- Pronouns
- Human/Form/Keyblade
This was an interesting update is good to se Michalis bonding with one of his sisters.
Shame about that rol but I think we can recover from this.
Shame about that rol but I think we can recover from this.
Shadow of the Dragon: An 8-Bit Dystopia Quest
- Thread starter Vocalist
- Start date
- Crossover
- Pronouns
- Mr
Wholesome sibling interaction aside, Michalis's sisters seem to be an emotional weak spot for him, but I don't think that's a bad thing. It means he's not entirely like his Canon self yet.
Seems like the Intrigue Action is going to be busy for a while; Lena's whereabouts immediately, Saias' background in the near future, maybe even Ruben's background to find out how he knew about the death of the King (Though the last one might only be a Michalis-Exclusive Action).
Wow, that Stress negative modifier is devastating. We definitely need to take actions next turn to mitigate it. I don't think Michalis's reaction will be too hard to explain to Minerva later if he mixes a tiny bit of the truth in: the stress was getting to him and he was thrown off by such a sudden accusation. Of course that would mean that he would have to admit that he showed weakness and I don't know if he'd be willing to do that.
Seems like the Intrigue Action is going to be busy for a while; Lena's whereabouts immediately, Saias' background in the near future, maybe even Ruben's background to find out how he knew about the death of the King (Though the last one might only be a Michalis-Exclusive Action).
- Location
- Oregon
- Pronouns
- Any/All/Allowed
BRB DYING OF LAUGHTER, love this stylish fucking queen, lmfao, 10/10, you may be a villain but you are CHARMING
I'M DYOGN AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA (Michalis confirmed for at least an entry level kinkster)
fantastic. 10/10 update and I havent even finished.
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Brightflame
Lord of the Dance
- Location
- Inkopolis
Since they were still moving in, I think that box and its 'contents' may have belonged to his old man and not Michalis himself.
...well, I guess its his now but he'll probably burn it all, cause who would really want to keep their parents things related to 'that'?
Vocalist
Verdant Maiden in Violet
- Location
- By a Cedar Tree
I am so glad that my jokes landed in the midst of all this sadness.
At that point, Michalis and Maria were in Michalis's old room, preparing Michalis's things for transport. That box belongs indubitably to Michalis. Ahem:
Turn 2: News from Afar
Vocalist
Verdant Maiden in Violet
- Location
- By a Cedar Tree
[Seeing as you now have a diplomatic presence in all the nations sworn to Medeus, the quality of your information has increased dramatically. Not to mention that Minerva flew face-first into a major plot thread in Aurelis. Enjoy!]
Grust
Investigate Dragons
Occult
Success
King Ludwik has been researching dragons. You know this, seeing as you're his main collaborator. He knows just as much as you do, at this point, and is eager to find out more. The Fane of Raman awaits.
Gra
???
Intrigue
Armed resistance has ceased in Altea, for now. Princess Sheena remains in the occupied territories.
-Random Event Interruption!-
Roll: 68; 5
The occupation of Altea is going boringly well; no one wants to talk about it. Much more interesting is the winged airship that was forced to descend in Gra for lack of fuel. It carried a troop of heavily-armed mercenaries, who – much to everyone's relief – weren't interested in a fight, but rather simply lost. They were disappointed to hear that no one here knows where to find the town of Altair or the Kingdom of Fynn. The prevailing conclusion is that someone sabotaged their contract by giving them false directions.
Recruit the FF Battalion
Diplomacy
Partial Success
With most of their small army occupied (with an occupation, heh), King Jiol and Queen Guadalupe leapt on the chance to recruit these stranded sellswords. They quickly negotiated a new contract to the satisfaction of the leader, one Rad Spencer. He's made it clear that he only intends to stay in Archanea for a few seasons, refuel his airship, and leave – but for now, King Jiol is in possession of a force of hardened mercenaries whose technologically-advanced armaments are the stuff of whispered rumor.
The Holy Kingdom of Archanea
???
Stewardship
Bare Failure
The Holy Kingdom was the richest entity in the continent, and also the greatest producer of paper and books. Those two facts are related. Camus seems to have underestimated the vastness of the bureaucracy that it took to run Adrah's empire, and the volume of records that must be read to understand it. His Grustians aren't enough. He's currently trying to recruit more clerks from the streets of Pales. Though his efforts are meeting with some success, it will still be some months before he can resurrect whatever government apparatus he's staffing.
Repair the Millenium Court
Stewardship
Critical Success
Camus's engineers, however, know what they're about. The Millenium Court was badly damaged in the war, with fighting going on in its very halls (not to mention the bloody robbery that happened over the winter). With the help of an army of servants, torn tapestries are mended, burn marks are painted over, and shrapnel is swept up. It is said that the Millenium Court looks as beautiful as the day it was built.
Send out Invitations
Diplomacy
The most successful success that ever succeeded
It's all to prepare for the Gala, of course. The invitations are sent – as far as you can tell – to everyone. Everyone. Even Camus seems surprised by the response he gets, however. You don't have any eyes on his correspondence – pity, you'd love a copy of that guest list – but palace gossip has it that the plans for the event are being revised again and again as the scale keeps expanding. Perhaps even guests from beyond the sea or over the mountains are coming...
Khadein
???
Occult
Success
Dark Pontifex Gharnef was out of the city for most of Flostym, occupied in some secret lab or other. A relief on one hand, but worrying on the other – you never want to be unaware of what Gharnef is doing. He deigned to inform his subjects, eventually, by appearing above the gates of the city, wreathed in a halo of painful un-light that burned the eyes without providing illumination, cloaked in robes made of the stuff of shadows. He said, verbatim, "AHAHAHAHA! I have now become invincible! INVINCIBLE! The ultimate power of dark magic is MINE! The secrets of the ancients are TOYS to be wielded as I wish! Kneel before me, Khadein!" After ten minutes of enforced kneeling, he let the people in the plaza go about their day and vanished in a dark cloud that stank of burnt hair.
Recruit for the Heretics
Diplomacy
Success
Gharnef involved himself in the governance of the city once more this season, by ordering everyone to attend mandatory religious meetings preaching the doctrine of his ridiculous cult. Quite a few people skip, or just attend and quietly pray to some other god, but a certain number do get taken in by the talk of attaining ultimate power (second to their draconic lords and masters, of course!).
Talys
Ally with Aurelis
Diplomacy
Success
Well, you don't have anyone in Talys itself, and you cannot be certain, but Minerva witnessed a very well-connected Talyan pegasus rider on friendly terms with an Aurelian general. King Mostyn is trying to ally with Aurelis to counter Dohlr's ambitions – you'd bet money on it.
Aurelis
Recruit Ruben's Dracoknights
Diplomacy
Failure
Wyverns are Macedon's, and Macedon's they will remain.
Pyrathi
Expel Refugees
Stewardship
Okay, so it seems that the archipelago cannot support that many refugees. They end up back in Port Galder or Port Warren (if their ramshackle boats even make it across the water). This does not help the stability of the so-called Holy Kingdom or the Samsooth Peninsula.
