>>1200055
>>"I need to talk to Reagan about the city's next project."

>>1200055
>"I need to talk to Reagan about the city's next project."

>>1200055
>"I need to talk to Reagan about the city's next project."

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>>1200055
"I need to talk to Reagan." You start by putting your pants on first; might as well put your abs on display, considering how much work Olwen's been forcing you to put into them lately. "Now that money is flowing through the merchant district, we need to move on to the next project."

"Let us know if you need help with anything."

Seren closes her eyes again and nuzzles against Delyth.

You catch Reagan in the office, looking over mercantile reports, inventories and the occasional petition. Every document that passes under her gaze gets sorted into one of five piles. As far as you can tell, they're based on favours and nepotism.

It's a very effective system.

"Good morning, your highness," Reagan says.

"Good morning." You lean down to kiss her neck. "Busy?"

"Not so much that I can't slow down a little," she says. "What did you need?"

At the moment, Degfford can hire clerks, build a theatre, establish an enchantment workshop or build an alchemical storehouse.

>"I'm thinking of hiring some clerks to make governing easier."
>"I think Eleri would appreciate a theatre to work with."
>"We need an enchantment workshop. It's the only basic necessity we don't have yet."
>"I want to build a storehouse for our alchemists."

>>1200055
>"I need to talk to Myrddin about his investigation."

>>1200204
>>"We need an enchantment workshop. It's the only basic necessity we don't have yet."

Never played BEL. Prince before can someone fill me in on the basic gist and relationships, rivalries,whatevs

>>1200204
>"We need an enchantment workshop. It's the only basic necessity we don't have yet."

>>1200204
>>"We need an enchantment workshop. It's the only basic necessity we don't have yet."

>>1200225
Your uncle wants to kill you, the rest of your family doesn't quite get how rulership works, mom is best mom, you've got six wives for various political, economic and practical reasons, and aside from your uncle, everyone who ever got in your way is dead (as far as I can remember anyway).

>>1200253
Got it

>>1200204
>Enchantment workshop

>>1200204
>"We need an enchantment workshop. It's the only basic necessity we don't have yet."

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>>1200204
"We need an enchantment workshop," you say. "It's the only basic necessity we don't have yet."

If you want to establish a full regular army, you'll eventually need a way to mass-produce enchanted goods. This is impossible given the current state of things, but you have to start somewhere. Hence, the workshop.

"It's also the one basic necessity we don't have any experts in," Reagan opines, "but I suppose they only make beds so big."

"I'll take whatever advice I can get," you say. "Money will just have to make up the difference for what we lack."

"That is one of the advantages of being wealthy," Reagan says. "In that case, you'll have to decide what kind of workshop you want to build. The simplest workshops only require money; just pay someone knowledgeable to do the work for you. However, if you want to attract attention, you'll need very specific requirements which you will have to set yourself. It is, after all, your vision for the city."

>[Merchant/1d10] Just buy a stock workshop with the basics.
>[Enchantment/1d6] Put in the effort to get something a little more advanced.
>[Enchantment/1d4] Build a workshop that can be expanded and developed in the future.

>You have an automatic success on this roll.

>>1200304
>>[Enchantment/1d4] Build a workshop that can be expanded and developed in the future.

Free autosuccess? Why not go big then?

>>1200304
>[Enchantment/1d4] Build a workshop that can be expanded and developed in the future.


>You have an automatic success on this roll.
so much for needing an expert

>[Enchantment/1d4] Build a workshop that can be expanded and developed in the future.

>>1200304
>>[Enchantment/1d4] Build a workshop that can be expanded and developed in the future.

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>>1200304
"We'll build a workshop we can expand in the future," you say. "I don't want to have to start over from scratch later on."

"It won't be easy," Reagan says. "Are you sure you can do it?"

"I have some things that might help."

You rummage through your old ledgers and notes and pull out a sheet of paper that's covered in ink. In between the crossed-out lines and the margins of notes, there's a list of things the ideal enchantment workshop needs. It took you years to put it together, and it was mostly a thought exercise, but now that you need it, you're sure as hell going to need it.

