Meanwhile, your diary according to Peony:

> Mechanical bird has been completed! Martha would be so happy.
> Later this afternoon is the Parade Reception. You've decided to invite the Reds and Whites so far.
> Tomorrow is the meeting at the Lake Lodge.
> Then you have three or four free days before the Convocation meeting (Peony scribbles RESEARCH in the margin)

aw yeah, i've been waiting for this, thought you guys had started three hours ago.

>>19001485

Was going to, then fell asleep. Aren't fevers fun?

Also, man, the wiki has so many links need filling in.

We were going to talk about how we are going to be making money.

We could draft that dispensation now, actually (maybe even write it in Hillmanese too). What does it involve (what sense of the word are we using)? On that note, can we get a brief rundown on slavery? It's more like Roman slavery than American slavery, right? People sell their children into slavery in hopes they would somehow rise up?

Aside from that, we could speculate about the nature of the convocation split. There was some speculation last thread which we could revisit, but that I don't want to post again.

>>19001391
>If talk, feel free to talk about anything. It's Peony.

Ask Peony what she enjoys doing in the 10 or 15 minutes per day when she isn't working.

>>19001640
I can't into grammar.

What I meant to >imply
is that slavery is a method of social advancement for the very lower classes.

>>19001640

The dispensation should be in Standard Imperial; it's supposed to be from the Palace. And it's meant to be quite simple; basically an approval for someone to bring his wares into the city once, toll-free. (The city is full of tolls, that's how it makes its money).

As for slavery, yes it's more like Roman than American. Prisoners of war mostly become slaves, and children are sold into slavery as well, and most slaves must be slaves for a given period, often at least three and up to twenty years. But they are allowed to hold limited amounts of property, and manumission is very common.

>>19001675

'Eh?' Peony looks surprised, and sinks into thought, as if trying to remember not working. 'Well... I guess I do like the library, sir. And I've been meaning to pick up some musical instrument, but...'

You feel a twinge of irrational worry, as if she's said she intended to pursue a musical career. That'd be a terrible loss to you, not having Peony about...

> What do/say? More on the Convocation later.

>>19001720
The library is marvellous, I've been meaning to expand my own. Any recommendations?

>>19001720
"Better not. You'd probably excel at it, make a career as a musican and I'd have to hire at least 4 people to replace you."

You ask about the Convocation and the splits within it, and just as Peony is about to answer, Rose comes back with another letter. It's from a merchant named Sadisag, requesting your invitation for the reception you are throwing. Wow, that was subtle.

'Sadisag, sir?' Peony looks at the letter. 'He's one of the major Localists - powerful family, runs several mills and owns ships.'

She then starts to explain the way the Convocation has split since the last twenty years or so. On one side there are the Localists, many of whose families have been present in Margade since before the war, and who founded the Convocation as a means to preserving the city's independence. They are determined not to extend this independence to the bloody foreigners.

On the other hand, there are the foreigners themselves, who are trying to do the exact opposite - secure for themselves greater representation within the Convocation. 'One has to say,' Peony says, 'after all Margade has become very rich recently due to all the money they've brought in. The foreigners have done admirably well.'

There is also word of other sorts of factions, but Peony is not so clear about that. Well, that's why she wrote RESEARCH on the paper...

> What do/say? Also, start drafting dispensation now?

Let's work on the dispensation. Make it a nice, formal, impressive sounding one. That'd impress the Hillmen too, which is always nice.

We can't very well have Sadisag in this meeting, since it was arranged with Naimir (who is a foreigner). Neither of them would be able to tell us anything of value... or the whole thing would degrade into a yelling match.

God, the whole thing got around, didn't it.

I would LIKE for Adrian to meet with all the sides and get a good picture (since at this point, we could be used as a tool by any of them), but Sadisag is not coming to this one. This goes for the Blues as well. Yes, they've been villainized, but we should at least make a good faith effort to not do the same.

I'm not really one for starting a major conflict in the town... at least not until we would come out the clear winner.

>>19001852
Clearly I have my formal events mixed up.

If we're inviting the Reds and Whites to today's reception, maybe Sadisag can come as well.

I don't want to refuse him, but I don't see if inviting him will be detrimental to the Reception as a whole.

If we're going for broke, we could invite the Blues as well.

>>19001747
>>19001788
>>19001822

Your library isn't all that large, so it's likely Peony's read most or all of it already. 'I've been considering expanding the library; it'd be more scholarly wouldn't it? Any recommendations?'

Peony thinks about that. 'Well, sir, there are certainly texts that could be purchased in the Capital. It's a bit sad that Margade hasn't got a good place for buying books... come think of it, the best way of expanding a collection of books is probably via patronage, when writers come to write new works. That'd make the library unique, and something to emulate.'

That sounds nice... then again, you know how the Royal House feels in general about scholars and writers, especially after that case twenty years ago. It was always dubious to suppose the scholars were planning a coup, but nobles don't forget such things easily...

You also try to dissuade Peony from a musical career, whereupon Linden, who's also come back from the Reds with a request for invitation, chuckles. 'Nothing to worry about, sir. Peony's singing would make birds fall off trees. And I'm not talking melodic beauty here.'

Peony's death glare is priceless. Meanwhile, you ask for paper and pen and start writing the dispensation. It's not particularly hard, you reckon... you could offer to do more of this kind of work, really.

As for Sadisag, you tell Peony not to respond. Or at least to respond with a 'maybe another day' sort of statement. That might still piss them off, though, come think of it...

> What do? Come think of it, you could probably leave the place now if you really wanted to. The chariots are coming in, troops are marching about, and it's seriously warm.

>>19001910
Ask them about the nature of the Reception. I was under the impression is was
a) the same as our meeting with Naimir
b) something more private

but it is neither of those, so maybe it's OK to invite him?

And we already invited the Reds, didn't we?

If we invite a bunch of different sides of the conflict, they should hopefully have enough sense not to go full retard, and maybe we could get a sense of what their conflict is about.

See if there's ANY common ground between them, or something.

>>19001910
We should probably invite Sadisag to the event. But making him sweat for a bit to make it clear to everyone that we aren't to be jerked around is fine. We're already inviting the Reds and the Whites to talk to so having him shouldn't matter too much. We'll chat with Naimir and some other foreign merchants tomorrow at the Lake lodge.

We're going to want to set up our position as non-partisan, the city's welfare being our primary concern and not a tool for anyone.

We should find some time to have a meeting with the blues to avoid looking like we're favoring the reds and whites too much, but having them at the same meeting might lead to fist fights in public.

Sadly we should probably not leave, there's quite a lot going on here other than the races.

>>19001964
Pretty much agree with this. We might have to schedule a time tomorrow morning to meet with the Blues.

Maybe they can come to the Reception too, depending on the nature of the reception. It would also send a huge message to the Reds and Whites that we are not favoring them... or that we are attempting to look nonpartisan while favoring them anyway!

Man, all this politics is full of doublethink.

>>19001953
>>19001964

Yeah, clarification's probably needed.

The Reception is something that the Prince's family members - that's you and your little brother, and the Premier Earl - will give after the Parade. It's there to reward the prowess and might of the soldiers, and the dignity of the spectators.

You have invited the Reds, and the Whites and Sadisag are pending. Naimir, meanwhile, has also sent a request for an invitation. Ah, this will be bloody much fun.

When you ask Peony about inviting Sadisag, she looks at the letter from Naimir. 'This is tough... if you're inviting that man, sir, best not to invite Sadisag. And best not to even let either know that you were thinking about inviting the other.'

Looks like it's a matter of choice, then. It is true you're meeting Naimir tomorrow, so maybe you could meet with Sadisag today and it wouldn't be a problem?

Also, as for the Blues, they haven't sent a request. Peony did a little probing and found out why; your Fourth Brother invited them before the parade even started. That is really very very subtle, little brother. Sometimes you're glad that when you turned 15, Baseg's firm advice was for you to sit tight, accumulate money, and stay out of arguments. Imian hasn't had that sort of advice, clearly.

You may also invite other people to the party unsolicited, actually. There are minor nobles here, and some representatives from all the Houses. There are also other merchants, temple priests, guild leaders and the like.

> What do/say?

Doublethink is great, though. Unsubtlety like our brother will get us in trouble.

We should probably meet up with the Blues some other day, after tomorrow. Tomorrow we will probably find out what exactly Naimir's bunch want, then we'll have a handle on things.

Somehow think that today we should just kinda relax. Get the Reds and Whites, talk about their concerns, network a bit, then chill. Do research, too.

>>19002024
We'll talk with Naimir tomorrow and Sadisag today. We're trying to avoid overly favoring one party, get what we can out of them, and avoid them going to fucking war in the middle of the city.

Don't really bother with the temple priests, that's more of Imian's territory and trying to grab them in such an unsubtle manner would be crass.

What important guilds are there that we could invite? It might be a good idea to get to know them better and they could be good sources for money.

Meet with Sadisag today, send a declination to Naimir saying something like "unfortunately blah blah blah, hope you haven't forgotten about our meeting tomorrow."

Probably invite the Whites as well, and a few merchants and nobles, to cover our tracks a bit, or confuse people.

This isn't coming from our money, after all.

>>19002091

Guilds-wise, the Shipwrights are the largest industry here, followed by the Weavers and Masons. There is also a considerable presence of metalworkers.

Margade is a city that's very developed economically, but without much by the way of culture. There are a few luthiers, and some entertainers' guilds, but those are relatively small. (By culture one means rather... higher culture, as opposed to dancing and sex; those are in abundance, as you well know.)

>>19002137
Well, inviting some of the major guild leaders seems like a good plan. Where exactly does the distinction lie between the Weaver/Mason guilds and the Whites and the Shipwrights and the Blues/Reds/Greens?

We'll want to someone from those three important ones and someone from the metalworkers. We're focusing on the future economy of the city, I think all the guilds want to be involved there.

>>19002075
>>19002091
>>19002111

You decide not to invite Naimir, and instead to invite Sadisag. Localists today, foreigners tomorrow... Rose comes back from Sadisag with a small box holding a silver ring, with a garnet set in it, as a gift.

> Get: Garnet-set silver ring

Meanwhile, Sadereg, your new gate-guest, comes back from outside and tells you there's an absolutely enormous crowd outside now. It's like the whole of Margade has turned up at the Palace Gate to watch the processions. 'Security is going to be a nightmare,' he says, ever the military man.

As for the guilds, these days there really isn't much difference. The guilds do help to set prices, but then that process is also heavily influenced by the cooperatives. Nonetheless, the cooperatives keep them in place because technically they have no legal status - the Prince's court recognises the guilds, which are legit, but not the Reds or Whites. It's a weird situation, blame the war.

Nonetheless, you invite one emissary from each guild, and then sit back. Well, your dispensation's also finished, and Peony's had it dried and stored in her pocket. That's work done for now, then.

Invitation List:

> Red emissaries
> White emissaries
> Sadisag, Localist Merchant
> Emissaries from Shipwright, Mason, Weaver and Metalsmith Guilds

Also, you turn and see Orchid, sitting in position and rocking from side to side. Someone else is bored.

> What do/say?

>>19002287
Ask Orchid if she'd like to go practice archery with you.

Also, when you ask when the thing will be over, Peony shrugs and says probably around noon.

You look up at the sky... there's probably about two hours left to go. Also, you notice that all the banners fringing the court have been replaced with solid blue banners. Since Imian is in charge of that detail, you guess you can tell whom he favours now... if that wasn't already clear.

