Dread Empress Insidia I - A CK2 Praesi Quest

The general populace of Ater is now firmly behind you, and you are riding high on the success if the coronation. Your decision to appoint a Duni to the governorship of Satus has inflamed the opinions of the both factions of nobles in Court against you, however. The fact that a Duni hero is operating in the province is now open knowledge, and many question your wisdom in appointing one of her kind in dealing with the problem. Even those who understand the nature of your tactic - undercutting her story and thus the ability Above has to intervene on her behalf - are irritated that the new governor is unlikely to be one easily influenced. Lord Nagi, unexpectedly resuming your correspondence, suggests drily that another vampire would have been a more popular choice.

(Popularity decreased with both Noble court factions. Effects on Satus to be resolved next turn).

The news of the dragon in Callow, and that Callow has been allowing more trade with Praes, are both of interest. Dragons creatures of great power, but there is a great variety to them - they are usually allied with Evil and this one certainly seems ro be acting as such. The fact that Callow's king has become corrupt could be nurtured as well - it's unlikely the situation will last, but you could profit greatly while it does.


Your men have sent back word of their campaign in the Steppes. The ways of the orcs are strange to them, and Commander Chimaka suspects that some of the "sacred rituals" they have undergone have been designed as hazings. Nonetheless, the orcs and men are united in their hatred of the Wallerspawn and their skirmishes against the Watch have bonded them together. Chimaka fought with greenskins in the Legions before the War of Thirteen Tyrants and reports that many of the stereotypes of their behavior are not true. You think back to a Tyrant years past who carefully calculated the ration of meat allowed to an orc serving in the Legions, and wonder.

[Spoiler = Author's Note] I rolled a Learning check for your guys' knowledge of how bad things were for orcs back when they first showed up and crit it, so Insidia knows just how bad things were. [/Quote]

The people of Okoro have bled orcish prisoners to feed their soil, you know. Not often - never on your lands in your lifetime as far as you know. But it has been done. It seems unfair to assign special horror to it. Soninke spill far more of their own blood than any others to make the Wasteland fertile. But you wonder how many who have sacrificed a greenskin have sighed in relief that they are "only" killing an orc that day.

Chimaka suggests that with more men, a serious push at Daoine could be accomplished. An invasion is far beyond your capabilities, but you could bleed them for the effrontery of attacking Praes.

The southern greenskins are likely ready for another approach as well. The fact that your messengers returned alive and intac. Is proof the matrons are willing to talk. On the other hand, showing them you are unwilling to be pushed around could strengthen your position.

Treasury: 7,300

Income: 3,600

Martial - Choose One

[] Legion Reforms
Your Legions have, to an extent, stabilized on their own, their officers taking care of the tasks of making a functional army out of the remnants of battle. However, they could still benefit from additional training and organization. Years of war have taught many lessons. (Cost: 1000, Turns: 2, DC:25, Reward: Improved Legion Stats)

[] Recruiting Drive
Soldiers are beginning to volunteer to serve under the new Empress, but so far it is more of a trickle than a flow due to the strain of the plague and recent wars on the populace. (Cost: 1000, Turns: 1, DC: 25, Reward: Recruit additional fores)

[] Establish a Personal Guard
Your troops have been more than blooded in battle and you have a strong corps of veterans at your disposal. You could establish an elite force answerable directly to you rather than to your generals (Note: This option can be selected multiple times. If selected by a hero unit, this creates a guard for that character. Cost: 500, Turns: 1, DC: 25, Rewards: Create Personal Guard)

[] Raid Hospes
Send forces out of Ater and Satus to harry the province of Hospes and intimidate the merchant lords and grain factors who hold sway there. Fear will bring them in line. (Cost: 250, Turns: 1, DC: 25, Reward: Destabilized Hospes)

