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>>5511746
To make matters worse the Stanger went and ripped off that game, imbuing you with a set of sentient character traits that are constantly giving you advice based on their nature. This is both handy and annoying. You have a greater affinity for certain voices, which makes it easier for you to perform actions when leveraging their aspect. Be careful though; the option with the highest chance of success isn’t always the best.

Your current stats are:
>Monke: 3
>Hackerman: 5 (3)
>Hero: 1
>(Muh)Autism: 2
>Diplomancer: 3
>Edge: 6
>Stonks: 5

>Thots Being Researched: Your Own Personal Wolf Girl (-2 to Hackerman while research is in progress.)

>cont

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>>5511747
It had been a month since you held council with your (former)vassals at Kendergard. Things had not gone well. With your armies weakened and the monster repelling aura of the Dragon shard gone you’ve lost your biggest export: protection. Seeing no further benefit to being your vassal, Duke Nigel Kireon had backed out of your original deal of offering protection in exchange for favourable trade terms. You could still trade with him, but the bastard had jacked up tariffs and merchants from Kireon lands would charge you a premium.
House Kireon was your doorway to the world; your land could just about cover it’s basic needs but there were many goods and services that had to be imported such as textiles and quality metals. Besides military support Falkner’s own exports consisted of trading whatever exotic materials could be stripped from the carcasses of the beasts hunted in the ash wastes. Meat, hides, organs and bones sold for high prices to those who sought them out, but it was a niche market. Generally, only mages, artificers and eccentric gourmands were interested in monster carcasses. Not enough to constitute an “industry” and not enough to make up for the losses incurred from doing business with Kireon.

The one ally you had left was House Rythvane; a secretive house renowned for its skilled mages whose realm consisted mostly of thick monster infested forests. Despite your nominal good relations, you weren’t sure how far you could trust them. Duke Pallas Rythvane had agreed to continue supporting you but in exchange you had to appoint one of his people as the head mage of your court. In fact said person was arriving today.

Props to Anon for the fancy map
>Cont

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>>5511748
You sat in the hastily repaired throne room of Falkengard awaiting your new head mage. Presently your guards ushered in a petite woman wearing Rythvane magus garb. She strode up to you and knelt.

“Greetings my Duke. I am Eliza Rythvane, 2nd daughter of Duke Pallas Rythvane and recognised adept of the Rythvane Magus Circle. As per the agreement between our houses I have come to assume the position of Head Mage within the Falkner court.”

[Hackerman]: “Well shit…”

[Diplomancer]: “Duke Rythvane sends one of his own daughters… this will be hard to navigate.”

[Monke]: “Hot damn, look at that QT, her boobs are beeg. We got ourselves a magical shortstack.”

[(Muh)Autism]: “Uh ackshullay, I’m not sure if she qualifies as a short stack because she looks like she’s still over 4ft tall, which isn’t tall but also means she isn’t technically a little person and it’s kinda hard to accurately gauge her bust size while fully clothed like that.”

[Monke]: “Look Tism, that’s not a particularly revealing outfit and her rack still fills it out, even if some of that thicc-ness is from the clothes, unless she’s stuffing her bra with mana potions she’s gotta be at least a D-Cup.”

[(Muh)Autism]: “Well, D-Cup might be considered big in real life but by anime standards it’s more on the upper end of medium sized so I’m not…”

[Monke]: “Ok, smart ass: What is the objective definition of a shortstack?”

[(Muh)Autism]: “That is a very important question, first we need to-”

Will you two shut up! We’ve got more important things to consider.

>New Thot unlocked: How Short and Stacked is a shortstack?

>Cont...

>>5511749
[Diplomancer]: “Anywaaaay, Duke Rythvane sending his daughter to us is a political trip wire. That he sent his daughter implies a desire to deepen bonds, maybe even a future alliance through marriage.”

[Stonks]: “On the other hand, she’s only his second daughter, important enough to be used as political capital but not so important that it would be a great loss to Rythvane should anything happen to her.”

[Diplomancer]: “But if anything did happen to her it would be grounds for war between the two houses. Not only that but her status as nobility means it would be a great insult if we were to try and side-line her within our court.”

[Monke]: “Guys, guys; theres a simple solution to this’: Just get in bed with Rythvane, literally!”

[Hero]: “Aren’t we saving ourself for Althea?”

[Monke]: “Speak for yourself. I wanna get myself a harem! OOK OOK!”

[Hackerman]: “Do not let your desire for ‘handholding’ cloud your judgement. Althea is an asset and Eliza is just another piece on the game board. Use them as needed.”

[Edge]: “Fuck bitches!”

[Stonks]: “Make money! … so we can make up for our horrendous trade deficit.”

You gesture for Eliza to rise.

“My deepest gratitude to Duke Pallas. I had no doubt he would send someone worthy of being my most trusted advisor on all things magical, but it is truly a privilege to receive one of his own daughters. I bid you welcome to Falkengard Eliza Rythvane.”

At this point Tyrol, your brother clears his throat. “If I may my lord, we still have several matters to attend to. Now that we have received our guest perhaps it is best we move to the council chambers.”

>What say?

>”Indeed, my apologies Eliza, I must take my leave. You must be tired from the journey, one of my servants will show you to your quarters, you will begin your duties tomorrow.”

>”As you say. I hope the road has not left you too weary Eliza. I have many problems to attend to and as my new head mage I would hear your council along with my other advisors.”


((Why the fuck is my pic side ways!? It wasn't side ways when I opened it on my desktop.))

>>5511750
>”As you say. I hope the road has not left you too weary Eliza. I have many problems to attend to and as my new head mage I would hear your council along with my other advisors.”

Straight to business.

Glad to see this back.

>>5511750
>”As you say. I hope the road has not left you too weary Eliza. I have many problems to attend to and as my new head mage I would hear your council along with my other advisors.”

>>5511750
>”As you say. I hope the road has not left you too weary Eliza. I have many problems to attend to and as my new head mage I would hear your council along with my other advisors.”
Hey, it's back

>>5511748
>Props to Anon for the fancy map
Thanks QM

>>5511752
>>5511807
>>5511828

Okay we're letting Eliza sit at the table.

>Writing...

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You invite Eliza to join the council. She seems quite pleased, a look of girlish glee passing across her face before she regains her composure.

You take your place in the council chambers and take note of who is with you. Seated with you is Tyrol, your brother, nominal second in command, and Lady Elodie Kireon-Falkner, your mother. While she no longer has any official power her wisdom and experience are worth drawing upon. Edwin Malchus, your former Head Mage, soon to help Eliza settle in (and keep tabs on her) is also at the table, along with Gregori Findan your treasurer and Jared Varkas the newly promoted general of your army. Varkas was an experienced and capable warrior, but it remained to be seen whether he would be a good officer let alone a general. After the heavy losses your army took there were many command positions to be filled and not enough capable leaders to fill them. There were many newly minted officers that were out of their depth.
“My honoured advisors,” you begin. “The house of Falkner has endured a great calamity. We have survived but we remain vulnerable. Much remains to be done to restore our realm. General Varkas, how fares the security of my lands?”

Varkas rolls out a map of the local area and begins placing pawns on it as he gives his report.
“The bulk of our men at arms have always been stationed at Peringard, Falkengard and Oxvale so as to better respond to monster incursions from the wastes. As you already know our main force stationed at Falkengard is severely depleted. We barely have enough men to hold the walls. When the marauders came from the wastes we called reinforcements in from Oxvale. They took part in the later stages of the battle but many where killed when that… demon appeared.”

All are troubled at the mention of the demon. Guilt wells up inside you but you keep your face level and hold Varkas’ gaze. He continues:

“Peringrad ‘s garrison is mostly intact, but even then we simply do not have enough troops to adequately secure the border with the ash wastes. The beasts have also grown more brazen over the past few weeks. Before the invasion they rarely roamed past the borders, now we have reports of travellers getting attacked by fire drakes on the roads near Birchmont and Hintervale. Middleshire is practically in danger of being wiped off the map.”

[Stonks]: “We’ve got ourselves a manpower problem. No matter how you slice it we just don’t have enough soldiers to protect everything.”

>Cont

>>5511853
[Hackerman]: “We don’t have enough professional soldiers. This is a feudal world, we can just raise peasant levies to make up the short fall.”

[Hero]: “There’s no way we could train them to become competent fighters in such a short time period.”

[Hackerman]: “They don’t have to be competent; we basically need them to perform pest control, not fight a war. Throw enough peasants with pointy sticks at the monsters and it should solve the problem.”

[Diplomancer]: “It will solve the problem but there will still be casualties and it will be unpopular with the people.”

[(Muh)Autism]: “We’ve been talking a lot about our forces on the western border but don’t we have any on the eastern border?”

[Stonks]: “Our eastern garrisons are tiny. We never needed much on that front. Our alliance with Kireon and Rythvane meant the eastern border was always secure. Still it’s not nothing; moving the eastern garrison west will improve the odds of succeeding in whatever we do next, but it will leave us vulnerable if Kireon tries anything. Even if he doesn’t the lack of patrols on the roads will give bandits free reign.”

[Monke]: “What bandits? Trade from Kireon has dried up. There’s nothing to steal.”

[Stonks]: “You never know, but you do have a valid point about the lower risk.”

[Edge]:” You guys aren’t being proactive enough. This is a monster problem, and who’s the greatest monster hunter in the three dukedoms? US! All we need to do is lead a grand hunting party on a tour through the ash wastes, massacring any beasts we find and destroying their nests. When we’re done the monster population will be too depleted to pose a threat.”

[Hero]: “B-But that’s genocide! And damaging the local eco-system like that could have unforeseen consequences.”

[Edge]: “You’re worried about nature? Okay: the strong eat the weak, that’s the rule of nature and guess what: humans are part of nature, so there’s nothing wrong with systematically murdering every animal within 10 miles of the border if it secures our own survival.”

>Cont...

>>5511858
>What do about border security?

>[Edge]: RULES OF NATURE! (Go on a grand hunting expedition to cull monsters along the western border.) Difficulty 12 (Gain +6 from Edge)

>[Hackerman]: Peasant mobilization (Bolster your existing military with hastily trained conscripts) Difficulty 8 (Gain +3 from Hackerman)

>Write in

>Additional choices: (Can buff main choice)

>[Stonks]: Transfer the eastern garrison west. Can be done in addition to the other actions. Adds +1 to roll at the risk of further complications down the road.)

>[Stonks]: Don’t transfer the eastern garrison. Too risky.

>[Diplomancer]: Ask Eliza if she can use her superior magical knowledge to help, maybe even get reinforcements from House Rythvane. (Can be done in addition to the other actions. Adds +2 to roll if successful) Difficulty 10 (Gain +3 from Diplomancer)

>[Diplomancer]: Don’t ask Eliza for anything beyond her normal duties, we shouldn’t risk straining the relationship with our only ally.

((Okay I'm gonna leave you with this nice big choice over night. Don't roll. There's a bunch of other stuff we'll be doing before the choice you guys make is resolved.))

>>5511860
>[Edge]: RULES OF NATURE! (Go on a grand hunting expedition to cull monsters along the western border.) Difficulty 12 (Gain +6 from Edge)
>[Stonks]: Transfer the eastern garrison west. Can be done in addition to the other actions. Adds +1 to roll at the risk of further complications down the road.)

>>5511862
Support. A show of strength would do the nation good.

>>5511860
>[Hackerman]: Peasant mobilization
>[Stonks]: Transfer the eastern garrison west.
>[Diplomancer]: Ask Eliza if she can use her superior magical knowledge to help, but do not ask for reinforcements from House Rythvane

Hero has a good point for once, I don't like the idea of trashing the local ecosystem, especially if it's one of the few things we gain profit from. I also don't want to ask for reinforcements when our main export is supposed to be protection, but there's nothing wrong in asking Eliza for her help when she's part of our court now.

