Behind the Serpent Throne (CK2)
- Thread starter The Laurent
- Start date
- Original Fantasy
- Pronouns
- They/Them
This is fun to watch, really, in a way. I mean, it's always fun to watch intrigue and plotting when you hold all the cards and know what's behind each and every door. But yeah, the Emperor action was the first of your failures, and the 'Yanmae action' the first of your bare successes. I was surprised by the first, and slightly gratified by the second, in the sense that I already had a good idea/scene in my head for a bare success or bare failure. But yeah, neither of them *should* have been hard rolls. And yet here we are.
Random Member
Gardener of Human Happiness
- Location
- Behind You
It's certainly.... interesting. Although the chance of success for the Emperor action dropping from 80% to 70% isn't that bad. Sure, it will cost another Influence and sure, it would have been better if we had succeeded the first time, but atleast there are no real repercussions. I'm just glad we didn't fail the Turtle roll. That, I imagine, would have been much worse.
And we keep critting those letters!
[X] Accept the one eunuch compromise (relationship with father...doesn't get worse, though getting better? Hah. No cost in influence, Yanmae not entirely satisfied.
I don't think it's worth the extra Influence and I don't find the compromise to be that bad actually.
- Location
- Virginia
[X] Accept the one eunuch compromise (relationship with father...doesn't get worse, though getting better? Hah. No cost in influence, Yanmae not entirely satisfied.
- Location
- Penn's Woods
[X] Accept the one eunuch compromise (relationship with father...doesn't get worse, though getting better? Hah. No cost in influence, Yanmae not entirely satisfied.
Proving ourselves a player of the compromise game rather than a rash and impetuous young outsider is pretty essential as far as our father's perception. To the young aristocrats and the people we must be a visible agent of change, to the powers that be we must be an agent of continuity and stability.
Speaking of stability, really meta-ish question for The Laurent: Will it ever be possible to use Influence to drive outcomes more predictably?
Say, accepting a lower expected value in exchange for a bell-shaped curve? 8d12 is worse than 1d100 on average, and certainly a poor choice for trying to hit a difficult option, but when we've done work to make the change of failure marginal, structuring our actions to fulfill minimum criteria of success could be highly advantageous.
I understand of course that very high variance, to a degree, represents the sheer chaos of the world and the chances of our actions lining up well or poorly with the jumble of agendas, plots, and natural phenomena. But, to the degree that we can use effort in more 'plodding,' risk averse ways, I know I'd be interested! After all, choices about accepting risk/reward possibilities are vital to all strategy and politicking. Whole d100s are pretty high-stakes gambles, (near-flat probability rather than a bell-shaped curve! The horror!) and gambler's ruin is a thing.
Perhaps, when we're going to spend multiples of influence on one result, allowing a choice like 15d10 rather than 2d100, which practically ensures a result well over 50 (>99%), but makes results over 150 quite impossible?
(Apologies if, having read the quest results thus far but not all the player-QM bits, I missed someone else asking about this.)
Proving ourselves a player of the compromise game rather than a rash and impetuous young outsider is pretty essential as far as our father's perception. To the young aristocrats and the people we must be a visible agent of change, to the powers that be we must be an agent of continuity and stability.
Speaking of stability, really meta-ish question for The Laurent: Will it ever be possible to use Influence to drive outcomes more predictably?
Say, accepting a lower expected value in exchange for a bell-shaped curve? 8d12 is worse than 1d100 on average, and certainly a poor choice for trying to hit a difficult option, but when we've done work to make the change of failure marginal, structuring our actions to fulfill minimum criteria of success could be highly advantageous.
I understand of course that very high variance, to a degree, represents the sheer chaos of the world and the chances of our actions lining up well or poorly with the jumble of agendas, plots, and natural phenomena. But, to the degree that we can use effort in more 'plodding,' risk averse ways, I know I'd be interested! After all, choices about accepting risk/reward possibilities are vital to all strategy and politicking. Whole d100s are pretty high-stakes gambles, (near-flat probability rather than a bell-shaped curve! The horror!) and gambler's ruin is a thing.
Perhaps, when we're going to spend multiples of influence on one result, allowing a choice like 15d10 rather than 2d100, which practically ensures a result well over 50 (>99%), but makes results over 150 quite impossible?
(Apologies if, having read the quest results thus far but not all the player-QM bits, I missed someone else asking about this.)
- Pronouns
- They/Them
One thing to note with spending multiple influence is that, so as to not making it a certain success, you don't actually roll 2d100. Instead, you roll 1d100 twice, taking the better result.
[X] Accept the one eunuch compromise (relationship with father...doesn't get worse, though getting better? Hah. No cost in influence, Yanmae not entirely satisfied.
