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Finally... => Forum Games and Roleplaying => Topic started by: Man of Paper on March 16, 2019, 01:46:57 am

Title: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action II)
Post by: Man of Paper on March 16, 2019, 01:46:57 am

Welcome to House Flavius!

Core Thread (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173500.0)

For generations we've used golden coin and silver tongue to climb our way up the social and political ladders of Rome. With an explosion of popularity in blood sports we thought it only smart to get in on business early. Unfortunately those Magnus apes have also decided to try their hand at the Gladiatorial arts. While they should by no means pose a threat right now, we should see about snuffing them out regardless.

We have a small yard for training as well as some very basic quarters in the Ludus, and now we need to get ourselves a Gladiator! The easiest way to go about getting one is at the Forum, where slave traders can be found in abundance. It takes some time to find quality stock, but eventually you come across the following options:

Germanic Tribesman
Traits: Germanic, Farmer
-Vitality: 6
-Agility: 5
-Technique: 2 (+1 if Technique (???))
-Style: 1
Equipment: Rags

Roman Fugitive
Traits: Roman, Merciless
-Vitality: 2
-Agility: 6
-Technique: 3 (+1 if Technique (???))
-Style: 4
Equipment: Rags

Carthaginian Spy
Traits: Carthaginian, Paranoid, Quick
-Vitality: 3
-Agility: 3
-Technique: 5 (+1 if Technique (???))
-Style: 6
Equipment: Rags

Once you choose who to take with you (and remember to name them all too!) you can also decide to book them for a fight for later this month. We will have time to take them to the Ludus and provide training, so there's no need to worry about immediately losing our investment. The only possibilities we know of are as follows:

Back Alley Pit
1. Gladiator v.s. Unbooked
2. Unbooked v.s. Unbooked

Gambling Den Requires Token to Enter
1. Gladiator v.s. Unbooked - Reward: 1 Fortune Token
2. Gladiator v.s. Unbooked - Reward: 2 Fortune Tokens, 1 Fame Token

Forum Arena
1. Gladiator (V4/A4/T4/S2) v.s. Unbooked - Standard 1v1
2. Gladiator (V9/A6/T9/S1) v.s. Unbooked and Unbooked - 1v2


Once you decide on which Gladiators to choose, as well as what to sign them up for, we can move on to the Action Phase, where you can bombard me with questions until we figure out the limits of this game together! Also do note this is the only turn where you will purchase a gladiator (or Gladiators) in the Planning Phase.

Spoiler: Properties (click to show/hide)

Basic Familial Household: Has all the basic needs required to support a large family, even if some of that "family" are Gladiators. Provides 3 Food.
Basic Ludus: A courtyard and Gladiator housing that many might consider worse than prison. Has a Standard Trainer (provides No Bonus) and a single Wooden Training Post (provides No Bonus).

Spoiler: Equipment (click to show/hide)

Armor
Rags: Do Nothing.

Spoiler: Traits (click to show/hide)

Flavian Training: +1S/-1A, can exceed 6.

Spoiler: Resources (click to show/hide)

Food: 3 (0/3 Used)

Tokens:
Fortune x2
Favor x2
Fame x1

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Planning I)
Post by: Powder Miner on March 16, 2019, 03:01:57 am

My plan:

Quote from: Fabulousness: the Beginning

Purchase the Carthaginian Spy via our Fortune token, name him "Fabulosa", which is an alias because the man is mysterious, unknowable, and because I cannot be fucked to try and detailedly hunt down the meanings of Punic names
Purchase the Roman Refugee via our first Favor token, name him Ferreus Secundius Alternis

Then: Enroll the Carthaginian Spy in Fight 1 of the Forum Arena
Enroll the Roman Refugee via our Fame Token into the first fight of the Gambling Den

I will then want to purchase equipment for the spy via our remaining fortune and favor tokens

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Planning I)
Post by: NUKE9.13 on March 16, 2019, 03:56:26 am

Alright, I can get behind that plan, mostly. I'd prefer to give the roman a weapon rather than send him to fight bare-handed, but we can discuss that in the next phase.

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Planning I)
Post by: Powder Miner on March 16, 2019, 04:10:24 am

on reflection that'd be a much better thing to do, yes lol
we can always buy the second piece of equipment i want for the spy (stylish clothing) later

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Planning I)
Post by: Failbird105 on March 16, 2019, 08:02:58 am

Hmm, yes I feel like this is a good plan.

Quote

Fabulousness (1): Failbird

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Planning I)
Post by: NUKE9.13 on March 16, 2019, 08:27:45 am

Quote

Fabulousness (2): Failbird, NUKE9.13

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Planning I)
Post by: KitRougard on March 16, 2019, 08:51:53 am

I like the spy, but I feel like we should snag the Tribesman too - That Farmer trait could help us support more men down the line, and I'm sure that we can whip up some kind of Training to improve that Style. His fortitude is not to be overlooked...

GM? Is it possible to put a "hold" on a slave, like "I'll be back and looking for this one, try not to sell him."

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Planning I)
Post by: NUKE9.13 on March 16, 2019, 09:25:01 am

The tribesman has the worst stats of the three, and we can't really afford to buy them all. As for the utility of the Farmer trait, yeah, it may serve as some sort of food output-boosting thing, but we can probably rope in a latifunda or two to provide more food fairly easily, should we need it. Also, farmers ought to be pretty common, so we can probably pick one up later if we want.

As regards putting a slave on hold, it's worth asking, I suppose. The German's stats aren't bad- in fact, they're perfectly average-, so we may want to buy him next turn.

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Planning I)
Post by: KitRougard on March 16, 2019, 11:16:38 am

Quote from: The Party Planner's Pal(TM)

Fabulousness (3): Failbird, NUKE9.13, KitRougard

And if possible, put a reservation on the Germanic Tribesman.

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Planning I)
Post by: Rockeater on March 16, 2019, 12:04:32 pm

Quote from: The Party Planner's Pal(TM)

Fabulousness (4): Failbird, NUKE9.13, KitRougard, Rockeater

I would like to suggest trying to establish trade with people from the south/east of the empire, giving us the most exotic people and equipment.

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action I)
Post by: Man of Paper on March 17, 2019, 10:41:02 pm

Planning I

The Slave Trader was barking loudly over the rumbling crowd as he was approached by the Flavian representative.

"Strong backs, strong hands! Great for mining, farming, fuc-" the Slave Trader stopped when he noticed he had an actual potential customer, "What can I do for you?"

The representative eventually wound up negotiating a fair price for the Carthaginian, went back to the Flavian waiting in the crowd, and came back with a pouch of gold and some words.

"My master, a most successful businessman," he showed the Slave Trader the mark of House Flavian burned into his flesh, "Has a proposal: these men are to be used in some upcoming Games. The business of flesh and blood can be very profitable, and those who aid the family in their endeavors, loyal partners of business, will always see their own investment returned with interest. We will pay that gold," he pointed to the purse now in the trader's palm - the only one he had, "And sing your praises to all we meet, of your highest quality slaves, your low, low prices, while we prove their worth in the arena. Surely you will need guards to keep the hordes of buyers at bay! And all we ask is for those two slaves there."

The Trader thought for a moment, scrunched his face, and exhaled slowly.

"I am a businessman, not a fool. And I know a good opportunity when I see one. We have a deal. Name is Auroros."

The potential Gladiators are examined and named Ferreus Secundius Alternis and Fabulosa, and some interesting facts are noted:

Roman - +1 Technique (Gladius) Training. Can exceed 6.
Merciless - 50% chance of killing opponent, more likely to quickly finish off opponent.
Carthaginian - +1 to Technique (Mounted) Training. Can exceed 6.
Paranoid - Loyalty losses are more severe.
Quick - +1 to Agility Training. Cannot exceed 6.

Both are fairly unhappy, though no more so than any other slave.

After examining your new acquisitions it is ultimately decided to sign Ferreus Secundis Alternis up for the first fight of the Gambling Den, using your good name to get entry. Fabulosa is signed up to fight in the first bout in the Forum Arena.


The potential Gladiators are brought back to the Ludus to train. It is now the Action Phase where you will dump tokens into an infinite number of tasks. Notably, you can attempt to "design" equipment to acquire for your Gladiators. This is also the phase you can upgrade or purchase new property in.

You can create as many Family Members as you'd like. Constructing an actual family tree and hierarchy and fleshed out characters might see things just...go your way. Same thing with creating the brand used to mark your property.

IT IS NOW THE ACTION PHASE.

Spoiler: Properties (click to show/hide)

Basic Familial Household: Has all the basic needs required to support a large family, even if some of that "family" are Gladiators. Provides 3 Food.
Basic Ludus: A courtyard and Gladiator housing that many might consider worse than prison. Has a Standard Trainer (provides No Bonus) and a single Wooden Training Post (provides No Bonus).

Spoiler: Gladiators (click to show/hide)

Ferreus Secundius Alternis, Roman Fugitive - V2/A6/T3(+1 if Gladius)/S4; Roman, Merciless
-Body: Rags

Fabulosa, Carthaginian Spy - V3/A3/T5(+1 if Mounted)/S6; Carthaginian, Paranoid, Quick
-Body: Rags

Spoiler: Equipment (click to show/hide)

Armor
Rags: Body "armor". Does Nothing.

Spoiler: Traits (click to show/hide)

Flavian Training: +1S/-1A, can exceed 6.
Roman - +1 Technique (Gladius) Training. Can exceed 6.
Merciless - 50% chance of killing opponent, more likely to quickly finish off opponent.
Carthaginian - +1 to Technique (Mounted) Training. Can exceed 6.
Paranoid - Loyalty losses are more severe.
Quick - +1 to Agility Training. Cannot exceed 6.

Spoiler: Relationships (click to show/hide)

Auroros, Soldier turned Slave Trader (Status: Neutral, Owed Favor)
[spoiler=Resources]Food: 3 (0/3 Used)

Tokens:
Fortune x1
Favor x1

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action I)
Post by: KitRougard on March 18, 2019, 06:12:06 pm

Family Members? You mean...
Roleplay Personas?
(A wild Kitsugare appeared!)
"I'll drink to that, my friends!"
Kitsugare: The Party Master to End All Parties.
Generous when sober. Writes you into his will when drunk.

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action I)
Post by: Detoxicated on March 18, 2019, 08:36:29 pm

Spears and Nets IS what we need.

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action I)
Post by: Madman198237 on March 18, 2019, 11:14:09 pm

Cracks knuckles
It's intrigue time.

So I can't help but notice that we accidentally signed a Merciless guy up for an arena in which death is more likely to happen. This is probably good, the crowds at the nastier places probably appreciate a little blood spilled.