>>5511860
>[Edge]: RULES OF NATURE! (Go on a grand hunting expedition to cull monsters along the western border.) Difficulty 12 (Gain +6 from Edge)
Don't transfer troops from the east.

>>5511860
Let me just say that removing most or all of the forces from the east is a terrible idea. At least a nominal amount of troops should remain to project power and influence and to keep the peace. So that would be:
>[Stonks]: Don’t transfer the eastern garrison. Too risky.

In regards to the main choice, i vote Edge. Though can i suggest we consult a mage or scholar first about unintended consequences? Like as Hero said, effects on the ecosystem.
>[Edge]: RULES OF NATURE! (Go on a grand hunting expedition to cull monsters along the western border.) Difficulty 12 (Gain +6 from Edge)
Also lets not ask for reinforcements, borrowing troops is among the worst things you can do:
>[Diplomancer]: Ask Eliza if she can use her superior magical knowledge to help, but do not ask for reinforcements from House Rythvane

>>5511860
>[Stonks]: Don’t transfer the eastern garrison. Too risky.
>[Edge]: RULES OF NATURE! (Go on a grand hunting expedition to cull monsters along the western border.) Difficulty 12 (Gain +6 from Edge)
>[Diplomancer]: Ask Eliza if she can use her superior magical knowledge to help, but do not ask for reinforcements from House Rythvane

I find reading the thoughts of the voices interesting because it is like we're reading anons' thoughts, and they do the arguing and thinking for us.

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>>5512260
>I find reading the thoughts of the voices interesting because it is like we're reading anons' thoughts, and they do the arguing and thinking for us.

I wonder if the reason I haven't attracted any coomers and waifufags yet is because those conversations are preemptively played out between Monke, Hero and (Muh)Autism.

Anyway I'm working on the next update which has other stuff that was gonna happen anyway, so I'll leave the current vote till I'm ready to post.

In the mean time I'll share some behind the scenes stuff:
So when I was working on thumbnail concepts for Eliza I settled on what I thought was a super cute face, but for some reason that didn't translate into the final sketch and she ended up looking a tad more mature. Not such a bad thing but I am annoyed that my drawing skills aren't quite good enough to do consistent characters yet.

>>5512342
(Muh)Autism is the best voice

>>5512342
how long have you been drawing, qm ?

>>5512367
On and off over the last 12 years. If I was more focused and disciplined I'd probably be at professional level by now, but I'm happy to have reached my current level.

Whole reason I wanted to learn to draw was so I could make my own anime girls just the way I like em... which is exactly what I'm doing now so yeah...

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>>5511862
>>5511869
>>5511870
>>5512191
>>5512223
>>5512260

Okay Tallying votes:

Rules of Nature: 5
Peasant Mobilization: 1

Transfer Garrison: 3
Don't Transfer: 3

Uh oh, we got a tie. And when we get a tie I don't roll to resolve it, I do whatever I want. I am a capricious QM. >:)

Because you guys couldn't make up your minds I'm gonna have (Muh)Autism try to optimally distribute your military across the land to try and get a bonus with none of the downsides.. It'll be really hard though.

>Someone roll me 2d6 vs a difficulty of 12. (Gain +2 from (Muh)Autism)

I'm throwing out all the Eliza votes right now because I thought of a better way of framing it. See the extra decision in the update.

>Writing...

Rolled 6, 4 = 10 (2d6)

>>5512447
Okay it's been 20mins and I really want to post the next update so I will take the liberty of... rolling for you.

Just to be clear the Rules of Nature decision has been locked in. We're rolling for the garrison transfer.

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((Check passed))
You nod to General Varkas. “Thank you General. I have an idea of how we might remedy the situation.”

[(Muh)Autism]: If we distribute our forces across our territory, mixing and matching veteran leaders to mitigate the disrupted command structure, selectively pushing our troops to repel high intensity incursions while abandoning select low risk areas I think we can maintain adequate security across all our borders even with the reduced manpower.

[Hackerman]: Are you retarded? That plan is so convoluted there’s no way we can feasibly pull it off, I should know, problem solving is my domain.

[(Muh)Austism]: “Not retarded, just autistic.”

As if possessed your hands reach forward and start rapidly distributing pawns across the map. Sweat beads on your brow as (Muh)Autism compels you to get your troop distribution juuuust right. General Varkas’ head tilts further and further sideways as you work. Finally, you sit back and exhale.

“General, I need you to distribute our remaining forces like so.”

Varkas looks down at the map and squints before his eyes widen in surprise.
“Incredible… my Lord, this might actually work.”

[Hackerman]: “I don’t fucking believe this…”

[Monke]: “Based.”

>Gained +1 to culling action with no downside.

>Cont...

>>5512475
You sit back in your seat with a satisfied smile. “Now, Ser Findan, if you would update us on our economy.”

Gergori Findan is a bit more rugged looking than you’d expect of an accountant. The lands of Falkner weren’t really conducive to the formation of a soft merchant class. Findan was a leather worker by trade, his experience as a craftsman and producer of one of Falkner’s few exports meant he had a better head for these things than most. Not the savviest business man but savvy enough for the job.

“My Duke, Falkner lands are largely self-sufficient in terms of food. Our primary breadbasket are the farms around Hintervale, supplemented by fish from the river and game meat from our monster hunts. Provided you can prevent the monsters from threatening the farms we should survive in the short term.”

“What worries me is the mid and long term. We imported much of our textiles, metals and even stone from Kireon. Soon our tools and weapons will wear out and our buildings will become harder to maintain.”

You nod your head thoughtfully. “Do we have any alternative sources for these materials?”

“We can source wood from the forest south of Birchmont to use as a building material, but given that many denizens of the ash wastes have the ability to produce fire, quality stone for fortifications remains a strategic resource.”

“There aren’t any significant metal deposits within our territory that we know of. If there were we would have exploited them long ago. We can craft weapons and tools out of monster parts, but while these items are of good quality they cannot be mass produced easily.”

“Oh! My people have long used monster parts in our magics and crafts, perhaps I can work with your mages to come up with something,” said Eliza eagerly. You’re a little miffed that she spoke out of turn but let it slide.

>Cont...

>>5512480
“Might you also lend your magic to securing our borders?” you ask.

“Well uh… the way magic works. I’m not really sure there’s much I could do on such a grand scale,” she said sheepishly.

“I beg your pardon Lady Rythvane,” interjected Malchus “, but does not your house have knowledge of the arts of enchantment? During my time in Rythholm I beheld such things as way stones which automatically alerted the watchmen to trespassers.”

Eliza seemed visibly annoyed at this, shooting the mage a quick glare before regaining her composure.

“Such arts are the secret knowledge of the Rythvane Magus Circle. I am not at liberty to teach them to outsiders. Exactly who are you anyway? I thought I was the head mage here?”

Well, that was rich coming from her.

“I apologise for Edwin’s lack of decorum,” you say, quickly jumping in to smooth over the situation. “This is Edwin Malchus, my former head mage. While I don’t doubt your superior magical knowledge, you will need a guide to navigate our internal affairs. Thus, Malchus shall retain his position on this council as your advisor.”

“Ah, t-thank you my Duke. My apologies Ser Malchus, I shall be in your care.”
It was obvious Eliza was annoyed by this but forced herself to play along. You allowed yourself a small smirk.

[Diplomancer]: “Expertly done. Malchus will be your second opinion, but by framing it as him being an advisor to Eliza it’ll be a lot harder for her to keep him out of the loop without it being seen as a slight against you.”

[Hackerman]: “About this trade situation, can we not open another trade route through Rythvane territory?”

[(Muh)Autism]: “Rythvane’s roads are rough and prone to monster attacks from the forest. It’s as much a deterrent to invaders as their army is. Even without tariffs’ the cost of securing the routes would not make it a viable alternative to Kireon.”

[Diplomancer]: “Might we negotiate a new trade deal with Nigel Kireon? At the end of the day he’s a merchant. Regardless of past insults he should be amicable to a new deal if we frame it properly.”

[Stonks]: “We have nothing he wants. Our protection was the only bargaining chip we had, aside from that there’s nothing we can trade. The market for monster parts is too small and I doubt we could keep up with demand if it was, especially if we’re going to cull them along our borders.”

>What do about trade situation?
>There seem to be no obvious solutions at this point, the good news is the decision can be set aside for now. In the meantime, I am open to write ins.

>Extra decision.
>[Diplomancer]: Pressure Eliza to share Rythvane’s magical knowledge to help secure the border. Gain +2 to the border security action if successful. Difficulty 10 (+3 from Diplomancer)

>[Hackerman]: Have Eliza work with your craftsmen to find solutions to the materials shortage. Difficulty 8 (+3 from Hackerman)

>>5512473
well, you said writing so I thought we'd roll after the doot
>>5512482
>[Hackerman]: Have Eliza work with your craftsmen to find solutions to the materials shortage. Difficulty 8 (+3 from Hackerman)
Let's keep it simple for now while we try to get used to her.

>>5512482
>[Hackerman]: Have Eliza work with your craftsmen to find solutions to the materials shortage. Difficulty 8 (+3 from Hackerman)

>What do about trade situation?
Can we prospect the mountains to the north of Oxvale and/or south of Peringrad? Perhaps we could find some needed stone or metal there.

Btw, what was it exactly that Rythholm provided us with our deal? Do they give us taxes?

>>5512547
House Rythvane used to and continues to train court mages for House Falkner. They don't share all their magical lore with you so the mages you have are not as good as theirs. however the fact that you have court mages at all is already a big deal. House Kireon does not have court mages and would have to pay through the nose to hire any.

House Rythvane also is a big buyer of monster parts. You don't know exactly what they do with them, apparently they have some utility in magic rituals or something. This is not part of the formal treaty though. Rythvane just likes buying what you're selling.

>>5512547
>>5512553
To be precise your original treaties with Rythvane and Kireon were as follows:

>Rythvane:
-We protect their western border from monster incursion and promise to send our troops if they are threatened from the east.
-They train mages for us.

>Kireon:
-We protect their western border from monster incursion and promise to send our troops if they are threatened from the east.
-They impose no tariffs on us, providing us with certain goods at break even prices or even at a loss.

>Currently our treaty with Rythvane is:
-We protect their western border from monster incursion as best we can given the circumstances.
-We let them have one of their own people as our Head Mage. (Giving them greater say in our affairs.)
-They train mages for us.

On a side note:
While money exists in this world the lack of a robust international transport and trade network means it is not as valuable. Coins are valued based more on the composition of their metal than whose face is on them. What is accepted as a medium of exchange also varies widely.

The market places of large trade settlements like Kirenburg are more likely to accept a wider range of currencies, while more rural settlements will only barter in goods that have practical use to them.

>>5512482
>[Hackerman]: Have Eliza work with your craftsmen to find solutions to the materials shortage. Difficulty 8 (+3 from Hackerman)

Wonder when we'll get our very own Kim Kitsuragi, or perhaps Nero is too put together to warrant one so far.

>>5512482
>[Hackerman]: Have Eliza work with your craftsmen to find solutions to the materials shortage. Difficulty 8 (+3 from Hackerman)

>>5512482
>[Hackerman]: Have Eliza work with your craftsmen to find solutions to the materials shortage. Difficulty 8 (+3 from Hackerman)

>>5512516
>>5512547
>>5512653
>>5512725
>>5512740

Unanimous vote to have Eliza work on materials.

>Somebody roll me 2d6s.

Rolled 6, 4 = 10 (2d6)

>>5512761
Okay I don't have all night and I want to drop the next update before I go to bed.

Rollin...

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“I understand the Rythvane Magus Circle has it’s secrets and I do not expect you to give them up lightly. Although I do hope that in time you will trust us with such knowledge. For now I’ll take you up on your offer to help with the materials situation.”

This seems to satisfy Eliza for now.

“Thank you, my Duke.”

>Your realm will not suffer any negative effects from the materials shortage, although you will still need to address it if you wish to expand.