Establish Independence from Medeus
Diplomacy
Bare Failure
Has Holm Port ever seen a visit from foreign royalty before? You think King Mannu of Pyrathi might be the first. He descends from his ship, shuffling around with a cane, looking for all the world like a frail, grumpy old man surrounded by attendants. He disappears on the path to Dohlr and reappears several weeks later, looking even frailer and grumpier. He leaves swiftly, but not before making a proclamation, a copy of which is delivered to you in the Aerie: "Mannu of the Fire Dragon Tribe, Protector of the Pyrathi Isles and the sacred places therein, congratulates Prince Medeus of the Earth Dragon Tribe on his reawakening and ascension to the temporal throne of Dohlr. May he know health, wisdom, and strength. We acknowledge his rule of the dragon and human tribes of Archanea. May he use this power well."
Dohlr
???
Intrigue
A rumor reaches you. It is said that, in the rough mountains of Macedon, a pegasus herder who was watching her flock met with two strangers: an aged but sharp-eyed man and a woman with hair of palest violet. She shared her meal with them and passed an agreeable time, though she did think it odd that they had gotten to this isolated alpine meadow without wearing shoes. If that were all, you would not be hearing of it; plenty of strange things are seen by herders alone in the mountains. The significant part comes when the meal was done: the violet woman handed over a beautiful flower in thanks, and said to her companion, "You did wonderfully, Uncle!" Then they both turned into dragons and flew off.
???
Flee Dohlr
Success
Someone has found a refuge.
Lena
???
Stewardship
You don't hear any news of her.
Grust
Investigate Dragons
Occult
Success
King Ludwik has been researching dragons. You know this, seeing as you're his main collaborator. He knows just as much as you do, at this point, and is eager to find out more. The Fane of Raman awaits.
Gra
???
Intrigue
Armed resistance has ceased in Altea, for now. Princess Sheena remains in the occupied territories.
-Random Event Interruption!-
Roll: 68; 5
The occupation of Altea is going boringly well; no one wants to talk about it. Much more interesting is the winged airship that was forced to descend in Gra for lack of fuel. It carried a troop of heavily-armed mercenaries, who – much to everyone's relief – weren't interested in a fight, but rather simply lost. They were disappointed to hear that no one here knows where to find the town of Altair or the Kingdom of Fynn. The prevailing conclusion is that someone sabotaged their contract by giving them false directions.
Recruit the FF Battalion
Diplomacy
Partial Success
With most of their small army occupied (with an occupation, heh), King Jiol and Queen Guadalupe leapt on the chance to recruit these stranded sellswords. They quickly negotiated a new contract to the satisfaction of the leader, one Rad Spencer. He's made it clear that he only intends to stay in Archanea for a few seasons, refuel his airship, and leave – but for now, King Jiol is in possession of a force of hardened mercenaries whose technologically-advanced armaments are the stuff of whispered rumor.
The Holy Kingdom of Archanea
???
Stewardship
Bare Failure
The Holy Kingdom was the richest entity in the continent, and also the greatest producer of paper and books. Those two facts are related. Camus seems to have underestimated the vastness of the bureaucracy that it took to run Adrah's empire, and the volume of records that must be read to understand it. His Grustians aren't enough. He's currently trying to recruit more clerks from the streets of Pales. Though his efforts are meeting with some success, it will still be some months before he can resurrect whatever government apparatus he's staffing.
Repair the Millenium Court
Stewardship
Critical Success
Camus's engineers, however, know what they're about. The Millenium Court was badly damaged in the war, with fighting going on in its very halls (not to mention the bloody robbery that happened over the winter). With the help of an army of servants, torn tapestries are mended, burn marks are painted over, and shrapnel is swept up. It is said that the Millenium Court looks as beautiful as the day it was built.
Send out Invitations
Diplomacy
The most successful success that ever succeeded
It's all to prepare for the Gala, of course. The invitations are sent – as far as you can tell – to everyone. Everyone. Even Camus seems surprised by the response he gets, however. You don't have any eyes on his correspondence – pity, you'd love a copy of that guest list – but palace gossip has it that the plans for the event are being revised again and again as the scale keeps expanding. Perhaps even guests from beyond the sea or over the mountains are coming...
Khadein
???
Occult
Success
What? He actually did it? I set the Difficulty stupid high for a reason. I thought it would take a few turns at least…
Recruit for the Heretics
Diplomacy
Success
Gharnef involved himself in the governance of the city once more this season, by ordering everyone to attend mandatory religious meetings preaching the doctrine of his ridiculous cult. Quite a few people skip, or just attend and quietly pray to some other god, but a certain number do get taken in by the talk of attaining ultimate power (second to their draconic lords and masters, of course!).
Talys
Ally with Aurelis
Diplomacy
Success
Well, you don't have anyone in Talys itself, and you cannot be certain, but Minerva witnessed a very well-connected Talyan pegasus rider on friendly terms with an Aurelian general. King Mostyn is trying to ally with Aurelis to counter Dohlr's ambitions – you'd bet money on it.
Aurelis
Recruit Ruben's Dracoknights
Diplomacy
Failure
Wyverns are Macedon's, and Macedon's they will remain.
Pyrathi
Expel Refugees
Stewardship
Okay, so it seems that the archipelago cannot support that many refugees. They end up back in Port Galder or Port Warren (if their ramshackle boats even make it across the water). This does not help the stability of the so-called Holy Kingdom or the Samsooth Peninsula.
Establish Independence from Medeus
Diplomacy
Bare Failure
Has Holm Port ever seen a visit from foreign royalty before? You think King Mannu of Pyrathi might be the first. He descends from his ship, shuffling around with a cane, looking for all the world like a frail, grumpy old man surrounded by attendants. He disappears on the path to Dohlr and reappears several weeks later, looking even frailer and grumpier. He leaves swiftly, but not before making a proclamation, a copy of which is delivered to you in the Aerie: "Mannu of the Fire Dragon Tribe, Protector of the Pyrathi Isles and the sacred places therein, congratulates Prince Medeus of the Earth Dragon Tribe on his reawakening and ascension to the temporal throne of Dohlr. May he know health, wisdom, and strength. We acknowledge his rule of the dragon and human tribes of Archanea. May he use this power well."
Dohlr
???
Intrigue
A rumor reaches you. It is said that, in the rough mountains of Macedon, a pegasus herder who was watching her flock met with two strangers: an aged but sharp-eyed man and a woman with hair of palest violet. She shared her meal with them and passed an agreeable time, though she did think it odd that they had gotten to this isolated alpine meadow without wearing shoes. If that were all, you would not be hearing of it; plenty of strange things are seen by herders alone in the mountains. The significant part comes when the meal was done: the violet woman handed over a beautiful flower in thanks, and said to her companion, "You did wonderfully, Uncle!" Then they both turned into dragons and flew off.
???
Flee Dohlr
Success
Someone has found a refuge.
Lena
???
Stewardship
You don't hear any news of her.
