>>5542054
>Nothing special, you're just plain evil!

this is the way, guys

>>5542054
>>Absolute power is the monarch's privilege, by your whim do they live or die.

>>5542054
>>Absolute power is the monarch's privilege, by your whim do they live or die.

>>5542054
>Honor and tradition are for the dead. There is no low you won't stoop to for victory.

Blackmail, bribes and the power of persuasion; we could rule without the original revolutionaries being any the wiser.

Also:
>Nothing special, you're just plain evil!

>>5542054
>Honor and tradition are for the dead. There is no low you won't stoop to for victory.

>>5542054
>>Nothing special, you're just plain evil!

>>5542054
>Honor and tradition are for the dead. There is no low you won't stoop to for victory.
Our brother should be an abject lesson to us.

>>5542054
>>Absolute power is the monarch's privilege, by your whim do they live or die.

>>5542054
>>Nothing special, you're just plain evil!

>>5542054

>Forbidden arts are your way, knowledge and power considered profane.

They thought us a puppet, but we'll make puppets, puppets of them all!

>>5542054
>>Honor and tradition are for the dead. There is no low you won't stoop to for victory.
Chivalry? Get that shit outta here

>>5542054
>>A fell being holds your faith, in defiance of the church.

>>5542054
>Absolute power is the monarch's privilege, by your whim do they live or die.

>>5542054
>>Honor and tradition are for the dead. There is no low you won't stoop to for victory.

>>5542054
>>Nothing special, you're just plain evil!

>>5542054
>Absolute power is the monarch's privilege, by your whim do they live or die.

>>5542054
>Honor and tradition are for the dead. There is no low you won't stoop to for victory.

>>5542054
>Forbidden arts are your way, knowledge and power considered profane.

>>5542054
Being plain evil could give us the most freedom, and no honor sounds fun, but absolute power can potentially be anything we want.
Hmm

>>5542054
>Absolute power is the monarch's privilege, by your whim do they live or die.

>>5542054
>Absolute power is the monarch's privilege, by your whim do they live or die.

>Tally time!

>>5542064
>>5542067
>>5542102
>>5542120
>>5542135
>>5542174
>>5542187
>Absolute power is the monarch's privilege, by your whim do they live or die.

>>5542114
>A fell being holds your faith, in defiance of the church.

>>5542109
>>5542155
>>Forbidden arts are your way, knowledge and power considered profane.

>>5542068
>>5542071
>>5542100
>>5542110
>>5542125
>>5542153
>>Honor and tradition are for the dead. There is no low you won't stoop to for victory.

>>5542063
>>5542068
>>5542075
>>5542105
>>5542127
>>Nothing special, you're just plain evil!

It seems that Absolute Power is the majority, and complementary to that, you can be just plain evil.

Of course you might pursue any number of these possible choices, or others in time. For example just because forbidden arts aren't known to you now doesn't mean you can't explore that possibility later. But for now, to begin with you hold your stance on your authority above the rest.

File: crown.png (346 KB, 509x339)

346 KB PNG

>>5542194
>Absolute power is the monarch's privilege, by your whim do they live or die.

Your rotten younger brother Louis stole the crown for himself, and plunged the country into turmoil? Ah, but you have a crown for yourself now! He pretends himself king, yet more the fool for imprisoning father rather than killing him... last you heard, at least. But you are no pretender and have nothing to impede you. Though the princeling is still bound to the laws and traditions of the land if he hopes for any legitimacy, you have your own ideas about how a monarch should behave.

That, if a Queen should do it, then it is not a crime whatever it may be. Absolute power, such is the privilege of a ruler ordained by the gods.

So it is then Isabella, first of your reigning name, to rule as you believe a queen ought to. You can expect opposition both from near and far considering you find yourself in this position to begin with due to technically-treasonous nobles, who favored you to your brother. But their favor was based upon the public and social impression of you as a proper, well-mannered and dutiful princess. Their mistake if they never bothered to learn your true self or ask what you desire in all this.

For the fate of this land however, Dalmace, how have you been crowned? Depending on the manner of your establishment will determine your starting point.

>Laroux, port city and capital of the south. Joined by retreating nobility, you would have support and a strong foothold.
>A foreign court. Having escaped from Dalmace to a neighboring power, you present a strong claim to a powerful ally... though you are a guest.
>The catacombs of Jeudais, among the bones of your ancestors. Traitors gather in secret to conspire, and in esoteric ceremony crown their queen. Operating from the shadows, the unseen threat.
>In the field, after battle! Rather unceremoniously, mercenaries and brigands have raised you up as queen! At the cost of legitimacy, you are not bound to any location or obligations. All the power you can seize for yourself!
>The grand abbey of Plairault, where the dynasty was founded. You would lack support but for the church, however such a symbolic action would mean a schism altogether; your own independent dynasty and country.

>>5542217
>In the field, after battle! Rather unceremoniously, mercenaries and brigands have raised you up as queen! At the cost of legitimacy, you are not bound to any location or obligations. All the power you can seize for yourself!

Firepower is our priority to ensure would be backstabbers dont have a military advantage

>>5542217
>>The catacombs of Jeudais, among the bones of your ancestors. Traitors gather in secret to conspire, and in esoteric ceremony crown their queen. Operating from the shadows, the unseen threat.
based shadow government time

>>5542217
>>The catacombs of Jeudais, among the bones of your ancestors. Traitors gather in secret to conspire, and in esoteric ceremony crown their queen. Operating from the shadows, the unseen threat.

>>5542217
>Laroux, port city and capital of the south. Joined by retreating nobility, you would have support and a strong foothold.

Planning on taking advantage of the black market

>>5542217
>>The grand abbey of Plairault, where the dynasty was founded. You would lack support but for the church, however such a symbolic action would mean a schism altogether; your own independent dynasty and country.

>>5542217
>Laroux, port city and capital of the south. Joined by retreating nobility, you would have support and a strong foothold.

>>5542054
>Honor and tradition are for the dead. There is no low you won't stoop to for victory.

>>5542217
>Laroux, port city and capital of the south. Joined by retreating nobility, you would have support and a strong foothold.

Shadowy tendrils later, to keep everyone in line once we take power.

>>5542217
>The catacombs of Jeudais, among the bones of your ancestors. Traitors gather in secret to conspire, and in esoteric ceremony crown their queen. Operating from the shadows, the unseen threat.
IT WAS ME, ISABELLA, ALL ALONG

>>5542217
>Laroux, port city and capital of the south. Joined by retreating nobility, you would have support and a strong foothold.

>>5542217
>>In the field, after battle! Rather unceremoniously, mercenaries and brigands have raised you up as queen! At the cost of legitimacy, you are not bound to any location or obligations. All the power you can seize for yourself!

>>5542217
>>In the field, after battle! Rather unceremoniously, mercenaries and brigands have raised you up as queen! At the cost of legitimacy, you are not bound to any location or obligations. All the power you can seize for yourself!
Mercenary Queen!

>>5542217
>In the field, after battle! Rather unceremoniously, mercenaries and brigands have raised you up as queen! At the cost of legitimacy, you are not bound to any location or obligations. All the power you can seize for yourself!

>>5542217
>The catacombs of Jeudais, among the bones of your ancestors. Traitors gather in secret to conspire, and in esoteric ceremony crown their queen. Operating from the shadows, the unseen threat.
Shadow queen must restore the mandate of heaven

>>5542217
>>In the field, after battle! Rather unceremoniously, mercenaries and brigands have raised you up as queen! At the cost of legitimacy, you are not bound to any location or obligations. All the power you can seize for yourself!

>>5542217
>Laroux, port city and capital of the south. Joined by retreating nobility, you would have support and a strong foothold.

>>5542368
Tally time!

>>5542244
>>5542256
>>5542374
>>5542416
>>5542530
>Laroux, port city and capital of the south.

>>5542226
>>5542233
>>5542410
>>5542508
>The catacombs of Jeudais, among the bones of your ancestors.

>>5542225
>>5542420
>>5542448
>>5542472
>>5542528
>In the field, after battle!

>>5542250
>The grand abbey of Plairault, where the dynasty was founded.

It seems to be a majority tie between Laroux, and in the field. Will continue awhile from now, so by then people can make their case for their choice or change votes, in order to make a definite majority. Or if anyone else should weigh in. If by then there's still a tie, I can roll to decide.

>>5542217
>>In the field, after battle! Rather unceremoniously, mercenaries and brigands have raised you up as queen! At the cost of legitimacy, you are not bound to any location or obligations. All the power you can seize for yourself!

>>5542761
>Laroux, port city and capital of the south

Every port city has, or should have, a black market. We can use it to our advantage. We could obtain rare items, illegal contraband, etc. And if Laroux doesn't have one, we can create one hidden somewhere close to the port.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>5542771
>>5542933
Ready to continue (was actually in the process of writing) but it seems the tie was only maintained! I will roll then to decide.

>1
Laroux
>2
Battle

File: what to do with this crow(...).png (1.88 MB, 1241x611)

1.88 MB PNG

>>5542771
>>5542761
>In the field, after battle! Rather unceremoniously, mercenaries and brigands have raised you up as queen! At the cost of legitimacy, you are not bound to any location or obligations. All the power you can seize for yourself!

Oh dear, what a mess you've gotten yourself into! In support of the princess a fair number of forces gathered around you in withdrawing from the capital, nobles and knights and bannermen alike. And it's only natural that your brother then would seek to stamp out any possible threat to his reign, and conflict would follow.

In the chaos of battle though, an outcome unexpected by both sides had transpired; with no clear victor in the engagement, mercenaries with no particular stake took the initiative. Regardless of paid loyalties before this point, when the opportunity to capitalize on the turmoil arose the unscrupulous lot made their play! Capturing hostages, valuable loot, and blurring the sides of who was fighting for what. At first even there was some contention and bouts of violence over the spoils, but eventually all came to... more or less agree on one ideal.

That they had a princess on their hands, but a queen was even more valuable!

"Long live the Queen!"
"Long live the Queen!"
"Long live the Queen!"

Well you certainly never planned or even imagined for any of this, being carried on the shoulders of an unruly mob of sellswords. Off to whichever nearest town had a church, kicking down the doors and forcing a coronation ceremony with the fellow-captive bishop. The crown isn't even yours, taken actually from the duke of Chalon after the battle. And for a throne, the town mayor's dining chair looted and carried outside to the central square so that the gathering common folk can see their new queen.

It isn't how you would have preferred to become a queen, but there's something to be said about not being confined to one set location (and thus a target for your brother), and for having an army behind you now. An army of irregulars, opportunists and foolish adventurers from all corners, but an army nonetheless. As you nervously sit amongst this gathering band of mercenaries, their imaginations running away with dreams of grandeur, you wonder how you may transition from their captive queen to their reigning one. Because as it stands they all merrily scheme and plan amongst themselves for what to do next and how best to profit with use of you, but hardly seem interested in hearing what you have to say. A pretty young lady in a fancy dress to prop up their cause yet little more.

At least one thing they are willing to hear you on however, is what to do with the battle captives now. The hostages both noble and common alike. Your first decision as queen!

>Kill them all, say they were casualties of the battle! You can ennoble deserving mercenaries and gain further support and power.
>The nobles will bring valuable ransom, while the commoners can be made to serve.
>Those loyal to you before and during the battle can be spared (and brought into the circle) but enemies should be punished, and their domains plundered.
>You demand your pick and choose of the captives and plunder, the best for yourself if you wish. The rest can be left up to the unruly mob to do as they please.
>Something else?

>>5542979
>Those loyal to you before and during the battle can be spared (and brought into the circle) but enemies should be punished, and their domains plundered.

>>5542981
>>Those loyal to you before and during the battle can be spared (and brought into the circle) but enemies should be punished, and their domains plundered.
We need competent support. Our brother is going to fucking pay.

>>5542981
>Those loyal to you before and during the battle can be spared (and brought into the circle) but enemies should be punished, and their domains plundered.

>>5542981
>Those loyal to you before and during the battle can be spared (and brought into the circle) but enemies should be punished, and their domains plundered.