The fact that he's good with a Gladius is definitely a good thing for us, it'd be quite easy to equip him to be effective with one as a gladiator. Or as a straight-out murderer as things seem to be headed for our Merciless friend.

Since the Carthaginian is quick we should probably equip him as one of the "fast" types of gladiators, at least to start with. I'm assuming that historical gladiatorial equipment should be very easy to acquire as it's very common, so we should be able to start him as a retiarius (trident-and-net guy) or slinger or archer type quite easily. I'll need to review some gladiator stuff here before really getting into serious suggestions.

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action I)
Post by: Powder Miner on March 19, 2019, 12:55:32 am

The plan I'd had so far was to make the Carthaginian our "elite" gladiator by pumping 3 dice of training and make Secundus (hence his name lmao) a secondary gladiator by giving him 1.

To achieve this goal, and get him silly high style so we can see just what it does, my plan has been to give him Agility, Technique for whatever weapon we give him so he can actually use the damn thing effectively, and Style. I kind of figured maybe we should give him a defensive weapon-set, so retiarus would work on that front, but for a bit more of a flair archer could work too.

For Secundus, I figured we'd give him Vitality so he holds up a bit better, his Vit isn't presently fantastic at all.

So this turn, for our shit to actually purchase, from your choices that would make gladius and either trident, net, or bow and arrow depending on how we go for Fabulosa.

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action I)
Post by: NUKE9.13 on March 19, 2019, 02:14:30 am

Right, so.

Quote from: Quid Pro Gladius

Buy a trident & net for Fabulosa with a Fortune credit.

"Buy" a gladius & parmula (small round shield) for Secundius with a Favor credit.

Marcus Flavius Lanista, gladiator-obsessed son of Marcus Flavius Ebrius, had already made arrangements with a semi-reputable supplier to provide arms at discount prices, in exchange for a good word in the right ear.

Quote from: Votebox

Quid Pro Gladius: (1) NUKE9.13

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action I)
Post by: Rockeater on March 19, 2019, 02:51:56 am

Quote from: Votebox

Quid Pro Gladius: (1) NUKE9.13

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action I)
Post by: Twinwolf on March 19, 2019, 10:17:24 am

Quote from: Votebox

Quid Pro Gladius: (2) NUKE9.13, Twinwolf

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action I)
Post by: Madman198237 on March 19, 2019, 12:50:31 pm

Quote from: Basics First

Using a Fortune and a Favor token, purchase a gladius hispaniensis (Roman legionary's sword from the Republic and early Imperial armies, the classic Roman gladius in other words) and thureos shield, and a hasta and thick arm and leg cloth wrappings.

Marcus Flavius Lanista, gladiator-obsessed son of Marcus Flavius Ebrius, had already made arrangements with a semi-reputable supplier to provide arms at discount prices, in exchange for a good word in the right ear.

This mixes offensive and defensive gear to start with. Both gladiators can start using the thureos and the wrappings for protection, while the faster one can benefit from the range advantage of the trident (using it as a spear with shield) and the experienced gladius user can get up close and personal and stab people, like a proper Roman.

I kept NUKE's flavor text, objections to my unoriginality may be placed in the nearest trash receptacle.

Quote from: Votebox

Quid Pro Gladius: (2) NUKE9.13, Twinwolf
Basics First: (1) Madman

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action I)
Post by: KitRougard on March 19, 2019, 05:32:46 pm

Don't forget to allocate Training Dice proper!
Fabulosa: 1 each in Vitality, Agility, Technique
Secundius: 1 in Vitality

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action I)
Post by: Powder Miner on March 19, 2019, 05:34:16 pm

Quote from: Votebox

Quid Pro Gladius: (2) NUKE9.13, Twinwolf
Basics First: (2) Madman, Powder Miner

Alright, having looked at the channel I actually do enjoy the more defensive tack of Madman's suggestions.

Training is also next phase, Kit.

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action I)
Post by: KitRougard on March 19, 2019, 06:11:49 pm

Well, Quid Pro Gladius has multiple equipments in one Token, too... Hm. I say we jump on Weaponry first, then gather Armor stuff later, with our (hopeful) profits.

Plan: Within Reason
Acquire a Gladius for Secundus, and a Halberd for Fabulosa. With both our tokens in general.
Reasoning: yadda yadda blah blah what NUKE said

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action I)
Post by: Madman198237 on March 19, 2019, 06:23:29 pm

A halberd is a terrible weapon for single combat. It's a lengthy polearm meant for use in a formation against armored opponents and cavalry. It also doesn't exist yet, and is similarly a bad weapon for someone specialized in speed and agility.

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action I)
Post by: KitRougard on March 19, 2019, 06:31:00 pm

*pulls out Hammer of Tweaking*
Well, we need something for Fabulosa to use on foot and on horseback.

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action I)
Post by: Madman198237 on March 19, 2019, 06:36:40 pm

Halberds aren't meant for use from horseback. They are impossible to use from horseback, as they require two hands and a swinging motion to use properly, and that can't be done on horseback. Also, they're too long for practical use in single combat yet too short for practical use from horseback, in general.

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action I)
Post by: KitRougard on March 19, 2019, 06:41:49 pm

"OK, OK, I get it, I'm a drunken moron who brings shame on this family nightly. Now answer the -hic- damn question! What can he use on horseback AND on foot?"

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action I)
Post by: Madman198237 on March 19, 2019, 06:48:23 pm

My suggestion for that would be a lance or spear, which are functionally the same thing in this time period. He could use the trident and be functionalish on horseback and work as a retiarius on ground, or we could swap the trident for a hasta (Roman spear) or a dory if we feel like being Greek, which functions very similarly but is better at piercing armor on account of only having one point. It will be useful enough on both ground and horseback.

Do note that historical gladiators used swords when on horseback, and dismounted for the most important part of the fight. I believe the horse bit was mostly for showmanship...which we are good at.

I will probably end up swapping out some equipment on account of having properly reviewed our two acquisitions' stats, assuming Powder agrees with the change of the trident to a hasta.

EDIT:
Also, Kit, we thank you preemptively for volunteering to be used as the family scapegoat for any mistakes we may make. Not that we make mistakes, of course, we'll just be drafting up an "exile this family member" proposal as a precaution, you know, not that we'd ever USE it on you since we never make mistakes.
:P

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action I)
Post by: KitRougard on March 19, 2019, 07:07:06 pm

"Glad I could, uh, help, I guess? Now, back to -hic- business!"

Quote from: Modified Simplicity

Secundus gets a nice Gladius with his new name engraved into the blade, and the family crest (whatever that looks like...) In a gemstone embedded in the hilt.

Fabulosa gets a Hasta, equally personalized, and I'll see if I can't pull some strings, make it just a bit lighter than a common hasta - A "hollow" tip, perhaps? Fancy and functional...

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action I)
Post by: Twinwolf on March 19, 2019, 07:12:23 pm

Quote from: KitRougard on March 19, 2019, 06:11:49 pm

Well, Quid Pro Gladius has multiple equipments in one Token, too... Hm. I say we jump on Weaponry first, then gather Armor stuff later, with our (hopeful) profits.

Plan: Within Reason
Acquire a Gladius for Secundus, and a Halberd for Fabulosa. With both our tokens in general.
Reasoning: yadda yadda blah blah what NUKE said

Little late but in discord the GM mentioned that it is possible to have more than one piece of basic-ish, connected equipment covered by a token, and also that when it's basic equipment we're unlocking it for all gladiators. Gladius and a shield go together so we can do that, trident and net go together, etc..

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action I)
Post by: KitRougard on March 19, 2019, 08:07:43 pm

The family party-master tears apart his original plans and reorders them into a better version, with scribbled in bits here and there, and, well, everywhere. There's a wine stain on the new one, too.

Quote from: Re-Modified Simplicity

Secundus gets a nice Gladius with his new name engraved into the blade, and the family crest (whatever that looks like...) In a gemstone embedded in the hilt. And we get a free shield with every weapon purchase, so I've heard!

~NOTE~
The personalization is to be done by our own smiths AFTER acquiring the swords. If, in the interest of time, it's necessary to shorten the schedule, so be it - We can forgo personalization FOR NOW.

Fabulosa gets a Hasta, equally personalized, with a Greek-crafted shield to make him a budding Hoplite!
 
~NOTE~
I'll see if I can't pull some strings, make it just a bit lighter than a common hasta - A "hollow" tip, perhaps? Fancy and functional... Of course, ordinary spears are nice too, but I believe that it would be in our bets interest to make it a touch lighter for him during that "personalization" phase.

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action I)
Post by: Twinwolf on March 19, 2019, 08:19:20 pm

While we could do that, and personalized weapons are a good idea later, I think just starting out we want to unlock general types first.

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action I)
Post by: Powder Miner on March 19, 2019, 08:21:57 pm

I want to play things relatively safe for this very first turn, and that also includes just making sure our guys have basic functional shit before worrying too much about high-level items. After all, if our quality shit fails, then that would leave our gladiators empty-handed. I also like Madman's more particular build concepts.

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action I)
Post by: Madman198237 on March 19, 2019, 08:27:12 pm

Definitely a good idea to NOT DO THAT PLAN EVER. Hollow weapons? Heavily personalized stuff for rookie gladiators? Unspecified shield types and duplicate stuff? These are recipes for disaster.

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action I)
Post by: KitRougard on March 19, 2019, 08:38:01 pm

He sighs, and tosses aside another empty bottle of wine. Where is he getting so much wine?
"Very well, you have a point. But leave the customization specifications to me - After all, the little details are what make an otherwise PERFECT party flop, and I am known -hic- for my flawless parties."
He then puts in his vote, and goes off to get to know the new Gladiators better, so he can design their personal weapons to their personal tastes. And also to make them feel welcome- After all, they were just property a moment ago. But now, they're servants of the Flavius family, and they'll be treated as such!

Quote from: Party Planner's Pal(TM)

Quid Pro Gladius: (2) NUKE9.13, Twinwolf
Basics First: (3) Madman, Powder Miner, KitRougard

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action I)
Post by: NUKE9.13 on March 20, 2019, 04:05:45 am

Sure, Madman's plan works too. If it's been cleared with MoP as acceptable, that is.

Also, for them as that aren't on the Discord, I'm working on a family tree.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/556363729315299358/557850357275951117/Flavii_Family_Tree_png_2.png)

It's malleable, and incomplete by design (so there's room to add more). If you want an IC representative, let me know, and I'll fit them in (or change an existing character). The orange text is either a translation of their cognomen (indicating roughly what kind of personality/achievements they have) or an indication of who they're a representative of.
Marcus Flavius Ebrius is the current patriarch; Marcus Flavius Laudis died a few years ago.