[] Besiege Aksum
Aksum is close to Ater and a thorn in your side, having backed Voss in the war. Aksum's has built up its defenses but it must still be dealt with. Aksum has allied with Wolof, but you have raised troops of your own - the battle remains likely to be costly, but winnable. (Cost: 2,500 Turns: 2, DC: 65, Reward - New Province)

[] Raid the Gray Eyries
The greenskins insulted you. Show them you will not tolerate being pushed around. (Cost: 500, Turns: 1, DC: 35, Reward: Goblins will respect you more)

[] Aid the Orcs in a Push Against Daoine
Daoine has taken advantage of the chaos in Praes to bleed the orcs. Punish them for their effrontery. (Cost: 2,000, Turns: 2, DC 35, Reward: Strongly Improved Relations with the Steppes)

[] Deal with the Rebellion in Fals
-[] Aid Hesham. He is your ally, and you wish to reward loyalty.
-[] Aid Aamir. He must have some strength to have survived years in prison, and Hesham failed to

You cannot leave the situation in Fals to Hesham to resolve. Step in personally and put the matter to rest. (Cost: 500, Dc: 25, Turns: 1, Rewards: Fals stabilized)

Diplomacy: Choose One

[] Mollify the Nobles
It has not escaped anyone's notice that you have been favoring everyone but the nobles, especially the traditionalists. Spend some time playing the game of Praes, convincing each of them that their interests lie with you, and against each other. (Cost: 250, Turns: 1, DC 25, Rewards: ???)

[] Continue Diplomacy With the Eyries
The goblins would likely respond to another attempt to reach out to them. This time your emissaries will go in force, but the message will still be one of cooperative intent. (Cost: 500, Turns: 2, DC: 35)

[] Approach the Merchant Lords of Hospes
Hospes is in the hands of rich men who hope to grow richer off of the smuggling trade with Callow. It may be somewhat galling to approach them openly when they should have nowed to your authority, but reaching an agreement now would be profitable for all. (Cost: 0, Turns: 2, DC: 25, Rewards: Improved Relations with Hospes)

[] Make Overtures to Thalassina
Thalassina is the Empire's largest port and naval trade hub, and has remained largely neutral in the War. Its High Lord, Eniola, has profited hugely off the War by selling to all sides. You could begin negotiations to bring them back into the fold. (Cost: 0, Turns: 2, DC 35, Rewards: Improved Relations with Thalassina)

[] Meet with the Orc Clan Leaders
Having demonstrated that you will back words of friendship to the orcs with steel, you are already ahead of the game compared to most Tyrants. You could call for a meeting with the leaders of the Steppes to bring them into the fold. (Cost: 250, Turns: 2, DC: ???, Rewards: Trigger Narrative Turn)

[] Send an Emissary to Helike
Setrakian has removed himself to Helike, but there are still ties between the two of you. Maintaining relations could prove profitable in a variety of ways. (Cost: 500, Turns: 1, DC: 25, Rewards: Improved Relations with Helike, ???)

[] Deal With a Dragon
There is a dragon in Callow - apparently one of significant power. Clearly, the beast would be better off in Praes. At worst, you could convince it that the arcane treasures of Wolof are superior to those of Callow, at best you might recruit it to your service. (Cost: 1,000+, DC: ???, Rewards: Triggers Narrative Turn)

Stewardship: Choose One

[] Hear Petitions
The tradition of hearing petitions directly from subjects has gone in and out of favor among Tyrants. You could gain favor from the common folk by listening to their concerns. (Cost: 250, Turns: 1, DC: 10, Rewards: Decreased Unrest, ???)

