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but first, a brief interlude in the “present day” before Seven Against Thebes resumes properly

In the Palace of Peleus Aeacides, King of Phthia

You are Lady Deianira Hippomedion, and in the months since your dear brother Nikandros departed from Thessaly, you have learned many valuable things about yourself.

You have learned that you are a survivor – having crossed paths with nymphs, centaurs, satyrs and deities, you know better your strengths… and your mortal frailties. Your right forearm, now marked with the blackened, icy fingerprints of an unknown divinity is proof of the former, and your hobbled right ankle, is proof of the latter.

You have learned that you are a conniver, a traitor to your countrymen, and a murderer – and your peaceful sleep is untroubled by these revelations.

You have learned that you are a true witch – your mind and beguiling tongue more dangerous than any spear, your clever fingers able to heal or poison as you see fit.

You have learned that vengeance is your most fervent desire, narrowly eclipsing your love for your brother and the people of your oikos. A red-hot oath of revenge burns unfulfilled in your gut, twisting this way and that… The clammy hands of a nymph reach out of your memory to strangle you at odd moments and without warning, leaving you gasping for breath. You know that only her destruction will free you from these episodes and every day, you ache for that future moment.

Patience, ‘Nira, your brother’s youthful baritone whispers in your mind. You must have patience. You will find her in time.

And finally, you have found yourself to be Thessalian noblewoman, adroitly identifying the needs of your οἶκος and rectifying these in the service of greater wealth, prestige, safety and security. Having previously lost your dearest attendant, Iudas, through the black treachery of the same nymph who had nearly strangled you, and with the expectation that your family’s military lieutenant, gray-maned Argyros, will soon depart to join your brother in Aulis, you have come to Phthia to secure a capable commander for your household. A third steward of yours, the half-civilized Epirot Pantaleon, has either abandoned your service entirely, or instead prowls the Thessalian countryside, daring you to seek him out – you’re not sure which.

You have traveled from your country estate in the rolling foothills of Mount Olympus, into bustling Phthia, the fortress domain of your liege-lord, King Peleus Aeacides. Now, you stand before his chief steward, King Phoinix of the Dolopians, tutor of Achilles, in the austere environs of a small antechamber off Peleus’ main hall – his μέγαρον.

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You have found Phoinix to be trim, attentive, and professional, as you had explained your need of a new steward, and he shared a rejoinder, his brown eyes shining with polite interest:

“King Peleus has many men who might be of service to you, Deianira. But in what way may you serve Peleus? The appropriate gift will produce the appropriate man.” You respect Phoinix’s frankness – he cuts to the core question without delay.

You consider - King Peleus is wealthy beyond measure, so much so that any Timae you can produce is unlikely to impress him. You briefly consider selling yourself as a bride – an unmarried, beautiful noblewoman with a productive Thessalian estate would be a valuable prize to some young lord of the Phthian court, and therefore politically useful for Peleus – but you discard the possibility immediately. The idea that you would turn over your marriage prospects to an elderly tyrant is laughable – not to mention, your brother, loyal to a fault, has already sworn you an unbreakable vow to deliver your husband, and you fully expect him to do so.

Only your services as a witch and physician might prompt real interest from Peleus – famed and feared as Thessalian witches might be, you know them to be quite uncommon in practice. Very few women have the divine heritage (as you do, albeit indirect and of unclear provenance), the talent and will to weave spells and brew magic potions, and access to a talented mentor to shape the gift. Even to this day, you do not know how your mother, Euanippe, was able to secure the services of Spathion, your dry and humorless witching tutor – or for that matter, the true tale of how your mother managed to escape a crumbling Argos in the devastation of the failed war that killed your father. As an adult woman, you now see that it must have been a desperate flight through Hellas - a widow pregnant with one of the last true Argive heirs, and in her arms, a bawling daughter of three. You wonder -

You suddenly remember where you are - Phoinix still awaits your answer. Your words spill forth in the clear tones of a singing bird, and you state the truth simply:

“I am a witch, King Phoinix, and can provide King Peleus with all manner of spells and potions.”

Phoinix allows himself a raised eyebrow – appreciation for your own directness, you suspect, before he asks -

“And have you brought a selection of your wares to display for your King?”

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You answer by lifting your witch’s satchel and revealing the vials within – the deep purple of Kerberos’ Slaverings, clear Lethes’ Draft, aromatic Dionysian Frankencense, murky Pan’s Philter, and even several aliquots of Hippomedon’s Essence. This last glows faintly in the shaded antechamber – proof enough of your capabilities as a witch. Phoinix peers with interest, and finally says to you –

“Wait here until you are summoned by the King. You must speak loudly to him – he cannot hear the higher pitches as well as he once did.”

>well, /qst/ - a long-delayed meeting between ‘Nira and Peleus is at hand. Peleus is growing senile, and his moods are unpredictable, especially when confronted with the unexpected.

>I need a single brave anon to roll a dice+1d10 to determine Deianira’s random social bonus for this interaction. A 1 corresponds to a -5 malus, a 10 to a +5 bonus – this will be added ‘Nira’s typical (and substantial0 social bonii for the upcoming social encounter.

>For those anons who might be interested in the full accounting of 'Nira's tale (and much has happened in only a few months), please see below:

>Trojan War Quest: Deianira’s Sidestory #1: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2023/5644134/
>Trojan War Quest: Deianira's Sidestory #2: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2023/5687242/
>Trojan War Quest: Deianira's Sidestory #2.1: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2023/5725902/

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>6180076
We all know the dice are cursed. May as well rip the bandaid. Peleus is a demented old fuck anyway.

>>6180106

You've spoken too soon!

An impressive +5 bonus to be applied to Deianira's already substantial social bonuses - it's been a while since I've looked at Deianira's stat sheet, but I'm pretty sure that the math is as follows:

>Nira's natural CHA bonus is +5
>She additionally obtains her full +4 witch bonus to social encounters - Peleus is a lecherous old bastard.
>And now, a mighty +5 social bonus as well - for a total of +14.
>will start writing now - post later tonight if all goes well.

Once again, Deianira is set to outperform expectations - she really has become the more successful of the two siblings...

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“Come, Lady Deianira – you’ve caught your King in a pleasant mood. He is in his private chambers – he will hear you better there.”

Phoinix makes no further comment as he leads you past the impressive megaron – you catch a brief glimpse of marvelous friezes, tapestries of Eastern manufacture, and an unyielding stone throne dominating the μέγαρον.
Entering Peleus’ private chambers, you find that it is quite bare – an empty armorstand in the far wall, with a set of brackets above it – no doubt that the famous spear and armor of Peleus has traveled with Achilles to Aulis. Peleus himself is lounging comfortably upon a richly-cushioned couch – in his hand, you notice a heavy, golden cup of wine, already mostly empty.

He is, without a doubt, the oldest man you have ever laid eyes upon – a gray mane of hair, surprisingly thick, cascades about his neck and shoulders, and his beard remains quite full. A heavy crown of gold, worked with jewels, sits upon his brow – likely, it’s worth more than your entire estate. His face is deeply wrinkled and marked with the spots that come with a long life, and his eyes are shot through with flecks of gold, like your own – alert, they quickly take you in. Despite his advanced age, he maneuvers himself to a stand with surprising agility. You find that he is taller than you, still broad of chest and shoulders, and unbent by his years. When he speaks, his aged voice is stronger than you would have guessed.

Today, at least, he is not a frail and confused old man – you speak to one of the mightiest kings of Hellas, and a grandson of Zeus Βασιλευς himself.

Wisely, you wait patiently for his address, demurely lowering your gaze as you settle to your knees in the customary supplication. He nods to Phoinix once, some message silently passing between them, before speaking to you – the rumbling sound of distant thunder on a pleasant summer’s night.

“Lady Deianira – your presence today is a rare and pleasant gift – unexpected visits from a beautiful woman are the best kind! Already, I see that you have the proper way with your elders… unlike your brother.” This remark catches you entirely off-guard – had Nikandros embarrassed himself in front of Peleus?! – but you manage to still your thoughts, and keep your face placid, as Peleus continues.

>cont

Rolled 17, 5, 12, 17 + 1 = 52 (4d20 + 1)

“Phoinix tells me that you are in need of a capable commander for your household – of these, I have very many in the Myrmidons, and a smaller handful of men with greater talents, that I may choose to gift your small estate with. Such is the generosity of Peleus! In return, you seek to provide a gift of sorcery and magic for this exchange. By this request, I see that you have a keen mind – anticipating the needs of both yourself and your king; such perceptive cooperation profits all.” He smiles magnanimously, tilting his head– you immediately sense that few people receive a compliment from King Peleus. Without missing a beat, you incline your head even further and spread your hands to the side – silently thanking him for the gift of his words. Out of the corner of your eye, you see a true grin bloom on the king’s face.

“So – enough of formality. Show me these potions that you have brought and tell me of their powers.”

You produce your witch’s satchel – Phoinix appears at your side with a folding table, and you quickly organize your vials for display. As you place each one upon the table, you launch into a brief explanation of these, keenly aware that the safety of your household likely depends on the next few minutes…

>okay, /qst/ - let’s see if Deianira can keep the good times rolling. I’ll be rolling for Peleus – he has a +1 WILL bonus, per Homer’s original thread, although I’m giving him an extra die, for four total – you are meeting with him in his private chambers, he has some preparation for the meeting, and he has his full mental faculties today.

>I need THREE rolls of dice+1d20+14 for Deianira’s sales pitch! Successes here will translate to superior candidates for her household. A victory of 4 successes or more may have additional benefits…

Rolled 19 + 14 (1d20 + 14)

>>6180159
Spooky, Peleus has six fingers on his right.

Rolled 8 + 14 (1d20 + 14)

>>6180109
>she really has become the more successful of the two siblings...
Well she is better min/maxed. So. Kind of expected.

>>6180159

>>6180165

IMHO, Nikon was built for mid/late quest utter dominance but never had the opportunity to display his full powers.

The level 2->3 power leap is also pretty significant, and Nikon had been pretty well-positioned to either vault into the top third of mortal fighters, become a paragon of athletic excellence, or become a sort of tactical mini-Odysseus. True social dominance was probably out of the question for him, given that he’d has to sacrifice quite a bit to become competent in that area…

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>>6180169
>The level 2->3 power leap is also pretty significant,
Maybe if he had gotten that level up upon entering Troy he wouldn't have died. I am just busting your balls.

>>6180184

Kek.

Personally, I still can’t get over the probability of a successful abduction of Paris, followed by Hector’s appearance in the Royal apartments (1/20), Pollux completely botching the social rolls (charitably, 1/3ish), Hector then going SSJ (1/40 or so, can’t recall), and finally, players choosing to end the quest. What a dramatic series of events, ye gods

Rolled 6 + 14 (1d20 + 14)

>>6180159

>>6180169
I hope one day you can rip the bandaid and do a "Deianira selects a suitor" quest.

