IT IS TIME! SWAMP DENIZENS ARISE AND ASSEMBLE!

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This is a story the people of Vartyne and the surrounding lands tell. This is a story, not about how the world began, but about what it was like at the beginning. In those days, all of Earth was in one place, all of Sky was in one place, and all of Ocean was in one place. These three Great Spirits were all. They walked and spoke with each other much as people do, but on a far grander scale. Earth was beautiful, full of mystery and hidden depths, her (though “him” and “her” are terms adopted for the Great Spirits only for convenience) curving boundaries incredibly alluring, and such was their desire for her that Sky and Ocean began to quarrel. They set about tricking and competing with each other for Earth's affections, and over time these battles began to escalate and become more serious. Earth, who initially welcomed this attention, began gradually to suffer for it. She saw her soft edges worn jagged, hard rocks exposed, and canyons ripped into her flesh where Sky and Ocean pawed at her, and flew into a rage. She invited both to her bed in turn, but when each was worn out from making love to her she tore them apart with her nails of magma and obsidian, scattering them to become the Thousand Winds and the Thousand Waters (Thousand here is used purely to mean 'many' and not in the literal sense). She took their hearts and threw them away from her, where they fixed in the firmament above all things.

Her labors completed, and her body breaking apart from the strain, she sank down and became the Thousand Lands. Yet, even a fragment of a Great Spirit is still a mighty thing. When whole, Earth, Sky, and Ocean had kept all of their children inside them, for the way of birthing things had not yet been learned, but now they sprang forth as the Gods of Mixed Aspect. Moreover, the pieces of the Great Spirits would not die, and became the Gods of Pure Aspect. Moreover, now that there was space for them, the Gods of No Aspect came from Elsewhere (although there is debate about whether there is actually such a thing in the Mihtoist church).

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The gods began to create a ruckus as they explored the reality created by this sundering of ultradivine flesh, and before long started to quarrel just as the Great Spirits had, and before long quarreling turned to fighting. As the battles raged, suddenly a great voice rang out from above, and bid them halt.

Although Sky had been cold and proud, its heart had burned with love for Earth's warmth. Although Ocean had been mercurial and unreliable, its heart had yearned for Earth's solid stability. As love changes one's heart, so two had the strongest pieces of Sky and Ocean been changed. Sky's heart had awakened as the sun god Mihto, and Ocean's heart as the moon goddess Radha. Each a more noble and complete being than they had been before, for what is love if not that which fills one's own gaps? Where else does love reside, but in the heart? Mihto and Radha had been falling in love with each other while the other gods fought, and they descended as a divine couple, urging peace and order. If they continued to fight, what ugly shape would reality take? Would it even continue to exist? Mihto, as the Light Above All and the Maker of Hierarchies towards which all things reach, began to set the young gods in order, while Radha, who was both change and stability, taught them to adapt to their new roles.

Yet, in some gods, whose names we cannot know for their concepts have been cut off from what is real, there burned a flame of rebellion. Born from hate and disparity, from greed and uncaring lust, and emotions for which mortals have no names, the Errant Gods hated the idea of the world Mihto and Radha envisioned, and so they rebelled. Mihto drew the First Weapon and waded into their midst, and his righteous light cut them apart, yet they were still gods and the pieces rose up and defied him anew. He gazed at them in consternation, and although he continued to fight he was keenly aware that the Aligned Gods he had put in order would be attacked should he falter, and the roles he had set them to would be disrupted. Moreover, the small lives that had grown from Earth's flesh, nurtured by Sky and Ocean, would be trampled, and his great heart mourned the idea that something so small should suffer unjustly. Yet, as any true knight, Mihto was prepared to fight eternally, treading lightly lest his footsteps burn those beneath him, yet his beloved wife could not let her husband be harmed or worn down through eternal war until he was naught but an ember of herself, and so she opened wide her mouth and scooped the Errant Gods in one by one. Immortal they may be, but she was Ocean's daughter, and naught devours like the sea. She consumed them all, save those who fled or surrendered, and inside her they could cause no trouble or rise again to fight...but for this she paid a terrible price.

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Once she had glowed almost as bright as Mihto, and together they had bathed the sky in light endlessly forever, side by side. Yet as she collapsed, falling into a slumber to keep herself from breaking apart, scarred and swollen from the ordeal, her light flickered and faded, until it was only her love that kept her glowing.

Seeing this, Mihto carried her back into the sky, weeping tears of light across the heavenly road that we now call stars. He placed her where she could sleep, and watched with agony as her light waned, crying with anguish as it seemed to go out...only to brighten again as she heard the cries of the living things below, thanking her for her sacrifice and renewing her will to fight. Although Mihto is the perfect lord and the perfect knight, even the perfect can be tempted, and so he set himself far away from her, denying the world his light for half of time to avoid the urge to drag the Errant Gods from her belly and free her from her deathly slumber. Yet, now and then, Sun and Moon do share the sky, when he visits her to speak gently to her in her sleep and wipe the sweat from her brow, which we call an eclipse.

Most living things forgot Radha's sacrifice, but the wolf remained loyal, and raised a great cry to Radha to encourage her whenever they saw her in the sky. Moreover, when the Man-Wolf pact was forged, and Wolf gave of their numbers servants to men, Man agreed in turn to give of their numbers to the Wolves and join in the howl. As man can shape sorcery, this act of great devotion is rewarded by the gods with the power of the Night Hunter. Or, alternately, it is that the Night Hunters bleed off the power of the Errant Gods to help Radha keep them quiescent, and expend it harmlessly in their rituals.

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This story and many others, Twull teaches you as he prepares you to become one of the Pack. As much as it was a compromise, and as much as he used the word 'technically' when describing your Pack status, he takes it as seriously as if you were a wide-eyed initiate planning to fully attune. Although it delays his freedom, it takes until the end of the month for him to declare you ready to learn the actual spells.

Fortunately, it does not take away too much from the time you spend on other lordly duties. For one, you take Lilly up on an offer she made to you. She knows much of how a proper lord, rather than a reclusive sorcerer who rules by power, is supposed to act. Perhaps it's just that what you said to Albeda lingers in your mind, that you were raised to be a lord while she has merely become a sorceress, and that this is why you are the better choice to rule. Perhaps it's because you know that someday you will be in someone else's court where you can't simply give someone who insults you a swift bolt of lightning to the forehead. Perhaps it's just that the lessons are pleasant, and learning how to spot liars and flatterers will serve you well no matter where you go. Regardless, her brilliant blue eyes glow even brighter when you inform her that you desire her to teach you. You learn how to dance, although that is an ongoing project. You learn how to pretend to be interested in things you don't actually care about. You learn how to talk about things you don't actually care about, and when it is and isn't appropriate to simply discuss the things you like to discuss. She teaches you courtesies, how to address someone of every rank, and how to pretend like you at least know how to dance in the slow, formal way one dances with a woman at court. You learn how to tell from someone's eyes and from what they do not say when they want something, or when they are lying. You learn to tell true grief from false grief, and love from admiration.

It's a pleasant distraction from unpleasant things. Something is done that had to be done, yet you were putting off while you lured Albeda into the trap that was the assassination attempt. The great gates of Briarfast are shut, and kept so save when expressly opened to let people in and out, as is done in times of war. Hoardings are added atop the walls, to supplement the existing battlements of wood and thorn. Messengers go out to the farms and villages, to the hamlets and holdfast, and on their lips is the call for the soldiers and magi of the swamp to stir themselves and rise to your banner, that Albeda Absol, apprentice to Arnveis, is now an outlaw and a traitor.

As for Sister Char...

>[Execute her publicly]
>[Keep her in her cell]

Jakob Absol, Swamp Lord

Unspent Exp: 1
Total Exp: 24

BODY: 2
COORDINATION: 2
SENSE: 3
Eerie: +1
Empathy: +2
KNOWLEDGE: 4
Counterspell: +3
Language (Vartynen): +MD
Sorcery: +3MD
Strategy: +2
Tactics: +2
COMMAND: 4
Haggle: +1
Inspire: +3
Intimidate: +1
CHARM: 2
Graces: +1
Fascinate: +1

ADVANTAGES:
Lucky 1 (one reroll per session on a roll where NO sets turn up)
Thick Headed 1 (one extra wound box in the head)
Status 3 (Lord of the Absol Swamp, FREE for plot reasons)
Followers 5 (10 Threat 4 Unworthy Opponents, the Last Loyal, FREE for picking Swamp)
Possession ? (Castle Briarfast, FREE for plot reasons)
Possession 3 (Well-Made Plate Armor)
Literate in Vartynen 1 (FREE for plot reasons)
Greater Literacy in Vartynen 2 (FREE for plot reasons)
Wealth 3
Spells (1)
Spells (1)
Spells (3)
Spells (3)
Spells (5)

PROBLEMS:
Hated Enemy (+1 xp whenever the Hated Enemy harms or inconveniences you)

PASSIONS:
Mission: Solidify your hold on the Absol Swamp
Duty: Be a lord your people and ancestors would be proud of
Craving: Find a worthy and powerful wife

ESOTERIC DISCIPLINES:
The General's Visage: Words of Iron

SPELLS:
Aqueous Divination (Sense): Weather Wisdom, Clearwater Oracle
Smoke Sculpting (Knowledge): Minor Smoke Form, Smoke Arrow, Minor Smoke Structure, Smoke Armor
The Night Hunter's Art (Sense):
The Way of the Wood (Knowledge): Blossom Freshness
Wings of Words (Knowledge): Soar, Words of Lesser Attunement, Minor Lightning Stroke

I also believe that you wanted to try Being Informed before the month ends. Since you've relentlessly pursued intel and asked very intelligent questions, I'm giving you +2 for the interrogations you've performed.

