countess from completing all her lessons on time.”

Sir Meniver rolls his eyes and rises to his feet.

“I shall take my leave then. Until we meet again, Countess. I'll see you before the ball to ensure my lesson stuck.”

He heads for the door with a yawn and Gimbly claps his hands together.

“Well, you're already seated comfortably, and in the perfect spot for your lesson, so let's get to work, shall we?”

>Thank Sir Meniver properly for the lesson
>Sir Meniver just wants to go home, focus on Gimbly and get this over with
>Other (write-in)

>>42420184
>Thank Sir Meniver properly for the lesson
My thanks for your time, I look forward to our next meeting.

>>42420184
>Give Ser Meniver a thanks, and tell him we're willing to hear his fascinating stories any time.

>>42420184
>>Thank Sir Meniver properly for the lesson

So. Currently what is Kot's chances at being queen?

File: Stone_Dragon_(2).png (123 KB, 528x694)

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You rise from your seat as Sir Meniver leaves and bow.

“Thank you for the lesson and taking extra time to speak with me, Sir Meniver. I look forward to hearing more of your stories sometime.”

Sir Meniver looks over his shoulder from the doorway and smiles at you.

“I'll have to come back again sometime then. Good day.”

Gimbly chuckles faintly once Sir Meniver is out of sight.

“Like I said before, he never does something without accounting for personal interest. Take whatever he said with a grain of salt, Countess. Now then... On to your lesson.”

-

Sleuth roll, then a Smarts roll

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>42420702

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>42420702
Smarts

Rolled 10 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42420726
>>42420702
that was smarts this is sleuth

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>42420702
>Sleuth

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>42420702
Sleuth

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>42420702
Smarts

One more Smarts roll

>>42420865
15,16

We're not great but we pick up quick I hope.

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>42420726
Smarts

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Gimbly sets about teaching you about etiquette, starting with table manners and moving on from there to things like how to properly address people at court, when you're allowed to do certain things, and proper procedure for acting the role of noblewoman at her debut. You manage to grasp most of it, as it's common sense, but some of it seems too counter-intuitive or obtuse for you to make sense of it. You don't understand, for instance, why you can't just leave for the restroom by excusing yourself, even with a fake excuse.

Gimbly wraps up the first half of the lesson with a few closing remarks about how no one is expecting perfection from you, and how you don't need to worry too much about getting everything just right the first time, but how putting in the effort to show that you're trying will go a long way. Millie walks into the room with her notepad and pen, frowning.

“Kotijah, can I talk to you for a minute? Something doesn't add up.”

Gimbly chuckles dismissively.

“We're in the middle of things, Millie. You'll have to come back in a little while.”

Millie's frown deepens a little bit.

“Alright then...”

>Ask Millie what's wrong
>Resume your lesson, get this out of the way and talk to Millie during dinner
>Go and talk to Millie, screw Gimbly
>Other (write-in)

>>42421061
>Go and talk to Millie, screw Gimbly

>>42421061
>Ask Millie what's wrong
Better to know right away if it's something important. We won't need too much etiquette anyways.

>>42421061
>>Ask Millie what's wrong

>>42421061
>>Ask Millie what's wrong

>>42421061
>Ask Millie what's wrong
Then ask Gimbly how one does properly leave and how much time is appropriate to be gone.


Talk to Millie and if it isn't anything earth shatteringg we can go back to the lesson.

Make a Sleuth roll.

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>42421213

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>42421213
Sleuthin'

Rolled 12 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42421213

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>42421213

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“All due respect, Mr. Duram, but if Millie says something is wrong then I'd like to hear it. Millie, what's the matter?”

Millie turns and walks back into the room, and Gimbly frowns. She glances at Gimbly, then walks over to your table, turning her notebook around to show it to you, but you barely manage to see what's on it before Gimbly takes it from Millie's hands and closes it.

“We don't have time for this, Countess. If we don't make use of every second you won't be ready in time for the ball, and you have to make a good first impression.”

He hands the notebook back to Millie.

“I'm sorry, but I have to insist that we return to the lesson now, otherwise I'm just wasting my time here.”

>Go back to the lesson
>Gimbly is being a dick, tell him off and talk to Millie
>Tell Gimbly to step off and apologize to Mille, then wrap up the lesson ASAP so you can talk to her
>Other (write-in)

>>42421343
>Tell Gimbly to step off and apologize to Mille, then wrap up the lesson ASAP so you can talk to her
Spirit sight, something Is up

>>42421343
>Gimbly is being a dick, tell him off and talk to Millie
We're gonna be a goddamn dragon, impressing some nobles a bit extra won't matter to us in the long run and we won't change jsut because they would want us to.

>>42421343
>Gimbly is being a dick, tell him off and talk to Millie

>>42421343
>"You might have seniority, but you are on MY estate. Millie clearly thinks this is important, so I will see what it is, then we will return to the lesson."

Schmooze roll

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>42421503

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>42421503

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>42421503

Say goodbye to Gimbly!

>>42421586
>>42421555
>>42421554
Looks like we don't give a fuck so he'll probably be a little pissed, but at least it wasn't a critfail.

File: WindDragon.jpg (56 KB, 452x640)

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You rise to your feet and grab the book from Gimbly.

“Do you remember what I told you about insults, Mr. Duram? This is my home and Millie is my friend. You are my teacher, and I have given you the respect you deserve up to this point because of it. But I will not tolerate you belittling something Millie finds important, and I will not tolerate the insult of you imposing such a restriction upon your lessons. You can wait the one minute it takes for me to hear what Millie has to say.”

Gimbly turns red in the face, and you respond to him opening his mouth to speak by holding the book up between your face and his and opening it. The page you land on is from Gimbly's lessons just now. Sections are underlined and cross-referenced with one another, as well as with quotes from books on manners and etiquette. The quotes even have page numbers, titles and authors, as well as publication dates. From what you're seeing, Gimbly has been teaching you incorrectly all afternoon, making things excessively complicated or just plain wrong.