Hail Noble Lesches!
I feared for your return.
In another Qst on the board, Ivan may yet have need of another ally...

>>6180200

I mean, that’s certainly a possibility, but given what we’ve seen from Deianira so far, I’m somewhat doubtful that if she later hears that Nikon is dead, she’ll simply move on and get married to some schmuck…

>>6180203

Ahem, I’ve been meaning to post over there and apologize to you guys, thanks for the prompting…

>>6180215
>she’ll simply move on and get married to some schmuck…
She isn't, because we'll be choosing

>>6180216
She'll revive him. Bet.

>>6180163
>>6180165
>>6180198

>33 vs 18 - >3 successes!
>Nira wins top access to Peleus Consulting Group… and a bonus offer!

Will get started on an update, should be posted by 10pm EST tomorrow (and perhaps 50% chance it’s done by tonight). This brief interlude sequence is basically setting Deianira’s agenda in the “present”, now that Nikon’s plotline has been addressed, and we should be able to delve into the past (Hippomedon’s present) in the next day or two.

>>6180215
>schmuck
teukie...

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MY DREAM IN THE /QTG/ HAS BEEN ANSWERED
THANK YOU LESCHES

“High King Peleus, if you please – examine the quality of this vial of Kerberos’ Slaverings – see how the concoction is quite viscous? This is seen when it is particularly lethal – this vial alone contains enough poison to kill many men; I can produce one dose per month in the summer, when the right flowers are in bloom…”

You waste no time in setting your trap - you are efficient and adopt a tone of breathless interest. A king at the height of his power, with the blood of Zeus in his veins, will assume that all women find him magnetic. At the same time, you must appear innocent, and proceed carefully, so that Peleus is not moved to… take matters into his own hands… and in the process, risking further punishment by a vengeful goddess. You know nothing of Thetis and therefore must assume that the goddess is a jealous wife. Therefore, you are impassioned, but you do not meet the gaze of the king for overly long. Your dazzling smiles flash quickly and vanish – the sun peeking behind clouds. A tantalizing brush against his wrist as you place a vial for his inspection, but nothing further.

As you recite the properties of the rest, you give natural pauses for Peleus to ask questions – most of these are quite reasonable, although a few are somewhat nonsensical. You note that Peleus’ kingly composure is subtly fractured at your description of Pan’s Philter – a gleam of lust entering his eye. At any rate, you take pains to congratulate him on his perceptive nature as you speak – praise that seems to win you further regard.

But as you hold aloft a vial of (the poorly named, you must admit...) Hippomedon’s Essence, the last potion to be presented, and begin to expound about the nature of its creation – Peleus interrupts you sharply:

”What did you say, girl?”

You freeze in alarm, holding the shimmering, ruddy potion in his view. Peleus suddenly steps closer, and his piercing gaze takes in your face and eyes once more – a war is being fought in his mind. But just as you perceive the internal conflict, the war is over – Peleus falls out of his reverie, his decision made.

Before you can respond to him, King Peleus hisses at Phoinix:

“Phoinix, a private moment with the young noblewoman is in order. Shut the door firmly and summon the players.”

>cont

Phoinix disappears thoroughly, and Peleus holds a finger against his lips – silence!. Bizarrely, he spins about and searches the room, taking in every corner, examining even under the couch. In a minute more, a team of musicians takes up their art just outside Peleus’ locked door, complete with loud brass and drums. When this occurs, Peleus hands you a slender dagger.

“Show me the color of your blood, Deianira Hippomedion,” he commands.

Your face is composed as you puncture the pad of your left thumb; a droplet of blood is quick to appear, as rich and dark as a fine wine. Peleus seizes your hand and jams your thumb into his own mouth; you are disgusted, but you allow your face to display only curiosity. Peleus is seemingly satisfied, and interrogates you further:

“Who was your teacher, Deianira – who tutored you in the art of witching?”

“I do not know her true name – Spathion is what she called herself, my liege – a prim and dry woman. I have not seen or spoken with her for many years,” you reply honestly. A confusing line of inquiry, to be sure – what is he driving at?

Peleus exhales in some relief - and interrogates you further in a whisper, only just audible over the musicians outside:

“Tell me again how the potion is made!”

“It is a process by which I collect, purify and concentrate my own blood over days, my liege. The solution is stepped with oils of oregano and thyme; spells are cast at appropriate intervals through the day and night. A person who imbibes the solution enjoys the benefits of my divine heritage for a time – a commoner might be affected for several days. For a man like yourself, perhaps only several hours…”

If Peleus’ composure was previously fractured, now it is shattered – he stares at the vial with open greed, his mouth moving absentmindedly. He is muttering something, just audible:

“Perhaps there is still time, after all – the secret path…”

He surprises you by popping the vial’s wax cap and dumping its contents into his throat. At once, color surges into his pallid cheeks – Peleus grins broadly as he extends his invigorated arms, testing his strength - his eyes are clouded, remembering old victories. He abruptly remembers your presence – a wolf catching sight of a hare, his gold-flecked eyes locked onto your own.

“Deianira, tell no one of this potion or the method of its creation. A courier will be sent to your estate monthly to collect one potion of each type. If I summon you to Phthia – do not delay. Agree to the pact, and you will return home with two hundred Myrmidons and their attendants, to join your estate, in addition to one of my finest lieutenants.”

>well, /qst/? Take it or leave it - vote closes in 24 hours. Myrmidons are Rank 3 troops, with great gear - these troops are sorely needed and very valuable. But does Deianira want to spend all of her time brewing potions for this secretive pact?

>YES

>NO

>>6180384
>YES
Drug dealer Nira.
200 men and a fine lieutenant. Maybe even kingly favor.
>secret path
stealing divinity? Nira's? Whatever it is cannot be good. Maybe weasel more benefits out of the pact.

>two hundred Myrmidons and their attendants
>and their attendants
Wait 2 attendant: 1 myrmidon? Would Nira be bringing back 600 people (400 attendants: 200 myrmidons.)

>YES
Although we should make clear that if we have cause to travel, we shall prepare enough in advance to cover the time we shall be away, & if we should have a shortage of necessary components, we would call upon him to aide us.

>>6180384
>NO

>>6180402
+1

>>6180384
Welcome back, QM. Been missing this quest.

>>6180396

Nira actually is not sure of the ratio here, since she has only passing familiarity with warfare. But Peleus is clearly making the point that he’ll be sending laborers along with the soldiers so that she can sustain their presence.

With Nira’s new Damachidean Timae, she had the funds needed to build some new housing, if it comes to it.

>>6180425
lot of mouths to feed nonetheless. I don't know if the oikos can even support the influx. Lot of extra hands though. Maybe even enough to beat up the neighbors and take their cattle or build housing.

>>6180384
>>YES
Fortune favours the bold.

>>6180473
Up until it kills you at least.

>>6180481
Nikon was an example of an improper use of caution and boldness. Hence why he died.

>>6180485
Nira was a half second away from dying to a creek with legs.

>>6180502
the 1 and 20 wrestling roll will never cease to impress me.

>>6180504
I truly loathe crits.

>>6180384
>>YES

>>6180504

I was obviously prepared to kill Deianira right there but she shocked me by tossing that lil watery bitch like a ragdoll.

In fact, I had an entirely separate "dark Nikon" plotline planned over the course of TWQ where Nikon learns that Deianira is dead and basically goes full atrocity mode, having nothing left to moderate his worst instincts.

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Welcome back Lesches it has been so long. QST has not been the same in this quest's absence. Lessons have been learned since Nikon's death and although I hope that Deianira goes full witch to bring Nikon back,I would also like this quest to continue as is.

>>6180384
>YES

How much of our schedule will need to be devoted to potioncraft? We can probably negotiate to have Peleus supply the ingredients.

>>6180653

It represents a significant undertaking on Deianira's part - basically equivalent to ~50 hours per week, if you also include reagent collection. This arrangement will mostly preclude the type of 'adventuring' that she got up to in her sidequest. This will probably won't go on for years - Peleus is a man at the very end of his life, after all, and seems to have some other goal in mind.

She does have a small stockpile of completed potions as well, so fortunately, she has a "cushion" to fall back on, should she hit any barriers.

>can Peleus supply the ingredients?

Possibly, but since all of the reagents are local to Nira's estate, he'd be more apt to simply send you a capable assistant who you can train accordingly. Peleus is extremely wealthy from a manpower perspective and it costs him almost nothing to supply you with a "woodsman". If Pantaleon hadn't gone rogue, he would be doing this for Nira, of course.

At any rate - Nira is smart enough to simply ask for an assistant during this conversation, and Peleus will accept. This will save Deianira about 10 hours of labor from week-to-week, and allow her to be a bit more active in her estate.

Huh thought you had given up for good. Welp lets see where the utterly accursed dice take us this time.

>>6180384
>YES

Seems unlikely that we'll see a big wave of NOs in the couple hours here, so let's lock in for "YES".

I wasn't sure that 'Nira was ever going to find one of the hidden plothooks, good job anons.

Post should be out later tonight at 10pm EST. One last vote and then we can turn our attentions towards the main content of SATQ - BIG men with BIG feelings (to date, the most accurate and succinct review of the TWQ/DS/SATQ questline I've received).

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To refuse a king’s generous offer is unwise, even if you do not have all the information – whatever mystery lies at the heart of Peleus’ strange behavior will have to be explored later. Today, you have an opportunity to accomplish your goal and strengthen your estate guard with a doughty contingent of Peleus’ own Myrmidons. Additionally, there is the promise of a continued relationship with one of the most powerful men of Hellas, a person who would be entirely out of reach to a noblewoman of your lowly status… You simply must accept this bargain - the benefits are too great to ignore.

Of course – an assistant would be very helpful. At minimum, a herbalist trained in the collection and preservation of medicinal herbs would reduce the time you spend tramping through your own back-country…

“I accept, High King Peleus. But if I could make one additional request – a junior priestess or physician to support my efforts and ensure a steady flow of my tonics and tinctures to your palace.”

“Then it is agreed!” Peleus takes a small step backwards, inclining his head carefully in a polite nod. The light streaming in from the closest window strikes him oddly as he does so - his sunken eyes are suddenly shadowed. They unnerve you – shining with black ambition. Your witch's sense tells you that some darker and more youthful part of Peleus has reawakened, now that a fragment of your divinity temporarily commingles with his blood.

It occurs to you that you now stand alone with a man who has repeatedly murdered his own kin. You do your best to steady your nerve, smiling blandly as you nod in turn.

Peleus advances to his door, and with a quick set of commands, silences the musicians, directs you from the room, summons Phoinix and provides this directive:

“Phoinix, bring the Lady Deianira Hippomedion to the training yards. One of the new lieutenants should serve her needs, I am sure.” Phoinix hesitates almost imperceptibly, his gaze lingering on the more-youthful coloration of his lord but is very quick to guide you along.