Before the month rolls over you're at Might 3 (1), Treasure 2 (1), Influence 2, Territory 1 (0), Sovereignty 3 (1). The numbers in parentheses indicate the temporary values, which will go back to full at the end of the month. Thus, as Being Informed is Influence+Sovereignty, and you're getting +2, I'll take the first five dice results.

>[Feed me dice!]

>>4550986
>[Keep her in her cell]

Don't really see the need to execute her, and we have yet to find out how she got wrapped up in all this as well.

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>4550986
>Make a public announcement about a date for her execution to attempt to lure Albeda out and into a trap when she tries to rescue her
It is Char's only value, being bait for a trap.
>>4550992
Dice for the boss man

Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>4550992
Oh boy, I love feeding dice to QMs!

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>4550992
Another die

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>4550992
>Make a public announcement about a date for her execution to attempt to lure Albeda out and into a trap when she tries to rescue her
I like this, although I doubt Albeda would go for it.
...but at the same time her not going for it might cause displeasure in her ranks, as it shows she's willing to abandon even the higher-ups

Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>4550992
Can we get company Master dice?

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>4550992
The dice run strong in this one!

>>4551001
I'm sure there is more value to her, you just need to spitshine the exotic jewel. Though I will admit that her main value atm is as a hostage and potential bait.

>>4551002
>>4551007
We got a set, lads! Let's pat ourselves on the back!

*pat, pat*

>>4551010
Yaaaaay

>>4551010

The fact that Jakob is also too lucky for Luck is hilarious to me. Also you got that 1 remaining exp for good roleplaying, by the way, I forgot to say so earlier.

>>4551007

Not by default as part of a roll by increasing the company's stats. There are spells and techniques that let you add a MD to your rolls in battle, though!

>>4550986
>Make a public announcement about a date for her execution to attempt to lure Albeda out and into a trap when she tries to rescue her

>>4551015
Oooooooo, more things to add to the list of toys we want!

>>4550986
>[Keep her in her cell]

Keeping her alive gives us more options

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On the last day of the Month of Rebirth, one of your scouts enters your hall and kneels before you. Under the guise of heralds bearing your aforementioned decrees, you have slipped canny woodsmen and observant soldiers throughout your realm, casting a wide net in search of the hidden Pentacle. The scout provides you with a map, and tidings. Although he saw no traffic near the Sunken Tower, he did observe wagons going to the ruins Grandmama described as the Well, a great hole in the earth once used as a fortress by the Shadowbinders, Southeast of Briarfast. According to him, the wagons were from Dampmeade and laden with provisions, and when he approached the Well he spotted patrols of men no longer living, shambling corpses with no more wit than beasts. Moreover, some of the wagons were full of bodies, stacked like cordwood, lending credence to rumors he had heard of grave-robbing in the region. As you gaze at the map, it begins to make sense.

Albeda would want to control the South and East of the swamp. South lets her cut off aid from the Schwaltzwood, where Lord Ralf is hungry for allies and quick to jump on an opportunistic young ruler's bandwagon (a pity she didn't consider just marrying herself off to him, as far as you know). East blocks you from receiving troops from Ledo, and furthermore her allies' natural territory is there. Perhaps she knew Ledo would support you, by his nature, or perhaps it was simply convenience as she Night Hunters already had sway in the region. West, your port towns of Soursough and Hookslaw would be difficult to siege as either can resupply the other via the sea, and while Gwelm might send aid their pockets are never deep and their soldiers know a ship's deck better than the unsteady ground of the swamps. North are the mountains, and she knows you would never go to the Ryds for help, and moreover the northern town of Grand Crag is a dangerous plum to pluck, neither wolves nor the dead can fly, and the Stormtongues could inflict dangerous losses while her position is still vulnerable. Better to save them for when she has more soldiers and more mages under her banner after a few wins and (if possible) your head on a pike.

As an aside, the months in order are Rebirth, Thaw, Sowing, Blossoms, Green, Sun, Bonfires, Harvest, Storms, Chill, Barren, and White. Rebirth is the longest month, thirty-five days while the rest have thirty, those first five days being the New Year celebration. These are generally referred to as the 'Month of', so one would say 'Month of Thaw' rather than just 'Thaw'. Last year had an exceptionally mild winter, and although officially the first day of the New Year is the first day of Spring, this year nature beat you to it a little. The Month of Thaw is officially starting, and with it your company stats are refreshed.

[Continue]

So, when is the announced date for Char's execution, since you're going with that?

>>4550986

>[Execute her publicly]

Let her die with a curse on her lips and her blood on the thorns. Stand with the true Absol, or perish as all traitors do, at the hands of the people before god and man.

>>4551058
My first instinct is to say Somewhere near the end of the month, gives us time to set out trap.
But that also makes the trap more obvious doesn't it? (or maybe I'm just overthinking it as usual)
Your thoughts lads?

>>4551063
Maybe a show trial a week or so before (the end of the month) with the execution date set then.

>>4551058
Well, it should be either before or after we deal with Goalm by the Well, or Shell in the Tower. Either to pevoke her to commit after her Might is exhausted, or try and make it it quick so as to either force her hand into a trap or let her forget about it and deal a moral blow to the Pentagram and Char (assuming we don't just execute her outright and she's willing to talk honestly).

>>4551058
I'd say in a week, two weeks at the most. Don't want to give them too much time to plan, especially since they're building up their zombie troops.

Plus the short time will mean they'll need to act fast.

>>4551068
>Let Char 'publicly' defend herself to a jury of loyal swamp dweller Village chiefs
Kek that has some promise

>>4551058

>day of Char's execution.

Either the 10th of Thaw, or the day of the new moon, whichever is sooner. Cuts down the strength of Albeda's Night Hunters, and is soon enough that if she wants to save Char, she'll have to rush a rescue. It'll be long enough for Char to potential hope for rescue, but without having time to make a plan for escape. Let her die alone at the hands of the people, as befits someone who strikes against the Absol Swamps with ill intent. Crushing her embers of hope with the lack of rescue from her loving employer is the extra twist of the knife.

>>4551068

Further support for this idea?

>>4551059

Presumably her method of execution will be being given to the wall, yes.

>>4551075

We can say that the 10th is a new moon, just...don't assume I'm really tracking the lunar calendar perfectly. I guarantee I will fuck that up at some point.

>>4551068

>On charges of being a Flame Dancer within the swamps, how do you plead?
>What farce of a trial is this!? I'd rather die-
>Guilty m'lord.
>To the walls with thee, and may you pay back a pittance of the cost for the sins of your forefathers.

>>4551076
Yea, I'm down for a show trail. It'll be amusing at least.

>>4551076

I'll throw my support behind the show trial. Helps show the proles that it's not just us in favour of it, but the other branches of magi and village headsman that stand with us against this foreign intruder.

>>4551077
>not tracking the lunar calendar of the swamp people

Immersion ruined.

Skip the show trial.
Justice should be swift and fast, and not made a mockery of.

>>4550986
>[Execute her publicly]

>>4551068
Supporting this too. I don't know the exact date but it shouldn't too long so that any rescue attempt would be botched.

>>4551076
What are the usual methods of torture and execution here? I feel that we should know everything when we pass judgment on the trial.

Wait, hang on. I just noticed something. So does this plan mean that rather than marching your army to the Well or Dampmeade, you're keeping everyone at Briarfast and luring Albeda into a battle on your front doorstep? I ask because the next thing to vote on was where you were marching your troops to.

You would be fighting a defensive battle (Might+Territory instead of Might+Treasure), but you would get a bonus for having a fortress to defend from.

>>4551098

Yeah, I think we should fight a defensive battle, only if we're sure she'll attack, I'd rather not have her exact any vengeance-boner on the nearby settlements.

Maybe build some flammable traps outside the fortress walls to really make it inconvenient for any undead rush.

>>4551097

I'll answer that in my next post.

