“Ha!” she says “Then decide which of us you want to wipe out: there’s your peace.”

“First” you say “I want to know your side of the story”

“I suppose I can do that” she says

Her version of past events is the same as the one Twoblue gave you: She was cursed, ran away to the forest, was caught and tortured by the fae, and she and her offspring have been at war with the fae ever since.

Please roll Fellowship 1d20+11 to see if she’s telling the truth.

After she finishes her story she gives you a rather sarcastic smile “Well, decided that the Court of Flawless Perfection is the right one to support, or are you going to take pity on the monsters?”

That last word holds a lot of bitterness.

>I’ve decided what to do (vote in next post)
>I’ve not yet decided

Other (optional)

>Who were you before you were a werespider?
>Have you tried to make peace before?
>If the Court was no longer around, what would you do?
>Ask other question (what?)

[Metaquest Post]

Tasks

With help from Autism Anon I’m changing the way I’ll be doing tasks for each year.

Tasks will be divided into Major Tasks, Minor Tasks, and Social Tasks. Major tasks are ones that take a lot of time, minor tasks are those that don’t, and social tasks are those that involve your friends and allies.

Each year you can do one Major Task, 3 Minor Tasks and 3 Social Tasks

I’m handwaving that your tasks for this year of the Clithenwald and Dragons count as a single major task, leaving 3 minor tasks and 3 social tasks to pick.

These represent tasks you are doing, not the sum total of all of your activities that year.

Once we’ve concluded this task we’ll vote on the minor and social tasks.

[End Metaquest Post]

Rolled 17 + 11 (1d20 + 11)

>>34670447
>I’ve not yet decided
>Who were you before you were a werespider?
>Have you tried to make peace before?
>If the Court was no longer around, what would you do?

>>34670447
>I’ve not yet decided
>If the Court was no longer around, what would you do?

FUCK YEAH PALADIN OF JOY QUEST

Rolled 11 + 11 (1d20 + 11)

>>34670488

Forgot dice

Rolled 2 + 11 (1d20 + 11)

>>34670447
>I’ve not yet decided
>Who were you before you were a werespider?
>Have you tried to make peace before?
>If the Court was no longer around, what would you do?

Figured I'd at least vote before I go off to sleep. Thanks for being an awesome QM Pally. Damn I love Paladin of Joy Quest!

>Success

You don't think she's outright lied, but you get the feeling that there's more to this than a simple summary of events.

“Before I decide” you say “I want to know: who were you before you were a werespider?”

Roll Fellowship 1d20+19

Extra roll because painful topic for her, she might not want to talk about it.

Rolled 1 + 19 (1d20 + 19)

>>34670539

Rolled 16 + 19 (1d20 + 19)

>>34670539

Rolled 8 + 11 (1d20 + 11)

>>34670539

>Success

There’s a long pause.

“My name” she says “was Leilwan, I was a soldier, and a follower of Konig. I trained as a caravan guard before everyone was called up 50 years ago.”

“I fought in the orc invasion” she continues, speaking slowly at first, as if re-living old memories she’s not thought about in some time.

“I saw...terrible things done then in the name of survival, prisoners slaughtered, villages burned in the name of denying any resource to the invaders, things done to ensure survival at all costs. When the war was done I tried going back to my old job, but it was different, nothing was the same. A loud noise, a guttural voice and I was back in battle. The smell of roasting pork reminds me of the day we found a village the orcs had raided; people tied up inside a massive wooden effigy to the orc gods and burned alive.”

“No matter how I ran from the battles, they followed me. I was a different person, I argued, I was rude. I drank a lot.”

“One day I bumped into a puffed up nobleman, who called me a common dog, told me I should mind my manners, so I called him a useless bug and hit him.”

“Little did I know he was a wizard, and a powerful one; he told me that I would live the rest of my life a useless bug. I said I didn’t care and walked away....the rest you already know, the fae made my life hell.”

“Have you tried talking to them?” you ask “Have you tried making peace?”

She descends until she’s face to face with you “I did once” she whispers “Why do you think my husband and my first children are all gone.”

“And if I got rid of the fae” you say “What would you and your children do?”

“We’d rule this forest!” she says, raising herself up “No one would murder my children again!”

“But” she says, calming down a little “If you’re referring to the trade route: I would have no problem with people travelling through the forest, I’d even have my children build way stations for them to rest at, and guide the lost back to the right past. Of course if they attacked us, we would defend ourselves, is that sufficient?”

>I have other questions (what?)
>There’s more to your story, isn’t there
>I’ve decided what to do (vote next)
>I’m going to talk to the fae, with iron this time
>Other

You don’t feel tired, nor do Matthias or Shahulzer, but Isla has sat down on the floor and looks exhausted and what little light there is under the trees is fading, it’s probably best if you go back home to rest and came back tomorrow.
Unless you specify otherwise your next actions will happen the following day.

>>34670615
>There’s more to your story, isn’t there

FUCK YEAH PALADIN OF JOY QUEST!

“There’s more to your story, isn’t there?” you ask quietly, since she seems to be in the mood for sharing.

“Yes” she says, a look of ...regret(?)...coming over her face “I was a devout follower of Konig, I believed that monsters like shapeshifters were all barely animals, driven by instinct, that they would simply attack anyone who made them angry and would kill and eat people.”

“I know better now, but back then I thought that was how I had to act, I did things I’m not proud of. I forbid my children from attacking travellers – they only give the gift to those who willingly accept it.”

“My husband was actually a hunter sent to slay me, I wounded him and unwittingly gave him the curse. He became even more determined to catch me after that, after hunting me for over a year....well things didn’t turn out the way either of us expected” she says with a fond smile at her memories.

“And the fae?” you say “What happened with them?”

“They did capture and torture me” she insists “But they warned me first that I was breaking laws of the forest – I didn’t care because I still thought I was a monster and what do monsters care for laws?”

Roll Fellowship 1d20+11 for lie-detection.

>I have other questions (what?)
>There’s more to your story, isn’t there
>I’ve decided what to do (vote next)
>I’m going to talk to the fae, with iron this time
>Other

Rolled 6 + 11 (1d20 + 11)

>>34670787
>I’m going to talk to the fae, with iron this time

Is the second option supposed to still be there?

>>34670814
nope, was supposed to be deleted, pls ignore 2nd option

Rolled 14 + 11 (1d20 + 11)

>>34670787
>>34670814
Samefagging rolls.

>>34670850
Same-fagging for rolls is fine, looks like just 1 player today

Rolled 17 + 11 (1d20 + 11)

>I’m going to talk to the fae, with iron this time

>>34670787
I'm here too, just no longer bothering to play MUCH since busy with other stuff.

Mostly just reading this on archives or occasionally checking in.

Anyhow since lack of players, I'll STAY for a bit.

>There’s more to your story, isn’t there
>I’m going to talk to the fae, with iron this time

>Success

It seems that she’s telling the truth. Without having any more specific questions you want to ask, you chat with her a little about the spider settlement and then take your leave.

As you leave the settlement Matthias says “I’m glad we are out of there, that place was creepy.”

“Why?” asks Shahulzer. Matthias tries to explain how spiders are scary, Shahulzer doesn’t get it.

Isla is staggering and you’re soon carrying her.

You walk some distance from the werespiders settlement and teleport back to your stronghold, contemplating your next actions.

You put Isla to bed, as she’s fallen asleep in your arms,

The next morning you set out again, after gathering as much non-magical iron as you can each carry or wear comfortably and prepare to visit the fae court.

Change party lineup?
>Y/N

If yes, who?

>>34670921
N

>>34670921
Y
Let Isla rest, bring Nicolvren.
I'd feel pretty bad making Isla hike around the forest two days in a row, given how it exhausted her.

>>34670439
Sorry that this is near the beginning of the thread and not the end, but there's something that has been bothering me a bit. I fully support the idea of time-skips, and I love the opportunity this allows for things like relationships to develop, or for the country to grow. But a lot of these developments feel cold and emotionless to me. We are informed about these developments, but we don't really see them develop.

Could you, maybe, write down a key moment or two for important developments? For example, we were informed that Sireyi and two of her friends are now in a certain kind of relationship, advanced to the point of kissing, but not more. It would feel more real to me, if there had been a short scene (maybe a single paragraph) showing Sireyi coming to the decision to give them a chance, and the first kiss.

Only slightly related, I notice the same mechanical feel of the world when looking at some of the NPCs. They feel passiv, like in a video game. There's another relationship developing, but that's only because Sireyi works as a matchmaker. Again, it feels like the rooster of companions one can take on adventures in a game. Whenever they are taken, they interact with the world and show some limited agency. Whenever they are left at the base, they just sit around, with some limited roles so it doesn't feel completely unnatural (eg, Sofia doing vague administrative stuff, Matthias being a guard.

>>34670439
>>34671012
I'm not really sure how to improve the second one, given that these people really aren't the focus of this quests and we shouldn't spend to much time on them. Still, maybe show a scene where they do something instead of just informing us about it? Maybe have them show a bit of agency? From the player perspective it feels like as soon as the Jianxi arc was over, we put her away in the closet and just left her there for a year until we want to start the next arc and take her out again. This is especially weird for our Hellfire Worm. We are in charge of him, but I have no idea what he did these last two years. Did he finally build a hoard? Did he ever start to integrate into society? Has he ever asked us for permission to raid somewhere for money, or did he even start to gain money by selling his services as a sorceror or dragon?