Behind you, Peleus shuts and bars the door unceremoniously – without even a farewell.

Well done, ‘Nira!, your brother whispers. Let us hope that you stay in his good graces…

At your request, you collect Argyros from the front of the palace – his counsel will be needed to select his replacement. Phoinix makes little conversation along the way, and Argyros, finding the mood pensive, says nothing as well. As for yourself – a creeping doubt has begun to infiltrate your thoughts - was this truly the right choice?

Entering the expansive training yards abutting Peleus' palace under an autumn sky, you are confronted with a busy scene - legions of Myrmidons in various groupings practice their individual and squadron tactics.

>cont

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Phoinix produces two lieutenants, men of common stock, out of Peleus' vast forces for your interview - each salute Phoinix and then yourself. The heavy-set man on the left introduces him as Cretheus, and the thinner man to the right announces that he is Leoprepes. Of course, you are significant taller than either of these - the top of Cretheus' head could probably fit snugly under your chin, although you don't imagine that you'd be embracing him any time soon...

You give leave to Argyros to validate the lieutenants, given that his assessment is most important – first, he interrogates them at some length about their past campaigns, and finally, he tests them against one another by inventing increasing complicated tactical scenarios for them to solve. You find your mind wandering - you can't help but find this terribly boring, although you suspect that Nikandros would have enjoyed the elaborate military scenarios that Argyros spins out of the air. Finally, after nearly an hour, Argyros nods to you, satisfied that they are competent enough.

>Each of these men have Argyros’ combat leadership Trait! Mechanically, they are each equivalent to Argyros' skill in command.

Cretheus, you find, is a heavy-set Phocian man of fifty years, bald and thick-bearded, and a veteran of many minor wars in central Hellas. He took no part in the great Argo-Theban wars, but as the great axis between Telamon, Peleus, and the Atreides emerged, he chose stabler employment in Phthia. Surprisingly, you learn that his true passion is that of livestock and animal husbandry:

“I have a gift with cattle, my Lady. I understand them and they understand me,” he offers humbly. His eyes are a worn blue, and are kind for a man who has made his business killing others. “My father bred prizewinners outside Daulis for four decades,” he adds.

>Cretheus has an additional interest in livestock and breeding – his actions will slowly increase the fertility and quality of your cattle herds over time. Basically, he will contribute slightly to the economic development of the Hippomedon οἶκος.

By contrast, Leoprepes is an athletic and somewhat handsome man of forty summers – but he possesses a dour and obsessive nature. Once you manage to draw out conversation, you find that he is the son of a stonemason and learned much of his father's craft. You find it difficult to stop his droning again, but his expertise is clear - he would no doubt speed construction of stone buildings on your estate and improve the effectiveness of any fortifications built.

>Leoprepes’ interest in stonemasonry will produce a small discount to any future construction efforts at the estate, and will provide a small bonus to any fortifications developed there. Basically, Deianira's estate will end up with slightly more buildings/better fortifications over time.

The men each await your decision...

>last vote of the Nira interlude - pick one! Vote closes in 24 hours.

>Cretheus
>Leoprepes

>>6180781
My money is on one of two things, either he is gonna try and bang out another kid, or he's going to try and schwoopty doop some bullshit to try and circumvent the prophecy about a short but spectacular life for Achilles since he has already set his mind on kicking ass.

>>6180859
>pic
AYO THAT MUFUGGA FLYIN GET HIS ASS

>>6180877
>>Cretheus
More money and more food. Very essential.

>>6180877
>Leoprepes
I hate to say it but the Dorian barbaroi are becoming more bold as of late. We need defense until Nikon comes back to aid us ;_;

>>6180877
>>Cretheus
>His eyes are a worn blue, and are kind
This, and his humility compared to Leo's dourness has sold me. Would much rather someone who Nira would get along with.

>>6180877
>Cretheus

>>6180877
>Cowboy

half remembering, but wasn't one of the points of heading to capital was to get someone literate to read iudas' writings?

>>6181038
I thought we were fixing her fucked up foot.

>>6181046
i thought that was at a temple not located in the capital.

>>6180877
>Leoprepes

>>6181056
Damn yeah maybe.

>>6180877
>>Leoprepes

>>6181038

There was a big and sort of messy final vote in DS #2.1 to dictate Nira’s final summer priority - military commander narrowly won out over other stewards.

Also, Nira’s ankle is still all messed up - she’ll likely need to go to the be Asclepian temple for orthopedic surgery to rectify

>>6180877
>Cretheus

Cowman

>>6180879
>>6180889
>>6180891
>>6180999
>>6181139

Stoneman

>>6180887
>>6181061
>>6181093

--

~6 hour warning for the votes - last call lurkers!

>>6180877
>Cretheus

>>6180877
>>Cretheus

>>6181375
>>6181393
>>6181343
All hail Cowman.

>>6181408
Don't much like cows. Look like Hera they do. Don't let her hear you say that though.

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You find that the choice is clear: Cretheus is a man who you can partner with over long years, and therefore the best choice. Leoprepes would likely grow to be a thorn in your side; disqualifying.

Cretheus accedes with grace and asks your leave to collect his family for departure – they will join you, Argyros, and the promised two hundred Myrmidons for departure tomorrow. Business at the Royal Palace concluded, you part ways with Phoinix – who wisely does not reveal his thoughts.

As nobility, you are a guest within Peleus’ palace, but the structure is so vast that you’re unlikely to cross paths with Phoinix or Peleus once more. Argyros, being a man of common blood, must find housing in the city. As evening comes on, you escort him to the enormous gates of the palace and press a gold talent into his hand – enough for very fine accommodations, and more besides.

The old warhound peers at the clipped coin in his roughened palm, and then looks up at you with pale blue eyes, his beard nearly white. Servants and passersby stream in and out of the palace gates – the capital below is abuzz with activity. Argyros holds your gaze, and you see him set his shoulders, preparing to speak:

“Lady Deianira… I have served your family for two generations at your father’s word,” he speaks slowly, uncertainly. You are surprised – it is not like Argyros to speak this way; in sweeping review of his own life. “Your father’s last words to me were Care for them, Argyros – they will need you now! Care for them like they are your own!” You are amazed – Argyros has not once shared the story of your father’s last day with you before, nor had you ever the strength to ask. Argyros voice begins to crack as he continues:

“And I have cared – I spent day and night with you and your brother. I sang to you while you cried as a babe, ‘Nira – changed your dirty clothes while Euanippe chased your brother through the fields. I taught your brother how to hold a spear; I shouted with joy when he killed his first barbaroi. I wept with Euanippe when she knew that the madness was coming – I wept again, bitter tears, when I knew that the last of her mind was gone – my oldest friend.” Argyros’ breath hitches – he takes a moment to collect himself – you place a steadying hand on his shoulder.

“And now I weep, ‘Nira – because you don’t need me anymore. My task is done - a woman grown - if only Hippomedon was here to see it…”. You speak the truth that he cannot say:

‘You were a father to us, Argyros. The one we needed,” you say, as you embrace the man. “You cannot blame yourself for Hippomedon’s death.” Argyros jerks his head free, eyes red-rimmed, and breaks contact, a fierce look in his eyes:

“I don’t blame myself for your father’s death, ‘Nira - or even Adrastus, or Polynices,” he hisses through clenched teeth.

“It was the bastard gods that killed your father."

Okay, interlude over!

Tomorrow, I'll be posting some housekeeping stuff, and then the first real update of SATQ begins on Friday if all goes well.

Thank you all for your continued attention - I am starting to have fun again. The promise of a completed cycle - a petty epic - draws closer!

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>>6181552
>“It was the bastard gods that killed your father."
Yeah FUCK the gods

>>6181556
No, thank you Lesches for running this quest!

>>6181556
Thank for running, QM. Good stuff. Argyros is a sweetie.

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LESCHES’ NOTES

Seven Against Thebes Quest is a spin-off quest related to the series of Trojan War Quests that were created first by Homer, and then hijacked by yours truly last year (to mixed results). This quest is set in Mythic Greece – a time of brazen helms and spearpoints, of demigods and Olympians, and occurs approximately twenty years prior to the events of Trojan War Quest. We will be playing as the father of the TWQ and TWQ:DS’ main characters (Nikandros and Deianira) – the legendary Hippomedon Aristomachides of Argos, near the peak of his physical ability and fame. Please note – no prior experience in the other quests or knowledge of Mythic Greece will be necessary to play this quest – this quest is meant to stand alone as a complete and self-limiting story. Unlike his children, as one of the prominent Hellenic princes of the Mythic Era, Hippomedon is already well-known in the Peloponnese as one of the prime enforcers of the Kingdom of Argos.

His actions during the upcoming events are quite important – not just to his compatriots as they struggle against the Thebans and their allies, but also for his future family. Gods, goddesses and spinners alike will be watching his actions with great interest, and unforeseen consequences are a certainty…

In a departure from my prior efforts, this quest will feature a somewhat experimental musical element – these thematic selections can be safely ignored for those who would like a “purer” experience.

VOTING REQUIREMENTS

One-post ID votes will be ignored, unless they back-link their previous posts and claim them for identification. Players must “register” by posting within the thread within 48 hours of thread creation; only “registered” posters will have valid votes. Registration window closes within 24 hours of this post - all previous posters are validated.

Players who miss initial “registration” window may choose to provide six lines of original poetry in Homeric style OR an original TWQ meme of high quality to register. Please note that players can choose to register at any time during the thread!

I reserve the right to call upon suspicious voters to verify themselves in a manner I deem fit.

Recommended Reading:

Seven Against Thebes Quest #1: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2024/5934977/
Seven Against Thebes Quest #2: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2024/5976675/

Optional Reading:

Trojan War Quest #1: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2023/5579585/
Trojan War Quest #2: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2023/5610431/
Trojan War Quest #2: Nostos: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2023/5742360/
Trojan War Quest #3: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2023/5827930/

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Hippomedon Aristomachides (Ἰππομέδων)

Level Four

Height: 6’8”
Weight: ~375 lbs

Kleos: Your name has graced the lips and tongue of many Danaans – to your enemies, your name is a synonym for “death”, and to your allies, the byword for the perfect soldier. You are loved by the Argive Royal Family for your many contributions to their safety and security. +8 to Kleos checks. Deeds below.

Major:

• Victorious Argive Prince (+8). You have crushed countless bandits, raiders, Heraclids, and more in the service of your uncle, King Adrastus of Argos. There are very few living Hellenes who can say honestly that they have won more duels and personally slain more foes than you.

Timae: You are a very wealthy prince of Argos, even richer than some minor kings of Hellas – the gifts of your estates are so great that they cannot be easily measured in talents or livestock alone. +8 to Timae checks. Relevant possessions below.

