Behind the Serpent Throne (CK2)
- Thread starter The Laurent
- Start date
- Original Fantasy
- Location
- over there
[X]Plan Mori
[X] Dueling Words
[X] Unseating the Poet x2
Ameliorate money issues and lock in poetry tutor influence over the Emperor.
[X] The Piece Beneath Notice
Do something regarding this this turn so as not to waste resources.
[X] Arming
[X] From the East x2
[X] Hoarding Works x2
War around the corner. From the East "could be...very, very important, all things considered", and has a ??? success rate, so gets 2 die.
[X] The Turtle of the West, Part 2
Follow-up.
[X] Letters to Nestirin
Finally take advantage of the discount.
[X] Learning to Hold the Leash
[X] For What Purpose
[X] The Emperor's Body
Avoiding wasting subplots' progression by letting them dangle.
--
[X] No Contracts x2
[X] Put Down
No Contracts "might determine the fate of the entire war" (paraphrase), and has variable success.
Rumors of Foreign Affairs, also having variable success and likely dire consequences for a roll under 40, should probably also be taken x2, so then doesn't fit into this turn.
Torn between Put Down and Too Much Baggage. But the argument for Put Down for experience as well as getting rid of the bandit problem is persuasive.
[X] Unseating the Poet x2
Ameliorate money issues and lock in poetry tutor influence over the Emperor.
[X] The Piece Beneath Notice
Do something regarding this this turn so as not to waste resources.
[X] Arming
[X] From the East x2
[X] Hoarding Works x2
War around the corner. From the East "could be...very, very important, all things considered", and has a ??? success rate, so gets 2 die.
[X] The Turtle of the West, Part 2
Follow-up.
[X] Letters to Nestirin
Finally take advantage of the discount.
[X] Learning to Hold the Leash
[X] For What Purpose
[X] The Emperor's Body
Avoiding wasting subplots' progression by letting them dangle.
--
[X] No Contracts x2
[X] Put Down
No Contracts "might determine the fate of the entire war" (paraphrase), and has variable success.
Rumors of Foreign Affairs, also having variable success and likely dire consequences for a roll under 40, should probably also be taken x2, so then doesn't fit into this turn.
Torn between Put Down and Too Much Baggage. But the argument for Put Down for experience as well as getting rid of the bandit problem is persuasive.
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- Pronouns
- They/Them
Oh, shit! I forgot to add something.
Resources!
You finally gained your first example of 'Resources.'
The Tapestries. Resources can be spent to improve a roll, or change the outcome of a roll. A resource might provide a +5 bonus, a +10 bonus...all the way up to a +20, depending on how much sense it'd make for a particular resource to actually affect things. Like, for obvious reasons, the Hari-Su tapestries aren't going to help 'The Turtle of the West' but they might make an effective bribe for certain sorts of people. So use it wisely. You have two tapestries, and once used up...well, yeah. I'll put that on the front page, actually.
I was actually planning on introducing it in turn 1. The money you would have brought. Instead you decided to keep it there, obviously part of a clever plan to use the option it provided to keep Hari-Os from going towards the Prince...except you never used it.
Resources!
You finally gained your first example of 'Resources.'
The Tapestries. Resources can be spent to improve a roll, or change the outcome of a roll. A resource might provide a +5 bonus, a +10 bonus...all the way up to a +20, depending on how much sense it'd make for a particular resource to actually affect things. Like, for obvious reasons, the Hari-Su tapestries aren't going to help 'The Turtle of the West' but they might make an effective bribe for certain sorts of people. So use it wisely. You have two tapestries, and once used up...well, yeah. I'll put that on the front page, actually.
I was actually planning on introducing it in turn 1. The money you would have brought. Instead you decided to keep it there, obviously part of a clever plan to use the option it provided to keep Hari-Os from going towards the Prince...except you never used it.
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Bakkasama
There is always a greater fool
- Location
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Pronouns
- He/his
Ok, I am thinking on something like this:
Behold my great rhetoric skill!
Behold my great rhetoric skill!
Title: Unseating the Poet (x2)
Secure influence! Access to the emperor!
Title: From the East (x2)
Prevent idiocy! Don't be Leroy!
Title: Bows On Horses
Now or never! They won't be ready otherwise!
Title: Hoarding Works? (x2)
Army marches on its stomach! Very important, 50% chance!
Title: The Turtle of the West, Part 2
Follow up!
Title: Letters to Nestirin
Discount! Spirits!
Title: Guards, Guards
Prevent treachery!
Title: A Northern Excuse
Learn something! The fuck happened!
Title: The Science of Spiritual Warfare
Every bit helps! Now to use its 3 turns!
Title: Learning To Hold The Leash (x2)
Twice so we don't die learning it!
Title: Too Much Baggage
Much tactics! Much speed! Run, horsey, run!
Title: No Contracts (x2)
Very important! Screwed if true!
Secure influence! Access to the emperor!
Title: From the East (x2)
Prevent idiocy! Don't be Leroy!
