>>1919268
It takes place in the Free City of Numar – the last of the free cities and a magnificent beacon of progress and technological innovation; or a polluted hellscape populated with ruthless cutthroats – depending on who you ask. The city was awash with
>suspicion. A half dozen of the King’s Own men at arms had been found murdered and gruesomely mutilated. The city was already on edge with the substantial increase to the local garrison after rumours of forced conscription had led to widespread rioting by the lower classes. Desperate to prove their loyalty to the Crown after the tragic crime, the city’s aristocratic elite had acted quickly and ruthlessly. Nobody could have predicted what happened next.
>elation. It was the eve of the one-hundredth anniversary of Numar’s war of independence against the Kingdom of Rolanti. Banners flew from every window in the city and joyous words sprung from a multitude of mouths. Numar had grown fabulously wealthy and her technologically impressive military had ensured that she was afforded proper respect by other nations. However, these positive trappings hid the actions of sinister agents, the plots of ambitious men and the dreams radical dissidents.
>despair. Untold thousands had been lost during the Cataclysm, entire sections of the city which had stood for hundreds of years were reduced to nothing but rubble. Yet this disaster did not defeat the city, that dubious honour belonged to the horde of hostile states surrounding the once grand Free City. Envious of her wealth and desperate to rebuild their own nations following the Cataclysm, they pounced like starving hyenas diving for a fresh corpse. The war was devastating for both sides, but week by week, Numar’s Combined Defence Forces were pushed back. Desperate to escape the losing war, the city’s nobility rallied around an impossible idea. Two months later, the Grand Numar Liner, a city on the ocean, set sail - reducing the remnants of the city to slag with her mighty guns as she departed.

>>1919268
>elation. It was the eve of the one-hundredth anniversary of Numar’s war of independence against the Kingdom of Rolanti. Banners flew from every window in the city and joyous words sprung from a multitude of mouths. Numar had grown fabulously wealthy and her technologically impressive military had ensured that she was afforded proper respect by other nations. However, these positive trappings hid the actions of sinister agents, the plots of ambitious men and the dreams radical dissidents.

>elation. It was the eve of the one-hundredth anniversary of Numar’s war of independence against the Kingdom of Rolanti. Banners flew from every window in the city and joyous words sprung from a multitude of mouths. Numar had grown fabulously wealthy and her technologically impressive military had ensured that she was afforded proper respect by other nations. However, these positive trappings hid the actions of sinister agents, the plots of ambitious men and the dreams radical dissidents.

>>1919276
>suspicion. A half dozen of the King’s Own men at arms had been found murdered and gruesomely mutilated. The city was already on edge with the substantial increase to the local garrison after rumours of forced conscription had led to widespread rioting by the lower classes. Desperate to prove their loyalty to the Crown after the tragic crime, the city’s aristocratic elite had acted quickly and ruthlessly. Nobody could have predicted what happened next.

>suspicion. A half dozen of the King’s Own men at arms had been found murdered and gruesomely mutilated. The city was already on edge with the substantial increase to the local garrison after rumours of forced conscription had led to widespread rioting by the lower classes. Desperate to prove their loyalty to the Crown after the tragic crime, the city’s aristocratic elite had acted quickly and ruthlessly. Nobody could have predicted what happened next.

>>1919354
>>1919365
>>1919372
>>1919461
(Love a good tie to start things off. I'd prefer not to settle the initial setting vote with a dice roll, but I shall if a consensus doesn't emerge soon)

>>1919268
>>suspicion. A half dozen of the King’s Own men at arms had been found murdered and gruesomely mutilated. The city was already on edge with the substantial increase to the local garrison after rumours of forced conscription had led to widespread rioting by the lower classes. Desperate to prove their loyalty to the Crown after the tragic crime, the city’s aristocratic elite had acted quickly and ruthlessly. Nobody could have predicted what happened next.

>>1919514
(Excellent tie-breaker. Calling it here for 'suspicion')

>Writing

File: A matter of class.png (117 KB, 392x287)

117 KB PNG

Free City of Numar – 384 years into the Second Age

The hinges of the door screeched with fury as you pushed it inwards – the sound causing you to grimace slightly. You had no idea why Connor and Lucas insisted upon providing this poor excuse for a drinking establishment with their patronage.

The rusty door was only the first of a laundry list of flaws with the pub, which you unfortunately remember as you proceed inside. Despite it being only slightly past midday, the interior of the bar was dark and almost sinister. The windows were caked in layers of soot and grime so thick that they blocked the vast majority of the admittedly weak sunlight.

Inside was an uninspiring assortment of chairs, tables and wooden booths. Each bore a host of nicks and scratches which showed their age.

While the bar was in poor condition, you would admit that the upbeat and rowdy nature of the regular cliental usually created an exciting atmosphere.

Unfortunately it seems that the recent events which had the entire city on edge had soured the mood here as well.

As you walked towards the unattended bar you noticed the conspicuous absence of sound. Men who would be boasting about their recent gambling winnings or bemoaning their wife’s spending habits – seem to have been reduced to hushed conversations or even silence.

Out of the corner of your eye you noticed a few of them tracking your progress towards the bar. ‘Maybe this wasn’t the best idea given what’s been happening’ you thought to yourself.

Before you could reflect more deeply on your potentially poor choice you spotted Connor in the wooden booth furthest from the bar. He was half-heartedly waving, beckoning you over to the table.

“Here, already got you something” he said, placing the drink in front of you as you sat down.

You…
>took a small sip of scotch from the surprisingly clean glass. [Member of the upper class]
>pushed the mug of beer to the slide. Connor evidently forgot again that you don’t drink during the day. [Member of the middle class]
>hefted the dirty mug of beer and drained about a fourth of its contents in one go. [Member of the lower class]

>>1919736
>>pushed the mug of beer to the slide. Connor evidently forgot again that you don’t drink during the day. [Member of the middle class]

>>1919736
>hefted the dirty mug of beer and drained about a fourth of its contents in one go. [Member of the lower class]

>>1919736
>pushed the mug of beer to the slide. Connor evidently forgot again that you don’t drink during the day. [Member of the middle class]

>>1919762
>>1919854
>Member of the middle class

>Writing

>You pushed the mug of beer to the slide. Connor evidently forgot again that you don’t drink during the day.

“What’s the matter?” Asked Connor, “Its Brixlow’s Best – you’re favourite.”

“Have you heard?” Lucas asked in a hushed tone, ignoring the Connor’s earlier question.

“About the murders?” You replied slightly perplexed, but in the same tone. “Of course I have. Listen, if all you wanted was to…”

“No,” interrupted Lucas forcefully, yet without raising his voice, “about the arrests.”

Your eyebrows shot up in surprise and you had to resist the urge to glance around the room. It would have been a futile move; you could hardly uncover one of the King’s agent’s just by looking at them.

Taking your silence as evidence that this knowledge was new to you, Lucas continued, “My parents told us last night. Apparently my father knows someone in the Upper Tier shipyards who is well connected. The King’s Own raided the Winsher House compound in the early hours of the morning, the whole household was arrested.”

“But that doesn’t make any sense,” you said slowly, shaking your head slightly. “The Winsher’s are a minor maritime merchant house. Their focus is on canning fish, not…whatever those murders were.”

Connor nodded, “Exactly what I said when Lucas told me.”

“Did your father say what compelled the Lord Governor to make these arrests?” You ask, trying to make sense of what was happening. “According to the papers, the bodies were found only a few days ago – surely that’s not enough time to conduct a full investigation.”

“No, he didn’t,” Lucas answered. “If he knows more about the situation, he is keeping it to himself.”

“But I agree that the timing is strange,” said Lucas, pausing before the end of the sentence as he searched for the appropriate word.

You leaned back against the hard wood of the booth, trying to process what you had just been told. Your hand extends to the untouched mug of beer, but you reconsider at the last moment and opt to simply place your hands on the table.

Leaning towards your two friends, you lower your voice. “So, something untoward may be taking place, but how does this impact us? There is no love lost between my family and the Winshers, and I know that neither of your families have any commercial dealings with them.”

“Well that’s exactly it,” pipes up Connor unexpectedly. The Winshers are, jokes aside, small fish. Large enough to own a commercial station in the Mids, small enough that their disappearance will not be felt by the wider market after a week or two. If you wanted to remove a cog without harming the machine, you’ve found it.”

>>1920185
“I would wager that you could find people to say that about any of our Houses,” said Lucas softly, as he looked out across the bar. “If they can do this to the Winshers, they can do it to any of us.”

The thought of spending the rest of your days in a damp, dark cell crept into your mind as Lucas finished speaking.

“Surely you must have discussed this with your father, what did he say?” You ask.

You noticed Lucas’s eyes narrow slightly as you finished your question. “His pride clouds his judgement. He believes us too indispensable to the city’s internal economy to be removed in such a fashion, and I’d wager both of your father’s would feel similarly.”

