Sing, O Muse, of golden-haired Deianira Hippomedion, who wields her will more artfully than any spear, who guides the οἶκος of Hippomedon to wealth and prestige, and of her brother, Nikandros Hippomedion, who journeys far from home alongside famed companions to entreat Ilion’s sacred citadel. Sing of the sorcery and honeyed words of witches! Sing of the wrath of Menelaus, of the folly of Paris, of Zeus’s plan which even now comes to fulfillment…----Deianira’s Sidestory is an adjunct to Homer’s recent Trojan War Quest – while Nikandros Hippomedion sails to Troy, we take control of his witchy sister, Deianira, as she guides the oikos of Hippomedon to wealth and power, in the foothills of Mount Olympus. In contrast, to the “main” TWQ plot, this sidestory will have an emphasis on development of the estates of Hippomedon and local politics within Thessaly. I am not the original QM of Trojan War Quest, but I hope that he will return to continue Nikandros’ story in the future.Recommended Reading:Trojan War Quest Thread 1: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2023/5579585/Trojan War Quest Thread 2: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2023/5610431/Homer, if you’re reading this - please consider dropping me a confidential line at deianiraquest@tutanota.com if you don’t feel comfortable posting openly – I’d love for a chance to pick your brain and honor your wishes, even if I can’t persuade you to continue TWQ.
As she spoke she set the armor before Achilles, and it rang out bravely as she did so. The Myrmidons were struck with awe, and none dared look full at it, for they were afraid; but Achilles was roused to still greater fury, and his eyes gleamed with a fierce light, for he was glad when he handled the splendid present which the god had made him. Then, as soon as he had satisfied himself with looking at it, he said to his mother, "Mother, the god has given me armor, meet handiwork for an immortal and such as no living could have fashioned; I will now arm, but I much fear that flies will settle upon the son of Menoitios and breed worms about his wounds, so that his body, now he is dead, will be disfigured and the flesh will rot."Silver-footed Thetis answered, "My son, be not disquieted about this matter. I will find means to protect him from the swarms of noisome flies that prey on the bodies of men who have been killed in battle. He may lie for a whole year, and his flesh shall still be as sound as ever, or even sounder. Call, therefore, the Achaean heroes in assembly; unsay your anger against Agamemnon; arm at once, and fight with might and main." As she spoke she put strength and courage into his heart, and she then dropped ambrosia and red nectar into the wounds of Patroklos, that his body might suffer no change. Then Achilles went out upon the seashore, and with a loud cry called on the Achaean heroes. On this even those who as yet had stayed always at the assembly of ships, the pilots and helmsmen, and even the stewards who were about the ships and served out rations, all came to the place of assembly because Achilles had shown himself after having held aloof so long from fighting. Last of all came Agamemnon, king of men, he too wounded, for Koön son of Antenor had struck him with a spear in battle.When the Achaeans were got together Achilles rose and said, "Son of Atreus, surely it would have been better alike for both you and me, when we two were in such high anger about Briseis, surely it would have been better, had Artemis' arrow slain her at the ships on the day when I took her after having sacked Lyrnessos. For so, many an Achaean the less would have bitten dust before the foe in the days of my anger. It has been well for Hektor and the Trojans, but the Achaeans will long indeed remember our quarrel. Now, however, let it be, for it is over. If we have been angry, necessity has schooled our anger. I put it from me: I dare not nurse it for ever; therefore, bid the Achaeans arm forth with that I may go out against the Trojans, and learn whether they will be in a mind to sleep by the ships or no. Glad, I ween, will he be to rest his knees who may flee my spear when I wield it."Thus did he speak, and the Achaeans rejoiced in that he had put away his anger.- Iliad of Homer, Scroll 19
[bold]Deianira Hippomedion[/bold]Level 1Height: 6’3”Age: 22[bold]Kleos[/bold]: You’re an unknown! -5 to Kleos checks. Deeds below:None.[bold]Timae:[/bold] That of a typical impoverished country noblewoman. -5 to Timae checks.[bold]STATS:[/bold]STR - (8/20) (+0)AGI - (11/20) (+0)CON - (11/20) (+0)WILL - (14/23) (+2)INT - (15/23) (+3)CHA - (17/23) (+5)Regional Alignment: Thessalian Noblewoman (+1 STR, +1 AGI, + 1 CON, +3 CHA)[bold[Epithets:[/bold]• Pharmakis: Providers of medicines, drugs, and various other tinctures (from Witch/Physician).[bold]Traits:[/bold] • Dutiful – Your father, Hippomedon, insisted that you were as diligent in your own education as your brother. You get an extra stat point per level in the +2/+3 alternating pattern that Homer established.Tier 1:• Fresh Olympian Blood: +1 to all stats and regenerate 2 health per turn of combat. +3 when interacting with daemons. You can see and talk to supernatural entities without assistance. Life experiences may unlock hidden bonuses or traits over time.• Physician: Cures, tonics and various medical therapies are your domain (+1 to INT; +3 to diagnosis/treatment attempts, stacks with Witch bonuses). Any potion, tonic, or healing agent created through the ritual process has a significant bonus to success (+3); +3 bonus to rolls to treat wounds, injuries, maladies. People, animals, or entities under your personal medical care and receiving one of your treatments make rapid recoveries (twice as fast) and weather life-threatening illnesses; you can fan the flame of life in a person on the verge of death.Tier 2: Witch: The esoteric art of magic herbalism is known to few mortals. These few are almost exclusively witches. Your mother had arranged for your tutelage with a mysterious woman, Spathion – how exactly she arranged for this is unclear to you (+3 INT/INT cap, +3 to CHA/CHA cap, +3 to WILL/WILL cap; -1 to all physical stats). You are knowledgeable regarding an extremely broad array of medicines, poisons, and illnesses; these same skills provide you access to all manners of creams, lotions and perfumes to enhance your physical presentation. With appropriate preparation, you may engage in occult ritualism to produce a magic spell or potion; reagents for such rituals are typically difficult and expensive to obtain.[bold]MALUS[/bold]: Women’s Frailty: Strength Reduction (-3)>cont
>>5644137sigh, I should have tested my formatting...STATUSHP- (8/8)Skills• Witch’s Knowledge: +2 when attempting to identify herbs, plants, poisons, potions, or magic spells, also +2 to create these. Commonplace animals, plants and reagents will not require rolls to identify.• Witch’s Aspect: +2 to all social/will rolls (under select circumstances, the social bonus may be doubled when interacting with “vulnerable” males, but this may have consequences)• Physician: +3 to all rolls to diagnose or treat illness. • Divine Aura: +3 when interacting with daemons. (FOB)• Divine Regeneration: Heal 2 health per combat turn (FOB)• More skills to be uncovered as circumstances and traits necessitate.Personal Inventory• Knife of Hippomedon: 1d4 + AGI + Knifeplay damage• Hunting Bow: 1d4 + AGI + Archery damage• Witch’s Tools: various mortars, pestles, bowls, and other needed equipment to produce all manners of tonics and tinctures.• Physician’s Supplies: all manner of mundane bandages, knives, and such implements necessary to trait human illness.• Three oenochoe of Seisames’ finest wine.•Current Potion Inventory: One philter of Hippomedon’s Essence.
HIPPOMEDON ESTATECURRENT OIKOS POINTS = 2Oikos Morale: <Rebellious - GRUMBLING - Contented - Loyal - Unshakable FaithPalace = <Rubble – MODEST – Functional – Inviting – Extravagant>The palace of Hippomedon is a two-story humble structure, made of stone, barely sufficient for the needs of a frontier nobleman. There is a central courtyard, and the rooms of the palace are open to the courtyard on the interior – a sail-like tent can be raised over the roof in the event of rain. On the first floor, there is the kitchen, the andron, several storerooms, and a small studio for the construction of tools and other small items. On the second floor, there is sufficient space for three small bedrooms (yours, your brother’s and your mother’s), the dormitory for house staff, and the gynaikon. To a commoner, this is a lavish arrangement – but a King would scoff at these cramped accommodations.Additional features: Witch’s HutPalace Grounds – <Wild – UNKEMPT – Tamed – Curated – Wondrous>The palace itself is nestled atop a large hill of gentle ascent – from the second floor, a sharp-eyed person has excellent visibility in all directions. With no shortage of land in rural Thessaly, the grounds of Hippomedon are many plethrons (let's say 5,000?) and extends loosely to the north, east and south – to the west, a small brook babbles at the foot of the hill, about 2 stadia away (400 metres or so) and just beyond this, the Hippomedon farms. The vast majority of the Hippomedon grounds are simply not being utilized - small copses of trees, small grassy fields, studded with rocky outcroppings and boulders. The main path to the palace is a dusty affair, just wide enough for a chariot or three men abreast. In the distance to the north, Mount Olympus looms – the peak of the mountain typically hidden by rolling cloudbanks. As a child and on extremely clear days, you would sometimes catch the gleam of metal impossibly tracing a path through the sky, flitting towards the peak...Estate Defenses (Structural): None – the palace itself has no defenses other than its' excellent positioning atop the hill, and the grounds themselves have nothing in the way of gates or barriers.
Estate Defenses (Garrison): First Platoon: Your brother's house troops, fifty picked men from your home estates. Exceedingly well trained, experienced, loyal, and high morale: some of the best troops in the whole of Hellas. However, poorly armed in rural Hellenic style: smallish wooden shields with leather overlay, linothorax armor, no helmets, short spears. (Tier Three Troops: +1 for Thessalian, +1 for Argyros, +1 for Tactical Genius. +0 bonus in fighting). Please note that Nikandros is not present to command these troop, and so would perform at Tier 2.Hippomedon Levy: In a time of crisis, an additional pool of 50 untrained and unarmored men could be assembled, armed with clubs, rocks, the odd blade and a hodge-podge of spears and poor-quality bows. Practically worthless in a fight but may at least give the appearance of protection from a distance – however, a trained observer would immediately note that these men are unwashed commoners.Farms and Fields:Barley Fields – <Defunct – Struggling – FUNCTIONAL– Productive – Marvelous>Wheat Farms/ – <Defunct – STRUGGLING– Functional – Productive – Marvelous>Olive Grove – <Defunct – STRUGGLING– Functional – Productive – Marvelous>Vegetable Garden – <Defunct – Struggling – FUNCTIONAL – Productive – Marvelous>Herb Garden - <Defunct – STRUGGLING – Functional – Productive – Marvelous>Vineyard - <Defunct – STRUGGLING – Functional – Productive – Marvelous>Altogether, the farms of Hippomedon are functional and can support the existing population of the oikos – but only just. Nikandros’ successful enterprises over the past few years has allowed for investment into the barley fields and vegetable gardens, lessening the threat of starvation and providing limited excesses of barley – the vegetables, herbs and hardier wheat crop is typically consumed outright to maintain the health and satisfaction of the oikos, while the barley is typically reserved for the livestock and leaner winter months. However, the wheat fields and olive grove are suffering somewhat under poor maintenance and lack of manpower. The olive grove and vineyards are reaching maturity after over 20 years of growth, but yields have been poor so far – what limited wine is produced is somewhat bitter to taste and of poor-quality, and olive oil is a scarcity, to the discouragement of your household staff. In general, the Thessalian soil of your estate is "tightly-bound" and does not release its' bounty without a fight – it is a constant battle to maintain the health of your agricultural holdings with your limited resources, and even harder when the fields themselves are uneven, hilly, and studded with boulders.
Beasts and LivestockCattle Herds - <None – DWINDLING – Self-Sustaining – Hardy and Growing – Impressive – Royal>+2 white Lyciboen bulls (bonus to herd growth when the time comes)Goat Herds - <None – Dwindling – SELF-SUSTAINING – Hardy and Growing – Impressive – Royal>Sheep Herds - <None – DWINDLING– Self-Sustaining – Hardy and Growing – Impressive – Royal>Swine Herds - <None – Dwindling – SELF-SUSTAINING – Hardy and Growing – Impressive – Royal>Horse Herds - <NONE – Dwindling – Self-Sustaining – Hardy and Growing – Impressive – Royal>Bee Hives - <NONE – Dwindling – Self-Sustaining – Hardy and Growing – Impressive – Royal>Similarly, Nikandros’ investments in prior years has focused on sustainability, rather than luxury goods. Your father’s plans to breed lines of Thessalian race and warhorses had never materialized, and your mother’s aspirations for a thriving set of beehives were never acted on – you simply lacked the manpower and resources in the oikos to develop these over the years.You do possess a small herd of goats and swine – enough to maintain their population and provide infrequent meals of pork and goat cheese, but hardly a source of income in its own right. The cattle “herd” such as it is, numbers fewer than 20 – you must secure additional beasts in the near future or watch the herd dwindle over the next two years as they are slaughtered for food in the winter months. Similarly, the small number of sheep present provide a minimal quantity of wool and mutton, but additional investments must be made here to provide for the future. Countryside - <Dangerous – Wild – PATROLLED – Secure – Truly Safe>Perhaps your brother’s greatest success, in a few short years, he has tamed the Thessalian hills and fields of your lands with minimal cost to the First Platoon. Commoners traveling these lands once did so at risk of their lives – a large number of wolves, barbaroi and if you believe the wild tales, monsters of various types, preyed upon your people. However, in the last two years, the paths and roads of the countryside (such as they are) are now patrolled at regular intervals by Argyros’ First Platoon, when not in the field. A commoner may now travel with the hopes of avoiding molestation, although only the foolish would travel alone or unarmed.
>PHASE TWO BEGINI made a total hash of the formatting, apologies allYou breathe deeply, as you gaze out across the rolling fields and hills of Thessaly. Your cloak and chiton, today, brilliant white, still carry the fragrant aroma of the Dionysian Frankencense that you had finally completed just before dawn – a heady mix of unwatered wine, Corsican pinecone, and various other herbs and additives, it has a pungent and natural scent. While you’ve never suffered the true effects of the concoction yourself, even the limited exposure you had made your heart thump in your chest and your tongue loose for several hours. Only in the last few minutes, under the high Thessalian noon, have your thoughts steadied.In the distance, the peak of Mount Olympus is wreathed in clouds of white; the same shade of your robes. You wonder whether your brother, Νίκων, misses his homeland…but you suspect not. He did not look back, when leaving the estates of his father, and you imagine that his mind and attention is focused purely on the task ahead, whatever it may be. His concentration and discipline, at times, was unsettling to you. In his thinking, you imagine it must be quite simple – you are placed at the head of the Hippomedon οἶκος, you will lead the οἶκος into prosperity, and you will patiently await his return, with prospective husband in tow. Shaking your head, you gently brush loose strands of your golden hair of your face. You hope it will be as simple as that – but you are quite sure that it will not. Regardless, you pray for his safety once again, as you kneel before Mount Olympus, and plead for a friendly divinity to shield him from the predation of men and gods. Better yet, you hope, he escapes their notice entirely – standing, you brush the dirt from your white cloak. Despite the long hours of the previous night, you feel refreshed and ready to act as head of the Hippomedon οἶκος. Four of five local noblemen plan to attend your proposed feast, with the sole exception of Damachides, who resides to the west. You have nine days before the summit takes place, but you have already invested the time and resources to ensure a successful event. Your household staff have been appropriately notified, and the various bands of the First Platoon currently on patrol have been notified as well – they will return to the οἶκος in about 7 days time, to stand guard and show what strength in spearmen you have, under Argyros’ and Iudas’ suggestion. Even better, many of the local lords have already demonstrated openness and generosity upon receipt of your summons – you remember Cnotheos, brother-in-law to Seisames, who delivered several oenochoe of very fine wine, and Lyciboeus, who gifted your estate two study white bulls, asking for nothing in return.>cont
In short – you have several days to accomplish your own projects, both sorcerous and as head of the οἶκος, and have the time to initiate another οἶκος project before the feast. Pantaleon, you recall, mentioned that some daemon or creature had been scattering the sheep of your estate, and apparently running your shepherds haggard. Argyros suggested that you meet with the men of the First Platoon – few of them have met you, and they do not know you in your new capacity as head of the οἶκος. Finally, Iudas’ words from several nights ago have lingered in your mind – he essentially challenged you about your lack of knowledge about himself. You have a thought to track him down and learn of his personal history, and perhaps why he serves the house of Hippomedon.Welcome to Deianira Quest! In general, the quest will be organized into Phases; each Phase, there will be three actions available to Deianira – one Deianira action (as a nobleman and head of οἶκος), one Witch Action (to create a magic spell or potion), and one οἶκος action (to direct οἶκος staff to complete some project or task). Currently, Deianira is ready to spend her Deianira action, which we will vot on below. Please let me know if I can further clarify the system, and I’d be happy to do so.---Make your choice!>Investigate the scattering of the sheep, per Pantaleon’s suggestion>Meet with the men of the First Platoon, per Argyros’ suggestion>Track down Iudas, and learn of his history and motivations.>Something else? reasonable write-ins are always strongly encouraged!
>>5644152>>Investigate the scattering of the sheep, per Pantaleon’s suggestionWe really don't need something fucking with the livestock
>>5644152>Investigate the scattering of the sheep, per Pantaleon’s suggestionOur farms are barely enough for our population, in an emergency we’ll probably have to slaughter our livestock.
>>5644152>Investigate the scattering of the sheep, per Pantaleon’s suggestionDemons in the woods is something for a witch with divine blood to deal with
Sweet, good to see this have it's own thread!>>5644152>Meet with the men of the First Platoon, per Argyros’ suggestionLet's see if there's some way we can make sure our livestock is protected from bandits.
>>5644152>Investigate the scattering of the sheep, per Pantaleon’s suggestionSheep
>>5644152>Investigate the scattering of the sheep, per Pantaleon’s suggestion
>>5644152>>Investigate the scattering of the sheep, per Pantaleon’s suggestion
>>5644152>Meet with the men of the First Platoon, per Argyros’ suggestion
>>5644152>Investigate the scattering of the sheep, per Pantaleon’s suggestionWill need a tracker and an escort, perhaps pantaleon himself?I am unsure what could constitute a demon here and the danger it represents, a satyr? A spirit?
So what are the chances Iudas does what another with same name will do in roughly 1,000 years later?
>>5644626However many shekels you have in your pocket out of 100 right now, anon. Please be a poorfag or a richfag, neither of them got change.
Rolled 4 (1d100)>>5644631
>>5644633Nice. Crisis averted. 4% is really low.
>>5644152>>Investigate the scattering of the sheep, per Pantaleon’s suggestion>>5644626let's hope it doesn't happen
>>5644152I don't read this quest (though best of luck with it), but I wanted to let you know that you should use a secure tripcode. You accomplish this by putting one hashtag instead of two, like this: ##password. This prevents somebody from reverse-engineering the tripcode and impersonating you.>That's a really far-fetched thing to have happen!It has happened before on a wide scale and caused a huge amount of drama. Stay safe out there, Opee.
>>5644697>tegaki.pngI love your drawings. Anon. How many husbands are in that sack?
>>5644697The most based us of returns.
>>5644704Good advice regarding the secure tripcode, all players please note that I'll be doing so in the future.----This vote will end at 9pm EST tonight!Also, after tonight's update, one post IDs will generally not be accepted for votes in order to partially mitigate samefagging. I would encourage anons to post now to "register" for later, if you haven't do so already.
>>5644797If my ID changes do I just link back to og vote?
>>5644711A humble dozen demigods, from Scythia to Aegyptos, to Herakles columns to the far Babylon !
>>5644808yep, exactly>>5644697fantastic work per usual anon
>>5644152>>Meet with the men of the First Platoon, per Argyros’ suggestion
Congrats on taking the reins proper, Lesches! Hoping for Homer's return, of course, but I hope you continue running this as time goes on-- it's quite the read.>>5644152>Investigate the scattering of the sheep, per Pantaleon’s suggestionIf it's a Daemon, it'll be good to put FOB to good use.
>>5644152 #>>Investigate the scattering of the sheep, per Pantaleon’s suggestionZeus forbid some monster is on our property and hurts a guest
>>5645085Hope to zeus it isn't.When i was little i got traumatized by the story of the troll grendel who enraged by the sound of festivities came inside the noble halls and slaughtered everyone.
>>5645106The story of Grendel was obviously inspired by an autistic sperg with retard strength who kicked down the doors of a feast hall when people were too loud and he hadn't gotten his tendies yet. The rampage was legendary enough that he became a troll in its retelling. Though the smell certainly didn't help his case.
>check out dem fluffy bois >>5644162>>5644172>>5644180>>5644212>>5644221>>5644292>>5644448>>5644471>>5644697>>5644905>>5644972>>5645085>meet Nikon's lads>>5644181>>5644371>>5644819investigate the sheep situation is the front-runner by a huge margin, I'm calling the vote early!I'll need a dice+1d20 for Deianira to take a spin on my carefully constructed Homeric-Happenings random encounters table. Also, one of the anons rightly pointed out that we'd need a tracker/escort, so Pantaleon will be accompanying us. Deianira is not so foolish to travel alone - she knows that she's not really a physical combatant.
Rolled 3 (1d20)>>5645237Let's see if this is a true Trojan War Quest Spinoff
>>5645238A worth heir if I say so myself
>>5645238Don't worry - it is!>post will be up before 12pm EST tonight, possibly before 10pm
>>5645242Do you need more than one dice roll or do we trust the rngfates that a 3 is the best they can do for today?
>>5645338Eh, for these random encounters, one roll is sufficient. In some cases, a second roll might be required, but not for this particular result.
You waste no time in your decision – if you are the heart of the οἶκος, livestock is its blood. Any threat to your herd is an attack at your future itself. You stride purposefully around the palace of Hippomedon, until you are directed behind the palace proper. Here, you find bearded, hulking Pantaleon, nearly alike to your brother in his dimensions despite his common origin, carefully whetting his favorite bronze blade. He has placed several wooden stakes into the ground and has halfway skinned the wolves you saw him dragging in the previous morning – their fresh hides strung between the stakes. His hands are black with dried blood, and he appears to be content in his work. He wears the practical garb of his homeland of Ἤπειρος, far to the northwest – a rough-sewn tunic, and a short leather skirt. He has never bothered to adopt the fashions of Hellas, but whether this is out of misplaced pride or simple apathy has never been clear to you.As you approach from his side, he pauses imperceptibly, his knife pausing for the smallest moment, and his shaggy head tilting to the side. You intuit that not only has he heard you, but he has also identified you by your stride and the sounds of your fine cloak sliding over the earth. You open your mouth to speak, but he rudely preempts you, his speech weighted with the harsher accent of the Epirot people –“I hear you coming, Lady Deianira, and I know what you will ask of me. Wise of you to collect an escort before you face the unknown, even in the friendly hills of your father. It will be my pleasure to accompany you.” He grins unpleasantly, baring yellowed teeth, and opens his mouth to speak further– but you strike first.“It will be my pleasure to turn you into a swine, Pantaleon, if you ever forget your place.” Your chuckle has a harsher edge than usual, but the effect is sufficient – Pantaleon’s jaw clamps shut and his brown eyes dart away from yours, deferent. Of course, you haven’t the slightest idea of how this act of φύσις might be done – or at least, not yet.You hold your head at a regal angle and instruct Pantaleon to meet you in front of the οἶκος in a few minutes. You take the opportunity to collect your bow, quiver of 20 arrows, poor shot that you are, your father’s bronze knife, and the philter of Hippomedon’s Essence that you have on hand.
Within two hours, Pantaleon has led you through a series of winding paths between the hills and dappled meadows of your estates, and occasionally, stops to investigate some track or another. As your patience begins to run thin and the chariot of Helios starts to turn back towards the earth, he suddenly freezes, and hissing, drags you to the earth before a large grassy hill. In a moment, you hear it – the distant huffing of some beast and the thin bleating of a sheep. To your ears, the sheep’s calls have the weakened, exhausted quality of an animal dying slowly and in terror. Putting your dignity aside, you follow Pantaleon’s lead, as he worms his way through the verdant grasses to gain a good vantage point on the hilltop, beside a very large apple tree. As you settle into position, next to his right elbow, you dare a glance through the grasses. To your shock and disgust, you see a blonde man with the lower frame of a bay-colored horse standing over the broken form of one of your ewes. While you have never seen such a thing in person – you know it instantly as no daemon or divinity. It is one of the κένταυρος – the foul offspring of Nephele and the Lapith King, Ixion. They are said to be savages, brutes and drunkards – worse, they are known to be insatiable in their predations – the trampled and expiring ewe before you has seemingly suffered its attention most recently. Of the beast itself, now that it is unoccupied, its face contorts in anger and it repeatedly kicks its hind legs, scuffing up huge clouds of dust. It grabs a long spear that you had not noticed previously and waves it erratically in thrusting attacks into the air. Howling in frustration and cantering ceaselessly in a tight circuit, it seemingly has not yet noticed your presence – tugging at your shoulder, Pantaleon, motions you back down the hillside.Once safely pressed against the bottom of the hill, he whispers fervently to you, eyes round with alarm.“We must be careful – these beasts are dangerous in the extreme, and hardier than you might believe. If we ambush the creature with our bows, we may have yet a chance to wound it enough to force a retreat or kill it outright. However, it may charge – and its hooves are lethal. If we flee, we risk discovery by the beast and it may run us down with its spear.” None of these options are terribly appealing to you, but you wonder if there might be another solution. You could perhaps attempt to reason with the beast, or use your womanly gifts to lure it into a false sense of security? The idea of approaching the beast strikes you as mindless, as the image of the ruined ewe comes unbidden to your mind.>vote post coming
You guys have to deal with an angry horse-boi nowThis vote will close at 9pm EST tomorrow>Ambush the κένταυρος with your ranged weaponry - while you are a mediocre shot, Pantaleon is quite the skilled archer.>Flee the situation and rouse the First Platoon. You run the risk of being caught from behind if the κένταυρος notices you.>Attempt to parley with the beast and convince it leave your estates?>Attempt to deceive the κένταυρος in some fashion through application of your womanly gifts? Write-ins would be welcome, of course.>Something else?