Bruh, imagine picking the choice of legally having absolute power as part of our legal system only to later pick the choice that undermines our legitimacy when part of the reason anyone supported us at all was because our brother was an usurper against our father. I think some people liked the idea of having lots of manpower or being acclaimed after just winning a battle, but the other choice already offered one of those and as for the other, well, we seemed to have little part in actually winning the battle at all.

Oh well, lets do our best to make the best of this. At the very least this route should be fun.

>>5542981
>Those loyal to you before and during the battle can be spared (and brought into the circle) but enemies should be punished, and their domains plundered.

>>5543019
legitimacy and legality is for people who don't have a big army. Stories can always be made up after the fact, about how we single handedly won the battle or some other nonsense like that.

>>5542981
>Those loyal to you before and during the battle can be spared (and brought into the circle) but enemies should be punished, and their domains plundered.

File: E43974E1-A4E8-4042-856A-4(...).jpg (34 KB, 739x415)

34 KB JPG

>>5542981
>The nobles will bring valuable ransom, while the commoners can be made to serve.
>>Those loyal to you before and during the battle can be spared (and brought into the circle) but enemies should be punished, and their domains plundered.

>>5543019
Picrel

>>5542981
>>Those loyal to you before and during the battle can be spared (and brought into the circle) but enemies should be punished, and their domains plundered.

>>5542981
>Kill them all, say they were casualties of the battle! You can ennoble deserving mercenaries and gain further support and power.

>>5543019
There is a Chinese proverb that says the winner is a king, the loser a bandit. As long as we win, we are legitimate.

File: town center.jpg (70 KB, 750x436)

70 KB JPG

>>5542983
>>5542986
>>5543006
>>5543019
>>5543045
>>5543105
>>5543124
>>5543205
>>5543211
>Those loyal to you before and during the battle can be spared (and brought into the circle) but enemies should be punished, and their domains plundered.

Although it may have served your claim better if your coronation was a proper affair, and you definitely would have more titled supporters for it, at the same time you are no longer answerable to anyone. Your own belief in a monarch's absolute power would had to have contended with opponents whom you would have to humor if you wanted their support. Now though you're quite free to do as you please, only your own capability limits you.

Unfortunately it may make you a less appealing ruler choice than your usurper brother, but you now have no restraints while he has many. Not very becoming of a royal young lady, but absolute power is yours to seize by force rather than to be argued or pressured for. Just the same as it was, for your ancestral founders of the dynasty... following in their footsteps.

And a first step to your absolutism, is what to do about the spoils of battle.

"Those loyal to me are not to be harmed, and their belongings returned to them if you will. In exchange, the value shall be taken from those against me."

Composed as a queen should be, you stand to issue your decree for all those gathered in the town square. Your mismatched band of mercenaries, the common citizenry, and the battle captives. Roughly half of whom are freed for their loyalty, so long as they reaffirm it. The challenge you face is convincing your mercenary force to return plunder to your own loyalists, but a clever compromise is to offer the same or better value from the defeated enemy. And if they don't have enough? Their holdings and domain shall pay! After all, many of the gathered forces to the battle were from the local region simply because of proximity.

In exchange for your leniency, you retain the loyalty of a duke and three barons, as well as their households and troops... at least, those whom survived the battle. Although this isn't as much support as if you had been properly crowned, it's still a better position than you had before opposing your brother. Although these noble supporters are landed, bound to their domains so compared to the mobility of your mercenaries they may be limited depending where or what you choose to do.

With the matter of the battle aftermath taken care of then, you consider what to do next. Of course everyone has their own ideas, but maybe you can convince them towards what you want? Or agree with what they want to settle the matter.

>With the defeated still reeling, now is the time to venture out and pillage their domains. With the valuables more supporters can be gained. This is what the mercenaries want.
>After "your" "victory" the sensible thing would be to recover and take account of things. Who your supporters are, what valuables you have, the state of the area. This is what the clergy advises.
>What better way to proclaim your coronation, than a victory celebration? Perhaps a bit foolish in the wake of a battle, but it would certainly announce far and wide that a new queen has arisen. This is what the commoners cheer for.
>Do not let the momentum die down! Coming off this victory, you are in a position to claim some holding or location from which to establish yourself. This is what the loyalists recommend.
>Something else?

>>5543299
>With the defeated still reeling, now is the time to venture out and pillage their domains. With the valuables more supporters can be gained. This is what the mercenaries want.

>>5543299
>With the defeated still reeling, now is the time to venture out and pillage their domains. With the valuables more supporters can be gained. This is what the mercenaries want.

They're all right, but some are more right than others.

>>5543299
>>With the defeated still reeling, now is the time to venture out and pillage their domains. With the valuables more supporters can be gained. This is what the mercenaries want.

>>5543311
true

>>5543299
>Do not let the momentum die down! Coming off this victory, you are in a position to claim some holding or location from which to establish yourself. This is what the loyalists recommend.

>>5543299
>>What better way to proclaim your coronation, than a victory celebration? Perhaps a bit foolish in the wake of a battle, but it would certainly announce far and wide that a new queen has arisen. This is what the commoners cheer for.

>>5543299
>>With the defeated still reeling, now is the time to venture out and pillage their domains. With the valuables more supporters can be gained. This is what the mercenaries want.

>>5543299
>>With the defeated still reeling, now is the time to venture out and pillage their domains. With the valuables more supporters can be gained. This is what the mercenaries want.

>>5543299
>After "your" "victory" the sensible thing would be to recover and take account of things. Who your supporters are, what valuables you have, the state of the area. This is what the clergy advises.

>>5543299
>With the defeated still reeling, now is the time to venture out and pillage their domains. With the valuables more supporters can be gained. This is what the mercenaries want.
and then
>After "your" "victory" the sensible thing would be to recover and take account of things. Who your supporters are, what valuables you have, the state of the area. This is what the clergy advises.

If we can only do one, then pillage the domains.

>>5543295
>With the defeated still reeling, now is the time to venture out and pillage their domains. With the valuables more supporters can be gained. This is what the mercenaries want.
and then
>After "your" "victory" the sensible thing would be to recover and take account of things. Who your supporters are, what valuables you have, the state of the area. This is what the clergy advises.

File: -qq-20180507110423.jpg (389 KB, 1920x1259)

389 KB JPG

>>5543299
>With the defeated still reeling, now is the time to venture out and pillage their domains. With the valuables more supporters can be gained. This is what the mercenaries want.

Loot, pillage, burn!

>>5543299
>Do not let the momentum die down! Coming off this victory, you are in a position to claim some holding or location from which to establish yourself. This is what the loyalists recommend.

>>5543299
>>With the defeated still reeling, now is the time to venture out and pillage their domains. With the valuables more supporters can be gained. This is what the mercenaries want.

>>5543299
>Do not let the momentum die down! Coming off this victory, you are in a position to claim some holding or location from which to establish yourself. This is what the loyalists recommend.

File: ha ha time for pillage an(...).png (192 KB, 603x356)

192 KB PNG

Looks like a majority for

>>5543772
>>5543760
>>5543723
>>5543666
>>5543616
>>5543588
>>5543444
>>5543375
>>5543353
>>5543344
>>5543342
>>5543315
>>5543311
>>5543302
>With the defeated still reeling, now is the time to venture out and pillage their domains. With the valuables more supporters can be gained. This is what the mercenaries want.

It hasn't even been a full day yet, so your grasp of power is flimsy at best. By your estimation the best way to differentiate between the mercenaries doing what they want and dragging you along, and them doing your bidding, is if they believe you have their interests at heart. That probably is not a long term path to success but until you're more established it seems prudent. After all you're more like a warlord, lady? Of a militant band rather than a proper monarch, yet... unless of course you desire you be a queen in this way! Start a new trend!

"Well then, let us return these traitors to their homes!"

It doesn't take some speech or much convincing at all, to encourage your rowdy and scheming soldiers-for-hire towards what they want. Your other supporters lament this course of action, both for disorder of it all but also for the infamy it is sure to gain. But it hasn't even been a full day yet after all, what's a little reaping of the spoils of war so long as it enables you further?

And, if it is what you yourself want to do as well! Punishment must be dealt to your enemies, any should consider this a mercy.

"I pray for thee, your ladyship! Will you not go in peace with moneyed exchange? Ransom for your mercy!"

So pleads one of the captive barons, from the enemy side of the battle. Your force wouldn't be able to "visit" all the enemy holdings but naturally some are relatively close to where the field of battle had been. Having left town after noon (and with a mob of elated commoners in tow), it's possible before evening to reach the outlying lordly estate.

Although it seems simple enough, there are a few who would press their cases to you. Of course the baron in question, not wanting to see his domain pillaged and willing to pay for a reprieve. Although even your loyalists approve of some punitive raiding for the cause, more than a few caution letting your forces run amok since for some of your noble supporters, these are their peers or even neighboring sorts. It may lead to later trouble and animosity if you should ravage the land for plunder.

Whether any decision you make will be heeded by the common rabble though, lies with your delivery. At least someone found a late-noble's steed for you to sit, beside your lady-in-waiting Emelie, having found her among the rabble after your "coronation". Together you present an inspiring sight with the setting sun, but is it one that will be listened to?

>No quarter! There's no worry of enemies later, if you leave none behind! And in fact... you fancy to participate yourself, as well!
>Quarter yes, but of the hospitable sort. You've got a few thousand supporters and many followers besides who will need to spend the night. Things can remain civil, so long as your enemies act as good hosts.
>For those who can afford it or are still alive, a ransom... and charitable "donation" to the cause can suffice. Otherwise, measured raiding is in order. Though this may be hard to convince your supporters of.
>Best to be economical about things. There's a lot of land from your enemies to cover, best to split your forces up to venture out to pillage, and then everyone return here in a few days... although this comes at the cost of not having direct oversight of your rabble.
>Ransack this unlucky bastard's lordly estate for the night, maybe make an example of him. But come tomorrow, best to delegate the worthiest targets to your most capable followers.
>Something else?

>>5544016
>For those who can afford it or are still alive, a ransom... and charitable "donation" to the cause can suffice. Otherwise, measured raiding is in order. Though this may be hard to convince your supporters of.

>>5544019
>For those who can afford it or are still alive, a ransom... and charitable "donation" to the cause can suffice. Otherwise, measured raiding is in order. Though this may be hard to convince your supporters of.

>>5544019
>>No quarter! There's no worry of enemies later, if you leave none behind! And in fact... you fancy to participate yourself, as well!

>>5544019
>No quarter! There's no worry of enemies later, if you leave none behind! And in fact... you fancy to participate yourself, as well!
We need to be ruthless. We must prove to our Brother's supporters that he CANNOT protect them, thus eroding his support.

>>5544019
>No quarter! There's no worry of enemies later, if you leave none behind! And in fact... you fancy to participate yourself, as well!

>>5544019
>No quarter! There's no worry of enemies later, if you leave none behind! And in fact... you fancy to participate yourself, as well!
Next time surrender or die!

>>5542979
Wha- Why is the horse anus visible in that painting? That's just evil.
>>5544016
>For those who can afford it or are still alive, a ransom... and charitable "donation" to the cause can suffice. Otherwise, measured raiding is in order. Though this may be hard to convince your supporters of.

>>5544106
What can one say? Vernet was a stickler for realism, in a sense.

>>5544019
>>Ransack this unlucky bastard's lordly estate for the night, maybe make an example of him. But come tomorrow, best to delegate the worthiest targets to your most capable followers.

>>5544019
>Quarter yes, but of the hospitable sort. You've got a few thousand supporters and many followers besides who will need to spend the night. Things can remain civil, so long as your enemies act as good hosts.

>>5544106
Damn i just thought that was a tail

>>5544019
>>No quarter! There's no worry of enemies later, if you leave none behind! And in fact... you fancy to participate yourself, as well!

>>5544019
>For those who can afford it or are still alive, a ransom... and charitable "donation" to the cause can suffice. Otherwise, measured raiding is in order. Though this may be hard to convince your supporters of.

