An Utterly Thankless Job (Alt. Title: No SV, You Are A Logistics Officer)

Bond Choices
This is, for all intents and purpose, the Husbando Vote. Well, sorta. Karamovich might have been an option avaiable or maybe someone else entirely In the sense though, both options lean somewhere along the romantic tone but there's a key difference of course.

The Bedroom Tango. The Deed. The Homerun. Whichever way you want to call it, the key difference of both votes lies on whether or not that event occurs.

But before we get into the nitty gritty of the particular vote, who exactly is Emil Gram-Grelav?

Well, he's a hybrid Tactician-Diplomat option. Where as Orlon "The Radamantine Butcher" Teutogen and Anya Syle has a decidedly close/mid-ranged in the application of their skills, Emil concerns himself with scaled combat with him at the helm. Combat in warfare and in diplomacy...as well as the occasional dagger in the dark. Having an Ides Anomaly that allows one to basically read and analyze the subtle tells and body languages in the time it takes for one to blink is...well, I wouldn't say overpowered, but I would say to be extremely versatile.

And well, he's about as good as it gets, when it comes to someone as a potential husband. Not that I couldn't make any better options, but the combo of "Three Named + Ides Anomaly + Mage" is about as good as it gets. Now, the vote:

[] Maybe Friends, Maybe More
The unpicked option by singular vote. The Strained Bond. The option where the Tango is not initiated and things are...rough. Both Winslett and Emil would be in quite the turmoiled state of emotions. In the same sort of reason why Syle's planned Strained Bond. It's wartime, and none knows what would have happened. The QM may or may not be rolling for Emil's survival every week. Not that may or may not matter, considering that we've only reached Week 3

But point is, a lot of fuss over the actions voted since well, Winslett is limited to two options (and remember, Ilham or any potential Subordinate cannot work on most Diplo/all Personal actions). And a Strained Bond would be a noticeable distraction.

So what exactly is there to gain from all these problems then?

Well, Two points in Reputation right off the bat. There's a whole song and dance to the whole that is 'marrying-up'. The Wollenfrei Empire is a bit curmudgeonly on this part but the whole thing of both Emil and Winslett not doing the Bedroom Tango is seen as an admirable ideal harkening back to the 'olden times', when the times were good and rose-tinted glasses are worn to look backwards to those times. Two points open many doors, even those disinclined to the romantics of Companionship would not bar their doors.

Not that this meant that Francesca Leyton-Feult would be any less disinclined towards you. That is all I will say in regards to the Budding Rose, however, as her plotline is yet to be completed (or even started).

And more pertinently, starting in Strained Bond would have had the effect of switching it to something more. A Special Bond was in the cards, even. As both of them separately yet simultaneously reaffirm their Bond with each other, whether as friend or as lovers unto death, something awaits at the end of resolving the Strained Bond.

[X] Friends with Benefits
So the Tango is initiated. Numerous times. More than enough times considered as acceptable dalliance for a Three Named and a Two Named of opposing genders. For all that the system of Named is oddly draconian, the society have all these safety doublethink valves to make fraternizing in the kinds the two did to be 'waived'.

No longer. The offence was too great. Blades were drawn and defeated, by both Winslett and Gunabatu. Letters and correspondences were frantically weaved about by the Patron and Emil. The damage is done, however. The doors to a good deal of the Three Named have been closed. Not permanently, of course. But for the foreseeable future, the relationship will sour. It may even curdle, depending what happens on the Marden Front.

The less said about Francesca would be better. Not that I can talk much about her for now anyway

As for Winslett's fellow Two Named Officers? They....are also not very inclined with her. In their hearts of hearts, they realize that it's a matter of jealousy and resentment. That the truly vexing problem was that she 'climbed up' brazenly.

But that doesn't stop the sweltering and simmering irritation. It may not reach further than that, but...it may. Who knows~

But of course, brazenness is its own rewards. This is where that sole point in Reputation is gained As I have noted, there are those who doesn't care of the romantics and rose-tinted glasses amongst the Three Named. People pragmatic enough to realize Winslett's worth and see past all the (justifiable) outrage. People like Karamovich and the Anhauser-Busch. And maybe more Three Named like them are present. You (Read: The Thread) haven't checked, of course. But we shall see.

And of course, a good number of the more....brazen Two Named are on her side. You (Read: Also The Thread) haven't met any yet. People who could give less of a tosspot about what tango occurs and the moves within. Officers who had climbed in the same way Winslett had, near shamelessly but successfully so. Again, you (Read: Who else?) haven't checked.

And of course, the Normal Bond. Simple yet effective. Mind you, the exact nature of the Bond has yet to be seen. As are the benefits and boons it grants to both Winslett and Emil. Can't say much on this one, of course. Spoilery stuffs.

Oh, and right. Mutual skill transference. Emil rid of himself of some of the ineptitude in regards to the management of money and for Winslett, diplomacy. This would have happened in both vote scenarios, but that's why this one is for the last.

---

Connection Choices
This is the choice that dictates the sort of... crowd Winslett fall into, synergizing with the previous choices made. And of course, it dictates the secondary affinity for her, marking what else is she good at aside from numbers.