----------

After finishing your session with the council, you retire to your own chambers. Standing in the centre of your room, was a muscular grey skinned woman looking thoughtfully out the window.

“Althea?”

The woman turned at the sound of your voice. “Nero!”

With surprising speed Althea pounced on you. Sending you both crashing to the floor. You curse yourself for being caught off guard like that, you were now totally at her mercy. Fortunately for you…

“I missed you so much,” she sighed as she nuzzled your chest and hugged you tightly… too tightly.

“Althea…” you gasp. “Can’t breathe!”

“Oh!”

She hastily gets off you and rather sheepishly helps you to your feet. “Sorry Nero. I sometimes forget my own strength.”

“I’m happy to see you too Althea, but please don’t act so familiar with me in public. If you had done that while my guards were present, they could have mistaken you for an assassin and attacked you.”

“Good thing we’re in private then,” she said mischievously “, besides, I doubt your guards could have stopped me.” Her playful tone had taken on a slight edge. It seems she had become more assertive over the course of her mission.

“When did you get back?”

“Just before sundown. Your people told me you were busy talking about dukedom management in the council chambers so I came here to wait for you.”

“And just how did you slip past my guards into my private chambers?”

“I’m a member of your personal guard remember? Technically I’m allowed to be here.”

[(Muh)Autism]: “That is true…”

[Hacker]: “I’m not sure I like this new assertive streak of hers, it’ll make it harder to control her.”

[Monke]: “First thing she does when she saw us after 2 months was glomp us. I like her better already.”

>Thot finished researching: Your own Personal Wolf Girl.

>Cont

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>>5512784
“So you are, but even then, please don’t just barge in and ambush me like that.”

“Yes my Lord…” she says sullenly.

“So, what did you find out there? Did you manage to reach the other side of the wastes?”

“I didn’t make it to the other side, but I learned much on my journey. There are people living deep within in the wastes, far beyond the reach of your hunting parties. There’s a whole world of nomadic tribes and strange new creatures. There are even people like me?”

“More people like you?”

“Yes, the nomads call us charred ones. They say we are the product of a curse inflicted by the Dragon.”

“The dead god? That Dragon?”

“Yes. When he was shattered the Dragon’s death scorched the land creating the ash wastes. His fragments have tainted the land ever since giving rise to all manner of creatures. You think you know the wastes but you’ve only seen a fraction of it.”

“Incredible… And what of the marauders that attacked our lands. Did you discover where they came from?”

“I did not discover their exact origin, but the nomads tell of a great warlord that rose to prominence several years ago. He is said to possess un-natural powers that he sometimes shares with his lieutenants. I don’t know how long it would have taken me to track him down by myself. I thought it best to report back to you first. With the knowledge I’ve gained we could achieve so much more with a proper expedition.”

“You bring troubling news Althea. Tell me everything tomorrow. It’s been a long day, and I’ll need some sleep before I can take it all in.”

>Cont

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>>5512792
You turn away and begin to undress, assuming Althea will leave by herself. When you don’t hear the door open and close behind you, you turn around to find her still standing there.

“Althea… you can go now. I need my rest.”

She was staring at you nervously, which was odd. You hadn’t seen her this uncomfortable around you since you first met her.

“Nero, there’s something I have to tell you…”

“What is it?”

Althea looked away for a moment as if to summon up courage before fixing you with an intense stare.

“When I was on my mission, I had a lot of time to think and I kept thinking about what your mother said when you first presented me to her, how I felt just before I left, and all the time we’ve spent together over the years, and-and…”

“Spit it out Althea.”

“IrealisedIwannahavesexwithyou!”

[Edge]: “WHAT!?”

[Diplomancer]: “the…”

[Monke]: “FUCK YEAH!”

>What do?

>[Monke]: “Give the girl what she wants! Give her the D!”

>[Hero]: “Um, uh tell her this is really sudden and while we like her, we’re really not comfortable doing it just out of the blue like that.”

>[Diplomancer]: “Tell her we can’t. We’re a Duke, she’s our personal body guard, we simply can’t be doing this.”

>[Hackerman]: “No, just no, we don’t fuck our tools. Friendzone her.”

((Also be sure to vote on whether or not you want to start researching "How short and stacked are shortstacks?"))

Drawing muscle girls is hard. If you don't get the proportions and face just right they end up looking mannish

>>5512797
>[Diplomancer]: “Tell her we can’t. We’re a Duke, she’s our personal body guard, we simply can’t be doing this.”
We are a person with responsibility, we can't just be doing this willy nilly. If word gets out about this, or even just rumors, it will hurt our already poor reputation and probably make it harder to get with someone more... politically viable.

>start researching "How short and stacked are shortstacks?"

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>>5512797
Fuck yeah! We are not turning into THAT kind of harem protagonist! There is only one viable choice here and that is:
>[Monke]: “Give the girl what she wants! Give her the D!”
Besides, she is clearly best girl, so we might as well marry her now. Social status and judgement from others must not impede our love.
In regards to the research, i vote that we should not research it because the whole concept of "shortstacks" is dumb. Lets wait for other options, preferably wolf girl related ones!
>Don't research "How short and stacked are shortstacks?" and wait for better options.

>>5512797
>[Hero]: “Um, uh tell her this is really sudden and while we like her, we’re really not comfortable doing it just out of the blue like that.”
>Start research

>>5512797
>[Monke]: “Give the girl what she wants! Give her the D!”

Kek, is this disco elysium isekai?
Did you guys archived the previous thread?

>>5512955
Haven't played disco elysium, but I think so. Archive can be found here: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2022/5439476/

>>5512797
Hero
Do not research

>>5512797
>[Hero]: “Um, uh tell her this is really sudden and while we like her, we’re really not comfortable doing it just out of the blue like that.”

>Start Researching the Shortstack Question

>>5512797
>>[Monke]: “Give the girl what she wants! Give her the D!”
Please DO NOT be that anime protagonist who desperately does everything in his power to not get laid, because if he does, then the anime watchers won't be able to relate anymore

>>5512797
>>5513086
shit, forgot.
>start researching "How short and stacked are shortstacks?"

dropping to 2 diplomancer should be allright, I think
do we have 0 hero now?

>>5512797
Go Monke and also start research.

>[Hero]: “Um, uh tell her this is really sudden and while we like her, we’re really not comfortable doing it just out of the blue like that.”
>Start Researching

>This will probably need a roll
>[Hero] is our shittiest stat

>I wonder if the reason I haven't attracted any coomers and waifufags yet
well, it seems you have spoke a bit too soon, qm

>>5512797
>>5512812
Switching from Diplomancer to Hero

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>>5512846
>>5513086
Yessss, let the coom flow. Bwahahaha! *ha-ck*-*cough*... Ahem <.<
Dammit how does she have such beefy arms and narrow hips while still obviously looking like a woman. It's the face isn't it? Need study how to make my anime faces more feminine despite being it being such a simplified style.

>>5512955
>Kek, is this disco elysium isekai?
I've adapted the Disco Elysium skill system and thought cabinet for my purposes, but if you're looking for witty political commentary and deep philosophical musing you're only gonna get... a BS isekai.

Anyway guys, just dropping in to say that the pace and length of updates will probably slow down going forward. I had a lot of pre-planned content to get through at the start of the thread, namely Eliza's Reception, the council and Althea's return. So you got some chunky updates in rapid succession.

After spending half the day yesterday sketching the new and improved Althea I really need to divert my time elsewhere.

Vote will remain open for now and if I don't end up shit faced from new years drinking I'll update tonight.

>>5513350
>let the coom flow
relaax, it's not gonna, they are heroing themselves

>>5513350
face and I think the hip to shoulder ratio as well as making the skin look soft, since her muscles are close to masc territory

>>5512797
>[Hero]: “Um, uh tell her this is really sudden and while we like her, we’re really not comfortable doing it just out of the blue like that.”
Does she mean she loves us (doubt)? Perhaps this is something best saved for a more special occasion.

>>5513350
>>5513431
A large part of it is also the posture. If a dude was drawn with that posture he would immediately be recognized as gay.

>>5512812
>>5512846
>>5512854
>>5512863
>>5512973
>>5513060
>>5513086
>>5513096
>>5513097
>>5513106
>>5513302
>>5513525

Hero: 6
Monke: 4

Research: 6
Don't Research: 2

Okay let's see what we've got:
Looks like we're going for the hero option and starting research.

>Writing...

>>5513653
Is there a chance we fail, and she just rapes us? Please? Also all hero voters should be hanged.

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Althea’s proposition shocks you. Sex with cute girls was one of the things you were supposed to enjoy in an isekai but you’d never actually paid it much mind. You were too busy min-maxing your stats and trying to navigate ruling your new domain. With some embarrassment you realised you were still a virgin and while you had often fantasized about something like this in your previous life, actually having it happen to you… with a real woman who you’d come to know as full person, and not some 2D construct…

“Ah, heh. Althea I’m flattered but this is really sudden and while I like you, I don’t feel comfortable doing it right out of the blue like that.”

“So let’s get comfortable.”

Before you knew it Althea had taken her top off and gotten uncomfortably close.

“Please Nero… I’ve had all these feelings…”

She grabbed your hand and pressed it against her chest. Her tits were only one step above flat, but the contrast between the small mounds of softness standing proudly upon the hard plains of her pecs was oddly alluring.

“I feel something has awakened within me and I need your help to make sense of it.”

[Edge]: “Oh, so she doesn’t love you, she’s just horny and wants to explore her sexuality. Yeah, this isn’t really my thing but I gotta agree with Monke. It’s pretty obvious you should just fuck her.”

[Hero]: “No! We should only do it with someone we love. She should only do it with someone she loves.”

[Monke]: “But we do love her? Don’t we?”

[Hero]: “Well I really care about her, but I don’t know if that constitutes romantic love.”

[Monke]: “Well I love her (all night long), what about the rest of you guys?”

[Edge/Diplomancer/Stonks/Hackerman/(Muh)Autism]: “Not my domain.”

“Althea please- mmrmph!”

She had begun kissing you aggressively and gotten you in another tight hug. Once again you found yourself struggling to breathe on account of Althea sticking her tongue down your throat. Both of you staggered awkwardly around the room knocking over furniture and scattering the objects on them.

Just as you thought you might pass out the door was flung open and a guard rushed in.

“My Lord I heard noises and I-”

“Kyaaaaaah!”

Althea quickly let you go, scooped up a fallen paper weight and flung it at the guard smacking him square between the eyes. The guard fell backwards, knocked out cold. Several more guards rushed into the room, no doubt alarmed by seeing one of their comrades fall through the doorway.

“To arms brothers! Our Duke is in-”

“EEEEEEK!”

True to her word Althea proceeded to beat the shit out of the remaining guards all while keeping one arm across her chest. To be fair; the sight of one of their peers topless (Althea was technically also one of your guards) confused the shit out of them so neither side was really going all out. Still, it was an impressive sight to behold.

>Cont

>>5513686
----------

You now stand before a fully clothed Althea and some conscious but very bruised guards. Everyone in the room was thoroughly embarrassed for very different reasons.

[Hackerman]: “We need to handle this. This isn’t just a sexual misadventure. It has all sorts of unfortunate implications.”

[Diplomancer]: “Everyone’s reputation is at stake. Ours, Althea’s, the guards…”

[Monke]: “Isn’t it normal for Dukes to literally fuck around. I don’t think anyone would bat an eyelid if word got out we were fooling around with Althea (And we didn’t even do that).”

[Diplomancer]: “Even though such trysts are common the damage to our reputation is not zero, also the fact that we doing it with Althea-”

[(Muh)Autism]: “Ackshully she came on to us-”

[Hackerman]: “Irrelevant, Althea is already regarded with suspicion and mistrust on account of her inhuman appearance. Both of us will lose respect in the eyes of our people if word gets out. Not good for us as a Duke and not good for someone we plan to use an intimidating henchman.”