>>19002287
Ok we have most of what we wanted from this pretty well in hand, however leaving in the middle of it would probably be construed as rude.

Given that we don't care that much about the race we can relax for a bit with our maids, make dirty jokes in foreign languages and drink some tea.

Also mental note to check with the Masons about the secretive project #4 is building.

>>19002345
Dear god that kid needs to learn some subtlety. I mean really, giant blue banners.

>>19002370
> Also mental note to check with the Masons about the secretive project #4 is building.

Dear god, this.

sorry for slowpoke, but I just noticed the thread.

>>19001910
>It's a bit sad that Margade hasn't got a good place for buying books...

I smell the opportunity for profit if we can be cautious and subtle about this.
If we can get contacts in other, more culturally-oriented cities we could open up quite a market for books here.
As long as we keep it low key enough not to get yelled at for it by those who aren't realy into the whole culture thing.

>>19002329
>>19002370
>>19002388

You lean over to Orchid and ask her about archery. She looks at you. 'Certainly, sir! Wait, now?'

'Nah, not now. But maybe later.' You pat her back, and she smiles like a happy kitten. You relax a little, and look around, to see that the gift giving has now degenerated into people bringing large trays of wine and tea around the whole stand, just distributing them to whoever wants a drink. You're glad you're sitting up here, in the-

'Your lordship?'

What the hell? You turn, and see it's a servant boy. 'Speak.'

'I have been ordered to bring this from my mistress, sir.' He passes you a letter, and you open it. Huh. It's a poem from the Upper Anthology, a short love poem at that.

You dismiss him, but not before finding out that the mistress is someone from the city who does not wish to be known. Doesn't sound like someone noble-born, for some reason. That's interesting.

Putting that aside for a bit, you turn and joke around about the blue banners and the bells hanging from the canopies of each chariot, before realising Orchid and Lilac don't speak so many languages. Neither does Amaryllis, come think of it.

So normal, Imperial joking it is. At some point, you look down at the stands and see some young men from the cooperative pairing off with maidservants and leaving the stands. That'd be a perfect spying set-up. Just then you feel Orchid bump against your arm.

> What do/say?

If I recall, we need to draft a formal invitation for Amyrillis's poet/scholar father to come visit us. At the same time we could get some info on importing books and see if he would be willing to write any of his works down to stick in our library.

But in all honesty, I don't think reselling books is going to make us wealthy. Especially with the disdain people show for learning here. I think we could do better with other enterprises.

>>19002434
I'm sure there are plenty of people who are looking for good ways to get proper books here, our 1st brother included. For something like these we'd probably want to start by talking to Amaryllis' father and seeing who he knows.

>>19002482
Well keep the love poem in mind, it's from someone at least reasonably educated given that they know the upper anthology, but not noble. Interesting.

Turn to look at orchid, inquire as to how she's doing.

>>19002495
The point of it really isn't to make money, we have other ventures for that. However there are a number of nobles and probably some high ranking merchants, who are interested in getting some proper, cultured and varied literature and find it difficult to do so. We facilitate them, they facilitate us.

>>19002482
Ugh, we really need to work on getting prostitute-spies set up. Oh well, nothing to be done about it now.

Ask Lavender what trading cartels were popular around the castle her father stays at, and if she noticed any trends... say, local merchants being pushed out by foreigners, or vice-versa.

>>19002495
Wealthy? No, but we might turn this into a source of steady profit and these tend to stack up.
It also has the potential to open doors into the high societies of cities/countries that maintain a higher level of sofistication than we do.

With all the maidservants running about, now might be a good time to send our stealthiest maidservant (Peony probably? Maybe Rose...) to follow that boy back, unobtrusively.

>>19002538
>>19002434
>>19002495
>>19002521
>>19002549

You turn and ask Amaryllis about inviting her father, and she nods. 'Definitely, sir. I'll just go tell him.'

'No, no, that won't do. I'll write you a proper letter, and then you can pass it to him. That'd be much more proper.'

Amaryllis smiles at that, looking slightly surprised. 'If only there were more leaders like you to bring scholars into the city! That would change the climate here for the better. Margade is a great city, and my father thinks so too, but it's not a very... good city.'

Yeah, you can understand how that is. Meanwhile, you see Orchid is nodding off. You nudge her, and she apologises and pours another cup of tea for you. In doing so she leans into you, and nearly pokes you in the eye with one of her hairpins.

> More incoming.

>>19002482
Return a message with a suitable reply for the poem. Something romantic as well, perhaps with a flair for mystery? Something showing that we are open to a conversation and would like to exchange more letters.

As for prostitute-spies, Ula is still in your apartment, waiting to be set up. Would you like Peony to go and look for spies? You ask, and she scratches her chin in her usual thinking gesture. 'I know this might sound decadent and that you would definitely disapprove, sir, but maybe you should go look yourself? I could look out for businesses that seem to be tottering, though, and for interesting news from the Cove Market if you'd like.'

Or maybe Ula's friends will do. She worked the Cove Market, after all.

Lavender thinks about the question, and then says that the chief problem at Duhiki was that of overlapping authority. 'Merchants... we didn't really do much about them. There's many merchants travelling both ways, to and from Margade, of course. But one issue we did have a lot of was that the Four Earls, or His Majesty's Court itself, would sometimes send us orders, and my father had a lot of trouble figuring out what to do sometimes.'

Well, it's no surprise that the royal court is trying to reclaim prerogatives. You still haven't thought much about the King, and his relationship to your father. After all, your father has technically more right to the throne than the King right now...

> What do/say/think?

>>19002613
>>19002574

You tell Rose to follow the boy, and after a while she returns. 'It's... one of the merchant families, sir. I'm not sure which family it is...' she describes their crest.

'Oh. Bagita.' Peony thinks about it for a while. 'Do they even have marriageable girls? I remember dad saying that their house leader was boasting about how he got six granddaughters and managed to get all of them married off profitably.'

Huh. That's intriguing. You won't be able to send a reply, though, without alerting people that you know, so you leave it at that for now.

>>19002615
Think about how the king's prerogatives should, perhaps, belong to our family... and of course the most worthy among our family is us ourselves. But that for now, that's an idle pipe-dream and we have more important things to worry about for the moment. But we should be vaguely unsatisfied with our current rank, high though it is.

>disdain for learning
>largely religious
>partisan splits among color-lines
>guy in charge doing nothing
It probably isn't intentional, but I'm getting some huge MURRICA vibes from this.

>rabu retaa
is someone trying to court us? Or is it a set up for some assassination or something? Maybe it's code for something? Or a well-wisher from the city? Man, who knows, at this point, it's probably not important, but good to keep in mind.

>>19002638
We should keep in mind that an anonymous love letter might not /per-se/ be from an unmarried woman, and take that into consideration when we are thinking about who sent it.

We need an in with the monks/religious orders. Can't let our bro get a monopoly there.

My paranoia tells me that the love letter is a trap of some sort.
Do not respond, pretend that we don't know anything about who sent it.

>>19002615
>>19002638
So we have something going on here, a bastard daughter perhaps or a widow, or a married woman who is attracted to our charm.

Honestly we're not really that miffed that our father isn't king, being a prince would be nice but Earl is pretty high up, and our father wouldn't make all that great a King anyways. We don't hate him, he's our father but we have some serious points of contention between us and don't see eye to eye on a lot of things.

Have Peony keep us updated on any failing businesses, people at rock bottom and interesting news, we need to start building

Make a note to talk to Ula, bring oranges, and see if she has any friends looking for a job.

>>19002642

You think about this, very privately. And then think about recruiting prostitute spies personally from the Cove Market. Peony has the best ideas, doesn't she just?

>>19002677
>>19002685

This might be the wise course. You know you don't need to recognise marriage bonds, since you are a bleedin' noble; then again, why create more bad blood?

Then again again, creating bad blood is pretty much par for the course for a politician...

Meanwhile, you consider the temples. You're not too sure about any of them, but you could always ask Imian. You tell more dirty jokes to your girls, and enjoy watching their reactions. Peony, as usual, is businesslike; Linden laughs aloud, as does Amaryllis to your surprise. Rose looks a bit embarrassed, and Orchid and Lavender look seriously embarrassed. Must be new here. Oh wait, they actually are...

Meanwhile, you agree to Peony's plan. Roll d100 for that. The message to Ula is being sent. You also notice that the attention of the crowd continues to wane, and your stand is an uncomfortably good vantage point to watch people making out when they should be watching the parade. Well, when one says uncomfortable... that woman there is quite hot, and you do hope that's her husband...

> What do/say?

Once all is said and done, I don't think there much left to be done here.
...
Did we have somewhere to be after this?

>>19002714
No, it's fine that our Father isn't king. He wouldn't be terribly good at it anyway. But still an Earl is just not quite where we picture ourselves ten to fifteen years from now....

rolled 82 = 82

>>19002757
Rolling.

Should we be joining in on the uh... bacchanalia?

>>19002769
Forget father, do 'we' want to be king?

Also, the main implication of 'your house could be king' is really, yes, that 'you could be Crown Prince'. Imagine *that*!

As for where you need to be after this, not in the afternoon. Evening is the reception, so it's up to you what you want to do. See Ula, or look for more gate-guests and invite them for lunch... even go see your father's gate-guests, come think of it.

>>19002789
Probably not worth it. Gaining a proper title of our own, on the other hand....

>>19002757
We should probably not start making out with our maidservants in public view, though some light flirting and people watching would be perfectly acceptable. Make sure to pay attention for if anyone important is joining in the festivities that way, may as well keep an eye on people.

>>19002789
it would be a terrible power and precedent upset. Don't see how we could reasonably pull it off, without raising an army or something of that scale.

But yes, it would be something we could dream about.

>>19002757
Take a glass of water, and have all of our attendants do the same... or some alcohol, if they prefer. I'm looking at you, Linden. This is a celebration, after all, plus we don't want them dehydrated and fainting in this heat. Orchid seems to be handling it badly, and Lavender being from a colder region might be having problems too. Make sure both of them take at least a glass of water.

Then we bide our time, lightly flirting with our gaggle of maids until the Ula's reply comes. We're going to need to go scout out houses of ill repute before long... Katesas might be a good bro to have come along for that one. He seems up on the more "festive" areas of the city.

>>19002804
Well, the first thing we should do after this is track down Martha, give her an empty box and tell her it's our gift to her, let her open it, then pull the bird out from behind our back.

After that see Ula, get that sorted and then see if we have extra time to do stuff.

Also being crown prince is nice, and king is a cool idea but it also would probably be a rather chaotic power transition and paint a neon target on our head. I'd prefer power without as much fame, something that can't be turned into a figure head and doesn't have people out for his blood all the time.

>>19002789
I think we can idly dream about it, but setting our sights on being a Prince seems to be -- for now -- a more realistic goal.

Once we've achieved that... well, then we will see the lay of the land from there. We might or might not want to progress higher, depending on a lot of things.

Did teahouse construction start already? We could spend some time on that.

After that, probably tell Sadereg about Metigo and Urigo's troubles. We wanted him to be their first bodyguard, after all.

I'd like to put my vote forward for a massive gang bang with all our attendants, back at the palace.

Yup.

>>19002857
I can get behind that.

>>19002840
I was thinking we could wait with the bird, for now.

It would be a nice way to get her to let us keep her servants, if we decide to. They are on loan, after all.

