>>642834
>>Bring Reagan with you. She is your wife.

>>642834
>>Bring Reagan with you. She is your wife.
Esyllt is our secret weapon, lets keep her secret. Can we get her to listen in somehow? That would have been a cool thing to build into a meeting room

>>642834
>>Bring Reagan with you. She is your wife.

File: Reagan10.jpg (66 KB, 1280x720)

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>>642834
"I'll be right along, Myrddin," you answer. "Reagan, would you care to join me? I'd like to show our guests some semblance of propriety." You gave Olwen a light-hearted glare.

"Degfford does need a princess to match its prince." Reagan stands up and take your arm. "Esyllt, I'll take care of Myrddin's reports on Olstren sympathizers when I get back."

"That's fine." Esyllt nods without looking up from the document she's reading.

You meet Myrddin outside the door and take a short walk to your pavilion. You made sure there'd be a door close to your home when you commissioned the thing, so the trip to work is quite convenient.

"There are about a dozen guests," Myrddin says, "all of them influential merchants. We caught their interest, and they want to invest in Degfford if it means they'll see a return, but we still need to seal the deal."

"Focus on what's profitable and downplay everything else. These aren't my first negotiations, Myrddin."

"It may be better to exaggerate the risks a little, actually," Reagan says. "Some people might be enticed at the prospect of a tighter relationship to Olstren, regardless of how much they might lose if things don't go their way."

"I'll think about it," you say.

You enter the pavilion through the back - guests come in through the front door, and you don't want to appear behind them - and think about how you want to approach the merchants.

>[Sovereign/1d8] You're the prince. Make sure they know you're in charge.
>[Merchant/1d8] This is business, and you're all partners. Treat them as equals.
>[Dilettante/1d8] You need their support. Start by charming them.

>>642942
>>[Dilettante/1d8] You need their support. Start by charming them.

>>642942
>>>[Merchant/1d8] This is business, and you're all partners. Treat them as equals.

>>642942

>[Sovereign/1d8] You're the prince. Make sure they know you're in charge.

One thing I've learned is that if you treat everyone as equals, there's gonna be somebody whose gonna try to take the crown. You are gonna have to show them you mean business, and people don't risk losing money unless the odds are in their favor.

>>642966
I disagree, I think we should make them think they we're more money than brains, it'll make them eager to get involved and more easily manipulable.

>>642942
>>[Sovereign/1d8] You're the prince. Make sure they know you're in charge.

File: Meirion6.png (541 KB, 600x800)

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>>642942
Deggford is your city. It's not much, but it's yours. You're the prince, you're in charge, and people need to know that.

So you swagger into what passes for your throne room at the moment, ignore the merchants and slide into your chair. Reagan sits in the chair next to yours.

These chairs are surprisingly comfortable.

"Ladies and gentlemen," you begin, "welcome to my city."

>Roll 1d8, best of three.

Rolled 4 (1d8)

>>643017

Rolled 3, 6, 1, 7, 6, 8, 4, 2, 6, 4, 4 = 51 (11d8)

>>643017

Rolled 4 (1d8)

>>643017

>>643017

Rolled 6 (1d8)

>>643037
>>643031
whoops

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>>643017
One of the merchants bows slightly lower than decorum usually requires. "Prince Meirion, you honour us with your invitation," he says. "Under your rule, we are certain that Degfford will prosper."

The merchants all look at your with eager, greedy eyes. It's just what you've been waiting for.

"Merchants move through Degfford on their way elsewhere," you say, "but few of them are interested in doing business here. My goal is to change that, to make Degfford itself a place of trade rather than a temporary stop."

"My husband and I have decided to begin by encouraging commerce within the city itself," Reagan says. "In order to do this, we plan on building a centralized marketplace next spring."

"That is a wise decision, your highness," another merchant says. "How may we assist you in your endeavours?"

>[Merchant/1d8] "I need to know who would be interested in renting a store in the market. The risk will be yours to shoulder."
>[Merchant/1d10] "I'm looking for partners willing to invest in stores. We will share the risk equally."
>[Merchant/1d12] "I only need you to sell your goods here. There will be no risk to you."

>>643064
>>[Merchant/1d8] "I need to know who would be interested in renting a store in the market. The risk will be yours to shoulder."

>>643064
>[Merchant/1d10] "I'm looking for partners willing to invest in stores. We will share the risk equally."

Dangle dangle little carrot.