>>4551098
Hmmm
We could send a token force padded out with extras to make it look like we are committing forces else where to lull Albeda into thinking we are going to be vulnerable
Even better if we could use that token force (possibly elite units) to pincer her forces if/when they strike what they think is a only lightly guarded castle

>>4551098
Yea, that's the problem I feared would happen. I don't know if a defensive battle in the beginning of the month is wise (Territory being 1 and all), I'd much rather try and put her on the defensive.

>>4551097

Actually since it's before you pass judgment, let me actually tell you. For an execution without malice, say for a capital crime that is evil but not heinous, the penalty is either beheading or the snake. In some villages, the headman will actually keep the Serpent of Justice as a pet. Beheading is the Vartyne way, but using the snake is a traditional swamp thing as it doesn't mutilate the corpse and is relatively painless if you use the right sort of snake. A man who kills his neighbor for his land might die this way.

One tier up from that is drowning. Drowning has more ritual to it and is used for 'heinous' capital crimes, namely ones that evoke disgust. A woman who kills her own child might die this way.

The final tier of execution is being given to the wall of Briarfast. ONLY the Lord Absol can issue this sentence, which is why it has extra weight here, and it is ONLY for crimes against the Lord, his family, or crimes of extreme heinousness because it is a slow, agonizing death. A mass murderer who rapes and murders small girls, for example, would be hunted down by the Lord's men and given to the wall. So would an attempted assassin.

>>4551098
>>4551103

I mean, we could represent sending elites to strike at the Well by doing an Unconventional Attack (Might+Influence), raiding the supply caravans being run there. Sending them to draw off and splinter her forces will help out. While she is (potentially) sending a force to rescue Char and the imprisoned Night Hunters that we can fend off with our garrison at Briarfast, our foresters and some magi can smash up their logistics before the big push. After all, Grandmama told us that the Well has a hard time with supplies due to isolation, even though it's a very defensive position.

>>4551104
It's also possible that she doesn't take the bait at all.

>>4551104

You get at least +1 for fighting from Briarfast, so it would make up the difference between your 1 Territory and 2 Treasure.

I think there's almost no chance she takes the bait so let's make it soon, let's say a week from now.
Need to deal that moral damage.

>>4551110

Keep in mind that Unconventional Attacks entail two rolls. One to get in, one to get away. That might be to your advantage...or it might not, since you don't know what's there.

>>4551110
This is good brainstorming
>>4551113
I suppose words of Iron won't do much for us here since a defensive battle doesn't use might eh?

>>4551103
I'm willing to support this, if we are just committing to another trap plan.

>>4551107
Serpent, in all honesty beside aiding with the Pentagram Char failed to do anything else of note. Plus, Grandmama could use the body.

Keep in mind though, I still think she's more useful alive than dead.

>>4551098

Considering what we just learned from Being Informed, I think it makes sense to take the initiative to deal with the undead threat that can only worsen with time.

Maybe we could try to sneak an informant into the Well on a fake provision wagon.

I also agree with >>4551104 about the stats

>>4551055
5th day of Thaw. If Albeda does not attempt a rescue then we can move out quickly.

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How about a vote?

>[Keep your armies at Briarfast, even if you detach part of them for a diversion as part of a personal Knowledge+Tactics roll before the battle]
>[March a significant enough force to the Well for an attack there, even if you still plan to fight a defensive battle at Briarfast]

>>4551113
Ah. Thanks for the info, Wong. If you lads want another trap manuver, then why not?

>>4551117

Might+Territory, Words of Iron still works.

>>4551121

IF you choose option 2, there will be another vote to see whether you go with them to use Words of Iron and your Knowledge+Tactics rolls for bonuses.

>>4551121

>[March a significant enough force to the Well for an attack there, even if you still plan to fight a defensive battle at Briarfast]

Albeda might care more than she seems, but she's smart enough to cut her losses. She might be predicting the Trial with a Clearwater Oracle for a strike, but we should be able to fend them off if we use Words of Iron and Tactics rolls to boost our lowered Might at the castle.

>>4551121
>[March a significant enough force to the Well for an attack there, even if you still plan to fight a defensive battle at Briarfast]

Considering our Might 3, Even after doing both, we'll still have a might left over.

>>4551121
>>[March a significant enough force to the Well for an attack there, even if you still plan to fight a defensive battle at Briarfast]

We can commit to the other plan after Goalm's forces are in disarray, forcing her into a difficult position.

>>4551121
[March a significant enough force to the Well for an attack there, even if you still plan to fight a defensive battle at Briarfast]
As long as the date of execution is early.

>>4551130
But I am curious as to other non-military actions we could take with our other Company stats.

>>4551128

You have 1 exp right now, I'm assuming you'll have Froth by the time that becomes relevant since technically you only need 1 to buy Froth, since it's just Intensity 2. Spells cost their Intensity value to buy two spells (so two Intensity 4 spells cost 4 exp), or their Intensity -1 to just buy one spell (so one Intensity 4 spell would cost 3 exp). There's a chart, so no you can't just buy every Intensity 1 spell individually for 0 exp.

>>4551121
>[March a significant enough force to the Well for an attack there, even if you still plan to fight a defensive battle at Briarfast]

>>4551135

Gimme a sec for some screenshotting.

>>4551121
>>[Keep your armies at Briarfast, even if you detach part of them for a diversion as part of a personal Knowledge+Tactics roll before the battle]
Trial and execution should finished quickly in 3 days I think. I doubt Albeda would take the bait.

>>4551144
Eh fuck. I copied the wrong option.
>[March a significant enough force to the Well for an attack there, even if you still plan to fight a defensive battle at Briarfast]

>>4551121
>[March a significant enough force to the Well for an attack there, even if you still plan to fight a defensive battle at Briarfast]
Well we need to strike as strong a blow to Albeda as we can before we March north

>>4551121
>>[Keep your armies at Briarfast, even if you detach part of them for a diversion as part of a personal Knowledge+Tactics roll before the battle]
Our blitzkrieg of smoke is running fast enough, we don’t need to overextend and get by splitting our armies too much. Small diversion, then we can March whether or not they take the bait a little later?

Testing, if this formats okay I'll do the same with the rest so I'm not uploading NINE screenshots. Bear with me, I'm not good at computers.

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>>4551155

Brilliantly done Wong.

>>4551156
Thanks, Wong. I really appreciate it!

>>4551156
Definitely readable and saved

>>4551156

Thanks Wong, going to save these when they're up to help decide and come up with courses of action in the future.

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Bing bing bong bong

>>4551107
Can we innovate and burn her as a pyromancer? I think that would be sweet irony and justice. Or is she impervious to fire?

And here's the last one. Also, it makes me question using an Unconventional Attack on the Well. You're in your domain and have every right to be doing this, and raiding or attacking supply lines is a perfectly legitimate use of a normal Attack action.

>>4551172

She's very impervious to fire. If you fuck up the Attunement and get the Imperfect version, your skin is actually uncomfortably hot to touch. Even with the Perfect version, which she has, her blood actually burns IIRC.

>>4551121
>>[Keep your armies at Briarfast, even if you detach part of them for a diversion as part of a personal Knowledge+Tactics roll before the battle]

>>4551173

Looks like the third image of actions got ate there Wong.

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>>4551173

Damn it me. It also looks like marching to the Well is what you're doing.

>[Execute Char before you go]
>[Execute Char when you get back]

If this seems self-evident, I just want to be 100% sure votes don't change based on the new plan.

>>4551172
Rather not risk it. Plus Grandmama doesn't want a charred (haha) body. The intimidation factor of a Char zombie isn't to be discarded.

Still think it's mistake, as we haven't gained any info.

>>4551176
ah too bad. Her reaction alone would've made the spectacle worth it.

>>4551180
>[Execute Char when you get back]

Seems obvious to me. Have a show trail after the our attack.

>>4551180
>>[Execute Char before you go]

>>4551180
>>[Execute Char before you go]

>>4551182
A prisoner with information that they won't give is a useless prisoner. I highly doubt that even with torture she won't say anything, and the nice guy routine will just get us laughed at..

>>4551183
Your right about that,

>burn the witch!
>Char gives us a deadpan look as the flames fail to consume her

>>4551180
>[Execute Char when you get back]

>>4551188
Didn't even try, lad. But I imagine that's irrelevant for the moment.

>>4551182

The thing about that is, Jakob has never heard of the Shadowbinders creating something that can cast spells. If you give them a particularly strong man's corpse, an expert Shadowbinder can make a husk that has the strength and athletic skill of the original man...but the mind is gone, and with it, all of the Combat Secrets (which I totally forgot were a different thing from Esoterics, but they're like Esoterics for fighting), Esoteric Disciplines, and Spells. So if, for example, you found Dame Alyssa Thorne's body and made a husk out of her, she would be very fast and still have her MD in Weapon (Sword), but she wouldn't have every single Path of the Razor Heart technique and be able to split people in half like Raiden anymore.