[] Sponsor Public Works
Ater has been bloodied by fighting and riot over the years of the War, especially the last battle fought around the Tower. Spending some time and money would help make the capital functional again. (Cost: 1,000, Turns: 2, DC 10, Rewards: Reduce Unrest, Increase Income)

[] Create a Central Tax Authority
Traditionally, taxes are collected by local lords and funneled into your coffers as tribute. This has many inefficiencies, but it does get the job done. You have heard that among the Free Cities, tax collection is more centralized. That would be difficult over an Empire, but not impossible. (Cost: 2,000, Turns: 4, DC: 50, Rewards: Increased tax collection across the Empire)

[] Further Improve the City's Walls
Apprentice has enhanced the city's walls, but they could be made into something truly fearsome. Continue further with her work. (Cost: 2000, Turns: 2, DC: 10, Rewards: Further improved defenses)

[] Funnel Goods Into Callow
Callow's traditional refusal to trade with Praes has meant Praes must route its valuable goods through the Free Cities. King Baxter's laxness hear is eminently exploitable. (Cost: 500, Turns: 2, DC: 25, Rewards: Improved Income, Increased Corruption in Callow)

[] Improve Iron Mines
Praes's wealth comes from its mining. It is said by some that goblins know secrets of forging to rival the dwarves, but even once the goblins join you officially, they need iron to work with. Begin overseeing an expansion and centralization of Praes's iron mining industry. (Cost: 5,000 Turns: 4, DC: 35, Rewards: Improved Iron Production in Praes)

[] Import Craftsmen
Conversations with Idir have made it clear that years of war have left Praes with a dearth of skilled craftsmen in a variety of arts from glassmaking to carpentry, as those of apprenticeship age were killed by the plague or were drafted to become soldiers. Recruiting from Helike and Stygia could help prevent a generational loss of knowledge.

(Cost: 1,000, Turns: 2, DC 25, Rewards: Broadened Economic Base)

[] Appoint a Chancellor
There are stirrings that you should choose your Chancellor soon - as of yet, no more than stirrings, but you should start to consider your options. Appointing a Chancellor will make running Praes easier, but Chancellors are ever a dagger ready to strike down a Tyrant that shows weakness. (Cost: 1,000, Turns: 1, DC: 0, Rewards: Chancellor Named)

Intrigue: Choose Two (Mark one with [Agent])

[] Investigate Members of Your Court
The art of intrigue is knowing what's really going on behind the scenes. Diplomacy will only take you so far. Have your spies investigate those in your court and find the hidden levers that you will need to manipulate them. (Cost: 250, Turns: 1, DC: 25, Rewards: Further Information on court factions)

[] Investigate Those in Service to You
'Iron sharpens iron' is a traditional motto of Praes. You cannot fully trust anyone, even those you hold close to you. If nothing else, investigation into your servants will give you security. (Note that this action, if taken by someone other than Insidia, may involve them investigating Insidia as well). (Cost: 250, Turns: 1, DC: 35, Rewards: Further Information on Advisors)

[] Infiltrate Wolof
Ater is under your control; it's time to look elsewhere. Of the provinces that remain in rebellion, Wolof is one of the most troublesome, as it is the ancient seat of Praesi sorcery. It would be wise to get eyes in the city as soon as possible. (Cost: 250, Turns: 1, DC 25, Rewards: Increased Information on Wolof)

[] Lean on the Hospes Merchant Lords
Hospes is a hotbed of smuggling and power is found where the money is flowing. If you want to influence the province i to joining you, a cloak and dagger work aimed at the rich men who hold the province's purse strings will do nicely. (Cost: 250, DC: 25, Turns: 2, Rewards: Terrified Province Leadership)

[] Conduct Sabotage in Aksum
Aksum is against you and allied with Wolof. The time for diplomacy is past, but the time for subtlety is not. Sava has agents in place. Poison water and food, set fires, let knives flash in the shadows. Let your enemies know fear. (Cost: 250, DC: 35z Turns: 1, Rewards: Destabilized Aksum)

[] Infiltrate Thalassina
You will need to take action against Thalassina sooner or later, as Praes's major port city. By placing men here, you will be placed not just to work in the province, but gain information and place agents in the Free Cities and beyond.