It's not worth another influence and pissing off our Father, given he's where a majority of out actions come from. This compromise also isn't all that bad, as Kuojah is an intelligent man so he must of had his reasons (even if they may have been tinted with bias) and Yanmae while not getting all the help she desired, is going to have more free time to pursue knowledge.
The rest of the update is pretty good too. We've done well with the letter so investigating the mercenaries in the Southlands should be easier which would be a major coup for Kuojah and the Emperor if it succeeds, and if it isn't Prince Jinhai it could still be another threat to Csirit which if anything has the potential to be better if you can temporarily force Prince Jinhai's and the Emperor's faction together temporarily.
Reporting to the Emperor is an OK failure, given it wasn't actually a disaster we were just told no with a decrease of 10 to the success chance. The Turtle in the West is a good success, as is Pain in Arrears given it's highly likely we'll take some campaign actions next turn.
Interspersed throughout the narrative were also conversations and dialogue refering to other actions which was wonderfully natural so excellent writing there, Laurent. In particular I liked the mention of our spirits, if I'm right and it's a reference to Aiyistin - the spirit Kiralo encountered while praying to the Judges.
It's not worth another influence and pissing off our Father, given he's where a majority of out actions come from. This compromise also isn't all that bad, as Kuojah is an intelligent man so he must of had his reasons (even if they may have been tinted with bias) and Yanmae while not getting all the help she desired, is going to have more free time to pursue knowledge.
The rest of the update is pretty good too. We've done well with the letter so investigating the mercenaries in the Southlands should be easier which would be a major coup for Kuojah and the Emperor if it succeeds, and if it isn't Prince Jinhai it could still be another threat to Csirit which if anything has the potential to be better if you can temporarily force Prince Jinhai's and the Emperor's faction together temporarily.
Reporting to the Emperor is an OK failure, given it wasn't actually a disaster we were just told no with a decrease of 10 to the success chance. The Turtle in the West is a good success, as is Pain in Arrears given it's highly likely we'll take some campaign actions next turn.
Interspersed throughout the narrative were also conversations and dialogue refering to other actions which was wonderfully natural so excellent writing there, Laurent. In particular I liked the mention of our spirits, if I'm right and it's a reference to Aiyistin - the spirit Kiralo encountered while praying to the Judges.
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Vote closes Saturday morning.
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Huh, you know, it's interesting. It's actually entirely possible, even if you win (I mean, entire civil war coming sometime soon), that you'll never personally meet Prince Jinhai. I'm starting to wonder if I have a 'thing' about not showing villains on screen that often.
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Vote closed, tally please.
Random Member
Gardener of Human Happiness
- Location
- Behind You
Vote Tally : Original - Fantasy - Behind the Serpent Throne (CK2) | Page 74 | Sufficient Velocity
##### NetTally 1.7.3.2
[X] Accept the one eunuch compromise (relationship with father...doesn't get worse, though getting better? Hah. No cost in influence, Yanmae not entirely satisfied.
No. of Votes: 12
[x] Go through with the full action of Maid Do, damn the consequences. (-1 Influence next turn from pushing, relationship with father worsens a little bit, Yanmae's wishes satisfied.)
No. of Votes: 2
Total No. of Voters: 14
##### NetTally 1.7.3.2
[X] Accept the one eunuch compromise (relationship with father...doesn't get worse, though getting better? Hah. No cost in influence, Yanmae not entirely satisfied.
No. of Votes: 12
[x] Go through with the full action of Maid Do, damn the consequences. (-1 Influence next turn from pushing, relationship with father worsens a little bit, Yanmae's wishes satisfied.)
No. of Votes: 2
Total No. of Voters: 14
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Alright, update on Monday. I could say all sorts of things about Yanmae, including some things that probably would have made the vote a lot closer than it was, but I won't. Instead I'm just going to sit here smiling mysteriously.
pantherasapiens
you were always my best friend
- Location
- somewhere over your shoulder
No, she'd spend it sitting there smiling mysteriously.
Turn 6--Results, B
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Turn 6--B
Ultimately, Yanmae needed to understand the politics sometimes involved making compromises. It in fact sometimes involved nothing but compromises. The eunuch would be skilled enough at cleaning to give her more free time to study with her mentor, or read her books, and that would be that. His father, sitting across from him, was far too dangerous of a man to cross at the moment, not without a reason.
Yanmae was a smart woman, and he respected her as he did any intelligent person, but at the same time, she was also a nearly grown woman. She was sixteen, and in other circumstances she might now be married. In other circumstances she'd have to deal with far more than isolation and an excellent library. He sympathized with her worries, and perhaps at a later date he'd be able to help her in more concrete ways than a single housecleaner.