I still love the story, and I'm sure there are people who see this differently, but these are some of the things that I think could be improved. Feel free to address this after todays session. I would have posted it then, but I'll probably be asleep at that time.

>>34670921
Can we procure more magic resistance amulets before we go? Ideally one for every party member.

>>34670963
It's the next day. I'm sure she has rested enough.

>>34671020
>>34671012
I would also have to agree with these sentiments. It would certainly increase the immersion in the quest a great deal.

>>34671012
>>34671020
You do understand how shit the QM is at writing character interaction right?
It's been addressed heaps of times with people even suggesting playing truth-dare to inject some life into it.

>>34671012
>>34671020
>Pally
>Immersion

Did you miss back when we had to tell her to not fucking tell us about the fact we are rolling against ambushes or to use reasons roll?

Pally has never been good at it and never will, it's her writing style and it's unlikely to change.

Ok, split on vote, please either change vote or re-vote with a roll of 1d20, no modifiers as a tie-breaker.

>>34671012
Thank you for the feedback.

I intend to have some more time with each party member featured in the social options to be picked.

For example, choosing to develop a relationship will feature a date, choices to make on that date, things like that.

I am aware that character interaction is a weak area for me, and I will try to bring more life and colour to the NPCs.

>>34671012
>>34671020
A lot of those things are going to be happening in the SoL part, which occurs after this mission is completed.
Introducing more agency to the NPCs is something OP has been working on.

>>34671040
That's not really how human biology works.
People tend to be very sore for quite a while after extreme exercise.

>>34671077
>Her

Oh, almost forgot. As per
>>34671040
Obtain amulets of magical resistance?

Y/N?

>>34671113
yes

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>34671113
>Y
Is there any drawback to doing so?
If it takes money from our treasury, I might have to alter the taxes.

>>34671091
>Let Isla rest, bring Sofia

>>34671077
>>34671052
All the more reason to practice it. It doesn't have to be amazing, I really think a single paragraph showing the live of these people would improve the immersion already.

>>34671091
Thanks. It doesn't have to be much, just something to bring flavour to the descriptions. I don't want it to slow down the quest too much. I know you have already been working on the broad theme of character interaction and wanted to give my perspective on this part of it.

>>34671113
Y

Before setting out you take a quick side trip via teleportation to the city of Dornmer to procure amulets of magic resistance for each of your companions, you don’t want to be caught out again.

You decide to let Isla rest and you set out with Matthias, Shahulzer and Sofia.

You return to the fae court and are once again shown into the presence of the king and queen.

As you approach the thrones you notice that there a lot more fae in attendance than normal, and many are visibly armed.

Matthias and Shahulzer flank you, both glaring at the fae around the court. Sofia stays behind you, watching your back.

After making your bows the King speaks.

“I take it that by your return you have located all the werespiders hidden eggs?”

Neither he nor the Queen look happy to see you.

>Yes (lie)
>No
>About that glamour you put on me
>Threaten
>I want to make peace
>There werespiders said you captured and tortured the first of them
>other

Please roll Willpower 1d20+12

Rolled 5 + 12 (1d20 + 12)

>>34671218
>About that glamour you put on me
>I want to make peace
>There werespiders said you captured and tortured the first of them

Rolled 8 + 12 (1d20 + 12)

>>34671218
>No
>About that glamour you put on me
>I want to make peace
>There werespiders said you captured and tortured the first of them

Rolled 8 + 12 (1d20 + 12)

>>34671218
>>About that glamour you put on me

>>34671241
>>34671248
...Modified 20 good enough?

I completely forgot about the werespiders. Oh well, I guess I can deal with that skin crawling feeling for the rest of the day. Thanks for running Pal.

>Success
Though you feel an urge to kneel and beg forgiveness for your failure it is not a strong desire and you easily push it down. None of your companions start begging for forgiveness either, so they’ve likely resisted too.

“I’ve not found where they’ve hidden their young.” you say, daring them to say that you agreed to do this.

“That glamour you put on me failed” you say to the Forest King and Queen. Neither of them react, they don’t deny anything, or become indignant at your accusation.

Shahulzer twitches at your side and then bursts out “is this how you fae deal with people? Just use magic for force them to do what you want?”

The two of them ignore him and the Queen coolly addresses you “Was there anything else you wished to discuss, or will you be leaving now?”

“I believe it’s possible for there to be peace between you and the werespiders” you say.

The Forest King chuckles, the Queen gives you an arch look “Naive child” she says “The Plague must be wiped out, if you’re not going to help us, please leave so we can deal with this problem properly.”

“I spoke to Grandmother Weaver” you say. “I believe she does not want war.” The Queen scowls at the name but does not speak.

“She told me that you captured her and tortured her when she first came here, though you warned her first that she was breaking some law or rule.”

“She broke the Compact” explains the Forest King “Thus making her fate ours.”

“What Compact?” you ask

The two exchange a puzzled look “The Compact between our Court and the Barony” explains the Forest King “Surely you know it?”

“I don’t” you admit.

A look of understanding dawns, and they explain.

The Compact was an agreement between the Forest Court and a long ago Baron. It had a number of agreements concerning forest boundaries and trade between the Court and the Barony.

Regarding the trade route: The Court would ensure that the trade route was free of predators, that there were clearings and water for travellers and would guide lost travellers back to the path.

Any traveller who strayed from the path would be offered guidance back, if they refused, their punishment was up to the Court to decide.

“That doesn’t explain why you hurt her” you say “Did she attack one of your people? What was her crime?”

“She strayed from the path and refused to return” explains the Forest King “Making her punishment ours to decide.”

It seems that’s reason enough for them.

>Try to make peace
>I’ve picked a side (vote in next post)
>Why did you put a glamour on me
>About the Compact...

>>34671363
>Why did you put a glamour on me

>>34671363
>Why did you put a glamour on me
>About the Compact...
Do we need to suggest questions to ask about the compact or do you have a few general inquiries prepared?

>>34671363
>I want to make peace
and by make peace I mean burn down the forest because fuck you and fuck werespiders

>>34671396
I have a general description prepared, but write-in questions are certainly allowed.

>>34671363
>About the Compact...

“Why did you try to force my cooperation with magic?” you ask “Why not simply explain what had happened?”

The Queen looks down at you “This is our forest, we rule it and those in it as we see fit.”

“And that excuses your actions?” asks Sofia incredulously “How would you like it if someone did that to you?”

“You” says the Forest King with a condescending smile “are nothing like us, mortal.”

As Sofia inhales to tell them exactly what she thinks of that comment you cut her off “About the Compact” you say “Why is it still in force? I mean, the Baron who made it has been dead for hundreds of years.”

“Sometimes his successors renewed it with us” says the Forest King “And sometimes they didn’t, regardless, as long as the people of the Barony and the travellers did not violate it, we had no reason to believe it had ended.”

“I’ll need to think about whether I want to renew it.” You say “I’ll need to know more about it first.”

“As you wish” says the Forest King, unconcerned.

“I want there to be peace between you and the werespiders” you say “What would that take?”

The two exchange a long look. Finally the Forest Queen speaks.

“We want them gone from our Forest, if not dead, then simply moved elsewhere, if not....”

“...if not” continues the Forest King “We would want to alter the terms of the Compact.”

“Alter how?” you ask

“We want to expand the forest to...5 times its size” says the Forest King,

“That would cover a third of the Barony” says Sofia, aghast.

>>34671509
He continues listing his demands.

“We will appoint an ambassador to your own court, of our choosing.
We no longer need to warn travellers who stray from the path, those that stray are ours.
We will no longer grant favourable trade terms to your Barony, instead you will grant favourable terms to us.
You and yours will agree to never bring iron into our Court.
You and yours will agree to never play music in our Court.”

“That’s a lot of demands” you say “And sounds like you’re reversing or annulling much of the original Compact.”

“Exactly” says the Queen “The original Compact was forced on us, we had to:

Restrict the Forest to its current size;
Warn and guide travellers;
Accept the Barons ambassadors;
Allow your people to buy certain items from us cheaply;
Were not permitted to attack people holding iron in our Court unless in self-defence;
Could not use glamours on those playing music in our Court.”

>I’m ready to make a deal (terms in next vote)
>Ask questions (what?)
>I’m not ready yet
>Go discuss with werespiders
>Other

>>34671522
>I’m not ready yet
>Go discuss with werespiders

>>34671522
>Ask questions
And why did you agree to such terms to begin with, if you found it so restrictive?

>>34671522
>Go discuss with werespiders

>>34671522
>Go discuss with werespiders
The easiest way is to get the werespiders to leave. Still, the Compact needs to be changed. I do understand someone forcing it on them though, they need to be kept under control.

>>34671522
>Go discuss with werespiders

>>34671577
Maybe, but definitely not as biased in their favour as they'd want it.
I'm completely unwilling to allow them to take anyone that strays from the path, for instance.

>>34671577
Is that a good idea though? They seem like they would take advantage of leeway given to them. Some of those restrictions seem like a good thing or they would be enemies and a worse headache they they are now.

>Pray to Goddess about stuff

>>34671559
"And why did you agree to such terms to begin with, if you found it so restrictive?" you ask.

