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Twitter: @BeleagueredQM
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Previous threads: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=beleaguered+prince+quest

You are Prince Meirion auk Gwyrren, the only sane man in a royal family with dubious concepts of strategy, justice, taxation, and governance in general. You have made it your goal in life to keep your family on the throne and your head firmly attached to your body.

===============

Holding babies still feels weird no matter how often you do it, but at least you're used to the part where you have to wake up at all hours of the night. Seren and Esyllt are not. On the upside, they're also not pregnant anymore. Objectively, there was just a slight lateral shift in their discomfort, but you're sure as hell not going to tell them that, especially not to Esyllt, who's currently rocking your third daughter to sleep while you put your second daughter back in her bed.

"Damn it, I have to be up early tomorrow for an appointment," Esyllt complains quietly. "At least they're not crying anymore."

"Can't you just send Myrddin? He has to do what the appointment's about."

"That's not enough." Esyllt very carefully stands up and makes her way to the fourth crib on the tip of her toes. "I don't trust him to handle negotiations in a civilized manner. He might threaten to assassinate my business associates, and that would be completely unacceptable."

"Most assassinations are my idea, actually."

Esyllt glares at you before putting the child to bed.

>Pick two names. The top two choices win.
>Rhian
>Eirian
>Anwen
>Enid
>Meinwen
>>
>>1276693
>>Anwen
>Rhian
>>
>>1276693
>Enid
>Anwen
>>
>>1276693
>Anwen
>Rhian
>>
By the way, how long are the intervals between posts usually? New player here.
>>
>>1276735
About 30 minutes. I let the vote run a little long for the first hour or so to give people more time to show up though, so it might take a few minutes longer.
>>
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>>1276693
You decided to name Seren's daughter Anwen - it's a common name in Gwyrddarfordir, no matter how much Olwen gloats about having a kid named after her - and Esyllt's Rhian. You also sent a letter to your mother informing her of the events. The reply hasn't arrived yet, and you're not sure there'll be time before your departure for the capital.

You stay up a little longer to make sure the babies won't wake up before slipping into bed next to Eleri, who'd gone back to sleep while you were up. Esyllt drops in next to you like a log and nuzzles against your chest.

Reagan and Seren are up before you the next morning, as it's their turn to do the mothering. You check in on them to make sure everything's alright and head to your office to await Myrddin's report.

You decided to spend the winter in the capital of Aurwain so you can have the opportunity to take a closer look at your uncle's affairs and head off any… complications. The trip will require some preparations, however, so Myrddin and Olwen have volunteered to assist you. It's just like old times, a year or two ago.

"The first thing we need to do is decide who to bring," Olwen says. "I need to know how much security will need."

"Reagan will have to come," you say, "and Delyth should stay here now that she's showing. Can everyone else travel?"

"Seren said it'd be fine," Olwen says.

"And I shouldn't have to remind you how much your mother will want to look at the babies," Myrddin says.

You definitely need to bring Rhein and Aislinn, but it's not a big deal if Anwen and Rhian stay with their mothers in Degfford with their mothers. Delyth can hold the fort alone if you think it's necessary, but Eleri or Olwen could keep her company.

"Any security concerns I should be aware of?"

"Not really," Olwen says. "So long as you and Reagan are going along with Rhein and Aislinn, more people won't make much of a difference."

Who should you bring with you on your trip? Naturally, the children can't be separated from their mothers, so they'll come as well, if that's what you want.

>Pick as many as you want.
>Seren
>Esyllt
>Olwen
>Eleri
>>
>>1276770
>>>Olwen
>>Eleri
>>
>>1276770
>Olwen
>Eleri

By the way... what does Aislinn's name mean? And Anwen's? And Rhian's? Rhein had a meaning, so I assume the other names have one, too.
>>
>>1276770
>>Olwen
>Eleri
>>
Eleri
>>
>Eleri
>>
>>1276785
Anwen is "very beautiful" and Rhian is "maiden." I can't remember what Aislinn was. Presumably, you'll find it if you Google "Irish names" and pick the first or second result that comes up.