But he'd given that up for the moment, to talk about his men. His men that he'd have to tell the good news, if he could make the good news happen. To do so, he needed to get permission with the offices dealing with nobles and their allotments.
Each person who was landed was allowed a certain number of household retainers. Kiralo could in theory slip them in under the gaze of those laws, if he twisted them enough, but it would require a rather startling amount of contortion.
But the journey itself would take far too long, once they could enter, to delay at all.
And so when he left the meeting, he didn't go somewhere to sulk, or consider the implications of his father's plans. Instead, he was already moving, storming through the court. The truth was, if he merely walked everywhere, as he had so far done most of the time, he'd not only get a good exercise, but be late to everything. It really was a large court, large enough to be inconvenient, and the people he needed to meet were very distant from each other.
So he was walking along, guards at each side of him, when he saw a rather fat man approach him quite swiftly. The guards could have stopped him, and the hall was big enough that he could have dodged the man, but he recognized him. Ishuni, Yonu's boss.
He was wearing a florid red set of robes, that matched his face as the man stopped five feet away from him and bowed barely enough before he said, "What is the meaning of this, Cs-Kiralo? Am I your enemy? Do you hate me, and all that I stand for? Are we mortal enemies, that I must cut open my throat rather than dare to breathe free and act as my job requires in my own department?" He kept on talking, rather than giving Kiralo even a moment to answer, "I have been disrespected by you, Kiralo of Lineage Ainin, and I do not know what I could have done to deserve your disrespect. And yet, having disrespected me, you will find that I am a man of honor, and that means I do not accept slights to my Department."
"I do not understand why you could ever think that I would slight you," Kiralo lied, "Cs-Yonu has often spoken of your considerable skills as an administrator, Cs-Ishuni. If I offended, then I apologize--"
"You think it's that easy? You think it is so simple, that you may drink a man under the table and rifle through his…" Ishuni's face was the sort that really could have used with a beard. Instead, he was so clean shaven that nothing hid his double chin, or the signs of dissolution. He had abandoned his wife in a manor in Basrat, and lived with four concubines, women who were said to be dissolute and of low moral worth: unlike the high class mistresses with which a man was meant to surround himself if he decided, as many men did, that his wife was not sufficient.
Instead, or so it was said, they were women from the gutter. Of course, this could be slander. It hadn't taken long for Kiralo to guess that the rumors about his own parentage and his mother probably called her a filthy peasant, that behind his back…
"I do not think it is easy," Kiralo said. He shook his head, "We should talk, have a drink. Discuss this like reasonable men,a nd come to an accommodation."
"You bypassed me, almost entirely," Ishuni said. And the worst part was, he was right. It was disrespectful but entirely necessary, and he'd do it again if that's what it took to get his policies through, because right now he needed the army at least as much as they needed him. War was coming, and he had to do what he needed to do. He couldn't allow a man like this to interfere. "I want restitution! I want to speak to you about...certain matters. It's said that there are a few policies going through that Cs-Kuojah has…"
He glanced around, at the guards who were tense now, their own spirits shifting and moving, dancing. Ready as Kiralo's were to act, though it was far from needed. "What policies?"
"He's begun to enforce the...there are certain rules about who may be guests at certain sorts of parties."
The parties of nobles. Those parties that involved respected officials were meant to be tasteful gatherings. His consorts were of course not supposed to be there, since...well, the reasons were numerous.
Kiralo frowned, "Oh?"
"As well, I have been having a few...debts, here and there. I've heard that you are a man who...pays the debts of those who ask." Ishuni leered at him. "Perhaps you could grant me a little bit of a...loan."
Extortion, great.
What Does Kiralo Do?
[] Agree to the influence on the regulation.
[] Bribe Ishuni. It's just money, right?
[] Both.
[] Refuse to compromise. Making enemies is part of court life. He'll be an enemy...but perhaps Kiralo thinks he's a good enemy to have.
******
Just as great, in fact amazing, was the fact that even after six months in court, nobody had realized that throwing barely clad serving girls at him was not in fact going to change his opinion. Good alcohol might, but it might not, and the man sitting across from him was talking fast.
"I was given to hear that you yourself were a lover of certain luxuries. I have much that I could offer you. As a man who has lived in the Southlands, you should know that the women of Hari-Su have a beauty all their own, but more importantly, the horseflesh we can offer for nobles to ride is impressive, and we have access to some Dragonwood, and certain...substances that are said to enhance one's evening. As well, we have yet more we can offer."
"We?" Kiralo asked, glancing at the woman whose robes were slipping down to bare, for just a 'tempting' moment, her chest as she poured the rather more tempting rice wine. It really was very good wine, and this man, Inino, was a merchant who seemed as much a salesman as a manager. He and others had come here with tapestries from the Southlands, rebranded as Hari-Su creations, with more than a little in rare and exotic materials that they wished to fashion into rather high quality furniture.