Both rulers look angry and around you, some hands go to hilts of weapons. Your companions tense, ready to fight.

"We were much younger then" explains the Forest King, biting the words out "And not as strong."

"The Baron had men all around the forest wearing iron, with wizards ready to set the wood ablaze if we did not agree to his terms."

"That sounds...extreme" you say.

The Forest Queen shrugs "And all over a misunderstanding: His son was perfectly happy in the Forest Court and we left him a child in his place to raise as his own."

"We're stronger now" says the King "And will not be forced."

Around you the Court relaxes and you prepare to depart to go speak to the Werespiders.

>>34671642
Pray to Goddess?

Y/N

>>34671652
>Pray to Goddess?
>Y

>>34671652
N
We already know, more or less, what our goddess would say.

Getting kinda tired of people wanting to rely entirely on what our goddess says.

>>34671652
Yes

>>34671652
Y

>>34671652
Yes.

Seems the Fae were strongarmed when they were weaker. I had hoped we could apply similar pressure to get a similar deal, but that looks difficult and costly. Maybe we can enforce the original deal, and arrange a smaller adjustment for a more reasonable trade off. Or we can find or arrange for some other leverage.

Alternatively perhaps we could find the werespiders another place to live?

“I will return once I have spoken to the spiders” you say, making your way to the werespider settlement.

As you travel Shahulzer suggests a solution “One or two passes from the air and I could burn that place to the ground” he says “You know how hot my fire is.”

“We know exactly how hot your fire is!” snaps Sofia as you walk “And there’s no way Sireyi would condone such an action, right Sireyi?”

“It is a rather extreme response” you say “And we haven’t even talked to the werespiders yet.”

Shahulzer shrugs “Just a suggestion.”

Partway there you stop to pray, as your companions stand watch.

After a few minutes Velya’s voice speaks in your mind.

“What troubles you my Champion?”

You explain the situation.

“Ah” she says “Yes, the fae can be difficult at the best of times. Though I normally favour people being free to choose their own fates, the fae sometimes need restricting as they are often so unwilling to act outside their nature, or for the noble fae, to consider anyone their equals.”

“What should I do?” you ask.

“I cannot make your decisions for you” she responds, “But perhaps I can shed some light on how things came to be.”

What do you ask?

>Who is telling the truth about the past?
>What will happen if they coexist here?
>Were the fae forced to accept the Compact?
>Are any of the fae’s requests going to cause problems?
>If the werespiders relocate, will that cause problems?
>Other (what?)

>>34671768
>What will happen if they coexist here?
>>If the werespiders relocate, will that cause problems?

>>34671768
>Who is telling the truth about the past?
>What will happen if they coexist here?
>Were the fae forced to accept the Compact?
>If the werespiders relocate, will that cause problems?
A lot of the Fae's requests will cause quite obvious problems, so that question is kind of unnecessary.

>Who is telling the truth about the past?
>What will happen if they coexist here?
>Were the fae forced to accept the Compact?
>Are any of the fae’s requests going to cause problems?
>If the werespiders relocate, will that cause problems?
>Other (tell her about finding out who has our mom, if we haven't already that is.)

>>34671768
>Who is telling the truth about the past?
>>What will happen if they coexist here?
>>Were the fae forced to accept the Compact?
>>Are any of the fae’s requests going to cause problems?
>>If the werespiders relocate, will that cause problems?

“What really happened between the fae and the werespiders all those years ago?” you ask.

“Neither side is intentionally lying” says Velya “but each is seeing events through their own eyes.”

“Both sides share some of the blame: each took actions to further the conflict, and each had chances to end it, which they did not take. Now each sees themselves as defending something, the Fae are defending their forest from invaders, the werespiders are defending their families from those who want to kill them.”

“What if I found some way for them both to live here?” you ask

“If they could be persuaded to accept such an agreement they would abide by it” says Velya “but you would constantly be called to act as an arbitrator to prevent minor disputes such as border violations, misunderstandings or someone hunting in the wrong place from becoming a pretext for war. If you are willing to devote your time to it, I believe it could work.”

“And if the werespiders relocate?” you ask.

“You would need to help them move” says Velya, “And find them a place to settle. Many of them are young and will easily handle living in a new place. Your own domain has enough space for you to found a new village for them. As long as they understand the laws and customs they must live by – and exactly how many young they are permitted in a generation they could become resourceful allies.”

She pauses then continues “The Church of Konig may take exception to their presence of course, they believe that all such shapeshifters are monsters.”

“Were the fae forced to accept the Compact?” you ask.

>>34672067
“They were” she says “But they committed far more crimes than they revealed: travellers lost they way in forest and emerged years later, not having aged a day. Children were taken and replaced with young fae. The Wild Hunt ranged far and wide across the Barony, taking those out after dark. The Churches were considering unified intervention against this and other courts before the first Baron Devlin took action – and may across the kingdom followed.”

“Fae have a certain...reputation” you say “will their requests cause problems?”

“Their chosen ambassador will likely be a spy” says Velya “But is unlikely to cause obvious problems given that living outside the Court will be a form of punishment, whomever is chosen will likely behave in order to shorten their sentence.”

“Trade terms will be a drain on your income and allowing travellers to be taken will cost lives.”

“Iron and music offer some protection against the fae: Iron from their magic and music relaxes them and makes them less likely to fight, and more agreeable.”

“One thing they haven’t mentioned” she says “Is that part of the original compact prohibited them from substituting children and restricted the Wild Hunt to the Forest. I expect they plan not to mention it and simply say that the new Compact replaces the old.”

“Salvastis has my mother” you say “I plan to free her.”

“It would gladden my heart to see her free” says Velya “But you are not yet ready and she asked that you never enter Hell.”

“What?” you say “Why?”

“I cannot say” she says, you get a feeling of sadness from her “I wish I could, but I promised that I would not speak of certain things until you were ready.”

>Other questions (what?)
>On to the werespiders

>>34672080
>On to the werespiders

>>34672080
>on to the were spiders

I don't like preying so much, we're depending a lot on the deity to make decisions.

>>34672080
>On to the werespiders

>>34672195
Well, we are her paladin, so I don't see the problem. And it's mostly info anyways.

>>34672080
>On to the werespiders
Seems like the best option is to maintain the original deal (it was never actually broken, as far as I can tell) and relocating the werespiders.

>>34672195
As long as it's limited to information and OP doesn't make it so there's a singular 'correct' answer which prayer makes it extremely obvious we should take, I don't have a problem with it.

>>34672221
I'm thinking much the same thing.
The only restrictions I'd consider alleviating at this point are the biased trade and maybe accepting an ambassador from them, though we'd of course send one in return with iron and a retinue of musicians.

You thank your Goddess for her guidance and continue on to the werespiders settlement

When you’re about halfway there Matthias wanders casually up to you and says quietly “We’re being followed, just one person I think.”

Shahulzer overhears “What me to catch’em?” he asks

Perhaps the fae don’t trust you. What do you do?

>Try to catch them (how?)
>Demand they show themselves
>Keep aware of them, but take no action
>Other

>>34672243
>As long as it's limited to information and OP doesn't make it so there's a singular 'correct' answer which prayer makes it extremely obvious we should take

This is what I'm aiming for.

I may use Velya to steer you away from suicidal paths but I do not plan to use her as a tool to force choices.

>>34672247
>Demand they show themselves
>Invite them to join you openly

>>34672247
>>Keep aware of them, but take no action

>>34672247
>sneak away and capture

3-way tie, impressive, rolling die

>>34672247
>Demand they show themselves

“Well?” you say “Are you going to sneak around all day, or are you going to join us?”

A moment later a voice you recognise calls back “How did you know I was here?”

“Demihydria” you say “why are you following me, did the Court send you to spy on me?”

“Oh no” says the nymph, coming out from behind a tree “I just saw you leaving the court and decided to follow.”

Having encountered her before, Matthias and Shahulzer seem to keep their cool but you hear a “Glrk” from Sofia, who freezes up until you pinch her arm.

“Realllllllly?” you say, drawing out the word “You just decided to follow me, the Court doesn’t want you spying on me at all.”

“Oh no” she assures you “They’re watching you through the trees-oops!” she claps both hands over her mouth.

Well, it’s not like you didn’t suspect something like that.

“Why don’t you join us” you say, as you continue on to the werespiders home “Though I think you’ll need to wait outside when we get there.”

“Sure” she says, dropping into step beside Sofia “Hi I’m Demihydria, who are you? I love your clothes, did you make them yourself...”

Demihydria doesn’t stop talking for the rest of your trek.

You make your way to the werespiders settlement. There are a few werespiders waiting to see you, including Twoblue, who decides to attach herself to Matthias’ side again, much to his embarrassment, and Shahulzers and Sofia’s amusement.

Demihydria is kept under guard at the edge of the settlement.

They guide you to Grandmother Weaver, who is once again asleep.

“Grandmother? Grandmother the visitors are back” says Twoblue “You asked they be brought to you.”

“Hmmph?” What?” says Grandmother Weaver “oh yes, the angel. What do you want?”

As she comes awake and stretches down to see you, Sofia says quietly “I think I’ll wait outside” and bolts for the exit.

“I’ve spoken to the fae Court” you say “And tried to determine what they want.”

