>>1667267
>[Merchant/1d12] "Can I place a bet on myself?"

>>1667267
>>[Merchant/1d12] "Can I place a bet on myself?"

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>>1667267
"Can I place a bet on myself?"

"If you're petty enough to bet cheap pocket change, sure," Olwen says. "The stakes are unexpectedly low, to be honest."

Your reputation must proceed you then, if people aren't willing to bet large amounts. Of course, that doesn't mean you won't join in.

> Roll 1d12, best of three.

>>1667328

Rolled 7 (1d12)

>>1667328

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>>1667328
You toss Olwen a coin pouch and finish putting your leather armour on. Olwen leaves to place your bet.

"Good luck out there." Reagan gives you a kiss. "Show everyone who their next King will be."

"And the next one," you say, thinking of Rhein.

You pick up your spear and walk onto the stage to the cheers of a half-drunken crowd.

Your first opponent is a lean man just a bit younger than you. Tellingly, his spear and armour are almost brand new. There are a few nicks here and there, but nothing you wouldn't get from regular sparring.

He's not an experienced warrior.

"Greetings, your majesty," Cinead mac Diarmaid said. "Please, allow me to welcome you to Olstren."

"I've already had the King's greeting," you say. "I don't believe there's a point to accepting another."

>[Military/Autosuccess] Take Cinead out in one blow.
>[Military/1d12] Go easy on Cinead.

>>1667399
>[Military/Autosuccess] Take Cinead out in one blow.

Lets not push our stamina.

>>1667399
>>[Military/Autosuccess] Take Cinead out in one blow.

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>>1667399
Cinead yells and thrusts his spear towards your neck. You easily sidestep and stab his back foot. It isn't a serious wound, but his posture falters and he collapses to one knee immediately.

"Do you yield?"

"I yield." Cinead nods and hops away on his good foot. "There are others who will wish to prove themselves," he says. "They will not be so easily defeated."

"That remains to be seen."


"Well, it wouldn't be fun if you were gutless." A broad man laughs and jumps on to the stage as the audience's cheers resound. "I'm Cillian mac Manus, your next opponent.

Cillian's a lot bigger and older than you. Scars run across his body and trophies hang off his belt. He's a real knight, a bloodied warrior, not some kid looking to make a name for himself. You won't be able to beat him easily.

>[Military/1d10] Put in your full effort.
>[Military/1d12] Start the fight cautiously.

>>1667494
>[Military/1d12] Start the fight cautiously.

>>1667494
>>[Military/1d12] Start the fight cautiously.

Rolled 8 (1d12)

>>1667494
>[Military/1d12] Start the fight cautiously.

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>>1667494
You tentatively clash spears with Cillian once and end up getting knocked back a few steps. A direct clash isn't in your favour. You decide to fight cautiously and wait for an opening.

>Roll 1d12, best of three.

Rolled 11 (1d12)

>>1667577

Rolled 4 (1d12)

>>1667577

Rolled 8 (1d11)

>>1667577

>>1667577
Cillian's spear is the size of a small tree and uses an earth enchantment to increase the raw power of his blows. Every time the spearhead hits the arena, it leaves a crater. You use your burning spear to hold him at bay and prevent him from getting too close; given the weapon's he using, even a slight burn to his hand would ruin his grip.

Your opponent becomes increasingly frustrated. His attacks become clumsier, more desperate. Meanwhile, you stay calm and press on the offensive as more openings present themselves.

>[Military/1d12] Wear him down.
>[Military/1d10] Go for a decisive blow.

>You have an active crit on this roll.

>>1667612
>>[Military/1d10] Go for a decisive blow.

>>1667612
>[Military/1d10] Go for a decisive blow.

>>1667612
>>[Military/1d10] Go for a decisive blow.

>>1667612
>[Military/1d10] Go for a decisive blow.

>>1667612
Cillian buries his spear into the ground, leaving himself open. This is the chance you've been waiting for. You twist your spear up towards Cillian's neck.

>Roll 1d10, best of three.

Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>1667676

>>1667676

Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>1667676
>>1667688
Oops.

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>>1667676
Your spear scrapes the side of Cillian's neck, leaving a slight burn. Cillian glares at you. You glare back.

Cillian wavers first. "I lose," he says. "That was a good fight, your majesty."

"Yes," you say, "it was."

Cillian grunts and jumps off the arena. There's far less applause at his exit than there was at his entrance. You take a second to catch your breath and catch your breath.

"Your skill is impressive, your majesty." Your third opponents leaps onto the stage and twirls his twin spears. "However, I, Flannchadh mac Conchor, will emerge victorious."