You nod your head slightly along with Connor. Like the three of you, your fathers are all childhood friends and are similar in intellect and temperament.

“We’ll need to act then, as if we don’t change then we all remain vulnerable, as the Winshers were,” you state clearly, if quietly.

“Agreed,” your two friends reply in unison.

“Good to hear. Now we each have our strengths. Personally I think mine are…”
>…my physical strength [Primarily used for tasks requiring significant physical exertion, e.g. melee combat]
>…my resilience [Primarily used for tasks which require prolonged physical activity (e.g. marathon) or actions in disadvantageous circumstances (e.g. swimming while sick)]
>…my agility [Primarily used for tasks which require quick action (e.g. evasion) or nimbleness (e.g. sneaking)]
>…my mind [Primarily used for tasks which require creative thought (e.g. invention), memorisation (e.g. learning a new language) or magical affinity (e.g. calling upon the energies of the Bright Plane)]
>…my presence [Primarily used for tasks which involve determining a person’s motives, as well as attempting to sway opinions (e.g. diplomacy / haggling)]
>…my senses [Primarily used for tasks which require an attention to detail (e.g. detect vital clues or traps), as well as precision (e.g ranged attacks)]

(Pick three, these will become 60/100 attributes; the remainder are 40/100.)
(Dice - Roll under system using best of three d100, with positive or negative crits taking precedence. Rolls outside the first 3 will be disregarded)

>>1919736
>hefted the dirty mug of beer and drained about a fourth of its contents in one go. [Member of the lower class]

Down with the bourgeoisie

>>1920191
>>…my mind [Primarily used for tasks which require creative thought (e.g. invention), memorisation (e.g. learning a new language) or magical affinity (e.g. calling upon the energies of the Bright Plane)]
>…my senses [Primarily used for tasks which require an attention to detail (e.g. detect vital clues or traps), as well as precision (e.g ranged attacks)]
>…my agility [Primarily used for tasks which require quick action (e.g. evasion) or nimbleness (e.g. sneaking)]

>>1920191
>…my agility [Primarily used for tasks which require quick action (e.g. evasion) or nimbleness (e.g. sneaking)]
>…my presence [Primarily used for tasks which involve determining a person’s motives, as well as attempting to sway opinions (e.g. diplomacy / haggling)]
>…my senses [Primarily used for tasks which require an attention to detail (e.g. detect vital clues or traps), as well as precision (e.g ranged attacks)]

>>1920191
>>…my mind [Primarily used for tasks which require creative thought (e.g. invention), memorisation (e.g. learning a new language) or magical affinity (e.g. calling upon the energies of the Bright Plane)]

>…my physical strength [Primarily used for tasks requiring significant physical exertion, e.g. melee combat]

>…my resilience [Primarily used for tasks which require prolonged physical activity (e.g. marathon) or actions in disadvantageous circumstances (e.g. swimming while sick)]

>>1920191
>…my agility [Primarily used for tasks which require quick action (e.g. evasion) or nimbleness (e.g. sneaking)]
>…my mind [Primarily used for tasks which require creative thought (e.g. invention), memorisation (e.g. learning a new language) or magical affinity (e.g. calling upon the energies of the Bright Plane)]
>…my senses [Primarily used for tasks which require an attention to detail (e.g. detect vital clues or traps), as well as precision (e.g ranged attacks)]

>>1920212
>>1920228
>>1920243
>>1920256
>>…my mind
>…my senses
>…my agility
These each have three - so let's go with that.

>Writing

>>1920379
So we're a young Not!Sherlock?

>…my mind
>…my senses
>…my agility

“With these, along with your business acumen Connor and your way with words Lucas, I daresay that we make a fearsome trio,” you say with a small laugh, which your friends join.

“Should we name our little group,” asks Lucas with a wide grin. “You’ll want us to sit down for a sketcher next so we can plaster posters all around the Mids Publica,” Lucas quickly interjects, his tone jovial.

“Me? Engage in such base self-promotion? Never!” Retorts Connor in a mock serious tone, before quickly reaching for his nearly empty mug of beer in a forgone attempt to hide his cheeky smile. ‘Connor never was a good liar, he wears his emotions too openly on his sleeve’ you think to yourself as you stifle your own laughter.

Reaching into your jacket pocket, you fished out a small copper pocket watch. A novel piece of engineering, the device not only displayed the time, but the date and ambient temperature as well. Quickly glancing down at the glass covered face of the watch, you were dismayed to see that it was nearly 1:30 in the afternoon. You had promised your father that you’d return to the House’s commercial station near the Mids Publica before 2:30, so you didn’t have any time to waste.

“Okay then,” you said in an attempt to realign the course of the course of the conversation as both Lucas and Connor placed their now empty beer mugs on the table. “I have to leave shortly, but let us quickly decide on what immediate steps we want to take.”

Your two friends look at each other, before looking back at you. “Well I was thinking that we should use the Winsher’s removal from the market to our advantage. The news of their arrest hasn’t become public knowledge yet, but when it does there will be a spike in the price of canned foods, specifically fish. If our Houses, or failing that, us personally buy up some available stock now, we could sell it for quite a tidy sum in a week or so,” explains Connor.

Lucas shakes his head as he hears Connor speak, “Given the volatile climate at the moment, odd moves are going to be heavily scrutinised. Why would we or our Houses suddenly buy up canned food stock – it raises too many questions.”

Connor moves to rebut his point, but Lucas holds up his hand to indicate that he isn’t finished. “I know, I called this meeting so that we can start acting more aggressively to better our Houses. However, now isn’t the right time for risky moves – we need to let the dust settle first.”

The two men look at you expectantly. “Well…
>Now is the time for bold moves [Ambitious]
>We can’t afford undue scrutiny when things are so chaotic [Cautious]
>We have an obligation to the Houses about to be caught in the fallout [Compassion]
>For us to rise, others will have to fall [Ruthless]
>Write-In

>>1920394
Perhaps, with a dash of mercantile politics and magic thrown in there.

>>1920620
>Now is the time for bold moves [Ambitious]

>>1920620
>We can’t afford undue scrutiny when things are so chaotic [Cautious]

>>1920620
>Now is the time for bold moves [Ambitious]

>>1920680
>>1920826
>Now is the time for bold moves [Ambitious]
Taking the risk ay.

>Writing

(Narrative Directions - Your social class has a set of four narrative directions for social interactions, as well as the ‘Write-In’ option. These directions represent your broad thoughts, rather than exact dialogue)

>Now is the time for bold moves [Ambitious]

“Tenacity and intelligence have helped raise our Houses to this level, but if we’re going to advance further we’re going to need to take risks. I will talk to my father this afternoon about investing in available canned food stock. I can frame it as a potential diversification opportunity for us,” you say more confidently than you feel.

“I’m not saying that we shouldn’t take risks, they should just be measured risks,” states Lucas. “Though I can see that the wind is against me here, so I will also talk to my father about this opportunity. Hopefully we can all simply leverage our House funds instead of drawing into our personal reserves – I imagine that we’ll need that money in the days to come.”

“It is settled then,” says Connor, flashing one of his wide smiles.

“Indeed, and with that, I bid you both good day,” you say, standing up from the booth.

“You didn’t even take a sip of your beer,” complains Connor as he and Lucas follow your lead.

Not willing to waste time explaining your stance on drinking during work hours to Connor for what must be close to the hundredth time, you merely shrug your shoulders.

“Well the round is on you then next week,” he says with a laugh as you walk towards the exit. “I was thinking that you should both come over for dinner next week instead. We should vary our routine a bit, just in case,” you reply, while thinking that it also provides an excellent opportunity to avoid the entire drinks at lunch line of conversation.

“That’s a fair point,” states Lucas, while Connor merely nods his agreement.

“Excellent. Wednesday night at our compound.”

(1/2)

>>1920985
You pause at the door and reach into the leather satchel which was hanging by your left side leisurely. Taking out the Vitalizing Gorgon Mask – a fancy product name for what amounted to a set of valves and tubes connected to a metal and glass shield around your face – you quickly affixed it to your head. You adjusted to straps deftly, many years of experience guiding the small movements.

Wearing the mask was not strictly necessary in the lower Mids and in your haste you’d forgotten to use it after leaving the Lower Mids Grand Staircase Terminal. However, the Citizen’s Board of Health advised in favour of using it when not in the Upper Tier – and you were inclined to agree. The device completely eliminated the chance of contracting rust lung, and the fact that it removed some of the metallic taste and acidic smell from the air were welcome bonuses.

With your mask firmly attached, you proceeded out of the dingy bar and into the smoggy haze of the mid-afternoon. You turned right and began to walk in the direction of the Grand Staircase Terminal.


“See you next Wednesday,” you heard Lucas muffle through his mask.