>>5645459>Ambush the κένταυρος with your ranged weaponry - while you are a mediocre shot, Pantaleon is quite the skilled archer.Can we not just cast Magic Missile or Fireball at the bastard?
Did that centaur simply beat the ewe to death or something more terrible?>>5645459>Attempt to parley with the beast and convince it leave your estates?I suspect that it will try or be tempted to carry us off, but what are the chances it is part of a larger group and they seek revenge? In any case, I think playing to our greatest strength is good, and Pantyboy can sneak/line up a shot on the centaur while we distract with talk, a precaution.
>>5645459>Ambush the κένταυρος with your ranged weaponry - while you are a mediocre shot, Pantaleon is quite the skilled archer.>Nikon trying every social check>Deianira trying every physical checkToo good to pass up.
>>5645459>>Attempt to parley with the beast and convince it leave your estates?
>>5645459>Attempt to parley with the beast and convince it leave your estates?
>>5645459>>Attempt to parley with the beast and convince it leave your estates?If only centaurs weren't so stupid and brutish he'd make a fine ally. Too bad he's particularly stupid enough to fuck a sheep to death and then attack the air as if he'd strike whatever he's presumably thinking cursed him to go unsated.Of course while we're busy asking him very politely to leave and go to a place that has actual horses and cows he might enjoy the company of, Panty can be lining up a shot for his likely to be craning neck. Hopefully he'll understand that sheep are squishy and beasts more his size are much more likely to withstand his "mighty rod".
>you know it instantly as no daemon or divinity.Oh shoot, do we not get a +3 from FOB when interacting with this guy.
>>5645510Conversely, his social stats are also probably super shit, being that he is only barely above a wild beast.
>>5645520True enough, but I can't help but wonder if the wild nature will allow him to simply ignore arguments.Now I'm wondering if we can fashion something like tranquillizer darts in the future. Though, I don't think ancient Greeks had blowguns.
>>5645536Fair. It's always a worry that something will be just plain incorrigible. Doubly so for something even more barbaric than the barbaroi.
>>5645459>>Attempt to parley with the beast and convince it leave your estates?It's a centaur, maybe he knows Nikon?
>>5645458>ask pantaleon to lead you to the most impervious and broken terrain of the hill so you can give a shout to attract the centaur and he can ambush it.A thick grove of trees, rocky terrain or a very steep hillside would work wonders in turning his mobility on hooves into a liability.
And for those of you wanting to do diplomacy perhaps you best think of what to say when a ton of manhorse who only wants to smash sees a half divine beauty coming onto him.Because it's not his brain that you will have to negotiate with.At least have pantaleon come up from behind and ready to stick the manbeast with arrows.
>>5645459>>5645683Sounds good to me.
>>5645459>Ambush the κένταυρος with your ranged weaponry - while you are a mediocre shot, Pantaleon is quite the skilled archer.If it were any other Daemon, I'd want to leverage our huge CHA stat to negotiate it away, but... most centaurs are not Chiron-- and this one seems to have attempted to relieve itself with one of our sheep. If it sees our literal supermodel-tier beauty, it'll 100% try rushing us down, considering how frustrated it is right now. These lands were tamed by force, might as well apply a little more, even if it's not exactly our strong suit.
>>5645459>Flee the situation and rouse the First Platoon. You run the risk of being caught from behind if the κένταυρος notices you.This is something petty but but you should stop using so much spoilers.
>>5645458 #>ask pantaleon to lead you to the most impervious and broken terrain of the hill so you can give a shout to attract the centaur and he can ambush it.A thick grove of trees, rocky terrain or a very steep hillside would work wonders in turning his mobility on hooves into a liability.If time>Or dig a couple ankle breakers maybe? Simple trap. Use beauty to lure into trap. Have pant ambush.
>>5645791I would argue that no centaur is Chiron. He's simply built different, and far better. He was good people.
four hour warning for votes!>friendly reminder that one-post IDs will not be counted, I would encourage these anons to either post again or link their prior posts.>>5645710>>5645461>>5646062--->>5646246agreed, I've been doing reading and at least some myths specify that Chiron is really a unique entity and has no connection to the "other" centaurs. >>5645975Eh - my apologies, anon. Will attempt to restrain myself in the future.
>>5646435Everything to do with Apollo is all over the place. Either supremely blessed or cursed.
>>5645469>ayo horseboi lets chat>>5645469>>5645476>>5645477>>5645484>>5645580>>5645801>ambush the fucker>>5645471>>5645683 (with a good write-in)>>5645791>>5646062>GTFO>>5645975>one-post IDs>>5645710>>5645461>>5646062---->ayo horseboi let's chat wins! I'm calling the vote earlier seeing as there've been no votes in a while. >writing now, post should be out before 12pm EST
>>5645085>>5646062Is a need a mario.
>>5646595Ffs it's a me a Mario. Autocorrect kicking ass
Well fuck. Guess fat horse c*ck is in our future. Talk from a position of strength guys... we aren't Nikki
>>5646595You now need Mario
>>5646603What anon needs is to turn off his autocorrect.
>>5646609Maybe Mario can help him do that
Ambushing the beast doesn’t strike you as the best solution, as you turn the problem over in your mind. For one, the κένταυρος has the advantage of speed – if your ambush fails, then you have made an enemy of a fierce warrior, and if it were to flee, it could swiftly collect his allies to enact revenge. You are no expert in the brood of Ixion, but you know that they often travel in bands just as horses might, wreaking destruction and absconding with mortal women that might catch their fancy. You must assume that it is within several days’ ride of its companions, if not closer. Secondly, you have some doubts about your armaments – your bows are fine enough weapons for hunting wolves and men, but you aren’t certain that your bronze-tipped arrows will be as devastating to the tow-handed savage.As you mull over your options, you keep an ear turned to the hilltop – you still hear the pounding of hoofbeats and the angrily shouted cries of the halfbreed. You are beginning to catch the words that it is flinging into the air – demanding that someone or something reveal itself in a guttural, broken version of Greek that you hardly recognize. It doesn’t seem to have noticed you or Pantaleon – this search seems to predate your discovery of the beast.No - fighting the beast seems a poor plan. “I will speak to the beast and persuade it to leave our lands,” you whisper calmly to Pantaleon.Pantaleon’s eyebrows climb high on his brow before tumbling together again in a pointed frown, and he stares at you flatly. He seems to struggle containing himself for a long time - eyes bulging - before settling into a resigned silence.“Of course – position yourself appropriately if I fail.” He simply grunts in affirmation, jaw set. Immediately, he begins working his way around the hillside. You give him several moments head start before you collect yourself. You must be alluring, charming – but also you must give the beast a reason to be persuaded. A flash of inspiration strikes as you catch an errant whiff of Dionysian Frankencese from your cloak – remnants of your labor from the previous night.Of course – Seisames’ oenochoe…You take an extra moment to pray in thanks to Apollo for this gift – and only just barely stop yourself from giggling in delight, your anxiety dissipating. Confident, you stand, singing a clear melody, and of a hymn that you know quite well.>ah, a bit more coming...
Rolled 12, 11, 14 - 3 = 34 (3d20 - 3)and Amphion, he of clever hands,lifted, brick by brick, the stones of Thebes,Upon the gifted notes of Zeus’ heraldHis lyre of spun gold brightly sounding…As you calmly ascend to the hilltop, voice ringing out brightly as Amphion's harp and with golden hair of the same color - you hear the clattering of the hooves cease. Above you, clouds stream across a deep blue sky, silently carried by the warm breath of Euros. You've lost sight of Pantaleon as you climbed, but you have no doubt that he has been carefully positioned to strike, if need be. Cresting over – you see the face of the κένταυρος, his reddened face seemingly caught between rage and wonder, his chest heaving in, bloody hooves streaking the earth. You adopt a broad smile as you face the beast, and simply say, "Hail, prince of Ixion! A beautiful day such as this must be praised with music, should it not?" Without pause, you continue your hymn, and voice is clear as the rushing Αλιάκμονας...>I'll need a dice+1d20+9, best of two from the players...
Rolled 18 + 9 (1d20 + 9)>>5646662
Rolled 10 + 9 (1d20 + 9)>>5646662ERE YA GO!
Rolled 4 + 9 (1d20 + 9)>>5646662Horse cock is on the menu today
>>5646663>>5646664>11 vs 27>stunning success, but no crit (since the centaur is not a divinity)Well, damn. Deianira can fucking sing. I had a whole combat encounter planned out too…>only one update tonight lads, we’ll have to wait until tomorrow to see what happens here
27 vs 11 should be enough to tell him to fuck off, right?
>>5646669Horse cock avoided today
>>5646669You don't need spears when you've got pipes.>>5646671>he apologizes, tells us where all the satyrs are at, and dipsI do wonder how he's going to pay for the sheep once we guilt trip the hell out of him. Maybe he can tell his fellows there ain't shit here and go despoil some other farmsteads. Or do a recon mission for us or something. Who can say what the future holds?Fuck off fate weavers no one likes you.
>>5646688>Satyr?Aren't they different from centaurs? I'm pretty sure they're the ones with the goat bodies instead of the horse bodies. Both are horrible. I wonder if we can convince them to go mess up another nobles days.Also, are we back to the Bo2 system rather than the Bo3?
>>5646716They are, but satyrs and centaurs tend to get along more often than with other groups. Centaurs tend to make good fighters and satyrs tend to make good entertainers. Though the price to pay tends to be your ass for either one, or a whole lot of wine.As for sending them to harass the others, sounds great, just wouldn't want them to blab they were told to leave from here. Though they'd probably all be killed or scattered without words, knowing how things are around here. Sending them to screw with Damachides would be funny, but the barbarians might capitalize on it as well. Butterfly effect is a bitch.
>>5646686I guess we're a throat GOAT. Ballin rolls boys.
Does phonefagging always change your id? homeless Mario usually just lurks.
>>5646742>idBelieve so, unless you are connected to wifi which you also use for your computer or something.
>>5646716I'm basically just copying Homer's system, in which number of dice rolled roughly equates to contextual advantage. In this case, I gave the centaur best of 3 because he is mega pissed off and you are attempting to diplomance him mid-tantrum. For Deianira, I gave her best of 2 because she had the time to plan her approach with Pantaleon. However, if you failed here - you would have started combat with him at a pretty significant disadvantage and run a serious risk of being speared.>basically, you guys took a situation that could have led to serious injury or death, but picked a strategy that played to your strengths and the gods threw you a bone, nice work! It helped that the centaur is a poorly-educated moron with an INT of 5. Trust me when I say you would not have wanted to fight him in close quarters as Deianira (although Nikon could probably have wrecked him).
>>5646751Speared literally or speared (raped)?
>>5646751I think he meant that Homer had changed the system to be always bo3. But I like it this way too.
>>5646756It's a centaur, so I'm betting on both
It is pretty interesting that Chiron gets lumped in with the centaurs despite his dad being Cronus and his mom being Philyra.The guy is siblings to the Olympians and older than some gods.I guess that's what happens when one looks similar enough.
>>5646727This whole encounter is not reassuring even if it did go well. We'll need personal bodyguards (not the platoon or the levy) or even something cheaper like a dog for our own protection when we travel around/collect herbs, Pantaleon needs better war gear too.
>>5646926Agreed, when i suggested an escort before i actually meant both a squad of soldiers and a tracker on top of pantaleon.Witch or not i won't bet money on deianira against a pack of wolves or a bear.
>>5646926You mean we need a husband?
>>5646926Well, would that we could afford it eh? That's definitely something to look into when we can get some wealth to our name. We can barely afford to support a few dozen soldiers and that probably came from looting barbaroi camps and intruders. And they aren't even well equipped. Four or five decently armed and trained guards we can manage if we can sort out our house a bit I'm sure. But we should definitely get a dog. Perhaps even breed them. Dogs make fine companions in nearly all walks of life. Hunting (and searching) dogs, war dogs, guard dogs, simple house dogs. Even more specialized and unusual things such as messengers and medical assistants are on the table should you be good enough at training them. Dogs are great.We certainly need to up our security somehow if centaurs managed to get anywhere near our land without us knowing. When we're richer we will need proper scouts.
>>5646957>>5646926Yes phonefag Mario agrees. Especially if we're supposed to send the soldiers to Nikki eventually.
>>5646926All female escort time
The κένταυρος’ face is transformed, transfixed – and even you are surprised at how melodious your voice is, sliding effortlessly even to the highest notes. Its anger and frustration are simply forgotten, as its bloodshot eyes lock onto your figure in wonder. By pure happenstance, the rolling clouds above that had been temporarily interposing themselves between the hilltop and the chariot of Helios suddenly move aside – you are bathed in a column of sunlight that momentarily links you to the heavens. You instantly adapt to this, gracefully raising your arms in a salute to the sky, as you conclude your stanza. The κένταυρος moves – but to your surprise, it adopts a modified kneeling stance – its forelegs curled into the earth, it lowers its face, seemingly in a trance.“God-dess, forgive me…” its harsh voice grates. Clearly, it has mistaken you for a divinity of some kind – your height and appearance, your musical ability and your sudden presence contributing to the effect. You are only too happy to reinforce his mistaken conclusion.“Rise, son of Ixion – name thyself! Fear not this happenstance meeting between us. What brings you to the lands of Hippomedon?” You maintain a genial air as you address him, even as you catch Pantaleon’s hulking form starting to rise out from behind a small shrub. With a tiny gesture, you motion him to hide once move, and thanks be to the gods of Olympus, he immediately does so without a sound.“I am Labostas, son of Anchinichus, son of Kyllaros, who was slain by Theseus.” He refuses to meet your gaze, keeping his eyes – the same hue of brown as his horse hair, you notice – firmly planted on your sandaled feet. It seems that even the Κενταυροι will pay appropriate respects to a divinity, if confronted with one. You wait for further discourse, but none comes.“It gladdens my heart to see that you honor the old ways, Labostas, son of Anchinichus – but I see you have been mistreating the flocks of Hippomedon, which are under my stewardship. Your presence in these lands will no longer be tolerated.” You allow hardness to enter your voice, trying for all your might to sound like your mother scolding Νίκων for breaking an amphora. At this, Labastos eye’s shift wildly from side to side – you sense that he is ready to flee outright rather than risk a curse. >more coming
“But know this – a transgression may be absolved through a goodly act of reparations, and through this, favorable relations may grow.” you finish. You smile beatifically – you’re enjoying your turn as a goddess quite a bit, in fact, although you have been careful not to self-identify as such. The residents of Mount Olympus would no doubt be keen to “educate” a mortal who openly announces this sort of delusion.Labostas is seemingly resigned to his fate – he awaits your demand.what do you guys want from Labostes, beyond exile from the lands of Hippomedon?>intelligence regarding his herd, their leader, and their current position? This information would be invaluable if you seek to eradicate them through force of arms.>livestock stolen from another οἶκος? This would nearly untraceable but carries the risk of Labostas’ capture or death, which may carry unintended consequences to you.>an armed raid of Κενταυροι on a neighboring οἶκος? This would necessitate a meeting with the leader of the Κενταυροι (and another set of CHA rolls against unfavorable odds), but such a raid could be used to achieve your goals in the Thessalian summons later in the phase.>something else?this vote may close at 9pm tonight if there's an overwhelming victor - otherwise may be extended if we have a good debate.
>>5647333>livestock stolen from another οἶκος? This would nearly untraceable but carries the risk of Labostas’ capture or death, which may carry unintended consequences to you.>Suggest that his herd move near the lands of the wannabe petty king. They would not trouble the Hippomedon anymore, and being closer to the barbarians means they would not be under the shadow of those who carry Olympian blood. It is not a demand, but an advice he may bring to his people, one that both of us would benefit from.
>>5647333I'll back this>>5647337>>Suggest that his herd move near the lands of the wannabe petty king. They would not trouble the Hippomedon anymore, and being closer to the barbarians means they would not be under the shadow of those who carry Olympian blood. It is not a demand, but an advice he may bring to his peopleBut instead of demanding cattle, ask that he personally harasses the barbaroi on his way out. Slaying some and giving them reason to pause in their assessment of our land on top of their fears of Nikon.
>>5647404If he steal cattle from the barbaroi while harassing, that would be good too. He does own us at least one replacement sheep.
>>5647412Very true. I don't know how many sheep or goats they may bring with them in their camps or if their settlements are close enough for such a journey, but it's definitely something to look out for. We could tack that on.
>>5647337>>5647404>>5647412>>5647415>Replace the sheep that you damaged and suggest that his herd move near the lands of the wannabe petty king. This is a very reasonable write-in, but as Labostas is not the chief of his warband, I’d have to do some behind-the-scenes rolling to see what the outcome of his attempt would be.Also, keep in mind that Deianira would likely be a superior negotiator to Labostas, so if your goal is to persuade the beast men to harass Damachides’ lands, you’d almost certainly have better luck doing this yourself (at the risk of personal harm).
>>5647449What a pickle. If we just suggested that they move somewhere else instead of somewhere in particular would Labostas be able to convince them with his fear of god(dess) without much issue? Or would he still be fighting to get them to listen?
>>5647474My thought would be that he’d be rolling for CHA against his boss with a significant bonus but he could definitely fuck it up.
>>5647449>>5647484I imagined that would be like that, but I was basically trying to get an extra freebie without putting Nira at risk anyway
>>5647333>>livestock stolen from another οἶκος? This would nearly untraceable but carries the risk of Labostas’ capture or death, which may carry unintended consequences to you.
>>5647333>livestock stolen from another οἶκος? This would nearly untraceable but carries the risk of Labostas’ capture or death, which may carry unintended consequences to you.
>>5647499>freebielaughs in Doric GreekNo, seriously, it's a good write-in option, but the trade-off for Deianira's safety is that the horselad is a mediocre diplomancer.---->I'll check in at 9pm EST to tally votes, looks like we still have some anons trickling in. P.S. Check out Space Janissary Quest if you all haven't, seems like a cool original setting.
>>5647633I was merely hoping to get some of those magnum dongs to swing in the way of the unwashed barbaric hordes. Alas that Labostas has the charm of a donkey. No one wants to walk into a centaur camp to ensure they go and screw with future problems and they don't trust the four-legged-fucker to convince the head horsecho on his own. Well hopefully his cattle-rustling skills are more impressive than his linguistic ones.
>>5647333>>something else?>Ask him to take you to the Centaur campTime to get some horsebois
>>5647333>>an armed raid of Κενταυροι on a neighboring οἶκος? This would necessitate a meeting with the leader of the Κενταυροι (and another set of CHA rolls against unfavorable odds), but such a raid could be used to achieve your goals in the Thessalian summons later in the phase
Rolled 10 - 3 (1d20 - 3)raid with twist (have horseboi attempt diplo on his boss as well) >>5647337raid with twist (have horseboi fuck up the barbaroi on the way out of town instead?)>>5647404>>5647412 (maybe taking place of previous vote above?)regular raid>>5647530>>5647597>>5647608one-post IDs>>5647645 (remember to link your previous posts or post twice anons!)buy a 1st class ticket to the Dong Festival>>5647659organize a full-blown Centaur invasion>>5647699--->Seems clear that the livestock raid of some type is the winner, however, this vote was tricky for me to interpret with the various ideas thrown around. I don't want to discourage thoughtful write-ins though, so instead, I'll make sure to include another Labostas interaction as he returns with his ill-gotten gains (presuming that he does, we'll roll for this). You'll be able to pursue various additional choices with him at that time. >I won't be able to write another update tonight but I'm interested in finding out how Labostas does in his raiding, so let's roll for this now! I'll need 5 dice+1d20s from the players. 1st and 2nd rolls are contested against my 1d20-3 for detection of Labostas (he'll get a manual +3 centaur livestock rustling bonus), second roll is to determine type of livestock (sheep, horses, swine, cattle), 3rd and 4th rolls to determine how many animals are obtained.
>>5647755You guys might be interested to know that I was a shit roller in TWQ as well, my luck seems to have carried through to your benefit...
Rolled 6 + 3 (1d20 + 3)>>5647755Go horseboy!
Rolled 6 (1d20)>>5647755
Rolled 6 (1d20)>>5647755Dong festival!
Rolled 15 (1d20)>>5647759>>5647761>>5647762fuckin satan>>5647755
Rolled 19 (1d20)>>5647755
>>5647755>>5647759>>5647761So 9 vs 7>>5647762Probably sheep>>5647764>>5647767And 19 of them
>>5647758Tyche is always having a giggle at our expense. Taunting and teasing us.
>>5647771Agree with your assessment - he's got a good haul of sheep (good bonus to your existing herd) but he only narrowly escapes! Expect talk of centaurs during the Thessalian summons later in the phase...
>>5647775Plausible deniability, go!
>>5647785>Plausible deniability, go!Couldn't have been us. What kind of idiot woman would go up to a centaur and broker a deal to steal sheep? Don't be crazy.
>>5647775I want to meet horseboi in chief next, see what fun stuff we can do
>>5647775It's called we do a little trolling folks, a little trolling
>>5647775nicecan we talk with him next about intelligence regarding his herd, if he returns and give us some sheeps ?>>5646950lol>>5646957i know, it was more of a reminder. We are very short on money at the moment.Glad that we all agree on this though
Also, it occurs to me that I did not call for a Witch roll when Deianira was cooking up her Dionysian Frankencense last phase - swing and a miss on my part.Could I request dice+1d20+4, best of two? The +4 comes from Deianira’s +2 Will bonus and her +2 Witch bonus - her Physician trait doesn’t apply here. I’m setting DCs at 10, 15, 20 to determine how many “doses” of DF are generated. In this case, Deianira is guaranteed to get at least one dose given my mistake!
Rolled 13 + 4 (1d20 + 4)>>5648101
Rolled 9 + 4 (1d20 + 4)>>5648101Uhh
>>5648113Nice, so she actually has an extra dose as well. Will update her inventory accordingly.
>>5648133Neat.
You let the moment hang in the air, as you juggle competing impulses – the white clouds above roiling overhead as they pass from Mount Olympus out to the the Ionian Sea. With a docile κένταυρος, you’re tempted to make in-roads with the herd of Labostas and to direct them towards Damachides’ lands, but to travel alone or even with a limited personal guard to Labostas’ chieftain would carry risks of…severe abuses. To guarantee your safety, you’d have to travel with the First Platoon at your back, and no doubt the herd would scatter at the sign of disciplined troops in formation, spoiling any chance of diplomacy or persuasion. Best not to grow greedy – take your price and go! This time, it is your brother Νίκων’s voice in your mind, firm in his conviction and clear-eyed - you see his broad and bearded face wearing a sly smile, gently teasing in his disapproval. Decided, you clear your throat and speak -“Fair Labostas, you have demonstrated restraint not commonly known to your kind – for this, I grant you an opportunity to make amends. Go out into the Thessalian countryside and gather livestock to replace the ones that you have damaged. Return to this place in four days, and I shall sing of your fidelity and honor to the members of my House.” You speak carefully – no eavesdropping nymph or divinity will be able to claim that you dealt in falsehoods here – you have simply failed to correct a mistaken notion on the part of Labostas.Labostas leaps up onto its hooves, and barks, “Yes, God-dess…” It wheels about, displaying the bloody mess of its underbelly, flashing hooves stained with gore, and gallops away without hesitation. Apparently, it has no qualms about completing this task as swiftly as possible. Pantaleon waits for several minutes before revealing himself, brushing twigs and grasses out of his hair and off his tunic. Once close enough for speech, he looks at you with a suspicious light in his eyes, asking curtly – “What sorcery did you cast on it?”. Fingering his bow sullenly, he seems offended that he was not given a chance to bring the beast down. You laugh aloud and shake your head at Pantaleon, answering, “Only the sorcery of a lilting melody, Pantaleon. Some spells can be cast by a friendly word alone.” He scowls in response, clearly doubting your truthfulness.