File: for the flames.png (614 KB, 700x420)

614 KB PNG

Looks like a majority for

>>5544034
>>5544049
>>5544077
>>5544091
>>5544095
>>5544097
>>5544106
>>5544246
>>5544264
>>5544286
>>5544350
>No quarter! There's no worry of enemies later, if you leave none behind! And in fact... you fancy to participate yourself, as well!

What kind of queen would you be, if you weren't willing to engage in a little total war to secure control? And what kind of tyrant would you be, if you weren't willing to participate! Looking over the rabble on march towards the estate you doubt you'd be able to sway them otherwise, so why bother? Make yourself look like a fool and get ignored in the process, no thank you!

"Let us make a night of this then! To each man his own, however he sees fit for these traitors!"

Though you hear some good reasons exercise restraint or leniency, they can start to learn for themselves that they crowned the wrong princess if they were hoping for a merciful ruler. Not that the mercenaries or commoners care, as you encourage them all along towards the noble estate with encouragement to do... pretty much whatever they want, to this traitor and his property.

"Curse you! The gods spit on you for thi-"

For daring to speak ill of the queen, the captive baron is walloped and dragged off for your men to deal with. Most of the rest however begin to pick up the pace and hurry on past towards the manor house, with greedy and malicious intent. Not just mercenaries either, but a decent portion of your loyalists who... had tried to mediate things at first but now accept the futility, and as well plenty of commoners from town eager for some opportunity.

Within the hour then the landed estate has devolved into chaos, signs of looting and killing and even some fires broken out. Gleaming in the onset of night. The descent of many hundreds, thousands even upon the grounds looking to satisfy their greed and bloodlust however they see fit. And not just the lordly manor house either but the surrounding and outlying structures as well, whether attributed to the noble family or their servants. Although the accompanying clergy and loyalist nobles observe in disapproval, what can they do really? You're hardly in the wrong even, with all of this.

"Out of the way, out of the way! What'll it be Bella?! Tell me and I'll get it for you!"

Emelie asks while pushing a path through the rabble of looters and vandals, leading you close. Maybe your supporters should have kept a closer watch on you, not exactly safe for the queen to be mixed up in all this mess. But you find it all so exhilarating and engaging! Shoulder to shoulder with the rabble, rummaging your way through the manor house and ransacking the place for whatever you please. As a princess your life before now was... restrained to say the least, closely guarded. So given the freedom in the moment now to participate in something like this?

File: pillage time!.png (716 KB, 630x460)

716 KB PNG

It's hardly ladylike nor becoming of a queen, but you aren't the only woman filling her pockets here, and the mercenaries and commonfolk delight to see your joining them. Maybe for your own safety though, or perhaps to keep you from getting carried away, Emelie offers to find whatever you fancy in particular. Her way of trying to get you out of the burning building, rummaging with no clear goal in mind.

>Riches! Whatever treasures might be left in this place, towards your own personal funds.
>Power! Anything of importance, artifacts or magic items that belonged to the local lord.
>Knowledge! Any information or secrets to be found, in these scattered letters and books before the fire takes them.
>Pleasure! Some good food and drink, comfortable clothes and bedding, so you're not spending the night like a commoner... or alone, if you fancy some company!
>Something else?

Staggering over the broken-down front door to get outside again, coughing from the smoke you get nudged and shoved aside by the frenzy of looters. Better to be noticed this way, as a loyalist knight soon fetches and carries you to safety. Although your supporting nobles and clergy try to chastise you for such reckless behavior, they recognize some of the folly with all the tumult of celebrating pillagers wandering about. And besides, you wouldn't take it to heart much anyway for as much fun as you had. The sounds of shouting aggressors and screaming victims, between cheers and disorderly revelry.

"-and if I went to do it, then I am allowed! Besides, nothing happened! See for yourselves!"

Though it may be a bit premature, you feel the need to push back a little against those who would think to discipline you. Baby steps towards your end goal of absolute rule. And thinking ahead, wondering towards the other targets. Your enemies still needing punishment... but what further pillaging could be had! At least enough to satisfy the majority of your followers, and build some wealth before you get serious again and make your next move.

>Make sure that each and every one of the traitors, at least those from the battle, share this same fate. Eventually one of your enemies will possess a holding worth more than just burning down, where you can gather and recover your forces and plunder.
>In a strategic move, continue on this pillaging warpath but along the way towards a certain or ideal location that you intend to end up after this mess.
>You wouldn't expect more than a week before reinforcements loyal to your brother come to regain control of the area. Focus on best targets you can for the coming few days, but then withdraw ahead of time.
>As quickly as your forces can loot, send out the word with offer of such wealth to any and all who will further join your cause. Perhaps even opposing or neutral lords, who will choose the winning side.
>Something else?

Also for whatever your choice you can go ahead and roll for the outcome, how worthwhile this pillaging effort will have been, 1d100!

Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>5544365
>Knowledge! Any information or secrets to be found, in these scattered letters and books before the fire takes them.

>Something else?
Use the funds we take to improve our mercenaries and followers — we are now a mercenary company that will offer their help to allies / neutral lords willing to pay us

Rolled 76 (1d100)

>>5544365
>>Power! Anything of importance, artifacts or magic items that belonged to the local lord.
>In a strategic move, continue on this pillaging warpath but along the way towards a certain or ideal location that you intend to end up after this mess.

>>5544365

>Power! Anything of importance, artifacts or magic items that belonged to the local lord.

Getting in with the commoners is good for image for now, but others may not quite like the image we’re currently presenting. Also so far we’ve just got a crown as claim to our divine right, anything more would be appreciated. Also might help get the clergy on our side, which can then in turn keep at least some of the commoners friendly once we inevitably wash our hands of their direct assistance
>In a strategic move, continue on this pillaging warpath but along the way towards a certain or ideal location that you intend to end up after this mess.
Our mobility is our strength for now, but it means our power will be a bit more decentralized and have less impact because of it. If we want to use these mercs later or be rid of them entirely we need our loyalists specifically to net us a hold to operate out from, as if the mercs get it they will for sure run security and maybe get some ideas about what to do with us next. Ideas that would NOT serve our goals in the least bit

Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>5544365
>Power! Anything of importance, artifacts or magic items that belonged to the local lord.
>>5544366
>You wouldn't expect more than a week before reinforcements loyal to your brother come to regain control of the area. Focus on best targets you can for the coming few days, but then withdraw ahead of time.
Do we roll now or after the choice is locked ?

>>5544390
Sure roll now, it will apply to whichever ends up being the majority choice.

Rolled 30 (1d100)

>>5544365
>Power! Anything of importance, artifacts or magic items that belonged to the local lord.

>>5544366
>In a strategic move, continue on this pillaging warpath but along the way towards a certain or ideal location that you intend to end up after this mess.

Rolled 72 (1d100)

>>5544365
>Pleasure! Some good food and drink, comfortable clothes and bedding, so you're not spending the night like a commoner... or alone, if you fancy some company!
>>5544366
>As quickly as your forces can loot, send out the word with offer of such wealth to any and all who will further join your cause. Perhaps even opposing or neutral lords, who will choose the winning side.

>>5544365
>Power! Anything of importance, artifacts or magic items that belonged to the local lord.
>In a strategic move, continue on this pillaging warpath but along the way towards a certain or ideal location that you intend to end up after this mess.

Pillage until we get to the port. Establish a black market, if there isn't one already. If there is, take control of it by any means necessary. Make shady deals. Obtain artifacts and magic items.

Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>5544557
Forgot to roll

Rolled 48 (1d100)

>>5544365
>Pleasure! Some good food and drink, comfortable clothes and bedding, so you're not spending the night like a commoner... or alone, if you fancy some company!

>As quickly as your forces can loot, send out the word with offer of such wealth to any and all who will further join your cause. Perhaps even opposing or neutral lords, who will choose the winning side.

Rolled 90 (1d100)

>>5544365
>Power! Anything of importance, artifacts or magic items that belonged to the local lord.

>>5544366
>In a strategic move, continue on this pillaging warpath but along the way towards a certain or ideal location that you intend to end up after this mess.

>>5544365
>Pleasure! Some good food and drink, comfortable clothes and bedding, so you're not spending the night like a commoner... or alone, if you fancy some company!

>>5544366
>>Make sure that each and every one of the traitors, at least those from the battle, share this same fate. Eventually one of your enemies will possess a holding worth more than just burning down, where you can gather and recover your forces and plunder.

Rolled 17 (1d100)

>>5544666

>>5544370
>>5544497
>>5544558
>>5544667

it is what it is

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>5544365
>Power! Anything of importance, artifacts or magic items that belonged to the local lord.
>In a strategic move, continue on this pillaging warpath but along the way towards a certain or ideal location that you intend to end up after this mess.

Rolled 61 (1d100)

>>5544365
>Knowledge! Any information or secrets to be found, in these scattered letters and books before the fire takes them.

>As quickly as your forces can loot, send out the word with offer of such wealth to any and all who will further join your cause. Perhaps even opposing or neutral lords, who will choose the winning side.

Pretty based quest so far

>>5544365
>Knowledge! Any information or secrets to be found, in these scattered letters and books before the fire takes them.
>>5544366
>In a strategic move, continue on this pillaging warpath but along the way towards a certain or ideal location that you intend to end up after this mess.

Looks like a majority for

>>5544370
>>5544371
>>5544383
>>5544390
>>5544497
>>5544528
>>5544557
>>5544604
>>5544657
>>5544666
>>5544746
>>5544878
>>5544965
>Power! Anything of importance, artifacts or magic items that belonged to the local lord.
>In a strategic move, continue on this pillaging warpath but along the way towards a certain or ideal location that you intend to end up after this mess.

You've always been able to rely on Emelie, perhaps the only person who knows your true self and ambitions, desires. So despite the strange and unfamiliar circumstances of finding yourself in a position of pillaging, you still feel comfortable relying on her to collect whatever choice bits of treasure this lord may have. While you, having had your fun, can take a step back and resume your queenly role of a dignified and inspiring leader... to this unruly mob of looters.

But not that you'd complain! At least you're on the path to change and potential greatness. It's your battle to lose now, against your enemies but you can say with confidence that you've joined the fray rather than continuing on as you ever had. A quiet unassuming proper princess, fit to be married off and bear children and little else.

"...what then, after this your highness? Leave the countryside in ruins, deprive your brother that wealth?"

"...no, let the sellswords and the peasantry have their fun. Keep them invested. But my sights, our sights should be on something more substantial."

You can hear the doubt, regret in the voices of your noble supporters as they ask of your intentions. Wondering and worrying if they actually supported an aimless brigand in a dress for queen. And while you certainly would enjoy that... imaginings of a warlord ravaging the countryside, you remain aware of your legitimacy. True and proper Queen of Dalmace is the goal after all, any cruel and crude fun you may have along the way cannot compare to that ultimate victory.

And so you are still in the mindset of pillaging your way across the land, at least for those who deserve it, but this is merely a means to an end. Sort of. Your brother will never be far behind so best to have a wall you can put your back against, rather than being caught in the field once again. Appealing to both your lowborn and highborn supporters, to ensure the loyalty of all and your longterm success. The mercenaries want reward for their service, and the nobles want a secure legacy they can find assurance with.

This way, you can meet both ends. The question is what you're aiming towards.

>A city. Bustling with activity and populace, but difficult to govern and defend.
>A stronghold. The surest defense, but lacking in resource potential.
>A region. Some fancy estate and the associated territory, less centralized but resource-rich.
>A special site. Whether a holy place or some magical anomaly, symbolic and sanctified but delicate to your reputation and possibly hazardous.
>Something else?

>>5544974
>A region. Some fancy estate and the associated territory, less centralized but resource-rich.

>>5544974
Also the collective roll will apply to pillaging done by your force while traveling, en route to where you want to go. So this is just a decision first for where you're intending to go, with the success/roll to follow along the way.

>>5544974
>A region. Some fancy estate and the associated territory, less centralized but resource-rich.

>>5544974
>>A special site. Whether a holy place or some magical anomaly, symbolic and sanctified but delicate to your reputation and possibly hazardous.