In a word scream.
We need spies on Gharnef yesterday im tempted to suggest next turns any unit not nailed down to something specific goes to Gharnef intrigue duty.
Gharnef delenda est!
Camus rolls go brrr lets send our best to the Gala, we could gain a lot from it. Michalis it time to look for a wife politics demands it.
If we want to raid Pyrathi for cash we will have to do it now.
The fane is important to stopping gharnef so its a high priority sending minerva seems advised somewhat. Maybe even put off the Gharnef spying to send intrigue units to take care of it. Sheena has become a somewhat more attractive marriage option for Michalis.
Dholr has an escape, I might look at the fe1,3 list for anyone who it might be later
Lena we want to find for possibly the mercurius which would be handy.
More Manakete drama but whatever.
Hmm random thought would using Tear ring Saga element ever be in the cards given how adjacent it is to the franchise, I'd love to see Holmes.
Vocalist
Verdant Maiden in Violet
- Location
- By a Cedar Tree
I'm curious, what makes you think that the Mercurius is in Lena's possession? I don't recall mentioning it before.
Theoretically possible, but I haven't gotten around to playing any Kaga Saga yet.
Tear ring saga could be grandfathered into Archenea continuity easily given its origins. Rest I haven't played, its been ages but I remember Holmes being a class act riot.
Mercurius is purely because I remember that Est came with it in shadow dragon, Macedon got it "somehow" so I figured Lena having didnt seem absurd given they looted the court. Also because like I kinda thought something more substantial money would be offered for the trouble of pursing Lena.
- Location
- US
Well, that's a lot of information to digest. I'm loving the complexity of Michalis' and Maria's relationship. They have tow very different ways of seeing the world, and they both know it, but they still love each other. Even if they may feel they need to save each other from themselves.
The conversation about Lena raises an important point. Aside from her own talents, or whatever relics she may or may not have in her possession, she's also rather significant to Macedon politically. Her condition is important to a lot of people we need to keep happy, so we really can't afford to risk her falling into the hands of a rival.
That stress mechanic is going to be annoying to deal with, but as quest mechanic it makes sense. It's going to involve a fair bit of guesswork going forward, but I think we can confidently assume that spending time with his wyvern is one way to reduce it. Every time Michalis has done so, it's been portrayed as a relief for him.
The developing situation in Gra is very interesting. With those mercs in play, the conflict between the princess and the queen may spark sooner rather than later (speaking of which, Queen Guatalupe sure doesn't sound like a Fire Emblem character. I wonder where she's from.) If Sheena does indeed show at the gala, we may want to get involved while the getting's good. And on the subject of the gala, looks like it's going to be an even bigger deal than I expected. With all those opportunities to make connections, no way we're passing that up.
Sounds like Gharnef mastered Imhulu. He's going to be utterly obnoxious from now on, isn't he.
Might actually be a good idea to raid Archanaea's eastern coast, where all those refugees (and by extension, the bandits and pirates) are gathered. If we do it just right, we might even be able to play it off as helping our neighbors with their bandit problem. Aren't we thoughtful?
I actually really like Mannu. He's an old grump, but he's also clearly only putting up with Medeus' crap because he knows he can't quite take him. Notice how he only gives Medeus the minimun amount of respect he has to, only calling him a prince and congratulating him on his "temporal throne." Medeus may have the power to create his little empire, but he's no god. The more I think about it, the more I feel that Mannu could be a useful ally against Medeus, especially if we find Tiki as well. The trick will be getting him to talk to us.
The bit with the manaketes is interesting. We already know the violet-haired one. Sounds like the older one is getting practice with interacting with humans. I suspect all these manakete internal politics being hinted at are going to become a very important part of the quest somewhere down the line.
I'm pretty sure Est stole Mercurius from Grust. That detour is why she showed up later than her sisters. We do know that Lena was seen leaving the treasury with a pair of staves, which could be a number of things. That's probably the real prize. Speaking of which, I'm curious how Hammerne will work in this quest. It's associated with Lena, but item durability doesn't seem to be a concern here as it is in the games.
The conversation about Lena raises an important point. Aside from her own talents, or whatever relics she may or may not have in her possession, she's also rather significant to Macedon politically. Her condition is important to a lot of people we need to keep happy, so we really can't afford to risk her falling into the hands of a rival.
That stress mechanic is going to be annoying to deal with, but as quest mechanic it makes sense. It's going to involve a fair bit of guesswork going forward, but I think we can confidently assume that spending time with his wyvern is one way to reduce it. Every time Michalis has done so, it's been portrayed as a relief for him.
The developing situation in Gra is very interesting. With those mercs in play, the conflict between the princess and the queen may spark sooner rather than later (speaking of which, Queen Guatalupe sure doesn't sound like a Fire Emblem character. I wonder where she's from.) If Sheena does indeed show at the gala, we may want to get involved while the getting's good. And on the subject of the gala, looks like it's going to be an even bigger deal than I expected. With all those opportunities to make connections, no way we're passing that up.
Sounds like Gharnef mastered Imhulu. He's going to be utterly obnoxious from now on, isn't he.
Might actually be a good idea to raid Archanaea's eastern coast, where all those refugees (and by extension, the bandits and pirates) are gathered. If we do it just right, we might even be able to play it off as helping our neighbors with their bandit problem. Aren't we thoughtful?
I actually really like Mannu. He's an old grump, but he's also clearly only putting up with Medeus' crap because he knows he can't quite take him. Notice how he only gives Medeus the minimun amount of respect he has to, only calling him a prince and congratulating him on his "temporal throne." Medeus may have the power to create his little empire, but he's no god. The more I think about it, the more I feel that Mannu could be a useful ally against Medeus, especially if we find Tiki as well. The trick will be getting him to talk to us.
The bit with the manaketes is interesting. We already know the violet-haired one. Sounds like the older one is getting practice with interacting with humans. I suspect all these manakete internal politics being hinted at are going to become a very important part of the quest somewhere down the line.
I'm pretty sure Est stole Mercurius from Grust. That detour is why she showed up later than her sisters. We do know that Lena was seen leaving the treasury with a pair of staves, which could be a number of things. That's probably the real prize. Speaking of which, I'm curious how Hammerne will work in this quest. It's associated with Lena, but item durability doesn't seem to be a concern here as it is in the games.
Maanu is a slaver who rules his country like a despot, but him and Medeus might go do Manakete solidarity, he's something of a hermit persona no-grata tho so he's a target.
Give us the thief staff qm I wanna go thracia goblin mode! More likely our qm may give us one of unlock, warp or possibly Aum. Although some part of me wants the again staff to make a surprise appearance but its likely too insane. Maybe we should priorities Lena if it means we get to go thracia 776 staff emblem mode.
I honestly assumed gharnef had imhulu already if he did then...he may have found something else. Starlight is basically our current highest longterm priority regardless.