>>19002807
>>19002830
>>19002840

The cool water is refreshing - well it's not really water, it's more like very watered down liquor. But you let everyone else have a drink, and they seem rather more perked up now.

At length you sense the parade is finally winding down. You haven't been watching for the last hour, really, just talking shit with the maids. You draw up the letter to Amaryllis' dad after she tells you which poets he likes; this is going to leave a good impression. Amaryllis says she'll pass it to her dad straight after the parade.

Meanwhile Orchid leans towards you again, a little shyly. 'Sir, are we really going to practice archery later?'

'I'm good. You may come along, or I can ask someone else.'

She nods and smiles. 'That would be great, sir.' As you're about to continue talking to other people, though, you hear loud screaming and shouting from outside the gates. Your position above the din of the parade allows you to hear it more clearly, and you're not sure if anyone else below actually has.

> What do/say? Congratulations, you have reached the point where it is socially acceptable to leave the parade, without having your brain bleed out your ears. Another year, another raising of the boredom threshold.

>>19002857
>>19002880
Hilarious idea. Probably not so good in practice, especially since four of them just got here and Peony is still in the process of being brought over to the Adrian Side.

Plus: One is great fun, two can be a lot of fun, three or more just starts leaving people out and becoming pointless.

>>19002900

Send someone to check on the commotion while gathering your party to leave.

>>19002857

Let's be a bit more selective. Maybe Linden... Orchid, and one or two of the new girls?

Also, yes, talk to Sadereg about two things. Firstly, the merchants and their protection; secondly, whether he knows more good men for gate-guests. Let's expand our retinue aggressively now, money be damned.

>>19002915
> One is great fun, two can be a lot of fun, three or more just starts leaving people out and becoming pointless.

Only if you do it wrong.

>>19002900
Acquire sword. Investigate screaming with Sadereg, it could be nothing or it could be someone that needs help, and having a reputation of saving screaming young ladies from bad situations could be nice.

>>19002930
Seconded. Investigate the commotion.

>>19002900
Order maids to draw closer to us, guards to spread out a bit. Stand up and send a couple bodyguards to investigate what it is while we try to peer that way ourselves. Us standing and looking that way will probably draw other people to be curious about what is going on over there, but our guards will get there first, so we will know how to act appropriately to raise our status or -- at the very least-- get out of there before it is damaged.

> Consensus/Compromise: get the maids to pack up and go, then go with Sadereg to check out the commotion. Then go back to the residence for, well, serious work and NOTHING ELSE, ahem.

Is this acceptable? Also, roll d100.

rolled 41 = 41

>>19002970
That is acceptable, we want our maids who aren't built for fighting as far away from any commotion like this as possible.

My problem with this is more that we are assessing the new girls for long-term hires, and we're still in the stages of first impressions. Ordering them to bed with us is probably not a good idea, better to plink them all individually.

That said, tonight we could put the moves on... hmmm... Lavender perhaps? Invite her to tinker with us and escalate from there...

But overall I just consider MAID ORGY a silly idea at this point in time.

rolled 2 = 2

>>19002970
Sounds good.

rolled 66 = 66

>>19002970
Sounds good. And let's not do anything with our maids tonight. Just to spite that guy.

rolled 20 = 20

>>19002993
It wasn't a serious idea.

>>19002997
I have nothing against sleeping with a maid, especially one that we regularly sleep with, or Orchid who has the hots for us in a extreme fashion.

However Maid Orgy seems silly, and if we're planning on seducing the new hires lets do it over time rather than a first day thing.

rolled 4 = 4

>>19002970

Rolling. I think orgies are probably not the way to go either. Let's go with Orchid, or Lavender.

Also, we've been passive too long, personally; we need to start plotting the destruction of our rivals. So far I guess that means our second brother...

>>19002997

Spite which guy?

rolled 51 = 51

You stand up as Sadereg and a bodyguard come over. 'You hear that?'

'Yes, sir. Must be something gone wrong with the distributions.' Oh yeah, the distributions - normally days like these are days when extra rations are given to the poor and needy of the city. You know, official charity. But of course such things sometimes do turn ugly, since the poor and needy are often just so much trouble, aren't they...

You give instructions for the maids to pack up and go. 'Before the sun burns the lot of you into crackling, which would be very sad for me.' Then, with two bodyguards and Sadereg, you salute the Premier Earl in farewell and then go over to see what's happened.

It's pretty much as Sadereg says. The people must have run out of rice to give halfway through the dole; you look back round the back of the courtyard and can see messengers running around, probably asking for the locations of the grain carts. But meanwhile people are already beginning to throw rocks, and the captain of the guard is hollering for his men to prepare and nock arrows.

> What do/say? Blimey, this could get nasty.

>>19003094

Doh, following other peoples' quests. That's me.

If you'd like to start a new tinker project, by the way, that's perfectly fine too. The bird is properly stored away now, and you can give it to Martha any time.

>>19003094
Well we can't have arrows on peasant heads.

Take a stand and try to calm the crowd. Assure them more grain is coming, and you will personally oversee the remaining distributions so no one is cheated.

>>19003105
I'm in two others, so I don't blame you OP. By the way, loving psychic hobo quest.

>>19003094
Ok, riots are bad.

Find a high place where our voice carries. Tell them to be calmed, more grain in coming and that we will not leave until everyone last one of you is fed. All we ask is your patience, if you give us that we will ensure that you will all receive your fair due.

>>19003121

Thanks! Next session is tomorrow.

I've been developing a mythos for it now, and then now I realise it looks rather like CTL. Which is not a bad thing, I suppose...

> Waiting for more action suggestions, meanwhile.

Side question, our are our bodyguards paid by the palace or they are servants paid by us?

>and you will personally oversee the remaining distributions so no one is cheated.
Hell no. A promise like that could come back to bite us for reals. We have no idea what happened to the grain carts. Hell, they might have just flat out never been scheduled to come, then our word would be tarnished. Especially if this was Fourth's plan to cause a disturbance and take care of it.

A rioting crowd can't really be talked down by one dude. There's not much we can do here.

>>19003172
We can arrange for food purchased from store granaries or the like to be handed out, if the carts are a no show.

This could be our chance to become a true hero of the people.

Giving our word that the grain is coming and they will be fed is a bad fucking idea. Getting up there and telling them to be calm and that more grain is coming -- without making any promises -- might be an okay idea.

>>19003172

Actually, if this is the case, could we get Sadereg to go grab some grain from the royal treasury and fetch it? That would pre-empt Fourth brother, and it'd be hilarious to get back at him.

>>19003194
We've never been a hero of the people, though. And popular support is very fickle. I don't think we should rely on being populist, at all. This is an opportunity to help our image that might have been tarnished by the whore debacle, but we shouldn't be seen as peasant sympathizers. That will seriously hurt us in other areas, both the Convocation and with every single noble ever.

>>19003203
>>19003194

These sound hilarious. That is, if it's Fourth Brother's plan.

If it's not Fourth Brother's plan, then we just solved a problem for him. That might be a good thing...

>>19003203
Exactly. The smallfolk would love us for it, and the nobles will be owing us for defusing a potential shit-storm.

>>19003217
To add on to this; we should try to be seen as a strong leader who commands the peasants and makes sure things like riots and unrest does not happen, rather than some peasant-grubber.

>>19003217

Stopping a riot would hardly be a bad thing. It would impress a number of high placed men that we took charge and defused a tense situation.

"Never" discount the support of the people. It can be fickle at times, it can also see a man made a god.

Well, unanimous opinions first - you get the captain to put down the bows for now, there's no need to escalate by shooting a bunch of people on a festival.

Then you ask the captain about the grain. 'How many carts were brought in?'

'Ten, sir.'

'Ten! Just ten? Which idiot did the accounting?' You don't even need to be a grain merchant to figure that'd feed half of the crowd below, at least. Meanwhile more guards are coming out of the gate to reinforce their friends.

'I'm not sure, sir, but these were orders. I'm sure there's grain held in reserve somewhere, probably the West Granary. I've sent men to check.'

Bloody hell...

> What do?

>>19003256
"No, go and take as much grain as necessary out of the royal granaries. If anyone tries to stop you, tell them it's on the Third Earl's orders. Peony, go with him."

>>19003256
Secure any grain, and see it distributed. It is the only reasonable thing.

The crowd needs reassurance. Be a strong leader, and placate their fears. Even if its only for the short term.

White Knight Savior Of The People /tg/ Mode: ACTIVATE!

Seriously, though. We should keep the riot from escalating but we're a noble and shouldn't try to care too much. Riots are bad for nobles, merchants, and peasants all alike, and that's why we are taking care of this. That is the image we should try to project.

>>19003217

It's true that so far your behaviour has been rather more elitist than populist. Nothing wrong either way, of course. Curiously enough, though, you are quite popular with the people right now, though Imian probably about matches you.

The clever and the religious are better regarded, naturally, than the out of touch or the psychotic.

>>19003256
Have a set of guards escort Peony (if she is still around, if not send Baseg) to the granary with a token of our authority or some such. Get ten more carts. Enough to feed them, but no more.

Then get up on a cart and proclaim that we, the Third Earl of Mar, command them to stand down and we have ordered more grain to be brought for distribution.

>>19003275
Yes, because the peasants will take that well, being treated as just a nuisance to be dealt with. A riot can swift become a revolution if the powers that be don't treat the lower classes well.

>>19003275
We don't really care about the people, we just know it will put us in a politically beneficial position.

>>19003309
> command them to stand down

God no. Worst thing to do with an angry crowd is try to order them around. Talk to them, engage them, and placate them. Being overly aristocratic is a good way to get a brick in the face.

>>19003312
As long as they get their bread and wheat they will be content and not riot, especially since they are about to have a circus.

I'm not saying we should get up there and proclaim them filth who should bow down before our glory, but acting more authoritative than soothing will not only get better results; it will also look better in the eyes of our peers. A mob responds to leadership, not platitudes.

Then when the grain gets there we'll be a hero to both the people and the nobles... and also the merchants, who would have been hurt greatly by a food riot at this time.

>>19003312
>>19003271
>>19003274
>>19003275
>>19003313
>>19003312

> S... stupid populace! It's... not like I, um, c-care about your hunger! I-I just want to get you guys off my l-lawn! F-f-filthy city folk...

'For the Sun's sake,' you mutter, and take off your sash ornament to give to Peony. She already knows what you're going to say.

'West Granary, sir?'

'Yeah. You, captain, send a lieutenant to go with my attendant.'

'Oh, um, y-yes sir!'

You decide, for the moment, against actually announcing your presence, and simply have the captain yell orders at his troops. You have no attachment for a crowd, but spilling blood on the Palace gate on a holy day is pretty bad shit, and you want to make sure it does not happen.

As it turns out, your suspicions that the whole little kerfuffle was arranged turn out to be quite true. First Peony runs back with the lieutenant - a tall, straight-backed man with a long face - to tell you that twelve carts of grain (just in case) have been brought in. Moments after that, you hear a flourish of horns, as Imian gets up to the tower. 'Why, what's happening here? Bring in the grain! We can't have them starve here! Wait, Third brother?'

> What do/say?

>>19003366
"I've already taken care of it, little brother. Whoever does the accounting for this event deserves a good lashing." Give him a knowing look.

>>19003366
You are step too late, the grain is being brought as we speak. God knows how this cock-up happened, but I've taken the steps to fix it.