>>4551180

>[Execute Char before you go]

Have the grand trial before all and sundry, and then march to the Well in Smoke and Steel. The traitors have fought us with assassins and subterfuge, we fight them with the people of the land and the might of the Absols. Let them remember that Amadeus Absol didn't skulk and use the tools of terror, but used his cunning to shatter the Thorn-Dwellers beneath the might of righteousness.

>>4551183

Char not talking makes a lot more sense to me, but then again I know her backstory and why she is the way she is, down to opting for such a blunt plan.

By the way, if what she did seems like a dumb plan, it actually has a historical basis. I won't tell you who, and it's not identical (in fact it happened in reverse order), but a king was replaced in exactly that fashion once.

>>4551196
Yea, I expected that. But the terror of a dancing dead Char to the Pentagram would be another blow to enemy moral, if we are going to execute her.

>>4551176
Makes sense, otherwise she'd roast herself with every spell cast.
Something I've noticed about Reign is there's a lot less "Magical" spell effects, which is to say spells create real physical things that aren't just the form a spell happens to have.
Like, in dnd, you have spells that make magical acid that lasts for six seconds, or a wall that lasts as long as you concentrate on it, but most spells don't stick around after they're cast.

>>4551180
>[Execute Char before you go]
I don't want shenanigans and possible escape while we're gone.

>>4551200
Your just making me more curious as to her motives. *sigh*

Interesting, the votes are leaning towards executing her before you go, but I thought the point was to use her execution to lure Albeda into a trap? Please feel free to respond and explain what you mean, I'm working on hashing this out.

>>4551206

Ironically she's already told them to you, and to Albeda, the why of it is the question. I promise you, Jakob will find out all about her.

>>4551211
Albeda knows when to cut her losses. I doubt that she would come to rescue her desu, even if Char might be her gay paramour.

>>4551211
I imagine people thought we'd do the execution plan first, and then ride out to kick some ass after it was finished.

>>4551211

My vote was going "Execute her in a grand trial, then immediately start marching on The Well while riding high on the swampfolk's righteous anger." Potentially draw out Albeda's forces beforehand. If they show up, it's added fuel on the fire, and if not, march on unopposed until the fight at the Well.

>>4551211
I don't know, I suspect the others don't really know what they want to do.

>>4551214
Thank you. At least my curiosity will be sated.

>>4551218
We don't really have evidence of that, so I'll put that down to an assumption.

>>4551180
>>[Execute Char when you get back]
Hard to use bait when you've already thrown it away

>>4551222
more or less this for me

Another thought, are you framing the news of that show trial as "she will be tried by the headmen of the swamp's villages", or "she will be tried by the headmen loyal to me?"

>>4551230
Are they even really Headmen if they haven't sworn loyalty to their legal lord?

>>4551230
Swamp's villages, to give the illusion of unity.

>>4551230
the headmen from villages which had suffered the most from the war

>>4551230
That reminds me, I assume the Pentagram is raising their Might with the zombies. Does that mean that they levied their troops this month?

>>4551230

>she will be tried by the headmen of the swamp's villages

A significant amount of them should be loyal to us regardless. It's not our fault if some of the traitorous headsmen don't make it to the trial in time for it. After all, some of the swamps are far away from Briarfast.

This gives an out to undecided ones, and if they try and perform an attack then, it'll harden the resolve to march on the Well. Any waverer's will shut their traps and fall in line when the ruling lord gets attacked during a trial for a high traitor if they are worth leading their villages.

>>4551224
We do have evidence that Char cares more about Albeda than vice versa.

>>4551241
Yes, but no evidence that she knows when to cut her losses. She's a witch, not a lord, and thus may not know how to make the most sound command choices as a leader should. And that's assuming she's in a rational frame of mind currently.

>>4551238

Mass raising the dead could be a means of either getting a temporary raise to Might, or permanently giving it +1 as an expression of levying the troops. Or it could have happened last month after you wrecked Albeda at Briarfast.

Wait, why are we marching on the Well, the place explicitly very hard to assault conventionally?

>>4551255
I think it's less marching on the well itself and more us Exploiting the wells known weakness and destroying their supply chain to cripple Gloam's ability to produce an undead army for Albeda

>>4551255
If we manage to turn the Night Hunters, than zombies are going to be Albeda's only real source of soldiers. And from what we've seen from the scout report, zombie production has started to increase.

>>4551255

The real reason is clearly because Jakob has Minor Smoke Structure and people are eager to flex it in a siege situation.

>>4551255

May as well try to knock Gloam out of the fight while we're still at full strength and before he raises a zombie army to bolster Albeda's cause. Whether it's by ripping them out root and branch, or diverting a waterway into it and sealing the top with a smokeglass panel until all the mortal mages are drowned to death, if we get a victory here, she'll be reduced to increasingly disloyal Night Hunters (who are less likely to fight us as we are being inducted into the Pack by Twull) and whatever monsters Shell has left to provide.

>>4551248
We could commit to a Policing Action then, since this is an internal matter and they are robbing graves. Or we commit to a Conventional Attack, and seek to take advantage of a potentially depleted enemy Territory stat. Keep in mind, we now have 3 Sovereignty.

>>4551260
We need to practice using smoke trebuchets to lob giant flaming bundles of toxic smoke emitting swamp plants somewhere.
Can't have our smoke trebuchet skills fail us when we are trying to impress lady Hannah can we?

>>4551258
Ok that makes more sense. Only caught this thread briefly off and on.

So, in the interest of heading for the necromancer’s land, anyone got any ideas for battle tactics against the undead? Smoke Structure has a pretty good callout about razor sharp wires strung between trees to slice up attackers.
>>4551260
Why not try to flex with it?

>>4551262

The last Police Action that we did that resulted in capturing the Night Hunters and Char permanently lowered either Albeda's Might or Influence by 1. The zombie-making could be her trying to Levy Troops to boost Might back up if she picked that one to lose a point, temporarily or otherwise. Best to bash it down again before she builds up some more pressure for other actions.

>>4551255
We're going there to beat Gloam. With Gloam out and Char dead Albeda has nothing left to fight with. Her rebellion will be practically over and what comes next is more of a policing action to restore order and control.

Let's execute Char right now and have grandma make a zombie that looks alive. Albeda will crash the trial and we let her have Char while the bulk of our forces attacks the well by pouring oil and flaming them out or diverting water into it and drowning them all. When Albeda carries off Char we activate Char zombie to kill Albeda with a hidden dagger.

>>4551266
The point I'm trying to make here is that with a Policing Action, we have a 6 die to use (Sovereignty/Might), and it wouldn't deplete Treasure, leaving it for a Changing Minds (Influence/Treasure) roll. Or we capitalize on what is potentially a reduced enemy Territory die, and commit to a Conventional Attack with our Might/Treasure.

Just trying to present options here.

>>4551268
I don't think zombies work that way anon.

>>4551268
I'd rather have a real show trial that a fake one, mate.

File: Crab-claw-showing-propus-(...).png (33 KB, 335x175)

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You have, it is worth noting, included another message with the men and women you've sent to carry your words throughout the swamp. The traitorous Flame Dancer who sought to help usurp your throne, Sister Char, is scheduled to be tried before a jury of the swamp's headmen, and all are invited to come witness the fate of foreign invaders who come to bring war to Absol lands. This way, you make Albeda sound like she might be a foreign puppet, and hammer home that she is allied with a Flame Dancer. You also emphasize that she will be given to the wall. Crucifixion upon the thorns is not a common punishment, it is the highest tier of executions. On the Seventh of Thaw, on a night with no moon, she will be given a public trial (which will show Albeda how few headmen actually support her), found guilty, and executed. The combination of so many enemies in one place, and her last chance to rescue her comrade, will be too much for Albeda to resist, it will force her to act fast. The Flame Dancer has still steadfastly refused to talk, although when you mention her trial to one of the guards in front of her, she laughs and vows to make her speeches then. Insufferable woman.

You have laid your plans carefully. A week is not long enough for Gloam to find another place as fortified as the Well and move everything he has there, even if Albeda doesn't take the bait and bring an army to Briarfast. If she doesn't, you will execute a member of the Pentacle while she does nothing but cower, and you will hammer this fact home to anyone else who might think of allying with her. You will make her look weak. You will prove she is a poor ally. Then you will crush the aspect of your forces you aren't already busy diplomatically nullifying. Hit her too hard and in too many places for her to stop. If she hopes to hit Castle Briarfast, even a skeleton garrison and even during the supply-poor spring can hold it for some time, long enough for you to march home and hit the besiegers in their camp. You're familiar with the thing called the pincer maneuver, but you've also eaten plenty of crustaceans as a swamp-dweller, and one thing you've observed is that only one claw of the pincer needs to move. A crab or crawdad has one dactyl, and in this case, that would be the Army of the Eye. The fixed spike it pinches against, that would be Castle Briarfast and its garrison.