>So you like to play games, Mr. Duram?
>Get the hell out of my house
>Why did you do this?
>Other (write-in)

-

With a roll like that you shut him the fuck down rather than trying to be sociable. Still, poignant considering the circumstances.

>>42421704
>"Alright. you get one explanation, Mister Duram. If I find it unsatisfying, you will be dumped on the outskirts of the premises with as much respect as you have shown me."

>>42421704
>So you like to play games, Mr. Duram?

>>42421704
>Other (write-in)
Look into my eyes.

>Spirit Signht

>>42421704
>So you like to play games, Mr. Duram?
>Get the hell out of my house

>>42421704
>Alright. you get one explanation, Mister Duram. If I find it unsatisfying, you will be dumped on the outskirts of the premises with as much respect as you have shown me.

>>42421758
I don't think we need to look them in the eyes for something, only thing is see when he is lying or something like that

Millie is gonna hang around a lot more....

She's a very useful advisor and a good friend.
She is also adorable.

>>42421821
This

>>42421917
Having a Penance Stare would be cool, though.

>>42421950
Yeah, maybe unnerve him a bit or at least see his spirit signature or whatever to recognize him later?

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You lower the book slowly and meet Gimbly's gaze. He's practically fuming, and you set the book down on the table.

“Mr. Duram. Do you enjoy games?”

He looks confused for a moment, one eyebrow raised.

“Pardon?”

You rest a hand on the table and smile at him.

“Do you enjoy pranks? Practical jokes? Do you enjoy embarrassing people, Mr. Duram?”

Gimbly takes a small step back.

“What are you talking about?”

You pat the book lightly.

“Millie was tasked by my uncle with recording all of my lessons. Unfortunately, it seems as though you've been making some mistakes with this one. Some big ones. Millie was just pointing them out to me and letting me know that you've been setting me up for failure.”

Gimbly swallows and glances over at Millie, who is merrily munching her way through a bar of chocolate and watching the scene unfold.

“You little brat...!”

You clear your throat and walk towards him.

“You will give me an explanation. A good one. Or else I'll have my staff throw you out of here and have Millie inform my uncle of what you were doing.”

Gimbly hesitates for a few moments, clenching and unclenching his fists before he sighs.

“I wanted you to screw up so that no one would be interested in you. I wanted you to be a total embarrassment to your uncle so that the only one who would care to have you around in high society would be me. Then I'd teach you properly. Your uncle would approve of it, naturally, since he knows that I can teach well. He'd just assume that you were an idiot and needed more coaching. How else is a guy like me going to end up with a woman like you? I've got no money to my name, no title. The only shot is to make like Meniver and rig the situation in my favor.”

He closes his eyes and chuckles.

“Guess I got caught anyway though.”

>Throw him out anyway
>Pretend he has a chance if he stops screwing around
>Tell him to teach you properly this time around, or else
>Other (write-in)

>>42422060
>"... wait a minute, what was that last bit?"

>>42422060
>Tell him to teach you properly this time around, or else
use angree face.

>>42422060
>Throw him out anyway
Don't keep this manipulative bullshit around and get a proper teacher. We don't need to be perfect at it since it won't be our main focus.

>>42422060
>>Tell him to teach you properly this time around, or else
I am dragonblodded and have a temper. Do you think ANY of them would stand for this? You're lucky I don't gut you.

>>42422060
>How else is a guy like me going to end up with a woman like you?
>Other (write-in)
My uncle set you all up a possible suitors.

You magnificent bastard. I read your book!

Tell Millie we want all our 'tutors' to come together.
Time to tell us the real reason why Uncle brought them together.

>>42422132
>>42422103
These two. We have him at a disadvantage. Press for concessions.

>>42422060
>>Tell him to teach you properly this time around, or else

but first punch that fucker in the face

>>42422060
>Throw him out anyway

>>42422158
>>42422275
>>42422280

Guys, pay attention. He let something slip. We need to chase it.

>>42422060
Guys, he isn't even that bad. Just ambitious, if slightly misguided. He knows his way around, and knows how to conduct himself when the situation calls for it, and he's clever...I like him.

>"I'm both impressed and flattered. I'll have uncle put you on the list of potential suitors. Now, shall we continue the lesson properly?"

>>42422060
>Throw him out anyway

>>42422194
That's certainly one way of looking at it.

>>42422295
We can ask someone about it later. Right now it's important to show that we don't tolerate bullshit.

>"... wait a minute, what was that last bit?"
2 votes
>Tell him to teach you properly this time around, or else
4 votes
>Throw him out anyway
3 votes
>Figure out his romantic bullshit and try to get to the bottom of any secret plans your uncle had to play matchmaker
3 votes

Typing now

>>42422194
Good catch, but we would do well to play that particular piece of information close to the chest

>>42422296
He just talked about how he wanted to fuck us over so we and our family looked bad in front of everyone so that he could the teach us "propperly". This guy is an asshole
>>42422060
>Throw him out anyway

>>42422341
That's presuming anyone else actually knows. Aside from the conspirators.

>>42422194
Or he just wanted to marry into nobility and was trying to abuse his position to do so.

>>42422309
Uncle wants to get hitched. Surround us with people who not only spend time together but also have their own shot as a count? Win win.

I'm down for keeping the tutors. Only we have all the leverage now.

My husbando is Sir Black.
Hope we see him again....

>>42422295
He might be doing this without our uncles backing but our dance teacher has said things about our ass, then again he put the moves on out maid as well.

>>42422409
Gimbly was the dance teacher. He's also teaching you manners and etiquette because he's skilled at social interactions. This is his jam.

>>42422404
I don't give a fuck about marriage and would rather find a way to avoid it entirely, we are supposed to become a dragon, not some housewife that can only hold an estate by getting married to some man who's supposed to control us.

