>>673632
>"I'm glad to have you here, mother."
but
>>"Are you sure it's all right for you to leave the capital, mother?"

>>673632
>"I'm glad to have you here, mother."
then
>"Are you sure it's all right for you to leave the capital, mother?"

Oh and Beleaguered, we love your quest and please don't abandoned it! even if 4chan goes under, we'll follow you. Although I dought that 4chan will get turned off yet, it might dodge that bullet still.

>>673632
>"I'm glad to have you here, mother."

File: Margrete4.jpg (522 KB, 1024x1448)

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>>673632
"I'm glad to have you here, mother," you say, "but are you sure it's all right for you to leave the capital?"

The hugging stops. "Oh, it'll be fine, dear," your mother says. "I think one of your uncle's sycophants tried to assassinate my daughter-in-law, but I arranged for him to purchase a certain alchemical substances from Parlan called azidoazide azide and the problem just… exploded."

"The Crown Prince and his wife should be safe for the moment then," Reagan says. "I'm quite familiar with how difficult it can be to plot a good assassination. Will you be staying with us for long, your majesty?"

"Oh, just call me 'mother,'" the Queen says. "I'll be staying for the winter. Myrddin and Nimue are kind enough to let me stay with them. I'll go back to Aurwain for most of the spring and summer and then come back to see the babies. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask."

"Thank you, your - mother," Esyllt says in a quiet voice. "I've been a little worried since I found out. I wasn't sure how to bring it up."

"It's normal for the first time," your mother says. "The second and third time won't be as bad. I can tell you that much from experience."

"… third?"

Your lovers are all blushing red, and you're probably the same as well.

Olwen clears her throat to get your mother's attention. "We were just about to discuss the situation with Olstren, mother," she says. "Would you like to join us?"

"Yes, since we've all caught up, we should get to work," Myrddin says. "Winter won't last forever."

"I'm not sure I'll have much to contribute," your mother says, "but I can certainly try. Meirion, what do you want to accomplish against Olstren?"

>"This is just a precaution."
>"I'd like to break their nose if they attack."
>"I need to establish a position of strength no matter what."

>>673788
>"I'd like to break their nose if they attack."
bait them to try to crush Degford economically rather than through force, and use that as a springboard to industrialize Degford faster.

THEN we crush them with strength for a complete victory on all fronts.

>>673760
Anonkun is a bit of an acquired taste, but I am getting used to it. From a planning perspective, I just hope that if Asian moot does pull the plug, I'll get some advance warning so I can arrange a smooth transition.

>>673788
>>"I'd like to break their nose if they attack."
>Maybe some ribs too.

Now if Olwen, Delyth, and Eleri admit to being pregnant right now, it would be Queen mum passing out from happiness.
>>673788
>"I'd like to break their nose if they attack."
All the while build up my power base here.
>>673816
Thanks. And there is always options to go to. Take heart, You are doing a great job at this.

File: Delyth7.png (341 KB, 550x770)

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>>673788
"I'd like to break their nose if they attack," you say. "There's no need to push it further than that, but I still want to make a… memorable first impression."

"That doesn't sound too difficult," the Queen says. "It shouldn't be as bad as a full-scale war, at least. What's Olstren's most likely reaction?"

"The first response from Duke Ferrid of Machain," Reagan says. "He'll attack alone at first. The other dukes will want to use him to test Gwyrddarfordir's border, and Ferrid will be reluctant to ask for reinforcements. After all, he'll have to support the soldiers with his own lands, and they'll be soldiers loyal to his rivals. Ferrid will have to exhaust his forces before he asks for help. It's not an enviable position for him, but he has no other choice."

Since you would rather wait for Olstren to move first and avoid escalating the situation, a pre-emptive assault is off the table. Fortunately, the table is very big, and it doesn't lack for possibilities.

"A firm defense should be enough to repel an invasion," Delyth says. "Although the border isn't heavily obstructed, an army would still need to move through towns in order to gather supply. It shouldn't be difficult to predict where Machain will attack."

"I'd rather prepare for a counter-attack," Olwen says. "We draw the enemy in, then surround them and push back once their armies are stretched too thin."

"We might suffer some significant losses," Delyth notes.

"I'm willing to take that risk."

>[Military/1d8] "We'll strengthen our defenses."
>[Military/1d8] "We'll plan with an eye for an eventual counterattack."