- Location
- US
Where is it stated that Mannu is a slaver? Yes he's isolationist and allows pirates to use his island as a base, but it doesn't necessarily follow that he's a slaver. The impression I got is that he doesn't care much what the humans do, so long as they stay off holy ground. He probably relates more to fellow manaketes than to humans, but that's why I brought up Tiki. Mannu seems to care a lot about old manakete holy sites. If it's a choice between supporting a divine dragon versus Medeus, I think he'd pick the former.
The Demand
Vocalist
Verdant Maiden in Violet
- Location
- By a Cedar Tree
You apologize to Minerva. You were tired, and shaken by the news (she nods sadly). You get more sleep for a few days, if only because Maria is sleeping in your bed and clinging to you like a limpet, and you can't get out without waking her up. You start thinking of a project you can trust to your younger sister as the days warm and fruits start to ripen.
Then the envoy arrives, bearing the banner of Grust. His cloak is black, but his armor is blacker – this is one of the members of the famed Sable Order. He bears an impressive mustache. He is accompanied by a barefoot woman with hair of palest violet, and a bearded man wrapped in heavy robes. The woman is not dressed richly, but on her brow she wears a thin gold diadem set with a dark stone.
The party is odd enough that a crowd gathers to watch you receive them in the throne room. You search the gawkers for Matthis – there! – you grab him. "Is it her?" you ask. The excited chatter covers up your question.
"Yeah," he whispers, almost too scared to breathe – and not just because you're touching him. "That's her. The earth dragon."
You release him and go to your throne. Your sisters stand beside you. Maria looks so breathless; half-hoping, half-fearing news of Lena. Minerva just looks like she wants to give that power armor a poke. You give the Grustian knight a tiny nod.
He kneels. "Your majesty. I am Sir Sternlin, a knight in the service of King Ludwik of Grust. I bring a message, and a request."
"The messengers of King Ludwik are welcome here." Yes, but this is no simple messenger. They wouldn't waste a Sable Knight on letter-carrying, especially not when Camus insists on keeping as many as he can in the Holy Kingdom! Your gaze travels over the two others. "But your traveling companions do not carry any emblems. I would hear their names and allegiances as well."
Sternlin rises, and the woman steps forward. In a clear, practiced voice, she says, "I am Sigyn, daughter of Maera, who was hatched by Lord Loptous the magnificent and terrible. I am a Princess of the Earth Dragon Tribe, and I am here on behalf of my lord uncle, Medeus, to represent his interest in this meeting." While a low murmur sweeps throughout the room, she turns her head and motions to the last one.
The bearded man steps forward. "I am Xemcel…of the Mage Dragon Tribe. I…guard the prince." His pale eyes look at the gathered crowd with undisguised paranoia and disgust.
Sigyn lets him step back. "If you will pardon him, he does not speak much of your tongue. He is merely here to serve as my protection." You are not sure a princess who can turn into a dragon needs all that much protection, but perhaps it's a matter of principle. Or perhaps the manakete are not invincible. Unless someone tries to take a swing at her, who's to say?
"I see." You incline your head politely, to the dragon princess. "The messengers of Emperor Medeus are also welcome here. Especially ones so honored." You fix them all with a piercing gaze. "But you are not simple messengers, are you? This matter must be of grave significance. Shall we discuss it in a more private setting?"
"No need, your majesty," Sternlin replies simply. You see his lips purse, a little. "My orders are to deliver this wherever you receive me, and then be on my way." Orders, hm. The rumor is that Sable Knights are totally incapable of disobeying orders. They are apparently capable of disliking them, however. Sigyn's nervousness is even more visible.
"…Go on, then."
"In order to…" he has to pull a paper out and start reading from it, "In order to strengthen ties between the vassals of Dohlr, the Emperor Medeus is organizing an exchange. Highborn youth from each nation will travel abroad and learn from the other tribes of Archanea. In this way shall alliances be forged unto the next generation." Well, it's clear that not even he believes in the words he's reading.
Cringing, Sigyn cuts him off. "You have already welcomed a young nobleman of Adrah's kingdom, yes? One – what was his name – Saias Cohen?"
You regard her coolly. "Gharnef did ask me to hold on to someone by that name. I was under the impression that this was a matter of Khadein's internal politics – not that we were supposed to be swapping hostages like feastday gifts."
She continues nevertheless, holding onto a pained smile, "The good King Ludwik has asked for Princess Maria of Macedon, and my lord uncle finds the request suitable."
You hear Minerva's outraged scoff; and others' too. You quickly glance to your younger sister and see her looking disturbed.
Sigyn follows your gaze. "Is that--? No. No! That's a child! That's surely not what he meant!"
"Princess Yuliya and Prince Yubello have been in Khadein for a year now. They are younger than her," the Grustian knight says, an edge of bitterness in his voice.
Sigyn claps her hands together, unravelling. "But – ah, are you sure you don't, perhaps, have any other sisters? Your majesty?"
"Does it matter which one? You are asking for my sister. As a hostage. You dare?" Sigyn can't meet your eyes. Xemcel looks alert, but you doubt he really understands the conversation – he's just looking for a sign that violence will be necessary. You stare at Sternlin, and through him, Ludwik. What is his master's game, here?
He meets your eyes and his nervousness flows away. Suddenly he seems cold as snowmelt. He adjusts his grip on his spear. "I will not leave without her." You begin to understand why they sent a Sable Knight for this. Anyone else told to walk alone into a castle full of dracoknights and publicly announce that he was taking an innocent and beloved girl from them would have deserted rather than carry out such a suicidal mission.
…Yes, he was told to ask you in public, wasn't he? Where you have the most face to lose by capitulating. The crowd's outrage is still building, palpably. Instead of an intimidating display of force, they sent one knight. They sent one knight and two dragons. This isn't really Ludwik's play, is it? This has Medeus's stink all over it, his and Gharnef's.
You could tell them to pound sand. Sternlin would escalate to violence, of course – he has to. You doubt Sigyn will join him, and Xemcel seems like he will only act if the princess herself is threatened. One Sable Knight versus a room full of angry Macedonians is still a dead man.
…And then what? Screw Ludwik – if the man wants to attack you, he can try his knights against the most defensible terrain in all Archanea. But the possibility of Medeus's anger…worries you. The day he awoke, the entire plateau shook. Earth rippled like water.
You rise from your seat. The room quiets, waiting for your judgement. For your spark to the dry tinder filling this room. "You will not move from this spot?"
"I will return to Grust with a princess of Macedon, or not at all," he says cleanly, easily, as if it were an observable fact of the world. His utter calm is remarkable.
"Will you at least sit down in a waiting room of some kind?" you ask, putting on a façade of sarcasm.
"No." Oh, fuck all the gods. There's no way you're getting out of dealing with him publicly, is there?
"Then wait here," you tell him. "I am going to deliberate with my sisters."
The hubbub erupts again – you quickly signal to some of the Whitewings to keep some order while you're gone – and you return to your apartments with Minerva and Maria. It's a long walk, but you absolutely need privacy for this discussion, you don't care about Sternlin's comfort, and a long wait will surely cool some tempers down there. Perhaps some people will get bored and drift away. Less of an audience in case…in case.