As well, as they said, they had brought a few lovely courtesans from Hari-Su, hints of exoticism that were nothing, he thought, on some of what the Seventeen Cities had offered. And horses, now that was something interesting. Not that they'd be even near Southland quality, but...it was something to consider.
And lastly, Hulgil and hash, the former to be had as a pill, which was said to cause, as the name meant in the foreign dialect, 'joy.' Rare, expensive, and yet certainly valued among some who did not prefer the more religious bodily poisons and drugs that could alter one's consciousness in ways more approved by the religious majority. Hulgil use was not common, because it was incredibly expensive, but among those who were addicts, or who liked a little experimentation every now and then. The latter was more common, though similarly expensive.
"There are more. We are a consortium of sorts, and were told that you were the person to ask to give us the permits we need to sell directly to the palace city. If we were wrong, Cs-Kiralo."
"You were not. In fact, I have already done certain actions on this matter," Kiralo said, with a smile that reached his eyes and spread. Because here, at least, he was ahead of expectations. "In fact, the permits for some of your goods will be granted by the morning. Primarily the valuable materials and the tapestries and artwork, I did not know about the horses, the girls, or the drugs."
"Dancers, some of them, very good dancers in fact," the man insisted. He was thin, angular in a way, but there was something puffy about the man. Perhaps it was his eyebrows. "But really? You are as excellent as I have been told. I applaud your elevation, then, to a position worthy of your skill."
"You flatter me," Kiralo said, and it was a statement of fact. He'd been flattering Kiralo since he'd gotten there, in fact.
"No, not at all. I tell only the truth, and ask just what...would interest you. If you might perhaps wish for some of the cargo we have brought, at a...discount?"
He was peering at Kiralo, waiting for an answer. And Kiralo did indeed know that this was how it was going to work. It was a bribe, and yet at the same time, considering he'd already done so much work, it was more like a...reward. A reward for effort made to file and push the permits through while talking to others about the location in which his...household 'retainers' might be able to stay once in the city.
Kiralo looked back at him, and closed his eyes, and then smiled, "Well, if I may say…"
What does he say? (Ask at least one, can try for more, obviously)
[] "I've always thought that Hari-Su tapestries are excellent, perhaps something for the wall would be nice…"
[] "My room is bare, perhaps some furniture would be of interest."
[] "A few more horses wouldn't hurt, perhaps as breeding stock?"
[] "I am a contented and simple man, doing merely my duty…"
[] "I have never had Hulgil, perhaps there are friends of mine who would enjoy it."
[] "A few more...serving girls could be of some value," he lied, thinking fast.
[] Write-in.
*****
There were a few prospects, and yet Kiralo knew he needed to narrow them down, to see who he would advise Aia's family to seek out for their daughter. And so, hungover and tired the next day, he reviewed some of the names he'd heard.
He'lung was the man in charge of the calligraphy department in the messenger's office. A learned scholar, in his mid-thirties, he had a very exacting reputation, and was close to Kuojah. He used his position to influence the nature of letters, and his job was overseeing those who rewrote messages for the office. He had a moderate stipend, and was of good birth, but of no particular wealth.
Nadota was a man who was rising despite everything. He had been in charge of the position which dealt with messages sent to Basrat, and from his position, he had exacted quite a toll in the past six months, because it was down to him to see just whom delivered what letter. And with Prince Jinhai around, the wrong or right person to deliver the letter could tell the difference between it being opened and read to the detriment of all, and it being sent speedily along. Thus, he was sometimes viewed as a partisan of Jinhai, but in truth, it was simple greed. But he was skilled at what he did, as well.
Win-Yan is in charge of the horsebreeding program. A somewhat rich noble, he's in a low place, and clearly has ambitions to do more with himself than that. In fact, he seems like he's an aspiring cavalryman, despite a lack of training in that regard. He's smart, and seems to know his business, as far as it goes, but he laughs at his own jokes, has a large nose, and rumors are that no stableboy was safe who crossed his path. That said, when approached on the thought of having a wife, the young man reacted appreciably, and perhaps he would be willing to be a...hands off husband.
Shuang is an almost middle aged man of no particular attainment. He's a mid-ranking official within the bureaucracy, who has probably never sat on the back of a horse, or at least hasn't in years. But. He has watchful eyes, and seems incredibly intelligent and learned. Perhaps it is Kiralo's fancy, but he thought about this position, and realized that if one was merely reading the mail and passing it on, that a position like this, just beneath suspicion and just above contempt, would be perfect. He is a widower of impeccable reputation.