• Hippomedon's Estates (+8): Many thousands of cattle, goats, and pigs are raised at your sprawling compound at the foothill of Mt. Pontinus, and your wheat fields are worked by thousands of slaves. In practice, management of the estate is autonomous, overseen by stewards.

STATS

Strength- (21/24) (+12)
Agility- (18/20) (+6)
Constitution- (17/24) (+5)
Willpower- (14/20) (+2)
Intelligence- (13/24) (+1)
Charisma- (11/20) (+0)

Regional Alignment: Argive. Argive nobility are well-adept at navigating the intricacies of Hellenic noble politics (+3 CHA). Following King Adrastus’ example, the noblemen of Argos are expected to hold fast against their enemies, never quaking or quailing, and to stand firm (+3 WILL).

Epithets:

• πελώριος: “Gigantic” or “the Mighty”, due to Hippomedon’s size and strength.
• ἀμύμονος: “Peerless”, due to Hippomedon’s genius in combat.

Traits:

• (Tier 1) Giant: You are akin in size to the famed Heracles. (+4 to strength and strength cap and +4 to constitution and constitution cap. For reference, the normal cap is 20).
• (Tier 1) Gifted Athlete: You are a gifted athlete, skilled in wrestling, boxing, pankration (unarmed combat), running, swimming, jumping, chariot-driving, horse riding, discus, shotput, archery, and javelin throwing. (+3 to strength and agility, and +3 skill in all the aforementioned).
• (Tier 1) Argive Martial Tempering: You are the product of excellent Argive soldier training (+2 to STR, AGI, +2 skill in unarmed combat, swordplay, spearplay, shielding, javelin throwing, archery, and dodging).
• (Tier 1) Strategist: Basic tenets of troop discipline, camp formation, battlefield tactics and general warfare knowledge has been imparted to you. (+3 intelligence, +2 to petteia, generalship, troop combat rolls when you are in command)
• (Tier 0) Argive Combat Training: Additional instruction with a second weapons-master, stacks with the AMT trait. Further +1 to combat skills, +1 to STR/AGI.

Flaws:

(Tier 1) Offputting Impiety: Devotion to the gods has never been your natural impulse - some part of your instinctively rejects the authority that they assume over the lives of men. While you are not truly blasphemous, your casual indifference to matters of the divine is somewhat offputting as a member of the Argive nobility. (-3 to all deity interactions, up to one success per thread auto-fails, -2 to CHA)

STATUS:

HP- (13/13)

Skills:

• Petteia: +2 to the game. (Strategist)
• Command: +2 when commanding your troops personally in battle. (Strategist)
• Combat: +3 to to-hit, wound, dodge and block rolls. (Argive Martial Tempering/Argive Combat Training)
• Athletics: +3 bonus to all such contests. (Gifted Athlete)
• More skills to be uncovered as circumstances and traits necessitate.

Inventory:

• Armor of Aristomachus: Provides a mighty +4 bonus to block rolls, and additionally provides the ability to convert a battlefield unit’s failed morale roll into a success once per battle. The bronze helm is topped with triple-tiered snow-white plumes, and iron chain-mail lines the sides of the torso; the unique appearance of the armor makes you instantly recognizable.

• Royal Quality Bronze Spear (1d5+STR+SKILL), Bronze Sword (1d5+STR+SKILL) and Bronze Shield (+1 to block rolls)

• Heraclid’s Bronze: Ramshackle but functional bronze panoplia stripped from the corpse of a Heraclid raider, this armor is of clearly Dorian manufacture and weathered through hard use. +2 to block rolls, and when donned, provides you the appearance of a raiding Heraclid from the north.

• “Phocian” Thieves’ Ring: A silver ring stripped from a nobleborn thief outside Archigeiros’ estate. The inside is marked with lettering, but you cannot read the inscription, being illiterate.
Your Forces:

• Second In Command: Argyros, veteran of the Second Argo-Theban war. An experienced campaigner who is utterly devoted to your family. He can be trusted to command the men in your stead but is a commoner in every other sense. When he is independently commanding your troops, they receive a +3 bonus in combat and another die. His bonus (but not the die) adds to yours when you directly command.

• Inachian Honorguard: Your personal honorguard is well-seasoned in warfare and well-equipped to boot – they are Tier 4 troops, and their equipment is a cut above most Argive forces. Exceedingly well trained, experienced, loyal, and high morale: likely the best single squadron in the Argive army.

• Hippomedon’s Army: Two thousand men-at-arms recruited from the large population of your home estate; these men have been passed through a punishing training program. They are now Tier 2 troops and can be trusted to behave professionally on the field. They have been equipped with good-quality linothorax, ox-hide shields, leather helms and spears that fly true. (Good quality equipment – 1d3 spear damage, +1 to block rolls)

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In the Royal Palace of Argos

You are Hippomedon Aristomachides, legendary Argive prince - a famed soldier, you have sent innumerable enemies of your uncle, King Adrastus, to the realm of the Lord of Many below. In combat, you are unassailable, unworried, unafraid - unfortunately, none of these things are true at the moment, as you shift irritably on a couch.

You breathe deeply, attempting to stay calm. The racket down the hall, from deeper within the Royal Palace of Argos, is growing louder.

You retreat into memory - following your successful cattle raid on friendly, neighboring Tegea, you had recovered a wealth of Timae, and made efforts to ransom a hostage noblewoman. In the process, you had a chance encounter with one of the “venerable goddesses” – Δασπληται Tisiphone, chief of the Curses, punisher of the basest criminals. By solving Her “riddle”, and in process, slaying three men embroiled within Her scheme, you escaped without further harm.

Except…

Later that same week, you had been madly stampeding through a crowd of Dionysians on the hilltop Larissa, seeking your wife, Euanippe, and She had accosted you once more, grabbing your arm, hissing a message in your ear:

“Ah, so this is how obedience is obtained… Well done, prince of Argos!”

You scarcely had a moment to consider Her remarks, because seconds after, you were swept up in a great joy; at long last, Euanippe was pregnant. And then a week later, a heavily-wounded Tydeus returned from his mission to Thebes, and recounted his victory over a treacherous troop of Theban assassins. The resulting furor sent your encounter with the goddess straight out of your mind. Tydeus, practically frothing at the mouth, had demanded that the Argive army march out that very night, but your uncle, King Adrastus, had shared such soothing and mild words that Tydeus’ request was immediately discarded.

Coming out of your reverie, you find that you are still surrounded by your male relatives – your uncles, Mecisteus, Pronax, and Adrastus, as well as your cousins, Capaneus (true) and Parthanopaeus (adopted) – you trade nervous glances with Mecisteus. Adrastus gives you a bracing pat on your shoulder. "Peace, lad - it will be well," he says to you.

Deeper in the palace, the cries of the priestesses grow louder, the chanting growing more distinct.

Two weeks after Tydeus' return, when your brutish cousin Capaneus confronted the seer Amphiarus in the streets, accusing him of feminine cowardice, stirring up a riot in the process, you were denied another chance to retreat to your home estates and consider the goddess's words. The idiot still sneers blasphemously at the mention of those “feminine” men whose mouths have been blessed by the oracular springs of Cirrha. You do your best not to look at Capaneus, across from you on another couch – to do so only invites needless antagonism.

>cont

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Amphiarus, his father and the rest of the Melampians have since cloistered themselves in their wing of the city, refusing all callers, excepting Adrastus.

And all the while, the people of Argos clamor for the war to begin, beg for the seers to reveal Argos’ future victory by prophecy (to no avail), and beggaring your disbelief, Adrastus has resisted all increasingly frustrated calls for action (including your own), explaining nothing, refusing to explain the delay.

And unbelievably, this has been the state of affairs in Argos for NINE MONTHS - NINE MONTHS!

But you are getting distracted again – you are supposed to be considering the words of the queen of the Πραξιδικαι – what loyalty could She possible be after? Why haunt your footsteps at all, given your blameless innocence? You have killed no kin, committed no great blasphemy, perjured no one – so what could it be? What business could She -

Your thoughts are interrupted once more - by the faint but discernable screaming of your wife, Euanippe:

“Hippomedon! HIPPOMEDON!

You bolt to your feet - there was an edge of true pain and terror in her voice, one you have never heard before. Capaneus is quick to rise as well, jabbing his finger in your chest:

"Sit down, Hippomedon - you cannot interrupt her labor. The priestesses were clear, it offends the Ειλειθυια when men are present, and will only prolong things. Don't embarrass yourself further."

His tone offends you, as usual - the brute was out on a hunting trip, without a care in the world, when his own son, Sthenelus, had been delivered years ago. He is right, though - the priestesses did tell you to stay out of the room where Euanippe labors to deliver your firstborn, although whether this pleases the goddesses of childbirth, you don't care. You don't take your seat - your hands rise to your hair and pull in despair - this is madness! Do all fathers go through this insanity? How are you expected to do nothing while your wife cries to you for aid? You should have asked Polynices about Thessander's delivery last month, or Tydeus about young Diomedes in the month before.

Euanippe is shrieking now:

"HIPPOMEDON, PLEASE!

Capaneus is shaking his head, standing eye-to-eye with you, raising his finger again -

"Hippomedon, sit down now - or you will be made to sit. We both know that you cannot leave the room unless I allow it." Your family in the room are trading interested glances - out of the corner of your eye, you swear you see Mecisteus taking wagers from Pronax and Parthenopaeus. Euanippe's shrieks have dissolved into pure animal cries of distress - you can't bear it - this is too much! Capaneus is your better in strength, but you don't think he's expecting a grapple without warning...

>wat do, /qst/? Vote closes in 24h.

>Suplex Capaneus with a sneak attack and go to your shrieking wife?

>Resist the urge to go to Euanippe, and abide by the rules of the priestesses.

>Something else?

Can Hippo throw his couch at Cap?

>>6182187

Sure, but Cap is standing within arm’s reach, so it would be sort of a slow and awkward way to attack him. I’d have to give Cap to grapple Hippo at an advantage under those circumstances

>>6182192

*give Cap a chance

>>6182192
He's really ready for his cousin to turn around, put his hands on the couch like he's gonna plop down and then haul that ass around like it's getting paid for it? Lame.

>>6182197

Well, it’s an Ancient Greek style couch, so it’s really a massive wooden table with cushions and blankets on top

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klin%C4%93

Cap can throw a punch or charge in that short range faster than Hippo can pick up a huge table and huck it. You guys could try if you wanted, but it could get messy

>>6182181
>>Suplex Capaneus with a sneak attack and go to your shrieking wife?
Anyway, suplex.

>>6182198
Damn, whoever invented ancient couches is a dick. Who needs all that acreage?