>>34672536
“Us wiped out?” She asks

“That was one thing they wanted” you explain the options and requests they made.

“Hmm” says Grandmother Weaver “The choices that affect your realm are yours to make, as for us...I’m not sure I want to leave my home.”

>Ask questions (what?)
>Convince her they should leave (how?)
>Ok, the werespiders are staying.
>Other

>>34672547
>Convince her they should leave
Home is where the heart is, and I get the feeling her heart belongs to her children rather than any location in particular.

Besides, this decision shouldn't just be about her personal preference as to where she'd want to stay, but rather about which option can afford her children the best life possible.

Assure her that we'll do everything in our power as baroness to make the transition as easy as possible and ensure her children remain safe.

Lengthy write-ins make me feel like I'm shitposting...

>>34672547
>Convince her they should leave (how?)
say it's safer in new home, offer protection and integration into the barony

>>34672547
>Convince her they should leave (how?)

They would fit in the barony. There are giants, dragons and ogres integrating the land, they would be welcome to join.

And this is safer than dealing with the fae, diplomacy or war, for everyone involved.

Ok, roll 1d20+19 to convince her.

>>34672547
No one would, but think about what is best for your children. Even if I brokered a deal there would be constant conflicts between your peoples, and things may degrade to a worse situation. To say nothing of the fact that a new deal would result in a far less controlled fae for all of us.

And besides this wouldn't be the situation you came to the forest with, you would be under our protection. Of course there will be rules, but you can be sure we will strive to see that you live in peace.

Rolled 11 + 19 (1d20 + 19)

>>34672800

Rolled 10 + 19 (1d20 + 19)

>>34672634

>>34672800

>>34672800
it's best to leave

Rolled 7 + 19 (1d20 + 19)

>>34672800

Rolled 16 + 19 (1d20 + 19)

>>34672800

>Success
“No one wants to leave their home” you say “but think about what is best for your children. Even if I brokered a deal there would be constant conflicts between your peoples, and things may degrade to a worse situation.”

“Where you live isn’t as important as who you’re living with” you continue “are you so attached to the forest that you’ll risk your children’s lives?”

“Where will we go?” she asks “normal people will hate and fear my children.”

“I will do everything in my power to help your relocation” you promise “and if I accept you as subjects of my barony, anyone attacking you must deal with me.”

“And how will the people of your barony view us?” she asks “Simply shunning my children could cause problems later on.”

“I have giants, ogres and dragons living in my barony” you explain “werespiders won’t be so unusual.”

“And” you continue “It’ll still be better than dealing with the fae.”

She thinks this over before saying “All right, I’ll have to talk to my children, but I think they’ll go for it. I have one condition – if the fae send you an ambassador, I want to be able to send one too.”

“I can agree to that" you say.

>Who were you thinking of as an ambassador?
>Discuss something else
>Return to Forest Court to negotiate deal (options in next post)

>>34672935
>Who were you thinking of as an ambassador?
>Return to Forest Court to negotiate deal (options in next post)

>>34672935
>>Who were you thinking of as an ambassador?
>>Return to Forest Court to negotiate deal (options in next post)

>>34672935
>Who were you thinking of as an ambassador?
>Return to Forest Court to negotiate deal (options in next post)

“Who were you thinking of as an ambassador?” you say

“Oh I think Two Eyes Blue Six Eyes Red will do very nicely” says Grandmother Weaver.

“Really?” you say “She seems a little young.”

“She wants to travel and see places and people”, explains Grandmother Weaver “And she seems quite taken with your young wolf, he’ll make her a decent mate. Besides, as an ambassador her main job will be watching whatever treacherous fae you’ll have to accept.”

“Ummm, don’t I get a say” says Matthias.

“Oh didn’t see you there” says Grandmother Weaver “well, she’s a nice girl, what do you think of her?”

Matthias looks a little trapped “It’s not that...” he says “It’s just, I’ve got, y’see, there’s...well.”

“Oh quite understandable dear” says Grandmother Weaver “she won’t mind you having a second mate I’m sure.”

Matthias opens his mouth and closes it several times whilst trying to come to a reply to that. You take your leave before he embarrasses himself any further.

With that dealt with, you return once more to the Forest Court. Demihydria keeps talking the whole way.

“Alright” you say to the rulers as you sweep into the Court “I’m ready to come to an agreement.”

The two rulers look interested “What are you offering?” asks the Queen

>>34673101
Offer

>Relocate werespiders
>You can expand the forest (how much?)
>Accept ambassador
>Travellers receive no warning
>Trade terms favourable to Forest Court
>We will not bring iron to the Court
>We will never play music at the Court
>Other

Please specify forest expansion as a percentage, in increments of 10, they requested a 500% size increase.

Request

>Werespiders stay
>Forest size remains the same
>Continue to warn and guide travellers
> You must accept my ambassador
>Trade terms favourable to my Barony
>We can bring iron
>We can play music
>Wild Hunt stays within the forest
>No child-swapping
>Other

Some terms are obviously contradictory. The fate of the werespiders is a major condition and could easily tip the decision one way or the other.

>>34673117
>Relocate werespiders
>Accept ambassador
>You can expand the forest (double it's current total area, but it's not allowed to encroach on or envelop any settlements)

>Neutral trade terms so we can both benefit

>Continue to warn and guide travellers
> You must accept my ambassador
>We can bring iron
>We can play music
>Wild Hunt stays within the forest
>No child-swapping

Establish that the 'no child-swapping' part governs non-human and demi-human children as well, just to make sure.
I assume shifters count as demi-human.

>>34673117
We will remove the werespiders from your forest.

You and us will hold to the original Compact, no changes.

>>34673117
not sure, but maybe get them to join the barony as well in exchange for something favourable, but otherwise renew old agreement unchanged

>Relocate werespiders

>Accept ambassador
>Forest size remains the same
>Continue to warn and guide travellers
> You must accept my ambassador
>Trade terms favourable to my Barony
>We can bring iron
>We can play music
>Wild Hunt stays within the forest
>No child-swapping

Same as the original compact with the only difference being that you will accept their ambassador.

Please roll Fellowship 1d20+19, DC is quite high.

Rolled 7 + 19 (1d20 + 19)

>>34673354

Rolled 3 + 19 (1d20 + 19)

>>34673354

Rolled 5 + 19 (1d20 + 19)

>>34673354

>>34673117
>Relocate werespiders
>You can expand the forest (75%)
>Accept ambassador
>people who wish to deal with the fae are on their own

Request

>Forest size can increase by 75%, as long as it doesn't invade land used to agriculture, grazing or there are people already living there
>Continue to warn and guide travelled
> You must accept my ambassador
>Trade terms favourable to my Barony
>We can bring iron
>We can play music
>Wild Hunt stays within the forest
>No child-swapping
>people who wish to deal with the fae are on their own, but the court has to inform the barony of it

>>34673117
>Relocate werespiders
>You can expand the forest (I have no idea but offer a little bit)
>Accept ambassador


>Continue to warn and guide travellers
> You must accept my ambassador
>Trade terms favourable to my Barony
>Wild Hunt stays within the forest
>No child-swapping
>No enchanting people

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

>Failure
“I’ll be helping the werespiders relocate at my own cost, so I think the original compact should remain intact” you say “though I will accept an ambassador you appoint.”

“Unnacceptable!” Says the Forest Queen “We need room to expand the forest.”

You spend several hours negotiating with them, from time to time you feel like you should just give in to their demands, but the iron you carry helps you resist it.

Eventually you conceded defeat, they will not agree to renew the compact without some changes more favourable to them.

Please choose new deal, maintaining the original compact is not an option. You need to ober them something more favourable to them.

Offer

>Relocate werespiders
>You can expand the forest (how much?)
>Accept ambassador
>Travellers receive no warning
>Trade terms favourable to Forest Court
>We will not bring iron to the Court
>We will never play music at the Court
>Other

Request

>Werespiders stay
>Forest size remains the same
>Continue to warn and guide travellers
> You must accept my ambassador
>Trade terms favourable to my Barony
>We can bring iron
>We can play music
>Wild Hunt stays within the forest
>No child-swapping
>Other

>>34673391
>>34673409
Unless anyone objects I will take these two posts as votes

>>34673442

>Relocate werespiders
>You can expand the forest (50 - 75%)
>Accept ambassador

> Trade on FAIR & EQUAL terms

>Continue to warn and guide travellers
> You must accept my ambassador
>We can bring iron
>We can play music
>Wild Hunt stays within the forest
>No child-swapping

AND

> No Enchanting people

>>34673442

>>34673391 is mine, I was too late because my tablet was fucking up. I'd like to reiterate that vote, yes.

>>34673391
>people who wish to deal with the fae are on their own
I have no idea what you mean by that, since them having to guide travelers and give us favourable terms is still on your list.

>>34673409
>No enchanting people
That's probably a bigger demand than the terms of the original compact.
It would take from them one of their main weapons against everyone they'd use it on, not just whoever you want to protect from it.

>>34673442
Re-voting for my initial compromise:

>Relocate werespiders
>Accept ambassador
>You can expand the forest (double it's current total area, but it's not allowed to encroach on or envelop any settlements)

>Neutral trade terms so we can both benefit

>Continue to warn and guide travellers
> You must accept my ambassador
>We can bring iron
>We can play music
>Wild Hunt stays within the forest
>No child-swapping

>>34673513
>No Enchanting people
Well obviously they won't be enchanting people, who would want a +2 human villager wandering around?

