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Austrvegr - A Varangian Guard Quest

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also whats your guys thoughts on that bit I talked about about recalling the oath, and the effects it may lead to with our character as not.police
 
Tbh, I thought it was mostly about the religious aspect of the oath, and just how True Norse vs. Christian-accomodating we are performing rn, rather than about some INT-equivalent.
 
[X] Riot Police

We need to learn greek soon so we can do more than crack head when not at war.
 
[X] Plan: True Norseman

I personally would prefer a stipend over spoils, although good cases have been given for spoils so I'm not really worried about that, and I'd also prefer the long oath because I feel like it'd make our superiors like us more. I do however want to be Respectful, like this plan does. It's our new boss, we can't be rude, but we don't kowtow for anyone except the emperor, and even then that stands to be seen. I also like blue, policing while not knowing Greek may cause problems, but we get chances to fight and loot.
 
[x] Respectfully: You lower your head, straighten your shoulders, and bow as you enter. Best to make good impressions, after all. (May affect Imperial Court reputation and your reputation with the Varangian Guard)

[x] Stipend: You elect for a monthly wage, which, while not obscene, is safely and solidly enough to equip yourself and your men and to pay to keep them in good spirits. You will still get battle-spoils, of course -- just after everyone else.

[x] Swear the Oath (I): You swear by the omnipotent god, by his only Son our Lord Jesus Christ Pankreator, by the Holy Spirit, by the glorious and perpetually virgin Mary, by the Gospels truthful and eternal, by the archangels Gabriel and Michael, and by your own eternal and immortal soul, to be loyal and ever faithful to your imperial master Basil, who is crowned in the grace of Christ Emperor and Autocrat of all the Romans, and to act faithfully and with the greatest fidelity in his service, to discharge his will to the utmost of your mortal ability, and to devote all your efforts to that end, giving no consideration or service to other masters, and promise that at no time will you ever knowingly or unknowingly oppose him, or permit any other to do so while you draw breath. You swear yourself also, in body, mind, and spirit eternal, to the safeguard and safekeeping of the Imperial person until the day of your dying or his own, understanding in full the great responsibility which he in his kindness has lain upon you.

[x] Blue: Constantinople is a big city, to put it lightly. A single quarter is the equal of any city in the west, and the city has dozens of quarters. Policing it all and keeping the peace is a tall order, which is why the Emperor often tasks regiments of the Varangian Guard to do so. The Guard are the best warriors in the imperial service, and so they are often deployed to the places and quarters most ill at ease -- the slums, the bars, the prostitute quarters, the fighting pits. Unsurprisingly, many among Varangians often leap at this assignment.
 
[X] Plan: True Norseman
-[X] Respectfully: You lower your head, straighten your shoulders, and bow as you enter. Best to make good impressions, after all. (May affect Imperial Court reputation and your reputation with the Varangian Guard)
-[X] Spoils: You will be paid through the spoils of war, taking first pick of the lucre from every successful battle, raid, or captured encampment. This can be very lucrative, but it carries the risk of poverty in times of long peace.
-[X] Swear the Oath (II): Yes. (debatable - willing to switch to other, if you feel this question is to reflect our intelligence/recollection, rather than matching Norse stereotype)
-[X] Blue: Constantinople is a big city, to put it lightly. A single quarter is the equal of any city in the west, and the city has dozens of quarters. Policing it all and keeping the peace is a tall order, which is why the Emperor often tasks regiments of the Varangian Guard to do so. The Guard are the best warriors in the imperial service, and so they are often deployed to the places and quarters most ill at ease -- the slums, the bars, the prostitute quarters, the fighting pits. Unsurprisingly, many among Varangians often leap at this assignment. (chose this, because chance for loot, and fighting. Also its only for one month, and any cred we establish here, as a competent and effective enforcer would be good should we go to the more political options)

Bow to the paymaster, kneel to the emperor and sacrifice to Odin The Allfather. And remember to pay our men.

Character Notes:

(Start with a valuable ancestral set of armor. Gain more renown and experience from combat. Permanent bonus to melee combat.)

(Greatly decreased starting Reputation and Relations with Christians and Muslims, Reduced Favor Gain with the Imperial Court, Increased Reputation and Relations with Heathens, and Increased Starting Reputation with the Varangian Guard. Legend gain is doubled from combat actions. You may convert later for a Legend malus.)

(Start with slightly increased wealth. Increased combat XP gain, increased gain from looting, and small bonus to melee combat. All Legend gains are doubled.)

Twenty-three good men from Iceland.
(Your troops have vastly increased morale and cannot break in battle unless they are the last force standing. They are permanently Norse pagan and can never convert.)