PS, KitRougard, whilst it isn't required, I would recommend joining the Discord (there's a link in the Core thread). If you haven't used Discord before, it's, like, super easy to use, and it makes it easier to discuss things and ask the GM questions. Also, I put you into the family tree without asking as Gaius Flavius Kitus, but if you'd prefer a different position/cognomen, let me know.

Quote from: Party Planner's Pal(TM)

Quid Pro Gladius: (1) Twinwolf
Basics First: (3) Madman, Powder Miner, KitRougard, NUKE9.13

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action I)
Post by: Detoxicated on March 20, 2019, 08:03:44 am

Tullius Flavius Romulus
A Well Educated philosopher

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action I)
Post by: KitRougard on March 20, 2019, 05:26:25 pm

It's cool. I think we should all take a persona in this - it'd be sweet if we were to essentially evolve our characters and poke at the world a little, y'know?

On that note, I'm putting on Kitus' mask for the whole of the game, further OOC discussion will be capsulated in ((blah)).

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action I)
Post by: NUKE9.13 on March 21, 2019, 04:11:21 am

A brief description of most of the characters in the family tree above. Most of the women are not covered, because unfortunately women often had little power in the Roman world. I also didn't cover other people's insert characters, since their descriptions are up to them. Also, this is not set in stone, so if you have a suggestion for changes, do tell.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Gaius Flavius Sophos:
Respected ancestor of most of the important members of the Flavius family, Gaius Flavius Sophos was a respected senator in his time, served in several elected positions, and did much to elevate the family politically. He was known for his wisdom, respected even by political foes for his calm and measured demeanour. He died several decades ago, and is interred in the family burial grounds, with a marble statue of him marking the grave.

Gaius Flavius Immodesta:
Eldest son of Gaius Flavius Sophos, Immodesta was a rather different character compared to his father. He had little interest in politics, be they Roman or familial, but rather built a reputation as a style icon and partygoer extraordinaire. He never married, and after the death of his father handed control over the family to his younger brother. Per his wishes, his funeral involved an ostentatious party that left many guests nursing a week-long hangover.

Marcus Flavius Laudis:
Second son of Gaius Flavius Sophos, Marcus Flavius Laudis was more keen to follow in his father's footsteps, entering politics at a young age, and although he never managed to attain the same level of success, he was still able to attain a senatorial position in his later years, cementing the family as a political force in Rome. Whilst he himself did not engage in major commerce (as doing so excluded one from serving in the senate), he encouraged the efforts of his younger brother to expand the family's business interests, and though not as big a fan of parties as his elder brother, he did make use of them to make contact with major players in the Roman world. It is said that he worked himself to death, continuing to manage the family affairs until the day he died.

Lucius Flavius Locuples:
Third son of Gaius Flavius Sophos, Lucius Flavius Locuples was a natural businessman, having an eye for opportunity and a knack for negotiation. His investments in the wine trade and shipbuilding were perfectly timed, and his management of the family estates led to a marked increase in productivity. Perhaps his one weakness was an inordinate fondness for gold, which he hoarded like some form of mythical beast. Several years after his death, a small cache of golden coins was found hidden beneath a loose tile in what had been his personal chambers- leading to a frantic hunt for more which tore up a good deal of the family's mansion. The eventual costs of the renovation were, fortunately, covered almost to the cent by the gold found.

Marcus Flavius Ebrius:
Eldest son of Marcus Flavius Laudis, Ebrius followed in his father's footsteps into politics, but also in his uncle's footsteps into a fondness of parties. He is the current head of the family, and is generally considered a kind, generous patriarch. His political career has not gone as well as those of his forefathers, having failed to attain a position in the senate thusfar- he failed twice to be elected as quaestor-, but he is hopeful that this gladiator business can generate enough fame to get him elected before he turns sixty.

Titia Aelia Pecuniosia:
Aelia is the wife of Marcus Flavius Ebrius, and despite the Roman tendency to ignore women, works hard for the sake of her new family- de facto managing many of the family's businesses. Under her leadership, the family's fortunes have grown steadily, although she is somewhat sceptical of the value of gladiators, and so is hesitant to invest too much into the new venture.

Marcus Flavius Lanista:
Scion of the Flavius family, Marcus Flavius Lanista has thusfar shown little interest in politics, preferring to spend much of his time watching gladiatorial games. He is the driving force behind the family's investment into gladiators- and, in fairness, he brings together all of his family's interests in this pursuit; a knack for showing people a good time, a talent for spending money wisely, and the skills of a shrewd political operator (in the form of a stirring speech to the family regarding the virtues of gladiators).

Caeso Flavius Mensa:
Second son of Marcus Flavius Ebrius, Caeso has chosen to enter the business side of the family's affairs. His aptitude for mathematics is extraordinary, and he has already started to develop his own techniques for handling the family's finances. His actual negotiation abilities leave something to be desired- he is somewhat shy and reclusive-, but he can quickly calculate whether a deal will be profitable, which ensures that at least he is very hard to fleece.

---

Pyrinikos of Abdera:
A Greek scholar, from Abdera (a town in Thrace), with some interesting views on the workings of the world, being a proponent of the works of Democritus (whose wild theories ranged from the existence of 'atoms' that make up all matter; the existence of other worlds orbiting distant stars; the notion that animals and plants change in form over time; and more generally that the universe is inherently mechanical). He is employed by the Flavius family as a tutor, advisor, and status symbol (a Greek spouting bizarre philosophy is just something wealthy Roman families have).

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action I)
Post by: Twinwolf on March 21, 2019, 06:34:34 am

Rockeater said in discord he was voting with Nuke.

Quote from: Party Planner's Pal(TM)

Quid Pro Gladius: (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173501.msg7945740#msg7945740) (1) Twinwolf
Basics First: (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173501.msg7945933#msg7945933) (5) Madman, Powder Miner, KitRougard, NUKE9.13, Rockeater

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action I)
Post by: KitRougard on March 22, 2019, 06:09:44 pm

Gaius Flavius Kitus:
The Flavii are known for their opulence, and casual use of gold and silver like mere copper.
Then there's Kitus.
He is the unofficial PR officer for the House of Flavius, and he tends to go overboard with this job. He once spent the entire family's coffers on one night of revelry, only to win it all back in one throw of the dice during THAT VERY PARTY. He's easily looked down upon by his family for putting them in these situations, but his social connections are not to be underestimated. Everyone "knows a guy who knows a guy," well, Kitus is the guy who knows the guy. He often has 5 different meetings to plan at once at all times, and he still finds time to pull out a bottle of fine wine. No matter what time it is, or where he is, he ALWAYS has a bottle of wine. If he had a character introduction splash-screen, it would say:
Gaius Flavius Kitus - Generous when sober. Writes you into the will when drunk.

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Training I)
Post by: Man of Paper on March 25, 2019, 06:44:11 am

Action I

The smell of heating metal and the sounds of hammering guide Marcus Flavius Lanista into a small single room shop attached to an open-roofed blacksmith's forge. A burly man with a smear of black across his nose and forehead occupies himself with arranging a number of arms and armor on display. He puts down a particularly impressive golden helmet with bright multicolored feathered plumage and turns to engage Marcus Flavius.

"Welcome to Marculus Malleus' Arms and Armor. If it is made of metal and built for war I guarantee you we can make. What will you be needing, good sir?"

The Flavii had heard of this particular smith through a network of well-trusted connections. Marculus Malleus was rumored to be descended from a line of metalworkers themselves forged by Vulcan, and indeed a cursory glance at the displays confirmed as much for Marcus Flavius. He set to business.

"I have recently acquired a couple of gladiators and was considering what to do with them when, to my amusement, I was drawn this way and towards your establishment. I seek only simple wares however, and the skill and craft here are unfortunately beyond what I would be willing to place in the hands of unblooded gladiators," Flavius' voice carries a perfectly placed hint of sadness in it. He turns to leave but is stopped by Marculus' low belly laugh resonating throughout the room.

"We can do simple, my friend. What do you have in mind?"

Marcus Flavius Lanista goes over his desired acquisitions - specifically Marculus' ability to provide his gladiators with the Roman Gladius, the Thyrios shield, the Hasta, and Cloth Body Wrappings. Marculus' and his smiths are willing and able to provide said equipment and Marcus negotiates a low flat fee after an initial lump payment, with the promise of continued business.

[-Fortune Token, -Favor Token]

What we finally get shipped to the ludus is, well, a mixed bag. It seems the "if it's made of metal" bit wasn't just salesmanship.

Roman Gladius [6]: Every Roman soldier feels confident and comfortable with a native Gladius in their hands. They can feel invincible when they're constructed to such perfect specifications. Perfectly balanced, with a strong, sharp blade meant for both cutting and piercing, these Gladii are almost mystical in their ability to hold an edge, keep together, and most importantly, kill. The blade is 55cm long, for a total length of 70cm.

Thyreos [1]: Shield. What is usually an easily-made wooden oval shield has become a poorly-constructed wooden mess. Little more than a few wooden planks bound together and held by a poorly attached central handle. The shield can cover a man just about nose to knees.

Hasta [5]: A two meter long wooden spear with an iron tip. Sleek, sturdy, simple.

Cloth Wrappings [1]: Arm/Leg Armor. Little more than torn strips of old clothing. Comes in multiple colors ("dirty", "greasy", "bloody").


Now that we have some gear, it's time to move onto the Training Phase! First you need to equip the gladiators, then it's time to get down to business. You currently have four d6 to assign to your gladiator's skills. Remember that assigning extra dice to a training check is not additive, and only modifies the minimum roll by +1. Your efforts to define your family have also been noted, and as such you feel the strings of Fate tug in your favor. [+Fate Token]

Note you may also use Tokens to perform, ah, extracurricular activities during the Training Phase. Note however that if you require use of a gladiator for said activities (and no damn it before I have to hear it I'm not implying sexual here, or anywhere except maybe that once) they will be unable to receive training. Any improvements you get will be applied the same Phase.