Welcome to negotiating with Fae, any potential interpretation of a demand that violates it's intent *will* be taken advantage of.

The word you're looking for is 'glamour', I believe, since that's what their mind-altering powers were called earlier.

Ok, so pretty much the same as before except you're offering to let them expand the forest by 75% - as long as they don't invade, overrun or envelop existing settlements.

Trade is split between neutral and favourable to you, so I'm going with slightly favouring you.

And you're asking for a ban on glamours.

Roll 1d20+19, again DC is pretty high.

Rolled 2 + 19 (1d20 + 19)

>>34673702

Rolled 1 + 19 (1d20 + 19)

>>34673702
roll

Rolled 19 + 19 (1d20 + 19)

>>34673702

>>34673529

Err, I meant people who look after the fae on their own, whtever business they have. Since I figured that most people would want to make shady deals with them, and the court would probably use such deals their advantage, I'd like to have some kind of intel on it so we could react to dangerous stuff.

>Success
You negotiate with the Forest King and Queen late into the evening, finally settling on the following deal.

The Original Compact is intact, with the following changes:

They are allowed to expand the forest, increasing its size by three-quarters, you plot out on a map the agreed areas of expansion, ensuring that no settlements are in those areas.
Trade terms are renegotiated so that, whilst still in your favour they do not punish the fae as much.

You will of course be re-locating the werespiders.

The fae agree not to use glamours except to defend themselves or their territory.

With that decided, you ask who (if anyone) they are going to appoint as an ambassador.

“Why Demihydria seems to like you” says the Forest Queen “And she’d benefit from some time in the wider world.”

Your negotiations have gone on for so long that there are few fae left in the Court, but the Queen summons Demihydria to talk to her quietly whilst the Forest King and the rest of the fae offer you flowery goodbyes.

Once everything is decided you and your companions return to your keep, after telling Grandmother Weaver about the agreement. Over the rest of the year the werespiders will be relocating to their new village.

[Cost to Realm 50,000, one-off cost. Realms Trade rises by 3 for favourable trade terms and 5 for open Trade Route – 8 total.]

Once the relocation is complete, Demihydria and Twoblue will be joining you.

>>34673976
Your major tasks for this year are complete, what else will you be doing?

Minor Tasks (pick 3)
>Investigate Orc/Beastmen build-up
>Village of the walking dead
>Build Magic Items (5 weeks)
>Help Isla with arranged marriage
>Build alliances with neighbouring baronies
>Discover more Huroni magic/tech
>Visit human family
>Absorb storm for power

Social Tasks (pick 3)
>Strengthen relationship with existing romantic partners (any? all?)
>Start new romance (who?)
>Spend time with children
>Spend time with other companion (who? Not romance)
>Play match-maker for friends (whom?)
>Attend political scene at capital city
>Visit Wegenthals clan

Whilst this vote is being decided I will drop in some scenes for your companions.

>>34673976
>Demihydria and Twoblue
I smell a ship

>>34673976
Is there an upkeep cost on that new thing?

>>34673991
>Help Isla with arranged marriage
>Visit human family
>Absorb storm for power
No point in making our current gear more magical given that we'll (ideally) be replacing most or all of it with Celestial Iron.

>Start new romance (Isla)
>Spend time with children
>Spend time with other companion (Shahulzer)

>>34674016
Might want to get your nose checked, Twoblue is focused on Matthias.

>>34673991
>Village of the walking dead
>Build alliances with neighbouring baronies
>Investigate Orc/Beastmen build-up

I'm ok with any 3 social tasks

>>34673991
>Discover more Huroni magic/tech
>Investigate Orc/Beastmen build-up
>Village of the walking dead

>Attend political scene at capital city
>Visit Wegenthals clan
>Spend time with children

>>34674057
>Might want to get your nose checked, Twoblue is focused on Matthias.
since when has that ever stopped a shipping

>>34674057
>Is there an upkeep cost on that new thing?

No, set-up cost only

>Investigate Orc/Beastmen build-up
>Village of the walking dead
>Visit human family

>Spend time with children
>Attend political scene at capital city
>Visit Wegenthals clan

>>34673991
>Build alliances with neighbouring baronies

>Absorb storm for power
>>Start new romance (who?)
Isla.

>>34673991

Minor Tasks (pick 3)

>Village of the walking dead
>Visit human family
>Absorb storm for power

Social Tasks (pick 3)
>Start new romance (Isla)
>Spend time with children (Ebonsong included?)
>Play match-maker for friends (Mathias and Two Blue)

>>34673991
>Help Isla with arranged marriage
>Investigate Orc/Beastmen build-up
>Village of the walking dead

I'm fine with any social tasks.

>>34673991
>Build Magic Items (5 weeks)
>Build alliances with neighbouring baronies
>Visit human family
>Start new romance Isla
>Spend time with children

>>34673991
Minor
>Investigate Orc/Beastmen build-up
>Village of the walking dead
>Help Isla with arranged marriage

Social
>Spend time with children
>Visit Wegenthals clan
>Attend political scene at capital city

We ain't got time for new love. We gotta consolidate

>>34674126
Yes children includes Ebonsong.

>>34674057
>>Help Isla with arranged marriage
Why would we simultaneously arrange a marriage for Isla while romancing her>?

>>34674155
Newfriend please.
It means the arranged marriage she's already in that she wants out of.

>>34674126
>Shipping Matthias and Twoblue
We should make sure Jianxi and Matthias are okay with that first.

>>34673991
>Investigate Orc/Beastmen build-up
>Absorb storm for power
>Build alliances with neighbouring baronies
>Romance Isla
>Spend time with children
not sure about the last one

Ok, voting over, will post some stuff whilst counting votes.

>>34673991
>>Absorb storm for power
>Village of the walking dead
>Absorb storm for power

>Spend time with children
>Strengthen relationship with existing romantic partners (Jal/Sofia)
>Introduce Shahulzer to the Silver Dragon

>>34674175
>Jianxi

I was going to write that in too, but I figured that some competition would encourage her to be more active/aggressive in her own romance.

One afternoon....

You’re inspecting the troops that serve you, making sure they keep their skills and armour polished and talking to them, making sure you remember which of your troops have just got married, who’s new to the unit. It’s important that they know you value them, after all they are your responsibility, and if you go to battle having their trust will be vital.

Your inspection is interrupted as several of your sentries come running warning you that a dragon is approaching.

Immediately after that you see a familiar black-scaled shape soar overhead. Ebonsong is in her half-human/half-dragon form and is soaring out to meet the newcomer, she must be eager to meet another dragon.

You take flight yourself, up in the skies you see....a silver dragon approaching. It looks like, yes it is Nicolvren. You sigh in relief, you know you’ve told the two dragons about each other and although the two have never met you’re sure they’re going to get on just fin-

“MINE!” Screams Ebonsong “THIS PLACE IS MINE, GET AWAY!”

As Nicolvren approaches the castle, Ebonsong flies out to meet her. You fly out as well; although the two are far away you reach them just as they reach each other.

“Ah you must be Ebonsong, right?” asks Nicolvren as the two circle one another

“Who’s asking?” snarls your familiar, looking like she’s about to attack the much larger dragon.

“You’re cute” says Nicolvren to the young winged girl and then spots you “Ah there you are.”

To Ebonsong she says “Now fly back to your swamp, chromatic, adults are talking.”

As Ebonsong lunges forward you catch her and restrain her “If you can’t behave” you warn her “you can go to your room.”

“But Sireyiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!” complains Ebonsong “She’s here in my territory, that’s not allowed!”

“You never told me the little black one was your child” says Nicolvren as she circles you, you still have Ebby held in a tight hug to prevent her attacking the other dragon.

>>34674246
“Did the father run off after he’d had his fun with you?” continues Nicolvren “typical chromatic” she sniffs.

“Uh” you say “I’m not...I mean...Ebby’s not my daughter.”

“Yeah!” says Ebonsong, still struggling in your grip “Shows what you know, silver, she’s my big sister.”

There’s a pause as Nicolvren tries to figure that one out.

“Your father” she says, the two of you “Is a human bard?”

“It’s a long story” you say “Why don’t we go down to the castle and I’ll tell you.”

“Sure” she says. The three of you land and, after Nicolvren assumes the form of an elven girl in her teens you all go inside as you explain how you and Ebonsong met....

“And that’s how I would up with the craziest little sister ever!” you say, as Ebonsong protests your characterisation of her.

“I’m the best sister ever!” she declares, sticking her tongue out at you. Well, she’s the better than your own human half-siblings, they...well, you need to focus on the present, not the past.

“So you just visiting?” you ask Nicolvren “Or is there something I can do for you?”

The three of you are sat in one of the reception rooms of your keep.

“Oh yes, that” she says, “I’ve been keeping an eye on the orcs and beastmen, and one of the beastmen tribes seems to be conquering a lot of the others.”

“Really?” you say “Which one?”

“Umm, I dunno what they’re called” says Nicolvren “I don’t talk to them, but they’ve been having a lot of battles – more than normal, and after the battle the symbol of one of them starts appearing on banners around the camps of the other one.”