"Michalis? What are you—" You shush her. "Michalis!"
"We can't talk about this in the halls, Minerva!"
As soon as the heavy lock thunks into place, Minerva releases all her pent up steam and demands: "MICHALIS! What do you think you're doing, here? What is there to deliberate?"
"I-I think—" Maria tries to say.
"The only reason to deliberate is if there's the slightest chance that you will actually accede to his delusional request! Why would any of us willingly go to be a hostage? What is this absurdity? Do they not even respect us enough to make us vanish with spooky dark magic? Is Gharnef on vacation? It makes no sense!"
"That is correct, Minerva. Gharnef could just kidnap one of us with dark magic," you agree tightly, standing fast in the tide of her words.
"They sent one man to take her from us! And he just walked in and asked! Are they trying to humiliate us?" she continues.
"They are trying to humiliate us, Minerva."
She has finally noticed what you're saying. "So then what's the point of all this?" she cries, with one last burst of anger.
"Medeus wants to know how well he has me on a leash," you say. Your voice is even, but the words leave such a bitter taste in your mouth.
Your sister tosses her head. "He ought to learn that we cannot be leashed. Yes? Michalis? Michalis, we can kill the knight and send the dragons back empty-handed. If they want to fight, well, Matthis told me that a dragon's not much bigger than a wyvern. And I've slain wyverns with this axe before." She pats Hauteclere.
"Minerva, think beyond today, please. Sigyn is not the one I'm worried about. You've never seen Medeus. He is longer than this room." There is more you wish to convey to her, but the words do not come. You have not much spoken of that day, the day the ground rippled like water. The day Lucrecia tried to flee. The day his voice ground into your bones. You were not even able to make your father understand, in the end.
She gives you a searching look. Are you getting through to her? "Brother," she says, "I know you're scared."
"What? No, of course not. Minerva, you're not taking this seriously—"
"I am. Michalis, who are we if we bow to a tyrant for fear of violence? Are we still the carriers of Iote's dream, then? How many slaves were stirred to flee here in order to protect their children, in order to keep families from being separated?" You don't have the words to respond. She has struck you in your heart.
Maria does: "Minerva…" She takes a deep breath. "I'm not a child."
The two of you both stare at her. "An adult is someone who does the work of an adult," you say. "You're not quite there yet—"
"Well, maybe that's because you haven't given me any work!" she bursts out, before immediately apologizing. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry! But I…what I'm trying to say is, I don't want anyone to die because of me. If this is how I can protect Macedon, then I'll go. I'll go to Grust. And I'll come back someday."
"No!" Minerva cries. "Maria – dear one. I made a promise. If anyone ever were to touch you in anger, I would remove the offending limb. If any enemy were to strike at you, I would stand in the way. I cannot willingly let you walk into danger! Even if I must stand against dragons, I will stand in your defense!"
"Minerva, please!" her little sister begs.
"Minerva, do you think Medeus is going to offer you a duel? What do you think an earth dragon can do to people who live in a mountain?"
You've gotten her to be silent, at last. You've gotten her to think. "…You're actually going to agree, aren't you?" she murmurs, eventually.
It feels like a fist is clenching your heart. "I…don't know. I called this meeting to stall for time. If I can think of a way out of this – well. Any ideas would be appreciated."
"I can go," Minerva says. When she's quiet like this, she's more frightening than when she was ranting before. "I can take whatever they'll visit upon me. Medeus's niece will be satisfied. I can probably manage to escape, even if Leonidas isn't allowed to come with me. In fact, it will probably be easier in that case. I'll leave him here."
"D-do you think they will be very cruel?" Maria asks. "I thought being a hostage was mostly about sitting in one room and not being allowed outside. Like Saias. Minerva, I think you'd be far more miserable than me in those circumstances. I can sew and weave. Really, the only things I'd miss would be you two. And the chance to attend the Gala, of course."
"There's an idea," you say suddenly. "We keep stalling for the rest of the summer."
Minerva raises her eyebrows. "Oh, that's stupid but clever at the same time. Sternlin can't leave without a princess, and he'll fight if we tell him to leave, so we just never tell him to leave?"
"We can't stall indefinitely, of course. He will eventually lose his patience. But if we make the excuse that Maria wants so badly to attend the Pales Gala, and we'll hand her over as soon as it's finished…then that gives us time. Time to come up with another solution."
"What other solution?" Minerva asks.
"The possibilities are endless. Everyone will be at that Gala." You begin to pace, willing those endless possibilities to arrive to you. "I could convince Ludwik to rescind his demands, just off the top of my head. I could…"
"Oh," Maria says, "You could arrange a kidnapping! You can't give me to Grust if I'm kidnapped by someone else!"
You nod along. You like that idea. "They will be suspicious if you disappear before the handover, of course. There must be absolutely no evidence that we were involved."
Maria continues. "We don't really know how Dohlr will react if we anger them. But can we predict it? Let's go back to the beginning. What does Medeus want?" She's taking your lesson to heart, bless her.
"I don't know," you admit.
[ ] Let Maria go She is willing. She will appreciate this show of trust. But this will not be a popular decision. [Lose Maria, for now.]
[ ] Offer Minerva instead She is willing. This is less humiliating than offering up your baby sister. [Lose Minerva, for now.]
[ ] Stall until the Gala There must be some gambit you can pull together between now and then. [The Pales Gala paralogue will be at the end of the turn. Maria must attend. If whatever you plan fails, you will lose her at the end of it.]
[ ] Refuse and bear the consequences. Macedon does not bow to tyrants. [This will be bad for you, but it's not a game over.]
Then the envoy arrives, bearing the banner of Grust. His cloak is black, but his armor is blacker – this is one of the members of the famed Sable Order. He bears an impressive mustache. He is accompanied by a barefoot woman with hair of palest violet, and a bearded man wrapped in heavy robes. The woman is not dressed richly, but on her brow she wears a thin gold diadem set with a dark stone.
The party is odd enough that a crowd gathers to watch you receive them in the throne room. You search the gawkers for Matthis – there! – you grab him. "Is it her?" you ask. The excited chatter covers up your question.
"Yeah," he whispers, almost too scared to breathe – and not just because you're touching him. "That's her. The earth dragon."
You release him and go to your throne. Your sisters stand beside you. Maria looks so breathless; half-hoping, half-fearing news of Lena. Minerva just looks like she wants to give that power armor a poke. You give the Grustian knight a tiny nod.
He kneels. "Your majesty. I am Sir Sternlin, a knight in the service of King Ludwik of Grust. I bring a message, and a request."
"The messengers of King Ludwik are welcome here." Yes, but this is no simple messenger. They wouldn't waste a Sable Knight on letter-carrying, especially not when Camus insists on keeping as many as he can in the Holy Kingdom! Your gaze travels over the two others. "But your traveling companions do not carry any emblems. I would hear their names and allegiances as well."