>>5544974
>A region. Some fancy estate and the associated territory, less centralized but resource-rich.

>>5544974
>A region. Some fancy estate and the associated territory, less centralized but resource-rich.

>>5544974
>A region. Some fancy estate and the associated territory, less centralized but resource-rich.

>>5544974
>A special site. Whether a holy place or some magical anomaly, symbolic and sanctified but delicate to your reputation and possibly hazardous.

Cult route?

>>5544974
>A region. Some fancy estate and the associated territory, less centralized but resource-rich.

>>5544974
>A special site. Whether a holy place or some magical anomaly, symbolic and sanctified but delicate to your reputation and possibly hazardous.

>>5544974
>>A special site. Whether a holy place or some magical anomaly, symbolic and sanctified but delicate to your reputation and possibly hazardous.

>>5544974
>A special site. Whether a holy place or some magical anomaly, symbolic and sanctified but delicate to your reputation and possibly hazardous.
Hey, if there’s one near a fortress even better.

>>5544974
>>A stronghold. The surest defense, but lacking in resource potential.
Can't be an evil queen without an dreaded castle

>>5544974
>>A special site. Whether a holy place or some magical anomaly, symbolic and sanctified but delicate to your reputation and possibly hazardous.
oh shit watch out she's going for chernobyl nuclear power plant

>>5544974
>A region. Some fancy estate and the associated territory, less centralized but resource-rich.

We were quite autonomous in the first place

>>5544974
>A special site. Whether a holy place or some magical anomaly, symbolic and sanctified but delicate to your reputation and possibly hazardous.
LET'S GO!!!!

>>5544974
>A region. Some fancy estate and the associated territory, less centralized but resource-rich.

The port of Laroux shall be ours! ... or the port of another city. We just need access to a port, and through it, a few trade routes.

File: various magical objects.png (143 KB, 400x300)

143 KB PNG

Looks like a majority for

>>5544979
>>5544986
>>5544999
>>5545005
>>5545010
>>5545021
>>5545100
>>5545186
>>5545197
>>5545219
>>5545245
>>5545262
>>5545343
>>5545346
>>5545367
>>5545438
>A region. Some fancy estate and the associated territory, less centralized but resource-rich.
>A special site. Whether a holy place or some magical anomaly, symbolic and sanctified but delicate to your reputation and possibly hazardous.

Although politically it would be more substantial if you gained a foothold in a definite location known across the country, like a city or known stronghold, you think it may be for the better if your supporters are not all closely gathered in one place. Between scheming mercenaries, ambitious loyalists, and enamored common folk, you doubt you would be able to mediate and keep their tempers in check.

Last thing you'd want of course is for your cause to be defeated by itself!

And while a prominent region is maybe a weaker position to hold than a city or castle for example, you'll never hurt for resources and there will be plenty of terrain to spread your forces among. Towns and forts along the way, what have you. Besides, it isn't so different from what your brother has; the premier royal palace itself is not in the capital, but some hours travel outside it.

"Here you are, best I could find Bella."

"Oh thank you Emelie! You have outdone yourself!"

Come the day after the sacking of the manor, the challenge now is for your forces to organize to march when a significant portion haven't yet recovered from the pillaging and victory celebrating. At least though the mercenary commanders can take a cue from your smaller loyalist force and their comparative discipline, to start whipping men into shape. Although by now much of the peasant rabble have returned to their homes, a decent portion look to be staying on as camp followers and auxiliary types.

File: whose ideas are the best.png (469 KB, 637x367)

469 KB PNG

Though you've been grumbling all morning about the poor accommodations... unable to appreciate a good night's rest in the manor since it burned down. But there's always Emelie to brighten your day, presenting you with some things she looted last night, while most of your force prepares to depart. What might you choose however?

>A holy relic, the skeletal hand of a supposed demigod. Favored by the divines and quite inspiring to your forces, but a major benefit if you were to donate to the clergy someplace.
>An enchanted seed, perhaps of some fruit? Sure to grow into something significant if planted and tended to, or perhaps if eaten...
>A magical tome of recipes. Maybe not so useful to you but in the right hands, an alchemist could brew potions with magical properties such as healing.
>A summoning scroll. Some supernatural entity has been bound to this contract, and could be invoked for some purpose or favor.
>A ring of invisibility. Only for the wearer, but you could imagine a champion making good use of this... or some devious ideas for yourself.
>Something else?

You can ponder your new valuable item over breakfast, as Emelie at least looted something edible from the manor's larder. Still below your standards but better than rations. While she washes your face and extremities before dressing you for the day, you would have liked more time to yourself... or to spend the morning lazing about, but have to remind yourself that your lifestyle for the foreseeable future has changed! Perhaps most of all, for how much your attention is often wanted. This morning being no exception.

"I reckon we should knock over every estate like this from here to the border, then see who we can gain support of there."
"Nah, take what we got and buy out some more lordly types what would support our queen."
"That bastard king, his lot can't be so loyal. What if they took pay to thrown their lot?"

As you might have expected, there's trouble in the way of agreement or organization of the force between different mercenary groups, companies. Though they all hold you up as their queen, the various commanders and captains don't accept any one in charge of the others. With different schemes and ideas, something like pillaging they could all agree on but loftier goals for the future, there's little in common.

Your loyalists are not really included in the conversation, but this may be one of those situations where you could give your answer and you might actually be listened to. Whether to break the disagreement stalemate, or to provide your own superior choice of what to do. Or by your imagining, which region to travel for.

File: current map.png (1.6 MB, 1406x1212)

1.6 MB PNG

>Toules, the forested highlands. Although closest to the crownlands and danger, the terrain massively favors defenders and there's ample forest and mountain resources.
>Mallines, the old domain. After the crownlands, this region is most important to Dalmace culture and power. Distinguished with a high portion of noble domains and military force, as well as traditional legitimacy.
>Satois, the crossroads. The middling region of Dalmace, a mix of the people and culture and terrain. Often looked down on, but undeniably an important strategic region for separating Dalmace between north and south. Able to draw on all the strengths and resources of the country, and of ancient importance as the foundation of the country.
>Revara, the countryside. Southernmost of Dalmace and warmer climate, this region is lowly populated and developed but expansive and bountiful in uncommon agriculture. Also the farthest from the crownlands, the most difficult to harass.
>Poidisse, the faith-hold. Lands gifted by the crown to the church, so that faiths of all gods may be welcome. A confederacy of different churches, holy orders (both militant and peaceful), pilgrims and travelers from across this side of the world... although the reason for Poidisse's creation was as containment for the aether-scar.
>Sais, the aether-scar. A small and highly volatile region, where some cataclysmic event happened long past. Whether divine, magical, or some other supernatural cause, Sais is wracked with anomalous activity. Only fools or heroes... or the supernatural, would dwell here.
>Something else?

For reference, you are currently where the red spot is.

>>5545548
Do we know where we have the most support vs our brother? If Mallines is (or can be easily persuaded to be) on our side it's the obvious choice. If not then Satois. The strategic position would allow us to strike anywhere and would split the nation in half. We could be surrounded from both sides, but they don't have modern communication so it's not likely to happen.

>>5545556
Mallines you could say would have the most support of you, since that's where your own/immediate noble supporters hail from. The traditions of the region put them at odds with the usurper.

So you would have an easier time gaining a foothold there, but it's not the required choice of course.

>>5545548
>>5545557 Alright, I'll vote for
>Mallines, the old domain. After the crownlands, this region is most important to Dalmace culture and power. Distinguished with a high portion of noble domains and military force, as well as traditional legitimacy.

>>5545559
Don't forget your choice of treasure item, what Emelie will have looted for you.

>>5545560
>>5545559
>>5545540
shit
>A summoning scroll. Some supernatural entity has been bound to this contract, and could be invoked for some purpose or favor.
and
>Mallines, the old domain. After the crownlands, this region is most important to Dalmace culture and power. Distinguished with a high portion of noble domains and military force, as well as traditional legitimacy.

>>5545540
>A magical tome of recipes. Maybe not so useful to you but in the right hands, an alchemist could brew potions with magical properties such as healing.

>>5545548
>Satois, the crossroads. The middling region of Dalmace, a mix of the people and culture and terrain. Often looked down on, but undeniably an important strategic region for separating Dalmace between north and south. Able to draw on all the strengths and resources of the country, and of ancient importance as the foundation of the country.

>>5545540
>An enchanted seed, perhaps of some fruit? Sure to grow into something significant if planted and tended to, or perhaps if eaten...

>Mallines, the old domain. After the crownlands, this region is most important to Dalmace culture and power. Distinguished with a high portion of noble domains and military force, as well as traditional legitimacy.

Our brother is the true usurper - we only want to restore our father to the throne *bats eyelashes*

The old school nobles will lap that shit up

>>5545548
>A magical tome of recipes. Maybe not so useful to you but in the right hands, an alchemist could brew potions with magical properties such as healing.
>Satois, the crossroads. The middling region of Dalmace, a mix of the people and culture and terrain. Often looked down on, but undeniably an important strategic region for separating Dalmace between north and south. Able to draw on all the strengths and resources of the country, and of ancient importance as the foundation of the country.

If we get the tome and travel to Satois, we should find an alchemist and get him to make potions asap. Then we'll sell the potions at the nearest port that is allied with us.

>>5545540
>An enchanted seed, perhaps of some fruit? Sure to grow into something significant if planted and tended to, or perhaps if eaten...

>>5545548
>>Poidisse, the faith-hold. Lands gifted by the crown to the church, so that faiths of all gods may be welcome. A confederacy of different churches, holy orders (both militant and peaceful), pilgrims and travelers from across this side of the world... although the reason for Poidisse's creation was as containment for the aether-scar.

>>5545540
>>A ring of invisibility. Only for the wearer, but you could imagine a champion making good use of this... or some devious ideas for yourself.
>>5545548
>Mallines, the old domain. After the crownlands, this region is most important to Dalmace culture and power. Distinguished with a high portion of noble domains and military force, as well as traditional legitimacy.

>>5545548
>A summoning scroll. Some supernatural entity has been bound to this contract, and could be invoked for some purpose or favor.

>Mallines, the old domain. After the crownlands, this region is most important to Dalmace culture and power. Distinguished with a high portion of noble domains and military force, as well as traditional legitimacy.

>>5545540
>A magical tome of recipes. Maybe not so useful to you but in the right hands, an alchemist could brew potions with magical properties such as healing.

>>5545548
>Mallines, the old domain. After the crownlands, this region is most important to Dalmace culture and power. Distinguished with a high portion of noble domains and military force, as well as traditional legitimacy.

>>5545548
>>5545540
>A summoning scroll. Some supernatural entity has been bound to this contract, and could be invoked for some purpose or favor.
>Mallines, the old domain. After the crownlands, this region is most important to Dalmace culture and power. Distinguished with a high portion of noble domains and military force, as well as traditional legitimacy.

>>5545548
>>An enchanted seed, perhaps of some fruit? Sure to grow into something significant if planted and tended to, or perhaps if eaten...
>>Mallines, the old domain. After the crownlands, this region is most important to Dalmace culture and power. Distinguished with a high portion of noble domains and military force, as well as traditional legitimacy.

>>5545540
>An enchanted seed, perhaps of some fruit? Sure to grow into something significant if planted and tended to, or perhaps if eaten...

I hope eating it or its offspring empowers us.

The scroll and ring also sound good, anything useful for us specifically or capable of solving an immediate problem or getting us outta jail is just dandy. Alchemists should bring their own recipes if they want to be taken seriously by us, and I'm not sure relying on allies is the best route with our setup.

>>5545548
>Mallines, the old domain. After the crownlands, this region is most important to Dalmace culture and power. Distinguished with a high portion of noble domains and military force, as well as traditional legitimacy.

Had we chosen to take something other than a region then maybe I would choose differently.

>>5545540
>>A magical tome of recipes. Maybe not so useful to you but in the right hands, an alchemist could brew potions with magical properties such as healing.
>>5545548
>>Mallines, the old domain. After the crownlands, this region is most important to Dalmace culture and power. Distinguished with a high portion of noble domains and military force, as well as traditional legitimacy.