Finally, it is time to begin deciding how to utilize our surplus food. Note we can change this at any time. Options are as follows:

Increased Rations: By giving larger portions of food with greater variety, and occasionally even good flavor, we increase morale of all Gladiators. Vitality Training has a 50% chance to receive a +1 increase (can go over 6). These bonuses apply as long as Increased Rations is active.
Sell It Off: By selling our food through traders at local markets we can provide more income for our family. Provides One Fortune Token per Surplus Food per Turn. Small chance to boost trade-related Relationships each Interaction.
Aid Your Peers: By providing food to your fellow Patricians, for parties, times of need, or anything in between, they learn to rely on you. Provides One Favor Token per Surplus Food per Turn. Small chance to clear debts, smaller chance to put a known character in your debt.
Donate To The People: By spreading our good fortune among the Plebes word of our good deeds will carry our name far and wide. Provides One Fame Token per Surplus Food per Turn. 50% chance for a second Fame token as word spreads.
Donate To The Temples: By supplying temple keepers and worshipers with the sustenance they require we hope to curry favor with the Gods. Provides One Fate Token per Surplus Food per Turn. Two 25% Chances for an additional token of any type.


IT IS NOW THE TRAINING PHASE!

Spoiler: Properties (click to show/hide)

Basic Familial Household: Has all the basic needs required to support a large family, even if some of that "family" are Gladiators. Provides 3 Food.
Basic Ludus: A courtyard and Gladiator housing that many might consider worse than prison. Has a Standard Trainer (provides No Bonus) and a single Wooden Training Post (provides No Bonus).

Spoiler: Gladiators (click to show/hide)

Ferreus Secundius Alternis, Roman Fugitive - V2/A6/T3(+1 if Gladius)/S4; Roman, Merciless
-Body: Rags

Fabulosa, Carthaginian Spy - V3/A3/T5(+1 if Mounted)/S6; Carthaginian, Paranoid, Quick
-Body: Rags

Spoiler: Equipment (click to show/hide)

 Weapons
Roman Gladius[6]: A 70cm long sword with a 55cm blade. Almost impossibly sharp, sturdy, and lethal. Perfectly balanced and maintains it's edge.
Hasta[5]: A 2m long spear with a wooden shaft and iron head. Strong and sharp.

Shields
Thyreos[1]: A flimsy shield made of multiple bound pieces of wood. Could perhaps take a couple hits before falling apart.

Armor
Rags: Body "armor". Does Nothing.
Cloth Wrappings[1]: Arm and leg "armor". Old torn strips of clothing. Comes in various degrees of staining. Provides minimal benefit but is largely nonrestrictive.

Spoiler: Traits (click to show/hide)

Flavian Training: +1S/-1A, can exceed 6.
Roman - +1 Technique (Gladius) Training. Can exceed 6.
Merciless - 50% chance of killing opponent, more likely to quickly finish off opponent.
Carthaginian - +1 to Technique (Mounted) Training. Can exceed 6.
Paranoid - Loyalty losses are more severe.
Quick - +1 to Agility Training. Cannot exceed 6.

Spoiler: Relationships (click to show/hide)

Auroros, Soldier turned Slave Trader (Status: Neutral, Owed Favor)
Marculus Malleus, Metalworker (Status: Neutral, Owed Favor)

Spoiler: Resources (click to show/hide)

Food: 3 (2/3 Used)

Tokens:
Fate x1

Spoiler: Family Status (click to show/hide)

Gaius Flavius Sophos (Deceased)
Gaius Flavius Immodesta (Deceased)
Marcus Flavius Laudis (Deceased)
Lucius Flavius Locuples (Deceased)

Marcus Flavius Ebrius (Alive, Well)
Titia Aelia Pecuniosia (Alive, Well)
Marcus Flavius Lanista (Alive, Well)
Caeso Flavius Mensa (Alive, Well)
Publius Flavius Lepidus (Alive, Well)
Pyrinikos of Abdera (Alive, Well)

Note: You may continue to add onto your family and make minor adjustments with characters left unused at this point. Excessive additions will be turned to newborns >:l

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Training I)
Post by: NUKE9.13 on March 25, 2019, 07:55:30 am

Right, so. Choices choices.

I don't think we can afford to choose Increased Rations this turn. We need tokens to set up the basics more than we need our gladiators to be brave bois. Now, I think currently the most valuable token to us is probably a Fortune token, as we just want to straight-up buy numerous things still (Favour tokens are leaving us with debts to pay, which isn't the end of the world, but not as good as no debt). However, it seems like the Sell It Off option has the lowest output (I'm assuming commercial relationships aren't super valuable right now). Donating it has the best payoff (an average of 1.5 in both cases), but yields tokens of the sort we don't really need so badly, I think.
It is, in other words, a well-balanced choice.

For equipping and training gladiators, I think we want to do the following:

Quote from: Let's get down to business

Secundius:
Equip Gladius (apply starting Technique), Thyreos, & Cloth Wrappings
1 die to Vit

Fabulosa:
Equip Hasta (apply starting Technique), Thyreos, & Cloth Wrappings
1 die to Vit
1 die to Agility
1 die to Style

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Training I)
Post by: KitRougard on March 25, 2019, 08:45:14 am

"Hm... Would it be possible for me to go out and see if perhaps I can find someone skilled in the non-metal arts? Sirs! I would like to requisition that Fate Token for this, hopefully I can find someone who can make shields and leather wraps better than our weaponsmith can."

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Training I)
Post by: NUKE9.13 on March 25, 2019, 09:03:52 am

Patience, patience. Now is not the time for such things. We'll have to make do with what we have for now.

((Which is to say, I don't think we can upgrade our equipment in this phase.))

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Training I)
Post by: KitRougard on March 25, 2019, 09:47:56 am

"But you see, I have a plan for my extracurricular escapades!"

Using the Fate Token to upgrade equipment is a fiddly deal. After all, using our Favor tokens for purchases putts us in oh, so subtle debt. So Fate, being based upon just the right conditions causing a storm, is even MORE DELICATE!
To use it, I shall go out with our shoddy equipment (the wraps and shield), looking for someone who can provide me with something better, or at least refine what we have. None of them can, sadly, and I go to the town fountain or gathering place or whatever we have these days to eat lunch and lament my poor luck. That, my friends, is when I meet our helper! Perhaps they are a small-time leather-worker and woodcrafter, down on their luck like I, and seeking a way to make their name known! Or perhaps it is a beautiful woman whose hands are skilled in more masculine arts, and her tongue is rough like a sailor, and all shun her, not merely because she does a man's work, but because she does it better than the man! In any case, they seek an opportunity, and I provide that! We talk, and at some point, that look at what I have with disdain, and say "I can provide you with something 5 times better than those cloths and planks." And so, they do! We swap what we have in use for their greater goods, and we all benefit from the exchange - they from newfound power behind their name, and we from the quality of our defensive items!

How's that sound, brother?

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Training I)
Post by: Powder Miner on March 25, 2019, 04:41:12 pm

An older man speaks up, who wears a few shiny accoutrements, and whose toga is a brilliant, chalk-colored white -- the toga candida, as it is known, for Publius Flavius Lepidus was almost always on campaign for some minor position or another. Lepidus nearly never won these elections (and one time he had been a quaestor he hadn't looked too happy about it), but he also never seemed to really try to. In fact, it often seemed like he was trying NOT to get elected. Those who knew him almost universally had begun to suspect that he did not have much interest in actually holding office, but rather simply wanted justification to wear the toga candida, and look better. Yes, Publius Flavius Lepidus was a man singularly obsessed with style, fashionability, and public appearance -- to the point that he was rightly considered something of a fop. Though the son of the youngest son of Sophos, it was the oldest son, Gaius Flavius Immodesta, that Lepidus was closest with in his young days, and it is Immodesta that he learned the most from. He's a senator because of that quaestor election he won because his rivals for it were, unfortunately, even more terrible than him. He really isn't all that pleased with the actual responsibility, but it's earned him Marcus Flavius Ebrius' eternal jealousy anyway.

"Kitus, dear cousin, the objection that I have with your plan is twofold. Firstly, to simply attempt to meet the pity of one leatherworker is not enough, even if it would grant us these items faster. We ought to attempt to make a large number of connections with people, to call upon later. Secondly, we cannot portray this family as weak, and begging. No, instead we should be portrayed as glorious and majestic! So we shall go and create a small play to perform, and this play shall portray us as a family of men of great political ancestry, and I am a senator, you know, unfortunately, so it will portray us as grand and looking for upcoming tailors and leatherworkers to give patronage, and show our unique fashion skills. If Fate plays a hand there, it will be to grant us many of these people, impressionable ones, in our audience."

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Training I)
Post by: KitRougard on March 26, 2019, 02:40:17 pm

"Ah! Now that is something I can work with, indeed! I'll take care of the décor, the beverages, the catering..."
And so he walks off, ready to plan a party with all his skills. And also to find more wine, it seems that for once he's out.

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Training I)
Post by: NUKE9.13 on March 27, 2019, 07:37:21 am

Okay, so, in terms of stuff we're doing right now, how about we get to voting?

Quote from: Votus Boxus

Training Plan:
Let's get down to business: (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173501.msg7948797#msg7948797) (1) NUKE9.13

Food Surplus Use:
Increased Rations:
Sell It Off:
Aid Your Peers:
Donate To The People:
Donate To The Temples: (1) NUKE9.13

Extracurricular Activities:
None: (1) NUKE9.13

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Training I)
Post by: Detoxicated on March 27, 2019, 07:43:17 am

The House philosopher steps in:
"What have the temples ever Done for US. IT IS the people WHO should get Our Donation."

Quote from: NUKE9.13 on March 27, 2019, 07:37:21 am

Okay, so, in terms of stuff we're doing right now, how about we get to voting?

Quote from: Votus Boxus

Training Plan:
Let's get down to business: (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173501.msg7948797#msg7948797) (1) NUKE9.13, Detoxicated

Food Surplus Use:
Increased Rations:
Sell It Off:
Aid Your Peers:
Donate To The People: 1 Detoxicated
Donate To The Temples: (1) NUKE9.13

Extracurricular Activities:
None: (1) NUKE9.13

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Training I)
Post by: Madman198237 on March 27, 2019, 09:49:55 am

Quote from: Votus Boxus

Training Plan:
Let's get down to business: (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173501.msg7948797#msg7948797) (1) NUKE9.13, Detoxicated

Food Surplus Use:
Increased Rations:
Sell It Off:
Aid Your Peers:
Donate To The People: 1 Detoxicated
Donate To The Temples: (1) NUKE9.13

Extracurricular Activities:
None: (1) NUKE9.13

Quote from: Detoxicated on March 27, 2019, 07:43:17 am

The House philosopher steps in:
"What have the temples ever Done for US. IT IS the people WHO should get Our Donation."

And then the House philosopher was suddenly and rapidly removed for his ridiculous statement. Supporting temples is a great way to get your name out there into the public view. Heck, the position of aedile is usually seen as a fantastic stepping stone to becoming a praetor or consul, and aediles are responsible for maintenance of temples as well as festivals.