[Monke]: “Fucks sake guys, all you had to do was let it happen. Why the fuck did Hero get to decide anyway? They’ve got the weakest stat.”

[Edge]: “Hey! Don’t break the fourth wall, this quest already has enough bullshit going on as it is. Anyway, it looks like everyone involved wants to pretend this never happened so let’s just do that.”

>Now what?

>[Edge]: ”We are all gonna forget about tonight, nothing happened. UNDERSTAND?” Difficulty 10 (+7 from Edge)

>[Diplomancer]: “Althea was merely doing her duty as a member of my personal guard. This was uh… a penetration test. She was making sure I could resist an assassin trying to make use of feminine wiles.” Difficulty 10 (+2 from Diplomancer)

>[Monke]: If the girl is horny just tell your guards to fuck her. That’ll keep her happy and make sure everyone is too embarrassed to tell tales. Difficulty 12 (+3 from Monke)

>Write in

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>>5513681
It did occur to me that the situation might call for a test but I've already gone through with the update, maybe next time.

>>5513691
>[Edge]: ”We are all gonna forget about tonight, nothing happened. UNDERSTAND?” Difficulty 10 (+7 from Edge)
She needs to learn self control, we can't just have someone with her power doing it whenever she feels like it.

>>5513691
>[Edge]: ”We are all gonna forget about tonight, nothing happened. UNDERSTAND?” Difficulty 10 (+7 from Edge)

>>5513691
>>[Diplomancer]: “Althea was merely doing her duty as a member of my personal guard. This was uh… a penetration test. She was making sure I could resist an assassin trying to make use of feminine wiles.” Difficulty 10 (+2 from Diplomancer)
waifu fags amirite

>>5513691
How can one man be this gay? Ffs, even when we cobtrol main character-kun he turns out like this. Absolutely irredeemable. Anyway, under the circumstances no fucking way that they are gonna believe the other option, so edge it is. And anyway, a little fear from your subordinates is a good thing. They need to know that they need to obey us.
>[Edge]: ”We are all gonna forget about tonight, nothing happened. UNDERSTAND?” Difficulty 10 (+7 from Edge)

>>5513691

[Edge]: ”We are all gonna forget about tonight, nothing happened. UNDERSTAND?” Difficulty 10 (+7 from Edge)

Then try and get a chance to speak more privately with Althea. Maybe her old hideout?

>>5513691
Edge

>>5513691
>[Diplomancer]: “Althea was merely doing her duty as a member of my personal guard. This was uh… a penetration test. She was making sure I could resist an assassin trying to make use of feminine wiles.” Difficulty 10 (+2 from Diplomancer)
Bruh I didn't think monkey was also a psycho to pimp her, damn.

>>5513691
>[Edge]

>>5513770
It's one thing to get your rocks off on a whim, it's another to have a genuine bonding experience. One is meaningless and erodes the meaning of further such interactions, the other helps build a relationship that may be the strongest of all. /autism

>>5513691
>[Monke]: If the girl is horny just tell your guards to fuck her. That’ll keep her happy and make sure everyone is too embarrassed to tell tales. Difficulty 12 (+3 from Monke)
If we'd listened to Monke before this wouldn't have happened, so let's listen to it now instead.

>>5514079
Wtf man, he’s literally telling us to pimp the girl to the other guards.

>>5514130
That's not true at all. There would be no money changing hands. Did you even read the suggestion?

>>5514151
That true, Monke is not being a pimp, but a cuck.

>>5514158
That would only be true if we wanted to fuck her ourselves, but she just threw herself upon and we turned her down. We're basically just playing matchmaker here.

>>5514151
Are you being pedantic on purpose? The payment is their silence, not money.

>>5514162
Okay, now im convinced that this and the other post were bait. Have 2 (You)s.

>>5514162
No, downright declining was diplomacer and hackerman, hero was to have a relationship before sex.

>players deny prime tomboy pussy because????
>instead of making monke voice call people retards qm makes it into a cuck voice
What the fuck am I reading lol. Are both parties trolling?

>>5514168
You've clearly never been a pimp. Pimps don't accept payment in silence. You'll never run a successful business with that model.

Anyway, I can't help it that the truth makes you mad. I'm just here to support Monke, who clearly knows how to resolve this situation adequately.

>>5514169
Six one way and a half dozen the other. Besides, it's a relationship that cannot happen. A refusal garbed in pretty clothes is still a refusal.

>>5514178
>Are both parties trolling?
Well, qm was going on about how "capricious" he is, and players are like this>>5514180
So yes. The answer is yes

>>5514178
Seems really obvious to me why they said no. Both >>5513904 and >>5514169 said why, you can disagree but it's not a mystery. Though maybe some of the others are simply trolling.

>>5514180
Mad? More like confused really. And again, pedantic on the "pimp" point.

Happy New Years everyone

>>5514192
>Confused by the truth
It's okay, that's the way that most react to the preachings of Monke. Perhaps at some point in your life you will return to him, and all will be made clear.

>>5514193
You too!

>coomers throwing this much of a fit that we didn't fuck the first time we had the opportunity to in a quest explicitly advertised for pursuing waifus
Yeesh guys, I don't think this is the end here. If you'll notice, some of the hesitation was because this was obviously just hormones without any emotional attachment behind it. I'm sure you'll get plenty of support in the future for getting the MC's dick wet with one of the likely many girls to follow that care about the MC.

>>5514298
Sex without feelings is the ideal kind of sex for a political figure.

>>5513697
>>5513704
>>5513723
>>5513770
>>5513777
>>5513816
>>5513900
>>5513904
>>5514079

Happy New Years folks, time to count votes...

Edge: 6
Diplomancer: 2
Monke: 1

Edge Wins.

>Roll 2d6s

Rolled 6, 2 = 8 (2d6)

>>5514357

>>5514361
Thanks

>Check passed, Writing...

Rolled 5, 6 + 7 = 18 (2d6 + 7)

>>5514357
Rollin

Rolled 6, 2 = 8 (2d6)

>>5514357
oh yeah baby

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You do your best to make your attitude more domineering, taking on the air of a drill instructor chewing out unruly recruits.

“I can see we’re all very confused about what happened here tonight, so let me be clear: nothing happened. It was just another uneventful night and I will hear none say otherwise, understand?”

The combination of your menacing tone and their own shame made all assembled nod their heads stiffly.

“Very good. Guards, return to your posts. Althea, you are dismissed.”

As she left Althea stole on last glance at you. In that moment she really did look like a sad puppy that had disappointed it’s master. Your own face remained impassive, now was not the time.

-

A new day dawned. This past month you were really beginning to feel like a Duke. Sure you’d had responsibilities before you took the throne, but now your days were packed, and it was getting harder to find time for yourself.

The main item on the agenda today would be Althea giving her full report to the council and planning the hunting party. Althea…

[Hero]: “I wonder if we should check up on her. I think there might be some unresolved issues.”

[Edge]: “Ugh, she’s a big girl. If she was mature enough to try jumping our bones, she’s mature enough to handle rejection in a healthy manner.”

[Hero]: “Wow, I never thought I’d hear you talk about handling relationship issues in a healthy manner.”

[(Muh)Autism]: “Just because we’re the personifications of specific concepts doesn’t mean we can’t be flexible in interpreting those concepts and applying them to situations that might initially seem outside our domain.”

[Monke]: “We should talk to her, and this time take her up on her offer! I don’t wanna get route locked!”

[Diplomancer]: “Would the offer even still be on the table? If we really want to keep this avenue open I suggest a more delicate approach.”

[Stonks]: “Is it really an optimal use of our limited time and attention to agonise over Althea? I say we talk to Eliza and learn more about how she’s gonna help with our economy.”

[Hackerman]: “If this were some random chick I’d agree with you, but Althea is meant to be one of our most trusted assets. I don’t want any unresolved feelings festering and undermining her loyalty.”

>What do?

>Arrange to talk to Althea in private before dealing with the council.

>Take the opportunity to check up on Eliza and touch base with Malchus.

>Just start planning the Hunt. (Skip to main quest.)

>>5514424
>Arrange to talk to Althea in private before dealing with the council.

>>5514424
>>Just start planning the Hunt. (Skip to main quest.)

>>5514424
>Arrange to talk to Althea in private before dealing with the council.
Bang the dog girl and super secure her loyalty.

>>5514424
>Take the opportunity to check up on Eliza and touch base with Malchus.

>>5514424
>Arrange to talk to Althea in private before dealing with the council.

Best to get things cleared up, especially since we're probably going to have her watching our back in the wastes before long. No room for distractions on the war path.

>>5514424
>Arrange to talk to Althea in private before dealing with the council.

>>5514424
>Arrange to talk to Althea in private before dealing with the council.
She needs to know why rejected her that night. It's not that we don't like her, it's that we were caught off guard and didn't have time to make sense of our feelings for her, nor her feelings for us. What does she see us as? Does she love us? It's possible she doesn't really know herself, but is just going on straight feelings. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it's probably best if she understands what she's getting into first.

>>5514424
>Just start planning the Hunt. (Skip to main quest.)

>>5514429
>>5514432
>>5514436
>>5514447
>>5514486
>>5514522
>>5514545
>>5514609

Okay time to call it.

Talk to Althea: 5
Talk to Eliza: 1
Plan Hunt: 2

>Writing...

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“I’m sorry about what happened,” you said. “I didn’t mean to hurt or embarrass you. You just took me by surprise that’s all, then the guards arrived and I had to… handle things.”

Althea fidgeted nervously. It was a strange sight to see this muscular warrior woman act like a blushing maiden. You had to remind yourself that for all her prowess as a hunter and warrior, she still knew very little about how to conduct herself around other people.

“I’m sorry too Nero. For a long time you were the only person I really knew, the only person I trusted, you still are. I thought I could talk to you about anything, that I could do anything. But now… with this whole Duke thing, it’s like we have to pretend we don’t know each other.”

“Althea, it’s true we have to be careful how we behave towards each other, especially when others are around, but I’m still the same person who found you in the wastes.”

“Are you really? I don’t think either of us are the same people we were. You have all these rules and responsibilities and I have all these… feelings.”

“Are you saying you love me Althea?”

“Yes... no?” she sighed “I don’t know. You’re like my best friend, I feel super comfortable around you… but I also want to fuck you.”

>cont

>>5514821
[Monke]: “Uh oh. I know what this is. It’s a classic case of a sheltered girl having a sexual awakening after going out into the world for the first time. If you wanna bone her you better do it now or she will find someone else.”

[Hero]: “S-so she doesn’t actually love us?”

[Diplomancer]: “Love is… complicated and takes time to blossom. If we really wish to build that kind of relationship with her, we need to patiently cultivate it.”

[Edge]: “You guys are such a bunch of cucks.”

[(Muh)Autism]: “Is it cuckoldry if she was never yours to begin with?”
>Thot unlocked: Is it cuckoldry if she was never yours?

[Hackerman]: “Whatever you do next just don’t do anything that would compromise her loyalty.”

>Uh…

>[Monke]: “I see, well friends can still fuck. See me again tonight, this time I’ll be ready.” Difficulty 8 (+3 from Monke)

>[Diplomancer]: “Maybe we both need time to figure ourselves out. No matter what I’ll be here for you.” Difficulty 10 (+2 From Diplomancer)

>[Hero]: “Well I love you Althea, and no matter what I happens I think we can make it work.” Difficulty 12

>[Hackerman]: “I think I know what your problem is. There’s a guy I know from the 3rd cohort. I heard he has a thing for strong women. Approach him like you did me last night and I guarantee you all those pesky feelings will disappear.” Difficulty 7 (+5 from Hackerman)

>Write in

((Sorry this took so long, RL interruption))

>>5514823
>[Hero]: “Well I love you Althea, and no matter what I happens I think we can make it work.” Difficulty 12
I blindly follow my heart.