Cailm, watching you mutter to yourself about crabs, gives you something of a worried look as you pass your hands over the smoke from the candle on the High Table, drawing out potential troop formations. “So are you going on this thing, or is it just going to be me alone with all those camp followers and with no supervision?” He waves a hand in front of your eyes to get your attention.

>[Accompany the troops to the Well personally and take part in the dangerous but exciting battle]
>[Remain behind in Briarfast where it's safe and you have your library to entertain you]

>>4551264

The funny thing is that trebuchets because of the whole counterweight thing are the one siege weapon you absolutely can't make out of smokemass. Smokemass feels like glass and is about as durable as rock, but it's incredibly light.

>>4551265

Oh believe me I agree.

>>4551272

I love this line for so many reasons

>>4551274
>[Accompany the troops to the Well personally and take part in the dangerous but exciting battle]

What leader worth his salt wouldn't? If we're quick enough, Albeda won't have enough time to break into Brairfast for a breakout.

>>4551274
I know it’s possibly a serious mistake, and Albeda might take our castle while we are away with body doubles of us or something, but I really want to lead the army.
>[Accompany the troops to the Well personally and take part in the dangerous but exciting battle]

>>4551274
>[Accompany the troops to the Well personally and take part in the dangerous but exciting battle]

>>4551278
You have broken my heart Tonight Wong...
Welp giant flaming tree firing Ballistas it is then
>>4551274
>>[Accompany the troops to the Well personally and take part in the dangerous but exciting battle]
Cailm plz, I don't trust you unsupervised with the kitchen staff, let alone the military

>>4551274

>[Accompany the troops to the Well personally and take part in the dangerous but exciting battle]

We march with our men. Show them and any who have any doubts left that we aren't afraid of the fighting, as well as provide our strategic and tactical knowledge to the fray. Plus, having more sorcerer at the fight is bound to raise spirits. Our father marched against Cheill and paid the price with his men, we'll do the same even if it is just at home versus traitors.

>>4551278

>Percival fetch forth my smoke sculptors to form a trebuchet line.
>M'lord, is that wise? They work by using counterweights to-
>Damn it Percival, I'm a man of action, not magic! Create the trebuchets!
>...
>M'lord, the trebuchets ripped themselves apart under tension to fling a rock.
>Curse those laws of physics. Fetch me the man who came up with them, he'll demonstrate how they apply to a rope around the neck and a trapdoor.

>>4551274
>>[Accompany the troops to the Well personally and take part in the dangerous but exciting battle]
Let's go

>>4551290
I'm sorry to say this lad, but Cheill isn't the best example to use. Especially when comparing our two attacks together.

>>4551274
I just had a thought. Grandmama clearly knows Gloams real name. could we use an Oracle cast to check on him before the siege?

>>4551274
>>[Accompany the troops to the Well personally and take part in the dangerous but exciting battle]

>>4551294
...why didn't we think of this sooner?

My hats off to you, anon.

>>4551294
Pretty sure it got established that oracle only works on ppl in person, right? Although doing our casts of it would be useful.

>>4551294

I worked out how that spell actually functions, and while it's only limited to one per week for the person you're doing a divination on, they have to be physically present when you cast the spell. For example, when Albeda cast hers and determined you would beat Braidbeard and she should give him that Bear's Rampage sculpture he was probably in the room with her, even if she didn't let him see her bowl while she was divining.

>>4551294
I think Wong specified in an earlier thread we needed the person in question whose future we are telling there in person
Thus why we always cast it on ourselves

File: Lilly.jpg (323 KB, 1920x1200)

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“Please Cailm, I don't trust you alone with the kitchen maids, let alone my entire army.” You jest, in a voice that makes it clear that you do actually, you know, trust him. It may possibly be a serious mistake, and Albeda might somehow take Briarfast while you're away with body doubles of you or some other nefarious bit of legerdemain, but you really want to lead your army. If you're going to become a worthy Lord Absol, you have to prove that you can lead. You want every man holding a billhook and every sorcerer to see your face and know that you are their master, their provider, and their protector. What leader worth his salt would stay home and cower?

Albeda isn't leading her armies, and that is why she's losing. Father marched against his enemies himself and paid the price with his men, you will do the same even if it is just at home versus traitors. Besides, you do have some ability for leading men, and it will never improve if you sit around waiting for a small, safe skirmish to practice on.

Lilly, who looks even more worried, hesitates for a good moment before piping up, “Lord Jakob, it isn't my place, but...you have friends among the other Provinces. Lord Ryd is leaving today, but it isn't too late to build a bridge...” She notices the look you and Cailm both give her. She isn't from the swamp, she doesn't know. She doesn't understand. You would be considerably less comfortable having her in here while you're working out a strategy if you didn't know that Grandmama had been stalking her with her characteristic terrifying persistence. It's as transparent as rainwater how Grandmama becomes terribly protective of poor, precious Jakob whenever a girl is involved who isn't related to her.

If Lilly is a spy she must simultaneously be the greatest spy ever and the worst spy ever. The best, because she has given absolutely zero sign of it even to a sorceress who would happily hang her from the wall given half a chance. The worst, because she has completely failed to communicate anything to Albeda, and she was present when you were working out the trap that netted you a pet chimera. “It doesn't have to be the Ryds.” She adds, just a trace of pepper in her voice, “You have three other neighbors who you could try to get a message to.”

>[We should do that, yes]
>[It's too risky]

>>4551299
My mistake then. I remembered we cast it to learn about Hannah's situation a bit more, so I assumed we cast it on her.

>>4551299
Ah, I forgot. We could do it to us though... or our Pack mates. Hell, even Char now that we got her. I'm sure that one may be more illuminating than most.

>>4551300

It's also considered a big faux pas to cast it on someone without permission. Some people really, really, really, even violently DON'T want to know their future because they think it binds them to a particular fate. Jakob is alright with it, but Jakob also has a particularly refined and scholarly knowledge of how the spell actually works and that once perceived events CAN be changed. The second vision, with Hannah, for example, is a lot less likely to come to pass exactly that way than the one with the chimera was because there are much more exacting circumstances needed to make it happen. It could actually go better, or go worse, or not happen because Jakob wraps things up sooner with his foreknowledge.

>>4551301
>[We should do that, yes]
Seriously we should do some reaching out to someone, even if it’s to like Ledo saying thanks for the support, we have it under control. Or some of the others who thought our dad was still alive. Petrine, maybe? Either way, plan for the future.

>>4551303

You certainly could, if people are up for it.

>>4551301
>[It's too risky]

It may be folly, but this is an internal Swamp matter. Live or die, but it shall by our strength, and that of no other.

>>4551301
>[It's too risky]

We'll not leave ourselves vulnerable to the ambitions and demands of foreigners, we will prove that a swamp matter can be dealt by swamp dwellers.

>>4551301
>>[We should do that, yes]

>>4551306
Honestly telling Lord Ryd that we have our own troubles to deal with, and turning down his daughter for now might be a better thing to do than leaving him with a maybe.
Just giving him a “I’m in the middle of a rebellion, I cannot spare the forces right now” at least isn’t a straight insult like leaving him hanging is.
I’m certainly not advocating asking for help from him, and stonewalling him on any serious intel besides the fact that it’s occupying my forces right now, and I don’t know when it will be over.

even if we want him to get dunked on by the dragon for a while

>>4551301
>[It's too risky]
At the risk of looking like an angry redneck, foreigners should keep away from internal swamp matters.

>>4551301

>[It's too risky]

"Lilly, it's a swamp matter, that needs to be dealt with by the swamp. Galdynfyrgenbach is struggling with her own people, Schwaltz is bled white by the demands of the capital, Gwelm is better suited to fighting on seawater than bogwater, Ledo has his hands full with barbarians, and Ryds never help without a cost. It may not be immediately obvious, and seem quite small at the outset, but it was a mere silver pelt and mound of gold to gain a mountain range of wealth for generations. We'll handle this, and show that despite the softness of the ground, the people of the Absol Swamps are made of burnished steel."

Might be a bit too floral, but whatever, I'm like 5 drinks in right now.

>>4551314
Admitting weakness. To a Ryd.

Not while I still have a vote.

>>4551301
>[It's too risky]
Asking for help? Giga lame!
We clean our plates and then sent Jakob off to wreck shit up with 8 foot waifu, just for the hell of it, and then to the goat fuckers to slay their dragon, just for the hell of it!
Being in debt is for geeks! GEEKS!
Collecting favors? That’s true chad shit right there!

>>4551316
*to steals mountain range

Only problem with it, otherwise it's perfect.

>>4551314

Actually that's why the chess game thing struck me as brilliant enough to get you an extra experience point. It looks like you're forming a personal connection with her, getting to know her from a distance. It's almost a courting ritual, all without committing or turning her down.