>>42422367
Nah, just a Machiavellian ladder climber. We are going to meet a lot of those. We need to learn to bend them to our will.

>>42422433
You. I like you. Not for the avoiding marriage thing, because I like romance subplots in my literature as long as they're well written and don't interfere with the story. I like you for the "I'm an independent dragon lady what don't need no man" thing.

>>42422433
You really haven't kept up with the conversations at all have you? This is a means to an end, and absolutely no one is going to be in control of us. Whoever we marry will be under our thunb. Its called playing the long game.

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“I don't appreciate bullshit, Gimbly.”

He looks at you, a little surprised, and you continue.

“I don't appreciate being lied to, and I don't appreciate you using underhanded tactics to try to win me over or leave me no alternatives. I will make up my own mind. You're here to teach me, and you'll teach me properly. If you want any kind of shot at winning me over you can start by rebuilding the trust you just shattered.”

Gimbly scratches the back of his head and nods.

“That's... Yeah, that's fair. Most of what I told you is correct, but I did twist a lot of it... It shouldn't take too long for us to get you where you need to be with it. And for what it's worth... I'm sorry. I mean, yeah, I thought it would work and it's a shitty thing to try and do, but I didn't see any other options.”

Your scowl tells him all he needs to know about whether it was accepted or not, and he relents. Millie sits beside you as he dives back into the lesson once again.

-

Smarts roll

>>42422424
So it's just one of them then? Sorry I'm bad at keeping track of names so I think of people by their job/role in storys.

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>42422488

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>42422488

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>42422488

>>42422503
>>42422507
>>42422516
We are mediocre rolling tonight.

>>42422472
Not everyone bothers weighing in on the scheme-wanking conversations.

>>42422472
We could become a dragon within those 3 months if we just focus on it. Then the long game would change entirely. A husband would just weigh us down if we get him before the dragon thing anyways.

>>42422496
You've had three teachers so far. This is your second encounter with Gimbly. He taught you dance yesterday, and today he's trying to teach you manners.

>>42422503
>>42422507
>>42422516
Badly, apparently.

>>42422460
That's basically what i'm going for. And having a husband will only be trouble when we try to be a dragon and take over and stuff. It could offset our goals.

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This time around you feel completely lost. Well, not completely, but mostly. You can't get what he said before out of your head, having spent the last three hours trying to make it instinctual. Gimbly has to stop over and over again to try to correct you, and you feel like you're not making any progress at all. Millie seems mildly amused by the whole thing, writing in her notebook all the while. You get the feeling you'll be stuck with Gimbly for another round after dinner of nothing but trying to fix what he taught you before.

“Well... It's dinner time now, so I'm gonna go grab a bite and leave you alone for a bit. We'll try again after dinner and see what we can do.”

Millie smiles at you.

“I think you were doing just fine for the most part. My first try was really awful, but at the time I couldn't control my hands, so...”

>Tell Gimbly to stay and coach you during dinner
>Send Gimbly away, spend time with your friends
>Other (write-in)

>>42422573
Big surprise the farm dragon girl isn't the best at ettiquete. I bet we don't even stick our pinky out.

>>42422647
>Send Gimbly away, spend time with your friends

>>42422647
>Send Gimbly away, spend time with your friends
>>42422573
>You've had three teachers so far.
To me they're Swordbro, this dick and money guy I think.

>>42422647
>Send Gimbly away, spend time with your friends

>>42422698
And this is why I'm working on a character list as well as a list of the organizations and families that you've heard of. I'd set up a wiki if I knew how to.

>>42422731
Anons do that if you're lucky, not me because I'm lazy but some anons do.

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“Enjoy your lunch, Gimbly. I'll be here when you get back.”

He nods and walks out of the room, and the maids and butlers start setting the table for dinner. Gil and Kat walk in together and smile at you, Kat giving you a little wave as she sits down.

“How were your lessons today?”

You mull over how to describe them before settling on “Informative.” Kat nods slightly and smirks.

“Sounds about right to me. A bunch of stuffy old men trying to teach anyone anything? It must be a chore listening to them droning on all day.”

You shrug.

“Sir Meniver wasn't so bad. He seemed to know a lot about the families in the capitol, and he knows how to tell a decent story.”

Gil stretches a bit.

“At least there's that, right? Sena should be joining us pretty soon. We went for a walk in the gardens this afternoon and she said she was making something for you.”

Right as he says that, Sena walks into the room with a crown of flowers. Millie turns into sparks and bolts over to Sena, inspecting her work.

“Pretty... Can I have it?”

Sena shakes her head.

“It's for Kotijah.”

She pulls out a single white flower.

“This one is for you.”

Sena gives Millie the flower, and Millie's eyes go wide and practically sparkle.

“...Thank you...”

Sena runs over to you and throws the crown of flowers onto you before you can stop her.

“Ta-da! So, how was your day, Queen Kotijah?”

>Pretty good
>Awful
>Well, I'm a queen now, so I can't complain
>Other (write-in)

>>42423426
>Awful

>>42423426
>>Well, I'm a queen now, so I can't complain

>>42423426
>Well, I'm a queen now, so I can't complain

>>42423426
>Well, I'm a queen now, so I can't complain

>>42423426
>Other (write-in)

As long as I have my loyal subjects to help me bear the burden of the crown, I know I shall be fine.

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>>42423527
Love it.
I think this is all my silly horde pics.

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You adjust the crown a little bit and give Sena a smile.

“Well, apparently I'm a queen. And queens always have good days, especially with friends like you around.”

Sena grins and heads to her seat, digging into her meal. Millie is still standing there staring at the flower Sena gave her, which appears to be slowly freezing solid in her grasp. Gil turns your way for a moment.

“So... This whole training thing you're doing. I mean, I've seen you smash a wolf into another wolf. I'm not saying you can't pull it off, but I can't really see you as the elegant noblewoman that they want you to be. You're a fierce and powerful warrior, and you're also completely crazy because you want to be a dragon. No offense.”