“What sort of symbol?” you ask, calling for a servant to bring you parchment and ink. Nicolvren sketches the symbol out, it looks like a stylised minotaur head with long horns and a complex symbol carved into the minotaur’s forehead.

>Int check 1d20+3 to see if that makes any sense to you.

Rolled 3 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>34674262

Rolled 8 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>34674262

Rolled 10 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>34674262
>

Rolled 10 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>34674262
Well if we can't I'd it, maybe someone else can

>Failure
The symbol means nothing to you. Maybe Isla can tell you about it later.

“I thought you ought to know” says Nicolvren “I mean, if this tribe of beastmen gets enough of his kind and the orcs together, he might be dangerous.”

“Thank you” you say, staring at the symbol and committing it to memory. Ebonsong looks at the symbol, wrinkling her snout in disgust.

“So...” she says “Want me to keep watch on them?”

“Well I hope you can stay for lunch at least” you say, wanting to get to know the young dragon better “After that...”

>Keep watch, but don’t get caught
>Get closer, I need more information
>Keep away, I’m going to investigate
>Other

>>34674338
>Keep watch, but don’t get caught

>>34674338
>Keep watch, but don’t get caught

>>34674338
>Keep watch, but don’t get caught

File: 1387536282643.jpg (91 KB, 800x534)

91 KB JPG

>>34674262

>Your father is a human bard?

>>34674338
>Keep watch, but don’t get caught

>>34674338
>Keep watch, but don’t get caught

>>34674338
Adding to this, she should try and see where the largest encampment of these guys is, that's probably the origin and location of the leader.

“Keep watch” you say “But don’t get caught, and see if you can locate their largest encampment, that’s where the leader will likely be.”

Nicolvren gives you a mock-salute “Yes sir!” she snaps out with a mocking tone.

Nicolvren decides to stay for a while and the three of you chat over a light lunch. Once Ebonsong’s gotten over her territoriality the two of them start to get on.

Eventually Nicolvren makes her goodbyes, and once outside resumes her natural form and launches herself into the sky, heading for her lair.

Ebonsong watches her go, she turns to you and says “When’s she coming back?”

“I don’t know” you admit as the two of you go back into the stronghold.

“I’m still your favourite sister though?” she asks

“Of course you are” you say with a chuckle, thinking that she doesn’t have much competition in that department.

[metapost]

Ok for voting I’m seeing (only winning or tied votes counted)

Investigate Orc/Beastmen build-up 6
Village of the walking dead 6
Build alliances with neighbouring baronies 4
Visit human family 4
Absorb storm for power 4

And

Start new romance /Isla 5
Spend time with children 7
Attend political scene at capital city 3
Visit Wegenthals clan 3

I’m aware that I’ve miscounted votes in the past so I’m posting these to give everyone a chance to check before I start writing.

[end metapost]

>>34674476
Looks good, even if their is miscount, the winning votes are obvious enough.

>>34674476
Is >>34674228 not being counted?
He was late, yeah, but not by much.
Other than that, all votes look okay.

It'd be better to do Final Destinations on the tied votes to break them than rolling a die/flipping a coin.

>>34674526
Not really, we've got a three-way tie and a two-way tie.

You’re helping Sofia with the realm accounts when a messenger tells you that a Priestess of Velya is here to see you. Thanking them you go to the reception room your visitor has been shown to.

As you enter you see no one in the room, slight movement overhead causes you to throw yourself to one side and roll to your feet in a fighting stance, only to see a familiar-looking Halfling woman crouched where you used to be standing.

“Poppy!” you yell, sweeping the tiny woman up in a hug, “I haven’t seen you since graduation, where have you been!”

“Easy Wings” says the smaller woman, her feet dangling above the floor “I used to be able to catch you with that trick” she complains.

“Not anymore” you laugh “I’ve gotten faster, how long has it been, 2 years?”

“Closer to three” says the tiny woman as you put her down, she searches her pockets and presents you with a scroll.

“What’s this?” you ask, unrolling it

“You’ve build a wonderful church to Velya” explains Poppy “So you need a full-time Priestess, I volunteered. I just need you to sign it as Baroness.”

>Of course
>I can’t accept

>>34674600
>>Of course

>>34674600
>Of course
Why would we say no?

>>34674589
>He was late, yeah, but not by much.
Nah late is late, that being my vote I feel free to say I would prefer if he he is consequent with these things.

>>34674600
Can we do a background check first? If its good, then no probs, we'll sign

>>34674600
>Of course
>You hate to have to do this, but look her over with True Sight

>>34674476

I still think romancing Isla with her fangirlism is a bad idea.

you're not giving Sireyi enough male love interests, OP. Matthias is taken, Bokin is underageb&, Gendrick is on another plane and Shah is padawan-o... I feel that Carrot-y knight when we formed our party would have worked well, but I don't regret taking Matthias instead.

>>34674681
>I still think romancing Isla with her fangirlism
Romancing her will bring out if there can be more or not, it would be silly to dismiss her as LI just because she has already fallen for Seyiri, for whatever reason.

And I don't even want to romance Isla, but, fair is fair I guess

>>34674744

I suppose you make a good point. I retract my objection.

“Of course I will” You say, taking the scroll and signing it “As long as you’re not spreading pepper powder in my bed, or using suspect clothes-vanishing potions on anyone.”

“Ah that takes me back” says Poppy, the two of you spend some time talking about your school days, before taking her on a tour of the keep and church, introducing her to everyone along the way.

You don’t like doing so, but you check Poppy over surreptitiously with a True Sight spell, she is who she says she is.

[Poppy added to adventuring party sheet]

Tie-break vote, final destination, only linked vote with numbers count 5 minutes time.

Comments will not invalidate votes but unclear ones will not be counted, please pick 1 option only
1 - Build alliances with neighbouring baronies
2 - Visit human family
3 - Absorb storm for power

>>34674811
3

>>34674811
3

>>34674811
2

>>34674681
It's possible that Shahulzer is a valid LI, we just need to vote to spend some time getting to know him, non-romantically.
I was the only person to vote as such, so you really have no one to blame but yourself.

Isla's hero worship has probably been edged out at this point from spending time around us.
The reason her loyalty didn't decrease is that we are pretty much exactly how she thought we'd be.

Hero worship also doesn't need to be creepy and obsessive, so it's not a valid reason in-and-of itself to not date Isla.

>>34674811
3

>>34674811
Allowing comments makes Final Destination pointless though, it uses the time limit of duplicate posts.
More pointless, anyway.

>>34674811
3

>>34674848
>It's possible that Shahulzer is a valid LI
Please no. I like Shahulza for being the first and only of our companions to not trying to make a pass on/have a hard on for Seyiri.
spoiler] I actually think the isn't into non-dragon girls [/spoiler]
I want to ship him with the Silver Dragon girl.

>>34674811
2

Stop vote

>>34674853
We're using it to allow people who voted for options that have now been eliminated instead of one of the tied options the chance to have their opinions heard.

>>34674887
One of our powers lets us turn into a dragon.

But really, I'm not interested in romancing him, I was just trying to make a point.

>>34674922
I only pointed it out because Pally was originally not familiar with FD

>>34674811
3

You’re flying over your barony, on your way to visit the werespider village (which they still haven’t settled on a name for) when you see what appears to be a dozen bandits below you, attacking a traveller.

You dive down to help, though he or she is far from helpless, wielding a longsword with considerable skill.

As you dive down into the bandits they scatter, and then press the attack, between the two of you, you easily send them packing.

You turn to the traveller to ensure they are ok, only to see a familiar-looking elf, it’s a friend from your school days.

“Philly?” you say “Is that really you?”

“Hello Sireyi” she says, in aristocratic tones, sheathing her sword. “I was just on the way to see you.”

“Really?” you say “Why?”

“Come here” she says hugging you “I’ve been assigned to the Church you built.”

“But Poppy arrived only a week ago” you say, somewhat confused

“No, the Church of Konig” she says

“Oh, oh!” you say “So you chose your path.”

“I did” she confirms “I will always respect and love Velya but she’s not pro-active enough for my tastes, there’s evil in this world and it needs to be fought.”

You’re too happy about seeing your friend to want to reignite that old debate.

“Anyway” she says, handing you a scroll “With your permission, Baroness?”

>Of course
>I can’t accept
>Ah, about Sofia....
>Check with True Sight
>Other

>>34675016
>Of course
>Ah, about Sofia....
>Check with True Sight

>>34675016
>Of course

>>34675016
>Of course
>Ah, about Sofia....
>Check with True Seeing

>>34675016

>Of course
>(double-check for doppelgangers)
>I'm sure you and Sofia will get along great.

“Of course” you say, taking the scroll from her and signing it “Anyway, let’s not hang around here on the road, let’s go back to my keep.”

With a spell you whisk both of you straight to your stronghold and spend the day showing Ophilian around the place and making introductions. As you walk you check that she is indeed who she claims to be, and she is.

“Listen” you say “About Sofia, I know she’s descended from Konig, but she doesn’t respond well to people telling her what to do.”

“Why do you think the High Priests chose me?” says the elf with a crooked smile.

"I'm sure you two will get along" you say.