>>5545540
>A magical tome of recipes. Maybe not so useful to you but in the right hands, an alchemist could brew potions with magical properties such as healing.
>>5545548
>Mallines, the old domain. After the crownlands, this region is most important to Dalmace culture and power. Distinguished with a high portion of noble domains and military force, as well as traditional legitimacy.

>>5545540
>A holy relic, the skeletal hand of a supposed demigod. Favored by the divines and quite inspiring to your forces, but a major benefit if you were to donate to the clergy someplace.


>>5545548
>Poidisse, the faith-hold. Lands gifted by the crown to the church, so that faiths of all gods may be welcome. A confederacy of different churches, holy orders (both militant and peaceful), pilgrims and travelers from across this side of the world... although the reason for Poidisse's creation was as containment for the aether-scar.

>>5545548
>A summoning scroll. Some supernatural entity has been bound to this contract, and could be invoked for some purpose or favor.
Let’s see if we can’t keep the ring in loyalist hands however, even if we don’t get to pick who

>Mallines, the old domain. After the crownlands, this region is most important to Dalmace culture and power. Distinguished with a high portion of noble domains and military force, as well as traditional legitimacy
We can’t trust our mercs forever, and I’d rather have a contingency in case one of the parties decides to take more power than is rightfully theirs.

>>5545540
>>An enchanted seed, perhaps of some fruit? Sure to grow into something significant if planted and tended to, or perhaps if eaten...
I say we eat it

>>5545548
>>Mallines, the old domain. After the crownlands, this region is most important to Dalmace culture and power. Distinguished with a high portion of noble domains and military force, as well as traditional legitimacy.

File: magic book.png (393 KB, 408x376)

393 KB PNG

Looks like a majority for

>>5545561
>>5545583
>>5545586
>>5545629
>>5545642
>>5545673
>>5545682
>>5545686
>>5545712
>>5545752
>>5545773
>>5545848
>>5545998
>>5546097
>>5546107
>>5546283
>A magical tome of recipes.
>Mallines, the old domain.

From your band of loyalists, three of the four sworn nobles hail from Mallines so that seems like the best region to withdraw to. Not that you couldn't establish a foothold in any of them, but why not make things easier for yourself? Especially when starting out your reign in opposition to your brother. Plus Mallines has always been a significant center of power in Dalmace so you wouldn't need to worry as much about the royal army marching south and knocking down your door, not without severe cost.

Yes, anything that will make your brother think twice! You delight to the idea, as Emelie helps you atop the horse for the both of you to ride in departure with your forces westward. And all the while you can examine your new magical tome that was looted from the destroyed estate. As for how useful it is to you personally, well that depends on the manner of your upbringing in terms of education.

>Courtly, befitting a princess. All the ways of being a proper lady and member of royalty... maybe not the best "education" but it serves you well for reputation, diplomacy, and hiding your nature.
>Academic, befitting a scholar. The royal library was no match for you, and your mind is open to new ideas. Though you lack for magic personally, your studies enable you to make use of magic items.
>Physical, befitting a ruffian! You always shirked your lessons and duties, sneaking off to hunt and roughly wander forests and fields. Leaving you healthy, tough, and able to hold your own at least in a matched duel.
>Theological, befitting a priest. Knowledgeable of the gods and religious doctrine, you have an mutual affinity with the church and a knack for interpreting holy texts to justify your actions.
>Profane, befitting a heretic. Hiding away to read stolen, forbidden texts in the dark by ritual candle. Although your life isn't given over to profane ways... yet, you do have knowledge of such things.
>Something else?

Some days travel now, across the southernmost portion of the crownlands. Technically enemy territory so better to leave it sooner than later, hence the march of your forces towards Mallines. And with a disorganized mob that may have been a difficult challenge, but your manner of withdrawal serves you well; your imperative to plunder your way westward, ensures a steady income of wealth. This in turn, serves to maintain support among your mercenaries and the common mob, and in fact serves to attract more overtime!

File: travel and regions.png (634 KB, 1168x930)

634 KB PNG

>>5544746
>98

Though your loyalists were upset with this behavior at first, and were questioning their support of you, after these several days and other estates sacked... well they can't much argue with the results. Both for retaining your ignoble supporters, and for fattening the pockets of the loyalists themselves. Begrudgingly they are coming to accept your decision, for dirty blood money is still money. Sure you've left a wake of death and destruction, many people cursing your name but your supporters?

Well, if they were enemies to the queen, traitorous supporters of the usurper...

In any case your force is now quite laden with the plunder of as many baronies en rote to Mallines, more than just a few wagon loads of loot. A risky call for you to have made but the results speak for themselves, and what you might be able to do with the wealth now. More mercenaries, or unquestioning loyalty from the ones you already have? Better arms and armor for your force, or paying off dissenting lords? The choice is up to you, supposing you can convince your men to agree with you!

For now though, eventually your force comes to reach the border of Mallines where you expect to be crossing into sympathetic territory. Well, partly at least. The region of Mallines is comprised of three duchies, and only one duke do you hold the loyalty of. You could race to try and gain a foothold and then start pressing for increased support, or you could try to force that support before you establish yourself. After all, you have the momentum right now which could decrease if you settle down to a location for awhile.

>The winter palace of the royal family stands in Mallines. That should serve as the perfect region for you to obtain, and begin expanding your influence from, so reaching the location is a priority.
>You would rather that the entire region is in support of you rather than just a third, before you establish yourself. With your force, by whatever means you see fit you can visit the dissenters and convince them to support your cause.
>Your loyal duke has his own expansive holdings here, one third of the region after all. Loyalties, resources, manpower and more, his power base is already secure so it would be safest to venture with him back home and start from there. As his guest sure, but not for long.
>Screw it, you're enjoying yourself too much with this villainous behavior! Orient your force around a settlement near the border, and then continue to raid and pillage the crownlands or even elsewhere. Let your brother contend with your ravening, and let potential supporters of Mallines (and elsewhere) come to you.
>Something else?

>>5546288
Also because of the high success roll, you can go ahead and choose one more valuable item from the list >>5545540 that you will have found among the other baronies pillaged along the way. I assume it will be the enchanted seed as the second(?) most voted item, but if anyone should want to choose different they can. Point being, by reaching Mallines you'll have two items stolen for yourself.

Also per the map >>5546288 is to indicate the three duchies of Mallines, with the shaded one being that which currently stands in support of you.

>>5546285
>>Courtly, befitting a princess. All the ways of being a proper lady and member of royalty... maybe not the best "education" but it serves you well for reputation, diplomacy, and hiding your nature.

Winning over more supporters and keeping this band of ruffians orderly would do us well, and best to hide our apparently sadistic tendencies where we can.

>>5546288
>>The winter palace of the royal family stands in Mallines. That should serve as the perfect region for you to obtain, and begin expanding your influence from, so reaching the location is a priority.

>>5546292
Seed!

>>5546288
>Courtly, befitting a princess. All the ways of being a proper lady and member of royalty... maybe not the best "education" but it serves you well for reputation, diplomacy, and hiding your nature.
>You would rather that the entire region is in support of you rather than just a third, before you establish yourself. With your force, by whatever means you see fit you can visit the dissenters and convince them to support your cause.
>>5546292
>A summoning scroll. Some supernatural entity has been bound to this contract, and could be invoked for some purpose or favor.

>>5546285
>Courtly, befitting a princess. All the ways of being a proper lady and member of royalty... maybe not the best "education" but it serves you well for reputation, diplomacy, and hiding your nature.
>>5546288
>The winter palace of the royal family stands in Mallines. That should serve as the perfect region for you to obtain, and begin expanding your influence from, so reaching the location is a priority.
>>5546292
>An enchanted seed, perhaps of some fruit? Sure to grow into something significant if planted and tended to, or perhaps if eaten...

>>5546288
>Profane, befitting a heretic. Hiding away to read stolen, forbidden texts in the dark by ritual candle. Although your life isn't given over to profane ways... yet, you do have knowledge of such things.

>You would rather that the entire region is in support of you rather than just a third, before you establish yourself. With your force, by whatever means you see fit you can visit the dissenters and convince them to support your cause.
We have the resources to sway at least one duke, and the manpower to purge another. I personally would rather not spark a civil war inside another civil war

Also to reaffirm my vote
>A summoning scroll. Some supernatural entity has been bound to this contract, and could be invoked for some purpose or favor.

>>5546285
>Courtly, befitting a princess. All the ways of being a proper lady and member of royalty... maybe not the best "education" but it serves you well for reputation, diplomacy, and hiding your nature.

>>5546288
>The winter palace of the royal family stands in Mallines. That should serve as the perfect region for you to obtain, and begin expanding your influence from, so reaching the location is a priority.

>>5546288
>Academic, befitting a scholar. The royal library was no match for you, and your mind is open to new ideas. Though you lack for magic personally, your studies enable you to make use of magic items.

I dont think trying to be a princess now really matters since we’ve already gone pillaging

Academic would be a bit more respectable and useful politically compared to >ruffian

>The winter palace of the royal family stands in Mallines. That should serve as the perfect region for you to obtain, and begin expanding your influence from, so reaching the location is a priority.

As for magical artifact

>>>5545540
>An enchanted seed, perhaps of some fruit? Sure to grow into something significant if planted and tended to, or perhaps if eaten...

>>5546285
>Courtly, befitting a princess. All the ways of being a proper lady and member of royalty... maybe not the best "education" but it serves you well for reputation, diplomacy, and hiding your nature.
>>5546288
>The winter palace of the royal family stands in Mallines. That should serve as the perfect region for you to obtain, and begin expanding your influence from, so reaching the location is a priority.
>>5546292
skelly hand

>>5546431
Supporting

>>5546285
>Courtly, befitting a princess. All the ways of being a proper lady and member of royalty... maybe not the best "education" but it serves you well for reputation, diplomacy, and hiding your nature.
>>5546288
>The winter palace of the royal family stands in Mallines. That should serve as the perfect region for you to obtain, and begin expanding your influence from, so reaching the location is a priority.

>>5546316
Changing the loot to
>A holy relic, the skeletal hand of a supposed demigod. Favored by the divines and quite inspiring to your forces, but a major benefit if you were to donate to the clergy someplace.

>>5546292
Skeleton hand is fine by me.

>>5546292
Oh and
>A holy relic, the skeletal hand of a supposed demigod. Favored by the divines and quite inspiring to your forces, but a major benefit if you were to donate to the clergy someplace.

>>5546285
>Courtly, befitting a princess. All the ways of being a proper lady and member of royalty... maybe not the best "education" but it serves you well for reputation, diplomacy, and hiding your nature.
>>5546288
>The winter palace of the royal family stands in Mallines. That should serve as the perfect region for you to obtain, and begin expanding your influence from, so reaching the location is a priority.
>>5546292
>An enchanted seed, perhaps of some fruit? Sure to grow into something significant if planted and tended to, or perhaps if eaten...

>>5546285
>Courtly, befitting a princess. All the ways of being a proper lady and member of royalty... maybe not the best "education" but it serves you well for reputation, diplomacy, and hiding your nature.

>>5546288
>The winter palace of the royal family stands in Mallines. That should serve as the perfect region for you to obtain, and begin expanding your influence from, so reaching the location is a priority.

>>5546292
>An enchanted seed, perhaps of some fruit? Sure to grow into something significant if planted and tended to, or perhaps if eaten...
Pairs best with the tome we already have imo.

File: plugging holes in the cas(...).png (741 KB, 512x540)

741 KB PNG

Looks like a majority for

>>5546294
>>5546306
>>5546316
>>5546342
>>5546398
>>5546431
>>5546441
>>5546449
>>5546485
>>5546679
>>5546687
>An enchanted seed.
>Courtly, befitting a princess.
>The winter palace.