>>673938
>[Military/1d8] "We'll plan with an eye for an eventual counterattack."

>>673938
>>[Military/1d8] "We'll strengthen our defenses."

>>673938
>[Military/1d8] "We'll strengthen our defenses."

>>673938

>[Military/1d8] "We'll strengthen our defenses."
We should have scouting/probe teams going across the boarder to see where his army is at, and THEN prepare to meet him.

File: Seren3.png (189 KB, 671x382)

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>>673938
"We'll strengthen our defenses first," you decide. "I don't want to give up an inch of land, even if it gives us a better position in the long run."

"It might not be enough to cripple Ferrid's army," Olwen says.

"We'll deal with that if it becomes an issue," you say. "Seren, do you have any suggestions?"

"I might have a few…"

>Roll 1d8, best of three.

Rolled 5 (1d8)

>>674009

Rolled 3 (1d8)

>>674009

Rolled 2 (1d8)

>>674009

Rolled 3 (1d8)

>>674009

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

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>>674009
Seren is familiar with Gwyrddarfordir's side of the border, while Reagan is familiar with the Olstren side. In order to invade, an army would have to set itself up in a town on Olstren's side, then pillage towns and farmlands on the Gwyrden side in order to fill their stomachs. Out of necessity, there are only three spots where Ferrid's forces could invade if he wants to strike at Degfford.

The first spot is close to the Svekkan border. In fact, it's where caravans from Olstren to Svekka usually go. Invading there would be disadvantageous to Olstren, and would likely put Ferrid in conflict with Duchess Maed of Danargh, whose territory also sends caravans through there.

The second spot is close to Seren's territory, and it's one of the major trade routes coming from Degfford. In fact, you've already been there before; it's where you killed Ferrid's son, Culann.

The third spot is farther to the west, and could be used to circumvent the Caunys lands. It would be a significant detour, however.

"Where do you think the enemy is going to attack?" Eleri asks.

"All of them," you answer. "It's too dangerous to attack to a single route. Once the army is repelled once, the war will effectively be over. We have to assume Ferrid will want to put as much pressure as he can on us."

What makes things more complicated is that most of these areas are not technically under your dominion. You have a lot of influence, but most of it can only be easily exerted after an invasion, not in preparation for one.

>[Military/1d8] "We'll need scouts to alert us a soon as possible."
>[Intrigue/1d8] "We'll need spies to let us know as soon as the invasion begins."
>[Sovereign/1d6] "I'll order the lords to prepare their defenses in the spring anyway."

>>674095
>>[Military/1d8] "We'll need scouts to alert us a soon as possible."
>>[Intrigue/1d8] "We'll need spies to let us know as soon as the invasion begins."
can't we do both of these?

>>674095
>>[Intrigue/1d8] "We'll need spies to let us know as soon as the invasion begins."
We'll know the soonest then. You can't prepare and launch an invasion in a day. Especially a 3 pronged one.

>>674095
>[Military/1d8] "We'll need scouts to alert us a soon as possible."
>[Intrigue/1d8] "We'll need spies to let us know as soon as the invasion begins."

>>674111
Though if we can do multiple actions I'm up for this.

>>674111
Not really. They require very different assets.

>>674095
>>[Intrigue/1d8] "We'll need spies to let us know as soon as the invasion begins."

>>674122
exactly: if they use different assets, they don't exclude the use of the other.

But if you say we can't....
>[Intrigue/1d8] "We'll need spies to let us know as soon as the invasion begins."

>>674122
Then just to be sure there's no confusion, I'm voting for spies.

>>674095
>[Military/1d8] "We'll need scouts to alert us a soon as possible."
and
>[Intrigue/1d8] "We'll need spies to let us know as soon as the invasion begins."
We'll save the lords as back up. But do make them aware of what is coming.

>>674129
It's a cost and operational efficiency thing. You still need to deploy those assets, and you can't piggyback one off the other.

File: Myrddin7.jpg (34 KB, 1280x720)

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>>674095
You rub your forehead. "Myrddin, do we have enough assets to deploy spies?"

"It's feasible," Myrddin says. "Conducting international espionage from a city like Degfford would normally be very difficult, but given our current resources, it can be managed so long as it's close to the border. I'll just send people with the first caravans that come through. As to whether or not it works, we can only rely on luck."