>>6182198
any smaller things around like a plate or cup pretend sit down and then throw.
>>6182197
>really ready for his cousin
it says something about their contentious relationship

>>6182181
>>Suplex Capaneus with a sneak attack and go to your shrieking wife?
I support recklessness

>>6182181
>Suplex Capaneus with a sneak attack and go to your shrieking wife?
Hey, he's the one that turned it into a manliness contest. If he hadn't made a show of framing it as us being afraid to face him, I'd have heeded his caution.

>>6182201
Heroic ego indeed.

>>6182201

Sure, a minor deceit like this would give a small bonus.

Seems like we’re trending towards sneak attack, if we’re still unanimous at 12pm EST, I’ll call for rolls.

Rolled 8, 18, 19 + 20 = 65 (3d20 + 20)

You don’t like your chances here - but the idea that Capaneus, of all present, would stand between you and your terrified wife… preposterous.

Options are limited, and so you elect for a feint, distraction, charge, and suplex combination - some surprise will be necessary if you are to take down your cousin, whom you know to be a champion wrestler and your superior in this regard. You’ll trust in your superior speed here - Capaneus is slower off the draw.

You make a placating gesture with your hands, slowly retreating, make as if you are about sit again upon your lounge - with your left hand, you grab a loose cushion. You delay your motion until Capaneus begins to sit himself, off-balance, and then your left arm whips out, casting the cushion at high speed towards Capaneus’ head! You launch to your feet at the same moment, ducking low and to the left, in order to pre-emptively dodge Capaneus’ grapple…

>I’m rolling for Capaneus. He has a mighty +16 natural STR bonus (I am serious), plus a +4 boxing/wrestling bonus from his “Conditioned Champion” athletic trait.

>I need THREE rolls of dice+1d20+18 - Hippo has a very impressive +12 Str bonus, is a gifted athlete himself (+3 bonus to grappling/boxing), and I’m assigning a further +3 bonus for cushion/charge write-in - this is the difference between Hip and Cap’s AGI bonus.

Rolled 1 + 18 (1d20 + 18)

>>6182446
does the unarmed combat bonii of ART and ACT not apply here?

>>6182451

Hmm, that’s a good point - I sort of forgot about those traits.

So I’ll manually a +1 to Cap’s roll (he has ACT as well), and a further +3 roll to Hippo’s roll (he has ACT and AMT)

>>6182446
And here are those good old TWQ dice. ONCE AGAIN! Even his father is cursed.

*cough*

Still waiting for two more rolls of dice+1d20+18 (I’ll do the manual adjustment once rolls are complete)

Rolled 5 + 18 (1d20 + 18)

>>6182446
>>6182517
yeah but why bother?

Rolled 16 + 18 (1d20 + 18)

>>6182446
Despair. For the line of Hippomedon is cursed. Our only hope is Deianira.

>>6180504
>>6182451
>>6182446
You were saying?

>>6182451
>>6182518
>>6182519

>37 vs 40 - a very narrow loss

Don’t be disheartened, anons - Cap is one of the only men in Hellas who can do this to Hippo.

I should be able to put out a mini update tonight by 10pm EST

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You dart in low, ducking under Capaneus’ swiping right arm, and in a blink, you’ve caught him around the middle from behind – your right hand locked tightly over your left wrist, shackling his muscular torso and preparing to heave him violently in a suplex. Your cushion feint had broken his concentration for just long enough for you take the upper hand – you distantly hear the men in the room shouting in excitement –

“Oh, Capaneus – he’s got you now!” Pronax clamors,

“He’s going to throw!” Parthanopaeus exclaims, in nearly the same instant.

You duck your head close to Capaneus’ midback to protect from thrown elbows, but none are coming – Capaneus is instead violently inserting his thumbs between your locked arms with incredible force. You jockey for footing, the pair of you smashing through Capaneus’ lounge in the process, but Capaneus bucks his hip as he finally draws your hands apart – and then wraps his own hand, iron-strong, about your right wrist, keeping it low and in front of you, preventing you from clambering onto his back for the choke. Whirling, he spins to face you, and he jitters just enough to bait you into going low for his legs, collapsing onto all fours as you dive – but he was ready.

He drops to catch your dive, throwing more lounge fragments against the wall and catches you - with his right shoulder digging between your shoulderblades, right arm threaded under your left, and his right hand with a fistful of your beard (not sporting!). With his left, he hammers your side, punishing your ribs and bruising you heavily with his stony fist - you know he’s got you as he continues to pound.

You breath heavily as he wrenches your head up and forwards – you smell his sour breath as he ceases his assault:

“Hippomedon, you soft bitch – give it up now or I’ll find your wife later and give her a real Argive heir.” Low groans from the audience – Capaneus has now staked your manhood on this meaningless wrestling match in every way that counts, in his all-too-typical crude manner.

Capaneus, apparently not done taunting you, continues:

“You better get used to this – I’m going to take every opportunity to shame you in front of your boy…”

Rage bubbles in your gut – previously, you were just trying to get around him, but now you desperately want to crush him – defend your honor. You don’t answer him outright as you tense and consider your options.

>wat do, /qst/? Double or nothing, or take the L?

>Continue to wrestle, sacrificing your beard, even though you’ve lost the element of surprise, and Capaneus is the superior wrestler. A unexpected reversal here might win you some respect from all present, but a loss would prove you foolish in front of the only men that matter in Argos.

>Swallow your pride and surrender – a galling loss to your boorish cousin, but preserving at least most of your manful dignity, limiting reputational loss to Capaneus alone.

>>6182623
>Swallow your pride and surrender
hippo's got superior technique, but cap is terribly strong.
but i don't know how agi plays into this. speed and technique hippo has.

>>6182625

Grappling in the TWQ is a pure STR contest, plus trait bonii, so Hippomedon would definitely be at moderate disadvantage now that he's lost the +3 write-in bonus. Still, victory is totally possible, even if would be a gamble.

>>6182633
interesting. might've been better to just have tried uppercutting cap

>>6182623

>Continue to wrestle, sacrificing your beard, even though you’ve lost the element of surprise, and Capaneus is the superior wrestler. A unexpected reversal here might win you some respect from all present, but a loss would prove you foolish in front of the only men that matter in Argos.
FUCK IT WE BALL, as they say.

>>6182638

>straight up suckerpunching Cap while your wife is in labor down the hall

Even in the LBA, this would be considered trashy, anon.

Whereas a WRASSLIN' MATCH is considered fun and entertaining, as long as no permanent damage is inflicted on the athletes and surrounding people.

>barely lose
>"You're a bitch little man. Fuck you. Bitch. Pissboy. Little fucking loser."
>meanwhile, if we would have passed
>"I am here my wife!"
>gets cursed by the gods to get small-dick-itis or some shit for our hubris of interrupting a ceremony
Honestly.

>>6182656
Welcome to mythological Hellas, anon, where the only rule is "try not to get noticed by gods."

>>6182659
I'm just tired of failures being punished so severely and successes being rewarded so sparingly. Or punished, in some cases. It's not like we got bodied in the opposed roll but Cap literally manhandled us and called us a pussy and all we had to show for it was getting his back and immediately losing it. Which is genuinely pathetic.

There's just no winning.

>>6182654
should've used the steel chair equivalent. that or break the hold and start a proper boxing match like pollux and nikon did.

>Double it & pass it to the next Argive (beat his ass)
>Remain in the lounge room afterward though

>>6182690

I appreciate the feedback anon, but You guys chose to start a fight with likely the strongest Hellene and best wrestler of his generation and nearly won - that’s why players have another vote to dictate your next action.

Retiring gracefully here means that you lose a point of respect from Cap only, but that’s pretty minor in the grand scheme of things. He could have mopped the floor with you in front of your king and friends, which definitely would have been embarrassing and caused more reputational damage.

I also took some opportunity here to better characterize Cap as an asshole and refresh everyone’s memory about the difficulty level of TWQverse quests - the plot armor of the MCs in the TWQverse is paper thin, I will not step in to save the players if poor decisions are made.

>Continue to wrestle, sacrificing your beard, even though you’ve lost the element of surprise, and Capaneus is the superior wrestler. A unexpected reversal here might win you some respect from all present, but a loss would prove you foolish in front of the only men that matter in Argos.

Give him what he wants.

>>6182623
>Swallow your pride and surrender

surrender and limit your reputational damage

>>6182625
>>6182848

royal rumble continues

>>6182643
>>6182729
>>6182845

---

closing this vote by 8pm EST tonight.

>>6182842
Let's just ignore every other occurrence where we've succeeded and got footnoted or where we have played our cards right with the information we had and got fucking shafted. Man whatever.

>>6182940
Your comments all seem very demoralized. Are you sure you're having fun here?

>>6182623
>Swallow your pride and surrender – a galling loss to your boorish cousin, but preserving at least most of your manful dignity, limiting reputational loss to Capaneus alone.

TWQ dice have spoken, im NOT having this turn into another Hector situation, since that WILL happen if we push our luck.

does hippo have his own personal horses for chariots and riding? like demigod ones he could've been gifted by adrastus from his god stallion's offspring.

>>6183121

Yes, he has some very good horses that are of Arion’s line - including some actual “sons of Arion”. Hasn’t come up yet but will come into play in later threads, I’m sure (although Hippo borrowed Arion for the Tegean cattle raid last thread).

Most of the really good horses that the Argive nobility are descended from Arion in one way or another - Adrastus has been pretty deliberate about breeding great horses since Heracles gifted Arion to him ~25 years ago

Will roll a d2 at 8pm if we’re deadlocked

1: fight
2: no fight

Lurkers, I’d prefer if some of you jumped in rather than let the gods decide?

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>6183249

>>6183307
THANK GOD! No fucking dying to stupid rolls today at least.

You strain against Capaneus’ hold with everything you have, testing for weaknesses in his stance or hold on you – but as you do, it becomes clear that you’re overmatched. His form is perfect – his shoulder digging into your upper back painfully, his right hand fully interlaced with your beard, drawing your head up and out. Even should you disentangle yourself, you’d be in an unfavorable position against a superior wrestler – the strategist in you tells you to abandon the fight and salvage what you can.

You make a mental note to humble Capaneus in the training yard at the nearest opportunity, even as you tap out of the scrabble.

Capaneus releases you quickly, and is even quicker to vaunt:

“Behold – another victory for the greatest prince of Argos!” he announces loudly, to the shouts of approval from your family. You see Pronax shake his head in mock disgust as he shoves talents into the hands of Parthanopaeus and Mecisteus. Adrastus shakes his head kindly at the foolishness, but his eyes betray him – you see him calculating and recalculating your performance and your decision to retire the fight – his lips purse, but no disappointment reveals itself on his face. Nonetheless, deep frustration builds as Capaneus continues his mockery:

“Perhaps you might perform better if you had more expertise with a stronger man, Hippomedon? I’m sure any number might take you on as Zeus once took young Ganymede!”*

You bite your tongue, as Parthanopaeus cackles in delight – the boy’s appreciation of humor is typically charming, but today, his braying grates. Settling back on your lounge, you make no comment at all, nodding once to Capaneus in a gesture of manful acknowledgment. Still, you’ve lost standing in Capaneus’ eyes – for whatever this is worth.