>I can do anything I put my mind to
>You might be right, but I'm still going to try
>Other (write-in)

>>42423681
Well, it has enough benefits right now so i'll go with it until it becomes too much trouble or gets in the way of my goals.

>>42423681
Benefits outweigh the risks. Besides a dragon should be just as beautiful as it is terrifying.

>>42423681
>I can do anything I put my mind to

>>42423681
>I can do anything I put my mind to

>>42423681
Sena.
You could be a goddess. I simply settle to be a dragon because it is the more appealing route.

>>42423681
> Other
"Gil, there is a limit to what I can get by way of a strong arm. Through politicking, whole nations could be within my grasp. Simple wealth and game is below the mark for my blood."

>>42423681
>"A dragon is a creature that is as fierce and powerful as it is elegant and regal. Everything anyone could ever hope to be."

>>42423681
>>42423726
>>42423861
Seconding

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“I can do it if I put my mind to it. For now the benefits outweigh the risks anyway. If I want to retain my title then I need to at least do this much. Besides, I can always just cut my losses and leave. My goal is to become a dragon, and nothing less will do. Dragons are beautiful and deadly, right? Well, that's going to be me by the end of the week.”

Gil smirks a bit.

“Yep. Crazy.”

Kat smiles and washes down her mouthful of food before speaking.

“Well I for one think it's worthwhile to keep it going a little longer. I mean, have you had some new armor commissioned yet? A sword? You should milk it for all it's worth in case you decide to cut and run, you know?”

You hadn't thought of that. This whole time you've been moving to Tirio's tempo instead of your own while he dangles the estate and title in front of your face like a carrot on a stick. He's even said that all the effort he's putting in is for his own benefit down the line. You should probably make some sort of list of things you want so that the moment this ball is out of the way you can get right back on track.

>Write-in

>>42423903
>Write-in
That's true, i should probably make a list of stuff to get later on.

>>42423903
I was hoping to see if my father had left a blade or armor.

Why not get the whole gang upgraded?

>>42423903
Good point Kat, Very good point. I really should make a list. Armor, Weapons, maps.....

>>42423903
Good point, i just need the report that i issued about how the money situation looked and maybe if we already have some powerful equipment around.

Cmon Dragon scale Armor and fire knight sword!

>>42423943
Sounds good. We should make a few demands of our uncle, including his ass getting hitched. Having cousins would provide a good source of minions.

>>42424043
His sons and daughters will help lead the Queen's Army!

Sleuth roll

Rolled 13 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42424168

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>42424168
Plz plz

Rolled 5 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42424168

Rolled 17 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42424168

>>42424180
>>42424188
>>42424196

Ahhh...MEDIOCRE!

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“Once Cenere finishes up the reports I'll have a better idea of what I own... Then we can make some plans for purchasing equipment. Though if my dad's old gear is still around somewhere I'd like to know about it.”

Kat nods.

“Well, if you manage to find out, there's a lot we could do with even a few gold in this city. Compared to what we could find elsewhere in the kingdom, the stuff they have here is amazing. Makes me wonder why they don't export it much though. I mean, even the simplest of their inventions could change lives everywhere...”

Sena shrugs a bit, poking at her meal with her fork.

“Whatever the case, it works out well for us, right? And after the ball we can go after the White Blade and Red Rose again.”

You nod a bit, then pause. A quick glance at the doorway tells you who's listening behind it.

“Come out here, Gimbly.”

He steps into view and smiles sheepishly.

“Sorry, I finished my dinner and was coming by to see if you guys were done yet. If that's what you're after... Maybe I can help you out after all.”

>Tell him to go away
>Listen to what he has to say
>Other (write-in)

>>42424361
>Listen to what he has to say

>>42424361
>Listen to what he has to say

>>42424361
>>Listen to what he has to say
>But don't make it look like we're hanging on every word. Even though we might be.

>>42424361
>Listen to what he has to say
But be skeptic about it.

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You sigh a bit and turn to face him.

“Everyone? Meet Gimbly Durab, my dance instructor. Gimbly? This is Sena, Kat and Gil.”

Gimbly bows low and flashes Sena a charming smile, causing her to blush and turn away from him.

“Charmed. Now then... If you're looking for two long-lost relics, then you'll need something more vital than any book or contact. You'll need someone who knows the real story behind them.”

He clears his throat and begins to sing.

-

I'm not going to take the time to make the story rhyme or follow a meter at this point, though I may go back and rewrite the Ballad of Loti and Schimdi in the future.

-

“The beautiful princess Loti was out in the fields one day when she happened upon a flower so lovely and rare that she simply had to possess it. She went to pluck it from the vine and cut her finger upon the thorns, her blood staining the white rose red. Little did she know that the flower was a monster, and her blood had sated its thirst. The flower consumed her on the spot, transforming into the princess, a red rose clutched in the imposter's hand.

Brave Schimdi was a knight full of valor and courage, and from the heavens came the voices of angels cheering him on in battle. So galant was he, so pure, that the angels stole stars from heaven and forged them into a blade worthy of the knight. His starlight sword was the strongest force against all evil, for even in the dark of night, the starts emit their radiance. Even before the truest evil, Schimdi was the eternal light of hope that would banish it.

One day Schimdi happened upon the kingdom of Loti and found it in ruins. Monsters roamed the streets at night, devouring men and women alike and disguising themselves as their victims in the light of day. But Schimdi possessed a rare gift, eyes that could see into the hearts of those around him, and with those eyes he saw the monsters for what they were and cut them down on the spot. The murders stopped bit by bit as Schimdi hunted down the horrors, until at last he came to the castle.

