Bay 12 Games Forum
Finally... => Forum Games and Roleplaying => Topic started by: chubby2man on January 12, 2024, 11:31:07 am
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Lord of the Dark Dominion
Your head is anointed with blood. It burns hot against your skin as the priest traces the unholy symbols on your forehead. The sacrificial victim writhes next to you in his death throes. He was a prisoner in your dungeon, taken in battle. You close your eyes and try to tune out his cries.
The priest continues, calling on the dark gods of your people. You can smell the sweat mixed with incense wafting from his thick dark robes. You sweat as well, undeneath the elaborate finery they foiseted upon you for the ceremony.
Despite the heat, you feel a cold tendril slither up your spine. You can't be sure if it might only be your imagination, but you can't deny the flicker of the torches in your sight.
The priest steps back and takes the crown of your people from a proffered cushion. The crown is:
A. A band of black iron, the crown of the Voldrung. Forged for the warrior kings of old, lords of war. Word: Sword.
B. A golden crown, crafted with gold from Iosung mines, and studded with rare jewels from a dozen lands brought by the ships of the Iosung. Word: Wealth.
C. A diadem of silver with a blood red ruby in the center distinguishes the crown of the Scylling, mages beyond compare. The jewel is said to contain the soul of the first Emperor, betrayed and trapped by his Scylling sorcerer. Word: Sorcery.
D. A circlet of ebony wings announces the lord of the Tiathul, rangers and wardens of the dark forest and masters of its secret paths. Word: Shadow.
Your coronation is a sparser affair than it might have been. Your cousin has claimed the lordship as well, and some among your glittering, grasping courtiers have flocked to their banner. It was your mother who died, but in the Dominion often one must prove themselves to be a worthy heir.
But you were the one closer to the crown, and now your cousin is in the hills with their army, and you have the lordship, only answerable to the God-King. Your rival claimant is said to be the opposite of you in many respects, being a:
Man or
Woman
and is
-Cruel: In contrast your Virtue shines bright. Your nature and voting choices will lean towards the benevolent side. Your fellow Lords of the Dark will not admire you for this.
-Heroic: In contrast your villainy and ruthlessness marks you well. Your nature and voting choices will lean more towards evil options.Your fellow Lords will respect you more.
Guide a new Lord of the Dark Dominion, answerable only to the God-King. Master the pit of vipers that make up your court, and scheme against your rival lords. How high can you ascend before it all crashes down?
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A , Woman , Heroic
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A , Woman , Heroic
Sure, let's play it completely straight.
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Playing Heroic is literally the opposite of "playing it straight" in this game, it's basically turning up the difficulty. As this is inspired by APGTE, it might well be that being a heroic sort of bad guy doesn't get you enough (any) points with the heroes and it makes the villains hate you on principle. Which is quite an achievement, given that they have many of those to violate.
Anyway I'm torn on what, precisely, to vote for. I definitely want to go Heroic just because irritating the evil aristocracy sounds fun. After that, Wealth might allow for some more strategic play while Sword or Shadow makes it more likely that we, personally, will survive any dangerous situations.
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You're voting for the challenger's details. Voting Heroic+Woman means that we, as the player, will be a Cruel Man.
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I was having a bit of fun with the voting here, but just to clarify the gender and Cruel/Heroic vote is deciding the character of your rival cousin (and thus yourself by contrast).
The current vote of Woman/ heroic means you will be a villianous man.
Probably could have made that more clear!
You're voting for the challenger's details. Voting Heroic+Woman means that we, as the player, will be a Cruel Man.
Ninja’d :p
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D, Man, Cruel
I want to see how being Heroic with Shadow-based powers will play out.
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D, Man, Cruel
I want to see how being Heroic with Shadow-based powers will play out.
Yeah sure +1 to D, Man, Cruel.
Got to get that standard SG "just +1 whatever Glass said" going, right?
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Got to get that standard SG "just +1 whatever Glass said" going, right?
Or you could... not.