The next days pass by slowly, sun and stars wheeling above – by daylight, you treat a rotten tooth in a farm boy, an infected bite in an elderly woman, a twisted ankle in one of the spearmen; you resolve a minor squabble between your kitchen staff, smoothing egos. Such minor troubles are no test of your skills, and are even boring to you - but even so – these small acts of kindness are beginning to endear themselves to your people. Not to mention, you have heard that Klytie and Theopotides have taken it upon themselves to defend your reputation vociferously to all commoners who might listen. The rumors you catch about yourself recently are less dark in their wild accusations – while you certainly treat with foul daimons and black spirits of the underworld, now your motivations are seen as simply mysterious and unknowable, rather than rancid with malice. A subtle change, you are still heartened – perhaps even a witch can become loved by her people.By nights, however – you truly become alive. In the witch-light of your hut, your blood sings, your mind sharpens, and your will becomes a scalpel – a σπάθιον.>Time for a WITCH ACTION! This action will conclude in time for the Summons, which is approximately seven days away. You’ll also meet with Labostas prior to the Summons.Current Potion Inventory:One charge of Hippomedon’s Essence.Two charges of Dionysian Frankencense.Current Reagent Inventory:- Deianira’s blood (always available)- One bundle of Aconite flowers- One bundle of Nightshade.- Two black lambs in the fields of Hippomedon.>more coming
>I'm only posting the potions and spells that Deianira could perform with available reagents, to cut down on repeat posting.Available Spells:- Criminal’s Fate: Through this ritual, Deianira summons the attention of one of the Erinyes of Erebus – awful harpies of the underworld, and sets them upon a criminal. Requires a black lamb.Available Potions:Lethes’ DraftThrough this ritual, Deianira uses a preparation of nightshade, to create a magical potion which temporarily dissolves the memories of the imbiber. Despite the name of this solution, no waters from the underworld are required for its creation. The effect may last for years on a commoner, months on a nobleman, and perhaps only days or hours for those with very strong divine heritage. A daemon or lesser divinity may roll to directly resist the effects of this potion, if failed, they may suffer the effects for only some minutes or hours. Greater divinities are highly unlikely to be affected by such a concoction.Reagents required: Nightshade, which grows rarely in the foothills of Thessaly.Kerberos’ SlaveringsThrough this ritual, Deianira creates an incredibly deadly toxin, purified from the dark purple flowers of aconite. When consumed by a mortal, it brings a swift and painful death, and possibly even to those of significant divine heritage. While very dangerous, those with resistance to poison or divine constitution may possibly weather a full dose unaided. Prior or timely application of an antidote could reverse the effects – although Deianira does not currently know of such a preparation. Lesser daemons may be afflicted with incredible torment; unknown impact on a higher divinity.Reagents: Aconite, which rarely grows in the foothills of Thessaly.----->So basically, what is Deianira going to spend her Witch Action on? Vote will close at 9pm tomorrow. Consider that the Summons could also be Deianira's marketplace...>cast Criminal's Fate on someone (if so, who?)>Brew up Hippomedon's Essence>Brew up Lethes' Draft>Brew up Kerberos' Slaverings>Alternately, search for additional reagents by night. This would trigger a random encounter, if you hadn't guessed.
>>5648508>Brew up Lethes' Draft
>>5648511>>5644212me
>>5648508>>Alternately, search for additional reagents by night. This would trigger a random encounter, if you hadn't guessed.
>>5648508>Alternately, search for additional reagents by night. This would trigger a random encounter, if you hadn't guessed.I'm assuming Lethes' Draft isn't a potion of forgetting the past afternoon but instead of general amnesia? Might be useful for someone trying to sneak some sort of information around, or who is haunted by their past.
>>5648519Right, I’m thinking of it as a sort of generalized amnesia that lasts for a certain length of time before wearing off, although a commoner would be affected for years, and Deianira and Nikon for some number of weeks and maybe only a couple days for someone like Achilles or Pollux. This could obviously be used as a weapon (I.e. nonlethal disabling of enemy) but also sort of a poor man’s nepenthe. I’m sure there’s other potential uses that I haven’t thought of.
No hate QM, but why couldn't you just steal Nikandros' story?
>>5648615Hope that Homer will return
>>5648615I honestly believe that he might come back if he has some time to recalibrate. I’m huffing some major copium here but I have to believe that he’d be more likely to return if he sees players trying to keep his quest alive and treating his setting with respect. This sidestory is a nice way to flesh out Nikandros’ world while mostly staying away from the main plot line.I still haven’t heard anything from him publicly or privately so it’s hard to know whether he’d want us to continue the main plot without him. I’d like to give him plenty of time to make his wishes known before I could even consider attempting a true hijacking of TWQ. I’d have to do some serious reading of Hesiod, Homer’s works and other stuff before I could do it justice anyways.
>>5648508>>5646595More mats
>>5648636I wish I knew enough about the period to run a quest at all in Bronze age Greece. Or go back even further and hit up Mesopotamia for that Akkadian (or Sumerian) swag.Shit I'd have to reread the Iliad just to get the chronology down. To say nothing of looking up the various regional cultures all across the place. I mean shit Central Greece alone has like 7 regional subdivisions, with Thessaly and Peloponnesus having like, five or six each. Then you got Anatolia sitting fat on the other end with all sorts of wacky shit going on with the Hittites. To say nothing of the barbarians in Thracia and Illyria to the north and the Libyans and Egyptians to the south(east).Boy howdy is there a LOT of variety you can get out of the period, really. One quest could run entirely about a hero investigating the idea that Helen was spirited away to Egypt and the whole war is a false flag op. And as scandalous as it is to say, but not every hero was Greek. Barbarians are always at the gates, and the sea people cometh.There would be a ton of homework to do if I wanted to put out something that got the feeling of the period correct. Hats off to you and Homer by the way because damn.
>>5648508>Alternately, search for additional reagents by night. This would trigger a random encounter, if you hadn't guessed.>>5648615Comfy house management set in ancient Greece is interesting on its own.
>>5648726I hear ya.I still remember the slightly isekai sumerian civ quest of last year.[Spoiler]There's an upcoming bronze age mod for rome 2 total war releasing soon which has amazing visuals for the units.
>>5648726Agree with your thoughts, it’s a cool time period and been under-explored by /qst/. Behind the scenes I’m doing my best to get educated in the demography of the time period but it’s a slow process.Ultimately I’ve been kicking around an idea to do several flashback sequences as Nikandros in the event that we don’t hear anything from Homer over the next several weeks and months - for example, crushing the barbaroi prince I mentioned in the flavor text from the Oikos sheet, or maybe traveling to Mycenae as a 14-year old to be “Lorded”. If were to get through a couple months of Deianira’s plot and through these flashback sequences without any feedback from Homer, I’d start to seriously consider taking up the main plot. Hopefully this spinoff quest isn’t killing his enthusiasm to return…
>>5649047I think Nira's story can stand on its own, regardless of what happens in the war or whether Homer returns or not. Personally I would not touch Nikos' story, not because I'm ODing on copium, but because any attempt will pale in comparison to what Homer had planned for us with his expertise. Perhaps things may change in the future, but as of now what we have is a Mycenaean Lady sim. The war is something distant and beyond our immediate concern.
>>5649099Valid feedback, will take into consideration. 100% agree with your thoughts that I’d be providing a much inferior version of TWQ anyways. I’ve sort of set a mental timeline where we complete Phase 8 as Deianira and reach parity with Nikon’s timeline, and with any luck, we’ll have a better sense by that time about whether TWQ would continue.>>5648810>>5648724>anons, thanks for your votes but remember to post twice or link your previous posts to make sure that your input is counted!
>>5648508>Alternately, search for additional reagents by night. This would trigger a random encounter, if you hadn't guessed.
>four hour warning y'allLethes' Draft>>5648511>>5648518>>5648548Hunt for potions and roll a d20 on the Homeric Happenins' table of fun>>5648517>>5648519>>5648778>>5649023>>5649142---Last chance for one-post IDs and lurkers to chime in! >>5648724>>5648810--
>>5648508>Alternately, search for additional reagents by night. This would trigger a random encounter, if you hadn't guessed.I know that most chance encounters in this time period can't be anything good, but as a woman there is little that can be achieved under the sun while as a witch connections in the night can make us powerful.Also i don't know of any greek myths about night terrors apart from maybe wolves.But given the expertise in herbs i'm sure deianira has some strong smelling repellent ready just in case.
>I’m calling the vote early due to impatience!I’ll need a single roll of dice+1d20 from here.
Rolled 3 (1d20)>>5649452
Rolled 6 (1d20)>>5649463Now I am rolling again.>post should be up before 12am
Rolled 1 (1d20)>>5649467Good thing it's random encounters haha. Bad rolls don't matter here right haha
>anons rolled a 3 – reagent failure, bad luck>anons rolled a 6 – well, you’ll see.In the candlelight of your hut, you take stock of your reagents – but find it wanting. Your lips curl in mild disappointment, feeling inadequate. Were Spathion here, she would no doubt castigate you mercilessly for your lack of determination. However, she'd be only too quick to note that the working of φύσις requires a blade-like will - there is no rooms for doubts or hesitation in such matters. Tonight is one of the rare nights where your inspiration is lacking, and your chants to Hecate might falter. Your usual good humor has also failed you - the image of the trampled sheep from your conversation with Labostas has haunted your thoughts, as well.If you are to capitalize on the summons later in the phase, you must be prepared, but to work a ritual in your current state or attempt pharmokopeia would invite disaster. Better then, that you slip out into the night and make use of the time as best as you can – seeking reagents and magic herbs. You quickly change out of your noblewoman’s chiton and cloak into something more practical – a set of hides and leather skirt. While it offers little practical protection, you are nimbly and more surefooted without the hindrance of your cloak about your ankles. Without a second thought, you arm yourself with your father’s knife and your bow and make your way out into Nyx’s domain.Despite the darkness, you’ve found that you can see quite well by the light of bright-tressed Selene, daughter of Hyperion – and so you make your way through the dark footpaths and deer trails of your country. In only an hour, you manage to check three sites where you had found poisonous Aconite in the past – but it seems that these plants had not yet spawned additional violet flowers, and so you move on. Deeper across the fields and hills of the east, you make your way to the rogue Corsican pine, the only one known to you. Every so often, you freeze to a standstill – listening for signs of approaching men or beasts. Here too – you are denied – some creature must have consumed most of the pinecones scattered underneath the limbs of the tree. Squinting, you scan the boughs themselves – but find that the pinecones are underdeveloped, given the current season. None of them have the subtle lustre of power that would provide for another ritual of Dionysian Frankencense. You curse in frustration – but then you hear it. The sound of a footfall in the bushes, to your right!>more coming
Wheeling, panic flares in your chest as you watch the man – no, daimon, it must be! – step forward out of the darkness. The entity before you is a stocky man-like thing, with rounded shoulders and protruding gut – its legs end in hooves, and atop its head, two goat-like horns. The beast takes another step, and you see with horror that its face is more goat than man, and worse – you see that the creature is quite fully “prepared” to make your acquaintance. Even at this distance, you can practically feel its weird yellow eyes crawling over the exposed flesh of your legs. Its tongue weirdly flickers in and out of its mouth, and it begins to chuff loudly. It begins stepping slowly in your direction, pausing carefully after each step. This strikes you as odd at first, until you you realize with horror that you might approach a lamb in the same fashion - it is hunting you.You quickly take several steps back, so that the Corsican pine is directly behind you, and the daimon is perhaps 15 yards away, clearly illuminated under the gaze of Selene…>Deianira’s first supernatural encounter! Bad news – you’ve hit the Late Bronze Age equivalent of a hot Craigslist date. How does Deianira respond? Please note that Deianira gets a +3 to all social interaction rolls with supernatural entities due to her FOB, and NOT her typical +7/+9 bonus to CHA/persuasion rolls.>Attempt to parley with the beast>Open fire with your bow (Deianira is a mediocre shot – not great, not terrible)>Flee on foot>Climb the Corsican pine>something else?
>>5649529>Attempt to parley with the beastOh fuck, rape satyrs
>>5649529>Climb the Corsican pine
>>5649529>>Attempt to parley with the beastOi fuck off ye randy bastard. We're gonna have to stab him in the nuts mid rape or some shit. Fugg
>>5649529>>Flee on footNever change dice
>>5649529>>Attempt to parley with the beast
>>5649529>Flee on footOh shit
>>5649529>Flee on footGiven the very high chance of failure we should start thinking about how to deal with the unfortunate consequences of this event
>>5649529>Open fire with your bow (Deianira is a mediocre shot – not great, not terrible)I hate satyrs.
I wonder if this situation will lead to our FOB awakening.
>>5649529>Open fire with your bow (Deianira is a mediocre shot – not great, not terrible)This is my first vote btw
>>5649529>>Climb the Corsican pine
>Climb the Corisican Pine I can’t imagine goat hooves are nearly as suited to climbing trees as they are to climbing mountainsides. We can attempt to parlay or shoot down the beast from a position of advantage hidden amongst the boughs of the pine. Also this is my first post
>>5649891You gotta look up goats climbing trees.
>three 1 pbtid in quick succession Most curious
>>5649529>Attempt to parley with the beastMy logic is that if it ends in rape we could negotiate it down to something less bad. Choosing violence will only make things more painful.
>One-post IDs>>5649564>>5649871>>5649884Excited to have you along friends, make sure you post again so that your votes count! One post IDs will not be counted for votes to partially mitigate samefagging
>>5649871>>5649933like this?
>>5649529>Flee on foot
>>5648724Idk why my vote wasn't counted. I linked. It changes my id everytime I post. Mario autocorrect here...Climb. Them talk or shoot.
>>5649999Oops that was my error, anon, thanks for pointing it out.Vote will close at 8pm tonight!
>>5650072Perhaps you meant this anon? >>5649891
>>5649529>>Attempt to parley with the beastI have a feeling that if we talk to it maybe we can bribe it
>here's the tally with ~90 minutes to go, please let me know if I missed someone. Seems close so I'll let this run right out to 8pm EST.Parley>>5649536>>5649546>>5649903Climb the tree>>5649537>>5649999 Run!>>5649553>>5649578>>5649663>>5649975Shoot him! Shoot him!>>5649739>>5649871---One-post IDs (not too late to backlink your previous vote or vote again to validate anons)>>5649564>>5649884>>5649891>>5650155
>>5649529>>5650304>>Attempt to parley with the beastIs this enough and I just stumbled on this quest after looking at the Trojan one.
>>5650322Yep, thanks for posting again anon and thanks for joining us!
>>5650304I feel like there really is no good way out of this one kek. All of the options we're at a disadvantage. Running sounds great until you remember this is rough terrain and these fuckers excel at maneuvering it in. Can't climb because goats defy physics. Can't talk cause he's a rape goatman. We've only got a small modifier to shooting. It's a huge pickle. And not just cause of his huge pickle.
>>5650325Yes I’m doing my best to emulate Homer’s difficult votes. :)Suffice it to say that you’re about evenly matched here, but I intend for the rolls to be contested, so really anything could happen…
Rolled 1 (1d2)>voting is over!Parley>>5649536>>5649546>>5649903>>5650322Climb the tree>>5649537>>5649999Run!>>5649553>>5649578>>5649663>>5649975Shoot him! Shoot him!>>5649739>>5649871---One-post IDs (not too late to backlink your previous vote or vote again to validate anons)>>5649564>>5649884>>5649891--->Looks to be a tie between Parley and Flee! Therefore, I leave it to the gods of Olympus to decide. I'm rolling a d2 to break the deadlock (1 = Parley, 2 = Flee!)
Rolled 8, 9 = 17 (2d20)Okay, now I'll need a single 1d20+3 to beat my rolls. Best of luck, anons - the gods have decreed that you will attempt diplomancy...
Rolled 17 + 3 (1d20 + 3)>>5650410Oh boy, no chance this can go wrong!
>>5650417Huh, we actually avoided getting raped.
>>5650417Nira rocking these diplomacy rolls. Hopefully our luck stays like that.
>>5650417>>5650420>>5650421At this point I’m starting to think that Deianira and Nikandros share a pool of luck together - she’s been emptying that bank account and leaving Nikon out to dry. Would explain why he was getting shit rolls for practically all of thread 2…>9 vs 20 - great success. Again, you guys talk your way out of a whole combat encounter that I had planned.>post will be out before 12pm EST
>>5650417>local animal people constantly mogged by hot demigoddess
>>5650422>deianira never gets a combat encounter>not because there are none she's just the smoothest operator known to greece
>>5650422No. The lesson is cha moggs everything else.
Ah, due to unforeseen circumstances, update will be delayed until tomorrow. Apologies all, have a nice Saturday evening.
>>5650417>satyr surprises super hot witch in the woods at night>checks sundial, it's rape time>Deianira sees satyr>"ew">satyr goes limp from shame and flees crying into the night.
>>5650472Damn you, Zeus.
What the gods giveth with one hand they taketh with another.....
Fun fact, Hector is considered as the greatest warrior on the Trojan side, and he is so when compared directly to an actual demigod in Aeneas (Aineias if you prefer the more proper Greek spelling). Imagine how busted you have to be to stand next to a half-god and have people say you're straight up plain stronger. Granted, Aeneas actually survives the war and gets plot armored as fuck from the gods on more than one occasion so I guess it's a short lived glory. Of course if you took the top five heroes on the Achaean side and took the top five heroes on the Trojan side, only Hector could stand up to them (barring Achilles of course, who dogwalks whatever you put in front of him). The disparity in strength the champions display is huge.Though Aeneas is Aphrodite's kid, so I guess that doesn't lend itself to humongous strength and unparalleled skill at arms in any fashion like you may get from the other deities.
>>5650724If I recall properly, I do believe there was a hero who came after Hector died who was considered Achilles' almost equal and who drew blood from him, that being Memnon, king of Aethiopia and son of Tithonus and Eos and who also wore armor made by Hephaestus. Also, when the two fought, Zeus decided to make the guys huge and tireless so everyone on the battlefield could have a good show.
>>5650422I crawled through last thread and it appears that you were responsible for much of our bad rolls. Maybe the key is to have you roll for our enemies lol. No offense.
>>5650835I feel somewhat responsible for contributing to the negative vibes - if i hadnt rolled at all, perhaps there would have been less complaining overall and Homer might still be running TWQ. I’m partly running this quest to make amends and partly to see if we can convince Homer to return. I haven’t given up hope!>my next update is like 90% written but I won’t be able to post until 12-1pm EST
>>5650895Nice
Your heart is pounding in your ears, and the δαίμων takes another step, prowling forward on cloven hooves. Selene’s light clearly illuminates its features again, revealing a leather strap across its shoulder, suspending a hide bag at its side. No pipes or flutes of any kind are present in its hands or about its figure. Ah - this is no satyr, you think, but possibly rather one of the 12 Panes? No, the δαίμων must be descended from one of these Panes that you have heard tell of. It is said that the god Pan has a habit of dividing himself into multiple lesser beings, or perhaps fathered 12 lesser versions of himself – the stories you have heard are unclear on the matter. The δαίμων’s cloven hooves suggests parentage through one of the shepherd’s charges, as well as through the God of Olympus – and therefore you might be considered roughly equal to the δαίμων in station, given your own recent divine ancestry.You suppress the urge to sprint away or climb the Corsican pine – you suspect that any flight from the δαίμων will instead lead to a footrace with an unpleasant conclusion. You master your fear and seize the moment, your voice ringing out confidently into the shadowed glen –“Well met, surefooted son of Pan! It is I, Deianira Hippomedion, golden-haired witch of Thessaly, and brother to Nikandros, the bearded giant!” The mention of your status as a witch causes the δαίμων to freeze mid-step, and at your brother, Νίκων, it reverses its progress, taking a step backwards, still breathing heavily. You guess that the creature has not heard of you or your brother, but at the epithets you have provided, is now harboring doubts. You again call out to it, your voice clear, revealing none of the anxiety that is currently writhing under your skin. “Name thyself so that I might know your parentage and speak well of our meeting to the gods and to the spirits of my land!” The creature seems surprised that you have addressed it as an equal; you’re certain that few of its victims have had the presence of mind or ancestry to do so.Its voice moans back in reply, goatlike in its timbre, “I am Tropa-aa-nus, son of Aigipa-aa-n.” It hesitates a bit, eyeing your bow, continuing – “Golden-ha-aa-ired Deianira, what brings you to my glen?”>more coming
You’re quick to explain that you are searching for reagents for your sorcerous rituals, thinking that further conversation about your unnatural powers will temper its lustful energies. Tropanus, in turn, explains that it has consumed all the Corsican pinecones scattered through the area – it implies that beyond the use of these in the creation of the Dionysian Frankencense, an alternate preparation of the pinecone may “enhance” the firmness and resolve of a male when it comes to matters of intimacy.After several minutes of conversation – you have settled into a sort of détente, trading bits of rustic knowledge and herblore, each of you probing at the other’s motivations. However, through witty banter and through no small part to your accurate guesswork regarding the creature’s parentage, you seem to convince the δαίμων that the penalties of any assault would outweigh the momentary pleasures of it. Your implication of sorcerous ability seems to be a novel predicament to Tropanus – it surely has not been threatened in the past, even indirectly, by a possible curse delivered by a mortal woman. Finally, you put the pleasantries aside and strike once more – “Sure-footed Tropanus, might I ask for the blessing of your woodland knowledge? As a witch and mortal, always when I encounter δαίμων of fair bearing, I seek to learn their wisdom. For recompense, perhaps, I might make my herds of livestock available to you, and remember you fondly?” Once again, Tropanus’ tongue flickers grotesquely at the prospect of unlimited access to his own fulfilment, and perhaps the prospect of reaching its true desire – namely, yourself. Of course, you would never soil yourself to lie with such a creature, but Tropanus does not seem to consider this possibility. He eagers wets his lips and replies,“Na-aa-me it, golden-haired Deianira, and I will share whatever fragment of φύσις that you desire?”>another post coming
>Tropanus is willing to share one of the following potion/rituals with Deianira out of good will and the chance to get at her livestock, the randy bastard. Please pick one! Vote will close at 9pm tomorrow. Please note that Tropanus will provide Deianira with the corresponding reagent along with knowledge of the ritual. POTIONS:>Pan’s Philter. Deianira prepares a concoction of musty spices, Corsican pinecone and wine while extolling Pan in his role as a lusty fertility god. Male imbibers gain a fragment of Pan’s mythic vigor for several hours – a person who does so will become ravenous, even rapacious, with sexual desire, and become capable of incredible acts of endurance in the process. This philter is of questionable value to a young man, but priceless to a man of elder years, giving him the ability to conceive numerous offspring when this be otherwise impossible. Women who ingest this may experience unanticipated effects.Reagent: Corsican pinecone.>Goat’s Agility: Through the ritual process, Deianira creates a salve of laurel leaves. When applied to the wrists and ankles, the user gains a measure of Pan’s agility and surefootedness for several hours. Further successes during the ritual process create a stronger salve, rather than additional changes (Basically, a flat boost of +4 AGI at base, but each degree of further success will increase the bonus by +2).Reagent: Laurel leaves.>Pan’s Eye: Deianira creates a salve of holm oak acorn, olive oil and the pressed skins of grapes while extolling Pan in his role of a hunter. The solution produced is a clear amber, and when applied to the eye of an archer or hunter, provides unerring accuracy to any fired projectiles. The eye in question takes on the yellow appearance of a goat’s eye, and therefore is obviously noticed as a supernatural process. Unlike other preparations, this effect lasts indefinitely until spent – although it should be noted that having a goat’s eye for long periods of time is inadvisable. QM’s note: This provides a flat +3 bonus to ranged combat, and gives the user the ability to re-roll TWO separate failed ranged combat rolls.Reagent: Oak acorn.SPELLS>Pan’s Rustic Blessing: Through an elaborate set of ritual processes taking up TWO Witch Actions, Deianira may imbue four oak acorns with the blessing of Pan. By planting these acorns upon the four corners of a small field, the livestock within will experience of frenzy of breeding and duplication over a 24-hour period – livestock who become pregnant during this time will experience the entirety of their pregnancies over the course of a single night, and the new animals will age to maturity in only a few hours. Repeated uses of this spell on the same herd would bring the unfavorable attentions of the Gods. QM’s note: The maximum number of new livestock produced would generally be less than 100 animals, but some wiggle room is provided.Reagent: Oak acorn (only 1 is required).