And it looks like Olwen and Eleri are coming along for the trip.
>>
>>1276770
>>Olwen
>>Eleri
>>
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>>1276770
"Olwen, I'd like you and Eleri to come with us," you say. "It is a long journey and I'd rather not put Seren and Esyllt under any more strain than necessary."

Olwen can stab things and Eleri is great at parties, two skillsets you're likely to need. Your mother will be disappointed, but maybe she can come with you once you return? Her homeland of Vitland is one of Olstren's major maritime trade partners, so she might have some advice for you.

"The next point of order would be…" Myrddin runs through the items in his notes with his finger. "Ah, right, the next step of the city's development. Theatre, enchantment storehouse, or alchemy storehouse would be next."

The theatre is a necessary requirement for a university, which is in turn necessary if you want to train ministers. The storehouses will, of course, improve your magical infrastructure, which is necessary if you want to expand trade and raise an army. That's still far off though.

>[Dilettante/1d4] "We'll need a theatre next."
>[Enchantment/1d4] "Let's go for the enchantment warehouse."
>[Alchemy/1d4] "Let's go for the alchemical warehouse."

>You have an automatic success on this roll.
>>
>>1276851
>>[Enchantment/1d4] "Let's go for the enchantment warehouse."
>>
>>1276851

>[Enchantment/1d4] "Let's go for the enchantment wareh
>>
>>1276851

>[Dilettante/1d4] "We'll need a theatre next."
The plays will be about us.
And the marsked merc
Spred our fame far and wide
>>
>>1276851
>>[Enchantment/1d4] "Let's go for the enchantment warehouse."
>>
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>>1276851
"Let's go for the enchantment warehouse," you say. "We'll be getting supplies from Olstren relatively soon, so this'll be more convenient."

"Understood." Myrddin makes a mark in his ledger. "It shouldn't take too long to build the actual warehouse, but finding and training enchanters to work there will be a little more difficult. Still, I'm not expecting any difficulties."

"If there are any problems, someone else will deal with them," Olwen says. "That's what all the clerks running around the pavilion are for, right?"

"Technically, yes," you say, "but this is a little more important than the drudgework they're usually assigned to."

"Everything will be fine, your highness," Myrddin assures you. "Now, let's have a look at the route…"

There are a number of roads that lead from Degfford to Aurwain. The major roads are well-traveled, heavily defended, but also more obvious. You'll be safe moving through, but everyone will know where you are. Taking detours will allow you to remain hidden, but it's slightly more dangerous. Myrddin assures you that "slightly more dangerous" is still perfectly safe in these circumstances, however.

"Let's just take the direct route," Olwen says. "This isn't a sightseeing trip."

"I disagree," Myrddin says. "While I'm absolutely certain we won't encounter any danger, I'd still like to take a few detours. It would give me time to investigate things further. It's not like we're in a hurry anyway."

>[Military/Autosuccess] Take the direct route. There's no point in wasting time.
>[Intrigue/Autosuccess] Take the detours. It'll give Myrddin a chance to contact his people.
>>
>>1276907
>>[Intrigue/Autosuccess] Take the detours. It'll give Myrddin a chance to contact his people.
>>
>>1276907
>>[Intrigue/Autosuccess] Take the detours. It'll give Myrddin a chance to contact his people.
>>
>>1276907

>[Intrigue/Autosuccess] Take the detours. It'll give Myrddin a chance to contact his people.
>>
>>1276907
>>[Intrigue/Autosuccess] Take the detours. It'll give Myrddin a chance to contact his people.
>>
>>1276907
>>[Intrigue/Autosuccess] Take the detours. It'll give Myrddin a chance to contact his people.
>>
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>>1276907
"We'll take the detours," you say. "It'll give Myrddin a chance to contact his people."

"You do realize that we'll have to bring the kids along the detours as well, right?" Olwen asks.

. . .

"Myrddin -"

"I'll make sure we're stocked on all the necessary supplies, your highness," Myrddin says. "Although I suspect Princess Reagan will make her own plans as well just in case."

"Thank you, Myrddin," you say. "I believe the next point would be the reason for the visit?" Myrddin nods; you can't announce that you're returning to Aurwain just to have your uncle killed somehow. "We need an official reason that would compel my uncle to go to the capital as well. There's no point in doing this is my uncle is no where near us while we're there; we need to be able to reach him."