"So you're Duke Conchor's son then?"

"His son and heir, now that my elder brother died," Flannchadh says. "He was one of Princess Reagan's intended. Let us see if you are worthier than he was."

This Flannchadh should be roughly on par with you. This battle could go either way if you're not careful.

>[Military/1d8] End this quickly.
>[Military/1d10] Stay on the defensive.

>>1667759
>>[Military/1d10] Stay on the defensive.

>>1667759
>>[Military/1d10] Stay on the defensive.

>>1667759
>[Military/1d10] Stay on the defensive.

You aim your spear straight ahead to keep Flannchadh at bay. Once again, you decide to stay on the defense until you have a chance to attack.

>Roll 1d10, best of three.

Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>1667822
>1d10

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>1667822

>>1667846
Good man.

Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>1667822

>>1667822
Flannchadh's trident spears are difficult to deal with. Every time you come close to getting a hit in, he pushes your weapon away. Conversely, when you try to defend, he catches your spear and attempts to break your guard.

To win this, you decide to lure him into a rhythm. Through a succession of high thrusts, you force Flannchadh to defend his upper body, leaving his legs and abdomen open.

>[Military/1d12] Trip Flannchadh to break his stance.
>[Military/1d10] Force Flannchadh off the stage.

>>1667894
>[Military/1d10] Force Flannchadh off the stage.

>>1667894
>>[Military/1d10] Force Flannchadh off the stage.

>>1667894
>>[Military/1d12] Trip Flannchadh to break his stance.

>>1667894
>[Military/1d10] Force Flannchadh off the stage.

>>1667894
You swipe your spear at Flannchadh's lower torso, hoping to force him off the stage through brute force. He realizes what you're doing and brings his weapons down to defend. It's a race to see who can strike first…

>Roll 1d10, best of three.

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>1667970

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>1667970

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>1667970

>>1667970
The winner is you. Your spear shaft crashed into Flannchadh and lift's him off his feet. He goes flying in the air, screaming his lungs out, and hits the ground hard. For a moment, you're worried he might be too heavily wounded, but Flannchadh climbs back onto his feet and bows.

"It seems you were the worthier one after all, your majesty," he says. "Good fortune on your next battle. Your final opponent is mightier than I."

With that, Flannchadh gathers his spears and exits.

The crowd's applause is timid at first, but it quickly gathers momentum and becomes a roaring thunder. It seems you have made a favourable impression thus far. Now, it's time to see if you can retain the advantage.

>>1668026
And that's it for today.

HOWEVER, as I mentioned on Twitter, this will be the last thread discounting the epilogue, and I don't want it to be a dingy little 50 post thread, so I decided to do multiple runs this weekend to wrap things up properly.

As a result, the next thread will be tomorrow afternoon around 1PM EDT. I'll see you all then if you can make it and if not, the thread has been archived. Goodnight!

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

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>>1668048
cheers, boss

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>>1668026
"I guess you deserve some praise for beating that kid, but I have to defend my family's honour. A foreigner won't be the one to put us down."

A beast-like man wielding a crimson spear stands before you. You should have known he would be the one who come up last. Somhairle mac Naoise is a knight of some renown, but the last time you heard of him was a little over five years ago when he fought Olwen's father to a standstill during one of the larger boarder skirmishes.

"I'm honoured to finally make your acquaintance, Sir Somhairle," you say.

Somhairle chuckles and points his spear at your chest.

"Consider yourself fortunate it took so long for us to meet, Prince Meirion!"

Somhairle mac Naoise is an experienced and highly skilled soldier in his prime. You have to admit, he's better than you.

>[Military/1d10] Create an opening to attack.
>[Military/1d8] Force a quick battle.

>You have an active crit on this roll.

>>1669683
>>[Military/1d10] Create an opening to attack.

>>1669683
>[Military/1d8] Force a quick battle.
Can't stall with this guy, because he'll win eventually.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>1669692
1
>>1669693
2

>>1669683
Your enchanted spear ignites and you kick off the ground to charge at Somhairle. Your opponent grins savagely and jumps forward to directly clash against your attack.

Neither of you wishes to let this battle drag on.

>Roll 1d8, best of three.

Rolled 5 (1d8)

>>1669753

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>>1669753
The duel resembles a staff fight more than a spear fight. You and your opponent press the haft of your weapons against each other and brace yourself against the coarse stone that makes up the arena, both hoping to win this fight through a contest of brute strength.

"You're stronger than I expected," Somhairle says, "but do you have the skill to go with it?"