[Ophillian added to sheet]

Second tie-breaker vote, rules as before

1 - Attend political scene at capital city
2 - Visit Wegenthals clan

>>34675128
1

>>34675128
2

>>34675128
2 - Visit Wegenthals clan

>>34675128
1

>>34675128
1

>>34675128
>2

Stop vote

>>34675222
1 clearly has it.
lel, dat 2 fag

You decide to investigate the build-up of orcs and beastmen. Thanks to Nicolvrens observations you know where the largest encampment is – the likeliest place for any chieftain to be.

Thanks to Isla, you know that the symbol Nicolvren sketched for you is the symbol of Urgorg – a particularly unsubtle demon lord who prefers warriors as followers and command they shed blood in his name.

His followers tend to be brutes and thugs who believe that might makes right, in short, perfect for orcs and beastmen.

What will you do about this gathering of orc and beastmen forces?

>Observe at a distance
>Infiltrate using spells
>Visit them openly, try talking to them

And who is going with you?
>Alone
>Party members (pick 3)

Regarding second FD vote: We’ll go with Wegenthals clan this time, but Politicking will be an automatic action next year. Unless anyone has any objections?

>>34675319
>Observe at a distance
>Infiltrate using spells

>Shahulzer, Isla, Matthias

Isla and Seyiri stay at a distance, while Shahulzer and Matthias infiltrate the camp disguised with magic, connected with telepathic bond.

>>34675319
Alternate: He hasn't succeeded in conquering everyone yet right? Did we locate the strongest remaining holdout? The enemy of my enemy is my friend, for now.

>>34675319

>Infiltrate using magical disguise
>Take Jianxi and Shahulzer. Jianxi in cover, Shahulzer should be fine with his infernal visage.

>>34675319
>>34675378
This +
>Seyiri and Isla observe invisible from above.

>>34675393
We can find that out when we investigate the camp, see who they want to attack next.

>>34675319
>Observe at a distance

>Party members (pick 3)
Brokin, Nicolvren, Ophilian
I got a feeling this is going to get messy. So our biggest fighter, the one we sent to keep an eye on the situation and a combat priest

Also, i'n cool with the frost giants

>>34675319
Let's see... I'm leaning towards encountering them openly, and bringing out best fighters, in case we need to establish that our might is right. Not sure who that would be though.

>>34675410
>Shahulzer should be fine with his infernal visage
By now Shahulzer should be fairly well known to anyone who cares to, I don't think he should show up in his usual form.

>>34675319
Go assassinate the deamon lord

>>34675319
Infiltrate using spells
Mathias, Shahulzer and Sofia


A paladin of battles will fit right int

>>34675393

Enemy of my enemy is my enemy's enemy. I don't think helping a tribe of orc raiders defeat a demon-driven host is a good idea under any circumstances. Disposing of the chieftain and neutralizing the demon by whichever means should be enough to put the area back into orcish 'state of nature'

>>34675259
I don't think so.

>>34675145
>>34675150
>>34675155
These are all within a minute of each other, and there's a one minute time limit between posts.

>>34675201 is actually >>34675155
He deleted his original post and re-voted since it didn't contain a two and he was worried it wouldn't follow the rule that votes have to be clear.

At least, that's my take on it.

>>34675319
>Infiltrate
>Abstain
Let's try to confirm if they are demon worshipers, first.

If they are, then Orcs/Beastmen both worship powerful magical beings and their descendants; if we could prove ourselves more powerful than the most powerful follower of Urgorg, they'd stop worshiping him.

>>34675445
No, that's an awful idea, especially since he's not on the plane.

>Infiltrate using spells

>>34675466

>>34675201 here

5/5 pretty good

>>34675459
True, but then we can't expand our borders

>>34675491

I'm not convinced we should take this issue as opportunity to expand our borders (presumably by taking the orc tribe as vassal, with all the problems this would bring) until we've satisfactorily resolved our present internal issues (like still rampant banditry and the ghost town)

Ok so infiltrating using spells and taking Matthias, Shahulzer and Isla, writing.

>>34675599
We getting kind of boring with the people we take. I'd like to take other guys but people have their same old strategies I guess.

You collect Matthias, Shahulzer and Isla and teleport into the mountains a ways away from the orc camp.

Using your magic you disguise the 4 of you as orcs and ensure that everyone has a tongues spell on them, allowing them to speak and understand orcish perfectly.

The four of you approach the encampment. From the feasting and revelry going on, as well as the spirited bargaining over goods, valuables and slaves it seems they’ve just won another battle.

There’s dozens of orc and beastmen tribes in the same camp, an unusual sight. Infiltrating the camp poses no problem; with so many tribes here no one thinks to question you.

As you wander through the encampment you realise there must be upwards of 10,000 orcs and beastmen in this one encampment, and if what Nicolvren has told you is true, this is only a fifth of this groups number.

Prominent on their banners is the horned beast head with Urgorgs symbol on it and many of them, particularly the beastmen have this symbol on their weapons and armour, in addition to clan symbols.

As you wander through the mass of drinking and celebrating orcs and beastmen you wander what to do.

>Ask around see what happened
>Go see the chieftain (in disguise)
>Spy on the chieftain
>Scry on the chieftain
>Other

Also

>Split up (in what groups?)
>Stay together

>Ask around see what happened
>Go see the chieftain (in disguise)


>Stay together

>>34675722
>Ask around see what happened
>Try to find out who the next target might be

>Stay together

>>34675704

Well, Shah is more or less a given as our charge, we're obligated to take him around to show him how civilized people deal with problems (which may involve some hellfire this time for a change)

I agree we should take some other guys along though. At least Jianxi, we keep taking Matthias away from her while at the same time neglecting her.

>>34675722

>Ask around, see what happened
>Hang out around chieftain and higher ranking orcs, try to overhear what they're up to

>splitting up
>ever
nah.

>>34675785
>At least Jianxi
This I actually agree with, I had voted for Isla under the assumption of using two teams, one from above and one from within, otherwise I would have gone with Jianxi.

Don't you know you never split the party

Ok, roll 1d20+11 to gather info whilst staying together.

After this we'll take a look at the chieftain.

Rolled 15 + 11 (1d20 + 11)

>>34675914

Rolled 4 + 11 (1d20 + 11)

>>34675914

Rolled 19 + 11 (1d20 + 11)

>>34675914

Rolled 3 + 11 (1d20 + 11)

>>34675914
Hopefully, staying together isn't too suspicious.

>success
You talk to the crowds of orcs and beastmen, gathering information without arousing suspicions.
They have recently conquered a large tribe of orcs, led by an aging warchief, Broken Tusk.

Their own leader, the Beastman chieftain Gorrask, is taking tribute from Broken Tusk in his tent and accepting the other chieftains oath.

Their next target they will attack is a coalition of 8 smaller beastman tribes that have banded together to avoid being conquered, though their numbers are about half of the followers of Gorrask, or as they call him, Gorrask the Mighty, Chosen of Urgorg.

Opinions differ on when the attack will be, ranging from tomorrow to sometime this year.

You aren’t able to gather much more information from the ordinary troopers and so you decide to visit the chieftain, though you’re not sure if you’re going to approach him in disguise, or just try to spy on him.

You come round a corner in the haphazardly set up camp and see a massive structure at the end of the street, the chieftains hut.

You walk towards it, suddenly orcish Isla thrusts out an arm across your chest, stopping you in your tracks. You’re easily a hundred yards from the hut.

“What?” you grunt in orcish, mindful of those nearby.

Isla looks around, picks up a pebble from the ground and clenches it in her green fist, turning it from gray to green.

Looking around to make sure no one is watching she tosses the stone on the ground in front of her, mid-flight it turns from green back to gray.

“Antimagic ward” she grumbles in orcish, though the translation leaves a lot to be desired, she gets her point across.

It seems getting any closer will result in a loss of disguise, and possibly restrict your magical abilities.

>Keep away from the chieftain for now, keep investigating
>Leave the camp
>Approach the chieftains hut
>Other

>>34676061
>Keep away from the chieftain for now, keep investigating

>>34676061
>Keep away from the chieftain for now, keep investigating
The restriction would apply to our spell-like abilities as well, right?

File: backup plan.jpg (86 KB, 750x600)

86 KB JPG

>>34676061

>can't keep disguise while approaching chieftain

>>34676061
>Leave the camp
Right now, I see the plan that has the least bloodshed is to assassinate Gorrask, but we can't do that now as we'll get swarmed by thousands of orcs if we do so. If we had Grax in the party, we might be able to lure Gorrask out, but not with this party.

I think we need to talk to the coalition.

>>34676061
>Keep away from the chieftain for now, keep investigating
>Leave the camp

Go to the coalition and speak to them. Possibly offer aid.

You decide to keep away from the chieftains hut for now and return to talking to the orcs. A little more questioning reveals that Gorrask has something called *The Pillar of Iron Skulls* that is supposed to guarantee victory when he has enough orcs to attack the *weak human clan of Dornmer*.

You spend more time asking questions but it becomes clear that no one knows anything more.

You wonder if aiding this coalition might help bring this warlord to a halt.

>Approach coalition openly
>Approach in coalition in disguise
>Go home
>Other

>>34676239
>Approach in coalition in disguise

>>34676239
>Approach in coalition in disguise

>>34676239
>>Approach in coalition in disguise
>But bring a new team: Silver Dragon, Shahulzer and Ebby.
>Pretend you are a group of local dragons who don't want their territories threatened by this horde.