Title: Bows On Horses
Now or never! They won't be ready otherwise!
Title: Hoarding Works? (x2)
Army marches on its stomach! Very important, 50% chance!
Title: The Turtle of the West, Part 2
Follow up!
Title: Letters to Nestirin
Discount! Spirits!
Title: Guards, Guards
Prevent treachery!
Title: A Northern Excuse
Learn something! The fuck happened!
Title: The Science of Spiritual Warfare
Every bit helps! Now to use its 3 turns!
Title: Learning To Hold The Leash (x2)
Twice so we don't die learning it!
Title: Too Much Baggage
Much tactics! Much speed! Run, horsey, run!
Title: No Contracts (x2)
Very important! Screwed if true!
[X] Plan Building Up Credits
Zeitgeist Blue
Currently Made of Metal
- Location
- Manila, Philippines, GMT +8
[X] Plan Intrigue, Diplomacy, and War, Oh My!
Though war is very much an inevitability, my plan still seeks to followup on the many responsibilities we have gained as a courtier in the Emperor's court. Obligations as the Envoy to the Army of course take priority, and almost half of our Court Actions may help in our capacities as Envoy. Still, it would be remiss for us to not followup on the paths we've chosen, and the plot hooks we've been set on as the protagonist of this quest. Some of our Court Actions brings us down these paths, others strengthens the foundations we need to survive the court.
Edit: Swapped Baggage Train for No Contracts.
Court Actions:
[] Unseating the Poet
This would cement some of our Influence, and provides us another avenue to the Emperor. Just as well, this is doing good by our friend.
[] Southern Vipers?
We're woefully under-equipped in the information and clandestine operations by the standards of this court. Most of the time we get our information personally, or second-hand through rumors and gossip. But we do need to take an active role in this. That's where our maids go to work.
[] Followup Notice
Hari-Su has been a long-term project of ours, I think. And this keeps up the work we've been able to garner. They're quite neutral, all things considered, but this is where we hope to use our Influence to make a difference.
[] Reporting to the Emperor
We failed this last turn, yet I still think it's worth is enough to try again. For all that he is a boy, he still is the most powerful person in his empire. Getting closer has obvious benefits with our relationship, but more than that, I hope that we may be able to impress upon him just how things are. Who knows, we may get something extra straight out of the Emperor!
[] Bows On Horses
This is our speciality within our speciality as a general. We're a horseman and a Rassit, and this is a project worth 2 turns. If someone should and could be able to turn the sorry lot of Csirit's light cavalry around, it's us. It'll be a sad thing if we can't prove our worth in what we do best.
[] Hoarding Works? x2 Dice
A logistical problem, and a flip of the coin without any modifiers. This just shows how hard this will be. Still, an army marches on its belly, and we can't have ours starve when it is time for war.
[] The Turtle of the West, Part 2
Something new that may just give us an advantage. Juae thinks this is worth our time and we've spent one Influence on it already. Meta-ly speaking, something with multiple parts would probably be worth it.
[] Letters to Nestirin
A discount, down from a State Action to our much cheaper Court Action. If I recall, Nesterin is usually neutral in civil wars. Perhaps our involvement might change that, at least enough for them to send supplies and resources. Those are valuable in themselves.
[] Down In The Vaults
You know, we've been ignoring this plotline for so long. Actually, I don't think we've ever touched on it. If I remember right, Laurent had a member of the Department of Secrets come to us at one of our parties. That party wasn't even directly related to the old Emperor's death! Surely something like that must merit investigation? We did say we'd look into it, but it's been several months and here we still are.
[] The Opener of Letters
A continuation of us forming our spy network. Hopefully we could get some sort of synergy with our soon-to-be sister's husband. One was a horsebreeder, and the other was someone who could directly tie in to this action. We could soon have a way to know the letters, both personal and official, going in and out of Csrae.
[] A Northern Excuse
This is very intriguing for me. It's a mystery box option, but I think Laurent has given enough hints to show us that this may be worth our time.
[] Academy Days: The Bureaucracy of Magic
We've gotten past our first step in pursuing more influence over the Academy. Now we do this again to be able to wield it properly, for our own use. A hand deep in the Academy's bureaucracy may just give us our pick of magical goodies.
[] For What Purpose?
Lastly, the spirit which has latched itself onto us. It's still a mystery, and this option hopes to unravel it further. Perhaps once we know of its reasoning and purpose, we could come to an understanding and pursue further actions that would benefit both of us.
State Actions:
[] A Stirring in the South, Part 1
Focusing on Hari-Su yet again. Hopefully this and the Court Action Followup Notice provides bonus to each other, or at least some flavor text.
[] No Contracts
On second thought, this is quite important, enough so that I'm willing to put aside the fixing of our logistical problems for this. We might just get information on how to best proceed, or if we get really lucky we might make the Prince's venture a headache for him.