Yes indeed, an enchanted seed! Maybe not as applicable in use as other items of power, but you're sure it has beneficial use if you should plant it... or just eat it! Though you could always take your chance, to know for sure you'd have to consult some sage or sorcerer. In any case just another treasure collecting dust in some baron's manor, but you can make proper use of it, along with the magic tome. Although similarly with both the seed and tome, you lack an academic background to make personal use of them as much as you could. Though you keep them close with you at all times there is some annoyance behind that.

Then again your upbringing and education was more suitable to your role as a princess, and now queen. Courtly knowledge and experience, to be able to navigate and thrive in the high circles of power. Others may not be able to handle the pressures and dangers of rule, to fall from that lofty height and be broken. You however navigate that storm with such natural grace that one can only be born with. And were it not for your skill and experience in these matters, you never would have matured while keeping your reputation in tact. Ever seeming like the very ideal of a princess and beloved in the land, while hiding your sinister nature.

"And these ones too, your highness?"
"More enemies no doubt!"
"At the very least they should support the cause."

Having entered Mallines, it's inevitable that your force would pass more noble domains, and a similar pillaging sentiment among your followers.

"Mmmm... only what we need, food and supplies for the men. No killing or looting, we have no time for it!"

Of course there is the difficult challenge of convincing your men, the mercenaries particular to withhold from their behavior thus far. Gods bless that your force has enough plunder already to just barely appease them, enough to at least listen to you. On the other hand as well though, is the delicate issue of pillaging now that you are in a comparatively supportive region. In the crownlands it was opportunity and making examples, sending a message to opposition. Now though, you think it probably wise to refrain from villainous behavior if you can afford to.

File: winter palace location.png (576 KB, 1168x923)

576 KB PNG

These considerations, but really your prime motivation is just to reach your family's winter palace as soon as possible, so that you can get back to living comfortably! Acting like a brigand queen was fun but unless you were to fully commit to that lifestyle, you simply cannot do without a lifestyle of comfort! Fortunately the holdings of your family in the region are not terribly far and your force should be able to reach them within the week, two at the most, and less if you don't care about traveling the main roads in potentially hostile territory as an armed militant force.

The problem however, which you can already foresee, is actually gaining control of the winter palace itself. A massive estate with a complement of courtiers, staff, and soldiers. By now news has surely reached them of the coup and probably your own opposition, so you doubt they would just let you in. Your force currently could probably take the palace by force but causing death and destruction in the process, which you'd hate to have to recover from. Worse still, if the local duke should choose to oppose you then it would be easy for him to do so within his own territory.

>Continue to march in force, supplying along the way till you reach the palace. Whatever obstacles in your way, you will more likely overcome them by keeping together.
>Heed your loyal duke and let him part ways with the loyalists, to his own territory. There's the risk of your force being smaller, and left alone with the mercenaries thus disorganized, but ideally the duke would be able to engage (or at least tie up) this opposing duchy diplomatically.
>Part ways yourself, so that you can travel on ahead and faster, to reach the palace as soon as possible. Perhaps you can simply convince them of your intentions, or talk your way inside. More easily done without soldiers threatening the estate, but risky if you can't manage on your own.
>A detour would be for the best, to sway some more supporters to your cause. Even if you just have to pay them off, either more mercenaries or some local nobility in your favor... or even a peasant mob, would be much more convincing along with your demands.
>Something else?

>>5546700
>>Heed your loyal duke and let him part ways with the loyalists, to his own territory. There's the risk of your force being smaller, and left alone with the mercenaries thus disorganized, but ideally the duke would be able to engage (or at least tie up) this opposing duchy diplomatically.

we cant afford to mess up this alliance

>>5546700
>Heed your loyal duke and let him part ways with the loyalists, to his own territory. There's the risk of your force being smaller, and left alone with the mercenaries thus disorganized, but ideally the duke would be able to engage (or at least tie up) this opposing duchy diplomatically.

>>5546700
>Heed your loyal duke and let him part ways with the loyalists, to his own territory. There's the risk of your force being smaller, and left alone with the mercenaries thus disorganized, but ideally the duke would be able to engage (or at least tie up) this opposing duchy diplomatically.

>>5546700
>Heed your loyal duke and let him part ways with the loyalists, to his own territory. There's the risk of your force being smaller, and left alone with the mercenaries thus disorganized, but ideally the duke would be able to engage (or at least tie up) this opposing duchy diplomatically.

Is there a port near the Winter Palace?

>>5546700
>Heed your loyal duke and let him part ways with the loyalists, to his own territory. There's the risk of your force being smaller, and left alone with the mercenaries thus disorganized, but ideally the duke would be able to engage (or at least tie up) this opposing duchy diplomatically.

>>5546285
>Academic, befitting a scholar. The royal library was no match for you, and your mind is open to new ideas. Though you lack for magic personally, your studies enable you to make use of magic items.

>The winter palace of the royal family stands in Mallines. That should serve as the perfect region for you to obtain, and begin expanding your influence from, so reaching the location is a priority.

>>5546700
>Part ways yourself, so that you can travel on ahead and faster, to reach the palace as soon as possible. Perhaps you can simply convince them of your intentions, or talk your way inside. More easily done without soldiers threatening the estate, but risky if you can't manage on your own.

>>5546744
There is a small port city about half a day's travel from the palace, the settlement it is associated to, but the palace itself sits along the high rocky cliffs of the bay region. Although there was never need of it in your life, you'd heard stories of secret escape tunnels to hidden sea caves far below the palace.

>>5546700
>>A detour would be for the best, to sway some more supporters to your cause. Even if you just have to pay them off, either more mercenaries or some local nobility in your favor... or even a peasant mob, would be much more convincing along with your demands

>>5546700
>Heed your loyal duke and let him part ways with the loyalists, to his own territory. There's the risk of your force being smaller, and left alone with the mercenaries thus disorganized, but ideally the duke would be able to engage (or at least tie up) this opposing duchy diplomatically.
We’ll have to take a risk with the mercs, and try to ensure they don’t tear down the winter palace in the process of taking it

>>5546700
>>Heed your loyal duke and let him part ways with the loyalists, to his own territory. There's the risk of your force being smaller, and left alone with the mercenaries thus disorganized, but ideally the duke would be able to engage (or at least tie up) this opposing duchy diplomatically.
let him prove his loyalty and further cement himself into our circle.

>CAPTCHA: TRY2X

>>5546700
>A detour would be for the best, to sway some more supporters to your cause. Even if you just have to pay them off, either more mercenaries or some local nobility in your favor... or even a peasant mob, would be much more convincing along with your demands.

>>5546700
>>A detour would be for the best, to sway some more supporters to your cause. Even if you just have to pay them off, either more mercenaries or some local nobility in your favor... or even a peasant mob, would be much more convincing along with your demands

>>5546700
>A detour would be for the best, to sway some more supporters to your cause. Even if you just have to pay them off, either more mercenaries or some local nobility in your favor... or even a peasant mob, would be much more convincing along with your demands.

>>5546700
>A detour would be for the best, to sway some more supporters to your cause. Even if you just have to pay them off, either more mercenaries or some local nobility in your favor... or even a peasant mob, would be much more convincing along with your demands.

>>5546700
>>Heed your loyal duke and let him part ways with the loyalists, to his own territory. There's the risk of your force being smaller, and left alone with the mercenaries thus disorganized, but ideally the duke would be able to engage (or at least tie up) this opposing duchy diplomatically.

>>5546700
>Continue to march in force, supplying along the way till you reach the palace. Whatever obstacles in your way, you will more likely overcome them by keeping together.

File: southern Mallines.png (568 KB, 800x425)

568 KB PNG

Looks like a majority for

>>5546703
>>5546705
>>5546722
>>5546744
>>5546764
>>5546783
>>5546787
>>5546827
>>5546836
>>5546887
>>5546891
>>5546914
>>5546965
>>5547010
>>5547024
>>5547214
>>5547298
>Heed your loyal duke and let him part ways with the loyalists, to his own territory.

As much as you wouldn't want to split your forces up, and rather would just gather supplies along the way as you have done, you recognize that for the sake of your own cause you'll have to cooperate and compromise now and then. You have only one duke of Dalmace outwardly loyal, so accepting his counsel is a step towards ensuring his loyalty. Of course could just betray you, consider this all a lost cause and escape back to his domain. But you're willing to take this chance when considering the alternative.

Nevertheless it is disconcerting to watch your loyalist forces depart, leaving you with a bunch of mercenaries. At least a personal guard of a few knights remain, just in case the sellswords should try anything... untoward with you, or simply you need to escape from them. But the noble countrymen you are accustomed to take their leave at the next crossroads, and your warband is worse off for it. Partly for the mercenaries now left to butt heads unchecked but for your infrequently heeded suggestions here and there, but the biggest challenge comes simply from having a smaller military force altogether. Though not the crownlands, you aren't in safe territory and whether it be because of your dissenting cause to the usurper or simply because the wagons of riches, your force finds itself harassed along the way through Mallines to the coast. Opportunists, brigands, scheming locals, and even opposing lords.

Fortunately it's never too serious, nothing your men can't overcome, but the persistent skirmishes take their toll overtime. Such that, when finally you do reach the coastal cliff region many days on your force has been reduced by about a fifth... after already having lost your loyalists, down by a third from that. Still, eventually there in the distance and high on past orchards and gardens stands your family's palace in the region. Regal and proud against the setting sun.

"What do you mean, I cannot enter?! Do you know who you are speaking to?!?! This is my home!!!"

Emelie barely catches you from falling off the horse, as in your upset and anger from being denied entry you throw quite a fit. Eager to climb over the wall and beat some sense into these traitors.

"Forgive us yer highness, but in the state o' things... we can't act wiffout say so of the Duke."

As you had suspected, and worried. Word got on ahead about the situation with you against your brother, and so the staff and soldier garrison of the palace have barred it shut to you. Barred, not fortified yet but given time once they're aware of your mercenaries camped a mile or so away, you'd expect them to start preparing for a fight.

File: travel of your force.png (519 KB, 800x366)

519 KB PNG

The good news though by what you hear from them, is that the duke of this region hasn't enforced the palace yet, nor does he seem able to reinforce it. For propriety sake and to claim they're just following orders, the occupiers attribute their actions to proclamation issued by the duke, of not giving you quarter. However the duke himself and his forces are currently tied up at the moment. Occupied at the border with a dispute by your own loyalist forces, so it seems your supporting duke kept to his word and came through in the end. While it has left your force significantly weakened, it also means this situation with the palace is yours to resolve alone without worry of enemy interference.

And naturally if you should manage to retake your palace then symbolically the locals should fall in line and accept your establishment. The question is then, just how are you going to retake your palace?

>By force! It will be quite a challenge, you may even suffer defeat! But a militant victory here will make the boldest claim for legitimacy, and though it may damage the palace... it will weaken your mercenaries to where they can be more easily managed.
>By intimidation! Venture to town and rouse up a rabble! An angry mob of peasantry and even a local lord or two along the way, surrounding the palace is sure to change some minds. Although this may also result in damage to the estate, and you'll have to appease the mob after.
>By charisma! You are Queen Isabella, and this is your home. With a bold speech you should be able to sway these lowborn to your cause, or at least convince them to stand down. Though, you yourself [Players] will have to compose what you want to say.
>By compromise! Surely some... deal can be reached with the defenders. Wealth, titles, promises... yourself even? There are things you have that you can offer them, to smooth this transition over without trouble or conflict. And once you've taken control, then all that can be swept under the table.
>By subterfuge! See if you can't find some way to sneak into the estate by night, seize control of the palace itself and let the defenders realize they've been had. Although, you will have to participate in this yourself so could be personally risky.
>Something else?

>>5547410
And whatever your choice you can go ahead and roll for the attempt!

Unless you make the choice for charisma, in which case it will be down to how charismatic an exchange/speech you can write!

>>5547410
>By intimidation! Venture to town and rouse up a rabble! An angry mob of peasantry and even a local lord or two along the way, surrounding the palace is sure to change some minds. Although this may also result in damage to the estate, and you'll have to appease the mob after.
Make use of the hundreds of men of at arms that can teleport

>>5547410
>By intimidation! Venture to town and rouse up a rabble! An angry mob of peasantry and even a local lord or two along the way, surrounding the palace is sure to change some minds. Although this may also result in damage to the estate, and you'll have to appease the mob after.