>>5651070Either one of these two>Goat’s Agility: Through the ritual process, Deianira creates a salve of laurel leaves. When applied to the wrists and ankles, the user gains a measure of Pan’s agility and surefootedness for several hours. Further successes during the ritual process create a stronger salve, rather than additional changes (Basically, a flat boost of +4 AGI at base, but each degree of further success will increase the bonus by +2).>Pan’s Rustic Blessing: Through an elaborate set of ritual processes taking up TWO Witch Actions, Deianira may imbue four oak acorns with the blessing of Pan. By planting these acorns upon the four corners of a small field, the livestock within will experience of frenzy of breeding and duplication over a 24-hour period – livestock who become pregnant during this time will experience the entirety of their pregnancies over the course of a single night, and the new animals will age to maturity in only a few hours. Repeated uses of this spell on the same herd would bring the unfavorable attentions of the Gods. QM’s note: The maximum number of new livestock produced would generally be less than 100 animals, but some wiggle room is provided.
>>5651070>Pan’s Philter. Deianira prepares a concoction of musty spices, Corsican pinecone and wine while extolling Pan in his role as a lusty fertility god. Male imbibers gain a fragment of Pan’s mythic vigor for several hours – a person who does so will become ravenous, even rapacious, with sexual desire, and become capable of incredible acts of endurance in the process. This philter is of questionable value to a young man, but priceless to a man of elder years, giving him the ability to conceive numerous offspring when this be otherwise impossible. Women who ingest this may experience unanticipated effects.Fun
>>5651127Forgot image
>>5651070>Goat’s Agility
>>5651070>Pan’s Rustic BlessingThis is amazing and basically a cornucopia cheat.Pan's eye is also cool (even if goat eyes are normally awful at sighting)Having an archer snipe the enemy leaders from afar is tactically incredible.But it won't come up as soon and this isn't a war quest (yet).>>5651127>Pan’s Philter>Women who ingest this may experience unanticipated effects.(Please gods no! not the futa potion!)
>>5651070>Pan’s Rustic Blessing: Through an elaborate set of ritual processes taking up TWO Witch Actions, Deianira may imbue four oak acorns with the blessing of Pan. By planting these acorns upon the four corners of a small field, the livestock within will experience of frenzy of breeding and duplication over a 24-hour period – livestock who become pregnant during this time will experience the entirety of their pregnancies over the course of a single night, and the new animals will age to maturity in only a few hours. Repeated uses of this spell on the same herd would bring the unfavorable attentions of the Gods. QM’s note: The maximum number of new livestock produced would generally be less than 100 animals, but some wiggle room is provided.Imagine if we could give this to our own soldiers.
>>5651070>Pan’s PhilterHehehehe sexo
>>5650754>you have to look as far as the middle of africa to find a guy who can not get steamrolled by achilles>zeus turned it into a proper spectacleTalk about a clash of the titans. This Memnon guy sounds quite baller. Demigods aren't fair.>>5651070The spell option is good, but overuse would bring consequences. Though we could use it on the herds of others just as readily as our own for brownie points. The potion options are all good. The agi boost especially can turn someone into an untouchable blender. And rerolls from the eye are always good. But there are old men around us, and old men further afield. And plenty of people who do not have children. And giving someone the ability to reproduce is an insane boon for people at the time. The sort of thing you travel from across the known world to try if you're desperate. So I have to go with>Pan’s Philter. Deianira prepares a concoction of musty spices, Corsican pinecone and wine while extolling Pan in his role as a lusty fertility god. Male imbibers gain a fragment of Pan’s mythic vigor for several hours – a person who does so will become ravenous, even rapacious, with sexual desire, and become capable of incredible acts of endurance in the process. This philter is of questionable value to a young man, but priceless to a man of elder years, giving him the ability to conceive numerous offspring when this be otherwise impossible. Women who ingest this may experience unanticipated effects.>>5651173>(Please gods no! not the futa potion!)Nah, it probably just drives them nutty. Strip naked and go screaming into the woods sort of nutty.
>>5651231Wait, Cnotheos said that Seisames and Egeria don't have children right? I wonder if we could give the potion to them. Unless it's the wife that isn't fertile, or they just don't have sex.
>>5651236As long as the problem isn't infertility with Egeria or that they simply do not want kids the philter should take care of it. If he's just got trauma blocking his boner, it should make him randy enough to get past it. If his tadpoles don't swim it sounds like this should help with that, too. But it's a delicate subject to broach.
>>5651244If we mix the Pan’s Philter potion with the Goat’s Agility one, will the tadpoles swim faster or they can reroll?We have to roll for them or QM will have to do it?
>>5651417>roll me a 1d20+6 for reaching the egg>2, 3, 5>well you get a kid, he's gonna have down's thoughI wonder if double nat 20-ing gives you an Achilles tier kid.
>>5651236>>5651244>>5651417>>5651439I’ll just chime in to say that for the purposes of Pan’s Philter, it temporarily solves both psychological causes of impotence and also physical causes of infertility for both participants (excluding actual physical damage such as castration). Basically, no need to worry about the specific nature of the infertility, the magic of the potion will fix this.However, to be clear, Pan’s Filter also turns someone into a sex-crazed lunatic with seemingly limitless stamina and this could also be “weaponized” through careful application. In terms of women ingesting the philter, no futa stuff, but would lead to “surprising” outcomes.
>>5651466The fuck juice is strong indeed.
>>5651070>Pan’s Philter. Deianira prepares a concoction of musty spices, Corsican pinecone and wine while extolling Pan in his role as a lusty fertility god. Male imbibers gain a fragment of Pan’s mythic vigor for several hours – a person who does so will become ravenous, even rapacious, with sexual desire, and become capable of incredible acts of endurance in the process. This philter is of questionable value to a young man, but priceless to a man of elder years, giving him the ability to conceive numerous offspring when this be otherwise impossible. Women who ingest this may experience unanticipated effects.The lure of the fuck juice is too strong
>+4 and possibly +6 agility or magic sex juice>juice is winning voteI hope we can use the juice to make a berserker as that incredible act of endurance for a group/champion fighting sounds useful.Wait, is the agility boost directly to the stat or an agility stat check?
>>5651683Hey man, people would literally kill over the fuck juice if they were having trouble producing an heir. Think about the favors you can drag out of a noble or king with that. Or the wealth. It's not all about combat. Besides, we can always mog the rape goat later to coerce more secrets out of him for it. Just have faith, brother. Unless of course he starts to hit the gym.
>>5651683Pan’s Philter is probably not good in combat situation, it would interfere with someone’s ability to concentrate on the fight itself. That being said, in a fairly limited range of scenarios it could be helpful beyond its intended use. For example, if some asshole was interested in “dating” a nymph of some kind but she was too fast on her feet for him to catch, the philter might give him the stamina to run her down.In terms of the AGI boost, Goat’s Agility is providing the bonus directly to one’s AGI stat. So obviously it would be more beneficial for someone with some AGI investment, but even going from 8 AGI to 16 AGI (remember that additional degrees of success during creation results in a stronger boost) is a big change. The boost won’t bring someone above their AGI cap though.
>>5651907How fun would giving a dose of Philter for Deianira's future husband be?
>>5651907Some number crunching based on Nira's stats.>11 + 4 = 15 (+3)>11 + 6 = 17 (+5)>11 + 8 = 19 (+8)Huh, this seems a bit strong with some good rolls.Is our damage also determined by our agility?
>>5651927Hmm, something to consider. Seeing the bonuses laid out that way does make me reconsider.I was thinking about setting the DCs for the ritual process fairly high (making +8 salve) less likely, but I might revise the bonus to +3, +2 and then +1 for a +6 total.
>>5651070>Pan’s Rustic BlessingI like the economic aspect. Is Tropanus effectively our orbiter incel satyr now? Or at least, he'll orbit our herds.
>>5649999Agility potion. We are the fuck potion in da flesh.Orrrrr we could renegotiate for 2 potions. And we find some womanflesh for our new friend.
>>5651070>Pan’s Philter. Deianira prepares a concoction of musty spices, Corsican pinecone and wine while extolling Pan in his role as a lusty fertility god. Male imbibers gain a fragment of Pan’s mythic vigor for several hours – a person who does so will become ravenous, even rapacious, with sexual desire, and become capable of incredible acts of endurance in the process. This philter is of questionable value to a young man, but priceless to a man of elder years, giving him the ability to conceive numerous offspring when this be otherwise impossible. Women who ingest this may experience unanticipated effects.
Why vote for the virility potion if we don't even know if people wants it first?What if nobody (important) has needs of it?What then?Give it to the bull so he impregnates the cows better?I feel it is best to hold it until we know more from chatting up the wives of the nearby nobles.Unless tropanus suddenly dies by lightning bolt he would be available and willing to trade for it later.
>>5652305I think the bull would be the rustic blessing instead of the philter.As for why, I have no idea.
>>5652305Well you can sneak it into someone's drink and make them act unwise. Wars are fought over infidelity sometimes, you know? Or even better if you can cause someone to do something foul in a temple, massive misfortune and curses. It's something that can be weaponized in that regard. Though simple disunity in a house can sometimes topple it as well. Imagine the sort of internal conflict there would be if a man fucked was driven to fuck his mother, or sister, or son's wife. It's actually a very scary thing if you can manage it.
Some additional thoughts before update tonight.>>5651927>is our damage also determined by our agility?I’ve been wrestling with this behind the scenes but I’ve recently decided to hold true to Homer’s original combat system, so damage will be decided through the mechanics he created. I had originally planned to change how this works to reflect that Deianira fights differently than Nikon, but it wouldn’t be fair to change the combat system just so Deianira is more combat-capable. Please note that close combat for Deianira is a generally poor idea. Also, I want to respect the Malus that we selected for Deianira in TWQ thread 2.>>5652108Orbiter, yes. Incel - definitely not, lol>>5652305>>5652308Correct - the philter is meant for human consumption only, and the blessing is designed to work on livestock only.In terms of the value of Tropanus’ gifts - each of these spells/potions will have potentially interested buyers, but it’s up to players to locate these individuals and then make the sale. Fortunately you guys have already set a local diplomatic meeting in motion (with wives, no less) and so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to gossip.
>>5652316Oh yeah, there's the guy whose wife can't have children for some reason. I forget his name.
Vote so far:Pan's Philter >>5651077 (only a half vote)>>5651127>>5651184>>5651231>>5651593>>5652219Goat's Agility>>5651077 (only a half vote)>>5651171>>5652153 (I think you're voting for this?)Pan's Rustic Blessing>>5651173 (I'm pretty sure you're voting for this?)>>5651183>>5652108----Let me know if I missed a vote but it looks like Pan's Philter is ahead with 5.5 votes.
>>5652547You counted me as philter when i voted for blessing
>>5652550Oops thanks for correction, noted
>>5652547My vote is for the rustic blessing yes.The philter rambling was in response to another's post, sorry if it was unclear.>>5652315the thing with weaponizing this philter, while it would be effective in ruining lives and relationship you have to consider that we are possibly the only known witch of the area.If anything looks suspicious the blame will fall on us first and foremost.We're better off selling it to merchants.Besides even if it works it may work too well and the wife getting it too rough could resent it on us.By the description given it turns the man into a beast.(Though giving it to both may indeed make it a night to remember).
>>5652570>If anything looks suspicious the blame will fall on us first and foremost.This is true. However, are you really gonna be the guy to accuse a witch of doing something bad? And as long as we keep our reputation on the up and up as a healer it would also dispel those ideas somewhat. And there are plenty of examples besides of people going mad in various ways, spurred on by various things. It wouldn't be surprising if someone in hushed tones wondered if Aphrodite made someone into a hornball for a night. Or Dionysus had a giggle and made the win a tad strong for him for some fun. Consider that as the only known witch in the area, any time something happens involving us or not we will be under suspicion, so you may as well do things if the situation allows and you can see the benefit in doing so. Guilty or innocent it's our word against theirs. So let's be sure to have a reputation as fair but fearsome as well. At least then we won't be openly blamed for every problem in these hills. The best use of it is to spread word, subtly or otherwise that we can grant a tincture of unparalleled pleasure, debauchery and fertility for a night. Selling it to merchants works, but merchants tend to be good at getting lower prices. A stupid noble looking for a good time, or a desperate couple looking for a kid will always pay more. Granted, we'll have to turn away plenty of people. Like a fucking lot. But everyone who comes here is an opportunity. And eventually when we're a thriving enough place on our own that traffic alone will generate wealth and influence. A center of trade borne by hearsay and hope. A fun if unlikely thought.
>>5652576Indeed there are opportunities in it, yet the dangers of misuse outweight the gains.As for reputation the word of a witch and woman would always be valued less, and no amount of good or fearsome reputation will deter a powerful vindictive man that's been humiliated.And true the gods fuck around but it rarely without cause and trying to shift the blame on them would see us cursed or worse.Also for people desperate to get back at somebody a witch is an easier target than a god.All in all the animal husbandry one would see us get good favors without messing with an important somebody's junk or mind.
>Pan’s Philter wins with 5 votesThe ritual instruction from Tropanus is not a friendly one, despite your careful words of respect – Tropanus seems to care little for your conversational pleasantries, replying with odd grunts and vocalizations, in between sharing the verses of his ritual chant and the correct method of philter preparation - it is speaking half in the tongue of beasts, you think. You notice that as it chants, it continues to work in a step here and there towards you, moving through the inky shadows of the glen, when it thinks you aren’t paying attention. On your part, you shift on your sandaled feet, repositioning backwards as it advances. It either can’t help itself from doing so, or half-believes that your attention may falter for the split-second necessary for a surprise assault.You don’t give it the chance – the moment that you have the necessary chant to Pan and philter preparations memorized in full, you firmly instruct Tropanus to lay supply one of its oak acorns on the ground, under bright-tressed Selene’s light, and motion him away with your bow, arrow nocked. You manage to do this with a smile. It stands there, breathing heavily, yellowed eyes staring at you, drawing in your scent, and then silently disappears into the brush. It unnerves you in the extreme that you immediately lose his position – your eyes dart wildly and you don’t dare to move for fear that you’d miss the muffled sound of a cloven hoof striking the soft earth.The night is silent – your heart beating in your ears, your tired fingers tensed around the bowstring, your gold-flecked eyes hunting for any sign of the δαίμων. Finally, after an hour or more, you dare to step quietly towards the acorn and stash it in your leather bag. >Potion gained: Pan’s Philter!>Reagent obtained: Oak acorn!You streak back to the palace of Hippomedon over the hills and valleys of your lands, your golden hair flying loose from your braid, and you weep with relief when you step into the courtyard. You desperately wish that Νίκων was here. It has been 13 days since you have seen his face.You spend most of the next day in Hypnos’ embrace, tossing and turning in your cot, sweating through your robes. In the late afternoon of the following day, you nearly leap out of your chair when you hear hoofbeats, your nerves still shaken. It takes another two days before the shadows under your eyes fade, and your humor returns – before your easy wisecracks alight on your tongue and take flight to the amusement of your οἶκος staff. You had pretended not to notice when you overheard them murmuring in alarm as you stalked the halls of the palace, and likewise, you pretend that there had been no interruption in your good mood once it returned.>more coming
>>5652603>trying to shift the blame on them would see us cursed or worse.I never said to do that. Slow your roll, pal. I just said it is something people might consider. And that if they do so they'll just throw their hands up and move on.>rarely without cause>laughs in 80% of ancient greek rape casesThe herd ritual gives diminishing returns though. Great for smaller herds but once they start getting up there in size, less useful. And it still will attract the attention of the gods if we do it too much on a herd. Which I would say is objectively more of a problem than having any number of mortals be mad at us.As for the assertion about the cost/reward. Well that depends on how big or small you're thinking. It's entirely possible to wipe Damachides off of the map with it. Sure, it would be an extremely niche circumstance, needing tons of cogs to fall into place. But getting him to rape someone's daughter or wife is almost a guarantee to get them extremely cross with him. And then his excuse will be "The witch made me do it". So yes while his word would be valued more than ours, it would still sound more like a guy covering his ass than an honest reason. You make good points, I'll admit. You're right. But I feel both of our thoughts are largely irrelevant as they hinge on certain sets of external circumstance to work. It ultimately comes down to gut feeling. Mine being for the philter. Even if I do agree that the spell is a supremely tempting offer and incredibly useful.>>5652604That damn goat got Nira shook something fierce. Maybe we should start hitting the gym ourselves.
You do not fail to instruct the shepherds to take the goat herds to the Corsican pine, although you are careful to warn them to travel in sets of three and keep a night watch.>You have upheld your part of the bargain – Tropanus is “tampering” with your goatherd for the rest of the phase.On the fourth day, Iudas, Argryos and Pantaleon find you in the gynaikon, repairing one of your mother’s cloaks. You have servants for this, of course – but sometimes you are pleased to do such things yourself. You stare at them blankly before you recall what might bring them together – of course, the Κένταυρος! You had nearly forgotten your encounter with Labostas after the trauma of your negotiation with Tropanus.Argyros, stolid and soldierly, is wearing his linothorax. His face is framed by white locks of hair, but wearing his armor seems to make him younger. He kneels in respect, and begins,“Lady Deianira, you must allow a group of the First Platoon to accompany you as you return to collect your due from the Κένταυρος. Pantaleon tells me you handled this chance encounter with the graceful tongue of Odysseus himself, but all the same, spears can protect you better. I'd rather that we kill the beast outright rather than risk intrusions from its monstrous kind.” He patiently motions to Iudas, as he finishes speaking.Iudas, wearing robes of gray, nods at you directly, and softly says, “We must be prepared to address this problem head-on. We must learn the location of their encampment and eliminate them. Bring trackers, not spearmen - and they will trail the beast to its lair. If we are successful, you may present this gift to the nobility during the Summons, and perhaps organize a raid.” Iudas’ brown eyes watch you flatly. You are not surprised by his counsel – behind his pleasing words, there has always been a cutting edge of rationality. "The οἶκος of Hippomedon must demonstrate its value beyond wealth."Pantaleon, blunt as ever, simply remarks in his half-barbaroi accent, “Clever plans fall apart as swiftly as they are spun together. I will accompany you to the beast, and you will persuade it to bring us to the chieftain directly. You will then convince the beasts to leave the lands of Hippomedon and raid elsewhere." You peer at Pantaleon with some surprise – he seems to believe in the grace of your tongue or the absolute power of your φύσις - you're not quite certain that he is serious, although his face betrays no sense of comedy. Argyros angrily interjects at this, "what utter foolishness!" - but Pantaleon stares at you frankly.>How will /qst/ handle Labostas' sheep delivery? >Go with 15 spearmen like Argyros suggested, with the intention of killing Labostas outright.>Go with three trackers, who will lie hidden and then trail the Κένταυρος back to its camp?>Go with Pantaleon alone, and attempt to diplomance Labostas to bring you to his chieftain?>Something else?
>>5652620>Go with three trackers, who will lie hidden and then trail the Κένταυρος back to its camp?Kill two birds with one stone.
Can we bring pantyboy as a tracker as well?
>>5652620>Go with three trackers, who will lie hidden and then trail the Κένταυρος back to its camp?
>>5652620>Go with Pantaleon alone, and attempt to diplomance Labostas to bring you to his chieftain?This is probably dumb, I know.
>>5652620>>Go with three trackers, who will lie hidden and then trail the Κένταυρος back to its camp?I'd rather know how many there are before we walk in or antagonize them. If we can even kill them all with the soldiers we have or if their herd is too large. If it's too big, we'll want to involve the other houses. If not, we can kill them ourselves or decide to talk them away. Though to be honest I don't want to kill them. Making allies in some fashion out of centaurs opens up some avenues. If for no other reason than they'll probably keep other herds away.
>>5652620>Go with three trackers, who will lie hidden and then trail the Κένταυρος back to its camp?The goal is to get these centaurs to exit stage right to another noble's lands or kill them, right? Knowing their location and strength would be a good idea for either action.
>>5652631>can we bring Pantaleon as a tracker?Sure, let’s assume that he would be one of the three trackers if this option wins.
>>5652620>>Go with Pantaleon alone, and attempt to diplomance Labostas to bring you to his chieftain?Believe in the power of Deaiania
>>5652620>Go with Pantaleon alone, and attempt to diplomance Labostas to bring you to his chieftain?
>>5652640>>5652153Do centaur like pan? Could we redirect them into getting rid of him?>Go with Pantaleon alone, and attempt to diplomance Labostas to bring you to his chieftain
>>5652620>Go with three trackers, who will lie hidden and then trail the Κένταυρος back to its camp?I don't trust this beasts, maybe have the spearmen ready not too far away.>>5652634Their rapey tendencies are too much constant for be reliable allies, i don't want to bring misfortune but if anything i fear they might start talking with others like them about us (beyond our girl beauty, the fact she is a witch and on the border would bring their attention. Also that we talked with them. We are a novelty, and a novelty that is rare and above their common preys). They are to be used against our enemies, and to be killed for gain glory for our house. Also for more free stuff if we can diplomance them again.I hope we can find that nymph Nikon found in the river. Someone benign and that wouldn't rape/harm us, possibly a good teacher and friend too. She might recognize we are Nik sister.
>>5652826Certainly we can't make true allies out of them. They are basically beasts. The moment leadership changes or simply that they grow bold all good will is probably swept away. I'm more keen on keeping them around though because they're essentially a buffer against other stuff. Like barbaroi. It's much easier to deal with the centaurs because they're not going to be capable of very complex maneuvers and strategy. The worst they got as a military or economic threat is that they are exceptionally mobile. I suppose tool is a better term than ally, I apologize for my brainlessness. But it is a pipe dream. And I won't hold out for it. Come to think of it, there really aren't many classical Greek monsters that you can build any sort of stable treaty with. Maybe the cyclopes, depending on which you get (or who you ask). The satyrs might make it onto the list but they're just too horny. The myriad giants are all out (why cyclopes are differentiated despite also being giants I can't tell you), for the obvious reason that anyone who hangs out with them is going to get zapped straight to hell. Harpies might be in if you go off of Hesiod, but they're probably out if you use anyone else. I won't consider the sirens since they're not numerous enough to treat them as a proper group but more like just a large family (that's just me though, if y'all think there are tons of them then possibly?). I think griffons were just animals in Greek myth, so no chance there. I believe the dragons of the period were also more like tools or simple animals than proper cunning creatures of later cultures, so they're out, too. Leaving out the solitary examples of creatures like the Minotaur and Chimaera. Also the various near-human tribes.
>>5652620>Go with Pantaleon alone, and attempt to diplomance Labostas to bring you to his chieftain?Diplomancy has allowed us to avert rape, and replace our lost sheep. Let's stick with it.>>5652871Dryads, nymphs, and pegasi?
>>5652882I lump up dryads and nymphs as deific/divine creatures rather than monsters. For the obvious distinction that they are closer to spirits than creatures. But they're certainly on the table.As for pegasi, as far as I can tell, Pegasus himself is rather unique. With the closest thing to winged horses coming from India. The land of all the weird shit to the Greeks kek. If we did find anything sired by Pegasus though they'd pretty much just be extremely magnificent and particularly intelligent horses, with or without wings. And yeah they'd be fantastic on an individual basis, certainly not something to turn our nose up at, but at the end of they day they'd still be horses.
>>5652888Meant to say divine beings, not creatures. That's what I get for not proofreading.
Good discussion all around so far, anons.However, to be clear, Deianira is smart enough (at 15 INT) to know that attempting to diplomance the centaurs in their own camp is an extremely high risk venture. Death (and therefore the end of Deianira’s Sidestory) is certainly possible for her if it goes badly. Given this, I want to reiterate that this choice is a dangerous one.However, success here would lead to some very interesting oikos actions for Deianira in the future, and also open a series of plot hooks that would otherwise be closed to her.Tl;dr - diplomancing the centaur chieftain is very high risk, very high reward proposition
~3 hour warning until vote closes at 9pmVote seems close, so lurkers, this is your chance to make a difference!
>>5652620>>5652633I'll change my vote to:>Go with three trackers, who will lie hidden and then trail the Κένταυρος back to its camp?
>>5652620>send pantaleon with three trackers, who will lie hidden and then trail the Κένταυρος back to its camp.Send the trackers but don't follow the centaur yourself.I don't see how deianira can help the trackers do their job unless the centaurs are hidden behind a magical barrier that only our special eyes can see.
>send three trackers (including Pantaleon)>>5652626>>5652632>>5653410>>5652634>>5652635>>5652826attempt diplomancy with the centaur chieftain>>5652650>>5652682>>5652748>>5652857>>5652882missed the vote cutoff at 9pm EST (but you picked the winning side anyways)>>5653498---Looks like "send three trackers" wins narrowly, 6-5. Writing now.