>>643064
>>[Merchant/1d10] "I'm looking for partners willing to invest in stores. We will share the risk equally."

>>643064
>>[Merchant/1d8] "I need to know who would be interested in renting a store in the market. The risk will be yours to shoulder."

>>643064
>>[Merchant/1d8] "I need to know who would be interested in renting a store in the market. The risk will be yours to shoulder."

File: Meirion4.jpg (275 KB, 630x891)

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>>643064
"I need to know who would be interested in renting a store in the market," you answer. "The stores must be stocked as soon as construction is done. I need to know who's willing to shoulder this risk."

The merchants look at each other, uncertain.

"Naturally, the rewards are proportional to the risks," Reagan says. "Rent will include the cost of guards and city-side maintenance. The rest of the profits will remain yours. Space is limited, so I hope you can understand how rare this opportunity will be."

>Roll 1d8, best of three.

Rolled 3 (1d8)

>>643155

Rolled 7 (1d8)

>>643155

Rolled 5 (1d8)

>>643155

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>>643155
The pressure builds. They want to ask for a better deal, but none of them have the courage to come up with one, in case they get undercut. It's just a matter of time before…

"I'll accept your most generous offer, your highness!"

"And I!"

"Myself as well."

The dam breaks and you have two dozen people begging to give you money. That's enough to fill a decent-sized market and still leave you with room to expand later.

"Your offers will be noted and you'll be informed as soon as construction begins," Myrddin says. "You can move in as soon as construction is finished on all the stores. That way, no one will have an unfair advantage over the others."

"Thank you for this opportunity, your highness," a merchant says. "But… since we will be shoulder much of a burden, perhaps we could bed for some concessions?"

At the moment, there isn't much you can offer them. You can reduce their rent for the first year in order to make things for them, which would be the easiest offer for them to accept, or you could give them preferential treatment on your next few projects. It would be more difficult for them to be enticed by hypotheticals, however.

>[Merchant/1d8] "I believe this offer is fair."
>[Merchant/1d10] "I can give you first bid on my future projects."
>[Merchant/1d12] "I can reduce your rent for the first year."

>>643239
>>[Merchant/1d8] "I believe this offer is fair."

>>643239
>>[Merchant/1d10] "I can give you first bid on my future projects."

>>643239
>>[Merchant/1d10] "I can give you first bid on my future projects."

>>643239
>>[Merchant/1d10] "I can give you first bid on my future projects."

>>643239
>>[Merchant/1d10] "I can give you first bid on my future projects."

>>643239
>>[Merchant/1d12] "I can reduce your rent for the first year."

File: Meirion5.png (136 KB, 281x719)

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>>643239
You've taken a bit, so it's time to give some back. Just a little though.

"I can give you first bid on my future projects."

"At the very least, we'll need to send out caravans of our own," Myrddin adds. "Although it will take some time before we get that far, I'm sure you can see the advantages of patience."

A city as small as Degfford can only send out a few caravans per year. The ability to bid on them before anyone else is quite attractive.

>Roll 1d10, best of three.

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>643354

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>643354

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>643354

File: Reagan7.jpg (90 KB, 1280x720)

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>>643354
Your offer receives a lukewarm reception. The merchants aren't thrilled at it, but it's still a decent offer and none of them dare to reject it and lose out on everything. Besides, you've made your commitment to Degfford clear. This deal has more long-term security than most.

Myrddin takes down names and other crucial details, while you offer good will and assurances to help smooth everything over. With their business conducted, the merchants leave mostly satisfied.

"That went quite well," Myrddin says. "It's a shame it took so long, but we'll be ready to build a real market one the snow thaws. I'm quite looking forward to it."

"Yes, this is good news," Reagan says. "Speaking of which, I thought you should know, your highness." She turns to you and smile. "I'm pregnant. Seren checked with one of her alchemical tests."

"Oh, congratulations, your highness." Myrddin beams proudly. "The prince can finally have a legal heir!"

>[SCREAM INTERNALLY]
>"That's wonderful!"
>"I suppose I should be getting used to this by now."

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>>643412
>>"That's wonderful!"
>>[SCREAM INTERNALLY]

>>643412
>>"I suppose I should be getting used to this by now."

>>643412
>>[SCREAM INTERNALLY]
>>"That's wonderful!"

>>643412
>>[SCREAM INTERNALLY]
>>"That's wonderful!"