>>19003366
"Do not worry, brother! The people are fed and all is well, I have seen to it. Your mission of guarding the parade was an important one, so I am sure your tardiness in arriving here is of no consequence."

Make sure we're the ones who get credit here. He probably looks good riding in at the head of a bunch of honor guards... but he also probably looks, at this point, like a lesser leader than us despite that. This goes for all strata; noble, merchant, and peasant alike. Too little too late on his part, this day the glory is ours.

>>19003366

'Good day, brother. Whose idea was this to invite the city to an underprovisioned grain-giving?'

make note to light hartedly laugh a bit at our brother the next time we're with him privately and to tell him what he has planned next time so we don't ruin it for him. like a big brother not like an asshole, we don't need him hating us

>>19003366
Don't worry brother, I found that someone made a horrible mistake in requisitioning enough grain for the people of the city. I took immediate steps to rectify the situation, a riot in front of the palace on such a holy day as this would be be unacceptable. All is well, I took care of it.

Step up to a nice place to be heard from and placate the crowd by saying that we saw their plight and on a day such as this it was unacceptable for anyone to starve. Take charge and make the glory for solving the problem go to us.

In everyone else's eyes we just prevented a riot, thus placating the people, saving the merchants quite a lot of grief and keeping them from ruining the noble's fun. We did pretty damn good on this one.

>>19003398
>>19003436
>>19003444
>>19003453

You decide you will have to take credit for this first, so you immediately order the captain to announce the Third Earl's grain has arrived. He glances at Imian, then turns and yells it.

'Good of you to come, brother. It's just a small cock-up here... who organised this event, in any case?'

'I... am not sure,' Imian says, as he looks over the wall. He looks a little disappointed for a moment, but then starts yelling. 'People! Stand back! The Third Earl has brought grain, and the Fourth Earl has brought dried meat!'

What the... you hear the crowd cry out praise for both you and Imian. Peony looks studiedly neutral. It is then that you catch sight of Imian's chief attendant, his equivalent of Baseg or Peony - a man called Dumuran, whom you know once used to be a priest at a temple. Well, he would know about keeping people happy via throwing food at them!

> What do/say? Or just leave? A cool bath in the residence sounds like an idea.

Oh, also, speaking of the teahouse plan mentioned a while ago - yes, it's ongoing right now. Sadereg has given instructions to Baseg, which is why Baseg isn't around right now.

He's gone off with three slaves whom you have tentatively agreed to manumit. I mean, you will free them once they've finished building that teahouse, right? So they can run it as freemen and pass you the profits?

>>19003517
Invite Imian around for dinner, and leave some of your men to make sure the food is given out fairly.

>>19003544
Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.

>>19003546
Normally I would say this is a silly thing to do... but now that it has been announced that we brought the grain, we need to make sure people can see it being distributed and get some. We need to make SURE of that.

And if the meat just happens to not get distributed quite as well then we can hardly blame anyone for that can we....

>>19003517
Ask Imian if he'd like to talk, perhaps over a late lunch.

We can't invite him to dinner, everyone is busy with their own business during the Reception.

Make sure the grain gets distributed and that people know of our quick action. Maybe something about how while dried meat is nice grain is our daily bread, the more important of the two.

>>19003546
>>19003571
>>19003594

Dinner is going to be the reception. Imian is throwing his own, so no dinner with him tonight I fear. When you invite him for lunch, he says he has got guests as well; and the tone of his voice makes it quite clear he thinks they're important guests.

'Would tea do, Third Brother? It'd be nice to talk to you.'

'Well, that should be fine.' You leave Peony and a bodyguard to keep an eye on the grain distribution, and then head back with Sadereg. Oh, blessed shadow! And plants! You are going to need a cool, cold bath. Lilac and Ixora greet you at the entrance, and you look upstairs and see Lavender talking to Rose before they see you and scuttle away. Well, it's nice to see people getting along.

> What do/say?

>>19003658
Smile due to our household staff getting along. Talk some with Lilac and Ixora, ask Ixora how everything went while we were at the chariot races. Tell her that she really didn't miss anything interesting.

Acquire a maid, perhaps Orchid, and ask her to draw us a nice cool bath. We'll have tea with #4 once we're clean.

>>19003658
Have Lavender and Rose to tend you in the bath. Try to see what is going on between them. Its not necessarily suspicious, but I'm curious.

>>19003658
Settle down for tea and casually complement him that he seems to be quite on top of things, getting dried meat so quickly in response to the disturbance.

Segue into chariot talk and mention how we remember last year two charioteers collided when one couldn't see what the other was doing. It was tragic, and took one of them out of the race early. It's always best to avoid collisions, otherwise both participants could lose the race as a result.

>>19003731
Seconding Lavender and Rose. Let's see if we can overhear them whispering about anything, but don't pose any questions about what they were talking about. Just relax and bathe.

What happened to the sex? Let's get Linden and Lavender and Orchid to the bath with us.

More seriously, though, we should draw up a plan for that bookstore. Maybe even make it a plan to attract scholars to the city, and make it a more cultural place. That would earn us points with gate-guest candidates, I should think.

>>19003728
>>19003731
>>19003755

Oh yes, roll d100, sorry I forgot to mention it.

rolled 100 = 100

>>19003787
Ok, rolling a d100.

>>19003794
Fucking five star roll my friend.

Just saw the thread, partway down into it, but I'm inclined to say this immediately:

>STOP TRYING TO MAKE THIS A FUCKING WAIFU QUEST

Certain of you are doing it, you know who you are. You want a waifu quest about maids and shit, there are plenty of those already, go join one. This is literally the first quest to pull off political maneuvering with skill; it is too precious and enjoyable for that reason to let it become a mere fapfiction by some people with a maid fetish.

>>19003855
A nobleman bachelor that *doesn't* fuck his maids is either a homosexual or hiding something.

A certain amount of fucking is necessary to maintain appearances.

>>19003855
I agree. It would probably help eliminate that kind of thinking if people were referring to our followers as attendants rather than as maids. A distinct difference, if not one immediately recognized, and more true to the setting.

>>19003794

> I... wow. Cheers, mate.

You go up to Ixora, who bows and then says there were two messages from His Highness. Wait, what?

You take the two and read them. The first is a short letter, saying that he will not return to the city until the day before the Great Summer Festival; clearly it's too much fun hunting outside.

The second letter looks a bit more formal, and when you open it you realise it's his comments on the recommended sentencing of the people you arrested. To your dismay, Agiho of Ahun will still not be executed - it's too big a political risk, apparently. But the Constable's death sentence has been commuted to a heavy fine, and better still, the Prince has decided out of compassion to invite his son into the city, for treatment. 'This is a consideration of mercy over strictness.'

Come think of it, that was pretty quick decision making - a day to the wood, and then a day back. Unless your father was using pigeons, which is possible...

'There's also something else, sir,' Ixora says, and points to a small chest on the chair. You tell her to get Rose and Lavender to make a bath - a cold one - and then go look at the chest. 'From Naimir and Company,' it says.

You open it, and blink at the sight of the silver pieces, in their usual 'spined rod' shape. There must be at least 400 taels in here. Well, a hairpin is a gift, but something like this, you're not sure you should accept...

> What do?

>>19003883
There has hardly been a dearth of that in this quest, I assure you.

Then there's -this- THAT GUY: >>19002857
GUY:

>>19003917
>GUY:
Now where did that come from? Oh well.

400 taels would do a lot to get our personal finances healthy again. I'm inclined to keep it even with the obvious owed favor that might as well be written on them.

>>19003905
It's better than nothing, what exactly is Agiho's punishment going to be?

Hmm, we are low on money, I say we keep it in the box until the meeting with Naimir and see what he wants from us before we accept a purely monetary gift like this. I'd rather not owe him a huge favor if it's going to be used on something against our personal best interests.

>>19003905
A gift is not a contract, or a promise. Send them back a letter of thanks for their generous donation, but don't commit to anything. If they want to buy us, they will need to do more than just mere money. But still keep the money.

>>19003855
>>19003883
>>19003889

> Also, yes, I think maybe I should provide a bit of background and clarification.
> Also, accepted - I'll be careful to call them attendants from now on.

The thing about fucking your attendants is that it's not the most appropriate thing to do, and certainly the ideal gentleman wouldn't do it. On your side there is no clear incentive to do it, but as an Earl, a high-ranking noble, you must keep in mind that there is every incentive for attendants to try and lure you into sleeping with them.

(This is, in fact, the whole reason there are laws against seduction of nobles by servants; that's a crime punishable by some pretty awful things.)

Firstly, there is the idea of being favoured. Sex can be seen as a way of being favoured. Secondly, and more long term, is the possibility of becoming impregnated. Being impregnated by a noble, for a commoner woman, can be a dream - the noble would either take you as a concubine, which is several rungs up the ladder, or he would have you given to a friend, who is likely also noble.

(Alternatively he could force you into an abortion or just kill you, but your reputation does not lie that way).

So, I know, it's misogynistic and all that, but quite a few of the girls in this setting would in fact like to sleep with you. This is not something you have to accept, and people will use it against you. And you can use it against other people too.

> Clarification complete.

>>19003966

If history and waaaaaay too many fantasy novels has taught me anything, its that bastards are a valuable resources in their own right.

>>19003963
>>19003959
>>19003944

If we're going to be friendly to Naimir and his foreign friends anyway, maybe we should just take it.

I mean, our interests align, so how could it go wr-

>>19003994
You know nothing, Jon Snow.

>>19003905
Hmmm. This fits fairly well with our "Support the city merchants but also allow the few foreign merchants who are our friends to have a bit of the pie too." strategy.

I think we could convince the Convocation to have Namir and some of his direct associates be granted leave to trade in the city, especially if we favor said city merchants heavily in all other ways. Namir and his dudes will, basically, be a sanctioned foreign merchant who can trade as a city merchant. And this honor would be a rare one. That way the city merchants will be happy with us for backing their interests and the foreign merchants will have a chance to still play, as long as they play by our rules or through Namir.

Needless to say, this will probably make Namir hideously wealthy due to getting all the foreign merchants to trade through him.

Though of course we should still assess the situation better.

>>19003966
>This would also make stuff like this >>19002857 utterly preposterous.

>>19003966
>On your side there is no clear incentive to do it
Well, actually there is. Just not one which we will in any way notice.

>>19003944
>>19003959
>>19003963
>>19004019

The punishment for Agiho is lashing, and a heavy fine. Seriously, what's with House Ahun and your father? Perhaps it's still resentment from that House Iatar business, but that was two decades ago.

Or maybe Ahun has aces up their sleeves you haven't thought of yet. As for the silver, you snap back to reality after fondling a piece of it for a minute, to see that Peony's already come back. 'That's a very nice ingot, sir.'

'How did things go?'

'Smoothly. The crowd is in a queue, which is a great step forward.' Peony smiles. 'You know, sir, we could always stand to do things like that as well. Public charity, everyone loves it.'

'Or we wait for a disaster.'

'Maybe if you set fire to the Central Docks...' she trails off, and you instruct her to write a letter to Naimir thanking him for the gift. After that, you go upstairs to the bathroom, complaining about how you need to climb stairs to get a bath. 'Sir, why don't you just build an open air bathing pond out back? It's not much use in winter, but it's not winter now...'

That's an idea. But meanwhile Linden and Lavender wait for you, standing beside the wooden tub. You touch the water. It's a bit... cold.