>[Hero]: “Well I love you Althea, and no matter what I happens I think we can make it work.”
And then suggest we fuck tonight like monkey said! Are we ready to stop being gay yet? This is clearly the best girl that we'll get, so might as well tie the knot now.

>>5514823
>[Monke]: “I see, well friends can still fuck. See me again tonight, this time I’ll be ready.” Difficulty 8 (+3 from Monke)

>>5514823
>[Diplomancer]: “Maybe we both need time to figure ourselves out. No matter what I’ll be here for you.” Difficulty 10 (+2 From Diplomancer)

>>5514823
>>[Monke]: “I see, well friends can still fuck. See me again tonight, this time I’ll be ready.” Difficulty 8 (+3 from Monke)
A shame, but I don't want to lose her to anyone else. Perhaps we can leave it the first part? I don't want to lock ourselves into strictly being "a friend". Grab her hand while we say it?

>>5514890
+1
Let's go with this

>>5514823
>[Hero]: “Well I love you Althea, and no matter what I happens I think we can make it work.” Difficulty 12

>>5514823
>>5514905
...I can't believe I'm doing this, but I'll side with the coomers this time to avoid the route lock on this wolf girl we barely know this early into the quest.

changing from Diplomancer to Monke

>>5514823
>[Monke]: “I see, well friends can still fuck. See me again tonight, this time I’ll be ready.” Difficulty 8 (+3 from Monke)
Why doesn’t hero offers no bonuses ?

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>>5514890

>>5514823
>>>[Diplomancer]: “Maybe we both need time to figure ourselves out. No matter what I’ll be here for you.” Difficulty 10 (+2 From Diplomancer)
Fuck ez bitches

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>>5514890
>>[Hero]: “Well I love you Althea, and no matter what I happens I think we can make it work.”
>And then suggest we fuck tonight like monkey said! Are we ready to stop being gay yet? This is clearly the best girl that we'll get, so might as well tie the knot now.
Yes, lets go with this! We are coming for you bestgirl Althea!

>>5515171
Well if you want to remain as removed as possible, I'd suggest settling for the dispassionate screw, as opposed to a full on confession.

Rolled 3, 4 = 7 (2d6)

>>5515192
>>5515017
>>5514890
>>5514825
Man, I know I voted to pimp her out but going for the super hard check when we could fuck her with an easy one is REALLY retarded.

((I didn't catch it last night but now I realize I chopped off the entire first part of the last update. Here's the first bit for posterity.))

You decide to clear things up with Althea. With your new responsibilities it wasn’t as easy to just slip away to your old meeting spot without arousing suspicion. Instead, you summoned her to the council chambers early under the guise of wanting to debrief her privately.

Althea entered the chamber, clearly expecting the council but was surprised to find you alone.

“My Lord?” she asked. It seemed her manner was stiffer and more formal, good for the actual council but right now you wanted her to open up.

“You can dispense with the formalities for now. We have some time before the council will be in session. I wanted to talk about last night.”

Her posture relaxed a bit but her guard was still up.

“I’m sorry about what happened,” you said...

Time to count votes...
>>5514825
>>5514890
>>5514893
>>5514905
>>5514936
>>5514999
>>5515017
>>5515040
>>5515043
>>5515171
>>5515192

>Why doesn’t hero offers no bonuses ?
You researched a thot which gives you -1 to Hero when Althea is around. You only had +1 to Hero to begin with.

Hero: 5
Monke: 4
Diplomancer: 1

Wow, you guys really wanna hold hands with this chick that badly? Okay...

>Roll 2d6

Rolled 5, 6 = 11 (2d6)

>>5515443
This requires a nat 12.

>>5515447
Oh for fucks sake.

Rolled 3, 1 = 4 (2d6)

>>5515443
critfail time

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>>5515447
Check failed

>Writing...

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You hate to think that perhaps you only started caring when it seemed like you were going to lose her, but you couldn’t deny the intense longing growing within you. You rise from your seat and walk up to Althea taking her hand in yours.

“Well, I love you Althea, and no matter what happens I think we can make it work.”

Althea looks up at you, her dark red eyes filled with… fear?

“N-Nero… I-I… don’t think this is a good idea.”

“That’s not how it looked last night.”

“Well I wasn’t thinking last night, and now that I am, I realise that I can’t do this with you.”

“Althea, what’s wrong?” you feel your heart begin to ache.

She pushes you away.

“You’re a duke now. We just can’t be together.”

“I don’t care about my reputation. I am indeed a duke and if anyone dares question our relationship, I will silence them.”

“And what about my reputation? No one will dare speak against you but I see the looks your men give me. They respect my physical prowess, nothing more. I am an outsider to them, a charred one, many already see me as the pet of an eccentric ruler. If we were to take this route, I would become your toy. And that image would stick no matter how many you punished or how many I beat down.”

You try to move close again, “Althea… surely.”

“No Nero!” she steps back more aggressively this time. “If I am to be your subject I must have more than just your respect.”

Her declaration leaves you speechless. You feel yourself falling into utter despair. A single tear rolls down your cheek. Seeing this Althea’s expression softens somewhat.

“I’m sorry Nero, really I am. Do not worry, I am grateful for all you have done for me. For that I remain in your service, but from now on I am only a member of your guard and nothing else.” As if to give you one last act of tenderness she raises her hand to your face and brushes away the tear. “Come now my Duke, it is unbecoming to weep in front of the council…”

>Cont...

>>5515474
The actual council is almost a welcome relief. With the sting of rejection still raw, planning the monster cull is a much-needed distraction. The information Althea brought back is invaluable; the locations of oasis’, monster migration patterns, places to take shelter. With this knowledge what was previously thought impossible became viable: an expedition into the heart of the ash wastes.

But that was something for another time. For now, you hashed out the much simpler task of culling the monster population within proximity to the western border.

There would be two teams of experienced hunters, one lead by you, the other by Althea. They would begin their hunt from Oxvale and Peringard respectively. After sweeping the wastes they would meet in the middle before heading back to Falkengard. Tyrol would administer the realm in your absence and General Varkas would guard the border. Thanks to your… inspired deployment plan there was a very good chance that your forces would be able to hold out until the cull was complete.

((Okay time to resolve the RULES OF NATURE decision we locked in back near the start of the thread.))

>Roll 2d6 vs difficulty 12 (+6 from Edge, +1 from Autistic Troop Deployment)

Rolled 5, 2 = 7 (2d6)

>>5515476

>>5515485
((Check passed))

I'm locking in that result.

Writing the events of the hunt is gonna be a big update so I'm gonna leave that till tonight since I got other stuff I need to do during the day.

Please wait warmly...or not. I get it if peeps are gonna get a bit salty while processing the rejection.

>>5515488
I felt nothing to be honest, I was expecting something way worse.
Maybe I just my (Muh)Austim score is too high for my own good.

>>5515488
Eh, one rejection is hardly final, especially when it's this early in the journey. She was never duchess material anyway, and I'm glad she has enough sense to recognize that before that fact caused us real problems.

>>5515488
[Monke] It’s fine, she’ll get worked up again and then we’ll be ready.

>>5515488
Also, check'd and heil'd

>>5515488
No hard feelings. I wasn’t planning on a harem and although I wanted the options open to choose our one waifu, it was a mature rejection. I’m only salty about the cuck options that monke and later hackerman offered, although hackerman was more in character for it.

>>5515523
>I’m only salty about the cuck options...

Yeah in hindsight the "have your guards fuck her" choice should have been Hackerman. Initially I wrote it as a Monke choice because I envisioned it as Nero seeing Althea as a fem-bro and trying to "help" her with her "problem".

>>5515530
Makes sense. Altough monke is hornyness as well, it was too much of a jump and we weren't even going to take part in it.

fuck, should've just gone with monke option

Why is the monster waifu sad? I'm new here.

File: Thot3.png (1.41 MB, 2480x3138)

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As the council draws to a close, Eliza gives an update on the materials situation. House Rythvane had more in-depth knowledge of the uses of monster parts, allowing more efficient use of the materials derived from them. The nature of sourcing monster parts and the fact that they were not “standardized” meant using them to make weapons and tools would never be as cost effective or efficient as regular metal, but it would meet your needs for now.

Eliza also shared knowledge of how to treat wood using magically assisted alchemical processes. The resulting wood would be highly resistant to flame. Not as good as proper stone, but good enough for now.

After stealing a glance at your head mage’s ample bosom you finally come up with an answer to a question that had been plaguing your mind for some time.

>Thot finished researching: How short and stacked is a shortstack?

>cont

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>>5515993
Before you knew it you were riding out to Oxvale at the head of your hand-picked hunting party. You would have liked to have Althea by your side, but aside from you she was the best hunter and survivalist you had. Taking her with you would have been a waste, besides you’re not sure if your heart could take it at this point.

The next month went by in a blur. Focussing on the hunt allowed you to forget Althea’s rejection, the harshness of the ash wastes left no room for self-pity. This was the most challenging hunt you had ever been on by far. The average hunt was a short opportunistic endeavour; you did not risk tracking quarry that was too ferocious and you certainly did not risk the wrath of a mother fire drake defending her brood. But this was not a regular hunt, it was a cull; if it posed a threat to Falkner lands, you had to kill it. Indeed, not everybody survived. From time to time one of your men would be a little too slow, careless or just plain unlucky and then… they would mauled, poisoned and eviscerated… and not necessarily in that order.

Periodically you would rendezvous with caravans from Falkner lands, these would relieve you of your monster carcasses, evacuate the wounded and bring fresh supplies. The schedule had been meticulously planned so that nothing went to waste and you could continue hunting for extended periods.

Eventually you reached the final waypoint and joined Althea’s party before heading back to Falkner keep. Althea seemed to be in good spirits, you noticed she had become more sociable, lead the men with greater confidence. You also noticed that her hunting party was significantly smaller than yours.

“It’s good to see you are well Althea, unfortunately I cannot say the same of your men. Were there many ferocious beasts in the south?”

Althea’s expression went dark for a second. “Yeah, I encountered many beasts in the south… but none were more ferocious than me.”

[Diplomancer]: “That’s a half-truth if I ever heard one.”

[Edge]: “I don’t like the implications of this…”

[Stonks]: “Do we really want to know?”

>Press Althea to tell you what happened.

>Ask one of the surviving members of her hunting party what happened in private.

>Let her keep her secrets.

>>5515994
>Press Althea to tell you what happened.

Okay guys. My Christmas/New Years vacation is over which mean I'll be going back to work tomorrow. Updates will be less frequent but I'll try to keep this going till we reach a good stopping point.

Thanks for participating this far.

>>5515855
I don't understand the question. Like why is she sad in the picture? Because if you've read this thread it should be pretty obvious why she's sad.

Oh, don't forget to vote on whether you want to start researching the latest thot too. Dare you begin research on THIS one? >:)

>>5515994
>Ask one of the surviving members of her hunting party what happened in private.

Mutiny that had to be put down? Wasn't an option but I'd like to ask her in private.

>>5516008
>Mutiny that had to be put down? Wasn't an option but I'd like to ask her in private.

You can assume that pressing her means you'll ask her in private.

>>5516001
Thot research seems barely useful, one extra dice overall, but switching from one stat to the other. I guess it would be very good for a balanced character though.
So when things are going to start happening? I was looking forward to the hunt but it was just a footnote.
Or is this more of a slice of life and I should change my expectations?

>>5516012
It occurred to me that the hunt should have been stretched out into multiple updates, the problem is I had already locked it in early and resolved it in a single roll with a given difficulty so it didn't feel right to split it up into multiple decisions after the fact. I'll try to plan things better and avoid doing this going forward.

>>5516020
Alright, that's understandable. I just wanted to be sure since it wouldn't be the first time I went into a quest expecting one thing, but the focus was another.
Although this is an isekai quest with a bunch of stats for social interaction, so I don't know why I would be expecting a combat focus.