It’s a surprisingly difficult decision – difficult enough that you forget yourself and lose your nymphlike affect, sternly meeting the gaze of your advisors before dropping your head in contemplation. Despite your recent terrors with Tropanus, you’re tempted to throw caution to the wind, and meet with the Κενταυροι chieftain personally. Surely, the very act of your approach would cause them to doubt themselves, and provide you with an opportunity to reason with them? These beasts are savages and could no doubt be easily swayed by a woman with divine heritage, such as yourself.Sister, please – you must think like the head of the οἶκος. Many depend on you!You sigh, robes rustling gently as you inhale. As is typical, your brother’s advice is sound and rational. You raise your head and find that Argyros and Iudas are trading concerned glances, while Pantaleon has seemingly lost interest in the discussion, and is scraping something off his sandal with his knife. You interject, saying,“Uncles, uncles, please – there is no cause for alarm. I have considered each piece of counsel carefully, and Iudas, you have spoken wisely. We must show the local οἶκοι that the house of Hippomedon is rich in ability and action, if not in livestock or spearmen. Pantaleon, pick your two best hunters – you shall track the beast Labostas to its lair and report back on its location, forces and arrangement. With luck, we may convince one of the houses to join us on a raid before the end of the month.” The men stare at you silently, and a long moment passes. “Is something wrong?” you ask, gently raising a hand. Iudas, Pantaleon and Argyros trade knowing looks with one another, before Pantaleon gruffly speaks,“Women cannot lead an οἶκος – it is not in their capability.” A slow flame of anger begins to rise in your chest, and for once, you cannot seem to stamp it out. It grows hotter and hotter, but before you can shout in outrage, Iudas calmly proclaims, “But perhaps a witch can do what a woman cannot.” The three men stand in unison and leave the gynaikon as one - Argyros looking grim, Iudas thoughtful, Pantaleon nonchalant. You are left unsettled, with the coals of your anger fading – you aren’t certain if these men trust you, fear you, or love you. A more unsettling thought – perhaps, they do not know either.
Rolled 5, 6 = 11 (2d20)The march to meet Labostas is a dreary and forgettable one – it seems that the Hyades, the rainy ones, are visiting Mount Olympus, and all of Thessaly is being drenched in their passing. You pass through the foggy hills and valleys, doing your best to keep up with Pantaleon and his two hunter companions. The three men are in a grim mood, clearly no more eager for this task than you are. Your cloak, pale blue in color, is completely spattered with mud and filth by the time you reach the hilltop. The dead sheep is still present where Labostas had broken it, an unpleasant reminder of your meeting.Pantaleon and his hunters take position at various vantage points about the hilltop and hillside – truly, they are skilled – you lose track of them yourself. Minutes pass into hours, and you spend the time squinting at one bush or another, attempting to spot Pantaleon – no success. With time, however, you hear the bleating of sheep to the south. Labostas soon follows, herding a small group of the animals – 19 in total, you quickly tally. Labostas himself seems to be irritated – you notice that he is gripping his side, where he has been wounded by a stray arrow, you think. His face looks lean, exhausted – you imagine that he had been discovered at some point in his rustling.His brown eyes find you on the hilltop, but he does not approach further. He simply waves his spear about his head and screams, “God-dess, my debt is paid!” And with that, he simply charges back into the mists. Pantaleon and his hunters spring out of the bushes around you and flash off down the hillside – you barely hear their steps despite their speed.The rain continues to fall around you for a moment before you realize your error. You must herd the damned sheep yourself. You cackle aloud – half in self-deprecation, half in pity. >19 sheep gained! You've bought some time for your DWINDLING herd of sheep.>Deianira has a muddy bitch of a time bringing her sheep back, lol>I'll need 4d20+3 for how the trackers do following Labostas back to his camp. My first roll (with manual -5 modifier) is to determine if the trackers beat Labostas' notice, and the final roll is against the centaur camp itself (no modifier), to see if the trackers manage to gain good intel and evade notice. You guys have the contextual advantage since the Centaurs are generally savages and are not expecting to be tracked at current. Deianira will get the tracker's report before the Summons.
>>5653540We need to dropkick Pantyboy in the back of the head sometime. And have a chat with Iudas. This whole thing needs to be rectified. Argyros is the only one I'm not quite worried about. Of course, that gives me all the more reason to worry. Being lax is the best way to be betrayed after all. So we need to find a way to reassure him as well.>>5653548>My first roll (with manual -5 modifier)>is a 5 with -5 OOFSo you want a 4d20 or 4 d20s? Just to be clear.
>>5653552Sorry, to be clear, I'm looking for 4 rolls of dice+1d20+3 from the players.
Rolled 3 + 3 (1d20 + 3)>>5653548
Rolled 6 + 3 (1d20 + 3)>>5653548>>5653555Right-o. Just wanted to check because this sort of thing seems to happen a lot kek Also trips
Certified Trojan War Quest rolls moment
>>5653548I see that I continue to roll like dogshit, the gods must be making up for Nikandros' suffering, anons----The remainder of the phase passes in a whirlwind of last minute preparations before the Summons - you personally investigate the kitchens, the οἶκος staff, and you check and re-check the list of attendees with Iudas, along with their reputations and likely interests. On the morning of the Summons itself, under the bright chariot of Helios, you are pacing anxiously in the courtyard. You can't help but endlessly play out your greeting, as you welcome the local nobleman into the Hippomedon palace - when the tension is too great, you find your handmaids and begin mocking. In some ways, this is your first act as an adult - and you feel it, your heart fluttering nervously. But then - you hear shouting at the palace gates. You catch fragments of the argument carried through to the courtyard, and cast aside propriety as you sprint out of your room on the second floor and leap down the stairs. You take a moment to collect yourself, breathing deeply, rearranging your cloak and chiton, and then glide at a stately pace to the courtyard entrance. >I'll need one last dice+1d100 for FUN things.
>>5653556>>5653558perhaps I spoke too soon
Rolled 100 (1d100)>>5653563
>>5653566FUN is now FUN
>>5653566Well, I wasn't expecting this. Update tomorrow at 9pm or so anons.I still need two more rolls of dice+1d20+3 for how the trackers performed, but let's wait for some new anons to roll through.
>>5653566Oh fuck, does a god show up in a good mood or something? Oh shit. Damn son.>>5653573It truly is a certified Trojan dice moment.
Rolled 18 + 3 (1d20 + 3)>>5653548
Rolled 11 + 3 (1d20 + 3)>>5653548>>5653566Is this the moment Deianira first meets her future husband????
>>5653585>mfw anyone mentions getting nira a husband, nikon is on job
>>5653594Anon...... he left to buy smokes down the street forever
>>5653566I really do think Nikon and Nira share a luck bank.
>>5653618NO, I DON'T WANT TO BELIEVE IT
>>5653618Joke's on you, Nikon doesn't smoke you NAYSAYER>>5653621kek
>>5653622DAD ISN'T COMING HOME CLETUS
>>5653621Nira needs longer hair
>>5653618We will believe in Nik forever !Even if we are the last ones !
>>5653556>>5653558>9 versus literally 1, good success against Labostas, the trackers escape notice, but they're idiots. Labostas is an even bigger idiot who repeatedly fails to notice that he is being followed.>>5653579>>5653585>21 vs 6. Excellent success against the Centaur camp. They are drunk morons who haven't bothered to post a guard and are too busy fucking around to notice Panty and the boys.--->>5653621>>5653644>kek, nice memes, anons, keep em coming--->>5653594>>5653618>>5653622>>5653625>>5653708I still believe in Homer, but given that I have not heard from him publicly or privately (at the email address in the thread opener) since his last post on 04/06, I am starting to prepare for the possibility of his continued absence. Homer, if you're reading, please reach out! I would love to hear from you! Even if you're not interested in running TWQ anymore, it would be great to consult with you.For now, my plan is to basically run Deianira's Quest for at least the next several months to give Homer a chance to reach out and make his wishes known. In the meanwhile, I've purchased the Lattimore translations of the Odyssey and the Iliad, and I hope to finish reading these by the end of May. As I mentioned earlier, I think I've developed a possible narrative runway for me to take over the main TWQ plot and do a serviceable (if not great) job, if we don't hear from Homer over the next several months.----Okay, last thought - we'll need to roll for how many centaurs are present at the centaur camp. Someone give me a dice+2d12.
Rolled 10, 8 = 18 (2d12)>>5653771Since no one's rolling
>>5653566The event is that tits out is the new fashion and everybody is doing it.It must be, i can see it slowly building up in favor with the gods and fates until finally it conquered the land!Truly the destined career of Deianira must be fashion model to spearhead the new fade across the land.
>>5653925Fellow enjoyer of authentic ancient culture with a based opinion
>>5653566>Dionysus shows up>Farts out a luxurious and fertile winery>Keks and leavesΔιόνυσος moment
>>5654011>"I brought margaritas!">"Was that the wine god? What the fuck is a margaritas?">"I don't know but he seemed really into it so just drink you fool."
>>5653621>>5654011>>5654063lmaoIt's good to see that the memes live on in the sidestory
When you approach the courtyard entrance, you are greeted with an unusual sight – an older man, wiry and thin, wearing a filthy, tattered cloak, is prostrating himself pathetically before your οἶκος servants. To your eye, he is immediately recognizable as one of the innumerable πλᾰ́νης (vagrants) who pass aimlessly through Hellas, adrift from society at large. Such men (since they are almost always men) survive on the scraps of generosity that might be passed to them by strangers, and by whatever they can scrounge from the land itself. To the πλᾰ́νης's side, you see a large leather bag and walking stick, tossed carelessly to the earth. The two servants are tugging on his elbows and begging him to stand, without success – they were no doubt hoping to turn him aside before his presence was noticed. As you step forwards, the πλᾰ́νης's head rises, and you get a glimpse at his rough features – he is spectacularly ugly, with one ear frayed and chewed, and a shapeless, lopsided nose, clearly broken many times. He seems to have aged very poorly in his years of wandering – you suspect he might younger than his appearance implies. At the sight of you, he grins broadly and you are disgusted to see that he has lost many of his teeth – the ones that remain are blackened with rot.“NOBLE LADY!” he cries at an earsplitting volume, and before you have a chance to speak, he plants his face back down on the dusty ground, arms extended forwards in a childlike parody of respect. Bizarrely, he continues to shout into the dirt as he does so– “GOLDEN-HAIRED LADY, FAIR AND TALL – I BEG OF YOU – THE WAR!” He yowls weirdly, sounding for all the world like a man-sized cat, and begins writhing pitifully on the earth, although whether with excitement or fear, you can’t immediately discern. “WAR IS COMING TO HELLAS, DEAR LADY!” It’s not surprising that Agamemnon’s invocation of the Oath of Tyndareus has reached even the ears of this unfortunate soul – you’re certain that all of Hellas must be buzzing with the news, only a few weeks old.You’re unsure to how to respond – you have some experience with madness, of course, but your mother has retained most of her noble bearing, despite her words and actions being nonsensical. The man before you is clearly erratic and unpredictable – he couldn’t not have arrived as at a less convenient time. “Rise, πλᾰ́νης - please speak clearly, if you can.” You attempt a calm and pleasing tone, but already your frustration is beginning to build, your typical good humor nowhere to be found. You simply don’t have the time for this nonsense – not today. You have only hours before the noblemen begin to arrive!>more coming
He pauses momentarily upon hearing your words, before flopping over onto his back, his wild eyes locking onto yours, and whispers, barely audible, “The toads and the mice – dear Lady – they are marching to war. Their generals muster the troops, they sharpen their splinters and shine their leaf armors… Oh, they have spies everywhere – watching us from the streams and brooks, from inside the walls! Oh, what bloodshed will be wrought! What carnage and acts of heroism will be visited upon the fields and valleys of Hellas! I and I alone remain to tell this tale, to make immortal these events…” He trails off in mid-thought, and then from his hide pack, draws a wax tablet, furiously scribbling. You lean forward a bit to investigate and see that the tablet itself is battered and worn, and the wax long since shredded past usefulness – his stylus scrabbles uselessly against it.Zeus on Olympus..., you think. He is completely insane.“I BEG OF YOU” he suddenly shrieks, startling you – “AND YOUR GENEROSITY, GOLDEN-HAIRED VISON OF APHRODITE! LET ME REST WITHIN THE WALLS OF YOUR PALACE SO THAT I MIGHT GAIN A MEASURE OF RESOLVE FOR THE CONFLICT TO COME!”Before giving you a chance to respond, he continues in a conspiratorial fashion, winking an eye – “I must put on a show of wretchedness for the mice, you see – it is the only way to convince them that I am no threat. The frogs are simpler - they ask only to hear my beautiful singing voice each night before bed…”You stare at him wide-eyed for a few moments before you realize that he (along with your servants) are waiting for your response. >Deianira has been accosted by a random πλᾰ́νης, what do? The Ancient Greek custom of ξενία (xenia) demands that she honor his request, but he is insane and may almost certainly will throw a wrench into the Summons.>Attempt to persuade the πλᾰ́νης to leave your estates outright? His presence is sure to create problems.>Grant him the ability to stay on the Hippomedon grounds, but safely away from the palace itself? A small dinner will be provided to him.>Grant him the ability to stay within the palace walls, providing him with a meager dinner and cold bath, and locking him in a storeroom to prevent mishaps?>Give him full guest rights within the palace, including hot dinner and hot bath? He would be free to wander the palace as he sees fit.>Treat him as a nobleman - hot dinner, hot bath, and an invitation to your Summons later tonight as a man of power and prestige?
>>5654260>Treat him as a nobleman - hot dinner, hot bath, and an invitation to your Summons later tonight as a man of power and prestige?Let us release a Diogenes upon those noble sops to come.
>>5654260>Give him full guest rights within the palace, including hot dinner and hot bath? He would be free to wander the palace as he sees fit.A guest is a guest
>>5654260>>Give him full guest rights within the palace, including hot dinner and hot bath? He would be free to wander the palace as he sees fit.I mean, he has invoked xenia. And we are literally right under Olympus. We'd be a fool not to. Besides, nutty and strange he may be, but he hasn't so far done anything beyond being a tad annoying. How bad could he be, right? Right? Fuck.
>>5652748Treat him like a noble. We got a natty 100 this dude is definitely a God or demigod. Make up an excuse about Nikki's generosity or something to other nobles.
>>5654260>>Give him full guest rights within the palace, including hot dinner and hot bath? He would be free to wander the palace as he sees fit.Dang
>>5654260>>Treat him as a nobleman - hot dinner, hot bath, and an invitation to your Summons later tonight as a man of power and prestige?the toad and mice bit makes me think of the little illaid. mayhaps this is Homer?
>>5654391Homer won't be alive for another five hundred or so years I believe.
>>5654391>toad and miceEven the mice and toads get their own epic.
>>5654419Where can we find ourselves a mouse Achilles?
>>5654260>Attempt to persuade the πλᾰ́νης to leave your estates outright? His presence is sure to create problems.
>>5654424id changed, this is me >>5651184
>>5654423>that frog is riding a crabDamn this toad/mouse war is fucking intense.
>>5654391 I recently learned of the Batrachomyomachia and felt that it would be a fun reference. >>5654398Correct, who can say when the actual toad vs mice war occurred?
>>5654260>Treat him as a nobleman - hot dinner, hot bath, and an invitation to your Summons later tonight as a man of power and prestige?I'm thinking he's a god, but I'd be willing to vote to treat him as a guest if there's a tie.
>>5654260>>Treat him as a nobleman - hot dinner, hot bath, and an invitation to your Summons later tonight as a man of power and prestige?
>>5654260>>Give him full guest rights within the palace, including hot dinner and hot bath? He would be free to wander the palace as he sees fit.It's more fun this way
>>5654260>Give him full guest rights within the palace, including hot dinner and hot bath? He would be free to wander the palace as he sees fit.Okay, this is either a hidden God or a man blessed by Apollo but too crazy for his prophecies to make sense. Or maybe just a funny bum. Either way, the 'spies' tangent has me worried. Do we have traitors among us? Or are we going to allow them in with the summons? Hmm.
>>5654771>Do we have traitors among us? Or are we going to allow them in with the summons?Well I'd say nearly everyone is going to be our enemy now that Nikon isn't home. Either that or aiming to wed us because we're an unmarried noblewoman with a brother who is also unmarried and childless. Sure, our estate isn't really worth a damn right now but it's basically free land to any prospective husband.We're in open waters with no friends.
>>5654801>everyone is our enemy>random hobo is the only one who stands up for us
>>5654810>uneasy partnership with tropanus ended now random bum is our φίλος
Votes have dried up, so let's tally!Treat as nobleman>>5654263>>5654327>>5654391>>5654582>>5654604Full guest rights>>5654269>>5654279>>5654349>>5654750>>5654771GTFO you bum>>5654424---Looks like a dead tie, unless I'm fucking up the count. I'll give one more hour for anons to change their votes or lurkers to chime in?
>>5655001>>5655031Nobleman it is then.
You breathe deeply, girding your mind and body against what you are about to say and – once again, the vagrant interrupts your train of thought –“Wait!” he cries, bouncing to his heels and then suddenly bends forward gently to clasp your knees in the formal method of supplication. “You must forgive me, bright-tressed Lady – I have forgotten the proper way of things,” – the madness of his voice seems to recede briefly, and he stares up at you solemnly, before gently brushing your chin. “I beg guest rights of you, noble Lady.” Seemingly satisfied with this, he turns his filthy head aside and waits for your response.You can hardly believe your words, as they tumble from your mouth.“Rise, humble traveler – for tonight, you will dine and drink amongst the lords of Thessaly. You have had the good grace to arrive upon the night of a great diplomatic summons! Now, come – let us bathe you and prepare you for tonight’s engagement!” You clap your hands and your οἶκος staff quickly march him into the courtyard. Your curiosity about his name and history will have to wait – ancient custom dictates that you must not inquire about such matters until his needs are met in full.---Days have passed almost without notice since your muddy march with Labostas’ sheep, and now, today of all days, events are stacking up on themselves faster than you can believe. Abercion has hardly left your sight before you hear the coarse grunting of – who else? – Pantaleon and his trackers. You spin and take in their appearance in the bright Thessalian morning – they are muddy, obviously exhausted, but without obvious injury. Your patience, already frayed by this morning’s surprises, causes your tongue to lash out at him -“Has Κοάλεμος minor Greek god of stupidity, FYI stolen your tongue as well as your wits, Pantaleon, or are you preparing your report in hexameter, perhaps?” His tracking companions eye each and poorly hide their grins behind yawns – probably, he has been as unpleasant to them over the last several days, as he is typically to you. Pantaleon merely grunts again and launches into a succinct report of the Κενταυροι’s camp – interestingly, they have wedged themselves into a valley just inside the realm of Lyciboeus, quite close to your lands. It seems that Lyciboeus’ general disinterest in military matters has led to haphazard patrolling, and the beasts have taken advantage of this. Already, your mind is tinkering with the possibilities – either the Κενταυροι are quite lucky, or they have chosen this place with a surprisingly astute assessment of the local forces in the area.
Pantaleon goes on to say that the conditions of the camp itself were hardly better than the den of wild animals – no defenses of any kind, filth and refuse in every direction, and not even an attempt of sentries. He and his trackers had camped on the same hillside for half a day, and saw no less than four drunken brawls over this time. By Pantaleon’s count, there were 18 Κενταυροι in the camp proper, including Labostas. Surprisingly, the leader or chieftain of the beasts was large, but not the largest of them – Pantaleon spits as he recounts that the chieftain, black-haired, black-bearded and with a horse-coat to match, was too busy torturing some captured spearmen for sport to intervene as his compatriots battered each other.You hear footfalls to your left and find that Iudas and Argyros have appeared from some corner of the palace or another, and are listening carefully. “My congratulations, Pantaleon – you have done very well indeed,” remarks Iudas. “And yet your service to House Hippomedon this day may not yet be complete.” You motion to your servants and suddenly there are waterskins in the hands of Pantaleon and his trackers – they gulp greedily in their thirst. After a few more moments, Argyros shoos the trackers away, leaving you alone with your three advisors within the bright courtyard of your father. Iudas turns to you, and his dark brown eyes betray weariness, “My Lady, we must come to a determination. How will we explain your brother’s absence to your peers? It will be impossible to avoid the subject…” You have wrestled with the same dilemma over the past few days, unable to determine the best path, but it seems that you can delay no longer.>more coming
Pantaleon, his beard still dripped with water, and words dripping with half-barbaroi malice, interjects – “Let Lady Deianira tell the truth of the matter – he has left the halls of his father in search of fame and glory. It will be impossible to keep the truth from them anyways.”Argyros shakes his head furiously, his white locks waving gently, and replies “No, Pantaleon – you ask the Lady to stroll into the wolves’ den alone and unarmored. Better that we tell a believable lie – that King Peleus’s court has called upon Nikandros unexpectedly, that they have heard of his raids against the barbaroi, and King Peleus wants to inspect him personally.”Iudas, speaks next – “Hardy Pantaleon, Veteran Argyros – your counsel is deeply valued. But I must speak against each of your proposals. Pantaleon – this οἶκος will be ripped apart, its staff enslaved and its livestock sold, if Nikandros is known to be abroad in Hellas. Argyros – your proposal may yet be a success one, but I feel it best that Nikandros is present for this Summons.” He stares pointedly at Pantaleon, as he says this last. Pantaleon, clearly not understanding, stares back at Iudas, hard-eyed. You grasp Iudas' meaning instantly in a flash of insight.“Pantaleon, dear - ”, you begin pleasantly, “how would you feel if I bandaged your head for the feast tonight?” You cackle aloud as his face collapses into a fierce frown…>whew, vote post coming, one more
>Well, /qst/ - this is a big vote that will determine how House Hippomedon will be viewed in the medium-term by Deianira's peers. This vote will close at ~8pm on Saturday, 05/06 - I'm taking tomorrow night off!>Pantaleon is correct - perhaps you should attempt to shatter expectations cleanly and all at once. A woman cannot lead an οἶκος - but what about a witch? Announce your brother's absence, announce your true identity as a woman of sorcerous power, and strike decisively towards independence. This would be a phenomenally risky strategy, as noblemen and Kings alike may hear of this in time, but it may provide outsize dividends, if successful - by proving that you are outside the typical conventions, you may make unusual allies - if you survive long enough.>Argyros' middling approach is superior - you must mix the wine of truth with the water of lies. By claiming Nikandros' absence on the business of the court of Peleus, you create an expectation of Nikandros' return - and also propagate the myth that King Peleus knows of your brother. This fiction may serve to protect your House from ill deeds and betrayals - but not forever. Still, it may give you the time you need to find allies and build your strength.>Iudas, clever as always, has found the simplest solution. Pantaleon is of a similar size to your dear brother, Νίκων - and if properly bandaged, may be convincing as the victor of a daring raid against the Κένταυρος. The noblemen of Thessaly know your brother best by the tales of a giant, ambushing barbaroi by the dozens through quick wits and a strong arm - and if the reality does not quite meet the myth, will that not confirm their view of the truth? Success here may provide months or even years of protection, time well enough to gather your strength. However, if the deception fails outright tonight - your house will be exposed for liars. Affronted noblemen have been known to swear oaths of revenge for smaller slights - you would not survive the season if it becomes known you attempted to pass a commoner off for one of divine heritage...>Something else?
This is a nice breaking point as well, for shitposting, memes and general feedback from the players. What can I do better? I'm noticing that my prose is somewhat lacking in description of the environment so I might try to do a better job in "setting the scene", so to speak.
>>5655072If we KNEW the hobo was a god I'd go with Panty's plan. Saying I don't need a man I'm a witch and then the random dude no one invited animorphing into a god to say he's here too would be the biggest fucking power move. But we don't know. He could just be a prophet of some sort, or a plan madman with insane luck.So I'll have to go with >Argyros' middling approach is superior - you must mix the wine of truth with the water of lies. By claiming Nikandros' absence on the business of the court of Peleus, you create an expectation of Nikandros' return - and also propagate the myth that King Peleus knows of your brother. This fiction may serve to protect your House from ill deeds and betrayals - but not forever. Still, it may give you the time you need to find allies and build your strength.partly because I don't trust Panty to not fuck it up with his grunting. Nikon is a noble still, so they'll expect him to have the bearing of one despite his murderous reputation.>>5655076I'm a simple guy so I don't really see any problems with anything. If you're seeing a problem with atmosphere I would suggest just thinking about ambience. Little background things. There's always something going on out of focus and unimportant after all. Though it may be superfluous and distracting. So I wouldn't worry about it overmuch.
>>5655072>Argyros' middling approach is superior - you must mix the wine of truth with the water of lies. By claiming Nikandros' absence on the business of the court of Peleus, you create an expectation of Nikandros' return - and also propagate the myth that King Peleus knows of your brother. This fiction may serve to protect your House from ill deeds and betrayals - but not forever. Still, it may give you the time you need to find allies and build your strength.Technically we aren't telling any lies, as a noble under King Peleus, Nikandros has likely visited him first out of duty. As long as we don't tell them that he's gone off to war, they may assume he'll be back any day now. >>5655076It's very good so far Lesches, I am enjoying this quest. It's also a very interesting perspective.