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That....was obviously a joke. I am very much not going to just +1 everything Glass says unless I agree with it, and since I don't have a strong opinion on the powers choice, well, why not?
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I mean, you should do whatever makes you happy, it's just that I've already seen this episode before.
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A , Woman , Heroic
+1
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A , Woman , Heroic
+1
+1
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A , Woman , Heroic
+1
+1
+1
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A small smile creeps over your lips. You made it. The fights, the betrayals, after all of that you finally see your reward, to see your family and retainers bow and scrape to you.
Did you kill your mother? Yes/no vote, but with no’s… did you wish you did?
Spear butts slam into the ground rhythmically. Slow at first, but the tempo increases.
“Voldrung!” Shout the guards.
“Voldrung!” Shout the warriors, fists pounding against their chests.
“Voldrung!” Shout your Ironsworn, eyes as dark as their armor.
You lift your hands and soak in the acclaim.
The lordship of the Voldrung is yours!
Excepting your cousin, however.
Theila Voldrung, aspiring swordmistress, was at your mother’s side when she fell in battle against the Tiathul. Theila took charge of the warband, recovered your mother’s body, and put the Tiathul to flight. She was proclaimed on the spot by the warriors there, as is tradition among your people.
You only learned of her ascension when assassins seeking her favor came for you. Luckily you were saved by:
A. Your brother Avul Voldrung. Your younger brother. Came to your aid and stabbed the assassins in the back.
B. Lord Commander Lothel of the Ironsworn A grizzled veteran, he fought by your side against the assassins and led the Ironsworn to root out the rest of the assassins.
C. Sorceress Vial Your chief magician, she blew apart your attackers with her spells, and used their shades to lead to the conspirators.
D. Spymistress Piela: Master of spies and whispers, you found her standing over the bodies of the would be assassins and a list of conspirators in her hands.
Note! Whoever you choose will be loyal to you. (Maybe not suicidally so, but you don’t have to worry about them.) The others will still exist and their loyalties will be randomized. One not chosen will betray you.
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My votes:
No, mother didn't die by our hands and we didn't feel the need to, her death was coming anyway.
Loyal figure: the Spymistress Piela. We know from the outset that one of these folks is going to betray us. And the worst one to get betrayed by is probably either the veteran or the spymaster, and I'm more worried about the spymaster.
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Uh, probably "no" and "not really because it would make the succession even more problematic than it would inevitably be anyway and patience is a virtue even for the very evil" and how about a Spymistress? If we're going to be evil not getting assassinated seems pretty useful.
And since I didn't actually post this I see that this is more of a +1 but good enough.
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Yes. She deserved that much kindness, under the circumstances.
Cruelty is for your enemies, not your own family, if they didn't cross you. Your decisive mercy that day is also part of the reason why A your brother has always looked up to you and continues to be your biggest fan.
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Yes. She deserved that much kindness, under the circumstances.
Cruelty is for your enemies, not your own family, if they didn't cross you. Your decisive mercy that day is also part of the reason why A your brother has always looked up to you and continues to be your biggest fan.
+ 1
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A. It was tradition, and who goes against such vaunted custom? To kill your parent and ensure that their legacy remains good and noble...that is the best thing a child can do for them. It would be filial blasphemy to allow them to reach old age and allow their realm to fall to the rule of senility and conniving regents.
B. After all, he was the one that held your mother's guards at bay. As is tradition.
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My votes:
No, mother didn't die by our hands and we didn't feel the need to, her death was coming anyway.
Loyal figure: the Spymistress Piela. We know from the outset that one of these folks is going to betray us. And the worst one to get betrayed by is probably either the veteran or the spymaster, and I'm more worried about the spymaster.
+1
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Yes. She deserved that much kindness, under the circumstances.
Cruelty is for your enemies, not your own family, if they didn't cross you. Your decisive mercy that day is also part of the reason why A your brother has always looked up to you and continues to be your biggest fan.
+1
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Yes. She deserved that much kindness, under the circumstances.