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Training I)
Post by: KitRougard on March 27, 2019, 10:11:15 am

Quote from: Votus Boxus

Training Plan:
Let's get down to business: (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173501.msg7948797#msg7948797) (3) NUKE9.13, Detoxicated, KitRougard

Food Surplus Use:
Increased Rations:
Sell It Off:
Aid Your Peers:
Donate To The People: (1) Detoxicated
Donate To The Temples: (2) NUKE9.13, KitRougard

Extracurricular Activities:
None: (1) NUKE9.13
Play with (Fate Token) to hopefully upgrade the 1s we rolled: (1) KitRougard

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Training I)
Post by: Madman198237 on March 27, 2019, 12:13:57 pm

Quote from: Votus Boxus

Training Plan:
Let's get down to business: (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173501.msg7948797#msg7948797) (4) NUKE9.13, Detoxicated, KitRougard, Madman

Food Surplus Use:
Increased Rations:
Sell It Off:
Aid Your Peers:
Donate To The People: (1) Detoxicated
Donate To The Temples: (3) NUKE9.13, KitRougard, Madman

Extracurricular Activities:
None: (2) NUKE9.13, Madman
Play with (Fate Token) to hopefully upgrade the 1s we rolled: (1) KitRougard

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Training I)
Post by: Powder Miner on March 27, 2019, 12:26:52 pm

Quote from: Votus Boxus

Training Plan:
Let's get down to business: (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173501.msg7948797#msg7948797) (5) NUKE9.13, Detoxicated, KitRougard, Madman, Powder Miner

Food Surplus Use:
Increased Rations:
Sell It Off:
Aid Your Peers:
Donate To The People: (2) Detoxicated, Powder Miner
Donate To The Temples: (3) NUKE9.13, KitRougard, Madman

Extracurricular Activities:
None: (2) NUKE9.13, Madman
Play with (Fate Token) to hopefully upgrade the 1s we rolled: (1) KitRougard
Use Fate Token to make connections with vendors of cloth and leather items: (1) Powder Miner

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Training I)
Post by: KitRougard on March 27, 2019, 01:39:15 pm

"Yes, that's what I meant!"

Quote from: Votus Boxus

Training Plan:
Let's get down to business: (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173501.msg7948797#msg7948797) (5) NUKE9.13, Detoxicated, KitRougard, Madman, Powder Miner

Food Surplus Use:
Increased Rations:
Sell It Off:
Aid Your Peers:
Donate To The People: (2) Detoxicated, Powder Miner
Donate To The Temples: (3) NUKE9.13, KitRougard, Madman

Extracurricular Activities:
None: (2) NUKE9.13, Madman
Play with (Fate Token) to hopefully upgrade the 1s we rolled: (0)
Use Fate Token to make connections with vendors of cloth and leather items: (2) Powder Miner, KitRougard

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Training I)
Post by: NUKE9.13 on March 27, 2019, 01:47:45 pm

Quote from: Discord

NUKE IX.XIII Today at 7:08 PM
@Man of Paper how plausible are the extracurricular activities being proposed?
Man of Paper Today at 7:45 PM
Making connections is possible. Might make it easier to get related equipment moreso than giving immediate "revisions"

((So we almost certainly wouldn't see immediate results. I say save the token, and see what we have to work with next turn.))

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Training I)
Post by: Powder Miner on March 27, 2019, 02:55:22 pm

((I wasn’t looking for immediate results, I figure we’ll be making a lot of these kinds of purchases as time goes on so it’ll be a good idea to get connections to do so.))

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Training I)
Post by: Twinwolf on March 29, 2019, 08:49:50 am

Quote from: Votus Boxus

Training Plan:
Let's get down to business: (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173501.msg7948797#msg7948797) (6) NUKE9.13, Detoxicated, KitRougard, Madman, Powder Miner, Twinwolf

Food Surplus Use:
Increased Rations:
Sell It Off:
Aid Your Peers:
Donate To The People: (2) Detoxicated, Powder Miner
Donate To The Temples: (4) NUKE9.13, KitRougard, Madman, Twinwolf

Extracurricular Activities:
None: (2) NUKE9.13, Madman
Play with (Fate Token) to hopefully upgrade the 1s we rolled: (0)
Use Fate Token to make connections with vendors of cloth and leather items: (3) Powder Miner, KitRougard, Twinwolf

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Training I)
Post by: Madman198237 on March 29, 2019, 09:35:55 am

Surely a Fate token is better reserved for something we cannot accomplish next turn with a more normal token?

It would make much more sense to use the Fate token on, say, an election to get one of our family members into the Senate, or on a scheme to discredit our opponents' family, or render their gladiator(s) embarrassingly unfit for a fight they scheduled themselves for, etc. Things that are up to luck should be aided by Fate tokens, whereas forging connections can be done via Favor or Fortune tokens. Or Fame, as well.

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Training I)
Post by: Twinwolf on March 29, 2019, 09:39:25 am

You know, fair enough argument. I was just aiming to tie-break, no strong opinion here.

Quote from: Votus Boxus

Training Plan:
Let's get down to business: (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173501.msg7948797#msg7948797) (6) NUKE9.13, Detoxicated, KitRougard, Madman, Powder Miner, Twinwolf

Food Surplus Use:
Increased Rations:
Sell It Off:
Aid Your Peers:
Donate To The People: (2) Detoxicated, Powder Miner
Donate To The Temples: (4) NUKE9.13, KitRougard, Madman, Twinwolf

Extracurricular Activities:
None: (3) NUKE9.13, Madman, Twinwolf
Play with (Fate Token) to hopefully upgrade the 1s we rolled: (0)
Use Fate Token to make connections with vendors of cloth and leather items: (2) Powder Miner, KitRougard

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Training I)
Post by: KitRougard on March 29, 2019, 11:14:10 am

Upon hearing that there would be no party, Kitus looks dismayed. But then he suddenly brightens with an idea.
"Alright -hic- hear me out real fast. What if I used that Fate Token to find a Spartan girlfriend who's willing to train our gladiators? I mean, what better twist of Fate than -hic- star-crossed lovers! That, and I'm lonely. Why do you think I'm always drowning in wine?"

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Training I)
Post by: NUKE9.13 on March 29, 2019, 11:39:35 am

Quote from: KitRougard on March 29, 2019, 11:14:10 am

Upon hearing that there would be no party, Kitus looks dismayed. But then he suddenly brightens with an idea.
"Alright -hic- hear me out real fast. What if I used that Fate Token to find a Spartan girlfriend who's willing to train our gladiators? I mean, what better twist of Fate than -hic- star-crossed lovers! That, and I'm lonely. Why do you think I'm always drowning in wine?"

Pyrinikos raises an eyebrow.
"Whilst it is said that the woman of Sparta are the equal of the men of Athens (primarily by Spartans), they generally leave actual military matters to their male counterparts."
"Furthermore, whilst improving our training abilities is clearly important, I believe it would be better handled at the appropriate time- when we will have more resources on hand, and can better decide how to spend them."

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Training I)
Post by: Rockeater on March 29, 2019, 11:54:28 am

Quote from: NUKE9.13 on March 29, 2019, 11:39:35 am

Quote from: KitRougard on March 29, 2019, 11:14:10 am

Upon hearing that there would be no party, Kitus looks dismayed. But then he suddenly brightens with an idea.
"Alright -hic- hear me out real fast. What if I used that Fate Token to find a Spartan girlfriend who's willing to train our gladiators? I mean, what better twist of Fate than -hic- star-crossed lovers! That, and I'm lonely. Why do you think I'm always drowning in wine?"

Pyrinikos raises an eyebrow.
"Whilst it is said that the woman of Sparta are the equal of the men of Athens (primarily by Spartans), they generally leave actual military matters to their male counterparts."
"Furthermore, whilst improving our training abilities is clearly important, I believe it would be better handled at the appropriate time- when we will have more resources on hand, and can better decide how to spend them."

((It can be a guy you are dating, so we all get what we want))

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Training I)
Post by: Madman198237 on March 29, 2019, 12:18:31 pm

Quote from: NUKE9.13 on March 29, 2019, 11:39:35 am

Quote from: KitRougard on March 29, 2019, 11:14:10 am

Upon hearing that there would be no party, Kitus looks dismayed. But then he suddenly brightens with an idea.
"Alright -hic- hear me out real fast. What if I used that Fate Token to find a Spartan girlfriend who's willing to train our gladiators? I mean, what better twist of Fate than -hic- star-crossed lovers! That, and I'm lonely. Why do you think I'm always drowning in wine?"

Pyrinikos raises an eyebrow.
"Whilst it is said that the woman of Sparta are the equal of the men of Athens (primarily by Spartans), they generally leave actual military matters to their male counterparts."
"Furthermore, whilst improving our training abilities is clearly important, I believe it would be better handled at the appropriate time- when we will have more resources on hand, and can better decide how to spend them."

Actually, Spartan women were trained in combat. Not strategy or tactics, but the women were indeed expected to be able to take up arms to defend their homes (Even when their city had no walls) against any enemies that may show up while the men are away. Example: The women and a few old men of Sparta fended off Pyrrhus of Epirus, managing to hold him outside their (they were forced to build them after the end of the classical times) walls during a siege until the King of Sparta showed up and defeated Pyrrhus with the rest of the Spartan army.

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Training I)
Post by: KitRougard on March 29, 2019, 02:24:55 pm

"See? I have good taste in women, trust me! Or at least an eye for -hic- stronger women. And thus!"