"This should do," you say. "We just need to clean it up."

"That… that does seem complete, actually," Reagan says. "I'd like to make some additions though."

"Go ahead."

A few minutes later, you have a complete list of things to purchase. More importantly, any knowledgeable enchanter will take a look at it and know you're serious. It's important to look professional and confident in order to attract support.

"We'll need to recruit enchanters next," Reagan says. "There aren't many locally."

"It's not like we need a full guild immediately," you say, "even if it would be nice to attract experienced enchanters from the capital."

"Olstren is also an option," Reagan says. "We don't have as many enchanters as Gwyrddarfordir, but we do have our own techniques, and many Olstren enchanters would love to gain access to Gwyrddarfordir's resources. I'm not sure how willing they would be to leave their homes though."

Olstren has some unique materials to work with, but it can't match the supply lines Gwyrddarfordir established thanks to its maritime trade.

>[Merchant/1d12] Hire some locals.
>[Sovereign/1d10] Invite some Gwyrden enchanters from the capital.
>[Sovereign/1d8] Invite some enchanters from Olstren.

>>1200441
>>[Sovereign/1d10] Invite some Gwyrden enchanters from the capital.

>>1200441
>[Sovereign/1d10] Invite some Gwyrden enchanters from the capital.

>>1200441
>[Sovereign/1d8] Invite some enchanters from Olstren.
it will make it that much harder for Olstren nobles to attack deggford

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>>1200441
"I'll invite some Gwyrden enchanters from the capital."

They're unlikely to turn down an invitation from the prince, and they already have connections in the kingdom. Overall, it's a solid plan.

>Roll 1d10, best of three.

Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>1200504

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>1200504

Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>1200504

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>>1200504
"The last point would be… supply lines?"

"Given Degfford's location, it's a relatively good client for Olstren's mines," Reagan says. "However, some of those mines are still very far away; they won't be able to deliver supplies before winter. Some of the closer suppliers would be able to do it though."

"On the other hand, Gwyrden enchanters are used to their own materials, and we already have established caravans," you say.

"Gratitude isn't something that can simply be bought," Reagan says, "and connections to Olstren and your future vassals would serve you well."

Reagan does have a point, if you're confident you can pull it off.

>[Merchant/1d10] "We'll keep our deals within Gwyrddarfordir for now."
>[Merchant/1d8] "Fine, send word to your contacts in Olstren. We'll buy their supplies."

>>1200564
>>[Merchant/1d8] "Fine, send word to your contacts in Olstren. We'll buy their supplies."

>>1200564
>>[Merchant/1d10] "We'll keep our deals within Gwyrddarfordir for now."

but send a letter to her people that next year/ after winter we would like to talk about deals

>>1200564
>[Merchant/1d8] "Fine, send word to your contacts in Olstren. We'll buy their supplies."

>>1200564
>>[Merchant/1d10] "We'll keep our deals within Gwyrddarfordir for now."

>>1200564
>[Merchant/1d10] "We'll keep our deals within Gwyrddarfordir for now."
getting stuff before winter would be nice

>>1200564
>[Merchant/1d8] "Fine, send word to your contacts in Olstren. We'll buy their supplies."

>1d8

So, my desktop clock is apparently jammed. Gimme a sec to figure this out.

>>1200707
And one restart later, the taskbar is no longer frozen.

Moving on!

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>>1200564
"Fine, send word to your contacts in Olstren," you say. "We'll buy their supplies."

"Thank you," Reagan says. "I'll make sure the deliveries are made as soon as possible."

You'll need to wait for some of the rare reagents unless the suppliers have emergency stocks, but the staples should be readily available. Besides, you've already promised to send up some caravans of food; you can easily ask your merchant contacts to pick the enchantment materials up on their way back.

>Roll 1d8, best of three.