[] Put Down
This can function as a more intense Shakedown Cruise, but with Irit clearing out its bandits we should help to expedite the process. This has the double benefit of keeping one of our staunchest allies free from distractions, as well as wetting our army. I'd imagine they're as green as green can be. Some bandit fighting would be good for honing their formations and skills.
[] Unseating the Poet
This would cement some of our Influence, and provides us another avenue to the Emperor. Just as well, this is doing good by our friend.
[] Southern Vipers?
We're woefully under-equipped in the information and clandestine operations by the standards of this court. Most of the time we get our information personally, or second-hand through rumors and gossip. But we do need to take an active role in this. That's where our maids go to work.
[] Followup Notice
Hari-Su has been a long-term project of ours, I think. And this keeps up the work we've been able to garner. They're quite neutral, all things considered, but this is where we hope to use our Influence to make a difference.
[] Reporting to the Emperor
We failed this last turn, yet I still think it's worth is enough to try again. For all that he is a boy, he still is the most powerful person in his empire. Getting closer has obvious benefits with our relationship, but more than that, I hope that we may be able to impress upon him just how things are. Who knows, we may get something extra straight out of the Emperor!
[] Bows On Horses
This is our speciality within our speciality as a general. We're a horseman and a Rassit, and this is a project worth 2 turns. If someone should and could be able to turn the sorry lot of Csirit's light cavalry around, it's us. It'll be a sad thing if we can't prove our worth in what we do best.
[] Hoarding Works? x2 Dice
A logistical problem, and a flip of the coin without any modifiers. This just shows how hard this will be. Still, an army marches on its belly, and we can't have ours starve when it is time for war.
[] The Turtle of the West, Part 2
Something new that may just give us an advantage. Juae thinks this is worth our time and we've spent one Influence on it already. Meta-ly speaking, something with multiple parts would probably be worth it.
[] Letters to Nestirin
A discount, down from a State Action to our much cheaper Court Action. If I recall, Nesterin is usually neutral in civil wars. Perhaps our involvement might change that, at least enough for them to send supplies and resources. Those are valuable in themselves.
[] Down In The Vaults
You know, we've been ignoring this plotline for so long. Actually, I don't think we've ever touched on it. If I remember right, Laurent had a member of the Department of Secrets come to us at one of our parties. That party wasn't even directly related to the old Emperor's death! Surely something like that must merit investigation? We did say we'd look into it, but it's been several months and here we still are.
[] The Opener of Letters
A continuation of us forming our spy network. Hopefully we could get some sort of synergy with our soon-to-be sister's husband. One was a horsebreeder, and the other was someone who could directly tie in to this action. We could soon have a way to know the letters, both personal and official, going in and out of Csrae.
[] A Northern Excuse
This is very intriguing for me. It's a mystery box option, but I think Laurent has given enough hints to show us that this may be worth our time.
[] Academy Days: The Bureaucracy of Magic
We've gotten past our first step in pursuing more influence over the Academy. Now we do this again to be able to wield it properly, for our own use. A hand deep in the Academy's bureaucracy may just give us our pick of magical goodies.
[] For What Purpose?
Lastly, the spirit which has latched itself onto us. It's still a mystery, and this option hopes to unravel it further. Perhaps once we know of its reasoning and purpose, we could come to an understanding and pursue further actions that would benefit both of us.
State Actions:
[] A Stirring in the South, Part 1
Focusing on Hari-Su yet again. Hopefully this and the Court Action Followup Notice provides bonus to each other, or at least some flavor text.
[] No Contracts
On second thought, this is quite important, enough so that I'm willing to put aside the fixing of our logistical problems for this. We might just get information on how to best proceed, or if we get really lucky we might make the Prince's venture a headache for him.
[] Put Down
This can function as a more intense Shakedown Cruise, but with Irit clearing out its bandits we should help to expedite the process. This has the double benefit of keeping one of our staunchest allies free from distractions, as well as wetting our army. I'd imagine they're as green as green can be. Some bandit fighting would be good for honing their formations and skills.
Title: Unseating the Poet
Dice Rolled: Diplomacy, secondary Intrigue
Chance of Success: 65%
Time: ! Turns
Text: Bei'ren could do it! Possibly. If he made a run at the position and failed, it would be a big problem, but if he succeeded, then it would cement Kiralo's influence and power, and access, over the Emperor, even if it is in a matter not related to the great affairs of state.
Title: Southern Vipers?
Dice Rolled: Intrigue
Chance of Success: 60%
Time: 1 turn
Text: He has concubines now, posing as maids. Kiralo could of course put them to use buttering up and possibly seducing (probably seducing) visitors and guests, as many people do, whether they'd prefer to or not. After all, it's something they're no doubt used to as a requirement, and it wasn't as if it was particularly much to ask. And there might be some interesting information gathered with such a technique.