>Hippomedon has lost a point of respect from Capaneus! This will mechanically impact future social encounters with Capaneus!

Down the hall, your wife’s shrieking slowly dies down – but no news. Her labor is not yet done.

---
Hours pass – you’ve long since changed positions to lie on the comfortable lounge, eyes closed, and night has fallen. Adrastus has taken on the role of entertainer – telling old war stories. Only Parthanopaeus pays close attention – the youngest of you, with the barest blonde fuzz gracing his cheeks, he has had the least exposure to your uncle and is therefore the most curious. You let your uncle’s tales wash over you yet another time, and Ὑπνος nearly has you subdued in a grapple of a gentler kind, when a white-robed woman announces herself to the room:

“Lord Hippomedon – it is time.”

You spring to your feet, instantly wide awake and nervous, searching the young woman’s face for clues – she is impassive, but she clearly senses your alarm, for she speaks:

“Be at peace, Lord – your wife and child live. At long last, the Ειλειθυια have allowed the child to depart the womb safely. Come!”

>cont

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You take a step forward - and are immediately assaulted on all sides. Your uncles and cousins are each pawing, pushing you, congratulating you, embracing you. Adrastus claps his great hands upon your shoulders and kisses you on each cheek, beaming -

“Go, Hippomedon! Meet your heir!”

As your family hollers encouragement from behind, your sandaled feet bear you weightlessly down the hall, through the royal apartments, and into the fragrant suite, air rich in incense, where your wife lies.

You see Euanippe immediately as you enter, half-clothed and in repose on a heavily-pillowed bed – the world falls away, and only she remains.

She is beautiful – her golden hair plastered with sweat, pale, still breathless, panting, a smear of dried blood against her chin.

The only woman you have loved – the only one who matters.

She sees you enter and a weak smile blooms. She whispers gently to a bundle of linens held against her naked breast – and it stirs – by the Gods!

“Wake, child – wake! Your father is here,” and the word disorients you.

You settle gingerly on the bed next to your wife, saying nothing, and she simply holds the bundle out to you. Your hands shake before you take the bundle into your hands as gently as you can, and when you do, it is surprisingly heavy. Euanippe gently pulls the white linens aside – and a child’s face appears, pink and compressed together – smudged with… wax, residue?

A perfect face.

The child sleeps peacefully.

Your child.

You feel some deep part of your mind changing, shifting, itching, growing - a sensation that you could not describe to another even if you tried. Your heart fractures, some fragment escaping into the air – and then passing into the tiny breast of the child. You feel the pull of it already – your core seeking theirs, always.

Your child.

You look to Euanippe, tears flowing down your face, and cannot find the words you seek – Euanippe only smiles, eyes shadowed with fatigure, and clarifies your question:

“Boy or girl?”

You nod.

“A girl,” she whispers.

The child’s brow tenses – her eyelids flicker. She dreams.

She.

She.

“A girl!” you exclaim, a bit louder than you intended, your mouth falling open. You can’t believe it – ridiculously you had discarded the possibility outright – so many men in the line of Talaus, you had simply -

“Yes, Hippomedon – you have a daughter,” Euanippe intones, warm and solemn and weeping herself, all at once.

>cont

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A distant and buried part of you begins to mutter about heirs and sons, but as you look upon your daughter’s face, the unpleasant part of you vanishes – turns to dust.

The girl’s face is perfect.

Perfect.

In the corner of your eye, there is a brazen mirror standing in the room – the wedding gift from old Nestor. In the reflection, you hunch over the child like a mother hen – your vast shoulders a bulwark from the world outside. The child’s perfect nose, still gum-pink from the birth, is just visible in the mirror*.

Your daughter.

Euanippe speaks again –

“Her name is Deianira, my love.”

You stare at her in disarray, in total confusion.

“After Deianira, the woman who murdered Heracles?!” you sputter.

Euanippe’s smile thins to a razor. Her voice cuts:

“Yes. Let them fear her.”

And your daughter hears her mother’s voice – the eyes flutter open, just a moment – long enough for you to catch a brief glimpse of them – endless, unfocused murky blue, wine-dark like a stormy sea…*

“Hippomedon,” Euanippe says to you gently, “rest with us now.”

And so you do.

*This is not a continuity error – I meant what I wrote here.

Nira is here! Lacks brown gold flecked eyes and no reflection, but who knows how olympian genes works or what deals are to be struck.
>Parthanopaeus (adopted)
Hippomenes and Atalanta's kid?

>>6183447

Parthanopaeus is the son of Atalanta, and his father is all but confirmed to be Ares. He has gold-flecked eyes and a great overall statblock, but is young and has basically no combat training, so Hippomedon is the better warrior by a mile

>>6183447

And to clarify a bit further: Yes, Hippomenes is his social father as well, I forgot to mention.

Anyways I should have the next update out before 10pm EST tonight.

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Weeks later, you’re still in the daze of new fatherhood – even with wet nurses, attendants, and other servants, it seems that you now have a new master – a tiny babe, who sleeps, eats, cries as she will. Of course, there is nothing preventing you from your duties in Argos – except for the magnetism that draws you to Deianira, pulling at you at all hours of the day and night. You find it difficult to be separated from her and Euanippe – you never travel outside a day’s ride from Argos, and some days, you don’t even leave the city. Rarely, you find a moment’s time to wonder about your previous encounter with one of the venerable goddesses – but with Deianira’s birth and the passage of time, you are learning to put the mystery aside.

Deianira is large – a blessing that the delivery was not complicated, given that Euanippe is of average height – and has a phenomenal appetite. Already, the midwives exclaim that she will have some measure of your great stature. But Deianira has developed something of a dry cough, a minor thing, but enough to awaken her in the night. The midwives assure you that this is nothing, but you find it worrisome. You’ve pushed Euanippe and her attendants to find a effective treatment, but as of yet – no improvement has been made. You wonder if you should escalate the matter to the attention of the Asclepians, perhaps you’ve already waited too long to –

“Hippomedon! Your attention please!” barks your uncle, the weathered soldier, Pronax. You remember yourself – you are in yet another biweekly “war council”, where the group of you recite the same lines you've performed for nearly a year:

Tydeus, his rage still smoldering, implores Adrastus to order the march on Thebes immediately, his waning patience causing him to increasingly test the boundaries of polite address against his kingly father-in-law.

Polynices, taking over where his brother-in-law leaves off, attempts to do with honeyed tongue what Tydeus could not - and week after week, fails to prompt action from Adrastus.

Amphiarus, sits gamely at the council, pretending all is well, speaking empty words but saying nothing of meaning.

Mecisteus and Pronax report on the quotidian details of logistical management of the greatest assembly of Hellene warriors that the Peloponnese has even seen.

Parthanopaeus, the unserious youth, mostly cracks jokes at opportune times.

Capaneus’ attendance has been poor these past few months – he is not present today, as usual.

And finally, you – you make the same report every time, and this is what Pronax (and the rest of the council) have been waiting on.

“Ah – our forces are assembled, equipped; primary training is complete. We maintain combat readiness, King Adrastus. To further raise equipment and performance standards of the Argive forces would be prohibitively costly, and needless deaths would result. We will maintain our training regimen until it is time to march.”

>cont

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Adrastus nods placidly, as usual, and then opens the floor:

“Men of Argos – what pressing matters are there to address?” Of course, there is no need to discuss tactics or strategy against the Thebans – victory is beyond doubt.

Mecisteus and Pronax are first to speak, brusque and efficient:

“King Adrastus, we have a new issue to raise – we have credible reports from several scouts about… something… preying upon our cattle herds grazing to the southeast. The herds are vast, in no small part due to the successful cattle raid last season, but we are losing prime head every week. We must send one of the Argive captains to investigate the matter.”

Polynices speaks next, in pleasing tenor:

“Nothing to report, King Adrastus.” But as you look to Polynices, he catches your eye strangely, and makes a subtle gesture with his index finger – I have something to discuss with you, Hippomedon, you intuit.

Tydeus, somehow resembling a dog gnawing over a bone, with his unruly mop of blonde hair and tensing jaw, says nothing at all.

Amphiarus has only this to say:

“We search the skies for signs, King Adrastus, but we Melampians have nothing to report.”

Young Parthanopaeus surprises you all by clearing his throat:

“King Adrastus, I have received word by my mother, Atalanta – some few hundred Heraclidae or Dorians have camped on the eastern forests between our two kingdoms and make havoc in her hunting grounds. I grant your leave to take some troops, and perhaps another Captain to run them off?”

Adrastus, seemingly pleased at the initiative, replies:

“Granted, Parthanopaeus!” and looked pointedly at you – you are quick to shake your head, as you have nothing of note to share. You see the faintest frown crease old Adrastus’ face, but he is quick to move ahead with his own news:

“As you all know, it is my opinion that we are not yet ready to march – not all of our allies have replied to our couriers, sometimes even after two or three attempts. Only I and I alone have access to all information – so when I say that the time is not yet right, know that I have the best interests of Argos at heart. But… we must keep morale high, inspire our countrymen and spark their martial interest from time to time. At some point, I propose that we host a sparring tournament between the Captains, in full view of our army, to achieve these goals. Of course – it must also be said that κλέος will be the primary reward to the victor...”

At this point, Adrastus looks pointedly in your direction – the council at large seems to hang on your next word…

>warning! This vote will dictate a significant chunk of the action of this thread. Vote closes in 24 hours. QM's note: SATQ has exited the prologue, and enters mid-quest - rewards and dangers will both grow more significant. Answers to some mysteries are now squarely within reach of Hippomedon - if the players seek the correct path...

>Surprise the group by announcing that you will seek out the case of the missing cattle – a tournament can be held at any time, but the cattle are going missing now.

>Offer no particular comments, but meet Polynices’ eye in agreement – you are curious to know what the man could need from you.

>Take Parthanopaeus’ mission – you like the lad and consider him a cousin, and you have some expertise in the extermination of Dorians. Ultimately, they are troubling his mother now, and should be addressed in the near future.

>Agree to Adrastus’ proposal, and offer to oversee the martial tournament personally. Who better, than the legendary soldier of Argos, yours truly?

>Something else?

>>6184100
>Take Parthanopaeus’ mission
potential warfare with troops, hippo's bread and butter. hippo doesn't strike me as a tourney man. maybe amp will come with.
>I have something to discuss with you, Hippomedon
something in me just really doesn't want to interact with polynices. i think it's his silver tongue.