[] The Chaplaincy
In the years that I have been in SV, I have come to observe something. There is a single thing that I know the general quester base would put in the lowest priority when it comes to voting. Faith and the spiritual matters. An observation of sorts that rang true here, more than four months back. Regardless of that, I had made a...somewhat passable So, what exactly is the matter with faith?

Well, It's very useful. Especially in the sort of times when one like Winslett tends to be ostracized due to the breaking of traditions. The Chaplaincy vote would have triggered a subvote where in I would have given you six options, The First, Second, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Qurn. Third isn't part of this because breaking the premarital bindings is not very kosher to that particular branch. They offer various things, giving a tinge of something....perhaps divine within her. Winslett would still be a rather... well, a drunkard bent on cussing, but there's a sort of reverence in her to one of the Six or Qurn, whichever goes.

This is also where Winslett get her free Subordinate. They would be tailored of course, to the faith that she held closer than others. Perhaps you would have a Fourth much like Ilham, but less focused on the aspect of death and more on healing. Perhaps you would get a Fifth, a scoundrel of a Corporal who can talk himself out of many troubles and shoot out all the troubles he can't talk away from. Perhaps you would even get an Automata of the Sixth, a batman capable of giving her an extra action simply because of how good they are at ensuring that Winslett's every need is satiated.

Regardless whichever way the subvote falls, Winslett would have increased both Willpower and Fervour Dice Pools, as well as a minuscule bonus to one of her other Dice Pools, depending who she decides to venerate the most.

For the good things that comes though, it comes with a drawback. Winslett would open herself to the religious front. Though the Wollenfrei soldiery and officers rarely concerns themselves with matters of faith, any angle of attack on her would be dangerous. Her faith is hidden behind her proverbial sleeves, yes. But so are others. A future Dossier, one that sheds light to the frictions between the Companions, will elaborate on the potential angles of attack and mistrusts occurring for those with faith.

[] The Officer Mess Hall
Basically do what the Hor-Herren had done for the entirety of his stay in the town while Winslett was off doing paperwork

The acrid yet familiar smoke wafting throughout the bar, the chips being traded for the casual rounds of Seven Kings, the laughter and clinking of spirit-filled glasses as wins and loss racked. The life of an officer is one filled with wheeling and dealing.

And in context of the previous vote, successful wheeling and dealing. The diplomatic acumen of Emil and rather remarkably Winslett herself, had managed to snag the both of the cadre of impressionable youngsters and cadre of fellow peers now graduated from Pennsbrooke. Cadres who, by all intents and purposes, would be heavily inclined to support Emil and Winslett in the intrigues of army life. It needn't be said that correspondingly, Winslett's Persuasion Dice Pools would be increased by an appreciable amount.

This is also where Winslett would have met her Peer, who also have had the devil's luck of being shipped to the Hell-Grinder with her. Peers are people who Winslett considers to be equals and vice versa. Peerages can be likened as a proto-Companionship. They do not confer any special bonus, but those in Peerage with one another would be able to work in tandem with one another in matters of all kinds.

As has been noted as well in vote text as well, there are ways to lessen Winslett's predicament of being shipped to the Hell-Grinder. A particular officer in charge of requisition might be able to flex her connection and gifting her platoon with a bevy of important supplies and some interesting mystery box weapons. Another officer, who may or may not be Karamovich in a different incarnation, would be willing to lend Winslett his Ides Code for a short while (read: Months) as he's forced to return to his home estate due to familial matters. A junior of her, a rather sly Follower of Fifth, would be willing to spread the word of Winslett's good deeds through the new and impressionable ranks of the officerhood, which would have had the effect of transferring one point in Infamy towards Reputation in the upcoming months...as well as planting the seeds for further rewards.

[X]The Training Hall
The option that got voted in. Now, I now what you all are probably thinking at this point. "All those above looks far better than getting mutton for dinner?" "One extra action as a reward? QM, are you purposefully making this option the worst one of the lot?"

Not really. Each of them have their own special shiny.

Now, admittedly, this option is less of a must-pick had Winslett not gotten Ides Manipulation. Now, admittedly, this option doesn't do much to the situation or alter much of the narratives in regards to the whole of the debacle with Emil. With this option, Winslett is very much inclined towards the martial matters. It made her...hard to approach, shall we say. It changed the perception of Winslett throughout Pennsbrooke in that no one wants to mess with her. After all every single Martial Dice Pool with exception to Command would be increased. Duelling would be mostly disastrous and those who could duel would rather not waste their time.

That is, everyone but your current Superior.

Karamovich Hor-Herren is your Superior. An almost fully specced Martial officer with some specialization towards carousing about. And cooking. Indeed, had Karamovich not been the Superior, Winslett would have needed to fend for herself from all sides, up to and including Captain Gulfrey Gren-Desault, who leads the Company. Who is as noted, a rather traditional person.