>>4551301
>It's not that it couldn't be done, but the Absol's are the one you come to when you have a problem that needs military might to solve damn it. It would undermine generations of my ancestors reputations to be seen crawling to another province for help over something a small as Albeda's childish temper tantrums. And despite it being the most logical act, think of how it would look tp the people of the swamp if I were to call for aid, I'd be playing right into Albeda's jibes of me being too weak to lead, and even not playing into that hand means I've willingly tied one hand behind my back to play her game and that itself infuriates me.
Blarg walla of text

>>4551308
So, you lads wanna try and divine a couple of futures from the dungeons?

>>4551328
divine char's for sure

>>4551326
So true.

>>4551326

Nice add-on Anon.

>>4551328

We can offer up to Twull, Straw Hat, Blem, and others, but I doubt most will want to take us up on it. We already know Char's for the most part, so no point in that faux pas being done up. Don't need to see her bleed out on the thorns twice after all.

>>4551328
I’d lean towards char and ourselves, if we haven’t done that already.

Don’t wanna get on bad terms with the hunters, although if we divine char’s and see nothing but a body it’s not terribly helpful.

>>4551335
I think it'll be more than just a body we'll see. But the best part will be leaving her with the knowledge of her future, if it doesn't work against our interests of course.

You'd be surprised how demoralizing and thought provoking it would be to tell an enemy their potential future.

File: bog witch.jpg (44 KB, 320x478)

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"Lilly, it's a swamp matter, that needs to be dealt with by the swamp. Galdynfyrgenbach is struggling with her own people, Schwaltz is bled white by the demands of the capital, Gwelm is better suited to fighting on seawater than bogwater, Ledo has his hands full with barbarians, and Ryds never help without a cost. It may not be immediately obvious, and seem quite small at the outset, but it was a mere silver pelt and mound of our gold to steal a mountain range full of enough wealth for generations of Ryds to live like kings. We'll handle this, and show that despite the softness of the ground, the people of the Absol Swamps are made of burnished steel." You stand up, clasping your hands behind your back and pacing around the table, “Moreover, asking for help? It will make me look like the little lamb some of them no doubt want me to be, willing to take any branch they offer me even if it pulls me right onto their cookfire. I won't admit weakness to a Ryd, not while I still live.”

“Surely they don't all want to use you.” Lilly comments mildly. She's no lord and no commander, she can be forgiven for not understanding, and you can tell from her expression that she's trying her best. She thinks in terms of her strengths, and those strengths are persuasive.

“The ones who don't are even worse. If I write to Lady Gwelm or Lord Ledo, it will be to let them know that I have it under control. I want them to see me as a reliable man, not a little boy who needs protecting. I'll collect favors, not incur them.” You give her a smile to let her know you're not upset.

“I'm more worried about the messenger getting captured, honestly.” Cailm notes, “I mean, could you imagine me being interrogated by Albeda? I might almost forget that she used to be fat.” He whistles.

Lilly glances at you, “Lord Jakob, isn't he a ward of your family? That makes you his legal guardian, right?” She smiles innocently, “Could you marry him off?”

“Yes.” You proclaim grandly. “Yes I can.” You proclaim more loudly when Cailm protests. “To whomever I want.”

She puts her hands behind her back, hips swaying demurely side to side as she considers it, “Wouldn't he just be so much more manageable if you found some nice girl who may not be pretty but can teach him that beauty is more than skin deep?” Her smile grows even more sweet, “Someone much like that nice old lady who keeps conveniently showing up out of, well...nowhere...every time I'm having a lesson with you without someone else around? I do so like her.”

>[Indulge Lilly]
>[Rescue Cailm]

>>4551326

I'll find a way to work this in.

>>4551341
>[Indulge Lilly]

Sorry Cailm, but I still remember the Neet comment that brought Lilly here.

>>4551341
>[Rescue Cailm]
Oh god no Lilly don’t tempt the grandmama

>>4551341

>[Indulge Lilly]

"Why no, he already has a beau to look out for. A woman who has quite a wonderful personality, and is prone to the most mirthsome of pranks, even if she is rather startling when you first make your acquaintance."

Just a quick joke at Cailm's expense about the Shadowbinder woman we made up the last time he made us mad. We'll then rescue him with after that joke at his expense.

>[Rescue Cailm]

Have your plans to go north come up around Lilly and Cailm at all, by the way? I never asked how close you're playing that to your chest.

>>4551341
>>[Rescue Cailm]

>>4551351
Close. Wouldn't want Albeda to get wind of it and get any bright ideas beforehand.

>>4551351
Close. We don’t need to start marshaling anything for that until the month of or so, and I don’t see the advantage of spreading it around.

>>4551351

Lilly probably hazards a guess, given how much we asked about the realms to the north. Cailm may have suspicions, but we're probably more concerned around him with what's going on at the homefront than the future plans. We'd likely be playing it close to our chest right now though so that word doesn't spread yet.

Yes Cailm, we're headed up north to help squash a rebellion in our neighbour's lands. There's no ulterior motive in getting her on our side before rolling up to the R*ds later for their "dragon" problem. The fact that she has tid, thigh and muscle has nothing to do with it Cailm!

>>4551341
>[Indulge Lilly]
>>4551351
Cailm has probably heard us mumbling something about it, but I believe at this juncture we probably haven't openly talked about it
Unless I'm wrong and we've been openly making military preparations for the long March north While the Bloody Lord of the stolen R*d mountains was sulking about our castle...

>>4551359

It's funny, I like Hannah more knowing her downsides.

>>4551359
> The fact that she has tid, thigh and muscle has nothing to do with it Cailm!
But Abs have everything to do with it though anon

>>4551365
I wouldn't be surprised if we do the same then.

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“Hmm, you know, it might do wonders for his attitude. What was it he called me again that influenced your initial opinion of me?” You ask Lilly with a smile.

She strums her lyre, beginning a dangerous, high-tension tune, “My lord, never did it impact my opinion of you negatively. He never stated outright you were a shut-in.”

“Did he need to? I think you might be right. It might be time for Cailm to settle down. He already has a darling. A woman who has quite a wonderful personality, and is prone to the most mirthsome of pranks, even if she is rather startling in appearance when you first make her acquaintance.” Your smile spreads into a crocodilian grin.

“Why I bet they'll have just the sweetest little babies.” Lilly gushes, batting her long eyelashes.

Cailm throws his hands up in the air, “That's it. I'm going off to find better company. Maybe the Night Hunters, those lads are alright to drink with.”

>[Easily done, you've let them out now that you're packmates. Can't very well keep your buddies in a cell]
>[They're still in their cells, and maybe Cailm should join them.]

You rescue him, finally, though, “That girl with the straw hat would get jealous if I married him off. I couldn't do that, could I? Besides, he's old enough and wise enough to choose his own wife.”

Cailm smirks, “I'll try being old and wise when I'm no longer handsome and charming. There's no heart my arrows can't reach.” He winks. “Regardless, I'm going to the kitchens, I'm starving.”

He strolls off, leaving you and Lilly behind. The moment he's gone, her smile vanishes and she gives you a rueful look, “Lord Jakob, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to undercut you with that. I just...I don't want you to ever think you don't have friends, people who value you.”

“It's not that it couldn't be done.” You explain gently to the fluffy-headed bard, “But the Absols are the people you come to when you have a problem that only military might can solve, damn it. It would undermine generations of my ancestors' reputations to be seen crawling to another province for help over something as small as Albeda's childish temper tantrums. Despite it being the most logical act, think how it would look to the people of the swamp if I were to call for aid. I'd be playing right into Albeda's jibes, her claims that I am too weak to lead, and even not playing into that hand means I've willingly shackled an arm behind my back to play her game and that itself infuriates me.”

She smiles gently, “I understand. Thank you for explaining it to me. You have a proud streak, and it can be rather dashing when you keep letting it stiffen your spine.”

>[Thank her for being concerned]
>[Change the topic and go straight into preparing for the campaign]

Yes, there are two votes.

>>4551370

I'll put it this way, since you've seen her and heard her reputation already. She is very good at what you would expect her to be good at. She is not very good at other things.

>>4551375
[Easily done, you've let them out now that you're packmates. Can't very well keep your buddies in a cell]

It'll only cement the our shenanigans against Albeda's Night Hunters, and our foothold into the Pack.

>[Thank her for being concerned]
I truely appreciate your council, my Lilly.

>>4551375

>[Easily done, you've let them out now that you're packmates. Can't very well keep your buddies in a cell]

>[Thank her for being concerned]

Be polite to the floofy bard and our bro who thinks mostly dick-first. It's not like we have many friends in our court right now anyways, curse the Cheillans until they rot between the rocks they call home for good.

>>4551377

>sword/fight autist + sorcery/tactics autist getting married and having children together.