>>6184100
>Offer no particular comments, but meet Polynices’ eye in agreement – you are curious to know what the man could need from you.

>Take Parthanopaeus’ mission – you like the lad and consider him a cousin, and you have some expertise in the extermination of Dorians. Ultimately, they are troubling his mother now, and should be addressed in the near future.

These will both need doing i suppose.

>>6184100
>Offer no particular comments, but meet Polynices’ eye in agreement – you are curious to know what the man could need from you.
Oh man, I want to do the cattle thing. That cattle raid was OUR project! But this dude wants to talk to us specifically...

>>6184100
>>Offer no particular comments, but meet Polynices’ eye in agreement – you are curious to know what the man could need from you.

Answers are required

>OVERCOMMIT!
>Declare that, in order of urgency, we'll deal with the cattle rustling, Dorians, & then oversee the tourney
We are martially specc'd afterall. Polynices on the other hand we should avoid, we are not statted for social conflict.

if we have multiple argyros-tier commanders in a unit, do all the bonii add up? also is amp literate? that inscribed ring needs to be read.

>>6184100
I agree with >>6184135
I am >>6182848

>>6184270

Nope, only one lieutenant bonus is active at a time (although there is partial stacking between commander bonus and lieutenant bonus per Homer’s original system)

>is Amphiarus literate?

No, he’s sort of specced as a “combat oracle”, but finding a literate scribe somewhere in the Royal Court would be very easy for Hippo. This can be a “bonus action” for Hippo this turn.

Also, I appreciate all the ranked choice voting but I’m only planning to do like two big side quests this thread - Hippomedon will be finally marching to war by the end of this thread, if all goes well. So anyways, vote for the option that you absolutely would like to prioritize, there’s no guarantee that Hippomedon will be able to pick these options later (despite Adrastus’ comment)

>Take Parthanopaeus’ mission – you like the lad and consider him a cousin, and you have some expertise in the extermination of Dorians. Ultimately, they are troubling his mother now, and should be addressed in the near future.

>>6184135
>>6184352

You guys might want to pick one or the other between Polynices and Parthanopaeus - Polynices has a way of convincing people to drop what they are doing to help him instead, and there’s no guarantee that Parthy will wait up for you

Secret Mission: Arcadia

>>6184105
>>6184135 (1/2 vote)
>>6184247 (1/3 vote)
>>6184379

Talk with Polynices

>>6184135 (1/2 vote)
>>6184243
>>6184244

Tournament

>>6184247 (1/2 vote)

---

We still have ~3 hours before vote closure - lurkers, free free to jump in! A slight lead in Parthy's favor.

Also, votesplitters - let me know if I have analyzed your votes incorrectly.

>>6184100
>Offer no particular comments, but meet Polynices’ eye in agreement – you are curious to know what the man could need from you.

No update tonight, but should have a chunky one out for tomorrow.

I have a pretty bad cold and to be honest, I hadn't expected you all to pick Polynices here (I thought the tournament was going to win by a mile - I must be losing my touch), so I only have a rough outline that I need to flesh out a bit further tonight...

Feel free to shitpost or ask questions in the meanwhile.

>>6184746
>ask questions
why'd think the tournament would win?
how many threads do think it'll take to tell hippo's story? 1 or 2 more? threads tend to last almost 60 days, especially with this 15 min timer.

>>6184861

I just figured you guys would want to see all the Captains beating the snot out of each other.

I’m shooting for 5 threads of SATQ total, but realistically, we may end up with 6.

“Some matter of import has come to my attention – I will provide a full report in time,” you state, as you catch Polynices’ eye. The Theban provides a subtle nod in genuine appreciation. The rest of the council stares at you somewhat blankly – perhaps no other member of the Argive Royal Court could get away with such an obtuse statement, but as the foremost prince of Argos (no matter what Capaneus believes), you are uniquely trusted.

Adrastus, being more cunning than his appearance suggests (an aged mountain of a man), seems to catch something of interplay between yourself and Polynices – a small smile creases his eyes, just for a moment, and he does not press you for further details. The war council soon ends – in total, another fruitless discussion where the decision to march has not been reached. Tydeus stalks from the room like a starving lion, Amphiarus strides glumly, his eyes downcast… You are long past frustration – the unyielding King of Argos cannot be moved when he comes to a decision, and his epithet is well-named. It is not in your control anyways, and you are no rush to march away from Euanippe and Deianira, blessing that she is.

Later, in the torch-lit halls, Polynices is quick to locate you, as the other men filter away:

“Prince Hippomedon – I am glad for your attentions. Strange to think that I have been here for a year or more, and yet we’ve hardly spoken, other than passing greetings, and at our councils! Congratulations on the birth of your daughter!” his tone is charming, polite, earnest. His words are true – you’ve rarely sought him out, although not due to any particular animus. Each of you has been consumed with independent projects.
You’re quick to congratulate him on the birth of his son, Thessander, in turn – Polynices explains that he is growing well, although he quickly pivots to address his proposal:

“Well – to business, then. A soldier like you appreciates forthrightness! My brother has unfortunately not reconsidered his stance on resuming our past bargain – I had hoped that he might come to his senses over time, and thereby save our city, beloved of Dionysus Κολωνατες, from needless death and destruction… At any rate, Eteocles has begun to call upon his allies in Boeotia and beyond, and this is problematic. Thebes is not as wealthy as Argos, and does not have the same strength of arms – they can only hope to match us by assembling a regional army.”

None of this is news to you, of course – but Polynices is speaking enthusiastically in his Theban accent (a funny tendency to drop the pronunciation of “r”s, you have noticed), and you sense he is reaching his point:

>cont

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“Adrastus means to send us, in secret, to King Iphitos of Crissa – a longtime partner and ally of Thebes, and a man with substantial military force as his command. Beyond his military might, he has a close partnership with nearby Delphi, and at his disposal, numerous seers and oracles who can advise him on the designs of the gods. We must dissuade Iphitos from aiding Eteocles, if we can… And before you ask – we likely cannot persuade him to betray Eteocles outright – I know him personally and he is a man of honor and integrity. But we can hope to persuade him to stay out of the war entirely – keep his spears and sons safe at home, and thereby speed the resolution of this issue. Of course, I must be the envoy – as future king of Thebes, I can give him assurances that nothing will change between Crissa and Thebes under my reign. As for you – well, you are the living embodiment of Argos’ might, and a reminder of Argos’ great influence. Practically speaking, of course, you are the deadliest bodyguard that Argos can supply me, and we’ll need your Inachian Honorguard of course. Additionall, Adrastus has pledged significant wealth as a gift to… encourage … our discussions with Iphitos. Our small group would march north, until we hit the Gulf of Corinth – a quick leap across the Ionian Sea, and we’ll be in Iphitos’ court in just a few weeks.”

Polynices, charming as always, wraps up with a simple query:

“What say you, Prince Hippomedon?"

You calculate as Polynices speaks – his assessment is ultimately correct, although you note that he exaggerates the speed of travel – likely, the whole endeavor would take several months. You’re loathe to leave Euanippe and Deianira beyond, but denying Eteocles a major ally would be extremely beneficial. In fact, the proposal strikes you as being very neat, very clean – why request your presence at all, if this should be so simple? You wonder if there is some complication here that you are not privy to. Polynices awaits your reply…

>this is something of a flash vote, and the vote window will close at 8pm tonight.

>Agree to the proposal outright – Polynices speaks truly and there is wisdom in this plan of action. Not all simple things hide a threat behind them, and if so, you have total faith in your ability to surmount any challenge.

>Deny Polynices – you cannot be away from home for so long; separation from your wife and child is painful to consider. You have to admit to yourself as well – you doubt any honeyed words from this scion of a corrupt union. WARNING: This will trigger a social context between Polynices and Hippomedon – Polynices is used to getting what he wants.

>Tentatively agree, but press him for complications & ulterior motives

>>6185145

This write-in is totally possible (I would treat this as a INT VS INT battle of wits type situation), but if Hippomedon totally bombs, there will be consequences...

Also, players should know that Polynices IS NOT a man famed for his intellect. He's better known as extremely charming and is supposedly a pretty good boxer for a man of his (average) size, although Hippomedon's never seen him in action.

>>6185044
Agree to the proposal, but express that we will leave a detachment of our honor guards behind to guard our family and that we wish to have a say in the travel arrangements since we will be bringing so much to the table.

>>6185275
+1, we should leave our LT

>>6185275
>>6185284

I appreciate the vibe here guys, but really, Euanippe and Deianira couldn’t be safer - the Royal Palace of Argos is probably the safest place in Hellas for them to be. No real need for Hippo to leave his bois or Argyros here

>>6185145
+1
using hippo's military experience to poke holes: secretly traveling with 50 troops, buying logistics without notice (ship? food?), marching into long-time Thebean ally territory (Thebean spies?), and travel time.

how does kleos checks work again? would they apply here?

>>6185314
>>6185044
What this guy said, +1 support

actually would it be possible to ask amp to join? maybe he can help with the delphi seers. tho if tydeus is joining that might not make the most conflict-free group

>>6185314
>>6185324

>how does kleos work here?

I DO think it's fair for a Kleos check to take place - Hippomedon is probably more famous across Hellas than Polynices is, at this point. Obviously this kleos check would only happen if Hippo loses this battle of wits.

>>6185324

>Can we ask Amphiarus to join?

This is a surprising idea that I hadn't considered, but not a bad one at all. Makes total sense.

---

I'm sensing broad agreement for:

>agree to Polynices proposal
>place some conditions on Polynices (we're in charge of travel plans, we're bringing Amphiarus)
>turn it into a battle of wits and learn what ulterior motives are present; this story doesn't quite add up.
>bonus action: find a scribe and have him read that thief's ring for us

I'll get started on the update, but I likely won't be able to post until tomorrow night - you guys are doing a great job of finding the plot hooks before I need to dangle them in front of your faces.

>>6185145
+1

>>6185044
Give it a go.

>>6185326
Sounds about right, QM.

>>6185326
Sounds like a wonderful plan Lesches, looking forward to the update :)

I am simple man; I don't trust like that. Fuck social intrigue in these Qsts

Rolled 12, 10, 15 = 37 (3d20)

“I will join you, Polynices,” you reply curtly. The Theban grins broadly, and reaches up to give your shoulder a friendly grip.

“Ah, I hoped for as much! We should leave promptly – let’s take the evening to inform our wives and –“

“But there are conditions, Polynices,” you calmly interrupt. Polynices’ grin fades into mild confusion. You begin laying out your stipulations:

“You might be the envoy to King Iphitos, but command of the group will fall to me, as your superior in military expeditions – I will direct travel, have sole authority over my honorguard and lieutenant, and I will have final authority on both legs of the journey – although I will always welcome your counsel, Polynices. While in Crissa, I will defer to your diplomatic leadership, although I expect that you would welcome my own counsel in return.”