Cruelty is for your enemies, not your own family, if they didn't cross you. Your decisive mercy that day is also part of the reason why A your brother has always looked up to you and continues to be your biggest fan.
+1
+1
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"How many?"
"Nearly all the Ironsworn," The Spymistress purses her mouth. She's a wizened crone, her dark robes swallowing her frail frame, but her dark eyes remain steady on you.Piela is as wicked as can be found, but she always had a soft spot for you and your brother.
Said brother leans forward. He's still young, a wisp of beard coming in, but he always had your back through any fights or plots. He saved your life the night before, stabbing one would be assassin in the back while shouting loud enough to wake the dead.
"Call up the warbands, and send the riders. We can stop and destroy them before they join up with our dear cousin in the hills," Avul says, his eyes angry.
You shake your head. "We could, but even in victory our forces would be devastated. Lothel must be confident in this to be so brazen in his treachery," You reply, clenching your fists.
The Ironsworn were the Voldrung's best elite cadre of warriors, handpicked veterans and slayers equipped in the finest enchanted plate and sworn binding oaths to serve the Voldrung's lord. Their defection is... devastating to your legitimacy while also swinging the quality advantage decisively to your cousins side. You can't win this through direct conflict.
"What are my options?" You ask plainly.
"The oaths they have sworn will make them hesitant to attack you and yours, especially unprovoked. Once any viable contender for the Voldrung lordship is removed, they will return to service." Vial, your sorceress, chimes in from the lounge she claimed in the corner of the room.
"The lesser clans will be a concern." Piela adds. "They will hear of this and wonder which of you will win out. If we can get them committed to us, that will be a great aid.:
"Her family is in Cold's Falls, we can kill or take them as hostages." Avul says, earning a raised brow from the others.
"Certainly possible," Piela nods, "In any case we should expect her to be knocking on the gates of the city soon. We have the city and the throne, time will erode away her support. She will be forced to take action, and soon. We need to be ready."
You turn and overlook your city. Smoke drifts up from a thousand hearths, and the dark walls stretch high above those. Your domain, thousands of souls underneath your banner and raised sword. Built by blood and steel.
You will protect what you have taken.
Choose 2 actions. As of now you are militarily overmatched, and a field battle would not go in your favor. What do you do?
A. Purge your court of dissenters: Use this time of crises to solidify the court's loyalty to you.
B. Kidnap the rebel's family: Send your brother and a warband to ensure the safety of the other side of your family. Will likely enrage your rival Theila.
C. Rally the lesser clans: Call upon the oaths of allegiance to gather warbands to your name. You will have to negotiate with some of them, but they could provide enough manpower to bring you equal to the rebel army.
D. Defense of the City: Long have the Voldrung's walls held, but it could do with a checkup with your sorceress. Will make your city more resistant to a siege, and dangerous to storm.
E. Forge an alliance with a fellow Dark Lord: Choose one of the starting great families to make an alliance. Your terms will be a little lopsided in their favor.
F. Write in!
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Leaning toward B and C.
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Leaning toward B and C.
+1
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Leaning toward B and C.
+1
+1
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Leaning toward B and C.
+1
+1
+1
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Carrion birds wheel above, dark shapes stark against the clear blue sky. It is barely a week since your cornation, and you assemble your warband for your tour while Avul prepares to set off. He is clad in dark plate, engraved with gold. A snarling wolf adorns his head. He claps your arm, pulling you in tight.
"Good luck, brother."
The night before you both had stood on the curtain wall of the keep. Your guards, fully armed and armored in blackened mail, kept a watchful distance as screams drifted over. It was a night of knives, as Piela sent her assassins and agents after rebel sympathizers and spies. He warned you then, that as fond as Piela was of you both, she was far fonder of your mother. If Piela discovered the slow-acting poison you gave your mother before she departed. . .you expect you would be in some trouble. You cleaned up as best you could, and she had plenty of other tasks and little reason to sniff after a disappeared poisonmaker.