Rolled 7 (1d8)

>>1200750

Rolled 8 (1d8)

>>1200750

Rolled 2 (1d8)

>>1200750

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>>1200750
"It'll take some time for word to spread, but given how small the project is, I don't expect it to take too long," you say. "I'll let the merchants know as well so they can prepare their investments if they want to contribute."

"If everything goes well, Degfford will become one of the major suppliers in the region," Reagan says.

"Which will further strengthen Olstren's position," you conclude. "Are you that short on enchantments?"

"We have enough to defend ourselves," Reagan says, "but without access to Parlan's resources and expertise…" She shrugs. "There's a limit to what we can accomplish on our own or by relying on second-hand sources."

Your ancestors seized a major strategic advantage when they kept their hold of the continent's southern coast. Olstren doesn't have it as bad as Svekka, since it does have its own coast as well, but they don't have direct access to the sea.

>"I'd like to talk more about your position in Olstren."
>"I need to talk to Myrddin about his investigation."

>>1200801
>>"I need to talk to Myrddin about his investigation."

>>1200801
>>"I'd like to talk more about your position in Olstren."

>>1200801
>>"I'd like to talk more about your position in Olstren."

>>1200801
>"I'd like to talk more about your position in Olstren."

>>1200801
Does Olstren have a warm water port?

What about our proto-railway enchantment research?

>>1200856
>Does Olstren have a warm water port?

Oh, yeah, they have a bunch of them. They're just pointed west rather than south, so it's a bit of a detour to go to Palran.

>What about our proto-railway enchantment research?

The workshop is a good start.

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>>1200801
"I'd like to talk more about your position in Olstren," you say.

"It has improved, thanks in large part to your influence," Reagan says. "The duchies of Nogren and Danargh wouldn't have gone to such great lengths to support me before we were married. Your reputation, talents and resources have helped greatly."

"I am your husband," you say. "Supporting you is my duty."

"So long as I reciprocate, of course." Reagan smiles lightly. "I'm quite aware of my own duties as your wife."

You give her the resources she needs to claim her inheritance, and she gives you the resources you need to do… whatever it is you need to do to prevent everything from catching on fire and burning to the ground. It's a pretty good arrangement for everyone involved, really. The sex and emotional support are a nice bonus on the side.

>"When do you plan on becoming Queen?"
>"Is there anything else I can help you with?"
>"And what are your wifely duties, exactly?"

>>1200932
>>"When do you plan on becoming Queen?"

>>1200932
>"When do you plan on becoming Queen?"

>>1200932
>"When do you plan on becoming Queen?"

>>1200932
>>"When do you plan on becoming Queen?"
>"And what are your wifely duties, exactly?"

>>1200932
>"And what are your wifely duties, exactly?"

Clearly becoming Queen happens when she has - sorry, WE have - enough clout to enforce it.

>>1200964
If she decided that she's willing to wage war on her own country and decimate it in the short run, the time table for her becoming queen would be shortened a great deal. It's mostly going to be determined by what methods she's willing to use.

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>>1200932
"And when do you plan on becoming Queen?"

"Hmm… As soon as I can gain the support of the duchies of Scathn and Ulainn, I suppose," Reagan answers. "Danargh and Nogren will be both grateful and stretched thinner thanks to your deal with them. My grandfather and father's mistake was to give the dukes too much leeway. If I can seize the advantage and gain control of central Olstren, I can avoid the same fate."

And Degfford is close enough to the border to apply pressure on the dukes and make it more difficult for them to rebel. It'd be even easier if you manage to build a road straight to central Olstren. Until then, the northern duchies will be difficult to suppress. You'll have to deal with them diplomatically… or through "alternate" means.

"And what about you?" Reagan asks. "What else do you expect from me?"

>"More heirs, I suppose."
>"It'd be nice to have some help against my uncle."
>"As long as there's peace between our kingdoms, that's all I need."

>>1201075
>"More heirs, I suppose."
>"It'd be nice to have some help against my uncle."