Tongue Learned: Rus (Rank I)
Route Learned: The Dneiper. Traveling this passage will be easier and faster in the future.
 
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[X] Plan: True Norseman but we swear our oaths
-[X] Respectfully: You lower your head, straighten your shoulders, and bow as you enter. Best to make good impressions, after all. (May affect Imperial Court reputation and your reputation with the Varangian Guard)
-[X] Spoils: You will be paid through the spoils of war, taking first pick of the lucre from every successful battle, raid, or captured encampment. This can be very lucrative, but it carries the risk of poverty in times of long peace.
-[X] Swear the Oath (I): You swear by the omnipotent god, by his only Son our Lord Jesus Christ Pankreator, by the Holy Spirit, by the glorious and perpetually virgin Mary, by the Gospels truthful and eternal, by the archangels Gabriel and Michael, and by your own eternal and immortal soul, to be loyal and ever faithful to your imperial master Basil, who is crowned in the grace of Christ Emperor and Autocrat of all the Romans, and to act faithfully and with the greatest fidelity in his service, to discharge his will to the utmost of your mortal ability, and to devote all your efforts to that end, giving no consideration or service to other masters, and promise that at no time will you ever knowingly or unknowingly oppose him, or permit any other to do so while you draw breath. You swear yourself also, in body, mind, and spirit eternal, to the safeguard and safekeeping of the Imperial person until the day of your dying or his own, understanding in full the great responsibility which he in his kindness has lain upon you.
-[X] Blue: Constantinople is a big city, to put it lightly. A single quarter is the equal of any city in the west, and the city has dozens of quarters. Policing it all and keeping the peace is a tall order, which is why the Emperor often tasks regiments of the Varangian Guard to do so. The Guard are the best warriors in the imperial service, and so they are often deployed to the places and quarters most ill at ease -- the slums, the bars, the prostitute quarters, the fighting pits. Unsurprisingly, many among Varangians often leap at this assignment. (chose this, because chance for loot, and fighting. Also its only for one month, and any cred we establish here, as a competent and effective enforcer would be good should we go to the more political options)

Could go either way with this but here's a plan for the even more polite among us. Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and all that.
 
The results so far:

Adhoc vote count started by Shapeless Phobos on Sep 12, 2020 at 3:14 PM, finished with 27 posts and 21 votes.
  • [X] Plan: True Norseman
    -[X] Respectfully: You lower your head, straighten your shoulders, and bow as you enter. Best to make good impressions, after all. (May affect Imperial Court reputation and your reputation with the Varangian Guard)
    -[X] Spoils: You will be paid through the spoils of war, taking first pick of the lucre from every successful battle, raid, or captured encampment. This can be very lucrative, but it carries the risk of poverty in times of long peace.
    -[X] Swear the Oath (II): Yes. (debatable - willing to switch to other, if you feel this question is to reflect our intelligence/recollection, rather than matching Norse stereotype)
    -[X] Blue: Constantinople is a big city, to put it lightly. A single quarter is the equal of any city in the west, and the city has dozens of quarters. Policing it all and keeping the peace is a tall order, which is why the Emperor often tasks regiments of the Varangian Guard to do so. The Guard are the best warriors in the imperial service, and so they are often deployed to the places and quarters most ill at ease -- the slums, the bars, the prostitute quarters, the fighting pits. Unsurprisingly, many among Varangians often leap at this assignment. (chose this, because chance for loot, and fighting. Also its only for one month, and any cred we establish here, as a competent and effective enforcer would be good should we go to the more political options)
    [X] Plan:High class Job
    -[X] Respectfully: You lower your head, straighten your shoulders, and bow as you enter. Best to make good impressions, after all. (May affect Imperial Court reputation and your reputation with the Varangian Guard)
    -[X] Stipend: You elect for a monthly wage, which, while not obscene, is safely and solidly enough to equip yourself and your men and to pay to keep them in good spirits. You will still get battle-spoils, of course -- just after everyone else.
    -[X] Swear the Oath (I): You swear by the omnipotent god, by his only Son our Lord Jesus Christ Pankreator, by the Holy Spirit, by the glorious and perpetually virgin Mary, by the Gospels truthful and eternal, by the archangels Gabriel and Michael, and by your own eternal and immortal soul, to be loyal and ever faithful to your imperial master Basil, who is crowned in the grace of Christ Emperor and Autocrat of all the Romans, and to act faithfully and with the greatest fidelity in his service, to discharge his will to the utmost of your mortal ability, and to devote all your efforts to that end, giving no consideration or service to other masters, and promise that at no time will you ever knowingly or unknowingly oppose him, or permit any other to do so while you draw breath. You swear yourself also, in body, mind, and spirit eternal, to the safeguard and safekeeping of the Imperial person until the day of your dying or his own, understanding in full the great responsibility which he in his kindness has lain upon you.
    -[X] Purple: The most esteemed of the duties of the Varangian Guard, and the purpose for which they were first conceived. You shall be part of the personal guard of the Emperor Basil himself, escorting him wherever he goes and guarding the imperial person while he sleeps, shits, eats, and does whatever imperial persons do. The Emperor is familiar with his guards, and good service here can easily lead to titles, accolades, and increased station or favors. Of course, earning his disfavor might make a short end of your time in the City -- or worse, of your life.
    [X] Riot Police
    [X] Plan New Beginnings
    -[X] Respectfully: You lower your head, straighten your shoulders, and bow as you enter. Best to make good impressions, after all. (May affect Imperial Court reputation and your reputation with the Varangian Guard)
    -[X] Stipend: You elect for a monthly wage, which, while not obscene, is safely and solidly enough to equip yourself and your men and to pay to keep them in good spirits. You will still get battle-spoils, of course -- just after everyone else.
    -[X] Swear the Oath (I): You swear by the omnipotent god, by his only Son our Lord Jesus Christ Pankreator, by the Holy Spirit, by the glorious and perpetually virgin Mary, by the Gospels truthful and eternal, by the archangels Gabriel and Michael, and by your own eternal and immortal soul, to be loyal and ever faithful to your imperial master Basil, who is crowned in the grace of Christ Emperor and Autocrat of all the Romans, and to act faithfully and with the greatest fidelity in his service, to discharge his will to the utmost of your mortal ability, and to devote all your efforts to that end, giving no consideration or service to other masters, and promise that at no time will you ever knowingly or unknowingly oppose him, or permit any other to do so while you draw breath. You swear yourself also, in body, mind, and spirit eternal, to the safeguard and safekeeping of the Imperial person until the day of your dying or his own, understanding in full the great responsibility which he in his kindness has lain upon you.
    -[X] Green: The Palace Guard keep watch over the grounds and halls of the Imperial Palace itself, safeguarding the Imperial Court, the Imperial Family, and the hundreds of lords and ladies which make up both. The Palace Guard are often tasked to do certain tasks by functionaries of the court, or to deliver messages and run orders on behalf of members of the imperial family. Being so stationed, they are often in close contact with a great many important people.
    -[X] Respectfully: You lower your head, straighten your shoulders, and bow as you enter. Best to make good impressions, after all. (May affect Imperial Court reputation and your reputation with the Varangian Guard)
    -[X] Stipend: You elect for a monthly wage, which, while not obscene, is safely and solidly enough to equip yourself and your men and to pay to keep them in good spirits. You will still get battle-spoils, of course -- just after everyone else.
    -[X] Swear the Oath (I): You swear by the omnipotent god, by his only Son our Lord Jesus Christ Pankreator, by the Holy Spirit, by the glorious and perpetually virgin Mary, by the Gospels truthful and eternal, by the archangels Gabriel and Michael, and by your own eternal and immortal soul, to be loyal and ever faithful to your imperial master Basil, who is crowned in the grace of Christ Emperor and Autocrat of all the Romans, and to act faithfully and with the greatest fidelity in his service, to discharge his will to the utmost of your mortal ability, and to devote all your efforts to that end, giving no consideration or service to other masters, and promise that at no time will you ever knowingly or unknowingly oppose him, or permit any other to do so while you draw breath. You swear yourself also, in body, mind, and spirit eternal, to the safeguard and safekeeping of the Imperial person until the day of your dying or his own, understanding in full the great responsibility which he in his kindness has lain upon you.
    -[X] Purple: The most esteemed of the duties of the Varangian Guard, and the purpose for which they were first conceived. You shall be part of the personal guard of the Emperor Basil himself, escorting him wherever he goes and guarding the imperial person while he sleeps, shits, eats, and does whatever imperial persons do. The Emperor is familiar with his guards, and good service here can easily lead to titles, accolades, and increased station or favors. Of course, earning his disfavor might make a short end of your time in the City -- or worse, of your life.
    [X] Riot Police
    -[X] Respectfully: You lower your head, straighten your shoulders, and bow as you enter. Best to make good impressions, after all. (May affect Imperial Court reputation and your reputation with the Varangian Guard)
    -[X] Spoils: You will be paid through the spoils of war, taking first pick of the lucre from every successful battle, raid, or captured encampment. This can be very lucrative, but it carries the risk of poverty in times of long peace.
    -[X] Swear the Oath (I): You swear by the omnipotent god, by his only Son our Lord Jesus Christ Pankreator, by the Holy Spirit, by the glorious and perpetually virgin Mary, by the Gospels truthful and eternal, by the archangels Gabriel and Michael, and by your own eternal and immortal soul, to be loyal and ever faithful to your imperial master Basil, who is crowned in the grace of Christ Emperor and Autocrat of all the Romans, and to act faithfully and with the greatest fidelity in his service, to discharge his will to the utmost of your mortal ability, and to devote all your efforts to that end, giving no consideration or service to other masters, and promise that at no time will you ever knowingly or unknowingly oppose him, or permit any other to do so while you draw breath. You swear yourself also, in body, mind, and spirit eternal, to the safeguard and safekeeping of the Imperial person until the day of your dying or his own, understanding in full the great responsibility which he in his kindness has lain upon you.
    -[X] Red: You will have the unenviable duty of standing guard at the Hippodrome. The great Hippodrome is the center of political, social, and cultural life in the city, and is the nexus on which much of Roman culture hinges. The great chariot races held here are perhaps the most heavily anticipated events in the city by noble and peasant alike. Similarly, the great riots which have erupted following upset wins have burned down entire quarters of the city, and killed dozens. The emperor stations the guard at the Hippodrome to keep the crowd under control -- by any means necessary. At the very least, you will have a good spot to watch the games.
    [x] Respectfully: You lower your head, straighten your shoulders, and bow as you enter. Best to make good impressions, after all. (May affect Imperial Court reputation and your reputation with the Varangian Guard)
    [x] Stipend: You elect for a monthly wage, which, while not obscene, is safely and solidly enough to equip yourself and your men and to pay to keep them in good spirits. You will still get battle-spoils, of course -- just after everyone else.
    [x] Swear the Oath (I): You swear by the omnipotent god, by his only Son our Lord Jesus Christ Pankreator, by the Holy Spirit, by the glorious and perpetually virgin Mary, by the Gospels truthful and eternal, by the archangels Gabriel and Michael, and by your own eternal and immortal soul, to be loyal and ever faithful to your imperial master Basil, who is crowned in the grace of Christ Emperor and Autocrat of all the Romans, and to act faithfully and with the greatest fidelity in his service, to discharge his will to the utmost of your mortal ability, and to devote all your efforts to that end, giving no consideration or service to other masters, and promise that at no time will you ever knowingly or unknowingly oppose him, or permit any other to do so while you draw breath. You swear yourself also, in body, mind, and spirit eternal, to the safeguard and safekeeping of the Imperial person until the day of your dying or his own, understanding in full the great responsibility which he in his kindness has lain upon you.
    [x] Blue: Constantinople is a big city, to put it lightly. A single quarter is the equal of any city in the west, and the city has dozens of quarters. Policing it all and keeping the peace is a tall order, which is why the Emperor often tasks regiments of the Varangian Guard to do so. The Guard are the best warriors in the imperial service, and so they are often deployed to the places and quarters most ill at ease -- the slums, the bars, the prostitute quarters, the fighting pits. Unsurprisingly, many among Varangians often leap at this assignment.
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[X] Plan: True Norseman