Turning your head over your right shoulder, you gave your two mask-wearing friends a quick wave before proceeding off on a brisk pace.

(2/3)

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>>1921050
Roughly fifteen minutes later you had arrived at the outskirts of the Terminal and were greeted with a common scene - one of organised chaos, of a multitude of men, wagons, trade stalls and even some whirring mechanical haulers.

The Grand Staircase was Numar main artery – the conduit through which men, materials and trade goods flowed up and down the vertical city. In the space of a single day, carters may traverse the staircase dozens of times – from the sprawling maritime docks and industrial factories at Numar’s base, to the gilded houses and palatial gardens of the Upper Tier.

Seeking to make up time, you quickly proceeded to one of the embarkation points. The vast majority of space on the staircase was taken up by large cargo stacks. While passenger-only stacks did exist, the limited available space meant that travel came at quite a hefty price. ‘Maybe that’s why private airships are so popular with the nobility’ you mused.

Fetching your pre-paid return ticket from your wallet, you attached yourself to the end of a medium sized queue.

After twenty minutes of waiting the queue had hardly moved. ‘What is bloody taking so long’ you fumed.

The reason for the delay was soon readily apparent. A squad of the King’s Own, looking striking in their deep blue and silver uniforms whilst armed with bayonet tipped muskets, were individually checking all boarding passengers.

“Have your identification documents ready for inspection,” bellowed one of the soldiers.

You were soon at the front of the line, your ticket and House identification crest in your right hand.

The soldier nearest to you, a lean man with hard eyes who you’d gauge to be in his early thirties held out hand expectantly.

Passing him the two documents he quickly scanned them. “Travelling back to the Mids are we today Mr…
>Hackett, William Hacket
> Bek, Varden Bek
> Sohvos, Logan Sohvos
> Dalton, Arnold Dalton
>Write In

(3/3)

>>1921054
>> Sohvos, Logan Sohvos

>>1921054
> McEwin, Duncan McEwin

>>1921054
>>1921057
oops wrong post, meant
> Bek, Varden Bek

>>1921054
>Dalton, Arnold Dalton

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>>1921054
> Dalton, Arnold Dalton

I refuse to let this opportunity slip

>>1921054
> Bek, Varden Bek

Arnold Dalton

...preferably going by the surname.

>>1921054
>Hackett, William Hacket

No one else voted for it, but I like it.

>>1921054
>Hackett, William Hacket

> Dalton, Arnold Dalton

>>1921116
>>1921281
>>1921287
>>1921322
> Dalton, Arnold Dalton

(Calling the vote here - this will be the last update for today)

>Writing

>Dalton, Arnold Dalton

“Yes,” you said, before pausing.

The soldier looked at you expectantly, but it was several more seconds before you caught onto his cue to continue.

“I am returning to my House’s commercial station there. I had a personal matter to attend to here in the Lower Mids and I was allowed to take some time to see to it,” you said to the solider in a matter of fact tone. You had found in life that when faced with a difficult situation in which you cannot tell the whole truth – try and incorporate as much truth as possible.

“Uh huh,” replied the solider as he looked down, presumably to re-read your notes.

None of these soldiers have masks on, you noticed idly as you waited for the man to either let you pass or ask you additional questions. ‘I wonder if the Royal Army does not consider the pollutants in the Lower Mids significant enough to warrant issuing the masks,’ you thought to yourself. ‘Or perhaps they simply lack the funds to purchase the equipment given the ongoing war in the north.’

“Okay sir,” the soldier said, brushing over the sir as quickly as possible. “Everything checks out here, you are cleared to proceed up to the Mids.”

‘About time,’ you thought to yourself as you thanked the solider, collected your documents and proceeded into the interior of the stack.

---

You located and boarded the right tram car without any further incident.

As the mechanical doors slid closed, a series of metallic groans and clicks confirmed that your ascent had begun. Behind these loud, continuous sounds your keen ear was able to hear the whooshing noise associated with a large Vitalizing Purifier.

Confident that the air within the enclosed tram cabin was being properly filtered, you removed your mask and placed it back within your satchel. While you had long ago gotten used to the feeling of the mask upon your head, it was always a small relief when you removed it. Discarding it allowed you to see the world clearly with your own eyes – a feeling which you cherished. It was why you had opted to pay the ridiculously inflated cost of a sealed tram after all.

In a stroke of good luck, you had managed to snag a window seat. While the journey between the Mid Tiers was not exceptionally long, you always took the chance to gaze out across the lands which comprised the great free city.

To the East, on the other side of the tram, was Felcrest Bay. It was said that the water within the Bay was permanently stained grey due to the years of industrial advancement. However, you often found it difficult to see significant patches of water anyway, as the Bay was continuously filled. Ships of all sizes and flags made port at the great free city, many bringing new souls hopeful for a life beyond feudal drudgery and war; and many more leaving the city with holds filled to the brim with trade goods.

(1/2)

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>>1921408
To the West, and to your precise left, lay the Ring of Fire. While it’s official designation was the Outer Industrial Ring, few outside of bureaucrats and accountants used that term. Stretching for kilometres inland, the area was filled with towering tenements and gigantic industrial yards. The true origin of the area’s name was lost to the passage of the time, but from this vantage point is was clear how the author was inspired. Hundreds of tall brick stacks belched smoke and flames into the air, while the fires from gargantuan forges could be mistaken for being miniature suns. While the nobles in the Upper Tier imagined themselves the heart of Numar, its true heart lay within the Ring of Fire.

As the tram car continued to ascend, more and more of the all-pervasive smog fell away.

It was in this moment of increasing clarity that you thought of what lay ahead for you, and House Dalton. Growth was vital, but this would be quite difficult. Especially given that the main trade good of your House is…
>raw materials. By focusing on a broad base of foodstuffs, metals, timbers and non-previous stones, your House is rendered practically immune to the whims of the market – as these goods will always be in demand, somewhere. The downside to such a situation is that others are able to reap nature’s bounty just as easily as you, so expanding your operations and increasing prices are both difficult. Furthermore, while the nobility own all of the land within the territory of the free city, they hold no great love for those who work it – leaving your House with few political connections.

>manufactured goods. To merely work the land is to just repeat what our ancestors have done for countless generations. No, your House has embraced the future – one of metal and steam. The industrial yards which you operate within the Ring of Fire devour raw materials and the labour of men, and in return they provide goods essential for the continued operation of modern society. The vast bulk of Mercantile Houses within Numar are focused on this area, resulting in intense competition for supplies and customers. In spite of this, good times often bring about great opportunities for either significant financial gain or political advancement.

>services. While tilling the earth or fuelling a furnace are different actions, they are equally crude. Your House has recently sold a significant number of its assets to move into the small, but rapidly growing ranks of Houses who employ men of great learning in order to better cater to the needs of society’s betters - educators, inventors, doctors and men of the law, to name but a few. Success or failure in this business is tied greatly to not only the whims of the market, but on the ability to cultivate and preserve relationships. Despite this great risk, there are obvious advantages in being such close proximity of learned and political powerful individuals.

(2/2)

>>1921409
>manufactured goods. To merely work the land is to just repeat what our ancestors have done for countless generations. No, your House has embraced the future – one of metal and steam. The industrial yards which you operate within the Ring of Fire devour raw materials and the labour of men, and in return they provide goods essential for the continued operation of modern society. The vast bulk of Mercantile Houses within Numar are focused on this area, resulting in intense competition for supplies and customers. In spite of this, good times often bring about great opportunities for either significant financial gain or political advancement.

>>1921409
>>services. While tilling the earth or fuelling a furnace are different actions, they are equally crude. Your House has recently sold a significant number of its assets to move into the small, but rapidly growing ranks of Houses who employ men of great learning in order to better cater to the needs of society’s betters - educators, inventors, doctors and men of the law, to name but a few. Success or failure in this business is tied greatly to not only the whims of the market, but on the ability to cultivate and preserve relationships. Despite this great risk, there are obvious advantages in being such close proximity of learned and political powerful individuals.

>>1921409
>services. While tilling the earth or fuelling a furnace are different actions, they are equally crude. Your House has recently sold a significant number of its assets to move into the small, but rapidly growing ranks of Houses who employ men of great learning in order to better cater to the needs of society’s betters - educators, inventors, doctors and men of the law, to name but a few. Success or failure in this business is tied greatly to not only the whims of the market, but on the ability to cultivate and preserve relationships. Despite this great risk, there are obvious advantages in being such close proximity of learned and political powerful individuals.