"That's fine," you say. "We need to at least make the effort."

>Roll 1d8, best of three.

Rolled 5 (1d8)

>>674198

Rolled 5 (1d8)

>>674198

Rolled 5 (1d8)

>>674198

>>674211
>>674201
>>674200
These spies brought to you by the number 5!

File: Esyllt2.jpg (117 KB, 850x1700)

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>>674198
That's one more problem dealt with, but you still need armies. Recruitment is impossible at the moment due to the timing, and while you have hundreds of battle-ready troops, that's not enough. You'll need peasant levies in the spring, and you'll need some way to arm them.

"Esyllt, we'll need weapons and armour for troops," you say. "Suggestions?"

"Enchanted weapons aren't an option, not for the numbers we'd need," Esyllt says. "We'll have to manage with mundane weapons. There's still time to send out messengers and have the orders placed in advance so they're ready for delivery, but if you want high-quality weapons and armour, it will be expensive. I'd recommend purchasing more standard equipment."

Of course, low-quality equipment is also an option if you want to be exceptionally cheap.

>[Merchant/1d10] "Lower-quality equipment will be fine so long as it's not broken."
>[Merchant/1d8] "We'll purchase standard gear."
>[Merchant/1d6] "I need high-quality equipment."

>>674239
>>[Merchant/1d8] "We'll purchase standard gear."

>>674239
>>[Merchant/1d6] "I need high-quality equipment."

>>674239
>>[Merchant/1d8] "We'll purchase standard gear."
Can't let the peasants start to think they're actually important.

>>674239
>>[Merchant/1d8] "We'll purchase standard gear."

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

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>>674239
"A spear is a wooden stick with a metal point," you say. "We don't need much more than that. We're planning defensive battles, so we don't need significantly better weapons."

"I'll send requests to some of my colleagues," Esyllt says. "Perhaps my father will join in as well."

"Come to think of it, I haven't met your family yet," you say. "Do you think he'll come visit us?"

Esyllt shrugs. "He prefers to let me manage my own affairs now that I'm an adult," she says. "I imagine he'll come in the spring or summer when there's business to be done."

Something to think about later then. For now, you need to focus on getting that equipment.

>Roll 1d8, best of three.

Rolled 6 (1d8)

>>674322

Rolled 1 (1d8)

>>674322
More 5s?

Rolled 4 (1d8)

>>674322

>>674326
At least we're doing alright....

File: Seren6.png (55 KB, 203x248)

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>>674322
"Thank you, Esyllt," you say. "Next… medicinal supplies?"

"My family can help with that, of course," Seren says. "But we do have other clients. I'm not sure our emergency stocks will be enough to supply an army. We'll need to buy medicinal potions and pills from other suppliers if we want to be sure to have enough."

It would be best to buy the medical supplies outright, but it might be enough to just buy the raw materials and send them to House Caunys so they can be refined into medicines. You can't produce your own supplies at the moment, so you have to rely on others.

>[Merchant/1d10] "We'll settle for what House Caunys can provide."
>[Merchant/1d8] "We'll buy additional medicinal herbs and send them to House Caunys."
>[Merchant/1d6] "We'll buy medicinal supplies from wherever we can get them."

>>674383
>>[Merchant/1d6] "We'll buy medicinal supplies from wherever we can get them."
For the XP, I guess? I'm split between this and buying herbs.

>>674383
>>[Merchant/1d8] "We'll buy additional medicinal herbs and send them to House Caunys."

>>674383
>>[Merchant/1d6] "We'll buy medicinal supplies from wherever we can get them."

>>674383
>>[Merchant/1d8] "We'll buy additional medicinal herbs and send them to House Caunys."

Rolled 2 (1d2)

We all know how this works.

>>674398
>>674415
1

>>674400
>>674439
2

>>674383
>[Merchant/1d6] "We'll buy medicinal supplies from wherever we can get them."
I would get as much as we can from House Caunys first, then from other sellers, This is the key point to make sure our troops don't die on me.

File: Seren4.jpg (133 KB, 640x960)

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>>674383
"What if we provide raw materials? Would that help?"

"I think so," Seren says. "At the very least, it would make it easier for us to make the medicines available. As a general rule, we don't like to let our supplies dip too low. It's best to be prepared for an emergency."