"You could just summon all the nobles to meet your heir," Myrddin says. "It'd be a little improper since Crown Prince Haul doesn't have any children of his own though, so perhaps it would be better to invite merchants instead? Make it look like you're spending coin freely in celebration of your children's birth and your uncle will want to get a share of the money."

"This may seem like a novel idea," Olwen says dryly, "but you could just send him an invitation because he's family. Family members traditionally meet the newborn. It wouldn't be odd or arouse suspicion."

>[Sovereign/1d8] Invite the nobles.
>[Merchant/1d8] Invite the merchants.
>[Intrigue/1d10] Invite your uncle.

>You have an active crit included in this roll.
>>
>>1276995
>>[Merchant/1d8] Invite the merchants.
>>
>>1276995
>>[Intrigue/1d10] Invite your uncle.
>>
>>1276995
>>[Merchant/1d8] Invite the merchants.
>>
>>1276995
>>[Sovereign/1d8] Invite the nobles.
>>
>>1276995
>[Sovereign/1d8] Invite the nobles.
>[Merchant/1d8] Invite the merchants.
>[Intrigue/1d10] Invite your uncle.
>>
>>1276995
>[Intrigue/1d10] Invite your uncle.
>>
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>>1276995
"Let's split the difference and invite merchants," you say. "My brother's honour won't be challenged and I can be pleasantly surprised when my uncle shows up. Besides, it might come in useful for other ventures."

"Glad to see you're thinking ahead," Myrddin says. "It's more efficient to kill two birds with one stone."

"Only if your aim is good," Olwen grumbles.

>Roll 1d8, best of three.
>>
Rolled 8 (1d8)

>>1277043
>>
Rolled 7 (1d8)

>>1277043
>>
Rolled 7 (1d8)

>>1277043
>>
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>>1277043
You come up with a rough draft for an invitation letter. Esyllt will go over it later and help you pass it along through her contacts. You're probably the most accessible member of your family to the merchant class - and definitely the most accommodating, if your mother hasn't softened her negotiating habits - so you expect a decent enough turnout to tease your uncle's greed.

That said, you do still need to cater to the nobility a bit. You don't want to show your older brother up, but there are always celebrations and balls going on at the capital during winter to pass time until all the roads have cleared up properly. You could host your own, spread the word that you'll attend some of the major parties, or leave it for now and make your decision once you're there.

"It'll build excitement if the nobility expects you there," Myrddin says. "Dropping in unannounced isn't necessarily a bad idea, but if you want to attract a large crowd - not to mention a certain quality of nobles - you'll need to give them a reason to show up."

"I wouldn't mind going to some of the parties," Olwen says while looking at you sideways. "You know, in case Eleri needs some rest."

Yeah, she definitely wants to go.

>You'll decide once you're there.
>[Dilettante/1d12] Make it known you'll attend major events.
>[Dilettante/1d8] Go big! You'll host your own party!

>You have an active crit on Dilettante.
>>
>>1277102
>>[Dilettante/1d12] Make it known you'll attend major events.
>>
>>1277102
>>[Dilettante/1d12] Make it known you'll attend major events.
But make sure nobody knows exactly which events we're
>>
>>1277102
>>[Dilettante/1d12] Make it known you'll attend major events.
>>
>>1277102
>>[Dilettante/1d12] Make it known you'll attend major events.
>>
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>>1277102
You'll find the time to attend a few major parties and make sure Eleri and Olwen - and Reagan, once she feels up to it - have fun, but you won't go out of your way to organize your own ball. It's outside your own area of expertise and you don't want to deal with all the hassle.

It should be fine though. The palace is bound to host at least one party if you feel like playing host.

>Roll 1d12, best of three.
>>
Rolled 9 (1d12)

>>1277153
>>
Rolled 12 (1d12)

>>1277153
>>
Rolled 6 (1d12)

>>1277153
>>
Rolled 8 (1d12)

>>1277153
>>
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>>1277153
This part is going to need a more subtle touch; after all, it would be crass to announce your presence to a party as if you were the host while you're only a guest. However, the nobles do like to keep track of the royalty's doings, so it won't be difficult for one of Myrddin's people to spread word of where you're going to be.