Avul's warband of slayers and killers trots out of the gate, a hundred or so men and women perfect for a daring raid. Your own would be a similar size, but made up of solid veterans.Your goal was to impress them with the tradition and martial power of the Voldrungs, not kill them after all.
Deep in the castle lies the personal armory of the Voldrungs. Enchanted arms and armors, trophies from battles with the Summer Kingdom and God Kings both adorn the walls.
Here you choose what you will take with you:
Armor:
-Sealight Mail: A light and glittering mail, taken from the Water Elves as a trophey. Nearly unbreakable, it is perfect for quick movement while not sacrafing protection. Taken by your mother into battle, now worn by your rebel cousin.
-Plate of Midnight: The original, forged by the dwarves for the kings of war. Enchanted with the soul of a god from below, it grants strength and power to its wearer. The metal, dark as night, seems to swirl as you look at it. It allows the bearer to wield even massive weapons with one hand.
Weapons: Pick 2!
-Dawnfall: A bastard sword. Forged form the metal of a comet that was split between the great lords. Few things can withstand its cut. Able to wielded with one hand or both.
-Serpent's Bite and Scale: A sword and shield. Enhanced sword that rots the flesh of those it cuts, and a shield that is near unbreakable. Taken by your mother into battle, now wielded by your rebel cousin.
-Vampire's Axe: A large red battleaxe. While a fearsome axe in its own right, as it kills it drains the life force of its victims to heal and rejuvenate the wielder.
-Skullcrusher: A massive warhammer. A warhammer that unnaturally accelerates with every swing, smashing foes and even gates with ease.
-Saint's Poleaxe: A stout poleaxe, shines with a golden light. Taken from a Named Hero from the Summer Kingdom. A versitle weapon, it also radiates hope and courage to your allies.
- Eagle's Talon: A flying dagger. Animated by spellcraft, this dagger responds to your mental commands and can fly through the air, hunting targets. IT does require concentration, however.
-Write in! Only vote for one write in option. If you go firearms, limited to a single shot arquebus that is not replicable. You can also go for a weird magical artifact if you wish. Or even go with a different armor.
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Lets take Dawnfall.
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I'm voting for the Saint's Poleaxe because I quite like poleaxes. It's also a force multiplier, quite helpful given the army disparity.
And because C2 has reminded me that reading the rules is a thing I will also vote for the Skullcrusher. Since we can dual-wield heavy weapons what with the plate armor.
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You can vote for two options for weapons!
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Plate of Midnight,
Skull Crusher & Saint's Poleaxe
we've got armor that lets us one hand two handed weapons, so we might as well take something useful as a general force multiplier alongside something impressive in single combat.
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Plate of Midnight,
Skull Crusher & Saint's Poleaxe
we've got armor that lets us one hand two handed weapons, so we might as well take something useful as a general force multiplier alongside something impressive in single combat.
+1
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The gates stood closed against you.
“Those fuckers,” you growl.
You stand outside the gates of the Adairn, the largest of the clans sworn to the Voldrung. They hold sway over the lowlands and fields of the region, and muster stout warriors to defend their hearth and home. Their loyalty has ever been without question.
And now they leave you like a beggar outside their gates. One of the largest cities to be found outside of the capital, a jewel in your crown, and they leave their lord outside.
Your horse snorts anxiously underneath you. Few beasts could carry your weight in your ancient plate, but the Hrothing beastmasters bred these with some unnatural creature to do so. It can feel your rage gathering, so you try to relax your grip on his reins. The horse is monsterous, and without your enchanted plate you fear you would not have the strength to handle it.
"Open for the Lord of the Voldrung!" You shout at the battlements, your voice tearing, but the gates remain stubbornly closed to you.
"We recognize no lord here," said an voice, aged but strong. Peering over the lip of the walls was a wrinkled elder, garbed in armor. "There are two claimnets, and we await to serve the better of the pair of you."
Oh you rage at them, and scream threats and call them cowards. You will remember this, you swear, when your rival lies dead at your feet and your armies drag them all from your homes. The man only shakes his head at you.