Title: Followup Notice
Dice Rolled: Stewardship, Diplomacy
Chance of Success: 65%
Time: 1 Turn
Text: Having gotten close to the Hari-Su merchants, he could continue to show interest in their affairs, in the hopes that this strengthens ties and opens up other opportunities, since he's going to be connecting with merchants quite often in the future, more likely than not. He'll have to be careful not to come off as entreating more bribes, or else they'll likely shut him down or, even if they don't, come to distrust him. A man who doesn't stay bought is useless.
Title: Reporting to the Emperor
Dice Rolled: Diplomacy
Chance of Success: 70%
Time: 1 Turn
Text: It is not strictly necessary to report any progress as Envoy to the Emperor. After all, reports can be written, and go to the people who, well, make the actual decisions since the Emperor is currently a young boy. But meeting with him personally might give Kiralo a chance to further his bonds with the young Emperor, and to see that the Emperor gets some personal understanding of the military situation, at least in some respects.
Title: Bows On Horses
Dice Rolled: Martial and Diplomacy
Chance of Success: 60%
Time: 2 Turns
Text: It is said that what there is of the light cavalry of the main Csiritan army is pathetic, especially in terms of their skill with the bow. This is not something that's easy to fix, but Kiralo now knows enough of the riders that he could try to press through at least some training. It's too late to have a large, powerful, skilled light-cavalry in time for the war, far too late. Years, perhaps, too late. But if the center unit of the only army that Kiralo could count on not to fight against him could at least do its job halfway decently, that would be enough for the time being.
Title: Hoarding Works?
Dice Rolled: Stewardship
Chance of Success: 50%
Time: 1 Turn
Text: If war comes, the army will need rice. A lot of rice. In fact, they'll need more rice than they think they might need, because the new recruits and the new armies might not actually have proper supplies for themselves. It's going to be absolute chaos, and one way to head it off right now is to begin to purchase and store grain. The difficulty, of course, is doing so without causing a panic in the city, or driving prices up as merchants realize that the pickings are good to offload rice that they no doubt fear will be seized if war comes. It's...a very difficult balance, yet if war is to come, it must be done right.
Title: The Turtle of the West, Part 2
Dice Rolled: Diplomacy
Chance of Success: 80%, secrecy odds hidden
Time: 1 Turn
Text: The next step is to inquire about the nature of the Turtle itself, without promising anything or even suggesting more than polite curiosity from the letter that Kiralo will no doubt receive soon. From there, the step is to prepare the grounds for a covert meeting/demonstration to be made to, say, a trusted ally willing to make the journey to Hari-Bueli. So finding such a 'trusted ally' would be another difficulty, and perhaps one that Ju'ae might be able to aid in.
Title: Letters to Nestirin
Dice Rolled: Magic and Diplomacy
Chance of Success: 70%
Time: 1 Turn
Text: But not all of Qing'lu's news is so dire, or his demands so difficult. He has ties in Nestirin, and he's willing to write letters of introduction for Kiralo, to allow him to gain a foothold in Nestirin politics. [Note, this is essentially 'Where Spirits Nest' from before, only it is now, as a sort of discount, a Court Action, rather than a State one that would thus eat up a far rarer resource than court influence.]
Title: Down In The Vaults
Dice Rolled: Diplomacy
Chance of Success: 60%
Time: 1 Turn.
Text: Getting permission might be difficult, but there's something wrong, something definitely odd, about spirits going mad and fleeing from their owner. Getting permission is the first step into looking into this matter, but it's hardly an easy one. The vaults exist for a reason, after all.
Title: The Opener of Letters
Dice Rolled: Intrigue
Chance of Success: 60%
Time: 2 Turns
Text: Perhaps a courier or two could be convinced to sometimes tell tidbits of the information they are transferring. It is not likely that they will provide huge levels of details, not on the budget Kiralo currently has, strained as he is by his father's careful management of his money, but a few details at the right time could begin to reveal some of what the webs of messages outwards say and mean.
Title: A Northern Excuse
Dice Rolled: Diplomacy
Chance of Success: 58%
Time: 1 Turn
Text: At the end of the month, Hiro will likely be meeting the Emperor to discuss matters. He has requested the meeting, and after being screened he will no doubt be accepted, and is hurrying with all haste to the capital. But unless Kiralo is there to hear it, it's likely all he'll know of the events are rumors and guesses. So...he needs to find an excuse to be a fly on the wall.
Title: Academy Days: The Bureaucracy of Magic
Dice Rolled: Stewardship
Chance of Success: 65%
Time: 1 Turn
Text: Every aspect of the academy has bureaucracy. Who is allowed to attend, and why, where the money for them to do so is gotten, and how they are licensed and registered upon graduation, the intake and outtake to ensure that the Academy remains the foremost one in Csirit. It is a matter of a great deal of work and effort, some of it in court, and getting a grasp on how the process works would give a greater ability to influence it for Kiralo's own purposes. One must know how a group works in order to begin to control it.
Title: For What Purpose?
Dice Rolled: Diplomacy
Chance of Success: 60%
Time: 1 Turn
Text: The spirit has indicated that it feels that the Judges desire something of Kiralo. If the most high servants of the Gods, who sort out the dead and their fates themselves, desire something of Kiralo...then he should definitely figure it out. Aiyistin claims not to know why it feels this way, but perhaps by talking to it, something can be discovered of its cause.