"Preparations for the city are done, preparations for the trip are done, and preparations for our time at the capital are done." Myrddin sets his ledger aside a pulls a different sheet from his robes. "That just leaves the actual assassination."

"We won't be able to plan that until we're in the capital," you say. "This needs to be taken care of perfectly. The slightest mistake could lead to war."

"That's not what I want to talk about," Myrddin says. "My concern at the moment is your cousins."

"How many do you have anyway?" Olwen asks. "Four? Five?"

"Four, now," you answer. "I assume you have plans for them?"

"More or less," Myrddin says. "We can't move against them either until we know where they are - your uncle might bring a few to the capital or send them away on business before winter for all we know - but I'd still like to know what you want to do with them."

Your cousins are instrumental to some of your uncle's schemes, so killing them won't burden your conscience much. The only question is whether or not killing them is practical.

>"We'll get rid of them if there's an opportunity. Until then, we'll wait and see."
>"They're more useful alive than dead. I might be able to manipulate them."
>"If we're doing this, we're going to be thorough. I want my uncle's family purged from the kingdom."
>>
>>1277200
>"They're more useful alive than dead. I might be able to manipulate them."
>>
>>1277200
>>"They're more useful alive than dead. I might be able to manipulate them."
>We'll take them on a case by case basis.
>>
>>1277200
>>"They're more useful alive than dead. I might be able to manipulate them."
>>
>>1277200
>>"If we're doing this, we're going to be thorough. I want my uncle's family purged from the kingdom."
>>
>>1277200
>"If we're doing this, we're going to be thorough. I want my uncle's family purged from the kingdom."

I feel bad for them, but seriously, we should probably just get around to killing our uncle.
>>
>>1277200 #
>"If we're doing this, we're going to be thorough. I want my uncle's family purged from the kingdom."
>>
>>1277200
>"They're more useful alive than dead. I might be able to manipulate them."
>>
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>>1277200
"They're more useful alive than dead," you say. "At the very least, I might be able to manipulate them."

"It would simplify things if they turned on each other as soon as their father died," Myrddin agrees, "and I do like having more options open."

"It's not like you can't change your mind later if assassinating them becomes more convenient," Olwen says. "Bringing them back from the dead would be much more difficult."

"As some of my carpenter friends like to say, measure twice, cut once," Myrddin says. "That way, there won't be any regrets afterwards."

"It has been a while since I've felt regret and I would like to keep it that way," you say. "I'll hold back for now, but if they give me a reason to and there's an opportunity…"

"Then we'll just have to get rid of them," Olwen says. "It'll be their own fault for getting in the way."

Esyllt's in her office - door closed, which means a sleeping baby, which means you don't disturb her - but everyone else gathers in the kitchen. Reagan is holding Rhein while Delyth looks after Aislinn.

"I'll be returning to Aurwain with Reagan, Myrddin, Eleri and Olwen," you say. "I expect we'll stay for the winter. Seren, Delyth, will you be all right here until we get back?"

"Of course, your highness," Seren says. "My parents sent me a letter saying they'd like to visit, so we won't be alone."

"Esyllt's father is here as well, so she'll have support," Delyth says. "I think. I'm… not quite sure what their relationship is."

"I'll help the princess while we're in the capital," Eleri says. "That way, you'll have one less thing to worry about while you carry out your sordid deeds."

It's settled then. You'll go to Aurwain for the winter and resolve your ongoing conflict with your uncle.

Permanently.
>>
Rolled 6, 3, 1 = 10 (3d6)

>>1277292
And now for the bonus round.
>>
Rolled 6, 1, 3 = 10 (3d8)

>>1277292
>>
Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>1277297
And that's the last one.

Beleaguered Prince Quest will return on Friday March 24th at 7PM EDT. Until next time, goodnight and thanks for playing!
>>
>>1277292
Thanks for running!

Is one of the cousins a naive man who should blame the misfortune of his birth?
>>
>>1277292
It really is close to the end isn't it? Though I kinda wanna see what season 2 would be like.
>>
>>1277292
Thanks, QM!




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