Quote from: Votus Boxus

Training Plan:
Let's get down to business: (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173501.msg7948797#msg7948797) (6) NUKE9.13, Detoxicated, KitRougard, Madman, Powder Miner, Twinwolf

Food Surplus Use:
Increased Rations:
Sell It Off:
Aid Your Peers:
Donate To The People: (2) Detoxicated, Powder Miner
Donate To The Temples: (4) NUKE9.13, KitRougard, Madman, Twinwolf

Extracurricular Activities:
None: (3) NUKE9.13, Madman, Twinwolf
Use Fate Token to make connections with vendors of cloth and leather items: (1) Powder Miner
Use Fate Token to get Kitus a Spartan Girlfriend who is also a trainer: (1) KitRougard

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Training I)
Post by: Madman198237 on March 29, 2019, 02:34:20 pm

Quote from: Votus Boxus

Training Plan:
Let's get down to business: (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173501.msg7948797#msg7948797) (6) NUKE9.13, Detoxicated, KitRougard, Madman, Powder Miner, Twinwolf

Food Surplus Use:
Increased Rations:
Sell It Off:
Aid Your Peers:
Donate To The People: (2) Detoxicated, Powder Miner
Donate To The Temples: (4) NUKE9.13, KitRougard, Madman, Twinwolf

Extracurricular Activities:
None: (3) NUKE9.13, Madman, Twinwolf
Use Fate Token to make connections with vendors of cloth and leather items: (1) Powder Miner
Use Fate Token to get Kitus a Spartan Girlfriend who is also a trainer: (1) KitRougard
Ship Kitus off to Sparta. With no money. And no Fate token. And also in a rowboat. In winter. Across the Mediterranean. He'll live, probably: (1) Madman

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Training I)
Post by: KitRougard on March 29, 2019, 02:38:57 pm

"Oh, for the love of- They're called tourists! Plus, as the Gods themselves said, historical accuracy - in this case, where Spartan women tend to be located - can screw off.
Anyways, I'm just shotgunning ideas and hoping that one of them sticks!
...wait, what the heck is a shotgun?"

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Training I)
Post by: NUKE9.13 on March 29, 2019, 03:11:18 pm

"You know, that's a fair point. I imagine that a flexible attitude towards historical accuracy could make your hypothetical Spartan girl a warrior on par with her brothers."
"Nevertheless, I continue to advocate for saving our resources until after the upcoming fights, so we can make a more informed decision regarding how to spend them- after all, if our newly purchased and barely trained gladiators don't do so well, we might want that Fate token for more essential things, like improved equipment. We could still find you a girl then, without losing out on any potential Spartan training time."

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Training I)
Post by: KitRougard on March 29, 2019, 08:29:19 pm

"Fair enough, she wouldn't get to train them this round if I did meet her... But, the delay means I can write a formal prayer to the Gods! ((That is, write a story about how Kitus meets [Insert Spartan Female Name Here], falls in love, fails to catch her affections, maybe gets his leg broken, and finally impresses her.)) The Gods tend to be impressed with my oh, so eloquent phrasing, if I do say so myself. Register my vote for 'No Extracurricular Activities,' please! I have a tale to unfold..."

Title: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Planning II)
Post by: Man of Paper on April 05, 2019, 05:44:50 am

Training I

Everything has a beginning. That's what Marcus Flavius Lanista tells himself as he watches the only two gladiators his family owns train against opposite sides of a striking post. The doctore in charge of their training barks with every movement - this one's footing is wrong, that one's got a limp wrist...these men could kill, sure, but they weren't yet killers.

Men are machines of war however, and it didn't take too long for the vigorous training to begin to take effect. As Fabulosa was getting a more public fight the doctore focused on improving his skill and it shows.

Secundius
V: 2 > 4

Fabulosa
V: 3 > 5
A: 3 > 5
S: 6 > 12

The Games I

The Gambling Den

Publius Flavius Lepidus wasn't too fond of the Gambling Den, but didn't quite hate it, either. Sure, it smelled, it was dirty, the people were filthy, and the conversation was often dull, but the entertainment was captivating. Dancers, games, and fighting all under one roof. Still, if it wasn't for family business he'd likely never had walked in willingly. He led Ferreus Secundius Alternis by his manacled hands to a holding cell along with a couple of the den's enforcers before joining the growing crowd around the fighting pit.

Ferreus is put in the cell and allowed to equip himself with the items brought in for him by his owners. Opposite the gate that was locked behind him is a heavy looking door. A muffled voice penetrates through it, but not enough for Ferreus to hear. He stands close to the door deep in thought.

His mind brought him back to the clear night in Capua where he'd snuck into the wrong villa. It was funny, really. He thought the place was empty, and indeed it had been. For quite a while, too. A pair of thugs had the same idea and were lucky, or unlucky for Ferreus, enough to come in after him. He was bent over a chest of old clothes when he was hit in the back of the head. He came to hog-tied and thrown in the back of a cart outside. It was mostly a haze, but he did remember being sold through a number of people in rapid succession before eventually being brought to the forum block.

A "fugitive" they called him. Even when he argued against it nobody cared enough to look into his claims. Ferreus gritts his teeth and as if on cue the door drops forward while a sharp stick pokes him in the back and into the arena.

A crowd of faces smeared in dirt, blood, food, and fluids roars in anticipation of the fight. Across from Ferreus stands a hungry-looking man dressed in loose rags and holding a club and what barely amounts to a shield. He's twitchy, nervous, and afraid. Ferreus silently shakes his head. His own people are worse than animals, lusting for spilt blood. They wanted this man butchered? Right then. That's what they'd get.

Ferreus walks confidently toward his opponent who takes a step back before weakly raising his arms to defend himself. The fighter swings his club downward and Ferreus meets it with his thyreos and a portion snaps off with a crack. The man lashes out again, this time from his left to right. Again Ferreus brings up his shield to block it, and again a piece breaks off. Ferreus throws the thyreos at his opponent and forces him to flinch and recoil momentarily. Ferreus uses this opportunity to step in and grab the fighter's club arm while thrusting his gladius into his belly. It bites in, but only part-way before Ferreus pulls the sword back out. Adjusting his grip on the man, who's fear-filled eyes lock with his, Ferreus supports his weight while stabbing again. And again. And again. Each time the man cries out and each time the crowd's reaction grows more negative. After a dozen thrusts Ferreus lets the man fall to his knees and collapse onto his side. The crowd boos vigorously, but Ferreus ignores it as he throws his gladius to the ground and stops off, leaving a mutilated mess behind him.

The Flavii promised the Den a good fighter and indeed they delivered. [Refund: + Fame Token]
Thanks to some well-placed coin Ferreus' victory also nets the family some wealth. [Victory: + Fortune Token]
Ferreus Secundius Alternis has also left an impression among a couple avid fans of bloodsports. Some of them have even begun to call him Ferreus the Butcher.


The Forum Arena

Marcus Flavius Ebrius and Marcus Flavius Lanista had traveled to the forum for two similar reasons: to make sure this family venture was going to be worth it, and to prove this family venture was worth it. Fabulosa was delivered to the arena by cart ahead of time and so the father and son had time to themselves to discuss things while traveling. By the time they arrived at the arena themselves it was near time for the fight to begin.

Ebirus follows Lanista to the pen Fabulosa is currently held in. His gear sits just out of his reach, stuck to the ground by a stake and chains.

"Fabulosa," Lanista speaks, "Do us proud today. It is an honor to fight in front of the crowds."

"Then why don't you, Roman?" the Carthaginian hissees.

Lanista responds with a laugh, "I am simply not made for it. But I do know how to make people rich. And even if wealth is meaningless, the freedom it might buy..."

Lanista trails off, turns, and walks away. Ebirus follows close behind, barely masking a look of approval. He'd seen the Carthaginian falter for a brief moment, a hard shell pierced by silver tongue.

"He should fight willingly for the time being," Lanista began speaking his thoughts aloud, though he fully intended for his father to overhear, "However once he finds out how expensive he was..."


Fabulosa stands at the gate between a pair of high wooden bleachers, flanked by a pair of armed guards. He straightens himself and stands tall as he waits for the editor to announce his entrance.

"Today we have a fine fight to start things off! Our generous friends the Flavii have graced us with an offering of their very own. Introducing...FABULOSA!"

The guards open the gate and Fabulosa struts in. He lets out a loud belly laugh and gestures to the growing crowd. As he begins to pull cheers from them Fabulosa shoots the crowd a smile and they lose it.

"But wait!" the editor, a short greasy-looking man [I just realized I was picturing Danny DeVito, so just saying Danny DeVito works], begins shouting over the crowd once more, "We also have been granted the pleasure of an offering by House Gavros! Enter...Ambiorix!"

A hush falls over the crowd. House Gavros is a fairly ruthless family, and their stock was known to mirror that. As the gladiator enters, his silvery, splendid  manica draws the eye immediately. The gladius seems up to standard but his scutum is showing clear signs of wear and tear. He roars from between mangled teeth and charges before the editor announces the start of the fight.

Fabulosa steps forward and away at the last moment when Ambiorix thrusts. Fabulosa attempts to trip Ambiorix as they pass but he hops over the shaft of the hasta. They turn and face one another, Ambiorix crouched and poised to attack while Fabulosa leaves his guard down and somewhat exposed. Fabulosa raises his spear arm and thrusts at a downward angle toward Ambiorix' exposed chest but is met by the blade of his gladius. The two circle one another. After a few moments Ambiorix makes his move, stepping in while swinging his scutum to bat away Fabulosa's hasta then attempting to bring his gladius down on Fabulosa's head. Fabulosa manages to bring his shield up in time to stop the blow, and the two lock eyes for a brief moment before Fabulosa cocks his head back and slams his forehead into the bridge of Ambiorix' nose. The gladiator reels back, dropping his shield to clutch his nose as he spins, eyes clutching shut as tears well in their corners.

Fabulosa laughs again and raises his arms, inciting the crowd into a frenzy once more. He slams the butt of the hasta on the ground a series of times as Ambiorix recovers. The gladiator charges with another roar, hands and lower face stained by his own blood. He launches a quick series of strikes that leave Fabulosa's shield ruined, but before Ambiorix can penetrate his defenses Fabulosa counterstrikes, kicking him back and stabbing him in the left shoulder. Ambiorix steps back as his arm hangs limply and for a moment gazes at his wound, bringing his sword hand up to it and poking it with his pinky. He then comes at Fabulosa with a fury once more. Fabulosa discards what little remains of his shield and uses his hasta in both hands to block the incoming attacks. Blade bites into shaft but Fabulosa is able to parry the blows and strike Ambiorix in the nose again, this time with the hasta shaft.

The blow leaves Ambiorix stunned as he rocks back on his feet briefly. Fabulosa steps up to Ambiorix and headbutts him again. Ambiorix falls backward with barely a sound as Fabulosa cocks his head standing over him. After a few moments Ambiorix regains his senses and roars while trying to swing up at Fabulosa from the ground. The tip of the hasta shatters Ambiorix' teeth, passing through the back of his throat and pinning him to the ground, lifeless.