Finally, if most ambitiously, the head of the Messenger office is in his early thirties. An aristocrat appointment, he seems competent. Shiru is tall, handsome, and other than a habit of drinking far too much and gambling, seems the perfect young gentleman, grown up. At the same time, it is possible that there was a reason he has not yet married despite all of that, and there are rumors that his family has been having money problems recently.
Choose two of them to recommend that they 'try to lure in.'
[] Write in their names here
*****
A/N: And there we go, some choices!
Ultimately, Yanmae needed to understand the politics sometimes involved making compromises. It in fact sometimes involved nothing but compromises. The eunuch would be skilled enough at cleaning to give her more free time to study with her mentor, or read her books, and that would be that. His father, sitting across from him, was far too dangerous of a man to cross at the moment, not without a reason.
Yanmae was a smart woman, and he respected her as he did any intelligent person, but at the same time, she was also a nearly grown woman. She was sixteen, and in other circumstances she might now be married. In other circumstances she'd have to deal with far more than isolation and an excellent library. He sympathized with her worries, and perhaps at a later date he'd be able to help her in more concrete ways than a single housecleaner.
But he'd given that up for the moment, to talk about his men. His men that he'd have to tell the good news, if he could make the good news happen. To do so, he needed to get permission with the offices dealing with nobles and their allotments.
Each person who was landed was allowed a certain number of household retainers. Kiralo could in theory slip them in under the gaze of those laws, if he twisted them enough, but it would require a rather startling amount of contortion.
But the journey itself would take far too long, once they could enter, to delay at all.
And so when he left the meeting, he didn't go somewhere to sulk, or consider the implications of his father's plans. Instead, he was already moving, storming through the court. The truth was, if he merely walked everywhere, as he had so far done most of the time, he'd not only get a good exercise, but be late to everything. It really was a large court, large enough to be inconvenient, and the people he needed to meet were very distant from each other.
So he was walking along, guards at each side of him, when he saw a rather fat man approach him quite swiftly. The guards could have stopped him, and the hall was big enough that he could have dodged the man, but he recognized him. Ishuni, Yonu's boss.
He was wearing a florid red set of robes, that matched his face as the man stopped five feet away from him and bowed barely enough before he said, "What is the meaning of this, Cs-Kiralo? Am I your enemy? Do you hate me, and all that I stand for? Are we mortal enemies, that I must cut open my throat rather than dare to breathe free and act as my job requires in my own department?" He kept on talking, rather than giving Kiralo even a moment to answer, "I have been disrespected by you, Kiralo of Lineage Ainin, and I do not know what I could have done to deserve your disrespect. And yet, having disrespected me, you will find that I am a man of honor, and that means I do not accept slights to my Department."
"I do not understand why you could ever think that I would slight you," Kiralo lied, "Cs-Yonu has often spoken of your considerable skills as an administrator, Cs-Ishuni. If I offended, then I apologize--"
"You think it's that easy? You think it is so simple, that you may drink a man under the table and rifle through his…" Ishuni's face was the sort that really could have used with a beard. Instead, he was so clean shaven that nothing hid his double chin, or the signs of dissolution. He had abandoned his wife in a manor in Basrat, and lived with four concubines, women who were said to be dissolute and of low moral worth: unlike the high class mistresses with which a man was meant to surround himself if he decided, as many men did, that his wife was not sufficient.
Instead, or so it was said, they were women from the gutter. Of course, this could be slander. It hadn't taken long for Kiralo to guess that the rumors about his own parentage and his mother probably called her a filthy peasant, that behind his back…
"I do not think it is easy," Kiralo said. He shook his head, "We should talk, have a drink. Discuss this like reasonable men,a nd come to an accommodation."
"You bypassed me, almost entirely," Ishuni said. And the worst part was, he was right. It was disrespectful but entirely necessary, and he'd do it again if that's what it took to get his policies through, because right now he needed the army at least as much as they needed him. War was coming, and he had to do what he needed to do. He couldn't allow a man like this to interfere. "I want restitution! I want to speak to you about...certain matters. It's said that there are a few policies going through that Cs-Kuojah has…"
He glanced around, at the guards who were tense now, their own spirits shifting and moving, dancing. Ready as Kiralo's were to act, though it was far from needed. "What policies?"
"He's begun to enforce the...there are certain rules about who may be guests at certain sorts of parties."
The parties of nobles. Those parties that involved respected officials were meant to be tasteful gatherings. His consorts were of course not supposed to be there, since...well, the reasons were numerous.
Kiralo frowned, "Oh?"
"As well, I have been having a few...debts, here and there. I've heard that you are a man who...pays the debts of those who ask." Ishuni leered at him. "Perhaps you could grant me a little bit of a...loan."
Extortion, great.
What Does Kiralo Do?
[] Agree to the influence on the regulation.
[] Bribe Ishuni. It's just money, right?