Your First Sword, Sevus, grabs you by the arm and pulls you back. A narrow faced fellow, he wears two swords across his back and knows well how to use them. "My lord, what shall we do?" He gestures at your company behind him. "We will follow you into battle and unto death, but they will not open the gate for us without force."
You stride away to make your plans. You assemble Sevus and the veterans and decide to:
A. Storm the Gate: Break down that gate and kill anyone who stands in your way to the palace. (Available due to Skull Crusher).
B. Find a way to sneak in: Under the cover of night, make a raid.
C. Go to a different vassal: If the Adairn stand against you, make a new ally by promising some of the Adairn's land. You go to the
-The Etra: dark priests known for their summoning of darker powers.
-Collsung: Fine riders and death on open ground, their lancers would provide your army many advantages.
-Thule: The closest hill clan, and known for their smiths, craftsmen, and some of the most heavily armored warriors to be found.outside of the Ironsworn.
D. Something else?
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A. Storm the Gate.
D. Smash their gate and make it clear they will meet us *there*, or we will make an example out of them.
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C., Collsung.
We can't really afford to storm a fortified city and kill many of their soldiers (and lose many of ours) right before a major battle. We find a clan that will uphold their oaths and make examples after the battle is over.
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C., Collsung.
We can't really afford to storm a fortified city and kill many of their soldiers (and lose many of ours) right before a major battle. We find a clan that will uphold their oaths and make examples after the battle is over.
+1
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C., Collsung.
We can't really afford to storm a fortified city and kill many of their soldiers (and lose many of ours) right before a major battle. We find a clan that will uphold their oaths and make examples after the battle is over.
+1
+1
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C., Collsung.
We can't really afford to storm a fortified city and kill many of their soldiers (and lose many of ours) right before a major battle. We find a clan that will uphold their oaths and make examples after the battle is over.
+1
+1
+1
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The halls of the Collsung are a grand thing in their own right. Not more than two stories, it sweeps wide over the hill, with walls of burnished wood providing a stout defense. The stables of the hall nearly equal it in size, and you see herds of horses being ushered between the stables and fields.
Your horse snickers beneath you. He was brought here and trained by the Collsung's finest horselords to bear the Voldrung;s lord. You brush his neck, and smile to yourself.
In contrast to the fickle Adairn, the Collsung have greeted you with an honor guard, their famed Death Riders trotting out to greet you and escort you to the side of their lord. While their settlement is not nearly as large as the city of the Adairn or your own, they are a people dedicated to the horse.
You are ushered quickly through the halls, tapestries covering the walls and fire providing some warmth from the faint bite of chill in the air.
A roaring fire silhouettes the lord of the Collsung. A tall man, Edal Collsung turns and gives a respectful before you. His face is a hard one, with golden eyes like those of a hawk. Grey streaks course through his red hair and beard.
"Rise," You tell him, smile on your face. Here you finally get the respect you are owed.
"My lord," he replies. "Welcome to Highfield. We are at your disposal."
Later that evening, a grand feast is held. Your retinue fills the halls, intermingling with the Collsung's warriors and courtiers. You feast and drink in equal measure, for a time forgetting about the stresses of your rule.
Edal proves himself an able host. He is popular with his men, though somewhat reserved. He touches on his raids and battles, but he goes long on the minutia of the breeding of his prized horses, and the development of his lands to support the herds of horse and cattle. In his part he asks what interests you most, to which you reply-
A. The development of your warband. From training to leading into battle, you have several ideas from the armies and legions of the past and modern day you would like to see implemented. Word: War
B. Combat: From studying martial treaties from across the Dominion and surrounding nations, you devote much of your time to training and study. Before your ascension you were the First Sword for your mother, and many feared your blade. Word: Blade+
C. Wonders: The great ruins of old, flying ships and castles, artifacts of doom and grandeur. These have always fascinated you, and as a Dark Lord you finally will have the resources to make your own. Word:???