>>5516025
The stats are there for narrative resolution whether it be social or otherwise, they are meant to be broad and abstract. Some will be inherently more social than others. Diplomancer will almost never be rolled for direct combat, Edge and Hero could be considered the primary combat stats but stats like Hackerman and Stonks can potentially be used to resolve attacks depending on the framing.

>>5516029
That's good to know, thanks QM.

>>5515994
The implications are clear enough that we shouldn't pry for the time being. Let her decide for herself if the "beasts" pose enough of a problem for her to risk potentially embarrassing herself to us through association. Let her know we can guess what she encountered, but chose not to dig further. Congratulate and say that we appreciate her.
>Let her keep her secrets

>>5515994
>Let her keep her secrets.

>>5516001
>Do not research

File: lord-of-the-rings-smoking.gif (5.63 MB, 640x640)

5.63 MB GIF

>>5516001
>Oh, don't forget to vote on whether you want to start researching the latest thot too.
Whatever the result, it can't be worse than having a daughter

>>5515994
>Press Althea to tell you what happened.
>Research Thot

>>5515994
>Ask one of the surviving members of her hunting party what happened in private.
>Research Thot

Rolled 3 (1d3)

>>5515998
>>5516008
>>5516099
>>5516110
>>5516324
>>5516557

Okay voting time.

Press Althea: 2
Ask her party: 2
Let her keep her secrets: 2

Research: 2
Don't Research: 1

Welp, you guys have collectively decided to take -2 to every stat across the board. Did you think it will give you a big pay off? Guess you'll find out.

And the main vote is a tie which means I get do what I want... fuck it I can't think of any ironic bullshit to put you guys through so I'll just roll a d3 to decide which option to go with.

1: Press Althea
2: Ask party members
3: Let her keep her secrets.

>Writing...

File: Castle.jpg (3.37 MB, 2900x1631)

3.37 MB JPG

You could see that your question made Althea uncomfortable. Fear, and fury flashed across her eyes before she looked away. You give a frustrated sigh.

“I think I know the type of beasts you speak of,” you say, anger creeping into your voice. “Did you manage to slay them all?”

“Yes…”

You look over your shoulder at the rest of her hunting party. “And what of your surviving men?”

“They are good men; they did their duty. Without them I may not have accomplished the task you set before me.”

You stared ahead coldly. “I see… then I will speak no more of it. You’ve done well Althea.”

“Thank you N-,” she caught herself. “Thank you, my Duke.”
Back in Falkengard.

Upon your return to Falkengard. You allowed yourself a single night’s rest before meeting with your advisors. In your absence the dukedom had survived. The military under General Varkas’ command had managed to counter any major monster incursions before they did any real damage. Middleshire had been deemed a lost cause and evacuated, left unguarded the monsters had done some damage, but the people were safe. Its population would be able to rebuild in time.

More concerning were bandit raids in the region around Hintervale. Thanks to your optimised troop deployments, small military units placed at strategic points along the eastern border managed to mitigate much of the damage. The strange thing was the nature of the raids; they were targeting the farms. It made no sense: Individual farms did not have a high enough concentration of valuable goods to be worth robbing. If and when bandits attacked, they usually struck supply caravans.

Malchus had also reported Eliza engaging in suspicious behaviour. Much of her time was spent supervising your court mages and artisans in new crafting techniques, but when ever she could she would wander about the keep performing some kind of divination ritual in random places. She also sent regular messages back to Rytholm. Malchus had intercepted one such message but been unable to read it; it was obfuscated by some kind of magical art that was unknown to him.

>What shall we attend to first?

>Speak with Malchus then confront Eliza.

>Discuss the bandit problem in more detail with Tyrol and General Varkas.

>>5516992
>Speak with Malchus then confront Eliza.
I suppose I should clarify since I know people are gonna ask.

This option should be:

>Speak with Malchus regarding Eliza.

There will be options afterwards about how to approach her if you even want to do it at all.

>>5516992
>Discuss the bandit problem in more detail with Tyrol and General Varkas.

>>5516992
>Discuss the bandit problem in more detail with Tyrol and General Varkas.

What Eliza's doing is mysterious but not immediately threatening whereas this is an immediate, politically simple, and tangible problem to be addressed. Taking care of it quickly and decisively should help us regain the trust of the peasantry, and if left unchecked then damage to food production would insidiously undermine our grasp on power.

>>5516992
>Discuss the bandit problem in more detail with Tyrol and General Varkas.

>>5516992
>Discuss the bandit problem in more detail with Tyrol and General Varkas.

>>5516992
>Discuss the bandit problem in more detail with Tyrol and General Varkas.

>>5517138
While the divination rituals are not immediately threatening, what she is after is not mysterious at all. We need to confront her about it before she conducts the ritual at the great hall.

>>5516992
“Did you manage to slay them all?”
I think their extermination isn't a long term solution. We will have to revisit the issue with Althea some (potentially distant) time in the future, and not just for the sake of her well being. She herself is an example how they can potentially be of value to us and our house. Also, the hope of a less violent and more lasting solution could serve to encourage her to work harder too. [/autism]

>>5516992
>Discuss the bandit problem in more detail with Tyrol and General Varkas.

>>5517109
>>5517138
>>5517172
>>5517209
>>5517931
>>5517943

4 new 1 post IDs... either I got a lot of phone posters or half my player base has finally gotten tired of my shit posting. Either way, as long as peeps keep voting I'll keep running

Dealing with bandits first

>Writing...

File: funeral-pyre.jpg (170 KB, 960x643)

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You’re not surprised that Eliza is acting strangely, it was obvious house Rythvane would have its own agenda. You’ll deal with that in time. Right now the bandit problem seemed more alarming so you decided to arrange a meeting with Tyrol and General Varkas to learn more about the threat.

“Our patrols have been reporting increased bandit activity in the area between Birchmont, Rivenholm and Hintervale,” said Varkas as he placed markers on a map indicating major incidents. “They’ve been hitting travellers along the roads, which is normal, but they’ve also been attacking farms and logging camps, which is not normal.”

“Bandits will steal food to survive but they prefer to do so when it’s already been packaged for transport, raiding a farm directly makes no sense,” said Tyrol. “Raiding lumber camps makes even less sense, wood is too bulky to be worth stealing.”

“More concerning is the bandits are attempting to set fire to the fields and wood stockpiles when they perform their raids. So far no significant damage has been done but if our response time was any slower our food supply would be in serious jeopardy.”

“There’s more, these bandits are slippery, they act with more discipline and co-ordination than you’d expect of outcasts and criminals. Every now and again our forces manage to run down a group of them. Superficially they look like a dirty group of vagabonds, but their weapons are of an unusually high quality. They hide it by smearing dirt on the blades and wrapping the pommels in rags, but the edges are always well maintained, and the material is tempered steel.”

[(Muh)Autism]: “Such weapons require (relatively)advanced smelters that can usually only be found in large cities. Only professional soldiers would have access to them.”

“What of the north-eastern border?” You ask. “Is there a bandit problem there?”

“No,” said Varkas “The intensity of the bandit activity wanes the further you get from the border with Kireon territory.”

[Monke]:” That son of a bitch!”

[Hackerman]: “A destabilisation operation, I thought we’d seen enough of that crap in news back in our old life.”

[Diplomancer]: “It’s obvious this is Kireon’s doing, but we have no proof so we can’t overtly accuse him of wronging us.”

[Edge]: “Why do we have to justify ourselves? There’s no UN in this world, primitive communication lines means no court of international opinion either. Let’s just march into Kirenburg and kick their asses.”

[Stonks]: “Our army is still depleted, we’re in no shape to launch an invasion.”

[Edge]: “We don’t need an army…”

[Hero]: “You’re not seriously suggesting what I think you are!? Innocent people will get hurt.”

>cont

>>5518268

>How to deal with this BS?

>[Hackerman]: “Two can play at this game, let’s launch some black ops of our own.”

>[Edge]: “Let’s go on vacation in Kirenburg… and get angry.”

>[Stonks]: “Annex Rivenholm, we may not have enough forces to take Kirenburg, but Kireon’s military is still less well trained than ours. This should send a clear message that we are not to be trifled with.”

>Write In

>>5518270
>[Hackerman]: “Two can play at this game, let’s launch some black ops of our own.”

>>5518306
>+1
Annexing the city out of the blue would make the Rythvane see us as too aggressive and we still would be straining our army.

>>5518270
>[Edge]: “Let’s go on vacation in Kirenburg… and get angry.”

Gotta let the dragon off his chain occasionally, might as well get something out of it. An attack by the dragon will have him begging to be let back into our trade agreement, and keep him busy with cleanup to do anything else.

>>5518455
I don't wanna release the dragon while he didn't awaken yet

>>5518462
I don’t like the idea of releasing the dragon, but it does help if we have an outlet for it. It resets the difficulty of resisting it whenever it is released.

>>5518270
>[Hackerman]: “Two can play at this game, let’s launch some black ops of our own.”
The least bad of the options imo

>>5518270
>[Hackerman]: “Two can play at this game, let’s launch some black ops of our own.”

I hadn't even considered using the dragon as a weapon, though. If we did use it in the way that [edge] supposes, I don't think it would instill much faith in those who know we're the monster if we're willing to use it without regard to civilian life, looking at our bro.

I got blindsided by the sound relationship advice [edge] gave, so this is a return to form.

>>5518224
Everyone is a one-post ID at some point or another, QM-kun

>>5518270
>Edge
But first, let our mother and brother know that we must occasionally blow off steam as the dragon.

Also send a letter to the Duke of Kieron beforehand, letting him know our scouts detected a truly terrible monster circumnavigating our territory on the way to his. We’re letting him know in advance in light of our previous relationship, but are unfortunately unable to assist a kingdom that has declined to cooperate with us.

I don’t really know what the Duke of Kireon was thinking by abandoning his ties to us entirely. Even if our domain was weakened we are still the only buffer between him and the horrors of the wastes. Let’s remind him that it’s far cheaper to trade with us to keep those out of his lands than it is to deal with the headaches himself.

>>5518915
+1 very funny

>>5518904
I meant that either some of the participants from earlier in the thread were phone posters, or we've had an influx of new players while old ones have left. Wasn't accusing anyone of shenanigans.

>>5518915
+1

>>5518270
>Write In
Find the main bandit camp, tell everyone we got this so they leave, run into the center, and release the demon dragon.

Have we ever considered bargaining with it? Say, we're willing to let it out more often, but on the condition that it attacks those we deem it should attack, and at the very least change it's appearance a bit.

>>5519245
It appears to be largely unthinking. There's nothing to bargain with.

>>5518915
you know what, I like this idea

changing to this from >>5518484 (that post is me on mobile)

>>5519105
I was phoneposting because I was on vacation

>>5519462
Also I got a dynamic IP, so sometimes my ID changes while I sleep

>>5518306
>>5518394
>>5518455
>>5518484
>>5518782
>>5518915
>>5519019
>>5519167
>>5519245
>>5519453

Tallying the votes:

Edge: 5
Hackerman: 3
Sic Dragon on main bandit camp: 1

Okay, we're going to unleash the Dragon in a densely populated city full of non-combatants just so we can stick it to Duke Kireon. I'll include the bit about sending the letter and giving your family a heads up.

>Writing...

File: MothersAppraisal.png (273 KB, 844x447)

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You stare at the markers representing the bandit raids disdainfully, considering possibly responses to this brazen attack on your sovereignty.

“Keep the border secure General, now that the cull is complete you should be able to transfer some fresh troops to reinforce our defences.”

“Will… that be all my Lord?” He seemed disappointed.

“It’s obvious that Nigel Kireon is making mischief in our lands, but the situation is too delicate for me to initiate a reprisal right now. All we can do is defend the border until an opportunity presents itself. That will be all.”

“Yes, my Lord.”
With that Varkas left and you turned to Tyrol.

“Send for mother, there is something I need to discuss with the both of you.”