Dice Rolled: Diplomacy, secondary Intrigue
Chance of Success: 65%
Time: ! Turns
Text: Bei'ren could do it! Possibly. If he made a run at the position and failed, it would be a big problem, but if he succeeded, then it would cement Kiralo's influence and power, and access, over the Emperor, even if it is in a matter not related to the great affairs of state.
Title: Southern Vipers?
Dice Rolled: Intrigue
Chance of Success: 60%
Time: 1 turn
Text: He has concubines now, posing as maids. Kiralo could of course put them to use buttering up and possibly seducing (probably seducing) visitors and guests, as many people do, whether they'd prefer to or not. After all, it's something they're no doubt used to as a requirement, and it wasn't as if it was particularly much to ask. And there might be some interesting information gathered with such a technique.
Title: Followup Notice
Dice Rolled: Stewardship, Diplomacy
Chance of Success: 65%
Time: 1 Turn
Text: Having gotten close to the Hari-Su merchants, he could continue to show interest in their affairs, in the hopes that this strengthens ties and opens up other opportunities, since he's going to be connecting with merchants quite often in the future, more likely than not. He'll have to be careful not to come off as entreating more bribes, or else they'll likely shut him down or, even if they don't, come to distrust him. A man who doesn't stay bought is useless.
Title: Reporting to the Emperor
Dice Rolled: Diplomacy
Chance of Success: 70%
Time: 1 Turn
Text: It is not strictly necessary to report any progress as Envoy to the Emperor. After all, reports can be written, and go to the people who, well, make the actual decisions since the Emperor is currently a young boy. But meeting with him personally might give Kiralo a chance to further his bonds with the young Emperor, and to see that the Emperor gets some personal understanding of the military situation, at least in some respects.
Title: Bows On Horses
Dice Rolled: Martial and Diplomacy
Chance of Success: 60%
Time: 2 Turns
Text: It is said that what there is of the light cavalry of the main Csiritan army is pathetic, especially in terms of their skill with the bow. This is not something that's easy to fix, but Kiralo now knows enough of the riders that he could try to press through at least some training. It's too late to have a large, powerful, skilled light-cavalry in time for the war, far too late. Years, perhaps, too late. But if the center unit of the only army that Kiralo could count on not to fight against him could at least do its job halfway decently, that would be enough for the time being.
Title: Hoarding Works?
Dice Rolled: Stewardship
Chance of Success: 50%
Time: 1 Turn
Text: If war comes, the army will need rice. A lot of rice. In fact, they'll need more rice than they think they might need, because the new recruits and the new armies might not actually have proper supplies for themselves. It's going to be absolute chaos, and one way to head it off right now is to begin to purchase and store grain. The difficulty, of course, is doing so without causing a panic in the city, or driving prices up as merchants realize that the pickings are good to offload rice that they no doubt fear will be seized if war comes. It's...a very difficult balance, yet if war is to come, it must be done right.
Title: The Turtle of the West, Part 2
Dice Rolled: Diplomacy
Chance of Success: 80%, secrecy odds hidden
Time: 1 Turn
Text: The next step is to inquire about the nature of the Turtle itself, without promising anything or even suggesting more than polite curiosity from the letter that Kiralo will no doubt receive soon. From there, the step is to prepare the grounds for a covert meeting/demonstration to be made to, say, a trusted ally willing to make the journey to Hari-Bueli. So finding such a 'trusted ally' would be another difficulty, and perhaps one that Ju'ae might be able to aid in.
Title: Letters to Nestirin
Dice Rolled: Magic and Diplomacy
Chance of Success: 70%
Time: 1 Turn
Text: But not all of Qing'lu's news is so dire, or his demands so difficult. He has ties in Nestirin, and he's willing to write letters of introduction for Kiralo, to allow him to gain a foothold in Nestirin politics. [Note, this is essentially 'Where Spirits Nest' from before, only it is now, as a sort of discount, a Court Action, rather than a State one that would thus eat up a far rarer resource than court influence.]
Title: Down In The Vaults
Dice Rolled: Diplomacy
Chance of Success: 60%
Time: 1 Turn.
Text: Getting permission might be difficult, but there's something wrong, something definitely odd, about spirits going mad and fleeing from their owner. Getting permission is the first step into looking into this matter, but it's hardly an easy one. The vaults exist for a reason, after all.
Title: The Opener of Letters
Dice Rolled: Intrigue
Chance of Success: 60%
Time: 2 Turns
Text: Perhaps a courier or two could be convinced to sometimes tell tidbits of the information they are transferring. It is not likely that they will provide huge levels of details, not on the budget Kiralo currently has, strained as he is by his father's careful management of his money, but a few details at the right time could begin to reveal some of what the webs of messages outwards say and mean.