>>5547410
>>By intimidation! Venture to town and rouse up a rabble! An angry mob of peasantry and even a local lord or two along the way, surrounding the palace is sure to change some minds. Although this may also result in damage to the estate, and you'll have to appease the mob after.

Rolled 45 (1d100)

>>5547410
>>By intimidation! Venture to town and rouse up a rabble! An angry mob of peasantry and even a local lord or two along the way, surrounding the palace is sure to change some minds. Although this may also result in damage to the estate, and you'll have to appease the mob after.

Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>5547410
>By intimidation! Venture to town and rouse up a rabble! An angry mob of peasantry and even a local lord or two along the way, surrounding the palace is sure to change some minds. Although this may also result in damage to the estate, and you'll have to appease the mob after.

Rolled 7 (1d100)

>>5547411

Rolled 55 (1d100)

>>5547430

Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>5547424
Forgot my roll.

Rolled 75 (1d100)

>>5547410
>By charisma! You are Queen Isabella, and this is your home. With a bold speech you should be able to sway these lowborn to your cause, or at least convince them to stand down. Though, you yourself [Players] will have to compose what you want to say.

>>5547410
>By charisma! You are Queen Isabella, and this is your home. With a bold speech you should be able to sway these lowborn to your cause, or at least convince them to stand down.

I understand the protocols.
However, these are very dangerous times.

My brother, Louis, has already imprisoned the king after his coup.

I’ve personally had to bloody my hands back in Jeudeil. It’s not a pretty sight.

The winter palace is likely the last to fall, of course, but outright war isn’t the only thing you need to worry about — you’re the only ones left that’s still supporting me.

Everyone else here is still neutral or have secretly taken their sides. The longer you wait, the more time the other nobles will have to sway others by their side.

I ask that you let us in.

If the duke calls, I will answer.

Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>5547410
>By intimidation! Venture to town and rouse up a rabble! An angry mob of peasantry and even a local lord or two along the way, surrounding the palace is sure to change some minds. Although this may also result in damage to the estate, and you'll have to appease the mob after.

Rolled 99 (1d100)

>>5547410
>>By subterfuge! See if you can't find some way to sneak into the estate by night, seize control of the palace itself and let the defenders realize they've been had. Although, you will have to participate in this yourself so could be personally risky.

>>5547410
>By intimidation! Venture to town and rouse up a rabble! An angry mob of peasantry and even a local lord or two along the way, surrounding the palace is sure to change some minds. Although this may also result in damage to the estate, and you'll have to appease the mob after.

Rolled 70 (1d100)

>>5547410
>By subterfuge! See if you can't find some way to sneak into the estate by night, seize control of the palace itself and let the defenders realize they've been had. Although, you will have to participate in this yourself so could be personally risky.

>>5547410
>By subterfuge! See if you can't find some way to sneak into the estate by night, seize control of the palace itself and let the defenders realize they've been had. Although, you will have to participate in this yourself so could be personally risky.

>>5547410
>>By charisma! You are Queen Isabella, and this is your home. With a bold speech you should be able to sway these lowborn to your cause, or at least convince them to stand down. Though, you yourself [Players] will have to compose what you want to say.

>>5547549
I'll support this anon

>>5547549
I support this

>>5547410
>>By subterfuge! See if you can't find some way to sneak into the estate by night, seize control of the palace itself and let the defenders realize they've been had. Although, you will have to participate in this yourself so could be personally risky.

File: little port city... IGNOR(...).png (726 KB, 922x379)

726 KB PNG

Looks like a majority for

>>5548470
>>5548414
>>5548367
>>5547964
>>5547797
>>5547786
>>5547707
>>5547620
>>5547549
>>5547516
>>5547486
>>5547453
>>5547450
>>5547437
>>5547436
>>5547430
>>5547424
>>5547418
>>5547437
>By intimidation!
>99

Your impulse is to continue raging and being upset but rather than resort to violence over what is to be your reclaimed home, you try your best to compose yourself. Though you swear to these peasants that you will return, departing with the small retinue you rejoin your waiting mercenaries. Who of course have their own ideas for what to do.

"We can bash down the gate, be in there in the hour."
"Just hit them all from a ways. More than enough arrows for us!"
"Why not wait them out? How many supplies can they have in there?"

Quite a difficult task to sway your men away from violence, as much as you'd like for that. Only by coming up with a more appealing idea of visiting the small city down the coast by a day or so. You'll return soon enough but in a better position.

"-no! Do not just run off! Captains, commanders, mind your men!"

By the next day your force is able to reach the small coastal city of Delise, thankfully a relatively uneventful night after the skirmishes and harassment while traveling up till this point. Around midday though when nearing the the settlement proper from the north road, the lack of discipline among your mercenaries starts to become an issue. Well, relative lack, compared to what you're used to from crown forces. At least the commanders of each sellsword company can prevent looting and violence but they themselves don't see much problem with the men getting to break formation in order to enjoy themselves in town for some time... each with his own share of some of the looted wealth. At least since you haven't encountered any opposition now, the group leaders see it for the best after the difficult journey here for the men.

And so long as enough men, the veterans, remain to ensure security of you and the supplies of the force then it is considered sufficient. You can grumble about it but have to remind yourself that this band of men supporting you are relatively loyal to your cause, but only choose to heed you when they want. Though you could fuss and complain till maybe something is done, your attention is soon occupied by the reason for the lack of hostility.

"Your highness! Be welcome in our town, your visit is most esteemed!"

The lord mayor of Delise it seems, riding out to meet you from the north gate with a group of guards and assistants. No doubt the people here became aware of your approach long before you arrived, and not wanting any trouble have opted to appease you. You couldn't call it loyalty because you're sure if the tables were turned your brother would receive the same welcome, but it suits your needs for now.

Fortunately, or unfortunately for the good people of Delise however, you have bigger plans in mind. So you can act civil, let your men recuperate for what the small port city has to offer, and even win some further support in the process. The lord mayor swears to your cause... for now, as does one of the local barons who had ridden into town to investigate the approaching warband, and is swayed by your presence. This you can manage yourself, while the commanders at your behest can start spreading influence or sowing dissent, depending on how you look at it. Following in the wake of the mercenaries wandering about town to spend their time and plundered money, the appeal of adventure and gold... or just something out of the ordinary and entertaining to pass the time for once, runs through the streets.

Let your men have the day and the night to town, and let the rumors and offer of your cause spread. Come tomorrow while the captains are searching through town, blowing the signal horns and whipping the (often drunken) men back into order and rejoin the ranks, mercenaries aren't the only fellows who gather. An eager and opportunistic mob of citizens, the small forces of the lord mayor and local baron, and even some crews from ships at harbor. Many of them following the promise of reward or entertainment, but all of them awed by the sight of a royal lady, a queen among their ranks. By the time your own force sees fit to depart from Delise and return north to the palace, the numbers behind you have doubled or tripled in size! Though it is slower going with a larger mass of people and much less organized, once again you come to approach the estate by sunset.

And what a sight it must be for the defenders, as the crowds begin to light torches within sight of the palace. Hoping to gain some control of the situation rather than leave it up to your mercenary commanders, you press for Emelie to ride you up to the gates once more. And this time you can see from the defenders their change in demeanor. About the approaching mob, and certainly towards you. With a smug smile, you clear your throat to speak up, and loud.

"Good evening gentlemen, your Queen has returned! If you will heed me now, then... I understand the protocols. However, these are very dangerous times. My brother, Louis, has already imprisoned the king after his coup. I have personally had to bloody my hands back in Jeudeil. It was not a pretty sight. The winter palace is likely the last to fall, of course, but outright war is not the only thing you need to worry about - you are the only ones left that are still supporting me. Everyone else here are still neutral or have secretly taken their sides. The longer you wait, the more time the other nobles will have to sway others by their side."

By the time you finish your little speech, already the foremost of the mob and your forces are approaching within earshot.

File: oi let us in ye gits.png (450 KB, 420x588)

450 KB PNG

A resounding cheer of support... or hostile intent, echoes through the mob to really nail your point to the foreheads of the traitors within the walls. Quaking in their boots surely, faltering against such severe odds. Or perhaps simply, fear at the indignity they would surely suffer from an angry mob versus proper and orderly combat that your limited force two days prior had offered.

Oh how you secretly wish these fools would feebly continue to oppose you, so that you could let loose the pent up violence amassing at your back.

"I ask that you let us in. If the duke calls, I will answer."

A simple request, to lay bare the only choice they have in this undesirable situation. You can't hear anything from the defenders, the gathering mob far too noisome. But you can see the men inside nervously conversing, shouting at each other and running about in a panic. Eventually, some ten minutes passed when the crowd starts getting unruly and throwing things, chanting for action... that a white linen is waved over the gate, and those inside start to raise and open it.

By intimidation then, it seems you've regained access to your family's palace here, soon to be your own capital for the cause. As for the means to do it however, you still have an assembled angry mob looking for appeasement. As people start to surge towards the opening gate, you'd best act quick if you want to maintain control of the situation.

After all, you're fine with pillaging and burning your enemies, or even just opportunistically anyone in your way. But certainly not your own holdings!

>See the traitors, the armed garrison at least, dragged out and thrown to the mob. Some bloodshed ought to appease them! Albeit at the cost of knowledgeable armed defenders of the palace, but then they are traitors after all!
>Give up one of the treasure wagons to the people. Organized distribution of course, not just mad and bloody chaos. It will be a severe blow to your new wealth, but you'll trade a wagon of plunder for your palace any day.
>Distract the people with a "victory" celebration! Everyone can come onto the estate grounds... not into the palace itself, but on the grounds you can host a feast and then tomorrow they can return home. Just hope there's enough food and drink kept within the estate for this!
>You appreciate the help but it's a bad precedent to reward lowborn. Hastily assemble your mercenaries to take the gate and walls, and repel everyone else till they leave. There's likely to be bloodshed and lasting animosity for this, but you've weakened your cause enough so far, to be sacrificing more to commoners.
>Something else?

>>5548698
>>See the traitors, the armed garrison at least, dragged out and thrown to the mob. Some bloodshed ought to appease them! Albeit at the cost of knowledgeable armed defenders of the palace, but then they are traitors after all!

>>5548698
>>See the traitors, the armed garrison at least, dragged out and thrown to the mob. Some bloodshed ought to appease them! Albeit at the cost of knowledgeable armed defenders of the palace, but then they are traitors after all!
Nothing like a good old lynching to appease a mob

>>5548698
>Give up one of the treasure wagons to the people. Organized distribution of course, not just mad and bloody chaos. It will be a severe blow to your new wealth, but you'll trade a wagon of plunder for your palace any day.

We can easily get that lost wealth back by establishing trade routes from a nearby port, and every port needs a Portmaster.

>>5548698
>>Give up one of the treasure wagons to the people. Organized distribution of course, not just mad and bloody chaos. It will be a severe blow to your new wealth, but you'll trade a wagon of plunder for your palace any day.

A fair trade, we'd be fools to give up capable fighters, and we'd be fools to let the mob run wild on the grounds.

>>5548698
>Give up one of the treasure wagons to the people. Organized distribution of course, not just mad and bloody chaos. It will be a severe blow to your new wealth, but you'll trade a wagon of plunder for your palace any day.

>>5548698
>>Distract the people with a "victory" celebration! Everyone can come onto the estate grounds... not into the palace itself, but on the grounds you can host a feast and then tomorrow they can return home. Just hope there's enough food and drink kept within the estate for this!

>>5548698
>>See the traitors, the armed garrison at least, dragged out and thrown to the mob. Some bloodshed ought to appease them! Albeit at the cost of knowledgeable armed defenders of the palace, but then they are traitors after all!

>>5548698
>See the traitors, the armed garrison at least, dragged out and thrown to the mob. Some bloodshed ought to appease them! Albeit at the cost of knowledgeable armed defenders of the palace, but then they are traitors after all!