By picking this option, Karamovich becomes a rather ablative shield in terms of the intrigue and diplomacy game. Even had Winslett not picked to duel him (More on that later on the third instalment of Roads Not Travelled), he would have indirectly shield her from the worst of the games as hitting her directly, would mean to hit him and that is not right at all.

And since Winslett had duelled him....

Well, that would be a story for another time.

---

And that concludes this instalment of Roads Not Travelled. As usual, do let me know if there are things in particular you are curious with.

"...For your sake Hor-Herren, I will not." You said simply. "I would have to ask you to not poke the sleeping Lion." You add a stern emphasis on that.

The First Lieutenant sighed. "It was a long shot, but very well. I will consider what you said and not prod the matter further." He paused. "At least, not now."

"Hor-Herre-"

"I risked my life for you, Winslett." You paused at that, taking into view his expression.

Charming Diplomacy
[1d25+1d20] -> 25 + 6 -> 31 Inspired Success!

He's terrified. All the knowledge of 'cold reading' from Emil paid off if only for this singular moment. He masked it exceedingly well, but without a single shred of doubt, Karamovich Hor-Herren is terrified out of his wits. Something that he figured out in his investigation had spooked him. His emotions are laid bare right in front of you. And you need to-

"Thank you."

"I-" The man sputtered. "W-What?"

"For doing just that. And I mean it." You do. You truly do. "I haven't had the time to properly say that and-" You shake your head. "If you want to know about the Lion, I will tell you if he comes to the forefront of this whole matter. I promise."

"...You are welcome then." He calmed down, visibly so. Good.

"Then, mind telling me what the fruits of your labour wrought us?"

"Well, you're not going to like it. But first," He grabbed the bottle of brandy and poured himself some. "I need to get drunk." He did just that as he proffered to you the big pile of things that you grabbed from the Proxy.

The first thing that you set aside are the sealed dossiers not for your eyes. They have no use for you as unopenable mystery boxes. Well, they are worse than that. They are dangerous unopenable mystery boxes.

The second thing that you note is the list of identities. 'Guillaume Velbusch' is a sanctioned businessman who has a permit to operate in Frontier-Towns. At least that's the identity the Proxy assumed. The hidden ones are more colourful. A Three Named Warrant Officer with what appeared to be legitimate documents. A One Named bartender. A Confederate PFC. Well, this man is well travelled if nothing else.

"Before you ask, I can't make head or tails on who exactly the Proxy is. I contacted some of my contacts to give me leads but well," He starts to take another sip of the brandy. "The pendant dissuaded me from doing so."

You blinked, taking the pendant in your hand. As soon as you did so, you hear it. Or rather, him.

'Good job, my protege. Your initiative makes this whole sordid affair all the more bearable. My thanks for taking all the files. This incident is quite unfortunate for losing 'Guillaume' is a terrible blow for my activity in Marden. And now, you will have to pick up the slack.'

'And it is good that you did not tell the Hor-Herren about me. I normally would have no qualms if you consider him a trusted affiliate but well... let's just say the current affair is testing my patience for trust. You will see what I mean when you open your dossier. I will trust your judgement in your actions in the coming weeks. Rest assured, I will always have your back.'

'And remember the motto. Forever. Unto death.'

You blink, clearing the blood trailing from your nose with a handkerchief. Light backlash for long-range Ides Telepathy, you have gotten used to this. "I-" You look at the Hor-Herren, who schooled his expression. "I am guessing that he contacted you when you take hold of the pendant."

"Yes. Damn near got a heart attack. Told me to not push further 'until your subordinate's judgement', he said." Hrm, there's something more that he's not telling. But you will not push him on this. "Well, what now?"

"Now..." The fourth and main thing. The dossier that was supposed to be handed over to you. It's good that you have already bled then, as you wipe the bloodied handkerchief on the red wax sealing the manila dossier. The wax hardened before crumbling into red ash. "..the biggest mystery."

A single paper is inside the manila folder. You beckoned the Hor-Herren to read beside you. For the next couple of minutes, silence filled the room.

"What the fuck." You intoned simply, breaking that silence.

"...You want me to pour you the brandy?" You didn't reply to the offer, merely taking the bottle again and upending it on your mouth with one hand, handing the paper to the Hor-Herren.

Out of the corner of your eyes, you see Karamovich opening and closing his mouth rapidly. "How...how utterly fucked are we, Mistress?"

"Not by that much." You welcome the blurring of vision with aplomb. "We have support and... the element of surprise.

Honestly, I am just dreading the fact that I will meet said alleged traitor at the end of this week."

Results:
Through Inspired Success, Karamovich Hor-Herren is assuaged in his doubts and Winslett's secrecy in regards to the Lion of the West.

Through the original Inspired Success, Winslett Hertz gained the following:

1. A great amount of sealed dossiers belonging to the Proxy. Further Actions unlocked.
2. The list of identities the Proxy used. Further Actions unlocked.
3. The Lion's Pendant. Ides Artefact that allows for an uninterrupted, unscryable continental-ranged telepathy with the Lion of the West. One Way Contact only. Further Actions unlocked.

Through the original Inspired Success, Winslett Hertz gained the following information:

Story Arc "Trouble in Triplicate" starts!