[] Both.
[] Refuse to compromise. Making enemies is part of court life. He'll be an enemy...but perhaps Kiralo thinks he's a good enemy to have.
******
Just as great, in fact amazing, was the fact that even after six months in court, nobody had realized that throwing barely clad serving girls at him was not in fact going to change his opinion. Good alcohol might, but it might not, and the man sitting across from him was talking fast.
"I was given to hear that you yourself were a lover of certain luxuries. I have much that I could offer you. As a man who has lived in the Southlands, you should know that the women of Hari-Su have a beauty all their own, but more importantly, the horseflesh we can offer for nobles to ride is impressive, and we have access to some Dragonwood, and certain...substances that are said to enhance one's evening. As well, we have yet more we can offer."
"We?" Kiralo asked, glancing at the woman whose robes were slipping down to bare, for just a 'tempting' moment, her chest as she poured the rather more tempting rice wine. It really was very good wine, and this man, Inino, was a merchant who seemed as much a salesman as a manager. He and others had come here with tapestries from the Southlands, rebranded as Hari-Su creations, with more than a little in rare and exotic materials that they wished to fashion into rather high quality furniture.
As well, as they said, they had brought a few lovely courtesans from Hari-Su, hints of exoticism that were nothing, he thought, on some of what the Seventeen Cities had offered. And horses, now that was something interesting. Not that they'd be even near Southland quality, but...it was something to consider.
And lastly, Hulgil and hash, the former to be had as a pill, which was said to cause, as the name meant in the foreign dialect, 'joy.' Rare, expensive, and yet certainly valued among some who did not prefer the more religious bodily poisons and drugs that could alter one's consciousness in ways more approved by the religious majority. Hulgil use was not common, because it was incredibly expensive, but among those who were addicts, or who liked a little experimentation every now and then. The latter was more common, though similarly expensive.
"There are more. We are a consortium of sorts, and were told that you were the person to ask to give us the permits we need to sell directly to the palace city. If we were wrong, Cs-Kiralo."
"You were not. In fact, I have already done certain actions on this matter," Kiralo said, with a smile that reached his eyes and spread. Because here, at least, he was ahead of expectations. "In fact, the permits for some of your goods will be granted by the morning. Primarily the valuable materials and the tapestries and artwork, I did not know about the horses, the girls, or the drugs."
"Dancers, some of them, very good dancers in fact," the man insisted. He was thin, angular in a way, but there was something puffy about the man. Perhaps it was his eyebrows. "But really? You are as excellent as I have been told. I applaud your elevation, then, to a position worthy of your skill."
"You flatter me," Kiralo said, and it was a statement of fact. He'd been flattering Kiralo since he'd gotten there, in fact.
"No, not at all. I tell only the truth, and ask just what...would interest you. If you might perhaps wish for some of the cargo we have brought, at a...discount?"
He was peering at Kiralo, waiting for an answer. And Kiralo did indeed know that this was how it was going to work. It was a bribe, and yet at the same time, considering he'd already done so much work, it was more like a...reward. A reward for effort made to file and push the permits through while talking to others about the location in which his...household 'retainers' might be able to stay once in the city.
Kiralo looked back at him, and closed his eyes, and then smiled, "Well, if I may say…"
What does he say? (Ask at least one, can try for more, obviously)
[] "I've always thought that Hari-Su tapestries are excellent, perhaps something for the wall would be nice…"
[] "My room is bare, perhaps some furniture would be of interest."
[] "A few more horses wouldn't hurt, perhaps as breeding stock?"
[] "I am a contented and simple man, doing merely my duty…"
[] "I have never had Hulgil, perhaps there are friends of mine who would enjoy it."
[] "A few more...serving girls could be of some value," he lied, thinking fast.
[] Write-in.
*****
There were a few prospects, and yet Kiralo knew he needed to narrow them down, to see who he would advise Aia's family to seek out for their daughter. And so, hungover and tired the next day, he reviewed some of the names he'd heard.
He'lung was the man in charge of the calligraphy department in the messenger's office. A learned scholar, in his mid-thirties, he had a very exacting reputation, and was close to Kuojah. He used his position to influence the nature of letters, and his job was overseeing those who rewrote messages for the office. He had a moderate stipend, and was of good birth, but of no particular wealth.
Nadota was a man who was rising despite everything. He had been in charge of the position which dealt with messages sent to Basrat, and from his position, he had exacted quite a toll in the past six months, because it was down to him to see just whom delivered what letter. And with Prince Jinhai around, the wrong or right person to deliver the letter could tell the difference between it being opened and read to the detriment of all, and it being sent speedily along. Thus, he was sometimes viewed as a partisan of Jinhai, but in truth, it was simple greed. But he was skilled at what he did, as well.