>>5655072>>Pantaleon is correct - perhaps you should attempt to shatter expectations cleanly and all at once. A woman cannot lead an οἶκος - but what about a witch? Announce your brother's absence, announce your true identity as a woman of sorcerous power, and strike decisively towards independence. This would be a phenomenally risky strategy, as noblemen and Kings alike may hear of this in time, but it may provide outsize dividends, if successful - by proving that you are outside the typical conventions, you may make unusual allies - if you survive long enough.Go big or go home>>5655076I always like flowing wonderous description of settings, clothing and food so more of it sounds good to me.
>>5655072>Argyros' middling approach is superior - you must mix the wine of truth with the water of lies. By claiming Nikandros' absence on the business of the court of Peleus, you create an expectation of Nikandros' return - and also propagate the myth that King Peleus knows of your brother. This fiction may serve to protect your House from ill deeds and betrayals - but not forever. Still, it may give you the time you need to find allies and build your strength.>>5655076I'm just glad this quest is still going.
>>5655172If this quest dies someone will have to run "Trojan War Quest: Deianira's Sidestory: Seisames' Sidestory". But this quest won't die. Because we have faith?
>>5655072>Argyros' middling approach is superiorThis will be really funny when the word comes that the geriatric king yelled at Nikon.>>5655076I think you are doing a good job. But, if I had to nitpick, I would say that at times in the narrative, you switch from a number like this, 1, to the written version, one.>>5655175FAITH! Though a "Trojan War Quest: Deianira's Sidestory: Of Mice and Toads Sidestory" would also be interesting in my opinion.
>>5655072>Pantaleon is correct - perhaps you should attempt to shatter expectations cleanly and all at once. A woman cannot lead an οἶκος - but what about a witch? Announce your brother's absence, announce your true identity as a woman of sorcerous power, and strike decisively towards independence. This would be a phenomenally risky strategy, as noblemen and Kings alike may hear of this in time, but it may provide outsize dividends, if successful - by proving that you are outside the typical conventions, you may make unusual allies - if you survive long enough.>>5655076I do have an issue. We aren't wearing historically accurate open bodices!
>>5655072>>Pantaleon is correct - perhaps you should attempt to shatter expectations cleanly and all at once. A woman cannot lead an οἶκος - but what about a witch? Announce your brother's absence, announce your true identity as a woman of sorcerous power, and strike decisively towards independence. This would be a phenomenally risky strategy, as noblemen and Kings alike may hear of this in time, but it may provide outsize dividends, if successful - by proving that you are outside the typical conventions, you may make unusual allies - if you survive long enough.My feminine penis is large and girthy and full of barbarian vigour. Please spear yourself upon it in your own time my foul-hearted neighbours.
>>5655072>Argyros' middling approach is superiorWhen in doubt mix the waters.Actually the bum's inclusion in the meeting will be quite the distraction from the nikon situation.I'm half expecting him to be the tailor who invented the bosom window style of clothing.But for when the truth escapes would they really go to such lenghts?they are still countrymen, would they really risk conquering the oikos and selling the people and sister of that mountain of a man who folded a barbarian king into two?Who is currently buddying it up with the best of the best warriors in hellas?
>>5655289Considering that Agamemnon was willing to talk shit and make demands of Achilles that would be considered out of line when within strangling distance of him? Yeah, I'm sure the average noble would be more than willing to take something from a guy who is traipsing halfway across the civilized world when the land he left behind is being managed in such a way that is not culturally acceptable for the time. Consider that at the time, the only thing that really mattered was whether or not you could take and hold something. If someone stole a bunch of shit from you and ran away, that was their shit now. If some guy marched an army onto your land and claimed it, it was his. The only way to get people not to do that is basically through making sure they know you are not to be fucked with. Whether that's through alliances, shrewd talking, prophecy, or plain strength of arms. So while Nikon's away he can do none of that. And when he gets back, it'll just be him and whatever men come back with him against whatever armies the occupier has at their disposal. Though are pretty good odds in their eyes.After all, Nikon is still a country bum, they don't expect him to make friends or allies out of anyone important or strong out there. And since the war is going to take a decade, after a while they'll just assume he isn't coming back. That's when the -fun- begins.
>>5655289>Who is currently buddying it up with the best of the best warriors in hellas?What is the timeline? Has Nikon even reached Skyros by this point?
>>5655072>Argyros' middling approach is superior - you must mix the wine of truth with the water of lies. By claiming Nikandros' absence on the business of the court of Peleus, you create an expectation of Nikandros' return - and also propagate the myth that King Peleus knows of your brother. This fiction may serve to protect your House from ill deeds and betrayals - but not forever. Still, it may give you the time you need to find allies and build your strength.This is quite safe and should work, if there are familiar faces that did see Nik in his younger days (like older childhood friends for diplomacy between houses), we can avoid possible problems.>>5655076i really like the mythical aspect, and i prefer the mix of ancient and classical greek for how the setting should look/feel. Gives more variety and cooler too.great job !>>5655304i think more than a few days have passed, he should have already encountered the nymph at least.
>>5655072>>Pantaleon is correct - perhaps you should attempt to shatter expectations cleanly and all at once. A woman cannot lead an οἶκος - but what about a witch? Announce your brother's absence, announce your true identity as a woman of sorcerous power, and strike decisively towards independence. This would be a phenomenally risky strategy, as noblemen and Kings alike may hear of this in time, but it may provide outsize dividends, if successful - by proving that you are outside the typical conventions, you may make unusual allies - if you survive long enough.
>>5655304>>5655324>in terms of Nikon’s plotline, we’re about 20 days in from the start of DQ quest. Homer was giving timelines in terms of modern weeks and I have been using Ancient Greek phases of 10 days, so there’s not a perfect alignment. I would say that Nikon has met with Asterope, has traveled down to Phtia and has learned about Achilles’s absence, and is probably either just about to hit Skyros or has landed recently. TWQ went on hiatus somewhere around Nikon’s two-month mark, so I’m thinking about the Diomedes fight being the end of Nikon’s first month. Someone let me know if I have the timeline wrong here though
>>5654327Middling approach. But can we add that on the way back he stopped to kill the centaurs? Elongates the reason he's gone for further down the line. Then we could spin into pant pretending to be Nikki.
>>5655072>Pantaleon is correct - perhaps you should attempt to shatter expectations cleanly and all at once. A woman cannot lead an οἶκος - but what about a witch? Announce your brother's absence, announce your true identity as a woman of sorcerous power, and strike decisively towards independence. This would be a phenomenally risky strategy, as noblemen and Kings alike may hear of this in time, but it may provide outsize dividends, if successful - by proving that you are outside the typical conventions, you may make unusual allies - if you survive long enough.Refuge in boldness
Oh boy, seems like we are 6 votes for assuming charge and 6 votes for delaying. A dead tie. Will we have to leave the outcome to the will of the gods?
>>5655996It's better that way. Then if shit goes south we can blame the gods. Because that always goes over very well in Greek myth.
>>5655072>Pantaleon is correct - perhaps you should attempt to shatter expectations cleanly and all at once. A woman cannot lead an οἶκος - but what about a witch? Announce your brother's absence, announce your true identity as a woman of sorcerous power, and strike decisively towards independence. This would be a phenomenally risky strategy, as noblemen and Kings alike may hear of this in time, but it may provide outsize dividends, if successful - by proving that you are outside the typical conventions, you may make unusual allies - if you survive long enough.Let's do this
>>5656049Damn guess we going down the pantaleon route then, it's what? The third or fourth time we follow his suggestion or involve him in our decision?Is it because he's like a more rugged copy of nikon?
>>5656075I think it is because he represents both high risk and high reward. We all have a terrible gambling addiction.Anyways, if we go panty boy route, I say we should drug the entire assembly and try pulling a hash and assassins situation.
Looks like a tight vote ~36 hours in. I would encourage anons to continue debating since this is an impactful vote. >>5655407Hello, anon, don’t forget to link your previous posts or post again so your vote counts!>>5656083>killing your houseguestsOf course, you could try this, but the sheer violation of Xenia here might cause Zeus to nuke the Hippomedon palace from orbit or otherwise guarantee your untimely end.
>>5655407>>5656103>>5652748I did link T.T
>>5656220Derp, my bad anon. This is what I get for phone posting
>>5656075What can I say, I love danger and her rewards.
>>5656420Personally I just want to save the witch card for when everything starts to fall apart. At which point we should be better established. We also only have one scary witchy option in that poison, which is hard to actually use if people just refuse to eat or drink stuff from us.
>>5656435It's all about perception. If people think that we can turn people into pigs and keep them as sex slaves for a decade then they will stay away. So we have to make ourself appear bigger than life. The best time to reveal that is now.
>>5656446Sure but how do you convince them that you can turn people into a rat and give them silly small hats to humiliate them? It's not like we have a prior reputation of doing stuff like that. And considering the old man who is gonna be pissed off as fuck just being here I don't think he's going to buy it. You're basically hedging your bets that we can bullshit hard enough that they abandon not only social convention but personal attitudes out of apprehension.
>>5656453>You're basically hedging your bets that we can bullshit hard enough that they abandon not only social convention but personal attitudes out of apprehension.You're goddamn right
Apropos of nothing, I appreciate the anon's committed effort to ancient cleavage and titty posting.
>>5656474I aim to please
>>5656453Well we chose the philter of virility so that old man is probably gonna end up in our pocket...Wow that sounded dirty writing it down.
>>5656645
My sincere apologies anons, no update tonight given the fact that I am inebriated. However, expect an update tomorrow!
>>5656740Dionysus that fiend.
>>5656753The hobo's identity has been confirmed.
>>5656754>tfw it's actually apollo and he burns our retinas for assuming it was the drunk god
>5655072>Pantaleon is correct - perhaps you should attempt to shatter expectations cleanly and all at once. A woman cannot lead an οἶκος - but what about a witch? Announce your brother's absence, announce your true identity as a woman of sorcerous power, and strike decisively towards independence. This would be a phenomenally risky strategy, as noblemen and Kings alike may hear of this in time, but it may provide outsize dividends, if successful - by proving that you are outside the typical conventions, you may make unusual allies - if you survive long enough.
Second post or whatevs>>5656740Have fun kentaur
>>5656237Tis fine. Epic qst Fren.
Rolled 2 (1d2)>thanks for everyone's patience, we should be able to resume regular updates for the foreseeable future. Next update should be out before midnight tonight (EST)Vote tallyArgyros' compromise>>5655097>>5655138>>5655172>>5655187>>5655289>>5655324>>5655407 (one post-ID but linked to prior posts)Pantaleon's Big Reveal>>5655163>>5655191>>5655259>>5655334>>5655533>>5655625>>5656049---Late votes (sorry lads, you missed the 05/06 8pm EST cut-off, but appreciate your participation!)>>5656916 (one-post ID anyways)>>5657114 (valid vote but too late to count).---I've counted three times and looks like a dead tie at 7-7, but let me know if I fucked up the tally? Rolling a d2 to determine Deianira's decision. 1 = Argyros' compromise, and 2 = Pantaleon's Big Reveal.
>>5657401Looks like Tyche favors bold action from Deianira...how exciting! Deianira's life and wellbeing essentially will hang in the balance depending on how well this party goes for her.
>>5657405
>>5657401The gods have willed it
>>5657440I have been standing out in the sun all day trying to get a tan to fool Tyche into thinking I'm 10% more Greek than I actually am. Hopefully the dice shall be fooled and bless us with success.
You’ve delayed this decision over the past several days - how to manage Νίκων’s absence. But finally confronted with the critical moment, your doubts suddenly evaporate. You might be standing under the radiant Thessalian sun, with the warm scents of barley and sheep in your nose, but you recognize this moment for what it is – that inflection point when your midnight ritual reaches a fever pitch, and with your will sharpened to a scalpel’s edge, your φύσις springs to life. You realize that any deception on your part tonight will be uncovered in time, because you are confident that your brother will have a role to play in the future of Hellas. It’s only a matter of time before his name becomes known widely, and tales of his exploits reach the rural outskirts of Thessaly. When this happens, whatever deception you would use to shield your household would be punctured immediately. Your compatriots, the local οἶκοι – they would likely be incensed by such misdirection. By delaying the moment of this revelation, you would only be magnifying your inevitable punishment. Νίκων often told you that a single decisive strike could change the course of a battle or deliver victory in a losing game of petteia. Therefore, these noblemen should best be confronted head on – why not announce yourself openly as a force and power in your own right? By doing so, you immediately change the balance of power in the local area and will force the neighboring nobleman to adapt to a novel situation. Women cannot lead a household - but you are not "just a woman". If pressed to prove your claim of witchery, you could certainly demonstrate your sorcerous abilities, but the rumor of your powers would be more useful than their actual application – by keeping the nobleman guessing as to your true abilities, they would likely only move against you cautiously, at first. And besides - curses are things to be dreaded and feared – surely, they would not risk open hostility or warfare with you? You must imagine that your open declaration would be viewed with intense suspicion by some, but even so, it would also serve as a message of capable defense of your οἶκος…and implied sorcerous retribution. Your nose wrinkles – better that they never learn that you have always found jinxes and hexes to be distasteful!The decision made, your voice rings out confidently to your advisors – “I will announce that Nikandros Hippomedion has answered the call of Agamemnon in search of fame, glory and wealth, and that I, Deianira Hippomedion, will act as head of the οἶκος. Let them speak out against their host, if they would deny my authority. Let them mistake my boldness for foolishness, and my humor for overconfidence – I will surprise them with cunning, and if need be, sorcery!”
Pantaleon is suddenly wearing a wolf-like grin, his eyes seemingly glowing with the light of Helios’ burnished chariot – perhaps the first clear sign of approval you have seen from him in over the past weeks. Argyros doesn’t even bother to hide his horror at your decision, his rictus-like face suddenly as pale as the white cloak he is wearing. And Iudas – as is typical, his browned face and riverstone eyes are emotionless – his visage is carved and expertly painted marble, revealing nothing. Knowing him, you can practically hear clacking pebbles on the counting board of Iudas’ mind. Once your decision is made – time seems to speed towards the feast itself. Suddenly, the men of the First Platoon are roused and lining the path to your palace, carrying torches and displaying your house’s martial strength. Outside of yourself, you watch your willowy figure from above as you graciously welcome the chariots of the arriving noblemen, addressing them as strangers in the ancient custom and welcoming them into your palace. Sturdy Aristonax and nimble-fingered Ianthousa, grinning Podageus and disciplined Melaneira, blonde Seisames and beautiful Egeria (accompanied by portly Cnotheos, you’re pleased to see), and finally, wealthy Lyciboeus and silent Mardokia, make their way through the ancient customs of ξενία and into the walls of the Hippomedon palace. Beyond these expected guests, you also separately welcome Gerasimos, the handsome and athletic second son of Aristonax, and stunning Eriboea, handmaiden to Mardokia. Each of these guests are delivered to their rooms, provided with every amenity you can provide, and are seemingly gratified with your graciousness. Of the mad traveler – you learn that he has dined, bathed and has been clothed, and is now wandering the halls, apparently eager to meet as many of your οἶκος staff as he can. >another update (for the next vote) will be out before 12pm
The feast is set to begin. You are wearing your finest attire, a treasured gown of dark blue – while not silk, it is very fine quality, and was created by the best tailors that your mother had access to in Phthia. Unexpectedly – you find that you aren’t nervous. You are filled with the calm certainty that you are about to embark on a dangerous course of action, but a necessary and vital one – no different than a risky but effective therapy for an ill patient. Argyros, Iudas and Pantaleon are not present – as commoners, even highly esteemed and valued ones, they will not be attending this symposium. The success of your household, and the safety of your life, will rest on your performance alone.Your οἶκος staff have done an excellent job – the fragrant aromas of expertly roasted beef, mutton, goat and swine mingle in the cool, twilight air of your courtyard. Above the torches illuminating your courtyard, you see the wandering stars above – Orion’s glimmering bow just rising into view in a darkening sky. You have taken the initiative to arrange the benches and tables to best support discourse amongst the guests. As is proper, you have arranged for the men to sit to your right, and the women to your left – it is considered appropriate for some segregation of the sexes to be maintained, both in physical proximity and in conversational partners, at the beginning of the meal. These barriers typically fall once the dinner itself is concluded, and the wine is served. To your immediate right, you have left an empty seat – where your brother would typically sit. As your honored guests enter the courtyard and take their places, your staff flit back and forth from the kitchen, bringing all manner of prepared dishes – platters of roasted meat, vegetables, grains and fruits. You had authorized the expenditure of your stores of olive oil, honey and other such expensive luxuries – to do otherwise would invite discontent. Finally, it is time for you to make your welcome to your guests, as they are seated before you – they stare at you expectantly, their eyes darted to the empty seat to your right when they think are you not looking. You note that Melaneira, wife of Podageus, is actually eyeing the entrances to the courtyard – perhaps she expects Νίκων to make a dramatic entrance? Nonetheless, the moment to seize control is now.
>How will Deianira address her audience? She will reveal the truth of Νίκων’s absence (that he is answering Agamemon’s call and finding her a husband) of this introductory speech, but how might she otherwise tailor this oration? These dialogue options will modify the context advantages that each group of audience members will receive. Please note that Deianira will be rolling against significant difficulty (at base, Deianira = best of 2, guests = best of 4) in this initial oration, due to her decision to reveal Nikandros' absence. This vote will close at 9pm tomorrow and then we'll do the rolling at that point.>Deianira will emphasize her traditional role as a noblewoman and reference the unusual circumstances of her status; she will make mention that her leadership is temporary and she has the full expectation of Nikandros’ return, her future husband in tow. She will additionally remind the guests of Nikandros' success in battles and his military contributions to the security of Thessaly. This approach may lead to a more favorable reaction by the men in the audience (male audience members roll at Bo3, instead of Bo4). >Deianira will emphasize her break from tradition – that noblewomen should be treated more fairly by society, that she should be treated as if she was a nobleman, that leadership of an oikos is her right by blood, and that she will confidently lead the house of Hippomedon to wealth and prosperity. This approach may lead to a more favorable reaction by the somewhat downtrodden noblewomen (female audience members roll at Bo3, instead of Bo4).>Deianira will obliquely reference her sorcerous powers and emphasize her recent divine ancestry; she will make the case that she falls outside of the typical societal expectations of a noblewoman given this unique set of traits. This is a decidedly risky approach, given that witches are typically feared and misunderstood in the Late Bronze Age of Ancient Greece. This approach will not change context bonuses, but may reveal dialogue options and plot hooks that would otherwise have to be uncovered through alternate methods. Male and female audience members will roll at Bo4.>Something else? --->Final note – this dinner will be broken up into at least four stages (two conversations with the women, two with the men), with some surprises in store, and Deianira will have the opportunity to target the nobles who she failed to win over, if the players so choose. Alternately, she could speak with the people who she's already won over to gain information and make further inroads, etc.>Please let me know if these options are unclear or if I can provide further clarity?
>>5657975>Deianira will obliquely reference her sorcerous powers and emphasize her recent divine ancestry; she will make the case that she falls outside of the typical societal expectations of a noblewoman given this unique set of traits. This is a decidedly risky approach, given that witches are typically feared and misunderstood in the Late Bronze Age of Ancient Greece. This approach will not change context bonuses, but may reveal dialogue options and plot hooks that would otherwise have to be uncovered through alternate methods. Male and female audience members will roll at Bo4.Poor Niko is going to come home to a ruin lmao
>>5657975>Deianira will emphasize her break from tradition – that noblewomen should be treated more fairly by society, that she should be treated as if she was a nobleman, that leadership of an oikos is her right by blood, and that she will confidently lead the house of Hippomedon to wealth and prosperity. This approach may lead to a more favorable reaction by the somewhat downtrodden noblewomen (female audience members roll at Bo3, instead of Bo4).My tipping point of caution and daring has been hit. Full on daring!
>>5657975>with some surprises in store,That fucking bum better not barge in with a plucked chicken and say something about men of the future.>Deianira will obliquely reference her sorcerous powers and emphasize her recent divine ancestry; she will make the case that she falls outside of the typical societal expectations of a noblewoman given this unique set of traits. This is a decidedly risky approach, given that witches are typically feared and misunderstood in the Late Bronze Age of Ancient Greece. This approach will not change context bonuses, but may reveal dialogue options and plot hooks that would otherwise have to be uncovered through alternate methods. Male and female audience members will roll at Bo4.Balls out at this point. We're full steam sailing into the sea of shit at this point already. If they all react poorly then we can just burn the happy pinecone and make everyone nice and high to win them over. Hopefully.I am screaming internally.
>>5657975>Deianira will emphasize her break from tradition – that noblewomen should be treated more fairly by society, that she should be treated as if she was a nobleman, that leadership of an oikos is her right by blood, and that she will confidently lead the house of Hippomedon to wealth and prosperity. This approach may lead to a more favorable reaction by the somewhat downtrodden noblewomen (female audience members roll at Bo3, instead of Bo4).Now or never
>>5656220WE ARE A FATE INCARNATE! full witch flex. Then deflect and introduce the other guest. And if it goes bad mind wipe everyone with amnesia.
>>5657975>Deianira will obliquely reference her sorcerous powers and emphasize her recent divine ancestry; she will make the case that she falls outside of the typical societal expectations of a noblewoman given this unique set of traits. This is a decidedly risky approach, given that witches are typically feared and misunderstood in the Late Bronze Age of Ancient Greece. This approach will not change context bonuses, but may reveal dialogue options and plot hooks that would otherwise have to be uncovered through alternate methods. Male and female audience members will roll at Bo4.i dislike the reveal, but since we are doing it better pick the higher risk option.Send a prayer to Hecate, i expect someone to at least get angry and leave. I guess they will remember us and this party if nothing else lol.
>>5657975>>Deianira will obliquely reference her sorcerous powers and emphasize her recent divine ancestry; she will make the case that she falls outside of the typical societal expectations of a noblewoman given this unique set of traits. This is a decidedly risky approach, given that witches are typically feared and misunderstood in the Late Bronze Age of Ancient Greece. This approach will not change context bonuses, but may reveal dialogue options and plot hooks that would otherwise have to be uncovered through alternate methods. Male and female audience members will roll at Bo4.BALLSY
>>5657975>>Deianira will emphasize her break from tradition – that noblewomen should be treated more fairly by society, that she should be treated as if she was a nobleman, that leadership of an oikos is her right by blood, and that she will confidently lead the house of Hippomedon to wealth and prosperity. This approach may lead to a more favorable reaction by the somewhat downtrodden noblewomen (female audience members roll at Bo3, instead of Bo4).
>>5658105>hit ‘em with the Dionysian FrankencenseYou could, but important note - the DF reduces inhibitions more than it provides good vibes. If half the dinner party is super pissed off and you apply the DF, you might start a civil war in Thessaly.>hit ‘em with the Lethes’ DraftWe don’t have any prepared LD on hand. Anyways you’d need like 10+ doses for all of the dinner guests.
>>5657975>Deianira will emphasize her break from tradition – that noblewomen should be treated more fairly by society, that she should be treated as if she was a nobleman, that leadership of an oikos is her right by blood, and that she will confidently lead the house of Hippomedon to wealth and prosperity. This approach may lead to a more favorable reaction by the somewhat downtrodden noblewomen (female audience members roll at Bo3, instead of Bo4).This is our best chance..... I think
>>5658258>you might start a civil war in ThessalyNow if only we had been able to get that one other fellow to come to this party. Actually, how many troops can everybody in our neighborhood field? In the 1st thread there was mention how Achilles was heading off with 2,500 men, a 'sixth' of the northern army, so that would mean 15,000 men total. I may not be the most educated on this era, but isn't that a huge amount considering the population of the world at that time?
>>5658286This is myth mixed with history so far, so i am not sure there will be the same numbers. Up to Lesches (i don't mind having bigger numbers honestly or less).Anyway, from 2 thread (i am not counting levies or allies they can call or mercs they can recruit remember that. I would expect Damachides to have a few war chariots and cavalry, say like 3 or 10. Or he might be working towards getting them. There is no mention of things like scouts, spies or other military units in the first general report of the noble houses. So it might be very wise to do a more in depth look to our neighbours) :Aristonax, son of Euryalodon, and his wife, Ianthousa: Directly to the east, Aristonax is a man in his 50s300 spearmen with poor-to-moderate training – he favors numbers over quality, generally.Seisames, son of Prothis, and his wife, Egeria: Directly to your southeast, Seisames is young at age 25Similar to our houseLyciboeus, nephew of Sporadean King, and his wife, Mardokia: To the southHis troops would be better described as a thousand well-equipped enthusiastic amateurs than professional soldiersPodageus, son of Hereres, and Melaneira: To the southwesttroops are relatively well-trained and equipped – he commands about 400 spearsDamachides, cousin of Guneus and his second wife, Charima: To the westDamachides commands a large army of well-trained Thessalian spearmen – Iudas believes he may command close to 2,000 spears.