Loti cried from the top of the tower that she was trapped, and Schimdi fought his way up to her. A long and arduous battle, Schimdi barely survived, and the starlight from his sword began to fade as his strength waned. When he finally reached the tower Loti promised him wealth and fame for his deeds, and Schimdi nearly forgot that the princess could be a monster in disguise. In the middle of town, while announcing brave Schimdi was the hero of the land, Schimdi realized the deception, and that the monster planned to devour him and take his place.

Schimdi slew the false princess then and there, and before the crowds of people the monster revealed its true form. A single red rosebud remained, and Schimdi could see within it the life of the princess, still trapped within it, and the monster lurking right behind her. If the flower were to bloom again, he had no idea which would emerge from the bud, so he sealed it away with the help of the kingdom to prevent another tragedy. There Loti waits, though which Loti will come out is unknown.

Schimdi wandered the world in search of the key to saving the princess, devoting his life to it. He founded a village in the west by the sea and descended into the caves beneath, for within them lurked mysteries and magic unknown to mortal men. Schimdi never returned from the caves, but to this day the stolen stars have not returned to the heavens, still bound within his blade, still the light in the darkness to banish evil things.”

Gil, Kat and Sena all applaud, and Millie snaps back to her senses, clapping and looking like she really doesn't know what's going on.

>Thank Gimbly for his story
>Ask Gimbly how this helps at all
>Tell Gimbly to go away
>Other (write-in)

>>42424899
>Thank Gimbly for his story
>Tell Gimbly to go away
Alright, time to figure it out.

Seeing a theme with heroes who have second sight.

Dad Schimdi, and now Millie and Kot.

The cave to the west could be the town of Schimdi?

>>42424899
Thank him.

>>42424899
>Thank Gimbly for his story

>>42424899
>Ask Gimbly how this helps at all
What do we do about
>and Millie snaps back to her senses, clapping and looking like she really doesn't know what's going on.
?

>>42424899
>Thank Gimbly for his story

>Tell Gimbly to go away

>>42424945
>Seeing a theme with heroes who have second sight.
Will we get it from being a dragon or it it something else?

>>42424973
Everyone else was clapping, so she started too. She was mesmerized by the flower Sena gave her until that point.

>>42425009
That is adorable.

>>42424899
>Thank Gimbly for his story
>Tell Gimbly to go away

>>42424899
>Thank Gimbly for his story
>Ask Gimbly how this helps at all

>>42424899
>Thank Gimbly for his story
>Tell Gimbly to go away

So if Kot is the knight, who does that make the princess and the monster?

Or does she represent all three?

The Dragon Trinity
Queen, Knight, Dragon

Fiona is working a theology. Dragons causing the big bang and dragon angels.

>>42425009
>>42425028
Sena has hipno flowers. We need to watch this one.

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You clap a bit yourself.

“Thank you for your story, Gimbly. And that's a true account?”

He smiles and scratches his head a bit, shrugging.

“It's hard to replace lines in a ballad without throwing off the story pretty significantly. I've travelled the kingdom from one end to the other, and this is the one passed down from bard to bard through every college. That's the closest you'll get to a proper account of the story. Somewhere out there is the village Schimdi founded, out west. And the ruins of the kingdom house the vault where the Red Rose was locked away. That one is a bit more well known. It's to the east, housed near Bos, the City of Coin. It's a major trading hub. The city actually sprung up around the ruined palace, they found several mineral and metal mines that were abandoned when the old kingdom collapsed, and that's where Bos gets most of its wealth from.”

West or east, huh? Well, at least now you know what choice you've got to make. West, to the White Blade, and the place your father and uncle hail from, or east, to the Red Rose, and to the home of Duke Lamiring.

>Head west first, find the blade
>Head east first, find the rose

>>42425249
>>Head west first, find the blade
harder to find, but worth it.

>>42425249
Head west

Because my name is also that direction.

East is a silly name.

North works.

South....eh.

Anyway. We need the sword before rose.

>>42425249
>Head west first, find the blade
Best case scenario we get a powerfull sword that we can use in retrieveing the rose later on.

>>42425249
Ask dad about this. Our uncle my ask too many questions.

>>42425362
I want to get a soul staring contest with the parents.

Get to know the ancestry on both sides.

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“Well, that answers a few of my questions. Thank you. That goes a way towards rebuilding the trust between us. We're still finishing up dinner, so perhaps you'd like to come back in a little while.”

Gimbly nods a little and turns to walk off, giving the group one last smile before heading out the door. Sena turns towards you slowly.

“Um... So...”

She fidgets a little.

“Who was that...? Gimbly, right...? He seemed nice...”

Looks like Sena has a little crush on the charming bard.

>Tease Sena
>Tell her Gimbly is an ass
>Let Gil know his little sister is falling for Gimbly
>Other (write-in)

>>42425626
>>Tease Sena
>But tell her what he tried to do, if she's still interested, good for her.

>>42425626
He may need a consoling shoulder if he fails to become count.

He let it slip that these lessons may be more than what they seem.

>>42425626
>>42425651
Second.

>>42425626
>"Yes. He made very nice remarks about my ass when he thought I wasn't listening. And that was when we first met."

>>42425651

This

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You smirk slyly at Sena.

“Sounds to me like someone's got herself a crush. Just be careful with that one. He's not the sort you should trust easily. Gimbly tried to teach me bad manners so that I'd screw up at the ball and no one would want me except him. Plus the first thing he did when we met was compliment my backside.”

Sena turns scarlet as you talk, first looking deeply embarrassed about you calling her out on her crush, and then getting mad as you describe what Gimbly has been doing. She huffs and folds her arms in front of her chest.

“So he's a jerk then.”

She pauses and looks over at Gil, who is in the process of trying to pry Kat off of himself so that he can get to his drink.

“Kinda like my brother. But not a good jerk. He's a bad jerk. Hmm...”

Sena looks deep in thought for a moment, before looking at you.

“Can bad jerks turn into good jerks?”

>Bad people can turn into good people, under the right circumstances
>People are people. Calling them good or bad is perspective
>People don't change, not really. At their core, they are who they are
>Other (write-in)

>>42425898
>People are people. Calling them good or bad is perspective
He's rather desperate to get into the nobility.