Sternlin rises, and the woman steps forward. In a clear, practiced voice, she says, "I am Sigyn, daughter of Maera, who was hatched by Lord Loptous the magnificent and terrible. I am a Princess of the Earth Dragon Tribe, and I am here on behalf of my lord uncle, Medeus, to represent his interest in this meeting." While a low murmur sweeps throughout the room, she turns her head and motions to the last one.
The bearded man steps forward. "I am Xemcel…of the Mage Dragon Tribe. I…guard the prince." His pale eyes look at the gathered crowd with undisguised paranoia and disgust.
Sigyn lets him step back. "If you will pardon him, he does not speak much of your tongue. He is merely here to serve as my protection." You are not sure a princess who can turn into a dragon needs all that much protection, but perhaps it's a matter of principle. Or perhaps the manakete are not invincible. Unless someone tries to take a swing at her, who's to say?
"I see." You incline your head politely, to the dragon princess. "The messengers of Emperor Medeus are also welcome here. Especially ones so honored." You fix them all with a piercing gaze. "But you are not simple messengers, are you? This matter must be of grave significance. Shall we discuss it in a more private setting?"
"No need, your majesty," Sternlin replies simply. You see his lips purse, a little. "My orders are to deliver this wherever you receive me, and then be on my way." Orders, hm. The rumor is that Sable Knights are totally incapable of disobeying orders. They are apparently capable of disliking them, however. Sigyn's nervousness is even more visible.
"…Go on, then."
"In order to…" he has to pull a paper out and start reading from it, "In order to strengthen ties between the vassals of Dohlr, the Emperor Medeus is organizing an exchange. Highborn youth from each nation will travel abroad and learn from the other tribes of Archanea. In this way shall alliances be forged unto the next generation." Well, it's clear that not even he believes in the words he's reading.
Cringing, Sigyn cuts him off. "You have already welcomed a young nobleman of Adrah's kingdom, yes? One – what was his name – Saias Cohen?"
You regard her coolly. "Gharnef did ask me to hold on to someone by that name. I was under the impression that this was a matter of Khadein's internal politics – not that we were supposed to be swapping hostages like feastday gifts."
She continues nevertheless, holding onto a pained smile, "The good King Ludwik has asked for Princess Maria of Macedon, and my lord uncle finds the request suitable."
You hear Minerva's outraged scoff; and others' too. You quickly glance to your younger sister and see her looking disturbed.
Sigyn follows your gaze. "Is that--? No. No! That's a child! That's surely not what he meant!"
"Princess Yuliya and Prince Yubello have been in Khadein for a year now. They are younger than her," the Grustian knight says, an edge of bitterness in his voice.
Sigyn claps her hands together, unravelling. "But – ah, are you sure you don't, perhaps, have any other sisters? Your majesty?"
"Does it matter which one? You are asking for my sister. As a hostage. You dare?" Sigyn can't meet your eyes. Xemcel looks alert, but you doubt he really understands the conversation – he's just looking for a sign that violence will be necessary. You stare at Sternlin, and through him, Ludwik. What is his master's game, here?
He meets your eyes and his nervousness flows away. Suddenly he seems cold as snowmelt. He adjusts his grip on his spear. "I will not leave without her." You begin to understand why they sent a Sable Knight for this. Anyone else told to walk alone into a castle full of dracoknights and publicly announce that he was taking an innocent and beloved girl from them would have deserted rather than carry out such a suicidal mission.
…Yes, he was told to ask you in public, wasn't he? Where you have the most face to lose by capitulating. The crowd's outrage is still building, palpably. Instead of an intimidating display of force, they sent one knight. They sent one knight and two dragons. This isn't really Ludwik's play, is it? This has Medeus's stink all over it, his and Gharnef's.
You could tell them to pound sand. Sternlin would escalate to violence, of course – he has to. You doubt Sigyn will join him, and Xemcel seems like he will only act if the princess herself is threatened. One Sable Knight versus a room full of angry Macedonians is still a dead man.
…And then what? Screw Ludwik – if the man wants to attack you, he can try his knights against the most defensible terrain in all Archanea. But the possibility of Medeus's anger…worries you. The day he awoke, the entire plateau shook. Earth rippled like water.
You rise from your seat. The room quiets, waiting for your judgement. For your spark to the dry tinder filling this room. "You will not move from this spot?"
"I will return to Grust with a princess of Macedon, or not at all," he says cleanly, easily, as if it were an observable fact of the world. His utter calm is remarkable.
"Will you at least sit down in a waiting room of some kind?" you ask, putting on a façade of sarcasm.
"No." Oh, fuck all the gods. There's no way you're getting out of dealing with him publicly, is there?
"Then wait here," you tell him. "I am going to deliberate with my sisters."
The hubbub erupts again – you quickly signal to some of the Whitewings to keep some order while you're gone – and you return to your apartments with Minerva and Maria. It's a long walk, but you absolutely need privacy for this discussion, you don't care about Sternlin's comfort, and a long wait will surely cool some tempers down there. Perhaps some people will get bored and drift away. Less of an audience in case…in case.
"Michalis? What are you—" You shush her. "Michalis!"
"We can't talk about this in the halls, Minerva!"
As soon as the heavy lock thunks into place, Minerva releases all her pent up steam and demands: "MICHALIS! What do you think you're doing, here? What is there to deliberate?"
"I-I think—" Maria tries to say.
"The only reason to deliberate is if there's the slightest chance that you will actually accede to his delusional request! Why would any of us willingly go to be a hostage? What is this absurdity? Do they not even respect us enough to make us vanish with spooky dark magic? Is Gharnef on vacation? It makes no sense!"
"That is correct, Minerva. Gharnef could just kidnap one of us with dark magic," you agree tightly, standing fast in the tide of her words.
"They sent one man to take her from us! And he just walked in and asked! Are they trying to humiliate us?" she continues.
"They are trying to humiliate us, Minerva."
She has finally noticed what you're saying. "So then what's the point of all this?" she cries, with one last burst of anger.
"Medeus wants to know how well he has me on a leash," you say. Your voice is even, but the words leave such a bitter taste in your mouth.
Your sister tosses her head. "He ought to learn that we cannot be leashed. Yes? Michalis? Michalis, we can kill the knight and send the dragons back empty-handed. If they want to fight, well, Matthis told me that a dragon's not much bigger than a wyvern. And I've slain wyverns with this axe before." She pats Hauteclere.
"Minerva, think beyond today, please. Sigyn is not the one I'm worried about. You've never seen Medeus. He is longer than this room." There is more you wish to convey to her, but the words do not come. You have not much spoken of that day, the day the ground rippled like water. The day Lucrecia tried to flee. The day his voice ground into your bones. You were not even able to make your father understand, in the end.
She gives you a searching look. Are you getting through to her? "Brother," she says, "I know you're scared."
"What? No, of course not. Minerva, you're not taking this seriously—"
"I am. Michalis, who are we if we bow to a tyrant for fear of violence? Are we still the carriers of Iote's dream, then? How many slaves were stirred to flee here in order to protect their children, in order to keep families from being separated?" You don't have the words to respond. She has struck you in your heart.