-------------------

You hadn’t been truthful with Varkas, you were planning a reprisal, a severe one, but one that no one could know the full details off, not even your family. Still you could not just tell them nothing.

“Mother, Tyrol, I have something I need to tell you. It concerns the Dragon. I cannot keep the demon chained within me indefinitely. I must periodically unleash it lest it overwhelm me at an inconvenient time.”

Both of them were visibly disturbed, memories of the battle of the keep fresh in their minds.

“I don’t like where this is going brother. That creature is a scourge that annihilates all in its path. Every time it is unleashed, calamity will follow. You swore that you would learn to control it and failing that, contain it, yet now you are all but admitting you can do neither!”

“There is no other way!” you insist. “I will be taking a short trip soon. I shall go to a place where I can unleash the Dragon’s rage without doing any harm to our people or lands.”

“Where are you going?” asked your mother, her gaze boring into you. This was the part you were most afraid of, she was your mother, it was very hard to for you hide anything from her, yet she could not know what you planned to do.

“It’s best you don’t know…” you say darkly.

Your mother grabs your hand and glares at you accusingly. You can feel the condemnation in it.

“Whatever that demon does is on your head, you understand? Whomever it burns, their kin will seek vengeance against you. Any city it razes will become a monument to your sins. So I hope with all my heart that when you say you can unleash the Dragon in a place that will do no harm-”

[Diplomancer]: “No harm to our lands or people subtle but important difference.”

“-that you are speaking truthfully.”

You nod, unable to lie verbally in the face of your mother’s suspicion. Pulling away from her you leave the room and prepare to write a letter…

>Plan locked in: Unleash the Dragon on Kirenburg. This will be resolved later.

>Cont

>>5519525
------------------

After penning the letter to Nigel Kireon you summon Malchus to your study.

“So what mischief has our Rythvane spy been getting up to?”

“She takes periodic tours of the castle, makes idle chatter with the guards and servants, claims she’s just trying to familiarize herself with her new home.”

“Sounds like run of the mill intelligence gathering. We expected as much.”

“I’ve also caught her using magic in certain places. She’s very good at doing it subtly. I could barely detect it. I doubt the other court mages would even notice.”

“What manner of spell craft is she performing?”

“I can’t say for sure my Lord. Some kind of low-intensity scrying or resonance spell, it’s as if she’s looking for something hidden.”

“And where is she using this magic? Do the locations form any kind of pattern?”

“The western battlements, the north court yard, various passages within the north western wing and the great hall. All suffered heavy damage during the siege.”

[(Muh)Autism]: “All bore witness to the Dragon’s fury.”

[Hackerman]: “She’s interested in the Dragon, but what does she know? Is she simply investigating it’s appearance or does she have an inkling of it’s true nature?”

“Eliza also sends and receives regular communication with Rytholm. I intercepted one of the messages before it was sent but it was obfuscated using a magical cypher.”

“How do those work?”

“The message is keyed either to a specific recipient or a talisman. I am only familiar with a very crude form of it that keys the message to a specific person. It’s not very practical as the recipient has to be present for the encryption to be performed. Usually I use it to safe guard my own journals. Rythvane’s mages definitely know a more refined version of this art. From what I know of the theory the messages will be keyed to either an enchanted talisman or a member of the Rythvane family.”

[Monke]:“So basically we have to search Eliza’s room for a literal decoder ring, or else somehow get her to remove the obfuscation without reading the letter.”

>What do?

>[Diplomancer]: Socialize with Eliza, engage her in innocuous activities and see if she’ll let anything slip about her goals.

>[Monke]: Concoct an elaborate plan to distract Eliza and search her room for clues.

>[Stonks]: Do nothing, there’s a very real chance her investigations will come to naught. What could she possibly find out? That the Dragon was here? No shit.

>Write in

>>5519526
>[Diplomancer]: Socialize with Eliza, engage her in innocuous activities and see if she’ll let anything slip about her goals.

>>5519526
>[Monke]: Concoct an elaborate plan to distract Eliza and search her room for clues.

Considering the perk we have.

Momma ain’t wrong about the demon and what unleashing it could mean, but we’re on this path now.

>>5519547
Just cus Monke suggested it doesn't necessarily mean it'll involve Monke checks. They just wanted an excuse to search a girl's room, and enact a cuh-razee plan for shits and giggles.

>>5519526
>[Diplomancer]: Socialize with Eliza, engage her in innocuous activities and see if she’ll let anything slip about her goals.

>>5519526
>[Diplomancer]: Socialize with Eliza, engage her in innocuous activities and see if she’ll let anything slip about her goals.
Let's get to know her better first

>>5519526
>[Diplomancer]: Socialize with Eliza, engage her in innocuous activities and see if she’ll let anything slip about her goals.
Lmao, I can't believe people went with the [Edge] option. The truth regarding the dragon will have to come to light eventually, and now if we stick with the [Edge] plan and devastate a civilian population, there is no way anyone would not treat us as an existential threat, except possibly the charred ones.
Even if we disrupt Eliza's investigation it won't be long before she connects the dots, and unleashing the dragon upon Keiron will just speed along her conclusion to a dark end, where had we chose something else we might have been able to convince her that the demon is in fact a boon to both our houses.

I wanted to ask you guys about the voices.

So an anon mentioned earlier that he likes that the voices did the thinking for you. Glad you're enjoying the internal dialogue. The voices are a useful tool for me to provide exposition and foreshadowing, but I wonder if they give too much info away for free. I also wonder if you guys would like more blanks to fill in with your own speculation.

Basically would you prefe: if a voice's stat is low they are less likely to chime in and give you advice. Voices with high stats might over analyze a situation based on their aspect.

This will make the game harder for you since the voices will be less reliable. I may be a capricious QM but I want to punish your failure only when you've had every opportunity to understand you're being retarded and still choose to do it anyway.

>>5520242
Well, reducing them while their stat is low is a nice idea, which reminds me that the dragon would start as low and then grow over time.

>>5520242
>too much info
Anons have just voted to burn their mother's uncle and her home town and tell their mother about it. If anything, they need more info.

>>5520845
Bad news: I spent all night experimenting with a digital art program so I could draw a moth girl for another project.

Good news: Tomorrow is Saturday so I can update this thread earlier than usual, maybe I might be able to get out more frequent and higher quality updates over the weekend too, we shall see...

>>5520845
Yeah... the current setup is working out fine. (for me anyway). If it's not broken don't fix it.

>>5519525
>Unleash the Dragon on Kirenburg
Can we at least focus on attacking the town’s garrison / defensive area

It would be better to not genocide the civilian populace

>>5520845
>Anons have just voted to burn their mother's uncle and her home town and tell their mother about it
Uncle is a schemer scumbag and tried to undermine our rule, first by holding our agreement for goods and supplies in exchange for protection from monsters hostage and now by murdering our people and now directly by destroying our crops and seizing what little we produce ourselves in an attempt to cause instability in our realm. Fuck him and the horse he rode in on. The faster we can be rid of him, or scare him into changing his attitude towards us the better.

As for burning down the whole town, yeah that's unfortunetely inevitable at this point. Keeping the Dragon from murdering the majority of the civilian population is priority 1, but it's unlikely we can save everyone or the city itself for that matter. If we were to just waltz in through the walls straight to the keep and kill only Duke Kieron and his court that's going to look suspicious as hell, so some of the inhabitants will have to die and large parts of the city destroyed to cover up that we're just here for our Uncle.

Honestly surprised that no one even considered the Stonks! approach at all. Forcing direct conflict, even with our diminished troops would be well in our favor since I assume we could plow through the inexperienced troops of the Easterners solo with little problem with us being a powerhouse fighter, and our troops would run circles around their Kieran counterparts. Especially if we could secure the support of House Rythvane, forcing a two front war on our Uncle. They wouldn't even need to fight, just aggressively muster and maneuver around the northern border of House Kieron and force them to maintain a large contingent in the north to counter any incursions while we roll over anything our 'dear' Uncle can put against us and siege Kirenburg until he's either strung up by his starving population to appease us or surrenders his host to us.

Matter of factly, with the (hopefully) upcoming untimely death of Duke Kieron at the hands of a vicious monster that no one could've stopped or predicted where it would strike, the Dukedom will be in shambles politically and we should meet with Duke Rythvane and hash out an agreement for dividing the Dukedom between us. For the good of the Realm and the stability needed to keep the population safe, of course.

>>5520242
>So an anon mentioned earlier that he likes that the voices did the thinking for you.
I blush

I like the current method as is with all the voices speaking their parts, because as I see it, without this method [hero] with how low they are wouldn’t be heard as often. The back and forth is fun to read.

>>5519531
>>5519547
>>5519587
>>5519752
>>5519899

Okay let's do this:

Diplomancer: 4
Monke: 1

Okay we're going on a date socializing with Eliza.

>Writing...

>>5521788
This post is exactly why I think anons need even more info. You completely ignore the potential consequences from our mother's side.

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50 KB JPG

>>5521936
I will riot if we do not hold Eliza's hand and complement her and express how much she means to us.

>>5521979
Is she even a tomboy? She didn't give any indications to that so far.

((Arrgh, sorry it took me so long to write such a small update. There are a wide variety of reasons for this that include sleeping in, food comas and alcohol.))

You decide that raiding Eliza’s room would be too risky, for potentially little pay off. Maybe it’s time you actually talk to her. You hadn’t exactly interacted with her outside official functions time to change that.

With a little help from Malchus you find Eliza in the great hall, seemingly focussed on an invisible stain in the table cloth.

“Lady Rythvane, is something the matter?”

She jumps clearly startled. “Oh! Duke Falkner. I was just uh… examining the embroidery on this table cloth. It uh… really is a fine example of craftsmanship.”

“Thanks, my mother brought it with her from Kirenburg,” you say flatly.

“Oh…” said Eliza thrown off guard by her faux pas.

[Diplomancer]: “Now set out some bait…”

“Me and my brother were fighting the enemy warlord here when the demon appeared.” You pause more for effect than any genuine trauma. That got her attention.

“You were there when the Dragon manifested!?” she gasped.

[Hackerman]: “Gotcha!”

“Dragon? What would you know of the creature?”

“Uh… um just myths and legends. They say that the Dragon was one of the old gods.”

“The old gods are dead. They no longer shape this world’s destiny.”

Eliza bites her lip and tenses up, as if she’s desperately trying to hold something in.

[(Muh)Autism]: “Poor girl, she’s desperately fighting the urge to say something which begins with ‘Uh Ackshully’. I know it all too well.”

[Hackerman]: “There will be secrets she won’t divulge but she seems like she really wants to say something she knows she shouldn’t, we can use that.”

>What say?

>”What would you know of the old gods?”

>”Why do you associate the demon with one of the old gods?”

>”The demon’s appearance is a mystery. My mages believe it was some manner of powerful monster that was in hibernation beneath the keep and awoken by the battle. What do you think?”

>Write in…

>>5522038
>”The demon’s appearance is a mystery. My mages believe it was some manner of powerful monster that was in hibernation beneath the keep and awoken by the battle. What do you think?”
To get a correct answer, put forward a wrong one and wait.

>>5522038
>”Why do you associate the demon with one of the old gods?”

>>5522038
>”The demon’s appearance is a mystery. My mages believe it was some manner of powerful monster that was in hibernation beneath the keep and awoken by the battle. What do you think?”
Appeal to her autism and the associated need to correct perceived mistakes.
Lets dance with her and twirl her like a little top lmao.

>>5522038
>”The demon’s appearance is a mystery. My mages believe it was some manner of powerful monster that was in hibernation beneath the keep and awoken by the battle. What do you think?”

>>5521969
Sure it's an extreme reaction, and sure we're going to catch flak from our mom and brother.

But are we going to catch more flak from them than we curtail by putting a fist in Kireon's face when we fucks with us? That's a much more nebulous question.