> What do?

>>19004088
Suck it up, take the bath, and get back to scheming. Our brothers seem to be several steps ahead, and we need to get that spy network rolling better than we have been.

>>19004088
Have the attendants beaten for making my bath cold.

No, not that, the other thing.

Have my bath and get a run down on household gossip. Let's find out how our people are doing.

>>19004088
Didn't...we tell them to make it cold?

>>19004037

Oh, to clarify: Naimir, and most of his friends, are already sanctioned to trade in the city. They're hugely rich because of it, so denial of access is only part of the problem.

The situation now is more that the foreign merchant community actually already outnumbers the number of 'local' merchants, but they remain very underrepresented within the Convocation. There's no rule says they must be properly represented, of course - what sort of filthy democratic idea is that, eh - but still, they're unhappy about it.

Besides, the Convocation actually *runs* the city from day to day, so it's not so much economic licence as it is turning economic might into political leverage. As it stands, the foreigners do face restrictions to trade, but have flourished nonetheless and want those restrictions gone. But without those restrictions, the localists argue they'd be swamped by immigrants, taking our daughters, jobs, and etc.

You'll have to ask Peony for the actual details, really. She'll write something up.

>You tell her to get Rose and Lavender to make a bath - a cold one - and then go look at the chest.

>Have the attendants beaten for making my bath cold.

...we're becoming just like our father.

>>19004088
Well, open air bathing actually sounds like a good relaxing activity. Do that instead. We're an Earl, we're allowed to change our minds on a whim like that. Have Lavender and Rose go prepare the bath for us while we look for a message from Ula. If she knows any girls who would be interested in being spies, well, that could help us a great deal.

But as for the merchants, I think we should favor the Localists. Foreign trade is all well and good, but when it comes right down to it they are not the people you interact with every single day, and their main priority is shipping profit back home rather than benefiting your city. I approve of having a few who we sanction to trade in return for a cut of the profits -- after all, it brings resources, information, and coinage in to the city -- but the local merchants are the ones we need to pay the most attention to.

>>19004088
Take a nice cold bath, we've had a long sweaty day in the heat, we don't need a hot bath right now.

Ask if they'd care to join us and help wash us.

>>19004105
>>19004119
>>19004125
>>19004158

It's a bit too cold. You're an Earl, okay? Being difficult to please is in the job description!

Alternatively you are a ninny, and after a bit of shivering while soaking in, you do get more used to it. Amusingly enough, Lavender also makes the point about an outdoor bathing pond. Linden thinks it'd be a good idea.

'You know what'd be a better idea, though, sir?' Linden takes a cloth and starts rubbing your shoulders. 'Finding a nice place to set up an estate, maybe in the city or just outside it. Or better still, a lake lodge! Biggest bathing pond of the kingdom!'

Meanwhile, you catch up on some small talk. Things seem to be quite peaceful within your residence. Apparently not so with either the gate-guests under the Prince, or with your Fourth Brother. He's been launching a recruitment drive of his own too, it seems, with Dumuran bringing in gate-guests and attendants and the like all the time... where's he get all this cash from?

> Speaking of cash: Money has increased to 1170 taels!
> What sort of household gossip do you want to ask about?

>>19004127
Perhaps we should send that chest back after all, then. A foreign economic takeover is not a good thing.

That said, if the foreign merchants are thriving over the locals despite the penalties -- well, something is wrong. Something we need to get to the bottom of, even if it's that they have been taking huge losses so far just so they can get a foothold in the city.

>>19004204
>>where's he get all this cash from?

This is something we really need to find out.

>>19004204
The gate-guests and the newest attendants. How are they all getting on? Is there any resentment amongst the established household about you bringing in new blood and the like.

>>19004204
'Ah, that will cost money. Money I don't have.
I prefer to invest it in something instead.'

>>19004204
I would like a lake lodge, but that is a plan for the future, for now I'm staying in the city. But getting a nice bathing pond would be excellent, this tub is going to end up a bit cramped if I keep up with this.

Talk about how the new hires are fitting in, if everything is going smoothly. How the new hires are getting along with each other and if they think they'll be able to play sweet sweet music together.

>>19004168

You don't actually have that bathing pond. Peony was suggesting building one.

Also, regarding the foreign merchants, I guess this is a little unclear. They're not like the MNCs of our time.

Many of them are refugees from the east, or immigrants from other places, and they stay in Margade. Well, you know Naimir does for sure. Most importantly for your purposes, they pay their taxes - or at least they don't evade them any more effectively than the localists would.

Still, there are people in the city who like them, and those who dislike them, so there you are.

>>19004241
Are there any foreign warriors or specialized craftsmen amongst these immigrants? It might pay to learn a barbarian's tricks.

>>19004241

Ohhh. Maybe 'immigrant merchants' would be clearer then, OP. Just saying.

Actually, if we can't decide who to support - who do our rivals support? The other brothers? We should support the other side, because it's better to bear a needed gift than a gift that's just icing on the cake.

>>19004204
>where's he get all this cash from?
There are few cash boxes as deep as the offering tray, or so they say.

If he has been bought by the temples we might need to look into curtailing that. As for Namir, I'm torn now. I am fairly sure it's a bad idea to have the city's day to day government run by foreigners, but the local merchants seem like they might not be too good at it. We seriously need to investigate this, by all accounts the local merchants should be destroying them in revenue. Something is up, even if it's just incompetence among the locals.

>>19004241
In that case we need to find out why the immigrant merchants are dominating before we side with either one. Soon.

>>19004231
>>19004232
>>19004235
>>19004176

> Smalltalk first, eh. Keep discussing merchants etc, I'm noting.

You ask about the new hires. 'Settling in nicely, you?'

'Yes, sir, thank you. The rooms are very nice.'

'Well, you beat the rush. When I eventually have a hundred attendants, there wouldn't be space.' You lie back in the tub, sighing, as Linden rubs your shoulder and then your arms, leaning over your head. Her abdomen bumps against the back of your head as she moves.

You notice that Lavender is looking away from you, since the clear water renders you... eminently visible. She then says that before this, she's only served a lady before. 'Which lady is this?'

'Um... it's Baroness Turuli, sir.'

'Oh, she's coming for- I mean, her ladyship's coming for the festival, right?' Linden then leans close to you and whispers, 'she's a mystery. Didn't find anything out about her...'

You raise an eyebrow, and meanwhile you consider the question of the merchants...

> What do/say?

>>19004340
Ask about Lavender's previous service with the Baroness.

So, consensus on the Convocation: basically, do more research? Specifically, on:

> How did the immigrant merchants get so powerful
> Who's backing who
> How the Convocation is actually split

Any other points, or any disagreements?

>>19004358
Sounds about right.

>>19004358
Yeah, sounds good.

>>19004340
She's to be presented isn't she. I haven't heard much about her, I don't think she's ever been to Margade, how was your time in service to her?

>>19004358
That looks like it covers it, we shouldn't rush to support either side given how much we don't know enough.

Also we should find Gesadag's public and maybe even private opinion on these matters, he's an important player and knowing what direction he's going to swing his influence is useful.

>>19003966
Question; isn't there the option of just being all "Not my problem." on the side of attendant babies, and just provide for them as if they were sired from two servants? Maybe a bit better, but not all that much.

That said, informing the attendants we do sleep with that they should be sure to take their herbs might not be a bad idea. Linden seems to be completely on top of the matter thus far, but I think it will bear mentioning to Orchid.

>>19004358
Sounds like everything to me

>>19004349
>>19004388
>>19004375
>>19004370
>>19004397
>>19004389

You make a mental note to get Peony on the case of all these things once you're done with the bath and massage. Meanwhile, as you ask Lavender about the Turuli girl, Linden continues to massage your arms. She smells a little sweaty, but you can hardly blame her.

'Well... the Baroness is a lovely girl. Her ladyship the Viscountess accompanies her most of the time.'

'What happened to the Viscount?' So the girl is your second, maybe third, cousin. Well, well.

'The Viscount... likes to drink. And then to gamble, and he spends most nights in the Cove Market.' Lavender looks a bit uncomfortable. 'So it's mostly the two ladyships. The Viscountess is very strict on her, though.'

As you ask more, you find out she appears interested in poetry, reading, and embroidery. Well, makes sense for a properly brought up girl. She also plays the harp, but who doesn't these days? Well brought up is really the word here. You have to say, it's impressive given the father's out whoring all the time...

Meanwhile, Lavender seems a bit embarrassed at the intimacy between you and Linden. Or you guess it's that.

> What do/say?

>>19004510
Put her at ease. You run an informal household, and like to be intimate with your closest servants. (not in a sexual manner) You don't trust a stranger with the care of your house and body after all.

>>19004541
Bah, let her fret a little

>>19004389

Also, yes you definitely can, but then even that - assuming the nobleman is rather kind anyway - would probably mean a family that's looked after. So that's not all bad!

>>19004510
Bathe and ready ourselves for the reception.

Tell Lavender that if she would prefer to abstain from bathing and dressing duties for us until she becomes more acquainted with everything, then we give her leave to do so.

>>19004541

Think you'll find sexual intimacy does happen a lot here. Especially with the girl massaging us now.

But yeah, no need to worry too much about that. If we want to do anything with Linden, make sure to dismiss Lavender first. It'd be rather sleazy, I suppose.

As for the Turuli girl, ask if her mother is domineering. And how the family circumstances are.

>>19004510
Try to calm her down. Ask if she'd mind getting closer and help us wash up. Be gentle and show there's nothing to really be embarrassed about.

We can use poetry to help this, recite some soothing poetry to get her more relaxed with us.

>>19004510
take a towel and put it over your legs
no need to make people uncomfortable

>>19004541
>>19004574
>>19004575
>>19004584

You're not about to give Lavender a cop-out for duties which she should do, but you're nice after all, so you ask if she'd like to help scrub your back as well.

She nods hesitantly, and Linden moves around so she can scrub you with a brush. First she barely brushes you. 'Harder.'

'Oh, sorry.'

'Don't worry about it. Harder. A bit harder still! Ah, yes, that's nice.'

Just then, you hear a voice from outside. 'Should I not come in, sir? It's Peony.

'What do you want?'

'Just to confirm the attendance for the reception.' You confirm it for her by yelling through the door, and also give her instructions to write a report on the Convocation. Then there's a silence, interrupted only by Linden washing your feet, and Lavender scratching your back.

..... ooh, this is a little awkward. Linden glances up to see if Lavender is looking, and then kisses your toes, one by one. Never too exhausted, she is.

> What do/say?

>>19004549
>>19004541
>>19004574
>>19004575
>>19004584
>>19004611
>>19004510
Whip your cock out and wave it in her face; screaming "this is what you want! this is all you lot ever want!"

>>19004575

As for this: Lavender says the mother can be... strict... and rather controlling. She's a formidable estate manager, though, and determined not to let her husband fritter everything away for a lark.

'So the family is still reasonably well-off?'

'It's... nicely maintained, sir, that's for sure. There's a small but adequate staff, but no gate-guests. Well, one or two...'

>>19004658
lol

>>19004648
>>19004675
Have a relaxing bath while making smalltalk with the girls.
We wanted to do archery today, right? Lets get to it.

>>19004648
Lean back into Lavender, stretch out some, enjoy the momentary relief from having to do stuff. Relax and make murmurs of enjoyment at being treated like this.