Maria does: "Minerva…" She takes a deep breath. "I'm not a child."
The two of you both stare at her. "An adult is someone who does the work of an adult," you say. "You're not quite there yet—"
"Well, maybe that's because you haven't given me any work!" she bursts out, before immediately apologizing. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry! But I…what I'm trying to say is, I don't want anyone to die because of me. If this is how I can protect Macedon, then I'll go. I'll go to Grust. And I'll come back someday."
"No!" Minerva cries. "Maria – dear one. I made a promise. If anyone ever were to touch you in anger, I would remove the offending limb. If any enemy were to strike at you, I would stand in the way. I cannot willingly let you walk into danger! Even if I must stand against dragons, I will stand in your defense!"
"Minerva, please!" her little sister begs.
"Minerva, do you think Medeus is going to offer you a duel? What do you think an earth dragon can do to people who live in a mountain?"
You've gotten her to be silent, at last. You've gotten her to think. "…You're actually going to agree, aren't you?" she murmurs, eventually.
It feels like a fist is clenching your heart. "I…don't know. I called this meeting to stall for time. If I can think of a way out of this – well. Any ideas would be appreciated."
"I can go," Minerva says. When she's quiet like this, she's more frightening than when she was ranting before. "I can take whatever they'll visit upon me. Medeus's niece will be satisfied. I can probably manage to escape, even if Leonidas isn't allowed to come with me. In fact, it will probably be easier in that case. I'll leave him here."
"D-do you think they will be very cruel?" Maria asks. "I thought being a hostage was mostly about sitting in one room and not being allowed outside. Like Saias. Minerva, I think you'd be far more miserable than me in those circumstances. I can sew and weave. Really, the only things I'd miss would be you two. And the chance to attend the Gala, of course."
"There's an idea," you say suddenly. "We keep stalling for the rest of the summer."
Minerva raises her eyebrows. "Oh, that's stupid but clever at the same time. Sternlin can't leave without a princess, and he'll fight if we tell him to leave, so we just never tell him to leave?"
"We can't stall indefinitely, of course. He will eventually lose his patience. But if we make the excuse that Maria wants so badly to attend the Pales Gala, and we'll hand her over as soon as it's finished…then that gives us time. Time to come up with another solution."
"What other solution?" Minerva asks.
"The possibilities are endless. Everyone will be at that Gala." You begin to pace, willing those endless possibilities to arrive to you. "I could convince Ludwik to rescind his demands, just off the top of my head. I could…"
"Oh," Maria says, "You could arrange a kidnapping! You can't give me to Grust if I'm kidnapped by someone else!"
You nod along. You like that idea. "They will be suspicious if you disappear before the handover, of course. There must be absolutely no evidence that we were involved."
Maria continues. "We don't really know how Dohlr will react if we anger them. But can we predict it? Let's go back to the beginning. What does Medeus want?" She's taking your lesson to heart, bless her.
"I don't know," you admit.
[ ] Let Maria go She is willing. She will appreciate this show of trust. But this will not be a popular decision. [Lose Maria, for now.]
[ ] Offer Minerva instead She is willing. This is less humiliating than offering up your baby sister. [Lose Minerva, for now.]
[ ] Stall until the Gala There must be some gambit you can pull together between now and then. [The Pales Gala paralogue will be at the end of the turn. Maria must attend. If whatever you plan fails, you will lose her at the end of it.]
[ ] Refuse and bear the consequences. Macedon does not bow to tyrants. [This will be bad for you, but it's not a game over.]
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- Pronouns
- Human/Form/Keyblade
[X] Stall until the Gala There must be some gambit you can pull together between now and then. [The Pales Gala paralogue will be at the end of the turn. Maria must attend. If whatever you plan fails, you will lose her at the end of it.]
Is the best I can think of, thanks for the update.
Is the best I can think of, thanks for the update.
I am very sorry that I missed the opening of this Quest. I'm playing catchup for now, but I'll hopefully be ready to participate in a day or two. The primary reason I'm leaving this comment is so I'll be automatically following the Quest.
I can't believe there was a FE quest and I missed the start! Admittedly I haven't played the set of games this specifically comes from, but I'm sure I can learn quick enough.
I can't believe there was a FE quest and I missed the start! Admittedly I haven't played the set of games this specifically comes from, but I'm sure I can learn quick enough.
[X] Stall until the Gala There must be some gambit you can pull together between now and then. [The Pales Gala paralogue will be at the end of the turn. Maria must attend. If whatever you plan fails, you will lose her at the end of it.]
My thought delay delay delay, the intent in my view is to rebel against Medeus so we want to stall it out until we are ready. Maybe we can use Zanza as a deniable "deserter" whom we can direct as a to build bridge with anti-Medeus rebels as well as attack our "Allies" while she keeps Maria in cold storage until she can be returned to us.
In a sense Rubens desertion would serve us in the end, man that would anger him lol.
Hmm do wyrmslayers exist in here and do the Sable use horses, because I've half a mind to pull a Travant and equip this hypothetical deserter squad with wyrmsalyer and horselayers and do a Aed massacre style ambush while extracting Maria though killing Medeus's niece may be a bit too over the top and make the kidnapping too high profile.
If we must surrender Maria perhaps we can arrange her to be given to Camus, its a hostage scenario but Camus is a step removed from the throne and he is willing to bend his vows even he will never break them as seen in the BSFE Camus scenario.
My thought delay delay delay, the intent in my view is to rebel against Medeus so we want to stall it out until we are ready. Maybe we can use Zanza as a deniable "deserter" whom we can direct as a to build bridge with anti-Medeus rebels as well as attack our "Allies" while she keeps Maria in cold storage until she can be returned to us.
In a sense Rubens desertion would serve us in the end, man that would anger him lol.
Hmm do wyrmslayers exist in here and do the Sable use horses, because I've half a mind to pull a Travant and equip this hypothetical deserter squad with wyrmsalyer and horselayers and do a Aed massacre style ambush while extracting Maria though killing Medeus's niece may be a bit too over the top and make the kidnapping too high profile.
If we must surrender Maria perhaps we can arrange her to be given to Camus, its a hostage scenario but Camus is a step removed from the throne and he is willing to bend his vows even he will never break them as seen in the BSFE Camus scenario.
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Vocalist
Verdant Maiden in Violet
- Location
- By a Cedar Tree
Oh, she's an OC. I just like the name Guadalupe, and I needed some kind of plot to make Gra more interesting, so I drew on my headcanon that Sheena wasn't her father's favored successor and spun it into a Dance of the Dragons-style succession crisis.
Michalis: As you can see, by relieving this region of its liquid wealth, I have decreased the profitability of banditry. You're welcome, Camus.
Amperstand has the right of it. Mannu acts more like the islands' guardian deity than a governing monarch. Stay off the sacred grounds, don't eat this one kind of berry, don't make a racket when he's sleeping, or be smote with fire. But running a slavers' depot? Eh, not his problem.