>>643412
>[SCREAM INTERNALLY]
>"That's wonderful!"

>>643412
In this order

>[SCREAM INTERNALLY]
>"That's wonderful!"
>"I suppose I should be getting used to this by now."

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>>643412
WHY IS THIS HAPPENING AGAIN?

"That's wonderful!"

WHY? WHY WERE YOU BLESSED WITH SUCH EXCESSIVE MASCULINITY? HOW CAN ONE MAN'S SEED BE SO POTENT?

"I suppose the child will be born shortly after Seren's," you say. "Sometime towards the end of summer?"

YOU NEED TO START PUTTING MONEY ASIDE, LIKE, RIGHT NOW. MAYBE IF YOU STUFF IT IN YOUR CHEEK LIKE SQUIRRELS DO? WOULD THAT WORK?

"Yes, I'm quite happy that I won't be going through this alone," Reagan says. "Naturally, I'll support Seren as well."

"The timing is fortuitous in many ways," Myrddin says. "It's still early enough that we can spread news of the pregnancy to Olstren. It might sway certain factions in our favour if they believe a permanent alliance with Gwyrddarfordir is on the horizon."

"That would be a wise idea," Reagan says. "We could simply make an official announcement, but it might be beneficial to us if we were more… shrewd as to how we let people know."

Now this is closer to your area of expertise.

>"We'll say nothing for the moment."
>[Sovereign/1d4] "Just make an official announcement."
>[Intrigue/1d6] "Leak the news where it will cause the most chaos among Olstren's nobles."

>>643570
>>[Intrigue/1d6] "Leak the news where it will cause the most chaos among Olstren's nobles."

>>643570
>[Intrigue/1d6] "Leak the news where it will cause the most chaos among Olstren's nobles."
>Other: Write a letter to Mother about Reagan's pregnancy. Prepare for her arrival to see her grandchild.

>>643570
>>[Intrigue/1d6] "Leak the news where it will cause the most chaos among Olstren's nobles."

>>643570
>>[Intrigue/1d6] "Leak the news where it will cause the most chaos among Olstren's nobles.

>>643570
>>[Intrigue/1d6] "Leak the news where it will cause the most chaos among Olstren's nobles."

>>643594
Grandchildren. Serens' is ours too.

>>643620
Yes, yes, hers as well. Seeing how demanding she was in have grandchildren we HAVE to tell her in privet at least seeing we will not make an official announcement. More than likely we're beating out our Older brother in who will sire a kid first.

Oh yea Beleagured, is there any way to find out if our kids will be a boy or a girl at this point?

>>643570
>>[Sovereign/1d4] "Just make an official announcement."

>>643570
>[Intrigue/1d6] "Leak the news where it will cause the most chaos among Olstren's nobles."
and supporting >>643594
with the letter

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>>643570
"Leak the news where it will cause the most chaos among Olstren's nobles," you say. "I want them on the back foot just in case. And send a private note to my mother as well."

"Right away, your highness," Myrddin says.

>Roll 1d6, best of three.

Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>643723

Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>643723

Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>643723

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>643723

File: 1428948861855.gif (3 MB, 226x175)

3 MB GIF

>>643750
Noice

>>643750
YES! maximum chaos!

>>643723
Welp...
>>643751
Hey Beleagured, can we use this for Mother's reaction to the news?

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>>643723
Myrddin departs to carry out your orders, which leaves you and Reagan alone in the pavilion.

"You know, if we locked the doors…"

"I've ended quite enough workdays with sex lately, thank you," you interrupt her. "Besides, it wouldn't be as fun for you if the right people weren't here to watch, wouldn't it?"

"It would be a shame to indulge without one of our other lovers here," Reagan says. "So, what do you want to do instead?"

You have a few ideas. You could go out on a walk around the city with Reagan, or just go back home for a family meal or to rest.

>Go out for a walk.
>Go back home to eat.
>Go back home to rest.

>>643806
>>Go back home to eat.

>>643806
>>Go out for a walk.
We're going to be trapped indoors for months.

>>643806
>>Go out for a walk.

>>643806
>>Go out for a walk.

>>643806
>Go out for a walk.
hear the news of the town. I wonder if prospectors have probed the local lands if there are hidden metal or mineral deposits to be had.

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>>643806

"Let's go out for a bit," you say. "Do we have coats?"

You do have coats somewhere around, as it happens. You tuck yourselves in warm and tight - you're probably worrying too much, but it never hurts to be careful - and leave the pavilion to walk around the city.