>>5658286I don’t remember all of the numbers off-hand (check my previous posts in the beginning of the thread, I think I did provide general troop estimates for most of the local oikoi) but my general recollection is that our corner of Thessaly has about 4,000 spearmen (or at least guys can hold a spear) divvied up between houses. Damachides has like 2k troops at his command and I think Lyciboeus has like 1k.However, the local oikoi don’t represent all of Thessaly, only one corner of it, so there are additional oikoi outside of your immediate neighborhood.I’m also factoring in that Peleus would need to keep a substantial number of his own troops and the troops of his sworn lords locally in Thessaly to fend off the barbaroi and also dissuade invasion from Agamemnon’s people. Homer’s characterization of Peleus is that he is a paranoid asshole so I would personally doubt that he would overcommit forces to Agamemnon’s little project.Tl;dr - I agree with your estimate, Peleus probably has like 15k to 20k spearmen either directly or indirectly under his command. That being said, troop quality is highly variable and summoning them all to one location would leave Thessaly undefended, only some fraction of them could be committed to operations.
>>5657975>Deianira will obliquely reference her sorcerous powers and emphasize her recent divine ancestry; she will make the case that she falls outside of the typical societal expectations of a noblewoman given this unique set of traits. This is a decidedly risky approach, given that witches are typically feared and misunderstood in the Late Bronze Age of Ancient Greece. This approach will not change context bonuses, but may reveal dialogue options and plot hooks that would otherwise have to be uncovered through alternate methods. Male and female audience members will roll at Bo4.
>>5658258>you might start a civil war in Thessaly.If we weren't so weak that might be an idea
>>5657975>Deianira will emphasize her break from tradition – that noblewomen should be treated more fairly by society, that she should be treated as if she was a nobleman, that leadership of an oikos is her right by blood, and that she will confidently lead the house of Hippomedon to wealth and prosperity. This approach may lead to a more favorable reaction by the somewhat downtrodden noblewomen (female audience members roll at Bo3, instead of Bo4).Would be fine if we do go full sorceress at the go though
Well, looks like we're gonna be pissing off the men in particular with this vote.
>>5658810That's ok, our charisma stat will blow them away.But most importantly.. did we wear the latest minoan fashion?
>>5658845I dunno man. They might get some serious boni because we're basically saying "I don't have to follow your rules because I am breaking your rules". Basically just a straight fuck you. I don't see why anyone would pick to try and get an in with the chicks anyway. It's not like they actually have any real power. Their husbands can still just tell them to shut the fuck up and ignore their advice at any point.
Rolled 2 (1d2)vote tallyI'm a witch, bitches>>5658072>>5658105>>5658186>>5658194>>5658422>>5658135 (I'm counting shapeshifting anon's vote since he was kind enough to link his prior post and his grammar is...distinctive)GRRLPOWER>>5658101>>5658133>>5658198>>5658267>>5658580>>5658613---are we really deadlocked again?!? someone triple-check me. I'm rolling a d2 to determine which path Deianira takes assuming that I had accurately counted the votes.I'm in the process of mocking up everyone's character sheets, but it's taking longer than I thought to create 10 sheets for our audience guests - we'll be rolling for Deianira's pitch versus the audience reactions tonight but the actual update will come out tomorrow night.Also, you should all also know that my copy of the Iliad arrived by mail recently, and /lit/ plans to have a bookclub thread for this starting on 05/10...
>>5658868Alright, assuming that I didn't mess up the count:>Deianira emphasizing a break from tradition is now locked in.Female audience members will be rolling Bo3 to defend, modified by each women's particular stat sheet. Male audience members will be rolling Bo4 to defend, modified by each man's particular stat sheet.I'll post a grid for each audience member's stat bonuses so you can all see that no QM fuckery is afoot when the rolls come in. >>5658855>why bother influencing the women, they are powerlessHera, Aphrodite and Demeter would beg to differ, anon
>>5658868Welp, looks like pissing off the people with the real power is come to pass. Hopefully this won't be an absolute nightmare. I honestly thought it was 5-6 but I guess if you count the guy who very much needs to learn how to properly vote kek it is 6-6.>Also, you should all also know that my copy of the Iliad arrived by mail recently, and /lit/ plans to have a bookclub thread for this starting on 05/10...Right on brother.>>5658878It's not that women are powerless, it's that they are oft unheard. I think Odysseus and Priam are the only two people who regularly heed the advice of their women around this time. And I do mean regularly and not just occasionally. Also using only goddesses as example isn't really great, because despite Nira being closer than these other ladies, she is quite explicitly not a deity. A better example would be the Amazons, but that's on the other side of the bay as it were so none of these men would probably give a shit about that idea.
>>5658884Valid counterpoints, anon, I only meant to reference that sometimes the gods of Olympus have used women or wives to fuck over various heroes, etc, etc
>>5658868>10 sheets>bo3>bo4Uh, how many rolls will that be altogether including Nora’s?
>>5658895A fucking lot of them, that's for sure. Figuring this shit out is basically equivalent to an update post...Anyways, almost done. Will call for rolls in a few minutes.
>>5658891That's fair. But surely they wouldn't do any shenanigans right at the foot of the big rock, would they? :^)
Rolled 4, 3, 10, 1, 1, 13, 16, 7, 1, 2, 10, 10, 6, 13, 12, 17, 9, 9, 3, 18, 5, 13, 19, 19, 11 = 232 (25d20)wew lads, I think I've got it. Friendly reminder that in Homer's TWQ system, offensive CHA rolls by the MC are defended by WILL rolls. Also, please note that a successful roll here won't instantaneously overturn centuries of misogyny in Ancient Greece, but instead create the possibility of dialogue on a "equal" setting. Likewise, failure here does not automatically equate to open war, but will negatively impact your standing and reduce or eliminate meaningful cooperation.I'm rolling for 6 men, Bo4 in this order:Aristonax (+0 bonus)Gerasimos (son of Aristonax, -1 bonus)Lyciboeus (+2 bonus)Podageus (+1 bonus)Seisames (+1 bonus)Cnotheos (-1 bonus)And for five women, Bo3 in this order:Ianthousa (+0 bonus)Egeria (+2 bonus)Mardokia (+0 bonus)Eriboea (Mardokia's handmaiden, -2 bonus) Melaneira (+4 WILL bonus, extra +2 bonus = +6 total to due relevant trait)--I'm also rolling a separate and final d20 (with +3 bonus) for reasons :)>At this point, I would like to call two brave anons forward to roll two dice+1d20+7. Please note that I will be applying the extra +2 Witch's Aspect bonus (for a total of +9) to the male audience rolls, but this extra bonus does not apply to the women.>I'll post again with an outcomes table for ease of reference.
Rolled 13, 12, 1, 8, 19, 13, 11, 16, 4, 2, 11, 19, 14, 17, 7 = 167 (15d20)>>5658931Hmm, look like 4chan caps you at 20 rolls. Here's another 15 to complete...
Rolled 3 + 7 (1d20 + 7)>>5658932Yeah, can only roll so many at once.>>5658931>all those wasted 1's because they have so many dice to rollThose bastards. I'll show them. Show them a poor roll that is.
>Aristonax>10>Gerasimos>16>Lyciboeus>10 >Podageus>17>Seisames>18>Cnotheos>19>Ianthousa>12>Egeria>19>Mardokia>16>Eriboea>11>Melaneira>19>Mystery>7Oh gods.
Rolled 1 + 9 (1d20 + 9)>>5658931At least this is better than us having to roll a 2d20 against every one of these dice. Still hurts
Wait, are you asking us for two rolls of 1d20+7 and two rolls of 1d20+9?
>>5658941I knew we should have gone full cackling scary witch. At least then we wouldn't seem like a random uppity woman and instead like a schizo.>a 2d20 against every one of these dice. Still hurtsI mean, we did?
Wait, I did my bonus roll backwards! I need another dice+1d20+3 from the players against my 7.
>>5658960Well I ain't gonna do it. I roll like shit.
Rolled 12 + 3 (1d20 + 3)>>5658960
>going for the risky play>not committing to full on danger zone sorceressAll failures are deserved.
>>5658935>>5658941>Deianira rolls a 3 and 1 on the most important night of her life so far.Bad news, anons>>5658948Only two rolls of 1d20+7 were needed, but I'm basically applying a +2 bonus to the rolls for the male audience members only.>>5658937This accounting looks more or less accurate, but you forgot to apply relevant bonuses. Please see below for a final tally of outcomes.---Male Outcomes (Deianira rolled a 12)Aristonax = 10 vs 12 - marginal victoryGerasimos = 15 vs 12 - marginal failureLyciboeus = 12 vs 12 - marginal victory (tie goes to Deianira)Podageus = 18 vs 12 - moderate failure Seisames = 19 vs 12 - moderate failureCnotheos = 18 vs 12 - moderate failure (you bastard)---Female Outcomes: (Deianira rolled a 10)Ianthousa = 13 vs 10 - marginal failure Egeria = 21 vs 10 - significant failureMardokia = 16 vs 10 - moderate failureEriboea = 9 vs 10 - marginal victoryMelaneira = 25 vs 10 - significant failureMystery Roll = 15 vs 7 - moderate success (wew lads, don't get too depressed just yet...)
>>5658976I feel you brother. But it is what it is.
>>5658978>(wew lads, don't get too depressed just yet...)That's my secret, Lesches. I'm always depressed.
>>5658978In summary - Deianira's speech goes badly, but she does have some takers (Aristonax, Lyciboeus, Eriboea). The dice have also chosen some interesting narrative directions for this. Don't forget that Deianira will have at least another chance to press her case or ask questions for both male and female guests. Also, there's at least one silver lining in the works...Update will be up tomorrow night.
>>5658979You rolled the 3 anon. No amount of sorcery can fix that.
Rolled 4 (1d20)>>5658997I had to punish anons for going against my grand designs. I will now roll an 11 to prove both my sorcerous mastery and you wrong. Not really, it'll be a shit roll again.
>>5658978Can we get a reroll on the 1? Anon rolled the wrong modifiers and didn't vote prior to the roll.
>>5659018Can we not do this? People voted to make this play putting their full trust in Deianira's ability to bullshit and the dice gods, having a reroll feels cheap.To be fair anons voted the slightly more cautious route instead of going funny witch, but still.
>>5659042I'm just coping allright. I need that little sliver of hope.
>>5659045I understand fully, anon I'm still inhaling copium about Homer coming back.
If we had worn an open gown we would've gotten a better bonus with men. Just saying.
>>5659042>anons voted slightly more cautious route>after deadlocking with the actual more cautious route in the vote priorbruh
>>5659051Both votes were tied, with the roll-off deciding we're going balls to the wall first then following that a slightly more cautious approach.It's honestly pretty surprising, since I think a few of the IDs that wanted to reveal things went for the more cautious route when deciding how to reveal ourselves, and some of the IDs (myself included) that wanted to be cautious in the first place voted to go all out with witchcraft danger zone.
>>5659128The way I see it, if we're going to do something silly, we should go ALL IN. We were already putting ourselves at a huge disadvantage, no reason not to put it further, all things considered. I was really hoping we'd delay the reveal for time until we could get alliances. Even if they'd be cross it would still probably be a bit better than outright distrust like we got now. Of course, we still have a chance to salvage this. But hope is the first cobble on the road of disappointment as some say.
>>5659131Agreed on pretty much everything I even had the same reasoning for going in the sorceress zone kekInterestingly enough, we might have (arguably only marginal) better luck with the men than the women with this, if the results are anything to go by.
>>5659138The gods have a sense of humor don't they
Well, lest we forget, we *are* playing a Trojan War subsidiary. Our hot diplo rolls had to end sometime. Here's hoping hobo man will help us out.
>>5659479Damn Tragedy luck.
Clearing your throat and pushing your anxieties, you begin your remarks with a somewhat-customary plea to Demeter: Rich-haired cerulean Queen, giver-of-gifts and bringer-of-seasons, crowned with flowing radiance akin to waves of golden wheat – we send our earnest devotions to you, Δαμάτηρ…Your prayer to Demeter is smooth, competent and delivered well – the words roll off your tongue effortlessly. Your voice rises in earnest praise of the goddess – truly, it has been through her blessings that your οἶκος has scratched out an existence in the foothills of Mount Olympus. You complete your initial prayers, arms outraised, and pause for a moment, no doubt cutting an impressive figure given your height and with flickering torchlight playing off your golden hair. Once completed, you turn your attentions to the true business of tonight’s Summons. Before you, the seated figures of the local nobility watch you attentively – to the right, you see graying, sturdy Aristonax, with his close-cropped hair and stern visage, watching you with the glittering eyes of a predator, and to the distant left, you see petite, doe-eyed Mardokia sitting primly. Your anxiety suddenly swells as you take in the audience as a whole - you have never seen so many nobles together at once! - and you stutter out a welcome to them.“Lords, La-ladies of Thessaly – you honor me with your presence to-tonight. I, Deianira Hippomedion, welcome you to the palace of Hippomedon to di-dine and drink – so that our φιλία may grow as friends and compatriots.” Already, you have a sinking feeling – the easy grace of your tongue is fading in the pressure of the moment. You are suddenly walking through heavy mud, rather than lightly stepping across cobblestones. Horror suddenly erupts within your mind, as you realize that you cannot precisely remember the eloquent turns of phrase that you had memorized in order to dissect the basic injustice of womanhood and cast doubt upon wisdom of prideful conflict between noblemen with some humor – your mind is empty! You had even planned a cutting remark about how the wars of princes and kings might be solved if a woman is simply given leave to make her own decisions – a unsubtle reference to the current standoff between Agamemnon, Paris and Helen, but in your distress, you cannot remember it at all. You soldier on as best you can under the circumstances, hoping that your physical appearance might carry you where your tongue cannot.>lots more coming
It was more fun than I though to write about Deianira spilling her spaghetti...“You may notice that my brother, Nikandros Hippomedon, is not present with us here tonight. In remembrance of Πιστις, daimon of honesty, and in welcome of the friendship to come, I offer you the truth – he has answered the call of Agamemnon and to make what Kleos he can for himself and his household. While we cannot know the length of his absence, he has placed me in his stead, to lead the οἶκος of Hippomedon to wealth and prosperity into the future. As Zeus once consumed Metis, titan Goddess of good counsel, I have invited you all here thusly so that we might profit mutually from collaboration, and beat back the barbaroi to the west and north…” Even as you make this last analogy, you suddenly realize that it sounds bizarre out loud – Zeus famously consumed Metis, it sounds like you are planning to eat your neighbors tonight! You try to stabilize with a somewhat rote accounting of your hopes for the coming year, and you watch as the noblemen of the dinner open their eyes wide in disbelief, as your initial statement becomes understood – you catch Seisames and Cnotheos react identically in confusion, despite their disparate appearances. Lyciboeus, who had previously been looking quite bored during your invocation to Demeter, leans forward with sudden interest, his scarred forehead coming out of the shadows. Aristonax’s bushy eyebrows rise in mild surprise, and you catch him passing a questioning glance to his wife, Ianthousa, who frowns in response. You dare a look at the women’s table in between breaths, and you see with building dread that fearsome Melaneira has locked her eyes upon your face - even in the flickering torchlight, you can see veins pulsing across her forehead in visible rage, and her mouth is drawn tightly into a flat line. The rest of women look upon you in a strange mix of pity and horror, with the sole exception of Eriboea, beautiful handmaiden to Lyciboeus – she stares at you wearing a cat-like smile, seemingly unaware of the larger reaction. Over Eriboea's shoulder, you see the vagrant standing within the walls of your palace, but outside the courtyard - clearly, he has stopped to hear your remarks as well, despite lacking a formal invitation.Unwilling to lose momentum, and at this point, simply hoping to conclude your remarks without further damage, you conclude somewhat lamely with the following:“I call upon each of you to honor Δικη, goddess of Justice, as we build a fairer Thessaly together!” The silence that falls inside the courtyard is heavy, awkward, torturous and lasts almost forever – to you, who have been blessed with beauty and a relatively quick wit, it is especially brutal.
>>5659963>despite lacking a formal invitation.I thought he did wind up getting the big invite? Am I misremembering?
You realize your mistake– while you are charming, personable, and delightful in individual conversations – these skills are not directly transferred to oratory. What is playful in light discussion is presumptuous in a speech – a small error in judgment between friends is a joke, but amongst strangers, it is a sign of possible imbecility. Realizing that none of the attendees will leap to your defense or answer your call verbally, you reach out desperately and at random to Lyciboeus, feigning genuine interest, asking –“Lord Lyciboeus, if you please – I am told you are known in the court of Peleus for your steeds, what can you tell us of him and of Phthia? What have you heard of Peleus' son, dauntless Achilles - has he answered the call of Agamemnon?" As you ask, you give the signal to begin dining, and slowly, the guests remember that they are sitting before a sumptous feast of grains, vegetables, expertly roasted goat and mutton.You seem to have chosen well, because Lyciboeus seems to relish the opportunity to launch into his dealings with the local King - like all wealthy men, he seems to be convinced of his superiority and enjoys regaling others with personal tales and stories. Chatter picks us amongst the other guests as he continues, peppering his stories with asides meant for various audiences members - the man is a natural at keeping a crowd's attention. You keep a warm smile plastered over your face, even if you desperately plot your next move - there must be a way to salvage this feast! --->Who should Deianira speak with next in a 1v1 conversation? Deianira might choose to persuade someone who was not receptive to her welcome speech, attempt to gather information or uncover secrets, or alternately begin the process to build a true friendship with one of the nobility. I'll provide some likely targets below:>Lyciboeus, who seems chatty and was at the least minimally receptive to your general plea for equal consideration as a women?>Aristonax, who currently chatting quietly with his well-made son, Gerasimos?>Eriboea, Lyciboeus' handmaiden, who of the women, seemed most receptive to your opening remarks?>Melaneira, who even now, is throwing you glances of white-hot fury in your direction?>Someone else? Write-ins are encouraged!
>>5659974Ah, shit - you're right, anon. Good catch.>I'm replacing this statement: "Over Eriboea's shoulder, you see the vagrant standing within the walls of your palace, but outside the courtyard - clearly, he has stopped to hear your remarks as well, despite lacking a formal invitation.">With this statement: "Over Cnoethos' shoulder, you see the vagrant seated in a clean, white cloak - in the shadowed light of the courtyard, his features are thankfully somewhat obscured. Despite having been fed and watered quite well previously in the day, he is setting into the feast before him with little hesitation."
>>5659983>Speak with Podageus, and of this debt he owes our houseI am really curious. And hopefully we can get him in a better mood despite the cold opening.>>5659988Righto. Bum boy is the hungry caterpillar.
>>5659983>Lyciboeus, who seems chatty and was at the least minimally receptive to your general plea for equal consideration as a women?
>>5659983>Speak with Podageus, and of this debt he owes our houseOh god the spaghetti, it's slipping out of the pockets. If we go by the shared luck pool theory, this must be close to time Nikon was going full /tg/
>>5659983>Speak with Podageus, and of this debt he owes our house
>>5659983>Aristonax, who currently chatting quietly with his well-made son, Gerasimos?Love the autism lol. Very funnily written.
>>5659983>Eriboea, Lyciboeus' handmaiden, who of the women, seemed most receptive to your opening remarks?The house of hippodemon truly produces the finest dorks of Thessaly ! jk aside, we should work towards getting some private jobs with the nobles here. Offer to make potions in exchange for a whole load of cash, we are in dire need of cash.The situation for the feast is not entirely salvageable, first impressions are everything. So is better to concentrate on the ones that were already amiable toward our house, and let's try to be friends if not allies with them.Lastly i imagine we can still use the knowledge found of the monsters camp. They should be all interested in destroying them. We could do the witch reveal, but now i prefer it to use it in private when we offer our witch services.
>>5659983>Speak with Podageus, and of this debt he owes our houseSeems a good choice as any with the added benefit that since melaneira is his wife perhaps he can smooth things over for us before we enter a confrontation with her.And even if we fumble or worse seduce him what's she going to do hate us harder?
>>5659983>>Lyciboeus, who seems chatty and was at the least minimally receptive to your general plea for equal consideration as a women?
~7 hours to go before vote cutoff at 8pm!Lurkers, now’s your chance to have a say!
>>5658135>Speak with Podageus, and of this debt he owes our house
>>5660564Give me another post to prove that you are a real human, anon.Also Homer, you beautiful man, I know you’re reading. Send me an email! Give us a sign of your presence!Do you require a sacrifice of 100 white heifers before you will reveal yourself? Say the word and I’m on it, senpai…
Pat-a-goose>>5659992>>5660062>>5660144>>5660241>>5660581Lyciboeus>>5659994>>5660461Aristonax>>5660179Eriboea>>5660239>Podageus wins! Update will be out before 12pm EST
While Lyciboeus enchants most of the nobility, you take the initiative to entreat Podageus – he of the broad shoulders and rolling laughter. You remember Iudas’ report well – he is wealthy, and said to be a gambler, a comedian and obsessed with the breeding of race-horses. You summon your knife-like will and this time, use it to carve the residual embarrassment of your mediocre address out of your thoughts. You can feel your face, previously hot with shame, return to normal. You’ve never seen yourself flushed, of course, but you imagine that your face was previously as red as carmine dye – your dignity only partially spared by the dim lighting of the courtyard torches. You must regain control of the evening – it is only a failure if you fail to take advantage!Scanning the guests quickly, you find that Podageus, is staring at Lyciboeus with open loathing – he can barely sit still as Lyciboeus rattles on – Iudas’ report seems to have been quite accurate on all counts. You nevertheless decide to risk his anger and speak with him – perhaps he may welcome the distraction?“Lord Podageus, if I may – I was intrigued by the response of your messenger, that the οἶκος of Podageus remembers the debt that is owed to the House of Hippomedon.” He stares at you first with irritation, but his temper visibly cools as he meets your gaze – you have seemingly caught him by surprise with your query and he stares at you somewhat blankly. You clear your thought and politely continue – “My dear brother Nikandros never spoke of you, Lord Podageus – I am certain that he would have told me of any chance encounter. Did you know my father, before he marched with King Adrastus against Thebes?”His brown eyes, hard as polished oak, meet with yours. “If your father had not seen fit to educate you, Lady Deianira, of your οἶκος’ debts and profits, then why should l?” A small smirk appears on his face and he speaks no further, daring you to response. Internally, you hiss with displeasure – will you have to fight for every inch with these “countrymen”?>How does Deianira respond? >Attempt to persuade him, as daughter of Hippomedon, to tell his story? (CHA)>Meet his gaze, will against will, and force him to crumble? (WILL)>Barter with Podageus, perhaps by offering one of your potions or cures? (Deianira currently has the Hippomedon’s Essence and two charges of Dionysian Frankencense)>Gamble him for the story through an archery contest?>Something else?
>>5660828>Attempt to persuade him, as daughter of Hippomedon, to tell his story? (CHA)
>>5660828>Attempt to persuade him, as daughter of Hippomedon, to tell his story? (CHA)Hope we get an advantage due to being in our house and a guest
>>5660828>>Attempt to persuade him, as daughter of Hippomedon, to tell his story? (CHA)Surely he would not be the type to besmirch his honor by leaving a debt unpaid. And surely he is not so cruel as to deny a daughter the story of her father's glories. Surely.
>>5660828>>Attempt to persuade him, as daughter of Hippomedon, to tell his story? (CHA)
>>5660828>>Attempt to persuade him, as daughter of Hippomedon, to tell his story? (CHA)meh
Rolled 16, 7, 3 + 1 = 27 (3d20 + 1)>unanimous for diplomance attemptWell, I don’t see the point of waiting for additional votes (we usually get about 10-12).This will be a CHA vs WILL contest between Deianira and Podageus. Normally she would have a slight advantage given that she’s at home but she just delivered a mediocre speech and Podageus wasn’t buying it. FYI, if you spend oikos points to improve your palace and estates in the future, it will provide further mechanical bonuses to these social rolls when Deianira is at home (along with other benefits).Give me two rolls of dice+1d20+9 to beat Podageus’ WILL! I’m providing Deianira’s full WITCH social bonus given that Melaneira is currently occupied with Lyciboeus and won’t immediately notice you flirting with her man.
Rolled 9 + 9 (1d20 + 9)>>5661155Maybe the speech was bad because it was a part where Nikon was rolling well, so he used up the pool
Rolled 11 + 9 (1d20 + 9)>>5661155
>>5661184>luck pool>Nikon successfully chats up a river nymph>Nira barely passes medicine check>Nikon gets yelled at by Peleus>Nira diplomances a raging centaur>Nikon loses his chariot>Nira successfully dissuades the rapacious satyr>Nikon fails will roll and gets indebted to Thetis>Nira tracks the centaur camp down>Nikon beats Achilles at petteia in front of a Royal court>Nira spills her spaghetti in front of all her neighbors.Two sides of a coin. All hilarious.