>>42425898
Can't change people unless they wanna change Sena.

>>42425898
>"Honestly, he apologized for both things. What people do and who people are do not always line up. Life's funny that way. I'd hold judgement until we all know him better."

>>42425898
>>Bad people can turn into good people, under the right circumstances
>>Other (write-in)
"They have to want the change. They won't change for anyone else's sake, at least not really. Don't think that he is going to change for you or anyone else."

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“Sometimes, if they want to. People are people, you can't just call them good or bad. It's a matter of how you look at things. Gimbly thought the only way to become a noble was through me, so he did what he felt he had to do, even if it wasn't right. He was just a person being selfish. It happens. I'm still gonna get him back for it properly, but I figure he's still useful to me. While it lasts he can try to make amends.”

Sena nods slightly.

“I think I get it... I guess I still have a lot to learn about people... But I'm glad I have a friend like you to help me out, Kotijah.”

She smiles and hugs you tightly, and you feel Millie hug you from the other side.

“Daw, I have the best cousin ever! Group hug!”

There's a blue flicker and a flash, and Kat and Gil suddenly appear on your lap, Kat still clinging to Gil.

>Screw it. Group hug.
>Heavy people need to get off my lap
>Other (write-in)

>>42426382
>Screw it. Group hug.

>>42426382
>Screw it. Group hug.
+3 Str is nice for this thing

>>42426382
Take this time to remember when things look bleak.

We may want to be a dragon. But we found something more important friendship.

>>42426451
>more

>equally.

>>42426382
>>Heavy people need to get off my lap

>>42426382
>Screw it. Group hug.

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You pull everyone in for a group hug. Sena and Millie both giggle, Kat lets out a laugh, and Gil thrashes about a bit before giving up.

"I'm surrounded by women, this should be every guy's dream... why is this such a nightmare sometimes..."

Kat nips his ear.

"Because you already found your dream girl, dear. And one of the girls is your sister, so ew."

You slowly relax your hold and smile. Time to break things up and finish your lessons for the day. The sooner that happens, the sooner you can get back to good times with friends and your eventual ascension to dragon hood. You help Kat and Gil down and stand up, bidding them good evening and heading off to find Gimbly.

You locate him on the patio, looking through some papers. As you approach he slips them into his pocket and sighs.

"Ready for round three then?"

He turns to you and smiles softly.

"Let's get it perfect this time."

>On with the lesson
>Talk to Gimbly about something
>Other (write-in)

>>42426667
>Talk to Gimbly about something
So. You didn't have much growing up? No titles or anything? I was a simple farm girl but its quickly unfolding to be so much more.

My story is just beginning Gimbly but one day all the bards will sing of Kotijah the Fire Singer.

>>42426667
>On with the lesson
Also if he knows the lore and lore of the area, when we set out to find the Sword we might need his help. If we do something of note like finding it, him coming along would help his prestige greatly.

>>42426667
>On with the lesson

Smarts roll then

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>42426898

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>42426898

give it a minute before another roll.

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>42426898

>>42426938

Muuuch better.

>>42426923
The dice aren't based on units of time that large.

Make me a Speed roll now

Rolled 11 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>42427010

Rolled 16 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>42427010

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>42427010

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“On with the lesson then.”

You sit down with Gimbly on the patio and he explains everything from the beginning, this time using minor spells and illusions to create scenes around you to demonstrate the proper things to do in each situation. It works like a charm. After having heard everything the wrong way and then the right way, now everything is sticking in your head the way it should. Gimbly ends the lesson with a brief dance, demonstrating how to turn down and accept offers from gentlemen at the ball without drawing anyone's ire. He looks pleased with your progress, and bows low at the end of your lesson.

“You're turning out to be quite skilled with this sort of thing. I guess you really are your father's daughter... He was quite the gentleman when he was at court. All the ladies flocked to him because of his rugged charm and his humble demeanor. I guess he found someone more appealing out there though.”

He pauses.

“I'm sorry. For everything. The comment, trying to teach you improperly... I hope that I can make it up to you someday.”

You shrug a bit.

“You've got time. I haven't thrown you out just yet. But know that if you slip up and try to pull anything again, I'll eat you alive.”

Gimbly grins.

“I'll take that as a maybe to me inviting you to dinner then.”

He pulls something from his pocket, some sort of metal ring, and leaps from the patio. Wings sprout from the ring, and he goes sailing off towards the city. The only thing going through your head as he speeds away into the night is “I want one of those...”

>Turn in for the night
>Check in on everyone else
>Find out how Cenere's work is coming along
>Other (write-in)

>>42427274
>Check in on everyone else
>Find out how Cenere's work is coming along

>>42427274
>Find out how Cenere's work is coming along

>>42427274
>Check in on everyone else
>Find out how Cenere's work is coming along

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enere."

He appears beside you and bows low, smiling pleasantly.

"You called, madam?"

You smile a little at him.

"How is the work coming? Are you finished with calculating my newfound wealth yet?"

Cenere's smile fades slowly.

"There are a number of discrepancies that I've been unable to resolve. While most of it makes sense, there are a number of investments that were made in your father's name after he left, but I can't find any record of it in the documents your uncle gave me. Taken at face value, they were lost. An alternative explanation is that the files were removed. I doubt Millefiore would be so lax with her bookkeeping."

You nod. You already have an idea of what's going on if that's the case.

"What's the total, before and after taking into account the investments that are missing?"

Cenere's eyes open slightly. They're smouldering, and he looks apprehensive.

"Before would be 5,067 gold pieces, 6 silver and 2 copper in liquid assets, the deed to this estate and ownership of all it contains. After would be 697,834 gold pieces, 7 silver and 5 copper in liquid assets, the estate, three other estates and twelve smaller properties scattered throughout the kingdom, a number of patents and a one-half share of the Northern Exports Company, valued at close to 1,000,000 gold pieces altogether."