>>19004648
Playfully flick some water at Linden with our toes and roll our eyes so she stops trying to pull rank, tell Lavender she is doing a good job, and tell Peony to come in since it's hard yelling through a door.

Let's face it, this will hardly be the worst thing she'll ever walk in on us doing.

Other than that, just relaaaax.

>>19004694
>>19004708

Lavender does get into the spirit of things eventually, and you let her scrub your chest as well. All the while she's looking away from you, until eventually you just get a towel and cover it up. Well, that helps.

It is comfortable to be in a bath, and so you stay in it until your appendages get all wrinkly. Then you get up, get dressed in activity gear, and then go to the bow room. You can hear the cheering of men as they march past outside, and a general hubbub of departing guests, leaving either back for the city or to the guest apartments. Well, it's been a hell of a busy day.

You open the bow room door and see Orchid already there, sorting out the arrows. She jumps when you come in. 'Sorry, sir! Shouldn't be touching them...'

You look at the arrows. The short ones were your kid ones, before you got bored. Well, maybe you shouldn't have gotten bored; but you take twenty of the long ones and get Orchid to carry the bow.

> Bring anyone else along? Anything else do before archery? Also, do you want to check out your father's indoor range, because it's silly to bathe and the sweat? It's not technically permissible, but your dad's away...

You know, in terms of offensive plots - would it do if we dug up dirt on the Blues and then tied them to our Fourth Brother? He's rather too committed to them now to just pull away, right?

Just putting an idea out here.

>>19004768
Very much seconded.

>>19004774
Smile at Orchid but say nothing.

Speak with the archery men again. Have some smalltalk and then ask for more archery tips.

>>19004774
Check out the range. See if our new warrior gate-guest would like to join us. Can't remember his name.

>>19004774
Indoor range would be wonderful, but honestly there's no point in taking some wild risk. We can always take another bath later before the Reception.

Just us and Orchid this time, I think. Tell Peony where we are going so if she needs she can send a messenger.

Am I the only one who thinks we should probably give Peony a gift or something on the morrow? She has been absolutely busting ass for us to make things go smoothly.

Maybe one set of our
>12 assorted hairpins

>>19004852
Her choice of hairpin.

>>19004852

Second this. Let's go to the outdoor range.

There might be interesting people there to talk to, as well, if it's an open range.

>>19004870
Eh. I guess that might be okay, but if she chooses gold hairpins that could be an awfully costly gift, one more suited for actually wooing certified noble concubines.

>>19004915
She's more or less our secretary/accountant/manager/whatever_useful_position. She certainly deserves it.

>>19004811
>>19004852
>>19004870
>>19004877

You make a mental note to give Peony something. She is, indeed, more hardworking than even most - and your house hasn't really got slackers, last you saw. Well, maybe Linden. But you're not going to fire her either, are you.

Smiling at Orchid, you walk out of the apartments and immediately run into crowds. What the hell's happened; why are there visitors in the earls' quarters? They're not supposed to be here! Where'd the security go?

You withdraw back into the apartments, blinking. Orchid, having been in the palace herself for years, is also rather surprised. 'Um... maybe they were invited?'

You did spot some Blues amongst them, but surely your fourth brother didn't mean 'a battalion of well-wishers' when he said he had guests for lunch?

> What do/say? If continue out to archery course, roll d100.

>>19004935
So, we're with the reds and the whites, and he's with the blues?
>DisGonBGud.gif

rolled 10 = 10

>>19004935
Wait the security is gone?
We should look into that

archery is a go!

rolled 86 = 86

>>19004935
Archery!

rolled 91 = 91

>>19004935
Let's not let a crowd spoil the afternoon. We hve shooting to do and a young woman to mentor.

rolled 22 = 22

>>19004935
moonwalk past them to archery.

rolled 11 = 11

>>19004990

rolled 14 = 14

>>19004990
>>19005024
No U, I guess.

>>19004990
This, but only if we're reading a book that is commonly known as being "2deep4u"

>>19004986

> Nice roll!

'So... will you still go, sir?'

'Of course. I need to teach you how to shoot, remember?' Orchid blushes when it turns out you remembered what you said.

Fortunately, as you move out of your compound and walk down the road dodging people, no one recognises you; you'd probably have been mobbed by well-wishers otherwise. You do notice they are moving towards the Fourth Earl's gate, and are thronging it.

Your brother needs to fire whoever it is pulled out every inch of subtlety in politics, really. You wonder if this is another of Dumaran's ideas.

Soon you're at the archery range, and to your surprise and slight dismay it's mostly empty. There are two men, recognisably your father's gate-guests, shooting over on the other side, and another man who appears to be a visitor just standing and watching. You prepare your ends, and then go on to the 20-pace course, Orchid behind you.

'Good luck, sir!'

Heh, with you, who needs luck? Well, mostly you yourself...

> Roll d100 for progress! You need one more successful roll to get 1 point in Archery.
> Meanwhile, what do/say/whatever?

rolled 7 = 7

>>19005050
Take the advice the guard captain gave you earlier, and shoot well.

>>19005078
Ouch

rolled 34 = 34

>>19005050
Let's get started.

rolled 3 = 3

>>19005050
shoot better.

make orchid shoot better.

chit chat

rolled 84 = 84

>>19005078
Notch another arrow and shoot better than that. That was terrible.

rolled 10 = 10

>>19005050
Rolla get a dolla

Also teach Orchid. Like get behind her and lead her, being very close and intimate

rolled 26 = 26

>>19005050
Ask Orchid what she thinks of the new staff. And get to know her a little better.

rolled 96 = 96

>>19005050
Weren't we supposed to teach her, not improve our own skills?

rolled 8 = 8

>>19005050
Rollan.

>>19005115
I think it was both

>>19005050
Show Orchid how to hold and draw the bow properly, instruct her on the basics, then help her shoot a couple times before letting her do it on her own a few more.

Ask her if during her service to Martha she met any interesting nobles, (other than ourselves of course) or heard any particularly juicy gossip.

Somewhere near the end we should probably casually ask if she knows of women's herbs. Implying implications. I'm not really worried about any of the others, they'll probably manage on their own. But Orchid seems awfully... eager.

>>19005078

You hear a squawk from behind the range. Well, that was a zeroing shot! You just needed to figure out where your actual aiming point was.

>>19005097

See? Much better. Fortunately most of the rest of your shooting goes on more like that, than like chicken killing random shots.

> You have gained Archery 1! Now you can actually aim and shoot.

After letting off some 50 shots, many to gasps of surprise and little squeaks of glee from Orchid, you turn to let her shoot. 'What... me, sir? Really?'

'Why not?'

You teach her posture, moving her arms around, and then drawing and the release. Breath in. Feel the apex... release then. You practically embrace her as you teach her the motions. Then you let her shoot five arrows.

Thunk, in the small red ring. Thunk, the black centre. Thunk, the centre again. Thunk, the small red ring. Thunk, the centre. You blink. She turns around, looking a little embarrassed.

> What do/say? Also, you've asked her about herbs. She says, blushing, that she has started taking them.

>>19005183
Applaud her, she's brilliant.

Oh, also, for when the thread autosages:

> http://catalog.neet.tv/tg/

Because, you know, it's easier this way. Thanks guys.

>>19005183
Right, body guard duty it is then

>>19005183
Damn, she's good. Let her know that she is a natural unlike us, applaud her and tell her not to be embarrassed of such a fine talent. Tell her we'd love to shoot more with her, but if she really wants to improve that she ought to find someone better than us to train her some.

Be flirty with her and spend some more time with her.

>>19005183
Praise her, and tell her, jokingly, that perhaps she should take up a part time job as one of our guards.

More importantly, consider internally her skill and wonder if she might, one day, be able to be an assassin.

Then, while she is retrieving all the arrows, look for anyone around the range who looks like he knows what he is doing and strike up a conversation.

>>19005183
"Hey, you have done archery before, haven't you?"

>>19005200
>>19005227
>>19005230

'Blimey,' you say, as she returns the bow to you. 'Well shot.'

'Um... it was just beginner's luck, sir.'

'I'm sure it's not, because I'm a beginner too and I have hardly any. Really, though - I'd shoot more with you, but you should probably be practicing with someone else...'

'What? But, sir, I mean, I'm shooting because...' then she trails off. You smile and pat her head, tussling her much more relaxed hair.

'Just kidding. Well, if I decide I want a coach, he can teach you too.' You then send her out to collect the arrows, before turning to see another man, shooting alone with a well-curved bow that is clearly of Eastern design. He seems to shoot quite competently too.

He is a little surprised when you go up to him and ask, but then after a few moments he recognises you. 'Are you... are you not the Earl of Mar, sir? I'm sorry, my lordship...' he salutes you.

'What's your name, archer? And how'd you get here?'

'I'm Miturin, sir. I'm here due to the Parade; I... serve as mere muscle, sir.' You then notice the sleeve stripe, which is... blue.

> What do/say?

>>19005297
Kill him!

Nah, be friendly. Slap his shoulder companionably and ask what amount he is being paid for his work. You are always on the look out for new muscle of your own.

Get chummy, find out why he's needed as muscle.

>>19005297
Well, i'm always on the lookout for talent. ring me up if you and your buddies need anything

>>19005297
Strike up a conversation with him in Eastern, determine if it's Vasawa or Riverrine Easterner that we should use.

Get chummy, see why anyone would need him for muscle for the Parade..

>>19005323
>>19005356

With a name like Meturin, it's probably Vasawa Eastern. You greet him in it with a good 'Chersechi!' and his eyes light up.

The two of you are soon chatting on in Vasawa, while Orchid - who has carried all your gear to you - stands to one side smiling sweetly while being completely out of the loop.

It turns out Meturin was once a boat's bodyguard, there being always an abundance of pirates on the lake and along the Fisewa. But after a battle went bad, he barely escaped with his life and ended up in Margade. 'It's a fantastic city isn't it, sir? All day and all night, it just never stops! The lights, the music...'

As for why the Blues, well, the Blues paid well. Meturin wonders when you talk about gate-guests; he can see that it could be a permanent source of employment...

> What do/say?

>>19005414
Tell him that we're always in the market for skilled men... especially skilled men who have proven themselves in some way to us. Tell him that if, one day, he ever would like more steady employment he should let us know. And maybe demonstrate something that shows he is one of those loyal, proven men.

In this way we have just, potentially, planted a spy in the Blues that could tell us if they were getting together for anything dangerous... and maybe even more than that.

>>19005414
Ask him if he would be interested in joining our service as a gate-guest. We need an archery instructor, and he seems companionable enough.

>>19005414
Ok, he isn't really that far in with the Blues which means his is a possible candidate for gate-guesting.

Tell him that we're always on the lookout for good loyal men, and we just so happen to be looking for an archery teacher as well.

Ask if he knows anything about Theniron, in particular the Rusaman the duke and his daugther Saragites who is going to be presented this year.

Introduce ourself, get to know him better.

>>19005456
That's much better than the thing I said.

>>19005469
These seems to be the best way to go.

>>19005456
>>19005460
>>19005469

It is an exciting story, and you nod. 'Well, it is steady employment, but of course in return for steadiness I want loyalty.'

'That's true,' he nods. 'That's important. Loyalty is important, sir.'

'If ever you wish me to prove loyalty to you as a gate-guest, then - then I'd welcome it for you to prove to me your loyalty.'

'What could I have, sir, that you would like me to do?' He sounds curious.