(2/2)

>>1921409
>manufactured goods. To merely work the land is to just repeat what our ancestors have done for countless generations. No, your House has embraced the future – one of metal and steam. The industrial yards which you operate within the Ring of Fire devour raw materials and the labour of men, and in return they provide goods essential for the continued operation of modern society. The vast bulk of Mercantile Houses within Numar are focused on this area, resulting in intense competition for supplies and customers. In spite of this, good times often bring about great opportunities for either significant financial gain or political advancement.

no offense but fatguys are retarded when it comes to politics and interpersonal relationships. Services is a fucking landmine

>>1921409

>manufactured goods. To merely work the land is to just repeat what our ancestors have done for countless generations. No, your House has embraced the future – one of metal and steam. The industrial yards which you operate within the Ring of Fire devour raw materials and the labour of men, and in return they provide goods essential for the continued operation of modern society. The vast bulk of Mercantile Houses within Numar are focused on this area, resulting in intense competition for supplies and customers. In spite of this, good times often bring about great opportunities for either significant financial gain or political advancement.

>>1921409
>manufactured goods. To merely work the land is to just repeat what our ancestors have done for countless generations. No, your House has embraced the future – one of metal and steam. The industrial yards which you operate within the Ring of Fire devour raw materials and the labour of men, and in return they provide goods essential for the continued operation of modern society. The vast bulk of Mercantile Houses within Numar are focused on this area, resulting in intense competition for supplies and customers. In spite of this, good times often bring about great opportunities for either significant financial gain or political advancement.

We invested in the intelligence stat, let's go into the business where we can produce our inventions.

>>1921054
>>Hackett, William Hacket

>>1921409
>>manufactured goods. To merely work the land is to just repeat what our ancestors have done for countless generations. No, your House has embraced the future – one of metal and steam. The industrial yards which you operate within the Ring of Fire devour raw materials and the labour of men, and in return they provide goods essential for the continued operation of modern society. The vast bulk of Mercantile Houses within Numar are focused on this area, resulting in intense competition for supplies and customers. In spite of this, good times often bring about great opportunities for either significant financial gain or political advancement.

>>1921409
>>manufactured goods. To merely work the land is to just repeat what our ancestors have done for countless generations. No, your House has embraced the future – one of metal and steam. The industrial yards which you operate within the Ring of Fire devour raw materials and the labour of men, and in return they provide goods essential for the continued operation of modern society. The vast bulk of Mercantile Houses within Numar are focused on this area, resulting in intense competition for supplies and customers. In spite of this, good times often bring about great opportunities for either significant financial gain or political advancement.

>>1921421
>>1921455
>>1921457
>>1921475
>>1921518
>>1923659
>manufactured goods.
(Wins 6 - 2)

(Now to decide what kind of goods your House actually creates)

>components. Your House and others like it form the foundation of modern industry in Numar. Multiple shifts of workers toil around the clock to reduce natural materials down to a purer form. From this blank slate, all of the building blocks which support the chain of industry are created – iron sheets, copper tubing, steel girders, brass bars and silver ingots. These pieces are then sold to other local producers or exported abroad. [House Dalton holdings = 1 x Large Industrial Yard, 1 x Large Smelter]

>common products. Your House is but one small cog inside Numar’s principal engine of economic growth. Row upon row of dour faced men, women and children attend to complicated assembly machinery. The end result of this exhausting process are the fruits of modern society – fabric, armaments, clothing, glassware and paper to name but a few. Fresh of the factory floor, these goods are immediately carted off to be sold to local citizens and foreigners around the globe. [House Dalton holdings = 1 x Medium Industrial Yard, 1 x Large Employee Tenement]

>intricate products. Your House is part of the upper echelon of industrial society. Whilst others toil to produce enough goods to satisfy the masses, you have elected to move beyond the mere act of fabrication, focusing instead on creating implements of incredible precision and complexity. While the often wide range of inputs continually presents a logistical challenge, the final products – be it mechanical automatons, factory components or steam engines - are always spectacular. To cope with the difficult and demanding nature of the work, your factories are staffed with skilled craftsmen with years of experience. [House Dalton holdings = 1 x Very Small Industrial Yard, 1 x Small Smelter]

>magi-tech products. (Category unlocked - mind attribute above 50) Your House is part of an elite few who have received an official Writ of Fabrication from the Royal Celestial Council. As a result of this, you operate in a strange parallel world to the rest of industrial society. Drawing upon a sometimes bewildering array of required precursor elements, your small cadre of learned technicians and engineers move beyond the realm of the scientifically possible. The fluid nature of magical energies often results in projects which are completely unique. The successful completion of a project is often a case of continuous experimentation, as opposed to the strict adherence to a set of standards or procedures. [House Dalton holdings = 1 x Medium Workshop, 1 x Very Small Smelter]

>magi-technology

We can spec into it because of our bumped int, so why not?

Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>1925322
>magi-tech products. (Category unlocked - mind attribute above 50) Your House is part of an elite few who have received an official Writ of Fabrication from the Royal Celestial Council. As a result of this, you operate in a strange parallel world to the rest of industrial society. Drawing upon a sometimes bewildering array of required precursor elements, your small cadre of learned technicians and engineers move beyond the realm of the scientifically possible. The fluid nature of magical energies often results in projects which are completely unique. The successful completion of a project is often a case of continuous experimentation, as opposed to the strict adherence to a set of standards or procedures. [House Dalton holdings = 1 x Medium Workshop, 1 x Very Small Smelter]

>>1925322
magi-tech products. (Category unlocked - mind attribute above 50) Your House is part of an elite few who have received an official Writ of Fabrication from the Royal Celestial Council. As a result of this, you operate in a strange parallel world to the rest of industrial society. Drawing upon a sometimes bewildering array of required precursor elements, your small cadre of learned technicians and engineers move beyond the realm of the scientifically possible. The fluid nature of magical energies often results in projects which are completely unique. The successful completion of a project is often a case of continuous experimentation, as opposed to the strict adherence to a set of standards or procedures. [House Dalton holdings = 1 x Medium Workshop, 1 x Very Small Smelter]

>>1925322
>>magi-tech products. (Category unlocked - mind attribute above 50) Your House is part of an elite few who have received an official Writ of Fabrication from the Royal Celestial Council. As a result of this, you operate in a strange parallel world to the rest of industrial society. Drawing upon a sometimes bewildering array of required precursor elements, your small cadre of learned technicians and engineers move beyond the realm of the scientifically possible. The fluid nature of magical energies often results in projects which are completely unique. The successful completion of a project is often a case of continuous experimentation, as opposed to the strict adherence to a set of standards or procedures. [House Dalton holdings = 1 x Medium Workshop, 1 x Very Small Smelter]

>>1925322
>>magi-tech products

>>1925322
>>magi-tech products. (Category unlocked - mind attribute above 50) Your House is part of an elite few who have received an official Writ of Fabrication from the Royal Celestial Council. As a result of this, you operate in a strange parallel world to the rest of industrial society. Drawing upon a sometimes bewildering array of required precursor elements, your small cadre of learned technicians and engineers move beyond the realm of the scientifically possible. The fluid nature of magical energies often results in projects which are completely unique. The successful completion of a project is often a case of continuous experimentation, as opposed to the strict adherence to a set of standards or procedures. [House Dalton holdings = 1 x Medium Workshop, 1 x Very Small Smelter]

>>1925322

>magi-tech products. (Category unlocked - mind attribute above 50) Your House is part of an elite few who have received an official Writ of Fabrication from the Royal Celestial Council. As a result of this, you operate in a strange parallel world to the rest of industrial society. Drawing upon a sometimes bewildering array of required precursor elements, your small cadre of learned technicians and engineers move beyond the realm of the scientifically possible. The fluid nature of magical energies often results in projects which are completely unique. The successful completion of a project is often a case of continuous experimentation, as opposed to the strict adherence to a set of standards or procedures. [House Dalton holdings = 1 x Medium Workshop, 1 x Very Small Smelter]

>>1925322
>>common products. Your House is but one small cog inside Numar’s principal engine of economic growth. Row upon row of dour faced men, women and children attend to complicated assembly machinery. The end result of this exhausting process are the fruits of modern society – fabric, armaments, clothing, glassware and paper to name but a few. Fresh of the factory floor, these goods are immediately carted off to be sold to local citizens and foreigners around the globe. [House Dalton holdings = 1 x Medium Industrial Yard, 1 x Large Employee Tenement]

>>1925322
>>magi-tech products. (Category unlocked - mind attribute above 50) Your House is part of an elite few who have received an official Writ of Fabrication from the Royal Celestial Council. As a result of this, you operate in a strange parallel world to the rest of industrial society. Drawing upon a sometimes bewildering array of required precursor elements, your small cadre of learned technicians and engineers move beyond the realm of the scientifically possible. The fluid nature of magical energies often results in projects which are completely unique. The successful completion of a project is often a case of continuous experimentation, as opposed to the strict adherence to a set of standards or procedures. [House Dalton holdings = 1 x Medium Workshop, 1 x Very Small Smelter]

>>1926267
>>1926139
>>1925527
>>1925520
>>1925460
>>1925430
>>1925367
>>1925340
>>1925330
>magi-tech products.
(8-1)

(I'm not that surprised - it is the 'interesting' rather than 'easy' path. On a different note, apologies for the sporadic updates, work is kicking my ass at the moment)

>Writing

>magi-tech products.