Polynices, looking a bit put-out, stammers a response:

“Eh… why yes, Hippomedon, these are – these are reasonable things. I do not see a problem with any of these proposals, and you ARE the better soldier. In fact, I am sure that I would have much to learn through observation of your leadership!”

Having established this, it is time to apply pressure. Adrastus may now consider Polynices his son – but as far as you are concerned, he is a late-comer to the glory of Argos and thus, an additional degree of skepticism is required. You press Polynices –

“Now – tell me the true reason for this journey,” you press firmly.

“Well – I have said, Hippomedon, that we are to dissuade Iphitos –“

“This, I believe – but why am I needed? Why send enough Timae that it requires my presence, my honorguard? Why the urgency in the first place? If King Iphitos is such a honorable man, why do you expect that a kingly bribe is enough to sway his judgment and betray his oaths to Thebes? Does Adrastus have some other goal? You are leaving something out – something important!”

You batter Polynices with these questions, your voice growing a bit louder, as you wave your hands – not angry, per se, but incisive - pressing. Men have sometimes believed you to be a simpleton – a spear to cast in the direction of Argos’ enemies, with no volition of your own – but you know that you are not a fool. Polynices, for his part, is caught off-guard by your onslaught – he continues to stammer, his handsome face drawn with alarm – his eyes nervously flick past you down the hall, at your hands, perhaps searching for some distraction or explanation to bring forwards…

>okay, /qst/ - roll me THREE rolls of dice+1d20+3 – I’m applying a small situational bonus given that Hippo is catching Polynices off-guard and has some relevant experience (sort of a combo of his military expertise and experience in previous diplomatic ventures with Adrastus)

>I’ll be rolling for Polynices – he is a man of decidedly-average intellect and as such, is rolling dice+3d20.

Rolled 19 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>6185708
OH BOI DICE TIME.
>INB6 3 1s

>>6185775

I had a sneaking suspicion that you guys would do well here. This is already an unqualified success for Hippo, but I’ll wait for the other 2 rolls to see if you guys hit a 20.

Polynices can talk a big game - but he ultimately needs uberChads like Hippomedon to play along. Hippo is about to remind him of this…

Rolled 7 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>6185708

Rolled 9 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>6185708
>>6185775
nice

>>6185775
>>6185780
>>6185788

>22 vs 15 - something like 2+ degrees of success
>you turn the tables, Polynices spills the beans, you prove to him that you’re not an idiot in the process.
>Polynices manages to keep one last little secret

>>6185795
>Polynices manages to keep one last little secret
uh oh...
Hippobros what is he hiding?

>>6185859
He wants BIG men with BIG feelings

I find it very funny that Hippo has a +1 to int, while Poly has none.

>>6185869

They’re just a couple of good-looking dudes with no real education and filled with total confidence

>>6185865
KEK
GG Broseidons

>>6185879
This is why you shouldn't let your society be run by godspawn, I guess. or celebrities

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Whatever miracle Polynices had expected to fly out of his mouth fails to materialize - tiring of his stalling, you suddenly spread your arms widely to the side - again, not angrily, but in a way that reminds Polynices of your size…and your proximity. Polynices pales as he takes you in, mouth flapping emptily.

“Enough of these evasions, Polynices - what is my uncle up to? Speak now!l” you demand sharply. Polynices sways, leaning against the wall. He drops pretense, wiping his brow and eyeing you warily, before collecting himself.

>You have gained a point of respect with Polynices! This will carry mechanical advantages later in the quest.

“Hippomedon, please accept my honest apology. Adrastus bound my silence with an oath, but I see now that it was foolish to keep the truth from you. No - I do not think Iphitos can be bribed with gold. He is wealthy enough in Timae to know what it cannot buy you - blood ties, and through them, survival in a tempestuous time.” Polynices gives every impression of honest disclosure - he meets your gaze solidly and scrubs his hand through his oiled hair in obvious remorse as he speaks.

“To that end, Adrastus and I think that he could be bribed with a marriage.” At first, you struggle to understand his meaning.

“The Timae we would bring - it’s not a gift. It’s a dowry – a large one.” you state flatly.

“Yes,” Polynices replies, face downcast. But there would be no unmarried noblemen among - Ah.

“Your marriage to my cousin Argia was the gossip of all Hellas - Adrastus would never shame her by organizing the wedding of a second wife to her current husband – what would it say about shining Argos, city of marriage, beloved of Hera Γαμηλια?” you think aloud.

A memory flashes - King Adrastus, sweating profusely, wincing in the dust of a hot summer day, clutching a rib that you had just shattered yourself, his unthinking words spoiling in the light of Helios Πανόπτης:

that barren hill-goat

"But what of Hippomedon, famed prince of Argos? Many fewer would know of his marriage to an unknown Thessalian..." you mutter.

And now, Euanippe has delivered a girl…

Howling wind fills your ears; your vision grays with rage. You have a fistful of Polynices’ silken robes in your hand; he writhes on your grip like a speared fish. You speak with words colder than the winds of Boreas -

“Am I to betray my wife and vows, Polynices? Am I to marry a daughter of Iphitos?”

>cont

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The truth sprays from Polynices’ mouth:

“Yes, Hippomedon. Forgive me – but it is the order of our king. I am to organize your wedding by any means necessary – even through deceit. Adrastus cares only for the future of Argos, and there are too few princes. My sons will need enforcers, Hippomedon - Thessander will need YOUR sons, when we are old men. What if Euanippe cannot give you sons? Some men have many wives – Priam of Ilion has been gathering them for decades…” he trails off, spluttering.

The cruelty of your uncle astounds – you may act as the famed Argive prince that you are and betray your wife, or instead, act the loyal husband that you are and betray your nation. You vomit a string of vile curses as only a soldier can. You had no idea he was capable of such ruthlessness. If he was present, you might even raise your hands in anger - you realize your grip is tightening on Polynices' robes; his eyes are as round as coins, clearly terrified that you might kill him on the spot.

But Polynices is not to blame.

You release him, and he falls to the polished stone floor, sighing in relief. Polynices supplicates in the formal manner, embracing your knees from a kneeling position -

“Hippomedon, please - I beg you - do not reveal to Adrastus that I broke my oath of secrecy. It would shame me - tarnish my honor…”

>vote part 1: make a binding promise to keep the secret? Polynices will obviously greatly appreciate this

>yes
>no

You can hardly think through the rage - but behind it, under it - you see the faint outlines of your uncle’s plan.

And it is not without merit.

Argos DOES need strong sons. And there are too few in your generation – too few in the next. Something must be done, to preserve an Argive future. And this alliance with Iphitos – if it could deny a powerful ally to Thebes, it may speed the end of the war, and save the lives of many in the process. But it is madness to think that you would betray your wedding vows – but should one man’s marriage threaten the survival of a nation - of an entire people? You have never once betrayed an order from your king – this is the first time you have even contemplated subordination, but what Adrastus asks is simply too much! The conundrum fractures your core - you feel unsteady on your feet. Your hands grip your scalp - you cannot think!

>vote part 2: this is a huge decision point for Hippo. Much rides on this 24h vote.

>Remain the loyal prince of Argos and secure an Argive future – seek marriage with a daughter of Iphitos as Adrastus orders, betraying your beautiful wife, Euanippe of Thessaly, and the mother of your newborn daughter, Deianira.

>Remain the loyal husband of Euanippe of Thessaly, mother of your newborn daughter, Deianira, and refuse Polynices' mission, now that you know the truth. In the process, betray the interests of Argos. Let the war come as it may – you would rather die than betray your wife.

>Something else?

What of our simpleton uncles? Even older men can sire heirs. Perhaps they should contribute something beyond polishing their spears. This is unacceptable, a man's loyalty must be to his family first, then his clan, city, kingdom, & ethnos in turn.

Another thing: Iphitos consorts with oracles, but he might somehow not know of our marriage & newborn? This is foolishness. Someone else must be found.

>>6185938

>what about Mecisteus and Pronax’s kids?

They haven’t come up much, but Mecisteus already has a young son, Euryalus - Mecisteus was married late in life. Pronax had a son, Lycurgus, decades ago who died in a childhood accident, and a daughter, Amphitrea.

Ultimately, neither uncle has been able to father more children, and more importantly, they aren’t the face of Argos like Hippomedon - Hippo is a much more valuable marriage prospect.

>>6185935
>yes
and
>>6185938+1 to this idea
but since it seems untenable per >>6185943
>Remain the loyal husband of Euanippe of Thessaly, mother of your newborn daughter, Deianira, and refuse Polynices' mission, now that you know the truth. In the process, betray the interests of Argos. Let the war come as it may – you would rather die than betray your wife.
Though I do also wonder if we could, for instance, TRICK her into marrying another... But we're not exactly a guile hero.

>>6185935
>>Remain the loyal husband of Euanippe of Thessaly, mother of your newborn daughter, Deianira, and refuse Polynices' mission, now that you know the truth. In the process, betray the interests of Argos. Let the war come as it may – you would rather die than betray your wife.
>>no

Either way we are an oathbreaker, which will invite the wrath of the gods and our allies. But let Hippomedon be firm. If the King demands that Hippomedon sacrifice his oaths to his wife, then Adrastus can damn well tell him himself, instead of plotting behind his back like a scheming woman.

>>6185991
>instead of plotting behind his back like a scheming woman
+1, +1, +1 t his line when we confront him, if he insults or tries to shame us.

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>>6185935
>yes
>Remain the loyal husband
wowza, he really did want BIG men! Maybe this will be enough to unlock rage, sympathy, or paranoia (Euanippe or Nira safe in the capital?).
Cap and his son are around, or Parth. Do they have wives?
>embracing your knees from a kneeling position
>Your hands grip your scalp
hopefully no one walks in this strange scene.

>>6185935
>yes

>Remain the loyal husband of Euanippe of Thessaly, mother of your newborn daughter, Deianira, and refuse Polynices' mission, now that you know the truth. In the process, betray the interests of Argos. Let the war come as it may – you would rather die than betray your wife.

>>6185935
>yes
>Remain the loyal husband of Euanippe of Thessaly

Looks like an early majority emerging for "no secrets for Polynices" and "stay true to Euanippe and Deianira".

I'm also sensing a "confront Adrastus immediately" vibe here, which is not entirely unexpected.

I'll let this vote run as planned - lurkers, this is
a good vote to jump in for.

>>6185991
>>Remain the loyal husband of Euanippe of Thessaly, mother of your newborn daughter, Deianira, and refuse Polynices' mission, now that you know the truth. In the process, betray the interests of Argos. Let the war come as it may – you would rather die than betray your wife.
>yes
Just to be clear I think we should "confront Adrastus immediately" and also express our really real concerns given our meeting with the head fury from the last thread.