'Well. It's up to you to consider it. I wouldn't ask favours of you if you're not in my employ yet.' And with that, he gives a meaningful nod, and the two of you go on practicing archery.

It is about an hour later when, having proven himself a far superior shooter, he takes his leave. Before that, though, you ask him about Theniron. 'Stable town, sir! Which is a rarity in those parts. Things are pretty bad out there.'

'What exactly is happening?'

'Well, war... and famine as well. There was even a plague two winters ago. But Theniron and two or three other cities are well established. I'm surprised only Theniron is sending a girl here, I'm sure they have more nobles who want marriages with the lords of Iru or Kaso...'

Well, damn. Choosing Kaso over their immediate neighbours? The bastards...

With that he takes his leave, and you're left with Orchid, who opens a lunchbox. 'Sir, it's time for food.'

> What do/say?

>>19005537
Eat! Ask Orchid where she learned the bow, and what she thinks of your new foreign friend.

Eat, flirt, share food with her. Have her eat out of our hand.

>>19005595
That sounds fun, let's try that.

>>19005537
Hmmm.

Before we eat take a glance around and see if there are other people at the archery range. Her bow skills have put me on edge, but she wouldn't drug us within sight of other people.

Remember: It's not paranoia if people really are out to get you.

>>19005537
Interesting. Does Saragites have any other siblings or if we married her would control of Theniron go to us? Also I thought that Duke and Prince were equally ranked, kinda, so wouldn't she be a earless/countess or does it work different in the Duchies?

Have an enjoyable lunch with Orchid, flirt, share food, ask if she ever touched a bow before this or if someone in her family was a master archer.

>>19005603
She's had plenty of chances to do something like that.

>>19005614
Not necessarily. She's been surrounded by other servants and only been with us for three or four days.

Besides, an ounce of prevention is worth a ton of cure. We're going to be stepping into the world of espionage, that means we need to start cultivating good habits like situational awareness.

>>19005574
>>19005595
>>19005613
>>19005614

> Oh cock, well spotted. Yes, she is in fact a Countess, not a Viscountess. Sorry about that. Actually, all the foreign girls you've got on the list now are Countesses!

You look around you, wary of any threats; but it's just those few people shooting, now accompanied by a trio of clearly drunk visitors from goodness knows where. Seriously, this is the chariot parade, not Raumar Palace Open House.

Orchid leads you to a secluded spot, where a table sits under an oak tree. A magpie sees you, then decides to bugger off, and you look around once again. A range official, off duty, is resting within sight.

You open the box and see there's meat, vegetables, and rice. In your slight pang of paranoia you figure she figures you'd go for the meat first - which you kind of always do - so you pick up the sliced venison with your fingers, and then look at her. She blushes as you beckon.

Isn't romantic paranoia nice? She leans in, opens her mouth to eat the meat, and then licks your fingers, her eyes closed.

As for Theniron, unfortunately you don't have much information. You're sure the archives do, though, so it's Peony time again! (Or some other attendant will do, really...)

Orchid hasn't keeled over or foamed yet, if you're wondering. Maybe you should wait- oh whoops too late, the venison is very nice.

> What do?

>>19005689
Engage her in conversation about archery, and ask for her opinion on your potential new friend.

>>19005716

Did she even understand anything of what that guy said, though? We were talking in Easterner all that while.

Maybe just ask her how she'd like to serve us after the Convocation meeting as well. Permanent basis. And ask if she's got any interesting tips for gate-guests.

And then ask why we're in this secluded spot. Is it to poison us quietly?

>>19005689
Enjoy the lunch, feed each other in a sweet romantic fashion. Flirt with her. Ask how she likes Meturin and her new found gifts at archery.

>>19005689
Relax and chuckle at our groundless fears, masking it as flirtatious. Have a nice, enjoyable lunch. Ask her about her family, if we haven't already. I don't remember if we did or not. If we did, instead ask her about her time in service up until now and how she likes our household so far.

>>19005689
Might be a good idea to ask her about her impressions of the other girls. Maybe see a little of what goes on behind the scenes? Of course, bearing in mind that she's new here and these are just first impressions, so they might be biased.

>>19005735
We did poach her from Martha, but considering how charming we are we ought to be able to convince her to let us keep her, especially when she sees the bird we made her.

>>19005689
Question about Theniron, what type of barbarians we talking here? Horse barbarians, nomadic types who settled down and built a city, or they're just considered barbarians because they're not a direct part of the Empire?

>>19005716
>>19005735
>>19005737
>>19005753

Yeah, Orchid managed to catch bits of the conversation, but that's all. 'He sounds like a dependable person. But he's still a mercenary, isn't he, sir?'

'That's true. You have a point.' You reward her point with another slice of venison, which she eats from your palm. 'So, tell me about your previous years in service.'

'I was sold when I was... eight, I think? I've been serving in the Palace all the while, though. First I was one of their linen monkeys-'

'Linen what?'

'Oh, it's just what they call the little girls and boys who fetch clothes for washing, and do general cleaning duties.' She chuckles. 'Then I went into the general Palace service... and then I was transferred to her ladyship's service.'

Ahh. As for the other servants, Orchid thinks for a while. 'I think Rose is really rather shy, isn't she? She's a bit like Lilac, actually. Lilac's very shy, too. As for the new girls... I don't know, but Lavender seems a bit eccentric.'

'How so?'

'She likes to eat with her hands,' Orchid says, and you laugh. Then you take a piece of meat with your hand and eat it. 'I don't mean that, sir!'

You look at her with meat hanging out your mouth. Oh, why not? It's a nice feeding method, and she seems to agree too.

> What do? By your watch, it's probably about two hours until the reception starts.

>>19005783

The people of Theniron are part of the Riverrine Easterners. They are urban barbarians, and yes, they're called barbarians simply because they are not of the Realm, not Imperial.

In terms of actual civilisation, they have got writing and cities and religions and culture and mass agriculture and the like. There are many easterner tribes who aren't quite that advanced, though.

>>19005851
Finish up, head back, have a quick bath again since we don't want to be all sweaty, then have the girls dress us. If we have free time, assign someone (perhaps one of the new maids? Ixora, maybe?) to find out about Theniron.

Then if we still have time go down and pick out some gifts for tomorrow, to present and let Peony choose from.

Then off to the Reception!

>>19005851
Best start getting ready for the reception.

Best robes, finest sword, all the bling that would be appropriate. Give Peony her reward and an afternoon off, assign someone else to dig through the archives.

>>19005851
Is eating with your hands like that odd for Easterners? If not tell Orchid that it's just part of her culture.

When were we planning to have tea with #4?

Finish eating, get back, take a quick bath with Orchid, get dressed up, give Peony a gift for her service and offer her the rest of the day off to rest and relax.

Assign someone to get more information on Theniron. How big it is, how influential, main imports and exports, how much more stable than the region around it is, size of it's military, all the important stuff.

>>19005909
>>19005920
>>19005948

After a lovely lunch, with some more feeding sessions, the two of you return to your residence. You had been wondering about tea as well, but given that the place is still thronged with people, you think you had better forget it.

> Forget tea?

Meanwhile, you get back and do the serious work first. Peony blinks when you tell her to choose a hairpin, then chooses a silver one with a heron motif. It is a nice one, and you kind of expected the choice. 'Also, you can have the afternoon off.'

'Really, sir?'

'Yes, heavens, you've been working non-stop since I got back from Ahun.' You see a rare smile cross her face - she's really pretty when she smiles. Then she goes off to who knows what she does.

Lilac and Lavender pick out all your clothing - proper headdress, long sash ornaments, and the Sumaskete sword - and then you get into the bath Orchid drew. It's chilly, again, which is also nice. Orchid massages your aching fingers, and then she winces when she moves her shoulder around. 'Archery?'

'Um... yes, sir, I think...' she rotates her arms tentatively, wearing an ouch face. It was only three rounds of five arrows!

> What do?

>>19006029
Pull her into the bath, set her on your lap, and massage her shoulder.

>>19006029
Pull her close and massage her shoulder for her.

tell her she'll get used to it if she keeps up the practice and she won't get sore afterwards.

>>19006029
As for the tea, we should probably try to get a quick talk with him in before the reception, if it doesn't happen it's not the hugest deal but we should try to join him for a bit in the lull between his booked afternoon and the busy reception. We do need to have a conversation about how unsubtle he is.

Get behind her and give her a nice massage, we can't let one of our lovely attendants have a hurt shoulder. Tell her that while she has a gift for archery to take it slow and not hurt herself. Punctuate that with a kiss.

>>19006098
>>19006080

>>19006080
>>19006098
>>19006113

You beckon at the bath, and Orchid looks down, before undressing and getting in. 'Well, the first time always hurts like crazy,' you say as you make way for her before massaging her shoulder. They're bony and hard, the poor thin dear.

'Mmm... yes, your lordship.' Her voice is dreamy, as she enjoys the attention. Gradually she's moving back into you, until she's leaning against your chest. You kiss the nape of her neck and she giggles.

> Continue? It's... round about tea-time now, but you don't even need to get out of your room to hear the hubbub.

>>19006126
We're 17, charming as all hell and are surrounded by beautiful women. We're going to seduce them.

>>19006168
We should probably get out and have tea with our brother. If we don't he's likely to do something absurdly unsubtle at the reception and we're getting somewhat tired of the stunts he's been pulling.

Give her a few more kisses and a deep one on the lips and a promise to continue this later.

We seriously need to find some time to actually have sex with her, we've currently been seducing her, getting her hot as can be, then going off to do stuff. Tell her to meet us tonight.

>>19006168

Oh, the hell. Forget tea, do Orchid. Then get Peony's replacement to go do research.

We need to figure out what to say to each organisation, I think. The Reds we'll support... Sadisag? The Whites? And do we have plans for investments to suggest to them, for moneymaking?

>>19006168
We said we would be there, we should go. Give Orchid a quick kiss and get to it.

The life of a nobleman may be luxurious, but every now and then we have to do some work.

>>19006258

Second this action.

>>19006263

Second these questions.

>>19006258
Tell Orchid we'll continue this tonight. Then go have tea.

>>19006258
>>19006267
>>19006277

You put your arms around her thin body, and she raises her arms around your head as you kiss her. Then, after a bit of that, you back off.

'Need to go for tea, come think of it.'

Orchid whimpers, but then reluctantly releases you. She then helps you dress, and soon you are on the way out, with her following. You turn round to her. 'Tonight. You'll attend to me tonight.'

She flashes a broad smile, and then leaves so Lavender can attend you, properly dressed herself. Your fourth brother's house is bloody packed still, but after you fight your way into the hall, Imian sees you and excuses himself. Well, at least he knows respect.

The two of you - well, with him having another new maid around - go to a side pavilion overlooking a small waterlily pond. Tea is poured, and then he looks at you. 'So... what's up, brother? It's a pretty big crowd out here, isn't it? Who're you having for your reception?'

> What do/say? Also, the receptions are separate - so you don't need to worry about him being an ass at his. It might even be good for you...

>>19006355
Friends, colleagues, merchants, people whose interests align with mine. You seem to have amassed quite a crowd yourself.

Make a metaphor about him being the complete opposite of subtle, perhaps about how a fisherman who drops heavy stones in the pond scares away his catch.

Make reference to the churches and their collection tins, wonder what projects and works these go to.

>>19006355
Just a small group of those I know from the city, nothing near as grand as what you'll be hosting, I'm sure.