"I don't think it's a stretch to call this situation an emergency," you say, "but I understand what you mean. I'll see what I can do about getting medicinal herbs for you."

>Roll 1d8, best of three.

Rolled 4 (1d8)

>>674481

Rolled 1 (1d8)

>>674481

Rolled 8 (1d8)

>>674481

>>674496
Oh no!
>>674499
Oh YES!
score!

>>674519
Crits are 10+ though

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

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>>674481
"That's everything we can do for now," Myrddin says. "We'll need other preparations and some way to build fortifications, but we'll have to worry about that later. I'm quite optimistic about our chances."

"If we're fortunate, there'll be chaos in Olstren," you say. "So long as the dukes aren't united, there's room for us to carve out and advantage for ourselves."

"I wouldn't worry much about that," Reagan says. "Even if the dukes form alliances, there's always going to be some factional competition between them. It might take a few bribes and promises, but I'm confident we can get through this. With minimum bloodshed, if that's what you'd prefer."

"You did very well, Meirion," your mother says. "I'm certain you'll be able to accomplish great things in Degfford."

Despite all the work that remains, you must admit that you have done much already. It's quite gratifying.

"This sort of responsibility is part of adulthood for royalty," your mother says. "Even if it's difficult for you sometimes, you have people who can support you, right?"

>"I don't see much difference between this and what I was doing in Aurwain, to be honest."
>"Of course. I put a lot of thought into choosing the right consorts and concubines."
>"And where do children fit into it?"

>>674542
>>"Of course. I put a lot of thought into choosing the right consorts and concubines."
but
>"I don't see much difference between this and what I was doing in Aurwain, to be honest."
>I just have more company.

>>674542
>"Of course. I put a lot of thought into choosing the right consorts and concubines."
>"And where do children fit into it?"
We all know where our kids fit into this. They are little ones that soon to be grandma will spoil the heck out of them!

>>674542
>>"Of course. I put a lot of thought into choosing the right consorts and concubines."

>>674542
>And where do children fit into it?"
We might be leaving ourselves vulnerable, having to look after so many

>>674542
>"Of course. I put a lot of thought into choosing the right consorts and concubines."

>>674572
Grandma can look after the kids while Mommies and Daddy woop Olstren's back side.

>>674542
>>"Of course. I put a lot of thought into choosing the right consorts and concubines."
>>"And where do children fit into it?"

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>>674542
"Of course," you say. "I put a lot of thought into choosing the right consorts and concubines."

"I wonder if I should feel insulted by that," Reagan says.

"Choosing a wife is quite simple, dear," you say. "I just chose based on political advantages. It was the best decision to make for both of us."

"I do like a husband who understands his priorities," Reagan says. "Just don't forget whose throne you're fighting for."

You chuckle. "Oh, I can't forget that," you say. "I wouldn't want to end up like all your other previous suitors."

Especially not the one you kill.

"The throne of Olstren isn't the only reason you're doing this, Meirion," your mother says as she fusses over a very embarrassed Seren's stomach.

"Ah, yes, children," you say. "Where do they fit into all this?"

"Just another responsibility of adulthood," your mother says. "Someone has to continue your legacy. Otherwise, it'll just fade away once you're gone."

Your mother stays for dinner, and Nimue pops in from out of nowhere, so you have to find another chair for her. Between all of you, you manage to put together a decent meal. Sadly, it's your mother who provides the conversation.

"I assume Olwen and Delyth will be too busy dealing with Olstren to pursue other matters." The Queen smiles at Eleri from across the table. "What about you, Eleri? You can still write even if you're busy for a few months, right?"

Impressively, Eleri does not sink into her chair or back down in front of your mother. "Unfortunately, I do have other artistic projects which require physical exertion, mother," she says. "I'm afraid I won't be able to provide you with any more grandchildren in the near future. I have been thinking about enjoying his highness' intimacy, however."

"You still haven't gotten around to that yet?" Your mother gives you a very disappointed look.

>[Dilettante/1d4] Change the subject.
>"I didn't want to make Eleri uncomfortable."
>"Eleri, you can come by my room tonight if you want."

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>>673788
>>azidoazide azide

>>674729
>"Eleri, you can come by my room tonight if you want."

>>674729
>"I didn't want to make Eleri uncomfortable."
>She did seem to enjoy watching, a great deal.