Win-Yan is in charge of the horsebreeding program. A somewhat rich noble, he's in a low place, and clearly has ambitions to do more with himself than that. In fact, he seems like he's an aspiring cavalryman, despite a lack of training in that regard. He's smart, and seems to know his business, as far as it goes, but he laughs at his own jokes, has a large nose, and rumors are that no stableboy was safe who crossed his path. That said, when approached on the thought of having a wife, the young man reacted appreciably, and perhaps he would be willing to be a...hands off husband.
Shuang is an almost middle aged man of no particular attainment. He's a mid-ranking official within the bureaucracy, who has probably never sat on the back of a horse, or at least hasn't in years. But. He has watchful eyes, and seems incredibly intelligent and learned. Perhaps it is Kiralo's fancy, but he thought about this position, and realized that if one was merely reading the mail and passing it on, that a position like this, just beneath suspicion and just above contempt, would be perfect. He is a widower of impeccable reputation.
Finally, if most ambitiously, the head of the Messenger office is in his early thirties. An aristocrat appointment, he seems competent. Shiru is tall, handsome, and other than a habit of drinking far too much and gambling, seems the perfect young gentleman, grown up. At the same time, it is possible that there was a reason he has not yet married despite all of that, and there are rumors that his family has been having money problems recently.
Choose two of them to recommend that they 'try to lure in.'
[] Write in their names here
Southern Comfort:
Need: 30, Rolled: 1d100+10=87
The Third Leg
Need: 35 Rolled: 1d100+8=36, geeze
Matchmaker, Matchmaker
Roll: 1d100+12=52, 43
Need: 30, Rolled: 1d100+10=87
The Third Leg
Need: 35 Rolled: 1d100+8=36, geeze
Matchmaker, Matchmaker
Roll: 1d100+12=52, 43
*****
A/N: And there we go, some choices!
[X] Bribe Ishuni. It's just money, right?
Money is one thing, crossing Kuojah on weak grounds is...blood in the water.
Refusing to compromise would mark us as someone who won't play the great game...and thus have to be removed.
[X] "I've always thought that Hari-Su tapestries are excellent, perhaps something for the wall would be nice…"
[X] "A few more...serving girls could be of some value," he lied, thinking fast.
The former for wealth, since they are easily gifted as bribes.
The latter to spread the rumor that Kiralo does have a vice he can be gotten by. It'd be helpful for diplomacy and intrigue for people to continue to assume he's into pretty girls and pursue that strategy, wasting their efforts to cloud his mind.
Based on the conversation I think we can wrangle two at least. Horses is a bit risky, since we'd need to use them, trade them, or they cost us money instead. Drugs are too risky I think.
He'lung
-Pros: Good reputation
-Cons: Middle aged
-Mixed: Kuojah links would be a double edged sword when his time is over, but good for social climbing...they don't want to social climb.
Nadota
-Pros: Rich, rising star.
-Cons: Image of being linked to Jinhai even though he's not. When things throw down that could be a mixed blessing.
-Mixed: Greedy, so unlikely to be generous with his wealth.
Win-Yan
-Pros: Rich
-Cons: Ambitious. Not particularly attractive
-Mixed: Rumored to be gay.
Shuang
-Pros: Extremely stable position. Intelligent.
-Cons: Middle aged, widower.
Shiru
-Pros: Good status
-Cons: Money problems when the marriage is to SOLVE money problems. Gambling and drinking problems
[X] Win-Yan
[X] Shuang
I think these two should be the better picks for prosperity and safety in the time to come.
Also liable to be relatively decent spouses for a younger girl.
Money is one thing, crossing Kuojah on weak grounds is...blood in the water.
Refusing to compromise would mark us as someone who won't play the great game...and thus have to be removed.
[X] "I've always thought that Hari-Su tapestries are excellent, perhaps something for the wall would be nice…"
[X] "A few more...serving girls could be of some value," he lied, thinking fast.
The former for wealth, since they are easily gifted as bribes.
The latter to spread the rumor that Kiralo does have a vice he can be gotten by. It'd be helpful for diplomacy and intrigue for people to continue to assume he's into pretty girls and pursue that strategy, wasting their efforts to cloud his mind.
Based on the conversation I think we can wrangle two at least. Horses is a bit risky, since we'd need to use them, trade them, or they cost us money instead. Drugs are too risky I think.
He'lung
-Pros: Good reputation
-Cons: Middle aged
-Mixed: Kuojah links would be a double edged sword when his time is over, but good for social climbing...they don't want to social climb.
Nadota
-Pros: Rich, rising star.
-Cons: Image of being linked to Jinhai even though he's not. When things throw down that could be a mixed blessing.
-Mixed: Greedy, so unlikely to be generous with his wealth.