Who do you favor to win the chariot competitions? Second Brother aside of course.

>>19006355
Sip of tea. "Well I certainly haven't invited the entirety of the Blues to my chambers. I prefer a more subtle approach, brother. What do you expect to gain from these incessant power plays?"

Am I the only one that's tired of his shit?

>>19006435
this one

>>19006434
>>19006435

'Oh, this crowd? They're just hangers-on. You know how it is, brother.'

Actually, you don't, and you pretty much don't care either. You tell him the story of the hunter who hunts wearing antlers, thinking this will draw deer to him. It simply scares them off, of course. Imian laughs.

'That is true, but these days, it's so difficult to gain any organised support. You know, the cooperatives, the temples...'

'Speaking of temples, they do get really rich, don't they?'

'What do you mean, brother?' He frowns at you. 'Their wealth is not for our taking.'

'True. Who do you think will win the Chariot Race this time? Among the cooperatives?'

He shrugs. 'The Blues lost their star driver to the Reds, but it's not always the driver, is it?' You couldn't really care less. Imian seems a little impatient for tea to end, really.

> What do/say?

>>19006516
Segue into chariot talk and mention how we remember last year two charioteers collided when one couldn't see what the other was doing. It was tragic, and took one of them out of the race early. It's always best to avoid collisions, otherwise both participants could lose the race as a result.

>>19006516

Hmm.

Well, tell him it'd be nice not to take sides in a tense time. We are leaders of men, we're here to lead, not to pick fights and make trouble.

Then go, I guess. He seems quite hostile, really.

>>19006516
I'm not sure that he's really getting how unsubtle he is and how annoying that it's getting.

Find an appropriate chariot metaphor for how being overt, loud and showy does not win you the race and that picking a side so clearly is rarely the best idea.

Do we want to tell him about our failure to teach him earlier about usurping judicial process?

Even if we do not like what father does, it's still important the judicial process happens correctly. Summary executions may be merciful, but we do not have that authority and should know our place.

It was our fault--as eldest--we didn't tell you this earlier.

>>19006605
On the contrary. Let him dig his own grave in that respect.

I think we should just warn him off of messing with our shit, and in return say we'll step to avoid his. After all, we don't need to directly counter his garish displays to benefit from then, do we?

No, I am actually glad he is being so unsubtle. Makes his moves easier to see coming... and we need all the help we can get when he has mysterious backers.

give a light laugh "anyway, brother, i wanted to apologies for ruining your plan with the commoners this morning, i would not have gotten involved if i know. Let me know know next time." another laugh "that seems to be our weakness, being unable to let each other know our plans before hand" Get up to leave

can we stop with the metaphors and stories?
imiam doesn't seem to get it or care anymore, just tell him upfront

no, no, no. If he's not very subtle, (and realizes everyone is on to him) we stand to benefit.

don't call him out on it

what are you doing, you're giving pointers to a potential enemy

>>19006639
Second this

>>19006639
>>19006580
>>19006592
>>19006605
>>19006611

You talk about the time when the chariots collided, and both drivers were killed, and one of the archers got his lower arm torn off. 'All that because one of the drivers got too close, remember?'

'Yeah, I remember that time,' Imian nods.

'The driver was a boastful man, always talking about pushing close. Look where that got him...'

'Well, brother, I'd say that someone who sees another driver pushing close and does not yield position, even when there are other laps to run, is equally culpable for the collision,' he says.

You think you know what he's talking about, but seriously you can't be bothered to rebutt him now. In fact, perhaps if you looked clearly frustrated at him, it would encourage him to be an even harder-headed fool... so you frown, shake your head, and fume. Then you stand and take your leave.

'By the way, Imian, pity about the little ploy today at the gatehouse. Sorry to have spoilt it. But I guess meat is still more precious than rice...' he shakes his head, looks conciliatory at your miffed tone. Looks like he's fallen for it...

Lavender follows you through the crowd. 'His lordship seems rather... frustrated. And you too, sir, are you all right?'

> What do/say?

>>19006659
He's a bull in a china shop, and we happen to live in that same china shop. That stunt he pulled with the grain, sure we benefited from it, but he should know it's not OK to almost start fucking riots. I don't mind him telegraphing his plans, or letting 2nd brother's spies into his midst. I object to him being a dumbass and swinging his rank around like a fucking flail.

>>19006680
Nothing much, just family. There's no one better able to rub you the wrong way given how well they know you. Still, I think that I got through to him a bit.

Well it looks like I have a reception to host, this ought to be great fun.

>>19006680
"He is either bold, or a fool. Starting riots to gain favor with the populace, blatant show of support for one side in a polarized city..."

>>19006680
Your concern is unwarranted, Lavender. Imian has to learn from his own mistakes, it seems, and is set in his course.

While we are attending the Reception, perhaps you will fetch me some of the food presented here? And, of course, some for yourself. You will be busy this evening at my Reception, so I give you leave to dine now with me if you wish it.

>>19006685
How about we not say this to an attendant we took into service ONE DAY AGO from a random slave trader we don't know.

We can imply that there are things we know about the situation, but just leaving it at "Don't worry about it, under control." is enough for now.

>>19006824
Second

>>19006824
I was not saying that in response to Xingzhe, but to >>19006659 as a reason for getting him to stop being quite so unsubtle, not what to say to Lavender.

>>19006800
this one

>>19006746
>>19006750
>>19006800

'Merely family matters, Lavender.' That's all you need to say for her to shut up; your family is not a family to be gossiped about, after all. 'Now. Let's have a little something to eat before we run off for the Reception.'

As you return to your residence, and Lavender hurries off to fetch food for you, you think about Imian. Bloody hell. Nonetheless, you had to admit, the food ploy was pretty clever - of course, it was a plan full of holes, but if he had gotten the captain properly involved it could be brilliant.

Soon Lavender comes in with two plates of food, and sets one before you. You get her to start eating too, and she sits down after hesitating a moment. You look around and see why; her colleagues are everywhere working on the reception. Rose and Lilac rolling out cloth, while Linden, Ixora and Pea are fetching tables and cutlery. Even Peony is here, despite your order - she appears for a moment with a box of decorations, then disappears agian.

> What do/say? I'll be sleeping soon, it's 4.30, but maybe one or two more posts. The next session will probably be on Friday. Keep posted on Twitter.

>>19006870
When she eats with her hands ask her about it, then comment that having good hands is critical for tinkering. Segue into asking her about the things she has made, and eventually tell her that -- when we are not busy -- we would like to see some of her work.

>>19006870
Don't worry Lavender, you deserve a small break, there'll be plenty for you to do afterwards. Have some light conversation with her. Talk about machinery, what she has made and if we could perhaps see has done.

>>19006870
Speaking of plots and ploys, don't we have three henchmen to recruit via the humiliation and death of a merchant?

>>19006931
>>19006954
>>19006956

Lavender doesn't eat with her hands in front of you, naturally - that would be actually uncouth. But you do ask her about it, and she blushes.

'Um... yes, it's just... a bit of a habit, sir.'

'Not a healthy habit for a tinkerer, with paint and glue and all,' you say. You talk a little about her work; it's mostly simple, decorative stuff, fittings for doors and weapons. As you talk you can't help but look at her hair. Golden hair is just so... weird. You can't decide if you find it appealing.

As for Beribo, you still have to do more research into the Convocation first. Where does he fit into this?

Just as you think about this, Ula appears - properly dressed as an attendant, and alluring in her movements. She's good at alluring. It suits her.

You discuss the Cove Market, and she says she can find a girl and bring her round to you to inspect. 'She's really pretty, and quite new, so even if the man's been around the market he might not recognise her.'

'That's just as well.' You nod. Ula then asks about the potential shop; she's just had another idea, of selling herbal beverages instead of straw sandals. Her cooling teas sound like something dockworkers would indeed appreciate.

> What do/say? Next post will be last post. You guys are awesome.

>>19007029
That might be an excellent idea. If we're recruiting assassins (and we will, eventually) it might be a good place to act as a poison repository/alchemist. Near the docks and with a legitimate purpose, both out of sight and covered by the normal tea serving.

>You can't decide if you find it appealing.
I think we find it exotic and quite attractive.

Well if were going to be running a tea house as well, it might make logistics easier for us

>>19007029
I think we find it exotic, different and rather hot.

Tell Ula that we appreciate her finding us a perfect candidate. Ask Ula that is she thinks she would do an excellent job at the tea shop then we will support her.

Also it means that we get to hear all the dockworker gossip of the day.

>>19007029
>Golden hair is just so... weird. You can't decide if you find it appealing.
Exquisite and exotic, a very appealing feature.

Ask Ula if there are any whorehouses that are reputable but, possibly, going through some financial difficulties? Ones that we might consider making an investment in.

>>19007061
>>19007078
>>19007083

You thank Ula for the candidate, and ask to see her. 'Don't have her brought here, there might be people watching. We'll have to find a place to meet.'

'Yes, sir.'

'Also, yes, I will talk to the Reds about your tea-house.' The Reds may be friends, so far, but it's also good to know what friends might be hiding from you. 'We'll have you as a presence in the city. That would be excellent.'

With that you dismiss her, and then around to see Lavender with a chicken leg bone in her hand, sucking intently on it. Then she sees you and throws the bone down. 'Um... sorry, sir.'

You smile, and reach out to touch her hair. She flinches momentarily, though, and you withdraw. It even feels a bit different, huh.

As for whorehouse investments, Peony will be looking, but you'll tell Ula to tell her about any finds.

Meanwhile, you can feel the reception coming upon you. Two big meetings back to back! You'll have your work cut out for you.

> That ends it for today, then! More long-term plans, or medium-term strategy suggestions, are welcome. Next thread is on Friday. Thanks for playing!

>>19007145
Thanks for running it.

Well for the reception we're going to have to avoid being too partisan, but given that everyone there ought to get along to a decent degree we won't have to worry about a fist fight breaking out. We can talk to the Reds about getting protection for that one shop, trade some favors around, get in good with people. Maybe the merchant we have over can get us more information on the nature of the conflict between the immigrant and local merchants.

>>19007145
We should probably be more careful about Ula. She could be a great double agent, and not in a good way for us, either.

As far as long-term strategy goes, if the Blues are the dominant force in the city, then the city is going to be feeling a lot of tension. For Second and Fourth to blatantly support the Blues means they are causing a volatile political situation. Unless father is supporting the Blues, then we have a chance to swing this in our favor. Once shit starts going down, we can remind father of how blatant favoritism has caused this situation.

We should be as bi-partisan as possible... but if shit goes down, we want to be on the winning side, or on no side, should that be the case.

We should NOT support the not-Blues to keep balance, there should be other reasons. And even then, we could benefit from a loss of balance as well. Just need to stand in the right place.

As far as the convocation goes, I think Adrian doesn't care about local/foreigner (and may even prefer foreigners). Our position as monitor should allow us to distance ourselves from any decisions we make, as long as we can justify them as being in favor of the palace.

Unless we're being protectionist about it, foreigners who trade better than locals also bring in more revenue (for the palace), and therefore have more right to be locals. Why are foreigners bringing in more money? Maybe you just SUCK AT TRADING? Why should I support someone who sucks at his job?

Thread is now archived.

Thanks very much for archiving! Fell asleep and forgot to do it.

>>19009069
hush, only dreams now.

I want to reiterate my previous suggestion of finding out who got flogged before we left on our expedition.