You flinch at the number, and nod.

"What are the laws regarding my uncle transferring property to me?"

Centers sighs.

"If the paperwork proving that you own something he's holding exists, there's no process. It's yours. In all other cases, you must show that your uncle is acting as a steward of something that is rightfully yours. Without the paperwork, there's little that can be done. I can show what was invested, but investments can be lost if the market turns, and the profits would be his if we can't find the documents. You'd still be wealthy, but not nearly as much as you're entitled."

>That's all for now, go back to digging
>You tried. I'll settle for that much. I need you at my side for the time being.
>Other (write-in)

>>42427727
>>That's all for now, go back to digging

"People trying to play me everywhere I turn. Feel like a goddamn chess piece."

>>42427727
>That's all for now, go back to digging

I'm sorry, but does our uncle know of our desire to become a dragon? If he doesn't, we should keep that from him. We also need to keep getting the blade and rose from him. We need more cards in our hand.

>>42427806
this

>>42427727
>That's all for now, go back to digging.
"Consider this financial loss an attack upon the estate. If you need additional help, you are free to pull whoever you need from whatever duties they currently have as you see fit until these discrepancies are accounted for. If you intend to do something illegitimate, inform me beforehand."

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"Keep searching. And don't let anyone know what you've just told me. My uncle is playing me for a fool. He was there when I told you to check the numbers for me, did he expect you to fail?"

Cenere chuckles a bit.

"I have standing orders from your father to convince your uncle in subtle ways that I am thoroughly incompetent. I think he believes I'm an imbecile, madam."

Interesting. You smirk.

"Track down the missing files before the ball if you can. When he makes his announcements I want to know full well what I'm owed and how to prove it."

Cenere nods and bows.

"With pleasure, madam."

He vanishes in a puff of flame.

>Sleep time
>Find the others
>Other (write-in)

>>42427958
>Find the others

>>42427958
>Find the others

>>42427958
>>Find the others

He wants to play games? Fine. We'll play for a bit.

And then we'll flip the table on his ass.

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You head back inside and try to find the others. Sena snd Millie are in the den playing cards, while Kat and Gil are curled up on the sofa. Gil is asleep, and Kat is flipping through a book.

>Tell them about the money
>Tell them about Gimbly
>Tell Millie it's time to go home
>Other (write-in)

>>42428141
Ask what Kat is reading.

>>42428141
>>42428171
This

>>42428141

>Other (write-in)
Ask if we can all talk somewhere private.

Ask them about their plans for later, mild shit, let Millie go home, then spill details.

Now I'm shadowrunning and worried that Millie might be a snitch.

>>42428141
>Ask what Kat is reading, play this shit especially close to the chest.

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You smile a bit and walk over to your usual chair, sitting down and getting comfortable.

"What are you reading, Kat?"

She blinks and looks over at you with a smile.

"Practical necromancy for alchemy. It's a how-to guide for using blight safely to process ingredients."

You nod a little bit.

"I guess Gil didn't find it all that exciting then?"

Kat shrugs.

" He's my man-pillow right now. It all works out."

Millie slams down a card dramatically.

"Beat that!"

Sena pauses for a moment.

"As you wish."

She lets her card tumble from her fingers, landing on top of Millie's. Millie throws her cards into the air with a cry of anguish.

"I'll get you for this! Mark my words!"

Sena smirks a little.

"You'll never beat me, Millie! Never!"

They both adopt dramatic poses before bursting out laughing. Gil stirs slightly and mumbles, yawning.

>Ask Millie when she's heading home
>Ask Kat and Sena for their plans for the evening
>Other (write-in)

>>42428449
>Ask Kat and Sena for their plans for the evening
>Ask Millie IF she's heading home

>>42428449
>>Ask Kat and Sena for their plans for the evening

>Ask Millie when she's heading home, if asked why, mention that 'I want to get an early night's sleep for tomorrow.'

>>42428449
Ask to borrow the book.
Sena should read it too.
She should learn about necromancy but not practice is until she becomes better in divine arts.

>>42428502

No. Also it's banned.

>>42428449
>Ask Millie when she's heading home
>Ask Kat and Sena for their plans for the evening

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You nod a little bit.

"Gonna be reading til bed then, right? Sena, what about you and Millie?"

Sena smiles a bit.

"Millie said that her dad gave her permission to stay here all night if you let her. We were gonna go upstairs and play more games until bedtime. She's gonna keep me company tonight while I sleep so you don't have to worry about me."

>Tell Sena she can sleep in your room
>Tell Sena to run along upstairs with Millie
>Tell Millie to go home
>Other (write-in)

>>42428670
Slumber party! Cmon Kat!

>>42428670
>>Tell Sena to run along upstairs with Millie

You go do that, then.

>>42428670
>>Tell Sena to run along upstairs with Millie

>>42428670
>Tell Sena that you don't mind her sleeping in your room, she's not a bother
Just the sentiment.

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You nod slightly.

"Run along and do that then. I need to talk to Kat about a few things."

Sena nods a bit and gathers up her cards.

"Come on, Millie."

Millie nods and smiles cheerfully at you.

"Night!"

She and Sena run off, and Kat looks at you inquisitively.

"Fire away."

>Ask about Sena's cure
>Tell her about the money
>Other (write-in)

>>42428846
>>Other (write-in)
>Wake Gil

then

>Tell her and Gil about the money.

>>42428846
>Cure
>Money
>Anything alchemy wise we need to get?

>>42428846
>Ask about Sena's cure
>Tell her about the money

>>42428846
>Check that they actually ran off and aren't being sneaky
>Use Dragon Sight in case of invisible cousins
>Close all doors
>Close all blinds/curtains/etc
>Tell the staff to make sure nobody's eavesdropping
>Ask about Sena's cure
>Tell her about the money

>>42428846
>Ask about Sena's cure
>Call up a maid to block Millie's ability to spot check here surreptiously.
>Tell her about the money

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You start by asking about Sena's cure, and Kat gestures to the book.