While your House was blessed to be one of only a handful to possess an official Writ of Fabrication from the Royal Celestial Council, the strange nature of the magi-tech market presented a number of unique challenges. The largest customer for all magi-tech Mercantile Houses was the Crown. While the precise customer often changed - His Majesty’s Royal Armed Forces, the Royal Court, the Celestial Council - the money to fund each project all came from the same place, the Treasury. Every piece of work for the Crown was a unique commission, with requirements and terms laid out in an iron-clad contract that typically included a strict clause prohibiting replication. While these jobs brought in a significant amount of revenue, they were spread out equally amongst all Houses to promote competition.

Outside of major contract work, your House had a set of ‘standard’ wares that were developed for wealthy, discerning gentlemen. However, over the counter purchases were legally restricted to members of Numar’s aristocratic elite. All other interested parties, from foreign governments to less privileged local citizens, had to obtain a purchase permit from the Celestial Council’s local representative.

Officially this rule was enforced to ensure that hostile foreign entities and local subversive elements were prevented from obtaining some of Numar’s most advanced and powerful technology. However in private, many of your compatriots believed that this was merely another excuse by the city’s eternally jealous nobility – a school of thought to which you also ascribed.

Your line of through was abruptly broken when the jolted to a stop.

As a child, the shocking sensation had often caused you to panic, your mind serving up a series of horrifying scenes in which the tram would decouple from the guiding rail before rapidly falling to the ground below.

As an adult of some twenty years, the sensation merely caused annoyance, serving as a reminder as a reminder that the brakes on the 13th Line had not been repaired yet.

Having reached the Mids Grand Staircase Terminal, you promptly departed the tram and sought out the closest exit, not bothering to affix your mask. The air at this altitude lacked the metallic harshness of the lower levels of the city, though that was not to say that it was pristine by any stretch of the imagination.

As you neared the main exit portal, you reached into jacket pocket for your ticket and House identification crest. Given their presence at the Lower Mids Terminal, you gauged it likely that the King’s Own were at in force here as well. As you did so, something caught your eye…

>Sense check [Success = 60 ; Great Success = 25]
Bo3 d100 – rolling under

Rolled 58 (1d100)

>>1927942
boy oh boy

prepare for failure

Rolled 40 (1d100)

>>1927942

Rolled 99 (1d100)

>>1927942

Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>1927942

>>1928079
>>1928070
>>1928061
>Sense check [Success = 60 ; Great Success = 25]
>40

(Success it is)

>>1928079
That was a close call anon

>Sense check [Success = 60 ; Great Success = 25]
>40

Running around the perimeter of the exit portal was a thick strip of flat iron. While this feature was typical unremarkable, a strange change had captured your attention. It seems that someone had cleaned and polished the surface of the metal skirting to a remarkable sheen – so much so that you could almost call it a mirror. The reason behind this change escaped you, but that was not your biggest concern.

In the mirrored surface, you spotted a recognizable face. It belonged to a man who had been sitting at one of the other wooden booths back at the bar. At the time, you hadn’t given his appearance much attention. One thing had stuck with you though – the short scar on his left cheek. It was this distinguishing feature which caught your eye.

The man, who you guessed was in his late fifties, was dressed quite conservatively in black and grey pinstriped pants, a large grey overcoat and a worn grey bowler hat. It was an older fashion style, but it was not uncommon in the large, relatively well-to-do crowd at the Mids Terminal.

In stark contrast to his clothing, the man’s demeanour set him far apart from the mass of bustling passengers. His face was cold and firm, but his eyes continued to dart around the room endlessly, betraying his feelings of concern. His hands were hidden in the pockets of his overcoat, but you did not see the small bulge typically associated with a concealed pistol or blade.

(1/2)

>>1929736
You were both in the same queue, separated by roughly eight other passengers – six men and two women.

[i]‘What is he doing here’[/i], you though as panic started to creep into your mind. [i]‘I didn’t see him leave the bar or enter the tram, yet here he is, standing right behind me'[/i]

[i]Is he following me – did he overhear my conversation with Lucas and Connor?’[/i]

[i]‘What if he is a member of the King’s secret police?’[/i] You thought as you pictured the Winshers being dragged out of their compound in the early hours of the morning.

You mind continued to race, [i]‘I’m completely defenceless, I left my pistol at the commercial station like a bloody idiot. If he attacks me right here I’m a dead man’[/i]

While internally your mind was a mess of conflicting thoughts, on the outside you projected a mask of casual indifference.

You shuffled forward in the queue. Only two passengers stood between you and the improvised military checkpoint. If you were going to act, it would have to be now.

You decided to…
>Wait outside the checkpoint – perhaps he wasn’t following you at all, you’d soon find out
>Proceed to the commercial station immediately – given the current political climate this represented a threat which you could ill afford
>Cause a distraction – you could slip away in the confusion without being spotted
>Lie to the soldiers – if you could convince them that the man was a threat to the city they’d take care of the problem for you
>Blend into the crowd – with some luck the hunter could soon become the hunter
>Write-In

(2/2)

>>1929743
>>Wait outside the checkpoint – perhaps he wasn’t following you at all, you’d soon find out

>>1929743
>>Wait outside the checkpoint – perhaps he wasn’t following you at all, you’d soon find out

>>1929736
>Wait outside the checkpoint – perhaps he wasn’t following you at all, you’d soon find out

>>1929743
>Blend into the crowd – with some luck the hunter could soon become the hunter

>>1929743
Actually I'll switch my vote from >>1930492
to:>>1930500
>

>>1929743
>>Blend into the crowd – with some luck the hunter could soon become the hunter

>>1929743
>Blend into the crowd – with some luck the hunter could soon become the hunter

A pleasure to see a new quest that is well written and presents interesting choices!

>>1930580
>>1930546
>>1930540
>>1930500
>Blend into the crowd – with some luck the hunter could soon become the hunted
(Wins 4 -2)

>Dexterity check [Success = 60 ; Great Success = 15]

>>1930580
Thanks anon - glad to have you along for the ride.

Rolled 12 (1d100)

>>1930598

Rolled 59 (1d100)

>>1930603
wew, lad

Rolled 86 (1d100)

>>1930598

File: RollToEvade.gif (1.75 MB, 495x320)

1.75 MB GIF

>>1930603

File: 3754673546.jpg (23 KB, 558x268)

23 KB JPG

>Blend into the crowd – with some luck the hunter could soon become the hunted
>Dexterity check [Success = 60 ; Great Success = 15]
>12

After quietly taking several deep breaths, a sense of calm descended upon your mind. It is in this instant that you are struck by inspiration. You quickly formulate a plan, all while a small predatory smile slowly creeps across your face.

Within several minutes, the two men in front of you have finished being questioned and are allowed to proceed without incident.

Adopting the persona of a man far too important and far too busy to be held back by mere procedure, you immediately begin to walk through the checkpoint. Out of the corner of your eye you see one of the soldiers open his mouth to speak. Before he can begin, you quickly flash him both your ticket and House crest, without slowing your forward momentum.

A moment later, you were through the checkpoint – the absence of a heavy hand on your back or hurried shouting indicating that the soldiers had evidently decided that you were not a man to be trifled with. While you were unsure if your success was due to your brazen actions or the cloak of confidence which you had adopted, it ultimately did not matter – especially as you had larger matters to focus on.

You began to walk at a steady pace towards the outskirts of the Terminal – resisting the urge to look over your shoulder to observe the progress of the mysterious man. The question at this point was, what should your next action be. Fortunately for you, opportunity came knocking.

A horse-drawn carriage was heading your way after dropping some passengers off at one of the other stacks. Evidently the owner thought he was stylish as a ridiculous amount of brass piping had been added ontop of what was normally a basic enclosed wooden compartment.

‘How gaudy’, you thought, rolling your eyes. ‘At least one of us will be able to derive some practical benefit from these useless additions.’

You increased your pace slightly – you’d have to time this just right.

Everything seemed to happen in a blur. You stepped just beyond the carriage’s path before pausing. As you heard the horse pass by you, you quickly spun around and jumped towards the moving carriage. Mid-flight, your keen eye spotted a small gap between the pipes and the door. You aimed for this spot and shot out your hand – luckily latching on. You silently pulled your body towards the carriage, ensuring that the entire profile of your body was hidden. Adrenalin coursing through your body, you spared a quick glance at the carriage driver. The man was wholly focused on weaving the large carriage through the crowds – he was completely unaware that he’d just picked up a new passenger.

(1/2)

>>1930773
This impromptu journey only lasted several minutes before you casually jumped off behind a pile of empty wooden crates. You looked around quickly, but it seemed like nobody had taken notice of your little adventure. Placing your body against the wooden barricade, you slowly peaked to the right of the crates, in the direction of the Terminal.