I'm so very happy to have you! This vote will be open for a few days, so you have time to catch up. I generally do a great burst of writing on the weekends and collect votes during the week.
If Maria is kidnapped by wyvern riders while in transit to Grust, absolutely no one will ever believe that Michalis was not behind it. You want a more deniable asset.
Giving her into the custody of someone trustworthy who is technically still a vassal of Grust is a viable plan - however, Michalis and Minerva would require some kind of assurance, or basis of trust, first. Otherwise they might as well just send her with Sternlin.
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To clarify the Maanu stuff came from looking into Ogma backstory which implied bad stuff relating to that sort of thing, most of the lore ive read on Maanu implied bad stuff but its your quest.
Are Rugens group not that well know then?
Hmm I wonder if Hardin found out hmm perhaps leak the information on Medeu's niece? That could prove useful if we where to have him capture Maria we could use her being a hostage to keep us out of a war with Aurelis this is weird reverse psychology but solves a number of geopolitical problems as it forces Medeus to not be able to war with our neighbour. If our goal is to later join the resistance against Medeus in our own right then Maria being a hostage could be used a stopgag olive branch.
It might be too obviously beneficial but maybe? If anyone has other ideas for catspaws be it willing or not(Hardin doesnt need to know that he's dancing to our tune)im all ears.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] Refuse and bear the consequences. Macedon does not bow to tyrants. [This will be bad for you, but it's not a game over.]
Yeah no, we are not giving away any of our sisters to a mad tyrant. This will certainly put us in the top of his list but consewuence be dammed, i don't want Michalis to take this step, it's a dangerous one but this kind of things are likely to go worse before it gets better,
Planning/doing a hesit to get Maria out of here could work, but it's really risky, and if it fails this will bloe worse on our faces.
Also with Minerva having doubts about us, if we do send Maria or her away, that will only increase the doubts she has for michalis.
I believe, the best route for Michalis (Not the easy one, nor for the kingdom) is to plant his feet and don't give away his family.
Also if we do give Maria to this monster, pretty sure his stress levels will skyrocket. I rather avoid that
Yeah no, we are not giving away any of our sisters to a mad tyrant. This will certainly put us in the top of his list but consewuence be dammed, i don't want Michalis to take this step, it's a dangerous one but this kind of things are likely to go worse before it gets better,
Planning/doing a hesit to get Maria out of here could work, but it's really risky, and if it fails this will bloe worse on our faces.
Also with Minerva having doubts about us, if we do send Maria or her away, that will only increase the doubts she has for michalis.
I believe, the best route for Michalis (Not the easy one, nor for the kingdom) is to plant his feet and don't give away his family.
Also if we do give Maria to this monster, pretty sure his stress levels will skyrocket. I rather avoid that
Vocalist
Verdant Maiden in Violet
- Location
- By a Cedar Tree
Pardon, but I've never seen anything that implies that Ogma and Mannu know each other. Ogma was born in Pyrathi, yes, but his gladiatorial career (and accompanying traumatic backstory) occurred in Knorda, which is part of the Holy Kingdom of Archanea.
- Location
- US
Sheesh, when it rains, it pours. Well, satisfying as the sentiment may be, outright refusal is probably the worst option. That ends with the Aerie collapsed on our heads followed by Gharnef stealing Maria anyway. Michalis already decided he'd rather kill his own father than go this route.
Distasteful as it may be, sending Maria to Grust is what happened in canon, and she pulled through like a champ. I'm not terribly worried about her safely if we agree. Still, it will piss a lot of people off and make us look like a pushover. Not a great option.
Letting Minerva volunteer as tribute could work. Maria won't like it and losing our chief general will hurt, but it looks better from a PR standpoint, and Minerva is confident she can take care of herself. Probably the best move if we aren't feeling good about the stall plan.
Which leaves us with stalling and scheming. This is the option I'm leaning toward most here, though I don't have a solid plan yet, just vague ideas. Most straightforward plan I think would be to hire some mercenaries next turn and have them stage a "kidnapping". Maybe do it in a way that makes Grust look incompetent, then stage our own "rescue" and use that as an excuse to say that Grust can't be trusted to look after our sister. Michalis' idea of convincing Ludwik to back off has some merit, though I'm not sure we can pull it off without some kind of leverage on him. Somehow arranging for Aurelis or Talys to do the kidnapping might work, but that could easily turn into a hostage situation of a different kind. Hm, we recently learned about types of flora, including poison mushrooms. Maybe we could fake some kind of assassination attempt, use that as an excuse to whisk her back home? Probably a stupid idea, but maybe there's something there. I'm going to need to give this a lot more thought before I vote.
A very good question, Maria. Just what reaction is Medeus looking for? I need to sleep on this.
Distasteful as it may be, sending Maria to Grust is what happened in canon, and she pulled through like a champ. I'm not terribly worried about her safely if we agree. Still, it will piss a lot of people off and make us look like a pushover. Not a great option.
Letting Minerva volunteer as tribute could work. Maria won't like it and losing our chief general will hurt, but it looks better from a PR standpoint, and Minerva is confident she can take care of herself. Probably the best move if we aren't feeling good about the stall plan.
Which leaves us with stalling and scheming. This is the option I'm leaning toward most here, though I don't have a solid plan yet, just vague ideas. Most straightforward plan I think would be to hire some mercenaries next turn and have them stage a "kidnapping". Maybe do it in a way that makes Grust look incompetent, then stage our own "rescue" and use that as an excuse to say that Grust can't be trusted to look after our sister. Michalis' idea of convincing Ludwik to back off has some merit, though I'm not sure we can pull it off without some kind of leverage on him. Somehow arranging for Aurelis or Talys to do the kidnapping might work, but that could easily turn into a hostage situation of a different kind. Hm, we recently learned about types of flora, including poison mushrooms. Maybe we could fake some kind of assassination attempt, use that as an excuse to whisk her back home? Probably a stupid idea, but maybe there's something there. I'm going to need to give this a lot more thought before I vote.
A very good question, Maria. Just what reaction is Medeus looking for? I need to sleep on this.
- Pronouns
- He
[X] Stall until the Gala There must be some gambit you can pull together between now and then. [The Pales Gala paralogue will be at the end of the turn. Maria must attend. If whatever you plan fails, you will lose her at the end of it.]
Brightflame
Lord of the Dance
- Location
- Inkopolis
[X] Stall until the Gala There must be some gambit you can pull together between now and then. [The Pales Gala paralogue will be at the end of the turn. Maria must attend. If whatever you plan fails, you will lose her at the end of it.]
Found this one earlier today. A new 8BDD quest is always a good thing as far as I'm concerned.
[X] Refuse and bear the consequences. Macedon does not bow to tyrants. [This will be bad for you, but it's not a game over.]
I don't really have a strong attachment to the results of this vote, since I just got here, but this is what I'm going with.
[X] Refuse and bear the consequences. Macedon does not bow to tyrants. [This will be bad for you, but it's not a game over.]
I don't really have a strong attachment to the results of this vote, since I just got here, but this is what I'm going with.