They can't navigate social circles or draft up a trade agreement worth a mummer's fart, but damn are they good at busting up the enemies of the state.

>>4551375

>[Easily done, you've let them out now that you're packmates. Can't very well keep your buddies in a cell]
Suuuurely we have a guest house we can keep them somewhat secured in, I'm not against them being out of the prison, but against them having complete freedom of movement.

>[Thank her for being concerned]
Damn you Floofy Bard, I like you way to much, it's unfair to Hannah when we haven't even met her yet And Ameranthe the goat spawn too, although I am looking very forward to her response move in our game of Regicide!

>>4551375

>[Easily done, you've let them out now that you're packmates. Can't very well keep your buddies in a cell]
Big trust here Twul, now don’t screw us over. And try not to get fur everywhere in the castle.

>[Thank her for being concerned]
gahhh armor piercing floofy bard

>>4551384
>They can't navigate social circles or draft up a trade agreement worth a mummer's fart, but damn are they good at busting up the enemies of the state.
Well if Grandmama has figured out how to live into her early 400's surely we can get our wonderful and caring hunchback to stick around the mortal coil and look after at least our great grandkids

Ah right, the Regicide. Would you mind rolling some dice for me? Knowledge+Tactics roll, and since your Craving applies...wait, becoming a lord your ancestors would be proud of would include outfoxing a Ryd, wouldn't it? I'll take the first eight dice.

>>4551375
>[Change the topic and go straight into preparing for the campaign]

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>4551390
I can't tell you happy absolutely pleased I am my chess Idea got support in any capacity

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>4551390
Time to prove who’s the master of the battlefield

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>4551393
>>4551392
Well that's a good start!
>>4551390

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>4551390
Ohh, more dice!

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>4551390
Going for more

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>4551390
Dice for Regicide!

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>4551390
Have another die

>>4551385

One point I'd like to make. Unlike in MSPQ where some of the girls really would have been an emotional wreck if Roarke rejected them (or just abducted him like Clemmy), all of the girls in this quest can stand on their own two feet and have a happy ending if Jakob ends up with someone else.

Let's say for example Jakob ends up with Hannah, Petrine, or Amaranthe. Lilly will still be his friend, his confidante, a beloved aunt to the Absol children, and a devoted advisor. Similarly, if things go as well with Hannah as they have with Lilly, and Jakob ends up with someone else, she will still be his big bruiser buddy and defend him to the death as an honorable friend and boon companion even if her passion is platonic. I also just realized nobody has mentioned Petrine yet, does that make her the Karen of Swamp Lord Quest?

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>4551390

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>4551390
>>4551392
It was a great idea, mate. Job well done!

Rolled 4, 4, 5, 2, 10, 9, 6, 2 = 42 (8d10)

Oh right, I forgot.

Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>4551390
I just want to either completely crush lady Ameranthe, or find a genuine rival mind
Both are good options (even if one means we have to admit that a R*d has talent)

>>4551404
Not until we meet her in person. I'm still holding out hope that the unmet waifus will sweep us off our feet, or blow our socks off in expectations. Wong.

>>4551404
>I also just realized nobody has mentioned Petrine yet, does that make her the Karen of Swamp Lord Quest?
In defense of Lady Petrine, we haven't really dealt with her and she hasn't altered the aesthetic of our giant robot amd she isn't trying to escape the childhood friendzone meme

>>4551392
>>4551393
>>4551403
Yeeeeees triple 9's

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>4551390
I think we need 1 more die?

One more question, have you sent any letters at all to the other lords? Not about the conflict on your borders, mind you. I should have asked this much earlier, so we can say they were sent out some time ago if, for example, you wanted to let people know there was a new Absol or respond specifically to their letters.

>>4551392
>>4551393
>>4551403

>>4551408


3x9 and 2x4 beats out 2x4 and 2x2. Looks like R*ds are better at shifting around coins than soldiers on the field.

>>4551404

>no love for Petrine

To be fair Wong, we've only gotten one letter from her that was a thirst trap that she sent off to our dad instead of us. It's a bit hard to develop feelings for her just quite yet. Christmas cake island waifu is a cute.

>>4551420
A thank you to the based lord, a letter to Gwelm notifying of our father's death. A letter to the forest lord with niceties in mind. I don't know if our visit to Lady Hannah be a surprise or not.

>>4551420
We definitely need to have sent one to lady Petrine to let her know of our father's passing and possibly one to Hannah doing much the same although whether or not we sent any confirmation of commitment to her I'm unsure of. Though given that our north portion of tje province is likely more secure given it is Grand Cragg's territory Im less concerned about any letters to her being intercepted by Albeda.
As for the planes and forest lords?
Perhaps just simple thanks sort of response letter?

>>4551421

Ah I'm just teasing.

>>4551404
I forgot who Petrine was until the other anons started talking about her.
So yes.
...and just before posting this I finished reading this and realized that Petrine is the Gwelm chick, not the Ryd one
Double yes.
>>4551425
this

>>4551420

I'm pretty sure the letters we had styled off for the other Frontier Lords and Ladies were; a hearty thank you and bro-fist equivalent to the based Balam of the plains; an agreement to help the lady Galdynfyrgenbach; a letter to Lady Gwelm letting her know that father died strong, and that we were looking forward to visting Gwelm when things get a bit more settled down and travel is less prone to pirates, and; a letter to Lord Schwaltzwood letting him know that Albeda is a mournful wreck, driven to throes of depression over the death of her master, who could possibly seek refuge in his loving embrace.

The Schwaltz one is more for our amusement as far as I remember and potentially cutting off a rival for affections at the pass.

>>4551433
Eh. I'm unsure about a commitment in paper, though I do support helping Hannah with her problems.

Also the Schwalts one is absolutely inspired lad. *Thumbs up*

>>4551433
+1 to most of this, except the meme about Albeda.
Seriously we don’t want to do that.
Rival, alive AND in another province where we can’t keep an eye on them?

>>4551438
In all honesty, she'll probably be more a terror to him than a boon. Remember, he does have a cult problem and if it's one thing the Absol line excels at, it's being at the head of one (or a couple).

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“Then I'll try to keep doing that.” Your voice comes out a little awkward, and you wish as hard as you can that you were a bit more smooth, that the words came as easily to you as they come to Cailm, that you could smile and just melt people, but all you can do is be you. “Lilly, wait. Um. Thank you. For being concerned. It means a lot to me. I don't, um, mind.”

She smiles at you. She has been smiling at you. She smiles at you a lot. You're used to smiles that are like shields, a polite social barrier that stops ill feeling from getting through, one of the things you've quietly dreaded about the courtly life...but her smile is a simple, pure thing. She's smiling because she's happy, “You...you too.” She says quietly, and looks down at her shoes, “I have a lot to learn. I know this is probably putting too much on your kindness, but.” she grips her lyre tightly, “I've decided. I think I've wandered enough. I wanted to see the world, and now I want to stay and see what happens in this part of it. I have a little room over a tea shop, across from the Black Goose tavern. If you're ever out in the castle town, and want to sit down for a bit, I perform there a lot and you're welcome to come over for a cup.”

The Black Goose is an upscale place. Castle Briarfast's taverns tend to be. Sure, it has some rougher places where laborers and caravaneers drink, but if you had to choose a place to cross the guards or pick on some helpless-looking oldster a town full of sorcerers guarded by the Last Loyal is not the place to do it. You remember the Black Goose specifically because Cailm pinched a barmaid's ass there and got thrown out after a particularly savage beating at the hands of the enormous woman who owns the place and wields an equally enormous rolling pin. Lilly will be safe there.

>[I will]
>[You're welcome to a room in the castle, if you want one]

>>4551444
>[You're welcome to a room in the castle, if you want one]

Damnit. Couldn't help myself.

>>4551444
>>[You're welcome to a room in the castle, if you want one]

>>4551444
>[You're welcome to a room in the castle, if you want one]

>>4551444

>[You're welcome to a room in the castle, if you want one]

It's asking for heart-break, one way or another, but Jakob is but a man after all is said and done.

>>4551444
>[You're welcome to a room in the castle, if you want one]
We didn't even offer one to Lord Ryd... so yeah there is always one here if you want it.
Totes no pressure!

>>4551453
He's no lady though the goats might have a differing opinion.

>>4551444
>[I will]

>>4551444
>>[I will]

>>4551444
>[I will]
A room in the village let's her keep a finger to the pulse of our peoples thoughts.

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“You're welcome to a room in the castle. If you want one, I mean.” With the strength of the Absol line holding you up, you manage to avoid stuttering.

“Yes. Yes I...I think that would be for the best.” Her cheeks are red, and her eyes so very large and bright. “We will be closer that way, in case you need, um, dancing lessons or...or a song, or just to talk.” She takes a deep breath, then grabs one of your hands in hers and squeezes it, “Don't get hurt.” She implores you.