Degfford hasn't changed much since your arrival, but the changes have been noticeable. The people are more respectful, yet their expressions are also softer, less nervous when they see you. The shops and teahouses are a little more full, and the craftsmen are working a little harder. You're quite proud of what you've accomplished so far.

Maybe some of that is just the preparations for winter, but you hope that at least some of it is because of you.

"Things are getting better here," you say.

"Imagine with it will look like in a few years." Though Reagan's voice sounds cheerful, here eyes are a little forlorn.

>"It'll be the most prosperous city in the kingdom."
>"Do you miss Olstren."
>"Sometimes, I do miss Aurwain though."

>>643927
>>"Do you miss Olstren."

>>643927
>>"Do you miss Olstren."

>>643927
>>"It'll be the most prosperous city in the kingdom."

>>643927
>"What do you love about Olstren?"
>Does Meirion love anything about Aurwain?

>>643927
>"Do you miss Olstren."

>>643927
>>"Sometimes, I do miss Aurwain though."
>>"Do you miss Olstren."

>>643927
>"Do you miss Olstren."
>"Sometimes, I do miss Aurwain though."

File: Meirion8.jpg (64 KB, 500x479)

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>>643927
"Do you miss Olstren?"

"Sometimes." Reagan sighs. "But I knew what my decision would lead to, and I've accepted it. It would be too dangerous for me to return to Olstren without your support."

No doubt it's unpleasant to be so far away from one's home for what could be years, but at least you're both certain it's not permanent.

"What about you?" Reagan asks. "Do you miss Aurwain?"

"Sometimes," you admit. "I mostly worry about what the rest of my family is up to. Mother is there to look after them, but she's only one person. Then again, she's been at this since before I was born."

You pass by a group of children out running errands for their mothers, and a pair of hunters with carcasses slung over their shoulders. The skin will be used for warm clothes, while the meat will be pickled or salted or smoked for preservation.

"What about after this is all over?" Reagan asks. "Will you return to Degfford, or move to Olaim?"

You haven't thought seriously much. Moving to Olstren's capital of Olaim ruling as the king would certainly be a promotion for you, but washing your hands of the whole thing and leaving it for the dukes to sort it out is somewhat tempting, if only so you can keep looking after your family.

>"Of course I'd go to Olaim."
>"It's better if I stay in Degfford."
>"The throne of Olaim is tempting."

>>644117
>>"It's better if I stay in Degfford."
Could probably keep a better eye on uncle that way.

>>644117
>>"The throne of Olaim is tempting."

>>644117
"It depends, I expect complications to arise that will affect my decision.

>>644117
>"It's better if I stay in Degfford."
>I actually want to see this place flourish.

>>644117
>>"The throne of Olaim is tempting."

>>644117
>"The throne of Olaim is tempting."

>>644117
>>"The throne of Olaim is tempting."
If we can find a way to assassinate our uncle that'd almost guarantee the safety of our family.

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>>644117
"The throne of Olaim is tempting," you say. "Maybe once I'm absolutely certain any problems with my family have been dealt with and Degfford is strong enough to stand on its own."

"That's reasonable," Reagan says. "We can't risk letting more problems grow just so I can go back home early. That would defeat the purpose of returning to Olstren."

"Better safe than sorry." You pull Reagan in for a hug and give her a kiss. "Besides, there's plenty of time left to make those decisions. We'll just see how it goes when the time comes."

Reagan smiles and leans on your shoulder.

You continue your walk and stop at a few restaurants to sample the food. As the sun begins to set, you return home. Although most of the work that was there in the morning is gone, your agreement with the merchants has added a whole new pile.

You're going to be busy for a while.

Rolled 10, 5, 4, 10 = 29 (4d10)

>>644258
First bonus xp roll.

Rolled 4, 11, 10 = 25 (3d12)

>>644264
And second bonus XP roll.

>>644264
>>644270
And you get XP everywhere!

The next thread of Beleaguered Prince Quest will run on Friday October 7th. I will also be running Relic Quest this Sunday at 7PM EDT.

Goodnight and thanks for playing.

File: zaheerlander.gif (1.43 MB, 478x218)

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>>644275
cheers, boss

>>644275
Can you let us know how Mother took the news of being a grandma?

Thanks for running

>>644283
>you are sundelly struck with a flow of great happyness.


She was so happy that we and our siblings felt it.