>>5661187>20 vs 17 - marginal success!Not Deianira’s best performance but still, it gets the job done and now I get to do something fun!>>5661208It’s pretty hysterical how well this theory is holding up. We’re due for an impressive victory at the end of the month since Nikon got absolutely shredded by Diomedes.
>>5661240It's also funny because it's our first running joke.Nikon had rocks, failing upwards, chrisposting and river hate, Nira can have the pool.
>>5661253I’m also sort of eagerly awaiting further social rolls between Deianira and mortal men - she seems much more prone to drop her spaghetti in front of regular dudes than when confronting rapey monsters…
>>5661253Thinking about it, the exposed breasts clothing should also count, since that anon posts it every vote His dedication is impressive and commendable
>>5661259To be frank I’m surprised that there’s a seemingly endless supply of these to post, lol
>>5661268That's true, there's so many. He must have a folder full of images primed and ready.>inb4 he runs out and just start drawing new ones
>>5661273I fully expect that in the future somebody will post a commission picture of deianira in one of those dresses
>>5661317Honestly would be cool to have a commissioned drawing of Deianira saying farewell to Nikandros as he departs by chariot.
>>5661259I am honored anon>>5661268I was as surprised at first>>5661317That would be my dream :DD
>>5661338Well i can contribute a depiction of hippomedon being swallowed by the ground with his chariot
>>5661403Isn't the one that got swallowed by the ground Amphiraus, the prophet one? Dad stripped away from his gear by Ismenus and shot by theban archers
>>5661403>>5661404Excellent foreshadowing for tonight’s update, anon.>>5661404Yes, my understanding is that Hippomedon went on an aristeia and murdered a river’s god’s son. Then he got dunked in a river and washed up on shore to get pincushioned by a million arrows.
>>5661404>>5661421My bad i wasn't sureI can't find a good pic for the departure.But here's Deianira welcoming Nikos home(Trigger warning)
>>5661240>I get to do something fun!Very concerning.>>5661258>she seems much more prone to drop her spaghetti in front of regular dudes than when confronting rapey monsters…>tfw because she is used to dealing with the borderline autistic brother she handles the socially inept and outliers with zero issue
>>5661445Perhaps writing "trigger warning" may seem more serious than i meant to be in jest, expecially on 4chan, but to my defense the wine i had imbibed when i made that post was quite good.
>>5661618Dionysus strikes again
>>5661624Did someone say Dionysus?
Lord Podageus’ words hang in the air, clearly meant to dissuade you from further discourse. Of course, you have surmounted greater challenges than these – after all, only a few days ago, you soothed the raging heart of a Κένταυρος with your voice alone. Without hesitation, you adopt a pleading look, your forehead creased in mock concern. “Ah, but Lord Podageus, surely you would not deny a faithful and loving daughter of a tale regarding her noble father? I was but a child when my father answered the call of Adrastus, his uncle and King of Argos – I would treasure well any memory you feel fit to share? A man of your wealth and generosity can surely spare a few brief moments of education to the daughter of his fallen compatriot?” You lay your charm on thick, here, keeping your lips parted expectantly, and watch as your honeyed words have the desired effect.Podageus’ eyes, previously shining with the hard gleam of irritation, soften a bit with remembrance. His eyes dart to you and to the empty chair to your right, where your brother Νίκων should be residing. His mouth works a bit in hesitation, an internal argument playing out across his broad face, before finally, he seems to come to a decision. He shakes his head, his great mane of black hair flowing gently, and resignedly, he addresses you once more -“Lady Deianira, I recount to you this tale in pity – a woman whose father’s spirit was cast into Hades’ domain through the merciless revenge of the gods, and whose brother seeks out fame and profit with no regard to her own safety. Listen well, and I will speak of the debt owed to your οἶκος..””I was eldest-born, of Hereres, but my father had two more sons also, Pheronactes and Pylenios. In the year before before Adrastus, King of Argos, summoned the Seven, I was amongst the crowds of Phthia, for the races...”>HIPPOMEDON MEMORY UNLOCKED!>more coming
Rolled 4, 8 = 12 (2d20)The thunder of hooves fills the air, and your heart hammers within your chest. In your rage, you feel that Zeus himself pushes you and your chariot along the dusty path, only your superior skill keeping you safe. You whip the reins fiercely and your well-bred steeds charge forward, ever faster. The hills and plains flash by you, but you can scarcely pay a moment’s notice, concentrated as you on speed, ever more speed! The horses that pull your chariot are of inferior stock, but you are a masterful racer - you can extract every effort from the beasts with your expert guidance. You are no longer Podageus - you are Hyperion, swooping down upon Phaethon in rage and terror...Your criminal brothers, Pheronactes and Pylenios, drive your stolen chariot recklessly over the fields and paths before you, weaving dangerously from left to right. You howl in despair that it has come to this, but you only narrowly avoided the poisoned blade in Phthia – but only they could have known your whereabouts, your habits in the racing quarter. When you confronted them with the conspiracy, they fled the city, speeding home to the palace of your father, Hereres, where they might seek safety amongst his robes, like children. You will not abide it – your father, Hereres, has ever favored them, and will halt you from your recompense. They will never reach the halls of your father.You watch as Pheronactes flails at the reins, but his technique is poor – his pacing sloppy. You are gaining! Pylenios, standing beside him, spins about, his face a mask of terror, and watch as he arms himself with bow and arrow. His first several shots are completely wide – firing backwards, he has no sense of the terrain – the chariot’s vibrations interfering with his aim. As you draw closer, you watch as he carefully measures out his shot, and lets fly an arrow aimed at your breast! Before you have time to flinch, a massive arm bearing a shield sweeps before you and scatters the arrow to the side – you only barely manage to right the chariot’s crazy tilting, as Hippomedon settles on his heels besides you. You meet the eye of the bearded giant beside you, and he grimly shouts over the noise of the hoofbeats and whinnies, “An unpleasant business, murder between brothers! Let us be done with this as swiftly as we can!” He spits to the side in disgust.“Bring me closer, Podageus! Let me bring them down!” Hippomedon bends low for a moment, and fumbles at his feet. He rises once more with a handful of bronze-tipped spears, and grinning blackly, you scream to your brothers, “You cannot outrun us! Turn about now and we shall spare you!” In response, Pheronactes wails with grief and whips ever more frantically at your prized steeds. It will not be enough.>give me two dice+d20+5, as Podageus is an expert chariot racer and is attempting to close the gap to his brothers.
Rolled 20 + 5 (1d20 + 5)>>5661652
>>5661655Fuck, Podageus is unchained lads
Rolled 18 + 55 (1d20 + 55)>>5661652Can't beat that roll, still.
>>5661657You didn't see an extra 5 nuh uh
>12 vs 25 – significant victory!Your brother’s steeds are tiring – in their inexperience, they have pushed the horses too hard over the hills, for too little benefit. Even in your rage, you were careful to preserve your own horses' strength, letting up on the reins as you crested the hills and pushing them forwards again when the paths descended from the hilltops. Your hands grip the reins with intensity, and your legs thrum with the effort of remaining standing in the chariot, as it bounds over the rocky path. Already, you can taste the coppery tang of blood in your mouth, and your mane of black hairs flies out behind you given your great speed.You steadily gain upon your brother’s chariot, and before Hippomedon has a chance to throw his spear, you cast a hand aside to his shoulder, yelling, “Wait! We will approach them by the side!” Hippomedon’s eyes are cold – he shares none of your volcanic anger, but his displeasure is clearly marked nonetheless. He does not speak, but nods, and adopts a crouching posture, couching his spear with a viselike grip and holding his shield steady before himself. Your brothers, idiots as they are, do not grasp their danger until it is far too late. Pylenios, watching you approach, seems to believe that your approach serves him as well, and does not fire upon you with his bow – he clearly aims to strike at you or Hippomedon from the closest range possible. With the passing of only a few breaths, your chariot streams past your brother’s, and at the critical moment, Hippomedon thrusts forward with his spear into the wheel of the chariot. The crack of splintering wood reports loudly, and shards of the chariot wheel flash out in all directions, as the chariot itself violently rocks to its side. Pylenios is thrown off entirely, screaming in terror, managing to keep his bow in his grasp. Your head whips about as you track his position as he tumbles to the grassy earth, even as you fiercely draw back on the reins to arrest your progress. As the wheels stutter and skid to a stop, you launch out of the chariot holding one of Hippomedon’s spears, unarmored – you hadn’t the time to properly outfit yourself at the beginning of this chase. Hippomedon does the same, although as is typical, bears his shield emblazoned with Typhon, the terrible giant, spawn of Gaia and Tartarus. You and he glance at one another, hardly friends, but now partners in this mission of vengeance. In the distance, you see Pylenios stand falteringly, his bow in hand. Hippomedon charges off after him without a second thought, again holding his shield before himself. His footsteps are heavy and thunderous, but propel him forwards rapidly, a boulder come alive.You, in turn, spin to face your youngest brother, Pheronactes – most alike to you in physique and build, he is armed only with a xiphos – a short sword. You prowl forwards and you see the terror in his eyes – he knows that he is overmatched…
Rolled 17, 8 + 1 = 26 (2d20 + 1)>>5661695Okay, I think we'll need some rolling here, I'm basically interpreting the combat system that Homer developed as follows. I'm a noob trying to understand Homer's system, so bear with me:>Podageus and his brother Pheronactes are squaring off in melee combat, so we'll need to roll for initiative. This is an AGI vs AGI battle.I need three dice+1d20 for Podageus's initiative, Podageus basically has a significant reach advantage against his brother given that he has a spear. I'll be rolling for Pheronactes...>Simultaneously, Hippomedon is charging Pylenios, with his shield raised. Pylenios gets a single ranged attack on Hippomedon before they close to melee range.I need two dice+2d20+5 (for Pylenios' half-assed shot against Hippomedon), and then an additional dice+3d20+6 for Hippomedon's blocking.
>>5661702Shit, I meant "give me two rolls of dice+1d20+5 for Pylenios' archery attack" and then "give me three rolls of dice+1d20+6" for Hippomedon's blocking. It's late, apologies all.
Rolled 7 + 5 (1d20 + 5)>>5661702
Rolled 18 + 5 (1d20 + 5)>>5661702
I might be half remembering the pdf from the last thread, but wasn’t sword users fighting spear suffer from a -2 modifier to rolls?
Rolled 15 + 6 (1d20 + 6)>>5661702Today has been a busy day. Good thing papa cannot die here.
Rolled 18 + 6 (1d20 + 6)>>5661702
Rolled 7 + 6 (1d20 + 6)>>5661702
Rolled 8 (1d20)>>5661702> dice+1d20 for Podageus's initiative
Alright, to summarize this hodge-podge...>>5661755You are completely correct, anon - sword users have a -2 to-hit and a -2 to damage rolls against spearmen per Homer's posts at thread #2 start. Noted!>>5661712>>5661720Pheronactes initiative = 18 - 2 (sword penalty) = 16 >>5661956missingmissingPodageus initiative = [bold]I still need another two rolls of dice+1d20 rolls![/bold] >>5661825>>5661844Pylenios' Archery Attack = 23>>5661825>>5661844missingHippomedon's Shield Wall = [bold]I still need another roll of dice+1d20+6![/bold]----In retrospect, I should have probably called for these rolls independently. Thanks for your patience anons.
Rolled 10 (1d20)>>5661969
Rolled 20 (1d20)>>5661969
>>5662043Podageus is really being driven by his rage
Rolled 5 + 6 (1d20 + 6)>>5661969Bit surprised you had us roll the enemy’s archery
Wait, another anon rolled the third for hippo already. >>5661880
Thanks for rolling gents, I’ll have an update later tonight. Looks like Podageus and ox-shouldered Hippomedon are in great position to wreck the young brothers.
Rolled 19, 1, 15, 15 - 1 = 49 (4d20 - 1)Pheronactes initiative = 18 - 2 (sword penalty) = 16>>5661956>>5661974>>5662043Podageus initiative = 20Podageus wins initiative! >>5661712>>5661720Pylenios' Archery Attack = 23>>5661825>>5661844>>5661880Hippomedon's Shield Wall = 24Hippomedon marginally blocks arrow!-->Alright, now Podageus rolls to attack Pheronactes, this is another AGI vs AGI context. My first two rolls will be for Pheronactes dodging. I've deducted a -2 penalty to Pheronactes because he is spearless.>Hippomedon blocks the arrow from Pylenios (who is fumbling around with his xiphos atm) and charges to him directly, so Hippomedon auto-wins initiative. My second two rolls will be for Pylenios dodging (his spearless penalty and dodge bonus cancel out, so we'll ignore the -1 penalty).---I'll need two dice+1d20 rolls to determine Podageus's attack success.I will also need two dice+1d20+3 rolls to determine Hippomedon's attack success (he gets a +1 AGI bonus and a +2 spearmen ship bonus)
Rolled 11 (1d20)>>5662384
Rolled 18 (1d20)>>5662384I'm not one to usually roll but i woke up anyway
Rolled 18, 18 + 1 = 37 (2d20 + 1)>>5662387>>5662468>18 vs 18 - Podageus wins!Good work, lads. Podageus connects on his attack!Now I need another two rolls of dice+1d20+2 to beat Pheronactes' very desperate blocking.
Rolled 2 + 2 (1d20 + 2)>>5662491
Rolled 19 + 2 (1d20 + 2)>>5662491I just keep waking up tonight
Rolled 8 + 3 (1d20 + 3)>>5662384>two dice+1d20+3 rolls to determine Hippomedon's attack success
Wonder when the wound and hit comes into play
Rolled 8 (1d20)>>5662384
>>5662549>>5662555>21 vs 19 Damn, the brothers are not holding out on each other here. Podageus wins!Now I need a dice+1d5+2 to determine how much damage Podageus applies to Pheronactes.>>5662618Thanks for rolling but I still need two more dice+1d20+3 rolls for Hippo,edon's attack!
>>5662730Were >>5662618 and >>5662663 not the two rolls needed for Hippomedon’s attack?
>>5662752Eh, we do actually need one more roll of dice+1d20+3>>5662618this one counts (and I missed it previously, thank you anon)>>5662663This one does not (I have been throwing out rolls with incorrect modifiers)
Rolled 8 + 3 (1d20 + 3)>>5662753Go go hippo!
>>5662757>Three 8s in a rowReally is Nira and Nikon’s dad
>>5662757>>5662759>11 vs 15 - Hippomedon attack failureThanks anon, looks like Hippomedon’s bull rush fails against the nimbler Pylenios.Would you be willing to roll one dice+1d5+2 for Podageus attack damage?This would conclude round 1 of combat and I’ll write an update from there (whew, thanks for everyone’s patience, I’m hoping to develop competency in Homer’s combat system)
Rolled 3 + 2 (1d5 + 2)>>5662764Have you furloughed the wound rolls? I ask because armor and shield based on last thread’s equipment list seem to have an affect on wound rolls, +1 and +2 to them.
>>5662769No, I haven't forgotten about the armor bonus to wound rolls, but in this case, Podageus, Pheronactes and Pylenios are all totally unarmored given the nature of their flight from Phthia. Hippomedon has his family shield strapped on, but he isn't wearing his armor either (but his excellent shield does provide a good blocking bonus and a good wound-defense bonus).Let me know if you interpreted Homer's system differently though, we didn't actually get too many combat encounters with Nikandros in full arms and armor against an equally-equipped opponent. >Podageus deals 5 wounds to Pheronactes>Pheronactes now has 8/13 wounds and has a -4 debuff to all future STR/AGI rolls, if I interpreted Homer's system correctly.
>>5662779Actually I think the first 10% of damage doesn’t effect combat performance per Homer’s description of the Capaneus paternal trait in thread 1, so Pheronactes only has a -3 debuff to his STR and AGI.
>>5662779I appreciate you trying to use Homer’s system, but I feel the need to point out something:>13 health>base health at 10 con is 8>Nikon had 10 health at 14 con (+2)What are they feeding these guys? Does this man have 17 con for +5?
>>5662791Goddamnit, you’re right. Apologies all for my rookie QM failings, I probably shouldn’t post first thing in the morning. Thanks for your crosschecking anon.Pheronactes has a CON of 13, which translates to 9 wounds total, not 13.So anyways, Pheronactes now has 4/9 wounds, which again translates to a -4 debuff to STR and AGI.
>>5662813You are trying to reverse engineer Homer's system, so a few mistakes along the way are to be expected.
>>5662813It's alright. Through some fingaling, here's Homer's pdf from last thread with some of the combat mechanics
>>5662825That didn't work. So here's https://archived.moe/qst/thread/5610431/, you can just access the mechanics pdf from there.
>>5662828Let me tryThe addendum makes me think he was already tired since the beginning of the second thread
>>5662828Excellent, thanks.It’s a shame we never got to see combat between hostile phalanxes though, I got the sense that Homer had a system for this that we never saw utilized.
>>5662831tired of some anons complaining.Ok, enough gossiping behind his back.
Helios, sun of Hyperion, is driving across the highest point of the sky. The air is still and hot. Your mouth is dry, coated with dust of the roads of Thessaly, but you care for none of these things. Your eye are tightly focused on the blade of Pheronactes – a gift from your mutual father, Hereres, on his fourteenth birthday, and on his eyes – brown, and much like your own in appearance. You will soon see the life drain from them, and you will scream out in triumph as it happens. You have been carefully advancing, spear at the ready, stepping carefully – Pheronactes, perhaps lighter on his feet, has skittered this way and that, attempting to draw you out of your position. A futile effort, as you both well know. The seconds pass like hours, each of you preparing to do the necessary, unthinkable act of fratricide. Almost by chance, you wheel suddenly to the left, catching your brother between the side of the lamed chariot – just over his shoulder, you see Pylenios scream out in triumph as he looses an arrow at the neck of burly Hippomedon. You scarcely believe your eyes as Hippomedon’s shield flashes upward and by the narrowest of margins, glances the arrow wildly off the side. Hippomedon, silent as the grave, with the thunder of a charging ox, continues his sprint without pause, his strides leaving huge plumes of dust in his wake! With Pheronactes’ back to the chariot, now is your time to strike! You leap forward, and to your glee, your spear licks out even faster than Pheronactes, quick as a snake, can dodge, and your bronze-tipped spear sinks deeply in his side, even as he desperately falls backward. Your thrust pushes him against the car of his chariot, but he rebounds, wrenching himself apart from your spear-tip and stumbling to the side. He cries out in rage and fear, screaming – “You deserve nothing, Podageus! You will gamble us into poverty!”. Already, you see the spoils of your labor blooming through his dusty cloak – the black blood of a deep wound spilling freely. >Podageus wounds Pheronactes for 5 damage! You hear another triumphant shout from Pylenios and dare a glimpse over your right shoulder – Hippomedon has stumbled off the path, and Pylenios has already thrown aside his bow in favor of drawing his xiphos – clearly, your compatriot’s rush was avoided by your most agile brother. Even as you watch, the giant Hippomedon begins to turn about, as Pylenios springs into the air, sailing aloft, and holding his xiphos over his head in a two-handed grip!>Hippomedon boffs his charge on Pylenios, triggering auto counterattack by Pylenios!Turning your attentions back to Pheronactes, your mouth splits in an ugly grin – “You cannot outrun me now. You should have dared to murder me personally in Phthia, instead of hiring an incompetent Aithiopian.” Pheronactes spits back – “I will kill you here and now!” – but you sense that even he does not believe it, his face growing pale with weakness.
Rolled 18, 17, 14, 4 = 53 (4d20)>>5662975Per Homer's previous system, a melee round that ends in damage dealt, requires a new initiative round to be rolled. Normally, enemy combatants would have to roll for morale loss and so forth, but Pheronactes is deadset on killing Podageus and will not flee. Pheronactes is now at 4/9 health, and is rolling with a -4 STAT penalty to STR and AGI. His new STR and AGI values are 8 and 8, which means he will be rolling for initiative with a -1 penalty. My first two d20s are for Pheronactes' initiative. I'll apply his -1 penalty manually.>I need two rolls of dice+1d20's for Podageus' initiative!Pylenios is now counterattacking Hippomedon due to Hippomedon's failed melee attack roll. He is attacking with a xiphos against spear-wielding Hippomedon, which means that he has a -2 sword penalty. His total attack bonus is -1. My second two d20s are for Pylenios' to-hit and I'll apply his penalty manually. >I need two rolls of dice+1d20+1 for Hippomedon's dodge.
Rolled 4 + 1 (1d20 + 1)>>5662983
Rolled 3 (1d20)>>5662983
Rolled 12 + 1 (1d20 + 1)>>5662983These damn rats.
>>5662983Lesches, I think that this line from Homer from the first thread bear some significance on how injury works.>Here's how stat degradation works. You get a malus to your roll equal to the percentage under 90% health you're at- 60% in this case. That times ten is the malus you receive, equaling six in this case. No, it does not pay to fight on when you're badly wounded. Unless you're descended from Capaneus.Seems its a straight up malus rather than a stat debuff
>>5662990Doing some quick maths:8/9 = .88 = 90%4/9 = .44 = 40%-50% * 10 = -5 malus for Pheronactes, and if we include the sword penalty of -2, that's a -7 debuff.All the more reason why Nira should never get into a fight
Hot damn, this system is brutal.
>>5663009It is a system by which you either get out of dodge or someone suplexes you onto a bed of glowing hot railroad spikes. There is no in between.
>>5663010Or you can throw rocks from a distance, as Athos inteded.
>>5663010>There is no in between.Considering that Student of Chiron gave +4 to basically every weapon, shielding, and dodging it puts into perspective how terrifyingly strong some characters are. It seems even with just a bit of strength combined with weapon skills can shear off a huge chunk of health, even with a bad weapon roll. And we didn't even get to see what magical weapons and armors could be capable of.
>>5662990>>5663008>>5663009Thanks for clarifying and calculating, friendly anon. In some ways, this wound debuff system is less complicated than moving up and down the STAT bonuses chart, honestly.I won't reroll for Pheronactes' initiative, I'll just apply the -5 malus to his best roll of 18, leaving his +1 AGI bonus intact = 14. I feel that it doesn't make sense for me to apply the -2 sword penalty for initiative though. Intuitively, holding a sword vs a spear shouldn't change your reflex speed (although I could be persuaded).>>5662984>>5662989Hippomedon's dodging = 13. Pylenios rolls a 14-2 = 12 and whiffs his insane xiphos leap attack (lol, moron).>>5662985missing>I still need a dice+1d20 for Podageus' initiative!
Rolled 12 (1d20)>>5663026
Rolled 19 (1d20)>>5663026
>>5663026>I feel that it doesn't make sense for me to apply the -2 sword penalty for initiative thoughSounds reasonable, was just assuming due to this post >>5662384, but I think you might've been tired then. This brother is dying anyways.
Thinking on it, if the guy manages to get a hit in would the malus be great enough that no damage is done? It sorta makes sense in that, you lost all this blood so you can't hit as hard.
>>5663034Ultimately I think Homer intended this to be a feature of the system. He did reference retreating as a viable option and I understand better why that might be recommended going through this combat as a QM.If you get fucked up on the first turn, it would almost always be better to flee the field than risk fighting with the malus, unless you have Fresh Olympian Blood, of course.
>>5663056He might have had also a retreating system in mind for big combats where a lot of allies/mooks can jump in and shield/carry the wounded.I mean the worst of the armies melee was always right after someone had to be retrieved almost like when these protagonists fight the rest is just on the sidelines or otherwise cut down like wheat.
>>5663056Or if you are a son of Chadaneus.
Rolled 2, 16 - 6 = 12 (2d20 - 6)>>5663026Round 2 of Hippomedon/Pylenios combat has resolved as a Pylenios miss. Sort of a comedy of errors down there...>>5662985>>5663028>14 vs 12 Podageus loses initiative to Pheronactes. Pheronactes now rolls to attack! He's rolling at a negative -6 malus (+1 from baseline AGI bonus, -5 malus due to 4/9 health, -2 sword malus).I'll need two rolls of dice+2d20+1 for Podageus' blocking technique! Once we resolve this, I'll be able write the update.
>>5663172>blocking Correction, I meant dodging. My post is otherwise correct though, i believe
Rolled 1 + 1 (1d20 + 1)>>5663172
Rolled 15 + 1 (1d20 + 1)>>5663172
>>5663176It seems the bad luck is infectious.What is this a double fumble but podageus slips on his ass?I feel hippomedon may have to come and save the day
>>5663197>currently writing, should be out momentarily>>5663197No crits in Total War Quest unless you are dealing with the divine, my friend. So Podageus' 15 handily beats Pheronactes' 10 for a successful dodge.>>5663172>>5663175I actually did fuck up the rolls here - Podageus doesn't get a +1 bonus to dodging, but it doesn't change the outcome anyways. I swear I'm getting better at this guys.