You immediately spotted the man, who had just cleared the checkpoint.

As he walked forward, his head darted around frantically, the false expression of cold indifference now completely broken. The same predatory smile crept across your features, []i‘Looks like you were following me after all – but it’s not going as you planned, is it old man?’[/i]

The man seemed at a loss at what to do next – he hesitantly moved towards several different throngs of milling passengers. ‘Likely to ask if they have seen someone matching my description,’ you thought. But he stopped each time after a few uncertain steps.

Several minutes later, you saw him shake his head slightly and sigh. With a weary gait, he set off towards the Outer Circle of the Mids. ‘Time to get some answers,’ you thought.

Using the crowds and piles of trade goods as cover, you followed the man at a safe distance – not willing to surrender the initiative. He soon left the Terminal complex and proceeded down a small backstreet. ‘Must be a local,’ you reasoned. ‘An agent of the Crown would have proceeded to the Royal Barracks in the Publica to report his failure, and a hired hand would have simply boarded the next tram bound for the base of the city.’

As you both continued down the street, the number of other people slowly dwindled. If you did not act soon, you risked being discovered. With that knowledge in mind, you decided to…
>Continue your stealthy pursuit – with fewer people around, this would be challenging. But you trusted in your abilities
>Talk to the man – while you cannot recognize the face, it is unlikely that a man living in the Mids seeks to cause you physical harm
>Confront the man – who knows what he has heard or what his intentions are. It is best that you come at him from a position of strength
>Abandon your pursuit – it is probably well past 2:30 by this point. Father’s anger will grow exponentially for every additional minute you are late
>Write In

(2/2)

>>1930779
>>Confront the man – who knows what he has heard or what his intentions are. It is best that you come at him from a position of strength

>>1930779
>>Confront the man – who knows what he has heard or what his intentions are. It is best that you come at him from a position of strength

>>1930779
>Confront the man – who knows what he has heard or what his intentions are. It is best that you come at him from a position of strength

>>1930779
>Continue your stealthy pursuit – with fewer people around, this would be challenging. But you trusted in your abilities

>>1930788
>>1930789
>>1930797
>Confront the man – who knows what he has heard or what his intentions are. It is best that you come at him from a position of strength
(Wins 3 - 1)

>Presence check [Success = 70 ; 40 base + 30 situation modifier]

Rolled 64 (1d100)

>>1931446

Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>1931446

Rolled 63 (1d100)

>>1931446

Rolled 24 (1d100)

>>1931446

>>1931459
>>1931461
>>1931463
>Presence check [Success = 70 ; 40 base + 30 situation modifier]
>63

(Thank god for that situational bonus ay?)

>Writing

Rolled 54 (1d100)

>Confront the man – who knows what he has heard or what his intentions are. It is best that you come at him from a position of strength
>Presence check [Success = 70 ; 40 base + 30 situation modifier]
>63

Men can be called poor hunters for a myriad of reasons. Some act too eagerly, scaring away any potential prey. Some exhibit too much caution, missing their window to strike as they wait for the perfect conditions. Some successfully take the shot, but are poisoned by guilt when called upon to perform the final blow.

You were determined not be one of these men. You had poured too much time and effort into this endeavour to walk away empty handed.

You slowly closed the distance between yourself and the man, watching his movements carefully as you edged closer and closer. He had a purposeful stride which was only marred by a slight limp in his right leg. Given that he did not let this impediment seriously hinder his pace, you’d wager that it was an old injury to which he had long ago grown accustomed.

The man came to the end of the row of houses and turned right. ‘If he is not a local, he must know this area very well,’ you thought. ‘His sense of direction and unbroken momentum would suggest as much.’

This new street was the narrowest yet – two men standing shoulder to shoulder could completely block the laneway. Turning the corner yourself you quickly noticed that the street was completely devoid of people. Your window of opportunity was rapidly closing.

The element of surprise was on your side, but that was not enough. ‘If only I had my pistol,’ you fumed silently, cursing your unorganized nature. But then it dawned on you, perhaps you didn’t need an actual pistol.

Without making a sound, you opened up your satchel and withdrew a thick row of large, circular bronze coins, bound together by a roll of paper. You had originally intended to buy lunch with these but had missed the chance today due to your meeting with Lucas and Connor. With the same delicate touch, you closed your satchel, whilst retaining the row of coins in your right hand.

After several large strides, you were right behind the man. He gave no sign that he was aware of your presence in the slightest. ‘Now or never Arnold,’ you thought, psyching yourself up.

File: Mysterious man.jpg (14 KB, 236x314)

14 KB JPG

>>1932965
“Don’t move ya geezer,” you said gruffly, putting on your best base-born accent as you shoved the row of coins into his back. “If ya wanna make it back to ya missus tonight, you’ll do as I say – got it.”

The man stopped walking and let his hands fall to his sides. Then there was a pause, neither of you moved or spoke. Just as you opened your mouth to break this silence, the man replied. “Ah what a fucking annoying day. Son, have you ever had one of those days in which nothing seems to go right? He asked rhetorically, before continuing, “Well I’ve been having that same day for about thirty-five odd years now and I’m bloody sick of it.”

‘How bizarre…’ you thought, ‘does he not understand the gravity of this situation?’

“Shut it ya bastard,” you yelled at him, all attempts at stealth forgotten. “Put ya wallet and house crest on the stones, then walk forward three steps.”

The man slowly reached into his right jacket pocket, withdrew his leather wallet and house crest, placed them on the ground and took three casual steps forward.

“If ya move, I’ll shoot ya,” you said aggressively to the man as you reached down to retrieve the items. You quickly flicked through the wallet and discovered to your disappointment that aside from a few paper bank stubs, it was completely empty. You let it fall to the ground as you began to inspect the crest. ‘House Blost, of course it is,’ you cursed to yourself.

Blost was a Mercantile House specialising in agricultural goods. They had the largest extended family in all of Numar – easily numbering in the hundreds. As a result of this, any and every criminal was said to have a Blost crest. Nothing cut through red tape like claiming you were from a wealthy family of influence and means.

Absorbed in your own thoughts, you had partially forgotten about the man standing in front of you. In a sprightly move surprising for a man of his years, he whipped his body around and dived towards you – clearly intending to crash tackle you to the ground and seize your pistol.

>Dexterity check [Success = 50]
>54
>Fail

Thankfully, while your attention had been diverted, you had continued to watch the man with your peripheral vision.

As he began to turn around, you prepared to act. As he leapt into the air, you deftly stepped to the right. As he landed on the cold cobblestone street where you had just been standing, you delivered a hard kick to his stomach.

The man grunted in pain. “I yield dammit, I yield. Stop pummelling me Arnold you daft lad.”

(2/3)

>>1933053
“What?” You said out loud in surprise whilst taking a step back. “How do you know my name cutthroat?”

“Cutthroat?” Asked the man in a tone mocking yours as he slowly stood up, holding his stomach with one hand and his fallen hat with the other. “I’d have you know that you are addressing Baron Vicanious the IX of Numar, and an old friend to your family.”

Your jaw dropped involuntarily in shock. It was all too much to process. Not only was the infamous Scourge of Whitman's Bay still alive, he was standing right of front of you! Now that you could clearly see him up close, you noticed a plethora of minor details. His hair was grey with specks of white, like the first snows of winter lying upon a soot mound. His face was creased with deep lines, that he appeared many years younger from a distance was surprising. His skin was tanned a deep bronze, which stood in stark contrast to you pale complexation – one shared by the vast majority of Numar’s residents.

A million questions swam through your mind, colliding into each other. You finally settled on one question, “If you are who you claim to be, why were you following me this afternoon?”

The ‘Baron’ did not answer immediately, opting instead to look up and down the street, ensuring that you were still alone. “We don’t have long,” he finally began. “It would be greatly detrimental to both of us if we are recognized and seen to be conversing.”

“I have a letter for your Father,” he says, producing a single letter with a golden wax seal affixed to the back from his left jacket pocket. “It is imperative that he reads this, your lives depend on it.”

“I would deliver it myself, but I am sure you have heard the stories. I have not been welcome in Numar for many years,” he says in a resigned tone, before offering you the letter.

You…
>accept the letter unconditionally
>demand he answer some questions first - (Add your questions)
>refuse the letter
>Write In

(3/3)

>>1933059
>Accept the letter
>Ask why he didn't say so immediately
>How does he know it's us? If we don't know, ask him.
>Apologize for kicking him in the guts

>>1933059
>>accept the letter

>>1933059
>>accept the letter unconditionally
Just to move things along.

>>1933059
>>Accept the letter
>>Ask why he didn't say so immediately

>>1933059
>>demand he answer some questions first - (Add your questions)
How do you know our family
Why follow me?
>why in person?