D. History: You always had a passion for learning more about the history of the Dominion, and even delved a few ruins in your time. Some say you've spent too much time in the library, but those who say such are fools, what do they know in comparison to you? Word: Knowledge
E. Something else?
Wrapped up in your talk with the lord Collsung, you hardly notice the giant of a man slam his fist into the table in front of you. His face is flushed red with drink and anger. A hush falls across the hall.
"You are no true lord. The true Volsung leads her army, with her crown claimed in battle and the Ironsworn at her side. You will only lead us to doom and death."
No one speaks a word as they all wait to see what you will do.
You reach and pick up your goblet, filled with a dark red wine.
"I would ask my First Sword why this man still draws breathe," you ask before taking a sip.
Things happen fast. There's shouting, Sevus leaps forward with sword ready. and the detractor's own weapon was only half drawn before his head was separated from his shoulders by a well struck blow. His body collapses, headless to the ground, and Sevus stands perfectly poised, taut and eager for a fight.
No one takes him up on it, instead raising a cheer from the assembled warriors. The tension breaks, and several men and women come up to Sevus, admiring looks in their eyes and drinks in hand.
Collsung leans back.
"Well, with that out of the way, lets get to business. You have our support, of course, but times are tense right now on our border with the Adairn. It can't leave my land undefended from raids and Adairn warbands."
What arrangement do you make with the Collsung horselord?
A. That will do. Take a small warband worth of riders with you.
B.I can make promises of some land from the feckless Adairn. Receive a notable amount of riders.
C. You will receive great tracts of land from the Adairn in return for your loyalty. Collsung will become the largest clan via amount of land at the expense of the Adairn, and in return he himself will ride with you and many warriors.
D. The Adairn will be wiped out, and you will receive their lands if you join with me. Promises the land of the Adairn to them, in return the Collsung devote nearly all their warriors to you.
E.Something else?
Note: A and B will allow you more room for promises if you decide to approach other clans.
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C. Wonders
D. The Adairn will be wiped out, and you will receive their lands if you join with me.
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C. Wonders
B. I can make promises of some land from the feckless Adairn
We need more than just lancers in our army, especially if we end up engaging on something other than an open field. The Thule could come in handy, as their heavy armor may allow them to go toe-to-toe with the Ironsworn.
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Tempted to do knowledge but I'll stick with
C. Wonders and I think we want to promise a moderate amount of land with B. That way we can indeed go talk with another clan, probably the mages, and fetch some more allies...and make it clear at each step that we've gained much military power over our enemies and that anyone who stands against us will lose a lot of territory and power...and will lose MORE territory with each ally that joins us before we win.
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Theila Voldrung sat in the presence of her family's enemies, and she could not help but feel unease. Across from her, practically preening with arrogance, was the representative of the Scylling clan. A family famed for its bounty of skilled witches and sorcerers, they and the Voldrung often sneered and quarrelled with each other over the years. But when a Crusade came and the knights of Summer charged, it was often a Voldrung shield standing in front of a Scylling war-caster.
"An alliance," Theila states. It was rather common for the Great Clans to interfere in each other's affairs, but she had not even reached out to the Scylling. They came to her.
"An alliance, yes. We help you on the throne, you'll give us a few border territories and lend us swords when we call," Quilious Scylling smile grows. He is still a young man,with thick dark hair. His purple eyes glow, and his beard glistens with oil. "It's mutually beneficial, beautiful."
Theila’s lips compress into a thin line. "No deal."
Quilious's smile slips off his face. Next to Theila, Cael gives off a harsh laugh. The raven haired exiled ranger did not much appreciate the sorcerer before them.
Quilious squints at the pair. "Let me assure you, the cadre I bring with me is more than a match for any half rate magician the pretender in that castle can drum up."
Theila shakes her head. " You came to us. I'm not sure why, but you need an ally for whatever you're planning. Help me and you have an honest partner. I won't haggle my people away to you."