Title: A Northern Excuse
Dice Rolled: Diplomacy
Chance of Success: 58%
Time: 1 Turn
Text: At the end of the month, Hiro will likely be meeting the Emperor to discuss matters. He has requested the meeting, and after being screened he will no doubt be accepted, and is hurrying with all haste to the capital. But unless Kiralo is there to hear it, it's likely all he'll know of the events are rumors and guesses. So...he needs to find an excuse to be a fly on the wall.
Title: Academy Days: The Bureaucracy of Magic
Dice Rolled: Stewardship
Chance of Success: 65%
Time: 1 Turn
Text: Every aspect of the academy has bureaucracy. Who is allowed to attend, and why, where the money for them to do so is gotten, and how they are licensed and registered upon graduation, the intake and outtake to ensure that the Academy remains the foremost one in Csirit. It is a matter of a great deal of work and effort, some of it in court, and getting a grasp on how the process works would give a greater ability to influence it for Kiralo's own purposes. One must know how a group works in order to begin to control it.
Title: For What Purpose?
Dice Rolled: Diplomacy
Chance of Success: 60%
Time: 1 Turn
Text: The spirit has indicated that it feels that the Judges desire something of Kiralo. If the most high servants of the Gods, who sort out the dead and their fates themselves, desire something of Kiralo...then he should definitely figure it out. Aiyistin claims not to know why it feels this way, but perhaps by talking to it, something can be discovered of its cause.
Title: A Stirring in the South, Part 1
Dice Rolled: Intrigue and Diplomacy
Chance of Success: 60%
Time: 1 Turn.
Text: Messages can be sent, thoughts can be had, on just what to do about the matter of Hari-Su and the Southlands. Their loyalty is neither sure nor unsure at this point, and more than that, figuring it out will be difficult, to say the least. But collusion with the Southlands, as long as it is not found out, has its own advantages in these matters.
Title: No Contracts
Dice Rolled: Martial, Intrigue
Chance of Success: ???, variable
Time: 1 Turn
Text: Kiralo has access to his money in the banks, and he has access to the networks he gathered as a mercenary, including among the courts. The matter would be to try to use these, from afar--the real difficulty--to try to thwart any plans to hire mercenaries or otherwise cause problems for the imperial side. The fate of the entire war might rest on whether Prince Jinhai is playing with merely the troops he can raise...or the troops he can pay for.
Title: Put Down
Dice Rolled: Martial, Diplomacy
Chance of Success: 60%
Time: 1 Turn
Text: An army is what is needed to lance the boil of the banditry, but beyond any difficulties with planning the campaign, and now is the time to act if there is to be any action before the boiling civil war. Convincing people will be difficult, but what other choice is there? [Starts a semi-war-turn]
Dice Rolled: Intrigue and Diplomacy
Chance of Success: 60%
Time: 1 Turn.
Text: Messages can be sent, thoughts can be had, on just what to do about the matter of Hari-Su and the Southlands. Their loyalty is neither sure nor unsure at this point, and more than that, figuring it out will be difficult, to say the least. But collusion with the Southlands, as long as it is not found out, has its own advantages in these matters.
Title: No Contracts
Dice Rolled: Martial, Intrigue
Chance of Success: ???, variable
Time: 1 Turn
Text: Kiralo has access to his money in the banks, and he has access to the networks he gathered as a mercenary, including among the courts. The matter would be to try to use these, from afar--the real difficulty--to try to thwart any plans to hire mercenaries or otherwise cause problems for the imperial side. The fate of the entire war might rest on whether Prince Jinhai is playing with merely the troops he can raise...or the troops he can pay for.
Title: Put Down
Dice Rolled: Martial, Diplomacy
Chance of Success: 60%
Time: 1 Turn
Text: An army is what is needed to lance the boil of the banditry, but beyond any difficulties with planning the campaign, and now is the time to act if there is to be any action before the boiling civil war. Convincing people will be difficult, but what other choice is there? [Starts a semi-war-turn]
Though war is very much an inevitability, my plan still seeks to followup on the many responsibilities we have gained as a courtier in the Emperor's court. Obligations as the Envoy to the Army of course take priority, and almost half of our Court Actions may help in our capacities as Envoy. Still, it would be remiss for us to not followup on the paths we've chosen, and the plot hooks we've been set on as the protagonist of this quest. Some of our Court Actions brings us down these paths, others strengthens the foundations we need to survive the court.
Edit: Swapped Baggage Train for No Contracts.
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The Sandman
So Zetta Slowpoke
- Location
- Wherever I am, which isn't where I'm not
So, how hard would it be to get Prince Jinhai killed by ordering him into a trap?
Or to quietly hire a band of mercenaries for the express purpose of getting themselves hired by the Prince and then spanking him?
Or in any other way taking advantage of how Jinhai himself is the biggest point of failure for his side?
I mean, between the Bueli incursion and whatever us going wrong in the North, we have two legitimate foreign threats that we can force Jinhai to expend his strength on. And he can't afford to disobey us and kick off a civil war when the orders are to protect the Empire from the barbarians, not unless he wants to piss away his support.