>>1933083
Seconding

>>1933083
>>1933096
>>1933132
>>1933195
>>1933230
>>1933334
>Accept the letter
>>Ask why he didn't say so immediately
>How does he know it's us? If we don't know, ask him.
(Seems like these three have majority)

>Writing

>Accept the letter
>Ask why he didn't say so immediately
>How does he know it's us? If we don't know, ask him.

After hesitate, weighing up your options, before finally settling on a path of action. You reach out and gently take the offered letter from Baron Vicanious, before placing it securely in your jacket pocket.

He gives you a slight nod, “Good lad, no go straight to your father. Do not deviate and do not delay,” he commands in a no-nonsense tone.

“Okay…” you say slowly, still unsure of your relationship with this man. “Why did we have to go through this entire ruse? If you knew who I was, why didn’t you just give me the letter at the bar – or even outside the bar, if you didn’t want Lucas and Connor to see you?

He offers you a small smirk before replying to your questions. “Always knew you’d be a bright one Arnold. You are right, I did not want your compatriots at the bar to see me.”

“Why not outside then?”

“Well the reason I told myself at the time was that there were too many pairs of eyes watching us and that it would simply be safer to follow you back to your House Compound. The blistering pace you took certainly didn’t help my situation though. Young men are always in such a hurry,” he finishes with a small laugh.

“What about just before then, in this street?” You ask as he dusts off his pants and jacket, before placing the old worn bowler hat on his head.

“When you were standing behind me with a ‘gun’…” he pauses and gestures to the roll of coins which had fallen to the ground, “pressed into my back?”

“I have not seen you since you were a boy, and your tone has changed quite dramatically since then. Even looking at you now I can scarcely recognize you. It is the eyes though…” he says almost to himself, “you always had your mother’s eyes.”

(1/2)

>>1938344
You felt your chest tighten slightly, “You knew my mother?

“Indeed I did,” he replied with a sad smile, “I told you before, I am on old friend to your family.”

“But how…” your attempt at a new line of questioning was abruptly halted as he raised his hand.

“Enough questions. Every second we stand here together increases the risks we face. If you want to know more, talk to your father. Goodbye Arnold and good luck,” he said with a sense of finality as he began to walk away, continuing down the street.

You stood there and watched him steady walk away, debating whether to run after him and demand that he provide answers to the hundreds of questions which were hurtling through your brain. ‘There’s no point,’ you thought to yourself, ‘I can’t force him to stay any more than I can force him to answer.’

With a loud sigh of frustrating, you turned around and started to walk back to the Terminal. ‘Oh fuck, what time it is?’ you thought – the everyday realities of life pulling you out of the bizarre situation which you had just endured. You fished your watch out of your pocket only to be dismayed by the result. 3:29pm, your Father would be livid. Hopefully whatever was in this letter would be enough to distract him.

It was a fair walk to your House’s commercial station and adjoining House Compound, especially given that it was located in the…
>Outer Circle of the Mids. Your deceased grandfather arrived in Numar decades ago with his extended family and their pooled life savings. This was just enough to purchase them a rung on the ladder of power and influence. Since then, your House has grown and nurtured their fledging commercial enterprise. [1 x Small Common House Compound + Commercial Station ; Poor location, Expansion is easier and cheaper]
>Mids Central Ring. Your family has resided in Numar for over two centuries and has channelled significant funds into presenting a strong image. While these facts will not impress the nobility or older families, it is a sign that your House can survive the harsh conditions and competition inherent to Numarese life. It is this shared experience that breeds respect and a form of comradery amongst some of the Mercantile Houses.[1 x Small Modern House Compound + Commercial Station ; Average location, Stronger relationships with commercial neighbours]
>Heart of the Mids. Your family can trace its roots to the first major wave of settlers to arrive in Numar after the original township struck the Graken coal seam. Your House resides in a grand residence near the Publica, with all of the added benefits and scrutiny that closer proximity to power bring. While the fortunate of your House has waxed and waned over the centuries, your commitment to advancement has never wavered. [1 x Small Ornate House Compound + Commercial Station ; Excellent location, Stronger relationships with nobility]

(2/2)

>>1938351
>Outer Circle of the Mids. Your deceased grandfather arrived in Numar decades ago with his extended family and their pooled life savings. This was just enough to purchase them a rung on the ladder of power and influence. Since then, your House has grown and nurtured their fledging commercial enterprise. [1 x Small Common House Compound + Commercial Station ; Poor location, Expansion is easier and cheaper]

>>1938351
>Heart of the Mids. Your family can trace its roots to the first major wave of settlers to arrive in Numar after the original township struck the Graken coal seam. Your House resides in a grand residence near the Publica, with all of the added benefits and scrutiny that closer proximity to power bring. While the fortunate of your House has waxed and waned over the centuries, your commitment to advancement has never wavered. [1 x Small Ornate House Compound + Commercial Station ; Excellent location, Stronger relationships with nobility]

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(While we wait for a tie-breaker - here is a geographic map of the world of Steam and Steel)

(If another vote doesn't come soon, I shall just roll for it)

>>1938351
Heart of the Mids. Your family can trace its roots to the first major wave of settlers to arrive in Numar after the original township struck the Graken coal seam. Your House resides in a grand residence near the Publica, with all of the added benefits and scrutiny that closer proximity to power bring. While the fortunate of your House has waxed and waned over the centuries, your commitment to advancement has never wavered. [1 x Small Ornate House Compound + Commercial Station ; Excellent location, Stronger relationships with nobility

>>1938351
>Heart of the Mids. Your family can trace its roots to the first major wave of settlers to arrive in Numar after the original township struck the Graken coal seam. Your House resides in a grand residence near the Publica, with all of the added benefits and scrutiny that closer proximity to power bring. While the fortunate of your House has waxed and waned over the centuries, your commitment to advancement has never wavered. [1 x Small Ornate House Compound + Commercial Station ; Excellent location, Stronger relationships with nobility]

It will synergize with our magical specialization.

>>1938351
>>Outer Circle of the Mids. Your deceased grandfather arrived in Numar decades ago with his extended family and their pooled life savings. This was just enough to purchase them a rung on the ladder of power and influence. Since then, your House has grown and nurtured their fledging commercial enterprise. [1 x Small Common House Compound + Commercial Station ; Poor location, Expansion is easier and cheaper]

>>1938351
>>Heart of the Mids. Your family can trace its roots to the first major wave of settlers to arrive in Numar after the original township struck the Graken coal seam. Your House resides in a grand residence near the Publica, with all of the added benefits and scrutiny that closer proximity to power bring. While the fortunate of your House has waxed and waned over the centuries, your commitment to advancement has never wavered. [1 x Small Ornate House Compound + Commercial Station ; Excellent location, Stronger relationships with nobility]
Upper middle-class, ho!

>>1938351 #
>>Heart of the Mids. Your family can trace its roots to the first major wave of settlers to arrive in Numar after the original township struck the Graken coal seam. Your House resides in a grand residence near the Publica, with all of the added benefits and scrutiny that closer proximity to power bring. While the fortunate of your House has waxed and waned over the centuries, your commitment to advancement has never wavered. [1 x Small Ornate House Compound + Commercial Station ; Excellent location, Stronger relationships with nobility]


This is a very well written quest my man, it reminds me slightly of the world of dishonoured and I like it.

>>1939547
heart of the mids- only makes sense

>>1938769
>>1939554
>>1939573
>>1939884
>>1940615
>>1940815
>Heart of the Mids. Your family can trace its roots to the first major wave of settlers to arrive in Numar after the original township struck the Graken coal seam. Your House resides in a grand residence near the Publica, with all of the added benefits and scrutiny that closer proximity to power bring. While the fortunate of your House has waxed and waned over the centuries, your commitment to advancement has never wavered. [1 x Small Ornate House Compound + Commercial Station ; Excellent location, Stronger relationships with nobility]
(Old family + central location wins)

>Writing

>>1940615
Many thanks anon. I did replay the first one recently as a source of inspiration

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>Heart of the Mids.

As edged your way closer to the Terminal and the centre of the Mids, the number of people along the street began to climb. You always found it interesting to observe the progression of wealth in Numar. The buildings and people living on the outskirts of the City-State’s territory were vastly different in appearance to those living even at the base of the great city. A trend that continued within the city proper, as the style, manner of construction and even degree of maintenance was different from the Base to the Lower Mids, the Mids themselves and of course the Upper Tier.

Even within the microcosm of the Mids, you noticed how the street face of buildings changed as you walked closer to the Publica. Harsh brick exteriors were steadily replaced with elegant rendered surfaces which managed to seamlessly blend the industrial and natural worlds together – vines grew along pipes and iron-wrought fence tips stuck out of vibrant green hedges.