>>5548698
>See the traitors, the armed garrison at least, dragged out and thrown to the mob. Some bloodshed ought to appease them! Albeit at the cost of knowledgeable armed defenders of the palace, but then they are traitors after all!
Kill them, they will merely betray us to the usurper when the time is right anyways.,

>>5548698
>>See the traitors, the armed garrison at least, dragged out and thrown to the mob. Some bloodshed ought to appease them! Albeit at the cost of knowledgeable armed defenders of the palace, but then they are traitors after all!
we'll throw a party later - don't want to have a Lady Boyle's Last Party situation going on

>>5548698
>>See the traitors, the armed garrison at least, dragged out and thrown to the mob. Some bloodshed ought to appease them! Albeit at the cost of knowledgeable armed defenders of the palace, but then they are traitors after all!
We're evil, get used to it

>>5548913
>We're evil, get used to it
Small problem with that. /qst/, usually, has a problem taking ANYTHING that is even remotely villainous and turning it into big damn heroes n'SHEIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT! Here's hoping the QM can keep this in focus.

>>5548913
Doesn't mean we have to be retarded

>>5548698
>See the traitors, the armed garrison at least, dragged out and thrown to the mob. Some bloodshed ought to appease them! Albeit at the cost of knowledgeable armed defenders of the palace, but then they are traitors after all!

File: family home.png (741 KB, 807x455)

741 KB PNG

Looks like a majority for

>>5548913
>>5548905
>>5548904
>>5548901
>>5548817
>>5548815
>>5548811
>>5548809
>>5548802
>>5548717
>>5548707
>>5549286
>See the traitors, the armed garrison at least, dragged out and thrown to the mob.

Surrendering or otherwise opening the gate to you was the biggest mistake these men could have made. At least if they'd continued to oppose you then they could have died fighting, honorably. Instead though they give themselves over to your mercy and naturally mercy can be quite lacking when it comes to you!

"-no! Please no!"
"We surrendered! I surrender!"
"By the gods, don't do this!"

Ah, music to your ears! Well it would be, but there's that annoying matter of reputation and caring about how people perceive you, that nonsense. As much as you'd love to stay and watch, you opt for the more dignified appearance of disinterest and riding on ahead at the front of your military force, in leadership. Leaving behind the guards to be rounded up and thrown before the angry mob.

A ghastly affair you're sure, when you hear tell about it later. Those poor wretches beaten and stabbed and stoned to death by the eager crowd. The palace has... had about one hundred men garrisoned for protection so not all of them could be so quickly found before a panicked escape into the night. But probably some thirty or forty men were lynched for the appeasement of the masses.

Again though, that doesn't concern you really. Not if you want to seem proper and just, as you ride along the road traveling up the grounds to the cliffside palace itself. A grand old estate, it's been some years since you had been here in fact so it is delightful to return. And delightful to see the nervous and frightened servants lining up to welcome you, as Emelie helps you down off the horse.

Though you could just head on in and make yourself comfortable, atop exterior stairs of the main entrance you have a chance to address everyone. From those servants, to much of your mercenary force who followed after you to the estate, while the rest remained at the gate to block entry to the mob. Then again, maybe it would be best to actually wait till the setting is right, and others such as the lord mayor and local baron of Delise also caught up?

>Perhaps not a proper speech, but inspiring encouragement to your supporters now that you've taken this stronghold?
>See that things are handled properly through this transition of occupation, but otherwise you'd like to retire and plan for tomorrow, when things begin properly.
>How can you sleep when there's so much to do? So many things to make sure happen or don't happen, ground rules to establish... why, if you don't stay up all night officiating, then you make wake up to find mercenaries taken up residence in the palace with you!
>Send some basics down to the gate, several carts of food and drink. Not enough to host a feast, but to help your mercenaries see the mob back to town with, once their anger is settled. Also doubling, to keep your mercenaries busy and outside for the time being.
>Something else?

>>5549342
>Perhaps not a proper speech, but inspiring encouragement to your supporters now that you've taken this stronghold?

>>5548698
>Give up one of the treasure wagons to the people. Organized distribution of course, not just mad and bloody chaos. It will be a severe blow to your new wealth, but you'll trade a wagon of plunder for your palace any day.

>>5548913
>We’re evil, get used to it.
That doesn’t mean we have to be stupid. Way I see it, if the garrison of this palace was large enough that it could have seriously dented our mercenary force to take it back, then it still had plenty of troops. And we need loyal troops. Not just armed rabble after rape and loot, but trained soldiers. Throwing the garrison to the crowd deprives the palace of better protections, and deprived us of otherwise useful soldiers. Currently, those soldiers are harder to replace than the gold.

>>5549342
>>Send some basics down to the gate, several carts of food and drink. Not enough to host a feast, but to help your mercenaries see the mob back to town with, once their anger is settled. Also doubling, to keep your mercenaries busy and outside for the time being.

"We take care of our people here."

>>5549357
Too little, too late. Damnit.

>>5549342
>Perhaps not a proper speech, but inspiring encouragement to your supporters now that you've taken this stronghold?

>Send some basics down to the gate, several carts of food and drink. Not enough to host a feast, but to help your mercenaries see the mob back to town with, once their anger is settled. Also doubling, to keep your mercenaries busy and outside for the time being.

We are charismatic, and winning the loyalty of the townsfolk helps ensure that the lord of the town, and the local baron will have to face down a very angry mob of peasants if they decide to switch sides.

>>5549342
>Perhaps not a proper speech, but inspiring encouragement to your supporters now that you've taken this stronghold?

>>5549342
>>How can you sleep when there's so much to do? So many things to make sure happen or don't happen, ground rules to establish... why, if you don't stay up all night officiating, then you make wake up to find mercenaries taken up residence in the palace with you!

>>5549341
>Perhaps not a proper speech, but inspiring encouragement to your supporters now that you've taken this stronghold?

>How can you sleep when there's so much to do? So many things to make sure happen or don't happen, ground rules to establish... why, if you don't stay up all night officiating, then you make wake up to find mercenaries taken up residence in the palace with you!

>Send some basics down to the gate, several carts of food and drink. Not enough to host a feast, but to help your mercenaries see the mob back to town with, once their anger is settled. Also doubling, to keep your mercenaries busy and outside for the time being.

All of the above

>>5549342
>Send some basics down to the gate, several carts of food and drink. Not enough to host a feast, but to help your mercenaries see the mob back to town with, once their anger is settled. Also doubling, to keep your mercenaries busy and outside for the time being.

>>5549342
>>Perhaps not a proper speech, but inspiring encouragement to your supporters now that you've taken this stronghold?

>>5549342
>Perhaps not a proper speech, but inspiring encouragement to your supporters now that you've taken this stronghold?
>Send some basics down to the gate, several carts of food and drink. Not enough to host a feast, but to help your mercenaries see the mob back to town with, once their anger is settled. Also doubling, to keep your mercenaries busy and outside for the time being.

>>5549352
I’m>>5549359

Changing vote to..
>Perhaps not a proper speech, but inspiring encouragement to your supporters now that you've taken this stronghold?

>Send some basics down to the gate, several carts of food and drink. Not enough to host a feast, but to help your mercenaries see the mob back to town with, once their anger is settled. Also doubling, to keep your mercenaries busy and outside for the time being.


>>5549369
>>5549381
>>5549481
If you guys don’t mind I’ll be writing the inspiring words


Well done.
Well done, all of you.
With your help, we are one step closer from removing Louis from the throne and preventing further misuse of power. Once our men have secured the castle, we will be sending carts of nourishments to the gates.

There is still much to be done to restore this castle to its former glory.

I ask that the civilians return to their homes once they have received their food. You’ve done well tonight. No need to stay up late — that’s what my soldiers are for.

>>5549575
Support

>>5549342
>>5549560
supporting

>>5549575
???
Did you reply to the wrong post?

>>5549575
+1

Probably no post today or at least not till late tonight. Till then though you can figure out what your plan moving forward is now, since you've managed to take the palace and finally have a location from which to operate and build power.

>>5549575
nice text, anon

>>5549342
>>Send some basics down to the gate, several carts of food and drink. Not enough to host a feast, but to help your mercenaries see the mob back to town with, once their anger is settled. Also doubling, to keep your mercenaries busy and outside for the time being

File: B2680BFE-B8ED-44B7-8156-A(...).jpg (378 KB, 1406x1212)

378 KB JPG

Alright, if anybody cares, here’s my analysis:

Mallines is a solid choice to operate from. It has access to the sea, granting us much greater maneuverability to our forces—if we can secure ships—and allows us to import goods and resources, assuming the appropriate infrastructure exists. The northern borders are protected by natural terrain like the mountains and hills (B), leaving only the gap we probably entered through most vulnerable (A).

Our most immediate concerns should be securing all of Mallines, followed by ensuring that gap has adequate forces to defend it and establish a base of supplies necessary to launch an invasion from. We can accomplish the first by conquering the local noble houses, or more preferably by converting them to our cause. Tearing apart their own holdings and slaughtering their soldiers (like we did with the palace defenders AHEM AHEM) will only convince others who have yet to pick a side that we may not have their best interests at heart (we don’t, but they don’t need to know that yet). It would likely result in the destruction of their holdings, which we could make use of. Every lord we ally is that many more trained soldiers, intact defenses, and local resources at our disposal. If we’re smart with our maneuvers, we can have our allied lords suffer the brunt of the casualties along the course of the war, leaving them too weak to oppose our complete power later on.

As it stands, we desperately need forces truly loyal to us and not just the chances for pillaging we can promise. The mercenaries are a decent army for the time being, but they lack discipline and structure, and are little concerned with following our orders directly. We need to eliminate them eventually, too. There are ways we could go about the construction of our own army.

1: We could begin a campaign of recruitment among the local commoners—who are already fiercely loyal to us—but we’ll need a source of arms and armor to equip them, as well as people to train them. Having mercenary captains train them wouldn’t be the best, given the lack of discipline it would instill, but we could probably do it more easily. The other option is we hire out knights and captains from our allies to do it. This would be much better.

2: There is a chance, if we use our courtly training, that we could even hire troops directly from allied houses. Quick, but costly. They won’t give up troops for free, but it will leave them weakened, too. That could be to our advantage later on, but troops that used to serve them may not be so keen on fighting their former allies in the future.

Either way, our objectives should be securing the control of this region and the gap at (B) which is paramount, and constructing a force capable of opposing our brother, and later on, the houses that might turn on us when they learn our true nature. If we play it out right, and convince the nearby houses to join us, we might just kill two birds with one stone there.

>>5550504
Supporting all of this, as long as i can be the portmaster.

What is the technology level, QM?

Are guns invented yet? Which type of ignition?

File: 9CB0178D-87FC-4676-BD10-F(...).jpg (392 KB, 1406x1212)

392 KB JPG

>>5550504
Once we have Mallines and the gap under our finger, we need to be quick to cut off supplies and support to our brother. I assume he resides in Jeudeil, which ought to be the crownlands. Fortunately, the choke points in the sea and along the border to the southern half of the kingdom make this relatively easy. A quick rush will allow us to establish defenses to protect our controlled lands along the lines of (A). The mountains and hills on the western half of (A) should make that terrain very easily defensible, and thus able to be held by a relatively small force. That will allow concentration of the rest of our forces along the eastern and southern parts of (A).

When (A) is held, we ought to gain control of the coasts of (B) and (C). By launching an assault to the northeast coast of (B), we can control the sea beside, which, along with our lines at (A), will completely cut the kingdom in half and sever our brother from the south. He would be near entirely unable to control or influence anything below Jeudeil leaving him stuck north and with the south completely on its own as well.

Afterwards, to facilitate protection of Mallines’ own coast from counter-attacks from the south, we should take control of the coast along (C). It will also give us a foothold to begin taking the rest of the southern-half of the kingdom.

Sorry for the walls of text, but I love military history and such, and this is making my inner autism go to full power.

>>5550509
>As long as I can be the port master
Hell yeah, dude.

>>5550504
>securing the control of this region and the gap at (B)
I meant (A) here.