>>1201075
>>"It'd be nice to have some help against my uncle."

>>1201075
>>"More heirs, I suppose."
>>"It'd be nice to have some help against my uncle."

>>1201075
>"More heirs, I suppose."
>"It'd be nice to have some help against my uncle."

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>>1201075
You take a moment to think about this. There are a number of things Reagan could help you with, but at the top…

"More heirs, I suppose." You put your hand on her shoulder and slowly slide it down towards her chest.

Reagan snorts and slaps your hand away. "You'll make do with one heir and maybe two spares, like most other kings," she says. "If you want more, you'll have to use someone else's womb. Delyth wouldn't mind, I assure you."

"Three children is already a lot," you say. "Most nobles settle for just the one spare. I'm rather glad to be an exception."

"Really? Three is common in Olstren," Reagan says. "Or maybe it's just because our contraceptives aren't as effective."

"That could be it," you say. "Aside from that… I suppose I could use some help dealing with my uncle."

"That would be difficult," Reagan admits. "Not impossible, but certainly difficult. Danargh and Nogren agreed to help you because they knew they could gain from it. Since you're unlikely to allow anyone to plunder through Gwyrddarfordir…"

"I'd need to find some other way to placate them," you say. "Money, supplies, influence, or…"

"Arranged marriages with those heirs you seem to want so badly," Reagan says.

It's definitely too early to consider, but in the future… It would make it easier to secure long-term alliances with Olstren's nobles and help stabilize Reagan's rule. You'll keep it in mind, just in case. Even if that doesn't work out, there are many ways to bribe nobles.

Rolled 12 (1d12)

>>1201240
And that's it for today. Time for bonus XP with enchantment!

Rolled 4, 7 = 11 (2d10)

>>1201247
Sovereign and Alchemy.

Rolled 8, 4 = 12 (2d8)

>>1201256
Intrigue and Merchant.

Rolled 6, 4 = 10 (2d6)

>>1201262
And finally, Military and Dilettante.

With that out of the way, Beleaguered Prince Quest will return on Friday March 3rd at 7PM EST. Until next time, goodnight and thanks for playing.

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>>1201270
cheers, boss

>>1201270
Salut! We should also be looking towards providing for our children who aren't heirs.

We should work on expanding our influence in our own kingdom so that they can cement ties between the two of them.

Since we aren't the main heir for our own kingdom, we can either do so by creating a trade empire . . . Or by conquest outside of Olstren and this Kingdom.

Maybe we should look into either a) Destabilizing the nobility or b) Getting land in exchange for supporting the nobility in that other kingdom that's on the verge of civil war.

Possibly we could somehow support the fall of one of the more important nobles with the help of the merchants, then step in to help "stabilize" things by assuming their position. Maybe get one of our concubines to take the position so their kid inherits and gives a layer of separation between us and the position to allay concerns of foreign involvement.

Possibly with the guarantee that their children will be educated in the nation or some sort of ritual hostage/fostering.

>>1201408
Well Svekka is on the precipet of a revolt.
Provided we consolidate our rule in olsten we could go on to conquor Svekka during the height of their revolt.

>>1202373
Ehhh.

That's how you get everyone else to unite against you.

I'd rather set it up so we would have holdings in Svekka and be the kind if "balancing" force where we are kept around to prevent the civil war.

That way we have a reason to be there as opposed to being occupiers.

We could begin with a commercial venture with the local merchants and dump a bunch of money in there to weaken the nobles, then have them require us to personally own land instead of the company so that we have a vested interest in defending it.

Probably have to arrange some marriages with the children of whoever owns the land so that it goes "back" to the Kingdom when they come of age and inherit.

Standard European tactic.

Gotta think multi-generational with these things.

The end goal is to see all our children inherit both their own lands instead of having to divide ours among them because that moves them further from the chain of succession.

If they're also bound by ownership in shared multi-kingdom trading companies then in a couple generations they could end up with their own new kingdom, or succeeding in any of the three kingdoms.