He stares at her, tension thick in the air before leaning back and allowing the smile to return to his face. "It was worth a shot. You, Lady Voldrung, have a deal."
She gives a smile in return and reaches out to clasp his arm. She pulls him in close. "Call me beautiful in front of the men and I'll break your teeth, before they break the rest of you."
A flicker of unease passes through his eyes before he throws his head back and laughs, "I will thus do my best to restrain myself in your presence, my lady."
Cael gives the sorcerer a hard eyed glare. "See that you do."
Ignoring the protestations of the magician, Theila turns only to see Lothel, commander of the loyal Ironsworn, hurrying alongside a messenger. Both radiated anxiety.
What happened?
A. Theila's family was all killed in the raid on Cold Falls. She swears vengeance on you and your brother. The heavens take note of her oath.
B. Cold Falls burns in the wake of the successful raid to capture Theila's family. This galvanizes most of the hill clans to the pretender's side.
C. Your brother was maimed in the successful raid. Heavily wounded, he will be unable to assist much in the battles to come.
In addition; with the Scylling sorcerers have thrown their lot in with the pretender, other powers around the Dark Dominion have taken notice and are displeased with the meddling. Who sends assistance?
D. The Iosung merchants issue a large, low interest loan and sends a merchant princess to oversee the distribution.
E. The Tiathul send rangers to bring the exile home, dead or alive, led by one of their deadliest marksmen.
G. The God-King has taken note. He has sent a single Named to enforce his will.
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C G
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C G
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C G
+1
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“He’ll live. "
"Barely, and missing an eye, but he will live. The priests have him now.”
You nod to the image of your sorceress in the reflection of the scrying mirror. The priests will have taken some of the prisoners from their dungeons and used them as sacrifices to heal your brother. Brutal, as were most of the ways of your people, but effective.
Your spymistress Piela steps into view. You can see the fatigue even across the distortion of the the scrying mirror.
She wastes no time. "We need you back soon. Your cousin is rallying her forces and is on the march. And she will either mount a rescue attempt or just take the city. And we discovered that the Scylling sorcerers have met with their army. We should expect them to outmatch us in magic as well."
You wince. The Scylling clan had the dedicated their existence to magical mastery. They would be no slouches in that arena.
You glance at Vial. "How can we hold up against them?"
She grimaces. " I can dance with the best of them, but their lesser mages are more numerous and better skilled than ours. No offense," she adds for the benifit of the mage maintaining the mirror for you. He simply shrugs.
With further discussion, you agree that there is enough time for one more preperation before the momentum swings in your cousin's favor.
You decide to:
A. Return home, fortify your posisition.
B. Go to either the Thule (warriors) or the Etra (dark priest/Summoners).
C. Something else?
You just begin to decide what to do when the horns blare and call the camp to action. A scout returns, A Collsung rider, and warns of an approaching Adairn force. Near 600 strong, they outnumber you by nearly double. Most of your force are cavalry, in comparison to their infantry focused force.
They probably intend on killing you. You could go around them with your mobility, or you could take this opportunity to destroy them.
Despite being outnumbered, your warriors are eager for battle. The Adairn are viewed as middling in battle, and with your Collsung horsemen you can harass them at will.
There are also whispers about you, you know. How will their new lord fare in battle, if he takes it?
What do you do?
A. Avoid them.
B. Confront them head on.
C. Have your riders harry them while you keep moving on.
D. Something else?
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B. Etra
D. Harass them and lead them into favorable terrain, THEN kill them all in a straight up fight by pinning them down with the infantry line and cutting them up with cavalry and our own combat prowess. Basically use our cavalry and any mages we've got along to stack the odds in our favor before we actually do the murdering.
+1
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B. Etra
C.
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B. Etra
D. Harass them and lead them into favorable terrain, THEN kill them all in a straight up fight by pinning them down with the infantry line and cutting them up with cavalry and our own combat prowess. Basically use our cavalry and any mages we've got along to stack the odds in our favor before we actually do the murdering.