>>5522571
Well. Our brother has already stated he will remove us if he considers us unfit to lead the house. And our mother is also his mother and has corresponding influence on him.
You're also speaking like going dragonshit was the only option to push back at Kireon. It wasn't.

>>5522636
So put something else out there. It hasn't happened yet, the QM may be capricious but if you put forth a viable alternative and everyone votes for it then he'd have to be a bastardman to stick with the original.

>>5522047
>>5522047
>>5522067
>>5522300
>>5522561

>Writing...

”The demon’s appearance is a mystery. My mages believe it was some manner of powerful monster that was in hibernation beneath the keep and awoken by the battle. What do you think?”

That got her going.

“Well, they’re not entirely wrong. We’ve long theorized that what we call monsters today were once regular creatures warped by high concentrations of god dust during the great cataclysm.”

That sounded a bit arcane but you think you follow.

“God dust?”

“Yes, legend tells that when the old gods died their essence was shattered into shards, but have you tried quarrying stone? You’ll naturally generate dust in addition to the larger pieces you break up. Thus the cataclysm likely generated a large quantity of god dust which was dispersed across the land and gave rise to the many vicious and uncanny creatures we refer to as monsters.”

“The demon was no mere monster. A bull fire drake could potentially wipe out an entire squad, this creature was on another level entirely.”

“Indeed, this demon of yours likely has the highest concentration of god dust we’ve ever seen in a single creature.”

“You mentioned shards, could the creature be possessed of a shard.”

“Full on shards are usually inert in and of themselves. We can grind those down and use the excess dust as a-“ she catches herself, clearly realising she’s saying too much. “Ah-ha-ha, listen to me rambling on about esoteric magical theory. I’m probably boring you my Duke.”

[Diplomancer]: ”We probably can’t probe her further on this right now, but she clearly enjoys demonstrating her knowledge.”

[Edge:] “NEeeeerd.”

[Hackerman]: “We need to get her to lower her guard more.”

[Monke]: “Ook! Ook! Let’s seduce her! We could be a mayo jar!”

[(Muh)Autism]: “Mayo jar?”

[Monke]: “You know, like a honeypot, but since we’re male; mayo jar.”
>Thot unlocked: Honey-Mayonnaise.

[Edge]: “Gross…”

[Hackerman]: “Whatever, just don’t fuck this up like you did Althea.”

[(Muh)Autism]: “But we didn’t fuck her at all.”

[Monke]: “Don’t remind me…”

[Hero]: “It’s better this way, we need to respect her choices.”

[Edge]: “Shut up Hero! This is all your fault! If we had listened to literally any other voice besides you when dealing with Althea we wouldn’t have ended up looking like faggot! Diplomancer told us that if you wanted a lovey dovey hand holding relationship with her it would take time, but nooo you went an popped a highschool confession right then and there.”

[Monke]: “Since when did you care?”

[Edge]: “I don’t, I just like hating on Hero, I also hate feeling like a cuck.”

[Diplomancer]: “Can we please focus on Eliza now?”

>Cont

>>5522926
Have Althea lead a team (all disguised) to track and hunt down the mercs raiding us. Maybe follow them back to their garrison or inn and massacre the building/camp to make a point.
The uncle is merely poking us at this point, no need to put a molotov through his dining room window just yet.

>>5523392
>What do?

>[Monke]: Let’s have a sparring match! Hot blooded shounen fights always reveal a character’s true self! Plus we could wager she let us touch her boobs if we win… alright fine we could wager she tells us more sekrit shit.

>[(Muh)Autism]: Invite her to the library for a stimulating conversation about the nature of magic. She won’t be able to stop herself from telling us everything she knows.

>[Hackerman]: Dinner and drinks… what? Alcohol is a social lubricant. Simplest plans are the best.

>[Edge]: Stop wasting time here and get to torching Kirenburg. (Skip back to main quest)

((I seem to be suffering from brain fog this weekend. Sorry for the slower pace of updates despite saying I might be able to update faster.))

>>5523395
>[Edge]: Stop wasting time here and get to torching Kirenburg. (Skip back to main quest)
monster waifu get, begon THOT!

>>5523395
>[(Muh)Autism]: Invite her to the library for a stimulating conversation about the nature of magic. She won’t be able to stop herself from telling us everything she knows.
I don't see any indication she's the sparring type, especially not with her noble host she's only met twice. Praise her knowledge, give the invite, then offer dinner + rain-check on the library if she wiggles her way out of the current invite.

>>5523394
That would have come under the Hackerman choice, you guys voted Edge, so we're doing Edge.

You'll get some opportunity to change your mind on exactly how you'll use the Dragon against Kireon, but the overall path is set.

>>5523392
>[(Muh)Autism]: Invite her to the library for a stimulating conversation about the nature of magic. She won’t be able to stop herself from telling us everything she knows.

>>5523395
>[Hackerman]: Dinner and drinks… what? Alcohol is a social lubricant. Simplest plans are the best.
>Add that talking about monsters never bores us, because it's our job to protect everyone from them as best we can. Look manly and dutiful.

>>5523395
>[(Muh)Autism]: Invite her to the library for a stimulating conversation about the nature of magic. She won’t be able to stop herself from telling us everything she knows.
Seems a little soon for dinner and drinks, this should be a good first step.

>>5523395
>[(Muh)Autism]: Invite her to the library for a stimulating conversation about the nature of magic. She won’t be able to stop herself from telling us everything she knows.

Sorry guys no update today. Been busy.

>>5523395
>[(Muh)Autism]: Invite her to the library for a stimulating conversation about the nature of magic. She won’t be able to stop herself from telling us everything she knows.

>>5523402
That’s a pretty iffy way to handle it QM-san, both in-character and out-of-character why shouldn’t Nero/anonmind be able to realize something and reflect? It’d be one thing to keep us on track if we’d already initiated anything aside from writing a letter and talking to relatives, but idk why you wouldn’t let us reconsider up until an in-character point of no return.

>>5525395
Alright, alright, but only because an anon had the presence of mind to submit a write in that triggered the warning talk from Mom and Tyrol. I guess you've earned a second chance.

I'll revist the overall decision after the Eliza scenes are over and we resolve the bandit issue. You'll get to change your mind, stay the course or choose a bunch of things inbetween.

>>5525395
>>5525512
There goes being railroaded into Wasteland Wanderer Quest: Legend of the Dragon Warrior (and his Dark-Skinned Tomboy)

I'm going to have to delay the update again. It's just one thing after another right now.

I'll push myself to get another update out tomorrow.

>>5523398
>>5523401
>>5523416
>>5523461
>>5523542
>>5523878
>>5524671

Edge: 1
Hackerman: 1
(Muh)Austism: 5

>Writing...

You smile.

“Talking about monsters never bores me, it is one of the duties of House Falkner to defend against them.”

[Diplomancer]: “Perhaps we should try engaging her in her element, invite her to the library.”

“I would very much like to continue this conversation Lady Rythvane, would you join me in the keep’s library?”

Eliza seemed flustered at your invitation, whether from shyness or suspicion is unclear. Either way she accepts.

------------------
Falkner Keep’s library is a modest affair, House Falkner wasn’t a great patron of the arts and sciences so it’s collection of tomes wasn’t as extensive as other houses. Even so, the library wasn’t small by any means, containing the houses various historical records and decorated with hunting trophies taken from the most impressive kills.

You slowly walked between the trophies, showing them off to Eliza.

“…and this one was taken from a bull fire drake that I killed single handedly,” you said puffing yourself up proudly.

You were trying not to be too boastful but you couldn’t help yourself. You really were proud of this one. Eliza was a little less impressed.

“I suppose it is impressive given you didn’t use magic, but a member of the Rythvane Magus Circle could probably take down a creature like this easily.”

That irked you somewhat but you managed to stay polite.

“Lady Rythvane, I understand magic has its place but it is no substitute for a good sword arm and a hunter’s instincts.”

“Has it’s place!? I must protest my Duke. It is mundane arms that are no substitute for magic!” she said, clearly irritated.

[Monke]: “She’s cute when she’s mad, I wanna bully her.”

[Hackerman]: “Let’s not get side tracked, remember we need to somehow get her to give us more info.”

[Stonks]: “Should we try engaging her in a contest and wagering information, or try to get her to go on a nerdy spiel again?”

She seemed quite reserved in formal settings, but she was starting to get a little condescending now that she was getting comfortable. You feel a little desire to one up Eliza…

> ”Is that so? Then perhaps you would care to give me a demonstration. I think a friendly sparring match with one of my guards is in order.” (Have her spar with Althea)

> ”Well, let’s agree to disagree. Tell me do you play Tnewg?” (Challenge Eliza to a game of Not!Magic-Hearthstone-Gwent-insert-whatever-CG-here, you fucking nerds.)

>”I respectfully disagree. I am curious though, I’ve always wondered how magic works.”

>”Hmph, I suppose a mage would have that opinion. Even with magic one would be wise to respect the threat monsters pose… you mentioned they are a product of exposure to god dust?”

>>5527219
> ”Well, let’s agree to disagree. Tell me do you play Tnewg?” (Challenge Eliza to a game of Not!Magic-Hearthstone-Gwent-insert-whatever-CG-here, you fucking nerds.)

>>5527219
>”Hmph, I suppose a mage would have that opinion. Even with magic one would be wise to respect the threat monsters pose… you mentioned they are a product of exposure to god dust?”

>>5527219
> ”Well, let’s agree to disagree. Tell me do you play Tnewg?” (Challenge Eliza to a game of Not!Magic-Hearthstone-Gwent-insert-whatever-CG-here, you fucking nerds.)

>>5527219
>”Well, let’s agree to disagree. Tell me do you play Tnewg?” (Challenge Eliza to a game of Not!Magic-Hearthstone-Gwent-insert-whatever-CG-here, you fucking nerds.)

Pair it with an alcoholic drink - bet the short stack can’t handle her alcohol

>>5527219
>”Well, let’s agree to disagree. Tell me do you play Tnewg?” (Challenge Eliza to a game of Not!Magic-Hearthstone-Gwent-insert-whatever-CG-here, you fucking nerds.)

>>5527223
>>5527237
>>5527248
>>5527269
>>5527345

>Play Tnewg: 4
>Ask about god dust: 1

Hmm, and just when I thought you guys were going to avoid the meme choices.

>Writing...

File: GameTable.jpg (2.56 MB, 3264x2448)

2.56 MB JPG

“Well, let’s agree to disagree. Tell me do you play Tnewg?”

Eliza becomes very excited for a moment before asserting a veneer of forced calm.

“O-Of course, it is the game of scholars and nobility, as both a scholar and a noble I naturally know how to play.”

[(Muh)Autism]: “Being a game for scholars and nobles goes without saying. A full game set is too expensive for commoners and only scholars and nobles would have enough education and free time to appreciate such a game.”

“That wasn’t what I asked, I asked if you play.”

“Eh… I enjoy a game every now and again,” she was trying to act casual but you could sense a nervous energy about her.

[Monke]: “She’s totally hiding her power level.”

“Well, why don’t we play a bit, my late Father always said it was a great way for people to get to know each other.”

You open a nearby cupboard, pull out a Tnewg set and begin setting it up.

Tnewg was not a collectable card game. Such things were simply not possible in a low tech feudal setting as they required a large literate population with disposable income.

Tnewg was like a combination of a deck builder, chess and Catan. Broadly speaking it was an abstraction of dukedom management. The game had many interlocking layers and multiple victory conditions representing the various forms of economic, military and political dominance. The idea was that a ruler had to maintain some level of prowess in each arena. A strong economy had to be guarded by a strong military, a strong military had to be funded by a robust economy. The political layer was a potential force multiplier that could turn the tide of game if used properly, but without the backing of wealth or power all the favours in the world could not guarantee survival.

These qualities not only made the game interesting but were a great way to gauge a player’s character based on their favoured playstyle. In that sense the way you played was in itself a form of discourse. Many friendships, rivalries and even feuds had begun around the Tnewg table.

>Cont...