Fabulosa certainly has potential as a crowdpleaser. Word travels fast around Rome, and his name is upon some lips! [Victory: +Fame Token]
Ebirus has also managed to pull together additional funds to aid Lanista in his endeavors. [Victory: +Fortune Token]

By donating our extra food to local temples we have hopefully gained favor with the gods. [Reward: +Fate Token x2]

----------------

With two victories in hand it is time to begin expanding business. First the family must decide which upcoming games they will participate in in the Planning Phase. The games are as follows:

Back Alley Pit
1. Unbooked v.s. Unbooked

Gambling Den Requires Token to Enter
1. Gladiator v.s. Unbooked - Reward: 1 Fortune Token, 1 Fame Token
2. Gladiator v.s. Unbooked - Reward: 3 Fortune Tokens

Forum Arena
1. Gladiator (V4/A4/T8/S7) and Unbooked v.s. Unbooked - Modified 1v2
2. Gladiator (V6/A10/T8/S9) v.s. Unbooked - Standard 1v1
3. Unbooked and Unbooked v.s. Unbooked and Unbooked - Standard 2v2


IT IS NOW THE PLANNING PHASE.


GM NOTE: DUE TO THE FACT THAT THERE IS A RELATIVELY SIMPLE DECISION TO MAKE DURING THIS PHASE, YOU WILL ALSO BE ALLOWED TO PROPOSE TOKEN-UTILIZING ACTION PLANS FOR THIS PHASE AS WELL. ULTIMATELY THIS MEANS THE ACTION PHASE BECOMES UNIQUE ONLY IN THAT YOU RECRUIT DOODZ AND GET LOOTZ. ALSO KEEP IN MIND YOU CAN DECIDE TO ASSIGN FAMILY MEMBERS TO SPECIFIC ACTIONS IF YOU WANT, AS WELL AS ANY GLADIATOR COMPANY THEY MAY HAVE FOR SOME REASON.

Spoiler: Properties (click to show/hide)

Basic Familial Household: Has all the basic needs required to support a large family, even if some of that "family" are Gladiators. Provides 3 Food.
Basic Ludus: A courtyard and Gladiator housing that many might consider worse than prison. Has a Standard Trainer (provides No Bonus) and a single Wooden Training Post (provides No Bonus).

Spoiler: Gladiators (click to show/hide)

Ferreus Secundius Alternis, Roman Fugitive - V4/A6/T4(Gladius)/S4; Roman, Merciless
-Right Arm: Gladius[6]
-Left Arm: Thyreos[1]
-Body: Rags
-Limbs: Cloth Wrapping[1]

Fabulosa, Carthaginian Spy - V5/A5/T5(Spear)/S12; Carthaginian, Paranoid, Quick
-Right Arm: Hasta[5]
-Left Arm: Thyreos[1]
-Body: Rags
-Limbs: Cloth Wrapping[1]

Spoiler: Equipment (click to show/hide)

 Weapons
Roman Gladius[6]: A 70cm long sword with a 55cm blade. Almost impossibly sharp, sturdy, and lethal. Perfectly balanced and maintains it's edge.
Hasta[5]: A 2m long spear with a wooden shaft and iron head. Strong and sharp.

Shields
Thyreos[1]: A flimsy shield made of multiple bound pieces of wood. Could perhaps take a couple hits before falling apart.

Armor
Rags: Body "armor". Does Nothing.
Cloth Wrappings[1]: Arm and leg "armor". Old torn strips of clothing. Comes in various degrees of staining. Provides minimal benefit but is largely nonrestrictive.

Spoiler: Traits (click to show/hide)

Flavian Training: +1S/-1A, can exceed 6.
Roman - +1 Technique (Gladius) Training. Can exceed 6.
Merciless - 50% chance of killing opponent, more likely to quickly finish off opponent.
Carthaginian - +1 to Technique (Mounted) Training. Can exceed 6.
Paranoid - Loyalty losses are more severe.
Quick - +1 to Agility Training. Cannot exceed 6.

Spoiler: Relationships (click to show/hide)

Auroros, Soldier turned Slave Trader (Status: Neutral, Owed Favor)
Marculus Malleus, Metalworker (Status: Neutral, Owed Favor)

Spoiler: Resources (click to show/hide)

Food: 3 (2/3 Used)

Tokens:
Fortune x2
Fame x2
Fate x3

Spoiler: Family Status (click to show/hide)

Gaius Flavius Sophos (Deceased)
Gaius Flavius Immodesta (Deceased)
Marcus Flavius Laudis (Deceased)
Lucius Flavius Locuples (Deceased)

Marcus Flavius Ebrius (Alive, Well)
Titia Aelia Pecuniosia (Alive, Well)
Marcus Flavius Lanista (Alive, Well)
Caeso Flavius Mensa (Alive, Well)
Publius Flavius Lepidus (Alive, Well)
Pyrinikos of Abdera (Alive, Well)

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Planning II)
Post by: NUKE9.13 on April 05, 2019, 06:12:34 am

A most productive turn! These gladiators are already proving their worth. I think investing in some better quarters for them would be prudent, to show them that House Flavius rewards those who serve them. Of course, better equipment will also be important. The idea of bringing in some Spartan lass to oversee training has merit as well. Fortunately, thanks to the stellar performance of our investments, we can afford to do all of that!

There's also the possibility of buying another gladiator in the next phase, which might be wise, to broaden our roster. That would leave us without excess food, and we know that selling/donating food is a reliable source of income. So we might also consider expanding our agricultural assets?

As for which fights to enter, I'm not sure. There's no obvious choices, unlike last time.

---

E: A Ludus renovation proposal:

Quote

More Comfortable Ludus (Fortune Token):
Despite our assertion that the wind howling through the cracks has a musical effect, that the hard plank beds build character, and that the leaking roof is a water feature, some have suggested that our Ludus provides somewhat sub-standard housing. This is, of course, vile slander- House Flavius would never skimp on accommodation for their prized servants. And to prove it, we're going to renovate the place, even though it doesn't need it.
A decent contractor will be hired with good old fashioned gold. The walls will be patched, the beds provided with actual straw mattresses, and the roof fixed. Any other such 'flaws' will also be dealt with. We're not overly concerned with appearances (in this one, specific case, shut up Lepidus), just making the place more comfortable for our gladiators.
We will let them know that this is a reward for their good performance in the last fights.

E2: I also kinda like KitRougard's silly Spartan girlfriend idea, so I wrote a proposal for that as well:

Quote

Chilonis of Sparta, Warrior Maiden (Fate Token):
Well, we're not quite sure how he did it, but Kitus has managed to find himself a girlfriend. Apparently they met in the Forum, hit it off, and now we have to deal with her. And "deal with" is the right phrase, because she's not some decent, demure Roman lady- Kitus has managed to find a Spartan woman, with radical ideas like "not treating women like property" and "women being allowed to manage their own affairs", confirming all the worst rumours about Spartan women. It would be an absolute scandal if they actually got married- a Roman man in an equal partnership with a Greek woman?
We don't know why a Spartan woman was in the Forum in Rome. She doesn't want to talk about it. We're guessing she may have left Sparta in an involuntary manner. We don't know why she is attracted to Kitus, although by all accounts it appears to be genuine. "Fate", some are calling it, which has led others to question what we did to offend the gods so.
However, not all are upset by this development. Lanista, for instance, seems quite interested in the potential for this warrior maiden to share some of the Spartans' famous training techniques with our gladiators- and whilst she seems reluctant to share her homeland's secrets so easily, upon seeing our current doctore "train" our gladiators, she agreed to provide some basic instruction, if only so she never has to see such sloppy training again. She won't share all she knows just yet, but even a fraction of a Spartan's martial knowledge would surely bolster our training potential considerably.

(No relation to the famous Spartan women named Chilonis.)

(The bit about not sharing all her knowledge is due to only spending one token being unlikely to get us a top-tier trainer. This explanation would allow us to 'unlock' more of her potential in the future by investing more tokens- like by spending a Fame token or two to absorb the bad publicity caused by letting them actually get married, for instance.)

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Planning II)
Post by: Madman198237 on April 06, 2019, 11:56:06 am

Originally I was going to propose a new trainer based on a member of a familial branch having served in the military etc., etc. But NUKE's proposal is just so hilarious that it's worth doing. HOWEVER, we need to get fights selected.


I think we should wrap all our actions this phase up nice and neatly in plans, so that everyone votes for one plan and we don't end up short on tokens for the things we want to purchase, upgrade, and do later this turn. For instance, this one:

Quote from: A Totally Original Plan

FIGHTS:
Gambling Den 1 (Fate Token): Ferreus
Forum Arena 2: Fabulosa

ACTIONS:
Chilonis of Sparta; with Fate Token
More Comfortable Ludus; with Fortune Token
Send family member to investigate results of Magnii fights from last turn (no tokens)

Expenditure:
2 Fate, 1 Fortune

This would then be followed by three tokens' expenditure on equipment during the Action phase, possibly attempting to send a guy using our last Fate token to scope out the next turn's fights better before we have to pick them, and maxing out the training on Fabulosa to make sure he's ready for the more deadly fight.

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Planning II)
Post by: NUKE9.13 on April 06, 2019, 12:31:09 pm

I'm not sure about spending a whole three tokens on equipment next phase- I'd rather do two, and keep the other for a rainy day-, but we can discuss that then. For now, that looks fine.

Quote from: Votey Boxy

A Totally Original Plan: (2) Madman198237, NUKE9.13

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Planning II)
Post by: KitRougard on April 06, 2019, 02:52:25 pm

Quote from: Votey Boxy

A Totally Original Plan: (3) Madman198237, NUKE9.13, KitRougard

Well, we may want to use some of our Favor to clear up those "Favors Owed" since I feel like the longer those fester, the worse our relationships get. Shouldn't be too hard, just sing our praises of our dealer who got us the crowd-pleasing Fabulosa, and the weaponsmith who made that Gladius that butchered that man like a hot knife through butter.

Edit: Oh, we have no Favor. Fame should work too, if not better at this...

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Planning II)
Post by: Madman198237 on April 06, 2019, 08:02:46 pm

Favor tokens have only the fluff effect of making us "owe" the people we pay. This turn, we use a pair of Fame tokens to repay some of those favors by advertising their business, basically.

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Planning II)
Post by: Powder Miner on April 06, 2019, 08:43:12 pm

Quote from: Votey Boxy

A Totally Original Plan: (4) Madman198237, NUKE9.13, KitRougard, Powder Miner

Gets a thumbs up from me, though as I was one of the people discussing its creation it's no surprise lol

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Planning II)
Post by: KitRougard on April 06, 2019, 09:12:52 pm

You say fluff, but a good GM will make that fluff turn into a physical effect if it's ignored. Otherwise, why would they keep record of that and relationships and all that?

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Planning II)
Post by: Madman198237 on April 06, 2019, 09:21:32 pm

Quote from: KitRougard on April 06, 2019, 09:12:52 pm

You say fluff, but a good GM will make that fluff turn into a physical effect if it's ignored. Otherwise, why would they keep record of that and relationships and all that?