You give her a grin that would have been far less confident a month ago, “I wear more armor than a war mammoth.” You remind her.

“I like mammoths.” She replies, with far less than her usual composure.

“I like you too.” You tell her. Then realize what you just said. This could be a terrible idea, there could be heartbreak down this road. She's common as can be, and you know realistically you WILL probably marry a noble. Yet, those eyes, that fluffy hair. That...

...way she talks to you like you're someone special. You. Not 'the son of Arnveis', not 'Lord Absol'. You. Jakob.

“I need to go address the troops. It's...it has to be done, and it has to be me. Men deserve to know who's leading them.” You scoop up your helmet from the table, adjusting the fur cloak that hangs off the shoulders of your plate armor.

“They will, and they'll follow him.” She tells you, half-turned away, very red, “I'm a wicked, presumptuous girl who's being treated far too kindly.” She mutters, loudly enough for you to hear.

“No such thing as too kindly, not where you're concerned.” You tell her, and walk out, barely catching out of the corner of your eye the way she bites her lip.

>>4551490
God I feel like we need to go suckerpunch Cailm in the gut now and get in a brotherly brawl to work out some of this lethal amount of sweetness.... And for putting the batting eyelash warning forever bouncing around in our head like some kind of self fulfilling prophecy.

>>4551498
+1

Goddamnit...

Game resumes tomorrow unless family shows up with a suitcase of beer on my doorstep again. You've got a war to win, boys.

>>4551502
Good session, Wong. Even if there was some confusion as to how to go about this month's campaigning.

And remember, we need to divine some futures before we leave for the war!

>>4551502

Fucking A Wong, hope the beer is plentiful and the shit-flinging minimal.

>>4551498

The burden of Bastardry is less known for common people like Cailm. It's not his fault that he hasn't had The Talk about succession from his parents. I can't just skulk off to the next town over Cailm! That's not how a lord is supposed to conduct himself!

>>4551502
Night Wong, Thanks for running!
DAMN YOU FLOOFY BARD THIS ISN'T FAIR!!!

>>4551490
Damn it Jakob, whatever happened to finding a worthy and powerful wife?
Getting taken in by the first girl to wink at you, for shame! Pump the breaks! The breaks!

>>4551502
Quality sessions, can't wait till next time.

Aye, night Mr. Wong.
I guess we're indulging in the follies of youthful love for now, hopefully it doesn't end too badly.

>>4551505
Aren't you a wizard, Jake my good pal? Just shift your face into something unrecognizable...

Actually, just keep the new face, my friend.

>>4551511
And this is why I want Cailm to immediately take a swing back at us after our surprise suckerpunch and get a fist full of smoke coated steel platemail

>>4551498

A good battle will fix you right up. Campaigning is how patricians deal with this problem.

>>4551515
Roark wouldn't have had this problem, he could just have punched everything and everyone into submission ALL while looking fabulous and talking shit with his bros and smiling perfectly in every picture he had no way of knowing was being taken...
Basically everything Jacob is not
Jacob is like every tabletop NPC, getting completely hot and bothered from being too close to the GOD DAMM BARD!
FLOOFY BARD WHY MUST YOU MAKE US BURN SO?

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>>4551519

I mean, Lilly came into Castle Briarfast expecting a NEET. Not her fault that she found a Chad Sorcerer Lord instead of a Virgin Book Nerd in the castle town.

>>4551507
>worthy
>powerful

I just want to point out that Lilly has really strong social stats in a game where that is a perfectly valid way to win wars.

>>4551526
Lil is powerful alright she's mastered the ancient Bard esoteric art of Seducing your local lord/lightning spitting sorcerer , she is very, very dangerous To Jacob's young sex drive anyways
Man, not getting seduced by every pretty girl is much harder than punching paladins into pieces.....

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As always /qst/ will be /qst/ it seems, though to be fair being the only girl with screen time 6 threads in is a major advantage. Can't expect thirsty anons to hold back now for the promise of possibly better waifus in the future

>>4551543
Yes Cailm we heard you, processed your warning about the first girl to bat her eyelash at us, and then promptly internalized it until it became reality.

>>4551543
i kinda want this ending now on the way we are acting
https://youtu.be/QwkBnW85CEw?t=175

i wouldn't mind jakob becoming one of Cailm's harem member

>>4551526
THE SWAMP RESPECTS NO POWER BUT THE SORCEROUS. Bards, warriors and other subhumans bow before the mighty WIZARD, or are annihilated by his mystical might! Women die for the slightest chance to bear his sons, but the WIZARD must temper his will, and reject those not gifted with magical prowess for the sake of his future heirs.

TLDR; If we want to fuck Lilly, we must first teach her magic until she's atleast got an MD

For all his talk about wanting a girl with a great body, turns out Jakob's weakness is fluffy hair.

Truly, he has the most patrician of tastes.

Considering Jakob’s Words of Iron works off of making speeches, I’ve been looking for an excuse to write a version of this:

>Welcome to the Well, gentlemen. I will not lie, the fighting will be bloody and vicious- some may even turn against your friends as living corpses. But you have my word, that I will use my arcane gifts to ensure your bodies are given to the swamp to lie peacefully. This is a reward, for the condition of your bodies beyond death when facing shadowbinders is often a concern.
>Now come, Follow me, strike down the rebels and the undead that rise against us, allow me to dispose of this rebellion. I ask not for my own selfish life, but for the good of the Swamp!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrRpdJqMC80

>>4551642

Jakob tends to notice girls in general, even Albeda's had a fair amount of him noticing her figure.

>>4552175
I see Cailm's hornyness has been negatively effecting Jacob's mental health from a young age

>>4552234
tbf jacob has been only with his hands for months now the pleasure to stress ratio is fucked up

>>4552234
Jakob is a healthy young man. With or without Cailm's influence, girls were going to be seen and appreciated. Although knowing our MC, most likely from a safe distance away.

>>4552305
>Although knowing our MC, most likely from a safe distance away.
See here is where Cailm's insidious plot begins because, who oh who told Lil about a sad shutin bookworm of a Lord?
Why it was Cailm who wormed words into Lil's that ultimately lead her to here!
Just like he implanted the thoughts of falling for the first girl to batt their eyelashes at us...
If we end up with Lilly I fully blame Cailm.

Is there a link to the archived threads?

>>4552381

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Swamp%20Lord%20Quest

Doneskis Anon.

Guess Wong's family showed up with that suitcase of beer after all.

>>4552394
Wong doesn't generally start till about 8pm pst these days

>>4552310
All I know is grandmama better have that pocket Shadowbender girl ready before Lily gets us in a thread 10 route lock!
Having Lily here all by herself is simply unfair.

They did, and then I had to work out how many villages large enough to have headmen there are in the swamp. If it sounds low, consider that the example given for Territory 1 is something actually much smaller in the books as written. I'm interpreting it as that because of the war revenue and production of food are way down, as well as Albeda's rebellion.

>>4552451
Sorry for the headache, Wong.

>>4552451

>number of headmen may be lower than expected.

Jakob will probably have an internal argument about how the Cheillan war ravaged the swamps when he sees the low numbers. We should bring it up in the speech to follow the execution to rally the smallfolk. Remind them of the costs we had spent from the last interference of foreigners in the swamp, and why we cannot afford to splinter apart from the rebellion.

>>4552451
I can't believe our """""Brilliant""""" plan to smash Albeda's forces also defeated Wong's preplanned swamp details.

>>4552461
Eh. We don't need grand speeches all the time, mate. Just a simple mention of those lost to the war and the current bandit problem will suffice.

>>4552465
Hopefully those aren't the only things we smash...

damn why is the mc so ugly

>>4552473
There is a time for speeches. There is also a time for actions to stand for themselves, for what you have done to do the talking, and not flowery words. And so I ask. What Have You Done?

>>4552473
>>4552481

Yeah, you're right. Simple, straightforward, concise. No point in making it a huge deal beyond what is needed, because that's what Char wants. Treat it just the same as putting down a rabid dog to deny her the satisfaction of a meaningful death.

>>4552478
We had an opportunity to be attractive, but we chose to look normal. *shrugs*

>>4552481
Is that another flowery speech, or an actual question?

>>4552478
Sorcerer inbreeding.

>>4552485
Oh I’m just writing speeches for the hell of it. Yes, I know it loses its effect after a while. But it’s fun.

>>4552485
Ah, never mind. I misinterpreted the message here. Good job though, it'll definitely cut Char's speech down.

>>4552478
yo, MC is average, man cmon

>>4552494
idk that beak nose and knife ears are kinda whack. The eyebrows kinda balance it out but not quite

>>4551502
Sooo..... Sunday?

>>4552465

Not really, I just had to make a hard call on whether or not you've heard of all the towns there are or not. Keep in mind, these are proper villages, meaning that they're a hub for entire regions of farmers, hunters, miners, and other such productive individuals.