Land of the Free (XVII century Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth Quest)

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Ah, most interesting!

So you've fought for them bloody French dandies, huh? Not too surprising if I may say. I mean, France does seem to be a natural destination of anyone leaving Ireland in the first place. So, you must have seen firsthand what religious strife does to people. Sure, you had plenty of that back home, yet I did mention the French Civil Wars, didn't I? At least you were on the winning side, good for you.

I am a bit puzzled by your decision to switch to Swedish service later on. You do realize what this means? It means this is not the first time you're visting the Commonwealth. You were here just a few years ago as an armed aggressor, raping, pillaging and burning, when that twit Gustavus Adolphus invaded us! Don't lie to me! All's fair in love and war you say? Why I should…!

More mead? Why, by all means! Only an idiot refuses, when a non-idiot offers! All's fair and forgiven, might I add, for such a generous gentleman!

You've also seen service with them fishmongers in the Empire? Ah, that must have been something. When that bloody Gustavus was beating the Imperial armies out of their senses the world trembled. Or rather, the Catholic world might I add. Heretics seemed to be overjoyed. You must feel damn proud to have been a part of that.

By God! I just noticed something!

We've been chatting the whole evening and I am yet to know your name, sir! It just comes to show, that when you have a purse full of gold, you don't need anything else to make yourself new friends, hahaha!

Care to introduce yourself?

[X] Write-in.


You sir, have a fascinating life story, I must say! One worthy of someone trying to redeem his soul by serving those he once oppressed! Fight well and the Commonwealth will most assuredly forget any past transgressions and reward you for your actions!

Is there anything you wish to add? Perhaps you omitted something out of shame? Or perhaps out of modesty? Surely, you can be honest with me! Honesty is an important trait for our nobles!

Do tell, go on!

Advantages

[X] Distinguished – While serving with one of your previous employers you performed a heroic act, that was noted by your superiors. You were awarded accordingly. Still have that award on you if anyone doubts your words. Usually some kind of expensive item or piece of jewelry. Attached is also a glowing letter of recommendation. Cannot be taken with [X] Disgraced.


[X] Affluent – At some moment in your past service you got yourself a nice amount of coin. Maybe you got lucky and took a bag or two out a captured supply train. Or maybe you sacked a town and kept your share of the treasure. Whatever the reason, you gain extra money at the start of the campaign. Cannot be taken with [X] In Debt.


[X] Fearless – By God, are you telling me you attacked a whole enemy host with but a handful of men and returned unscathed? Or that you went out alone into the enemy camp at night and blew up their siege cannon? I'll believe it when I see it! In the meantime, any tests involving fear, morale or intimidation concerning you personally are an automatic success.


[X] Polyglot - You sir, have a knack for languages! Besides starting with the default English and Gaelic, you also know Latin and have a very good chance to start with French, Polish and German, each one will be checked individually. You can also learn other languages more efficiently as well. Without this Advantage you will only have a good chance to possess Latin and a small one for the rest.


[X] Companions - While many have deserted, these few have stayed true to you. You will have a core of about half a dozen men, who follow you wherever you go. All have served with you and are veteran soldiers, some are even friends. Besides fighting for you, they have their own talents and agendas as well.


[X] Tactician - You say sir, that one day you'll become the Caesar of the East? Or the Scipio Africanus of Hibernia? That I'd like to see! You do seem to have a keen eye for battle, though! It means, that you gain a constant bonus to every roll regarding battle tactics and you will re-roll every battle tactics failure once.


[X] Write-in - Open to reasonable suggestions.


Disadvantages

[X] Disgraced - You left one of your former employers in disgrace. The reason? Many are possible. Maybe you failed to obey orders or you pissed off your commanding officer? One things's for sure. Because of your poor service record, you will have a harder time finding work, recruits and otherwise function in other armies. Cannot be taken with [X] Distinguished.


[X] Mortal Enemy - You have made yourself an enemy from some powerful individual. This person is much more influential than you and can make your life miserable in many different ways. Eventually he will try to ruin you and send you to your grave, unless you do it first.


[X] In Debt - It appears you own a substantial amount of money to someone. How can one squander such a fortune? Only you know. What matters, is that you have to pay it back in instalments every turn, which will hit your treasury, untill the debt is settled. Cannot be taken with [X] Affluent.


[X] War Wounds - You bear the marks of battle upon your flesh and it's not a pretty sight. You may have lost an eye, a leg, an arm or simply became lame due to wounds received. It will impede your personal combat rolls and may have a negative effect on other things as well.


[X] Slow Learner - One may say you are not the sharpest tool in the shed, sir. What it means is that you have a hard time learning anything new, that is beyond your starting knowledge and skills. Raising your skills and stats will take twice as long.


[X] Easily Frustrated - It seems, that you are prone to anger whenever things do not go according to your plans or desires. The world isn't always like we wish it to be, yet you find it hard to accept this truth. Whenever you discard an option, that is connected to your personal desires or take one that is their opposite, your Rage meter grows twice as fast.


[X] Write-in - Open to reasonable suggestions.


You may choose up to 3 Advantages and 3 corresponding Disadvantages. It is possible to take 1 Advantage for free... who am I kidding, of course it's not free! However, you will pay for it in due time. Such an Advantage becomes "jinxed". At anytime during the story, this bad luck may activate itself. Whenever you have an important roll, there will be a check. Important, as in fate of a battle, lives of many people, your own life and so on. If the check determines it, this very important roll ends with a critical failure by default. Your "jinx" has been cleared, congratulations.

A quick note on the Rage Meter: some choices may be tied to your character, such as your hatred of the English. Whenever you have to discard such an option (it will be marked), your frustration slowly rises. If you go against your believes (cooperation with the English for example) your Rage will take a big hit. When the Meter is full, it is treated as an active "jinx" ready to be discharged as per rules above. When this happens, it goes down to 0. Some options and events during the story will decrease the Meter without discharging.

Note, that Advantages and Disadvantages are optional. If you don't wish to have them, simply say:

[X] Nothing.


Voting in plan format.​