"I've figured it out. I gave Sena the first dose and she responded well to it. She should be fine by the ball. Sorry for not telling you, I kinda got caught up in things after Gil thanked me rather... enthusiastically."

She blushes and smirks, poking Gil's lips idly until he shifts under her.

"What else is on your mind?"

You take a moment to call in a maid, and you gesture to the doors before bringing a finger to your lips. She smiles and nods, vanishing, and the doors slide shut.

"My uncle is stealing my money and if I don't find a way to stop it then he'll get away with it. Literally millions."

Kat's eyes widen and she nudges Gil awake. He yawns and looks over at you.

"Oh, hey... what's up?"

Kat sighs.

"Kotijah needs us to help her stop her uncle from stealing millions of gold pieces from her."

Gil nods a bit before suddenly sitting up so fast he almost knocks Kat over.

"What? Run that by me again."

Kat straightens up a little.

"You heard me."

Gil looks at you for a moment, before laughing and smiling.

"This is great... Alright, I think I'm adjusting to your crazy. Tell me what you need me to do and I've got you covered. Why not, right? To catch a thief and all."

>Keep calm for now, we need more information before we make a move
>I want you guys to do some investigating in the city, anything you can learn might be useful
>Other (write-in)

>>42429137
>>Keep calm for now, we need more information before we make a move

>>42429137

>Keep calm for now, we need more information before we make a move
I just didn't want it to hit us without you knowing first. You guys are my closest companions. I can't afford to be holding everything to myself.

>>42429137
>>Keep calm for now, we need more information before we make a move

"We also don't want to make him suspicious just yet. We'll go along with his 'plans' for me until we can ferret out a bit more. Maybe see of we can't get something to slip if he doesn't know we know the context."

>>42429137
>Keep calm for now, we need more information before we make a move

So, anyone got ideas for what we should do?

Do we still have some wounds?

We should devote some time to healing practice.

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"For now we do nothing. He doesn't know I've caught on, and we'll use that. When we have more information, we can make a move and undermine him. I just didn't want this to blindside you. I trust you guys, you're my friends."

Gil smiles at you.

"Kotijah, you're a brutal warrior and a noble woman. I'm glad to call you friend. Your life is an absolute fucking mess, but we're with you."

Kat nods and grins.

"I'll mix up something special for the occasion. Truth syrum maybe. We'll crack this, don't you worry about a thing."

>Head to bed
>Ask something else
>Other (write-in)

>>42429258
There must be someone with the correct authority who is not corrupt. We quietly find them, present them with the evidence, and get all that dosh transferred to us.

>>42429286
>Head to bed
Careful around Millie, she's a sweet girl, but she's my uncle's agent, and she can read minds.

>>42429286
Request the ingredients for a healing potion or one to get made.

Getting rid of pesky wounds before the next sword session would be helpful.

I hope Millie's non-compliant in this whole scenario. Like, she's being fed lies, and that she's not doing this out of her own will.

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You rise to your feet and stretch.

"I'm going to bed... Kat, can you make me a some healing potions or something? I'm going to need them before my next sword lesson."

Kat nods slightly.

"Sure thing. I'll get on it tomorrow."

You nod and head to the door.

"Oh, and careful around Millie. She's a mind-reader. Don't let your guard down."

You head off to your bedroom and yawn, stripping down and flopping onto your bed. Just as sleep is about to claim you, your door creaks open slowly. You sit up slightly and pull the blanket to your chest as Sena walks in. Her eyes are red, her fangs are sharp, and there's no trace of Millie.

"Kotijah... I'm so thirsty..."

So much for her treatment going well...

-

That's all for tonight, folks. Enjoy your cliffhanger

Until next time!

>>42429462
Well Shit. Thanks for running BTQM.

...

Well hopefully our weird blood will help her.

Hokay, so let's review the day's events:

1: The Order of Flame still is skulking about.
2: Gimbly, Meniver, and possibly others are perhaps trying to manipulate events into letting them be the suitor for us.
3: Uncle is embezzling money from us for who-knows-what.
4: Sera is still a vampire.

...Busy day. Thoughts, anyone?

>>42429501
Or her it makes her worse. Or we get infected and it ruins our ability to become a dragon. She also could have killed Millie.

>>42429537
1.Not much we can do until they show themselves to us
2. Honestly we should of expected this. We need to keep an eye on them.
3. Again should have expected this, need to keep an eye on him and wait for Cenarre.
4. Hoped we were past this. As it stands her drinking from us is dangerous and unpredictable. It could ruin us, her or do something else entirely. We also don't know what happned to Millie. She could have killed her in a thirst. In fact depending on how she moved about the house, She very well may have slaughtered everyone in the house but Kotijah. I deem It unlikely, but it is possible, especially if she can use Blight Anti-magic.

>>42429585
I'd imagine that if she killed everyone, she wouldn't be so thirsty. I'm thinking she came to us first. We might just be the closest room. And who knows? Maybe she's not all gone yet. If nothing else, she called out to us, didn't just try to munch.

>>42429638
>I'd imagine that if she killed everyone, she wouldn't be so thirsty.
Only 2 people she could actually drink are Kat and Gil, Everyone else would be an elemental that would go poof. We also don't know how much she needs, or if blood can satiate her at all. She could just be a bottomless thirst.

>I'm thinking she came to us first.
Hope so, but if she's anti-magic none of the servants of millie would be able to sense her until poof, and Kat and Gil were asleep for the night. She could easily have gone to them for comfort and drained them dry in their sleep.

>And who knows? Maybe she's not all gone yet. If nothing else, she called out to us, didn't just try to munch.
Hope for the best, but expect the worst.

>>42429537
Uncle's investing for the order of flame?