[] Hound the Mournful Maiden from the Shadows
The Maiden cannot be allowed to rest and recover. Harry her enough with assassins and mercenaries and perhaps she will leave your lands for a time, or you might strike a serious blow. (Cost: 500, Turns: 1, DC: 50, Rewards: Inhibit the Mournful Maiden's actions)

[] Infiltrate the Eyries
It's difficult to "infiltrate" the Eyries by placing agents there, as they are inhabited by goblins. However, goblin loyalties are not the same as human loyalties, and bribery would gain you information and possibly goblin agents. (Cost: 500, Turns: 1, DC: 25, Rewards: Increased Information on the Eyries, future Intrigue actions more effective)

[] Create a Hero
-[] If you want, write in plan details
You may not have the perspective of someone inside Callow, but your eyes are sharp and you have a Named's instincts for stories. You can tell that a hero is likely to arise in Callow. The best response is to preempt that - if a hero has to arise, make them your hero. (Cost: 500, DC:???, Rewards:???)


Learning: Choose One

[] Peruse the Tower's Secrets
-[] Specifically look for something for slaying a dragon
The Tower has been the home of madmen with tremendous magical resources for centuries. There are many hidden wonders to uncover here. (Cost: 0, Turns: 1, DC 25, Rewards ???)

[] Study Praes History
Those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. Study the actions of previous Tyrants and codify your knowledge of Praesi history. (Cost: 0, Turns: 1, DC 25, Rewards: Imp)

[] Study Name Lore - Villains
It would be wise to make an examination of previous Tyrants and their abilities, and the nature of villains in general. (Cost: 0, Turns: 1, DC 25, Rewards: Improved Stats, ???)

[] Study Name Lore - Heroes
Heroes are the bane of all who side with Below. Learn about their habits, how they are formed, and their strengths and weaknesses. (Cost: 0, Turns: 1, DC: 35, Rewards: Improved Stats, ???)

[] Study the Gods Below
The Gods Below sponsor villains and are the patrons of Praes. It would be wise to make a study of what, exactly, they are. (Cost: 0, Turns: 1, DC: 25, Rewards: ???)



Mysticism: Choose One (Apprentice's Action Locked [Apprentice])

[X] Establish New Legion Mage Doctrines - II
You have significantly improved your mage corps in the legion, but they are still somewhat uncoordinated. A serious look at the use of magic in battle, especially given your lightened restrictions on degree of talent, could pay dividends. (Cost: 0, Turns: 2, DC: 50, Reward: Mages under your command)

[] Establish Civilian Mage Training
Praes has long resisted widespread magical training, preferring to concentrate power in the hands of the aristocracy. You could change that for civilians as you have done for the legions. Create a civil service corp for mages under Imperial control. (Cost: 1,000, Turns: 2, DC: 50, Reward: Improved Stewardship Options)

[] Raise the Dead
There has been a desperate battle and years of warfare, and your troops are in need of reinforcement. Have your mages turn the corpses in the streets into undead for your use. (Cost: 0, Turns, 1, DC: 25, Rewards: Undead Troops)

[] Summon Devils
Undead are of limited value unless lead by a necromancer. Have your mages work to call up devils to round out your forces. (Cost: 250, Turns: 1, DC: 35, Rewards: Devil Troops)

[] Ward Ater
Have your mages work to enhance the city's magical defenses. A warded Ater means enemies will find it difficult to scry on you or land magical attacks, and will even help against mundane attacks. (Cost: 500, Turns: 2, DC: 25, Rewards: Increased defenses in Ater)

[] Experiment with Scrying Networks
Apprentice has managed to more or less stabilize links through small implanted mirrors that can be given to agents. Currently, this means that one member of the linked duo must be kept in a central location while the other can be sent out in the field. Enabling links that can connect in sequence or 'horizontally' would be more difficult, but allow for more flexibility. (Cost: 750, Turns: 3, DC 50, Rewards: ???)