Somhairle suddenly pulls back, and the strength you used to fend off his blow carries you forward, threatening to break your balance. You don't have time to properly recover; at this range, Somhairle will hit you before you can bring your defence back up.

Instead, you allow yourself to stumble forward and use your momentum to slash at Somhairle. He brings his weapons up to parry, but you twist your ankle and jump back.

The haft of your spear scraped against your opponent's weapon.

The speartip leaves a cauterized cut on his hip as it pulls back.

For a moment, you both remain silent. Somhairle gingerly pokes at his fresh wound with his finger. It's an insignificant cut, too small to hinder him, but…

Somhairle cracks a smile and laughs loudly. "Looks like I lost first blood," he says. "Maybe I can win if we keep going, or maybe I can't. Either way, I'd rather be graceful about it and accept my loss. Congratulations on your victory, your majesty."

"It was an interesting fight," you say. "Perhaps we can have a rematch some time."

"That's find with me!"

The crowd responds with cheers and applause. You might not have won them over politically, but they at least like you personally now. That gives you something to work with.

On his private balcony, King Connaught stands his raises his hand to demand silence. "Congratulations to my son-in-law, Prince Meirion auk Gwyrren, on his victory." Thanks to the arena's enchantments, his voice carries easily. "And thank you all for coming here to celebrate the return of my daughter and the birth of her heir after all these years. I invite you all the join us at my palace for drink and song! Let us celebrate until the sun rises and sets again!"

There's another round of cheers. You bow to the audience and return to the changing room, where Olwen and Reagan await you.

"That went well," Olwen says. She tosses you a coin purse much larger than the one you gave her. "Not bad, for petty coin, right?"

>"Every little bit of coin adds up."
>"I wish the stakes had been higher, considering how tough the fights were."
>"That was the easy part. What comes next is going to be more difficult."

>>1669860
>>"That was the easy part. What comes next is going to be more difficult."

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>>1669860
"That was the easy part," you say. "What comes next is going to be more difficult."

"Duke Conchor and Duchess Naoise will both be at the celebrations," Reagan says. "We'll have to meet with them and negotiate some kind of agreement to maintain the peace. I'm certain we'll succeed though. Their position is very tenuous, seeing as how you just defeated their sons in combat."

"There's always room for things to go wrong," you say. "We'll have to see how things go."

You change into lighter clothes and return to the palace. The party is only just starting, but the wine and drinks are already flowing freely.

>[Dilettante/1d10] Mingle with the guests a bit before business.
>Find Duke Conchor and Duchess Naoise so you can get this over with.

>>1669860
>>"That was the easy part. What comes next is going to be more difficult."

>>1669929
>Find Duke Conchor and Duchess Naoise so you can get this over with.

>>1669929
>>[Dilettante/1d10] Mingle with the guests a bit before business.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>1669936
1

>>1669937
2

>>1669982
You decide to walk among the guests and make a good impression first. You Conchor and Naoise can wait a little while longer.

>Roll 1d10, best of three.

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>1669988

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>1669988

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>>1669988
"Greetings, your majesty!"

"Your majesty, congratulations on your victory. Your reputation is truly well-earned!"

"Princess Reagan, Prince Meirion, thank you for gracing us with your presence!"

Reagan and you are immediately crowded by well-wishers trying to earn your favour. Many are petty nobles and knights, but there are also a few influential counts in the crowd. You exchange pleasantries and niceties as you move through the crowd.

"Your majesty." A servant approaches you and bows to Reagan and you. "The Duke of Scathn and the Duchess of Ulainn have both requested a meeting with you."

"Oh, they're getting quite impatient," Reagan says. "Where should do you think we should meet them, my prince?"

>An out of the way garden.
>A private room in Reagan's castle.
>Meet them in the open.

>>1670035
>>A private room in Reagan's castle.

>>1670035
>A private room in Reagan's castle.

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>>1670035
"Better make it somewhere private," you say. "Your castle?"

As an added benefit, they'll have to come to you instead of you going to them.

Reagan and you go to her castle and call for a bottle of good wine and some cups. You expect you'll need more than a bit of alcohol to go through with this.

Duke Conchor and Duchess Naoise arrive shortly after you. They're both of your father's generation, although they look rougher than he does. Northern Olstren doesn't allow for easy living, after all.

"Welcome, Duke Conchor, Duchess Naoise," Reagan says. "Please, take a sit. Would you like something to drink?"

"Thank you, your majesty," Duke Conchor says as he sits down.