Win-Yan
-Pros: Rich
-Cons: Ambitious. Not particularly attractive
-Mixed: Rumored to be gay.
Shuang
-Pros: Extremely stable position. Intelligent.
-Cons: Middle aged, widower.
Shiru
-Pros: Good status
-Cons: Money problems when the marriage is to SOLVE money problems. Gambling and drinking problems
[X] Win-Yan
[X] Shuang
I think these two should be the better picks for prosperity and safety in the time to come.
Also liable to be relatively decent spouses for a younger girl.
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Moderately important, and he's the one in charge of the office that interfaces between the Imperial City and the Regular City. But it's someone else, as Kiralo notes, who does the actual work involving that.
Random Member
Gardener of Human Happiness
- Location
- Behind You
Don't want to make an enemy right now, nor do I want to piss off Kuojah more. So that just leaves throwing money at our problem.
[X] Bribe Ishuni. It's just money, right?
Tapestries and furniture would probably increase our standing in the eyes of others and can be used as bribes. Horses would be good if we want to improve the cavalry, but that's too long-term right now. Not asking for anything could improve our reputation, I suppose? Drugs? Eh.... I suppose the servants could be used for our rumour network. I think trying for two should be okay, certainly not more though.
[X] "I've always thought that Hari-Su tapestries are excellent, perhaps something for the wall would be nice…"
[] "My room is bare, perhaps some furniture would be of interest."
One of these two, still undecided. EDIT: Decided to go with tapestries.
And:
[X] "A few more...serving girls could be of some value," he lied, thinking fast.
Regarding suitors, Nadota is viewed as too linked to the Prince, so he's out. Shiru might have money problems, so he's out. Between He'lung, Win-Yan and Shuang, I think Win-Yan is a bit too.... scandalous. He might give Aia's family a bad reputation. So I'll go with:
[X] He'lung
[X] Shuang
[X] Bribe Ishuni. It's just money, right?
Tapestries and furniture would probably increase our standing in the eyes of others and can be used as bribes. Horses would be good if we want to improve the cavalry, but that's too long-term right now. Not asking for anything could improve our reputation, I suppose? Drugs? Eh.... I suppose the servants could be used for our rumour network. I think trying for two should be okay, certainly not more though.
[X] "I've always thought that Hari-Su tapestries are excellent, perhaps something for the wall would be nice…"
[] "My room is bare, perhaps some furniture would be of interest."
One of these two, still undecided. EDIT: Decided to go with tapestries.
And:
[X] "A few more...serving girls could be of some value," he lied, thinking fast.
Regarding suitors, Nadota is viewed as too linked to the Prince, so he's out. Shiru might have money problems, so he's out. Between He'lung, Win-Yan and Shuang, I think Win-Yan is a bit too.... scandalous. He might give Aia's family a bad reputation. So I'll go with:
[X] He'lung
[X] Shuang
Last edited:
Droman
𐤊𐤍𐤏𐤍
[x] Refuse to compromise. Making enemies is part of court life. He'll be an enemy...but perhaps Kiralo thinks he's a good enemy to have.
The man seems worthless. Let's crush him.
[x] "I've always thought that Hari-Su tapestries are excellent, perhaps something for the wall would be nice…"
[x] "My room is bare, perhaps some furniture would be of interest."
Horses are too long term at this point, and we can have our own men buy some horses from South to bring.
[x] He'lung
[x] Shuang
The best of a bad bunch, I think.
The man seems worthless. Let's crush him.
[x] "I've always thought that Hari-Su tapestries are excellent, perhaps something for the wall would be nice…"
[x] "My room is bare, perhaps some furniture would be of interest."
Horses are too long term at this point, and we can have our own men buy some horses from South to bring.
[x] He'lung
[x] Shuang
The best of a bad bunch, I think.
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Yeah, Kiralo unfortunately had the list of qualified, honest, handsome, young, ambitious-but-not-too-ambitious go-getters who are somehow not married already in his other robe, and then he sent it in for cleaning and, well, you know how it is.
Basically, while he's not actually essential to actions, he COULD make getting anything done a living hell, unless we get big enough that he doesn't dare.
Keep in mind that Aia's family has no interest in politics, they need money to get out of debts, and stability so they don't get strung up after Kuojah falls.
And note again, it's just a reputation, getting married tends to do things for reputations of homosexuality, regardless of the truth.
- Pronouns
- They/Them
To a certain extent, don't view it in a modern context too much. Like, husbands cheating around is fine to the court, at least. I mean, I get that morally people are going to be a little hesitant at someone who is rumored to be a pedophile.
Or maybe a hebephile, it really does depend on what the exact nature of the rumors are.Like, I get that it's skeevy, and it's meant to be.