[] Experiment with Sharing Magic Through Scrying Links
Apprentice believes that sorcery could potentially be worked through scrying links if both mages have the gift. The way she sells it to you, one mage could cast twice as many spells, or spells with twice the power. The reality is fraught with many more complications, but that's what research is for. (Cost: 750, Turns: 3, DC: 50, Rewards: ???)

[] Experiment with the Stone Circle on Objects
If Duha is correct, you may be able to use the Stone Circle to bring energy or matter from Arcadia into Creation. Investigate the possibilities of infusing Arcadian energy for the creation of artefacts. (Cost: 1,000, Turns: 2, DC 35, Rewards: ???)

[] Experiment with the Stone Circle on People
If Duha is correct, you may be able to use the Stone Circle to bring energy or matter from Arcadia into Creation. Investigate the possibilities of infusing Arcadian energy for the empowerment of individuals. (Cost: 1,000, Turns: 2, DC 50, Rewards: ???)

Personal Actions: Choose One(Designate with [Empress])


[] Focused Attention
Devote additional time to any one task. Double the cost and the modifiers for the action in question.

[] Rush
Devote additional time and resources to a task to finish it more quickly. Double the cost and halve the time of an action.

[] Additional Action
Take an additional action in any category, using your statistics.

[] Train with Agent
Sava's Name is one that favors the shadows and a strike from hiding. Hone your skills with her to both your benefit. (Cost: 0, Turns: 1, DC: 10, Rewards; Increase Martial or Intrigue, Improved Advisor)

[] Train With Apprentice
Duha's Name offers her insights into sorcery that you will likely never be able to match, and her studies over the past few years have lead to her picking up interesting lore. (Cost: 0, Turns: 1, DC: 10, Rewards: Increased Mysticism or Learning, Improve Advisor).

[] Hero Hunt - Mournful Maiden
Assassins and soldiers cannot be relied upon to put down a Named. You will need to put your hand in personally. (Cost: 0, Turns: 1, DC: ???, Rewards: Maiden Injured or Dead)



Advisor Actions:
Apprentice: Choose one (Designate with [Apprentice])

[] Focused Attention
Devote additional time to any one task. Double the cost and the modifiers for the action in question.

[] Rush
Devote additional time and resources to a task to finish it more quickly. Double the cost and halve the time of an action.

[] Additional Action
Take an additional action in any category, using your statistics.

[] Train with Agent
Sava's Name is one that favors the shadows. Hone your skills with her to both your benefit. (Cost: 0, Turns: 1, DC: 10, Rewards; Increase Martial or Intrigue, Improved Advisor)

[] Hero Hunt - Mournful Maiden
Assassins and soldiers cannot be relied upon to put down a Named. You will need to put your hand in personally. (Cost: 0, Turns: 1, DC: ???, Rewards: Maiden Injured or Dead)

Agent: Choose one (Designate with [Agent])

[] Focused Attention
Devote additional time to any one task. Double the cost and the modifiers for the action in question.

[] Rush
Devote additional time and resources to a task to finish it more quickly. Double the cost and halve the time of an action.

[] Additional Action
Take an additional action in any category, using your statistics.


[] Train Yourself
Sava's is young to her Name and she will need time to learn all it can do. (Cost: 0, Turns: 1, DC: 10, Rewards; Improved Advisor)

[] Train With Apprentice
Duha's Name offers her insights into sorcery that you will likely never be able to match, and her studies over the past few years have lead to her picking up interesting lore. (Cost: 0, Turns: 1, DC: 10, Rewards: Increased Mysticism or Learning, Improve Advisor).

[] Hero Hunt - Mournful Maiden
Assassins and soldiers cannot be relied upon to put down a Named. You will need to put your hand in personally. (Cost: 0, Turns: 1, DC: ???, Rewards: Maiden Injured or Dead)

As a reminder, Insidia gets one action in all categories, and one personal action. Hero units get at least one additional action in their favored category and at least one personal action (as stated, please designate with [Name] for advisor actions.) Modifiers are added directly.