For *fun* in the game. It makes it more interesting to have connections and stuff. Not everything has to have an effect in the game to matter.

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Planning II)
Post by: KitRougard on April 06, 2019, 09:26:31 pm

...True, not all flavor text matters. I just like crunchy mechanics and secret plusses and minuses based on interactions with grumpy/happy people.

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Planning II)
Post by: NUKE9.13 on April 06, 2019, 11:24:44 pm

MoP said that we can leave favours unpaid for a while with no real consequences, iirc. We should aim to pay them off eventually, but not this turn (unless we can do so for ‘free’).

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action II)
Post by: Man of Paper on April 16, 2019, 08:37:36 pm

Planning II

Pyrinikos had been tasked with heading to the Forum and offering Flavian gladiators up for fights in upcoming games. While passing by the Gambling Den a man in chains outside of it begins violently vomiting blood before collapsing face-first into it, motionless. An ornately robed man kicks the fresh corpse.

Pyrinikos opens his mouth to protest, but is immediately cut off.

"Useless!" the shouts angrily, his toes biting into the dead man's chest, "Now what in the..." the man looks up and catches Pyrinikos' eye. He rushes up while a couple armed guards clean the corpse off the streets.

"Excellent! Perfect! You're with the Flavii, no?"

Pyrinikos opens his mouth to reply but is immediately cut off.

"Oh certainly the fates have smiled upon me today. That useless pile of meat being dragged off was supposed to fight in an upcoming game in the gambling den. However he used winnings to purchase a most exotic...mistress. One who cursed him with her diseased body," the man spat, "Either way, if you have a gladiator to fill his place, perhaps I can put in a good word? You'll get the winnings. I just need to save face. What do you think?"

Pyrinikos thinks for a brief moment and opens his mouth to reply, but is immediately cut off.

"Perfect! Follow me inside! Let's speak to the fight manager himself..."

[-Fate Token]

Pyrinikos had an easy enough time booking one fight, but the other proved to be an issue...

The manager for the Forum Arena shakes his head while thumbing through loose documentation, "Sorry, but the fight is already booked up. I might be able to speak to the Caelii about dropping their fighter, but they'll likely want something in return [READ: Any Token]. Shame I won't be able to inform the Magnii of the change before the fight..."

[GM NOTE: When a booking is contested certain factors determine who gets priority booking. An attempt can be made to replace an NPC gladiator at the cost of a token. However as noted the opposing team will not be informed of the changes prior to the fight. No you do not get to select another booking, and no you will not be given the opportunity to replace fighters unless both teams attempt to book the same slot. Can't think of any more questions to answer prematurely.]


Heading through the forum, a number of shops catch Pyrinikos' eye, as does Auroros, the Slave Trader. Pyrinikos catches his eye as well. Auroros enthusiastically gestures him over.

"Ah, I'd recognize a fellow associate of the Flavii anywhere! I must say, thanks to the family's recent, ah, exhibition of my goods, I have certainly seen an increase in business. Enough so that I've been thinking about expanding business! A bargain was struck and the terms have been met, and I have to say I am certainly pleased. What can I do for you today?"

[Auroros: -Owed Favor, +Relationship, +1 Future Stock]


Athenian Refugee
Traits: Athenian, Broken
-Vitality: 9
-Agility: 9
-Technique: 8
-Style: 7
Equipment: Rags

Briton Prisoner of War
Traits: Briton, Ex-Soldier
-Vitality: 7
-Agility: 5
-Technique: 8 (+1 if Technique (???))
-Style: 6
Equipment: Rags

Cretan Hunter
Traits: Cretan, Quiet, Quick
-Vitality: 8
-Agility: 8
-Technique: 4 (+1 if Technique (???))
-Style: 10
Equipment: Rags


Looking at the potential gladiators, it's also important to keep in mind that it is also time to stock up on equipment for our gladiators, as well as work on general improvements to the household and holdings.

IT IS NOW THE ACTION PHASE.

Spoiler: Properties (click to show/hide)

Basic Familial Household: Has all the basic needs required to support a large family, even if some of that "family" are Gladiators. Provides 3 Food.
Basic Ludus: A courtyard and Gladiator housing that many might consider worse than prison. Has a Standard Trainer (provides No Bonus) and a single Wooden Training Post (provides No Bonus).

Spoiler: Gladiators (click to show/hide)

Ferreus Secundius Alternis, Roman Fugitive - V4/A6/T4(Gladius)/S4; Roman, Merciless
-Right Arm: Gladius[6]
-Left Arm: Thyreos[1]
-Body: Rags
-Limbs: Cloth Wrapping[1]

Fabulosa, Carthaginian Spy - V5/A5/T5(Spear)/S12; Carthaginian, Paranoid, Quick
-Right Arm: Hasta[5]
-Left Arm: Thyreos[1]
-Body: Rags
-Limbs: Cloth Wrapping[1]

Spoiler: Equipment (click to show/hide)

 Weapons
Roman Gladius[6]: A 70cm long sword with a 55cm blade. Almost impossibly sharp, sturdy, and lethal. Perfectly balanced and maintains it's edge.
Hasta[5]: A 2m long spear with a wooden shaft and iron head. Strong and sharp.

Shields
Thyreos[1]: A flimsy shield made of multiple bound pieces of wood. Could perhaps take a couple hits before falling apart.

Armor
Rags: Body "armor". Does Nothing.
Cloth Wrappings[1]: Arm and leg "armor". Old torn strips of clothing. Comes in various degrees of staining. Provides minimal benefit but is largely nonrestrictive.

Spoiler: Traits (click to show/hide)

Flavian Training: +1S/-1A, can exceed 6.
Roman - +1 Technique (Gladius) Training. Can exceed 6.
Merciless - 50% chance of killing opponent, more likely to quickly finish off opponent.
Carthaginian - +1 to Technique (Mounted) Training. Can exceed 6.
Paranoid - Loyalty losses are more severe.
Quick - +1 to Agility Training. Cannot exceed 6.

Spoiler: Relationships (click to show/hide)

Auroros, Soldier turned Slave Trader (Status: Friendly)
Marculus Malleus, Metalworker (Status: Neutral, Owed Favor)

Spoiler: Resources (click to show/hide)

Food: 3 (2/3 Used)

Tokens:
Fortune x2
Fame x2
Fate x2

Spoiler: Family Status (click to show/hide)

Gaius Flavius Sophos (Deceased)
Gaius Flavius Immodesta (Deceased)
Marcus Flavius Laudis (Deceased)
Lucius Flavius Locuples (Deceased)

Marcus Flavius Ebrius (Alive, Well)
Titia Aelia Pecuniosia (Alive, Well)
Marcus Flavius Lanista (Alive, Well)
Caeso Flavius Mensa (Alive, Well)
Publius Flavius Lepidus (Alive, Well)
Pyrinikos of Abdera (Alive, Well)

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action II)
Post by: KitRougard on April 16, 2019, 09:09:13 pm

"Any changes to the plan, or..?"

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Planning II)
Post by: Madman198237 on April 16, 2019, 09:27:16 pm

Quote from: Shopping Trip

From a certain perspective, the blacksmith really was right. Everything he made...out of metal... was truly excellent. From a different perspective, he was not so great, providing us with truly mediocre non-metallic equipment and coming to a grand total of 50% success. So instead of returning to him immediately, we have sought out a reputable dealer of simpler armor, to provide us with better Cloth Wrappings and a sturdier, properly-constructed, reinforced Thureos Shield (-1 Fortune token).

We have, however, returned to our friend Marcus Malleus, to invest in getting some well-crafted helmets fitted for our gladiators. Specifically, we are looking to have him craft a pair of polished bronze Corinthian helmets with blue-and-black-striped horsehair crests so that anyone can instantly identify a Flavius gladiator purely based on the FABULOUSNESS inherent in their attire. In return, we have begun promoting him and his (metallic) products all over the city with our reputation of gladiatorial victors. (-1 Fame token)

Finally, we have searched the entire city to find the best of the city's leatherworkers. We have searched out such a craftsman to have them make a truly amazing piece of armor, a cuirass of hardened leather, dyed pitch black and with polished bronze studs. Inlaid in suitable polished bronze across the chest is [INSERT APPROPRIATE FAMILY BRAND/CREST/IMAGE THING]. We have offered to promote them amongst the other families and supporters of the gladiatorial games to increase their business very rapidly. (-1 Fame token)

Quote from: It's Not Spying, Just Business

Using 1 Fate token:
One of our family members (Whoever dgr's character is, whenever we sort that out) has suddenly stumbled into a most interesting position. He has leveraged the family name to become a minor clerk at the forum arena...and has become most useful at giving us just a few extra details about fights there that we may be interested in.

Quote from: This is plan. It is good plan.

AVAILABLE ASSETS:
Fortune x2
Fame x2
Fate x2
Assorted family members

ACTIONS:
Chilonis of Sparta; (-1 Fate)
More Comfortable Ludus; (-1 Fortune)
Send a family member to investigate results of Magnii fights from last turn (no tokens)
It's Not Spying, Just Business (-1 Fate)

PURCHASES:
Shopping Trip (equipment proposal) (-1 Fortune, -2 Fame)

TOKENS REMAINING:
0

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action II)
Post by: KitRougard on April 16, 2019, 09:33:54 pm

"This plan has my approval, though you might need to make links back to those things we already mentioned, my girl and the renovations. Anywho, my vote's in!"

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action II)
Post by: NUKE9.13 on April 17, 2019, 01:22:14 pm

I have my concerns about spending all our tokens- I'd lean towards buying less equipment. But then again, if we spend less on equipment, we're less likely to win the fights that give us more tokens. So, sure, I'll go with that plan.

Quote from: V(oteb)ox Populi

Plan "This is plan. It is good plan.": (2) KitRougard, NUKE9.13

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action II)
Post by: Powder Miner on April 17, 2019, 05:31:16 pm

Quote from: V(oteb)ox Populi

Plan "This is plan. It is good plan.": (3) KitRougard, NUKE9.13, Powder Miner

Title: Re: Blood of Champions - House Flavius (Action II)
Post by: Madman198237 on April 17, 2019, 06:50:46 pm

Quote from: V(oteb)ox Populi

Plan "This is plan. It is good plan.": (4) KitRougard, NUKE9.13, Powder Miner, Madman

I think, that for now, this is one of the best possible assortments of actions. Losing out on the possibility of gaining credits from that fight sucks, but we could be in a worse position for sure. We COULD trade off additional information on future fights in exchange for a shot at the Magnii….but I don't believe that it's worth it.