>>34676239
>Approach coalition in disguise
Not really necessary, but sure.

>>34676291
That's an interesting idea, adding this as an option

>Flight of Dragons approach

>>34676239
Changing >>34676270
to >>34676317
>Flight of Dragons approach

>>34676239
I'm >>34676316
Changing to:
>Flight of Dragons

You decide to approach this coalition of beastman tribes, perhaps they can stop Gorrask the Mighty.

With the way beastmen and orcs respect powerful creatures, you decide a more draconic approach is required.

You return Isla and Matthias home and collect Nicolvren and Ebonsong, and explain your plan to them.

The eight tribes of beastmen are camped in the same valley, but clearly apart, each encampment has a few dozen yards of clear space around it.

The chieftains discussing matters are in a huge tent erected for this purpose when a guard pops his head in and tells them to come outside.

Four draconic forms descend from the sky, a silver dragon, a black dragon, a black half-dragon and a red-and-black dragon, the largest and strongest of all.

They land in a clear space in the valley and the biggest rumbles an order to the half-dragon, who approaches the worried-looking beastmen chiefs.

All around the other beastmen stop what they are doing to watch.

Seven of the beastmen push the 8th forward as you approach in your half-dragon form.

“What you what?” he asks in his own tongue, his eyes wide.

“Gorrasks clan approach the territories of my sister and her allies” you explain in halting beast-speech “They command I speak to you to find a way to stop him.

“How?” asks the beastman chieftain

>An alliance
>We’re taking over these tribes
>Other

>>34676574
>An alliance
>For as long as Gorrask threatens us both.

>>34676574
>An alliance

>>34676574
>An alliance

>>34676317
>>Flight of Dragons approach
YESSS. This.

“An alliance” you say “For as long as Gorrask threatens us both.”

The beastmen leader thinks this over “We discuss this with you?” he asks hopefully

“My lords have granted me permission to negotiate on their behalf” you say and you follow the beastmen into the big tent, whilst your dragon allies stay outside, ensuring everyone’s good behaviour.

As you discuss plans with the beastmen chieftains a few things become clear.

Firstly, they’re not tactical thinkers: their idea of a complex plan is attacking the enemy from two directions at once.

Secondly, they don’t cooperate very well, each chieftain wants to be in charge and each wants his own clan to have the biggest share of glory in battle.

Although clearly intimidated by the dragons they assume that victory is now certain and spend their time quibbling over who gets to attack first.

To make them into an effective fighting force will require someone with a lot of patience and one or more dragons on hand at all times to scare everyone into obedience.

The beastmen are too intimidated to take orders directly from a dragon, instead preferring to work through a representative.

You do gather that they expect Gorrask to attack within the next month though.

Who will stay to try to control the beastmen?
>Shahulzer
>Nicolvren
>Ebonsong
>This isn’t going to work

And who is going to try and lead this fractious, barely held together coalition?
>Pick party member
>Sireyi
>This isn’t going to work

Also make an intelligence check 1d20+3

Rolled 2 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>34676876
>Shahulzer
>Sofia

Paladin leadership, HO!

Rolled 16 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>34676876
>Shahulzer
I think he learnt long enough from us to be able to hanle this.

>Sireyi will lead

>>34676915
>Sofia
That would kinda defeat the purpose of our disguie, unless we bring her together with the giants and ogres as "allies"

Not a bad idea, come to think of it.

Rolled 6 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>34676876
>Shahulzer
>Sofia

>>34676876
>Shahulzer
>Sireyi

>>34676915
Normally, I'd agree, but these are beastmen and that makes it a terrible idea to get Sofia to lead them.

>Success

Against a numerically superior foe, even if you get these clans to work together, their chance of success is low.

At best they could do some damage to Gorrasks army before being defeated.

>Continue with the plan
>Find allies for them (who?)
>Abandon them
>Other

>>34677011
>Our giants ad ogres, if they are willing.
>The plan is to get the enemy on the field, then we can kill their leader and thus break the horde.

Shahulzer seems best suited for the job, although with some risks.
(he might lose himself in the role, or if he's too soft on them, he'll fail)
Sireyi will lead, there's not much choice in the matter.

>>34677011
>>Continue with the plan
>>Find allies for them (who?)
Try to break some pieces off of Gorrask's army. There have to be some ambitious commanders whose reach exceeds their grasp. We mostly need to get Gorrask on the field so we can kill him. A snake with no head becomes much less of a threat. And after the dust settles, we can swoop in, work to convert the survivors to a more civilized religion, start trying to integrate them into civilized society.

>>34677039
Unless something has changed, there are only 40 giants and 50 ogres.
Gorrask's army is ~50,000 strong with the coalition being ~25,000.

Giants and ogres aren't really going to make a difference with these kinds of numbers.

Killing Gorrask probably won't end the battle, their entire army isn't going to retreat from an enemy that won't hesitate to chase them down, especially if they still hold the numeric advantage.

>Reinforce with some of our troops
Lets stop them here and now. err one month from now that is. ish.

>>34677011

>Find allies
Mobilize the military, include non-human volunteer irregulars (giants, ogres)
I guess there's no time (and probably manpower) to build the superlaser? Do we have any soldiers/outfit left from Isle of Storms with us among the refugees?
We can't leave the barony undefended though, because zombies, bandits etc...

>>34677126
>Killing Gorrask probably won't end the battle
The ide is to kill him when he goes for the battle, but before it has started, so that internal quarrel rips the horde apart, of course when the battle has started it would be too late.

>>34677168
>superlaser
A month is enough to build the city buster.>>34677011
I vote for doing that btw

>>34677129
>>34677168
We have about 590 guys if we can get the giants to help.
That's not nearly enough.

Introducing humans into the ranks would probably hinder our attempts to lead and interfere with unit cohesion, savage fighters fighting alongside organized soldiers.

>>34677172
You do realize we could probably just challenge him for leadership if that's your plan, right?
I think that's an orc/beastman thing.

>>34677202
We have no mages, which are necessary to build the laser.
It's also six weeks to build it, IIRC.

Ok, that could change things

Build Fivefold Death of Cities?

Y/N

>>34677235
>It's also six weeks to build it, IIRC.
It was six weeks because we had very limited resources. And we still have all the mages we brought from the Island.

No, because we don't want to lead the horde, we want it to go away.

>>34677276
>Build Fivefold Death of Cities?
>Y


The point about humans/beastmen is true though.

>>34677289
Yeah, we could lead the horde, or we could just *not* lead the horde and let them break apart after we kill their leader.
Seriously, where did you get the idea I wanted to lead them? It's practically a cliche to do the challenge for leadership thing to off one guy in particular.

>>34677276
>Build Fivefold Death of Cities?
>Y

If we have the time, the threat of that thing alone could turn the tide.

>>34677322
How we bring him out isn't relevant to the plan, so I'm not sure what your disagrement was then.

>>34677276
>Y
The king better not ask us to reveal how to construct these things.

Although, I suppose it isn't too much of a risk given that they require six nodes each and nobody knows how to replicate them.

>>34677380
It was more that his plan involved waiting until right before the battle, while mine tried to keep the chances of the coalition getting massacred to an absolute minimum.

>>34677450
>It was more that his plan involved waiting until right before the battle
More, waiting until after he mobilised so all the enmy forces are together when the different tribe start going for eachothers throats.
But its hardly vital, so we may do it whenever.

Well we're clearly in weaker position, so I guess the idea will be to help the coalition survive long enough for the death hand to be constructed? What are the odds of teaching the orcs and beastmen the fine art of building fortifications?

You spend weeks trying to get the beastmen to work together, though it takes seemingly forever, you at least get them to listen to you when you give orders, though you wonder how well it will work on the battlefield.

Shahulzer is always by your side, ready to ensure the beastmen do what you want.

You also spend a lot of time teleporting to your stronghold and back, overseeing the construction of a new Fivefold Death of Cities.

Although it took you six weeks to do it last time, you manage it in just under a month, though you have to pay a high price for some of the parts.

[25,000 deducted from realm treasury, total deductions this year 75,000. This is a one-off cost]

After talking to Wegenthal and the ogre chieftain you have secured their agreement to join the battle. Bringing humans to the battle would only cause problems.

You make it clear to everyone that your main goal is to kill Gorrask and shatter his horde, you do not need to defeat them in open battle.

>>34677561
A month later, Gorrask and his followers enter coalition lands. Your beastmen chieftains are eager to rush out to meet him. Though his army is still dozens of miles away.

>Go meet him in battle
>Lure him where the terrain gives you an advantage
>Try to outflank him
>Hit and run attacks
>Other

If you meet him in open battle (i.e. anything except hit and run) it’s customary for leaders to meet before a battle to discuss terms.

Sometimes this offers a way for a weaker force to retreat before a stronger one without bloodshed, more commonly it’s a chance for leaders to threaten one another, and yes, personal challenges for leadership are a thing.

The Fivefold Death of Cities is back at your stronghold, though you’ve improved it enough that you can teleport it if you need to (counts as 5 people), as long as you’re touching it. You can have it here before meeting your foe in battle.

If you meet him in open battle, will you meet to discuss terms?

>No
>Yes
>And I’ll challenge him
>Kill him with FfDoC as soon as he appears
>Other