On a different and more long-term subject, I do see one way to put Yanmae in a position where she can get her ideas implemented, although she'd have to be willing to get married to do it: get her engaged to the Emperor. If she can get his ear, it doesn't matter who else knows that she's the one coming up with innovations. Heck, he could probably even let her openly study law and take the examinations; it'd be against all custom, of course, but as eccentricities go it's probably pretty mild compared to other Emperors on record.
Or to quietly hire a band of mercenaries for the express purpose of getting themselves hired by the Prince and then spanking him?
Or in any other way taking advantage of how Jinhai himself is the biggest point of failure for his side?
I mean, between the Bueli incursion and whatever us going wrong in the North, we have two legitimate foreign threats that we can force Jinhai to expend his strength on. And he can't afford to disobey us and kick off a civil war when the orders are to protect the Empire from the barbarians, not unless he wants to piss away his support.
On a different and more long-term subject, I do see one way to put Yanmae in a position where she can get her ideas implemented, although she'd have to be willing to get married to do it: get her engaged to the Emperor. If she can get his ear, it doesn't matter who else knows that she's the one coming up with innovations. Heck, he could probably even let her openly study law and take the examinations; it'd be against all custom, of course, but as eccentricities go it's probably pretty mild compared to other Emperors on record.
@The Laurent - does us now having the information about the Southland mercanaries allow Kuojah to react to it himself, as I imagine both his own stats and the political infrastructure network he's developed over the decades would be far superior to what Kiralo could do considering he's still got a negative of new to court. Or does us not taking the action mean nothing happens?
Similar to above, is there also any way we could direct Prince Jinhai at the Buelli? Not just to defend Hari-Buelli from raids (which would likely mean they side with him should he revolt) but to actually use his troops to go on the offensive into Buelli territory. Notably not only does this weaken his troops number, but it also weakens one of his key assertions that the Emperor is weak if the Emperor sees the distress of his subjects and declares war on the cause of it. And if he says no to it, it would presumably greatly hurt his standing.
Would taking the "At beating hearts" action in Irit improve the Aiyistin actions we have?
Can checking it twice and against the enemies of state be taken together, or is it better to do the first then the second?
Similar to above, is there also any way we could direct Prince Jinhai at the Buelli? Not just to defend Hari-Buelli from raids (which would likely mean they side with him should he revolt) but to actually use his troops to go on the offensive into Buelli territory. Notably not only does this weaken his troops number, but it also weakens one of his key assertions that the Emperor is weak if the Emperor sees the distress of his subjects and declares war on the cause of it. And if he says no to it, it would presumably greatly hurt his standing.
Would taking the "At beating hearts" action in Irit improve the Aiyistin actions we have?
Can checking it twice and against the enemies of state be taken together, or is it better to do the first then the second?
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Random Member
Gardener of Human Happiness
- Location
- Behind You
But if people see the Prince defeating the barbarians, won't that make them support him more? Will the Emperor not appear weak if the Imperial troops failed where the Prince's troops succeeded?
Why? It would have been an order from the Emperor, and a campaign set up by the Emperor, and the Csirit army in some capacity would also be there too and not solely Prince Jinhai's forces. The glory in this setting would thus reflect back onto the Emperor (even though he had nothing to do with any of the above), and one of the main arguments of support for Prince Jinhai is that the Emperor is a child with a regent who is incapable of understanding and doesn't like war which is bad when Csirit is being attacked by outside entities.
This would directly undercut that belief, which makes the whole argument behind supporting him much harder to rationalize outside of personal ambition given the whole divinity of the Emperor.
It also makes Prince Jinhai's actual ascension of power harder as it presumably would have gone removal of Kuojah due for the above reasons, following that would have been a purge of the court and limitation of access to the child Emperor, before finally an accident happening to him.
One of the benefits of this plan is it also has a very noticeable impact if the campaign is planned into Buelli, and Prince Jinhai is given an order by the Emperor to assist and he refuses as it also directly undercuts him and his supporters in a significant manner which could be amplified even more if rumours about Southlander mercenary activity are released afterwards. Not obeying an order from the Emperor to defend Csirit from foreigners is very bad, but then being found to be recruiting foreign mercenaries to attack Csirit makes it horrendous.
Random Member
Gardener of Human Happiness
- Location
- Behind You
After thinking about the actions a bit more, and since nobody is voting for my plan anyway, I made a few adjustments.
[X] Plan Random 2.0: Electric Boogaloo
Court:
[] For What Purpose?
Get to know what the gods/their servants want from us.
[] Friends In Poem Places
More connections.
[] Followup Notice
Improving relations with Hari-Su is very important right now.
[] A Lesson In Laws
-[] Gift her a tapestry
Might improve the chance of success on other actions.
[] A Northern Excuse
This guy..... Really want to know what he found.