>>674753
This is fine.

>>674729
>>"I didn't want to make Eleri uncomfortable."

>>674729
>>[Dilettante/1d4] Change the subject.

>>674729
>"Eleri, you can come by my room tonight if you want."

File: Eleri4.jpg (115 KB, 595x842)

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>>674729
"I didn't want to make Eleri uncomfortable, mother."

"That just means your charm is lacking, dear," your mother says. "You should be able to put your partner at ease."

Your eyes dart around the table. Everyone else is either laughing at your or keeping their heads down. You're on your own here.

"I just liked to watch," Eleri says. "It helped me make up my mind about what I wanted."

"You can come up to my room tonight if you think you're ready, Eleri," you say.

"I think I'll take you up on that, your highness."

The conversation moves to a more normal topic after that. Your mother asks about your recent projects in Degffords, and you speak about your plans for the future. After dinner, your mother leaves with Myrddin and Nimue. You clean up for the night and go to your room to find Eleri sitting on the bed.

"I tried slowly enjoying things on my own a few times," she says. "I liked it a lot, enough that I want to try it with you as well."

"You're sure you're all right with this?"

"Things won't change if I wait any longer," Eleri says. "We can see if anyone wants to join us, in case you're worried about your satisfaction."

>[Dilettante/1d12] It's fine with just the two of you.
>[Dilettante/1d12] Find another partner at random.

>>674882
>>[Dilettante/1d12] It's fine with just the two of you.

>>674882
>>[Dilettante/1d12] It's fine with just the two of you
Let's not be a jerk....

>>674882
>>[Dilettante/1d12] It's fine with just the two of you.

>>674882
>[Dilettante/1d12] It's fine with just the two of you.
Time to make some MORE babies.

File: Eleri8.jpg (156 KB, 850x1468)

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>>674882
"It's fine with just the two of us," you say.

You sit on the bed and Eleri climbs onto your lap. She kisses you hungrily while fumbling with your clothes, and you wrap your arms around her to support her.

>Roll 1d12, best of three.

Rolled 4 (1d12)

>>674967

Rolled 9 (1d12)

>>674967

Rolled 8 (1d12)

>>674967

Rolled 7 (1d12)

Woops

Rolled 12 (1d12)

>>674967

File: Eleri25.jpg (394 KB, 583x800)

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>>674967
Eleri wasn't kidding about taking her time. You don't know how much time you spent just stroking her body, and you have absolutely no idea how you were able to last so long inside her once she was ready. After you finished, you wiped the blood from her thighs and crawled into bed together.

Eleri sighed contentedly and laid her head on her shoulder so you could hold her tight. "I've been missing out," she says, "but I suppose the wait was worth it."

"We can do this as often as you like," you say. "It's not like we'll have much else to do during the cold season."

"Do people really huddle for warmth when it's cold?"

"Sometimes," you say. "It's usually not when they're in a house, but whatever excuse works."

You close your eyes and wait to fall asleep. For the next few months, you won't have much to do but wait and enjoy yourself. You know you'll have a mess to deal with once the snow thaws, but you don't mind enjoying yourself in the meantime.

Rolled 6, 4, 2, 9 = 21 (4d10)

>>675036
First bonus XP roll.

Rolled 6, 2, 10 = 18 (3d12)

>>675045
Second bonus XP roll.

>>675036
Thanks for running! Oh! We needed to ask Nimue when she will be having Myrddin's kids. Once our heir is old enough, he or she will need the best advisor and right hand man like what Myrddin is to our MC.

>>675056
And you got level 2 Alchemy along with a couple more XPs here and there.

So, the next thread of Beleaguered Prince Quest will take place on Friday October 14th at 7PM EDT. I will also be running Relic Quest this Sunday, also at 7PM EDT.

Also, as I mentioned on Twitter, there are rumours that 4chan might be shutting down at the end of the month, so I'm currently looking at Anonkun as an alternative platform. Depending on how things go, I might take a week or two off to see if there's any confirmation either way. I can switch to a new websites after the next thread and still get a natural starting point, but the transition might not be so smooth after that. I'll see what happens and post announcements on twitter @BeleagueredQM.

As always, goodnight and thanks for playing.

>>675089
yay! a level up!

>>675089
Thanks for running.