"Refreshments would be welcome," Duchess Naoise says. "I've sampled every bottle on the palace grounds, but I expect you've brought something better to this meeting."

"Just a little bit." Reagan smiles and pours some wine for your guests. "Father wanted to make an impression after all."

"And it is quite an impression," Duke Conchor says. "Now that you've returned with a husband and child, it's time for Olstren to move forward. Naturally, we'll assist you to the best of our ability."

"Which raises the question of what kind of assistance you require," Duchess Naoise says. "Obviously, you don't military assistance." The soldiers you sent to their borders must have been effective for Naoise to mention them now. "So, what do you need?"

>[Sovereign/1d8] "I expect your loyalty."
>[Sovereign/Autosuccess] "I'm sure we can come to an agreement that will satisfy all of us."

>>1670129
>>[Sovereign/1d8] "I expect your loyalty."

>>1670129
>>[Sovereign/1d8] "I expect your loyalty."

>>1670129
>>[Sovereign/Autosuccess] "I'm sure we can come to an agreement that will satisfy all of us."

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>>1670129
"I expect your loyalty," you say. "That is your duty as vassals."

The Duke and Duchess both audibly grind their teeth.

>Roll 1d8, best of three.

Rolled 5 (1d8)

>>1670173

Rolled 1 (1d8)

>>1670173

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>>1670173
The grinding stops. Duke Conchor and Duchess Naoise both relent.

"Very well, Princess Reagan," Duke Conchor says. "Our families will support your son's rule."

"Agreed," Duchess Naoise says. "Now, is there anything else we need to discuss?"

You think for a moment. There's nothing that needs to be dealt with urgently, but Rhein…

Well, having multiple consorts and concubines worked out well for you. Maybe your son will follow on your footsteps? It wouldn't hurt to give him an early start, right?

>[Sovereign/Autosuccess] "Do you have any granddaughters?"
>"Nothing for the moment. I'm glad we could come to an agreement."

>>1670211
>>[Sovereign/Autosuccess] "Do you have any granddaughters?"

>>1670211
>>[Sovereign/Autosuccess] "Do you have any granddaughters?"

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>>1670211
"Do you have any granddaughters?"

"That is an excellent question," Reagan says.

"Somhairle and one of his consorts have a daughter," Duchess Naoise says. "She's only a few years older than Prince Rhein. Seeing as my son has eight consorts, I would gladly accept any assistance in finding good prospects for their children."

"My youngest daughter isn't much older than Prince Rhein either," Duke Conchor says.

"That's wonderful," Reagan says. "Please send them to the palace when Rhein gets… curious." That's certainly an unusual euphemism. "I assure you, they'll be well taken care of."

Rhein will thank you when he's older.

Duke Conchor and Duchess Naoise thank you for your time and leave.

"That went better than I expected," Reagan says. "Although I do hope Rhein doesn't take too much after you."

"Consider it additional motivation to secure his future," you say. "Even if I'm a bit more concerned about my short-term finances…"

"You're a prince, you can afford half a dozen families," Reagan says. "Speaking of, will you give Olwen the good news? Now that war's been permanently averted, there's no need for her to hold back anymore…"

>Look for Olwen now.
>Olwen can wait.

>>1670308
>>Look for Olwen now.

>>1670308
>>Look for Olwen now.

>>1670308
>>Look for Olwen now.

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>>1670308
"I'll tell Olwen the good news," you say. "Make up some excuse if someone comes looking for me."

"Have fun," Reagan says. "Try not to break anything I'm going to need later."

"Tell that to Olwen."

You walk around the grounds for a bit before you find Olwen talking to some nobles. You catch her attention and she excuses herself.

"Is everything alright, your highness?"

"Duke Conchor and Duchess Naoise caved in, so -"

"Let's go." Olwen grabs your hand and pulls you away.

. . .

. . .

. . .

Still naked, Olwen sits up and stretches her arms. "That was great." She plops down right on top of you. "Just so you know, your body is mine until I'm pregnant."

You chuckle and close your eyes. Reagan finally has her kingdom, your uncle is dead and the continent is stable. For the first time in several years, you have no worries left. It's time to see what the future holds.

>>1670367
And that's it for today. The epilogue of Beleaguered Prince Quest will run tomorrow at 1PM EDT. Come find out if Prince Rhein is enjoying those consorts you got him!

>>1670369
Thanks for running

>>1670367
thanks
nd then we find out she cant have babys

>>1670367
Thanks for running!

>>1670659
Reeee

Darn, I'm probably going to miss participating in the thread, but it was a nice run, OP!