This wave of change was not restricted to buildings, you noticed how the appearance of individuals shifted as well. Older fashion styles and less popular colours were steadily replaced with their more contemporary counterparts. Beyond clothing, you observed a change in how people acted. Those living closer to the Outskirts always seemed as if they were late to a meeting, eternally stressed and on the move – while those closer to the Publica seemed calmer and more dignified, seemingly secure in the knowledge that the world would wait for them.

‘An attempt at trying to ape our ‘aristocratic betters’ you thought with mild distaste.

After what felt like an eternity of walking, you finally reached your House’s Commercial Station. Located two streets away from the grand meeting and trading hub that was the Publica was a tremendous honour and great practical benefit. But you could understand that Baron Vicanious would not want to spend too much time in this area, given the number of police officers and soldiers patrolling the streets and the close proximity of the Courthouse and barracks.

A Commercial Station was a hybrid structure - part store, part administrative office, part warehouse. Smaller Houses, like yours, combined this building with an adjoined House Compound, where the extended family who ran and owned the House would reside. Larger Mercantile Houses typically split the two structures for practical purposes.

(1/3)

>>1943008
A casual glance at the front façade would reveal the combination of smooth rendered concrete, sandstone and vermillion brick. They would see the multitude of clear glass windows as a prominent declaration of your House’s wealth, as well as the gold-plated pipes which snaked across the lip of the roof. They would notice that your House crest rested proudly above doorway; and that the twin doors were attended to by two stout men, each wearing a simple uniform with the same crest above their heart. Each element worked together to create the image of a House which was influential, wealthy and proud of its history.

However, upon a closer inspection, they would find flaws with this narrative. They might notice small permanent soot stains on the windows, or minor cracks in some of the bricks. They could see that paint on the House crest was flaking and that the doormen’s uniforms were worn around the edges. While each of these pieces could potentially be missed, they were as clear to you as a series of bonfires in an empty field – each was a symbol of decline and failure.

As you walked up to the entrance, both doormen recognized you and took off their caps. ‘Afternoon Master Dalton,” said the man on your right.

“Afternoon Travis,” you replied quickly, “do either of you know where my Father currently is?”

“I heard that he has retired to the House Compound sir,” answer the man on your left.

“Thank you Duncan. Carry on gentlemen,” you said as you proceed into the building.

As you walked through the Commercial Station, you were respectfully greeted by the small number of administrative employees, guards and labourers employed by your House. The majority of these individuals had served your House their entire life, as their mother or father had before them. Each was loyal and you knew than many took no small measure of pride in serving a House with such a distinguished history – even if the current days were not as illustrious.

You briskly walked out of the back of the building and into the courtyard which divided the professional and personal spheres of the House. ‘What should I speak to father about first…’ you thought to yourself.

“Something amiss cousin?” The soft lyrical voice immediately broke your chain of thought. “Apologies Amelia, I didn’t see you there,” you say as you walk over to your cousin. She is sitting on the side of the fountain at the centre of the courtyard. You notice that the water barely trickles down from the top, clearly indicating that the governing mechanism was in need of replacement, or a tune up at the very least. “Just a busy day – have you seen my Father?”

“Hmm…” she says out loud, tilting her head up to look at you. “Yes, he passed by me some twenty minutes ago. He was probably going to see your sister, she had been screaming again.”

You closed your eyes and gave a sigh of frustration, “Step-sister.”

(2/3)

>>1943020
‘This was an annoying development. Dealing with your step-sister could consume the rest of your Father’s time this afternoon,’ you thought to yourself.

“Of course,” she replied with a small smile. You swear that the teenage girl took a large amount of pleasure from needling you.

“Well thank you Amelia, I must go speak with him,” you said, departing before she could speak further.

‘There is no point interrupting Father while he is with her, he will just tell me to leave,’ you thought to yourself as you entered the House Compound. ‘I guess I’ll wait.’

You entered the main sitting room and dropped wearily into one of the thick leather-bound chairs in the middle of the room. Today had truly been something, you felt like you had aged years in the space of several hours.

Seeking to pass the time, you looked around the room as you did not come here very often.

One entire side of the room was given over to an expansive bookshelf, each tier filled with books on a myriad of topics. The other side was dominated by a large window which faced out into the street, providing an excellent view - one which you currently could not see, as the thick curtains were closed. The final side contained a detailed marble fireplace. Above this sat a series of portraits – one for each member of your House’s core family. Underneath each portrait was a framed card from the Deck of Ten Thousand.

Upon their twelfth birthday, each citizen of Numar, from the lowest orphan to the highest princeling, underwent the ‘Selection.’ This mandatory ritual, which was executed by the Priesthood of Llythin and the Royal Celestial Council, served a dual purpose – to detect the ‘Spark’ which represented magical affinity, and to provide purpose in one’s life. During the ceremony, a child is taken to a voluminous room which contains a single copy of the entire deck. All light sources are then extinguished and the child is left in the room for an hour to select their card. At the end of the hour, the child is retrieved and they are presented with the meaning of their card – or at least one interpretation of it.

(3/4)

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>>1943035
Countless volumes have been written by scholars and theologians on the meanings of the cards – each calling upon different examples to draw different conclusions. You were of the opinion that one’s purpose was not something that was carved in stone. Rather, it is akin to a droplet of water falling through a tree. As the droplet’s path changes in the face of obstacles and shortcuts to the ground - so does one’s purpose shift to reflect their successes, failures, strengths and weaknesses. In this manner, the card was merely meant to act as a guiding hand from the Divine.

The card you had selected bore the image of…
>a single man with skeletons piled around him, holding a torch aloft against encroaching darkness
>an empty throne at the far end of a lavish, smoke-filled hall
>a bountiful feast set out on a long table surrounded by empty chairs
>a single golden chalice encrusted with jewels of varied sizes and hues

(This is the last part of character creation and my final post in this thread – sorry it’s taken so long.

I’ll open the next session with the discussion with your Father.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the story thus far - I’ll answer any questions in this thread before it falls off the board.)

>>1943047
>>a single golden chalice encrusted with jewels of varied sizes and hues

>>1943047
>a bountiful feast set out on a long table surrounded by empty chairs

>>1943047
>a single golden chalice encrusted with jewels of varied sizes and hues

>>1943047
>a single man with skeletons piled around him, holding a torch aloft against encroaching darkness

>>1943230
Chalice faction formed.

I want the only symbol that isn't inherently foreboding.

>>1943249
Yeah,more or less.

>>1943249
>I want the only symbol that isn't inherently foreboding.
Interesting thought there.

There is no wrong choice here. Each card acts as a vague motivation / goal for the main character. But as mentioned, this isn't set in stone.

>>1943047
>an empty throne at the far end of a lavish, smoke-filled hall

>>1943047
>>a single man with skeletons piled around him, holding a torch aloft against encroaching darkness

>>1943047
>a single man with skeletons piled around him, holding a torch aloft against encroaching darkness

>>1943047
>an empty throne at the far end of a lavish, smoke-filled hall

>>1943047
>A single man with skeletons piled around him, holding a torch aloft against encroaching darkness.

>>1943047
a single golden chalice encrusted with jewels of varied sizes and hues

>>1943047
I am torn between
>a single golden chalice encrusted with jewels of varied sizes and hues
and
>an empty throne at the far end of a lavish, smoke-filled hall

>>1943047
>a single golden chalice encrusted with jewels of varied sizes and hues

>>1944968
Oh? What are your thoughts behind each?

>>1946475
Man, I'm just at the point where I want chargen to end.

>>1946475
The golden chalice seems to symbolize wealth whereas the empty throne seems to symbolize opportunity for great power or just great power

>>1946856
I truly don't mind it, but I understand the feeling anon. Luckily, this is the last part.

>>1947475
Always like to hear the thoughts of others on these matters. Want to speculate about the other two?

>>1943047
In a trend that continues to amuse me, it seems that we're faced with a tie:
>a single man with skeletons piled around him, holding a torch aloft against encroaching darkness
4

>an empty throne at the far end of a lavish, smoke-filled hall
2

>a bountiful feast set out on a long table surrounded by empty chairs
1

>a single golden chalice encrusted with jewels of varied sizes and hues
4

>>1947862
>a single man with skeletons piled around him, holding a torch aloft against encroaching darkness

>>1947919
Already voted up here my friend >>1943235

>>1947862
>a single man with skeletons piled around him, holding a torch aloft against encroaching darkness

>>1947949
thought it was a revote because of the draw

>>1947949
can you humor me and actually do both?
what if its the single man and hes holding a golden chalice in one hand-and a torch in the other

if not ill vote for the torch bearing one just to start the quest

>>1947986
I'd be down for this.

>>1947986
I'd like this too

>>1947986
>>1948041
>>1948051
A dual card ay - interesting.

Yeah I can make that work, especially with those two cards.

This thread is archived up on sup/qst/

Next thread will likely kick off this weekend.