Frankly, I think it's a mistake to parrot the speech back. It will probably be seen as just that, aping the man to appear more clever; especially since we are not especially charismatic yet, so we won't have any debonair flare to it.

And realistically, we're super pagan, so there's no actual increased weight to the oath when said word-for-word then a simple yes would provide.


As for money, we've got boni to looting so spoils is even more lucrative than normal, and we're joining during war times so there will be plenty of loot to be had; a clever man will just be thrifty and save/invest some of their earnings rather than splurging it all away on beer, gear, and whores. Given SV isn't big on playing characters ruled by their vices, we should be fine.
 
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Dark Abstraction said:
As for money, we've got boni to looting so spoils is even more lucrative than normal, and we're joining during war times so there will be plenty of loot to be had; a clever man will just be thrifty and save/invest some of their earnings rather than splurging it all away on beer, gear, and whores. Given SV isn't big on playing characters ruled by their vices, we should be fine.
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Yep. Also, from the purely meta RP perspective, that whole volunteering for extra missions during the times of peace sounds kind of interesting.
 
[X] Plan: True Norseman

A bit disappointed that we chose to be pagan, but oh well. Hopefully, we'll get the opportunity to convert in a bit. I would have gone for High Class Job but I don't think we're quite ready to be thrown into court intrigues. We barely know Greek and don't know who's who in court. Sounds like a recipe for us to be unwittingly drawn into something we don't want to get into. Is the spoils choice permanent?
 
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Well then, let's get this started!

While I'm unsure of how high we may be able to rise - can't be too high, we are Pagans in a Christian Empire after all - but this should still be interesting.
 
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