[] Reporting to the Emperor
While I still have doubts that doing this right after Kuojah told us not to is a good idea, this could get us more authority and make it easier to do things. There's also the fact that it might prevent us from losing this Influence point:
[] The Turtle of the West, Part 2 x2
Obligatory. That secrecy roll makes me want to put an extra die on it. Failing it could make us enemies and ruin our standing at court. I don't want to lose any Influence.
[] Hoarding Works? x2
An army marches on its stomach. The chance of success is decent enough, but a bare pass will most certainly cause some panic, which I want to avoid.
[] Bows On Horses
Make the cavalry not completely atrocious. Since it takes 2 turns, it's better to start it now so that it's finished before the war starts.
[] From the East
Need to keep this guy in check.
[] The 'Gang of Roughs'
These guys will be useful force multipliers. And if we want to integrate them in the army's structure, it's better to start now.
[] Academy Days: The Bureaucracy of Magic
Useful for future magic actions. Might sync with A Lesson In Laws?
State:
[] Put Down
I am still convinced this is a good way to gain experience before the war starts. And getting rid of bandits is always good.
[] No Contracts x2
I want to do both this and 'Rumors of Foreign Affairs', but also put two dice on them since they're that important. Since this means I can only do one of them this turn, I was thinking what I should do first. Comments like this:
[X] Plan Random 2.0: Electric Boogaloo
Court:
[] For What Purpose?
Get to know what the gods/their servants want from us.
[] Friends In Poem Places
More connections.
[] Followup Notice
Improving relations with Hari-Su is very important right now.
[] A Lesson In Laws
-[] Gift her a tapestry
Might improve the chance of success on other actions.
[] A Northern Excuse
This guy..... Really want to know what he found.
[] Reporting to the Emperor
While I still have doubts that doing this right after Kuojah told us not to is a good idea, this could get us more authority and make it easier to do things. There's also the fact that it might prevent us from losing this Influence point:
[] The Turtle of the West, Part 2 x2
Obligatory. That secrecy roll makes me want to put an extra die on it. Failing it could make us enemies and ruin our standing at court. I don't want to lose any Influence.
[] Hoarding Works? x2
An army marches on its stomach. The chance of success is decent enough, but a bare pass will most certainly cause some panic, which I want to avoid.
[] Bows On Horses
Make the cavalry not completely atrocious. Since it takes 2 turns, it's better to start it now so that it's finished before the war starts.
[] From the East
Need to keep this guy in check.
[] The 'Gang of Roughs'
These guys will be useful force multipliers. And if we want to integrate them in the army's structure, it's better to start now.
[] Academy Days: The Bureaucracy of Magic
Useful for future magic actions. Might sync with A Lesson In Laws?
State:
[] Put Down
I am still convinced this is a good way to gain experience before the war starts. And getting rid of bandits is always good.
[] No Contracts x2
I want to do both this and 'Rumors of Foreign Affairs', but also put two dice on them since they're that important. Since this means I can only do one of them this turn, I was thinking what I should do first. Comments like this:
Certainly make the mercenaries appear to be a bigger problem than more nobles joining the Prince. Also, I'm positive that while Kuojah is doing everything he can to prevent the latter, he doesn't really have a network and money in the Southlands like Kiralo to prevent the former. So let's do what he can't do?
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- Pronouns
- They/Them
In this case, yes, specifically because he's recognizing this as a military action, in one sense. This could start the war, and so he's moving carefully, and in this case actually trusting Kiralo's judgement on how to time all of this. That doesn't mean he's not doing other things in the background, but don't assume an action will happen if you don't choose it.
- Pronouns
- They/Them
The problem with directing Prince Jinhai at the Bueli is that, for one, this would put his army passing right next to the capital. For two, he's a Prince of Basrat. If he's being called up, from literally thousands of miles from the Hari-Bueli border, that means that the Empire has gone full crisis-mode. Generally, an incursion like what the Bueli are doing isn't met by the full force of the Empire, which is part of the reason for the "North/South/East/West" generals thing.
So as a step, sending him against the Bueli would be one of two things.
A) It could be viewed as an acknowledgement that he's somehow such a great general that only he can do it...which is probably not what's wanted right now.
B) It indicates that the Empire is in a crisis, that it's falling apart, beset on all sides by enemies. This...uh, isn't the sort of impression Kuojah wants to make, and it's one that inherently threatens any "Status quo things are fine" position. And the last thing you want is instability and people thinking the status isn't quo.
A third point is that because of these above circumstances, credit would not actually necessarily rest wholly in the Emperor. If it's interpreted as "A" then a huge amount of the credit goes to Prince Jinhai if he agreed and etc, etc.
If it's B, then...well. What, do you think the Emperor will get credit for quelling instability that people blame on the newness and laxness of his rule? Or rather, obviously: The rule of his false and treacherous advisers, since blaming the Emperor directly is taboo.
There are circumstances where this would be an effective response to this pressure and threat. But now isn't one of them, for these and also other reasons.
Random Member
Gardener of Human Happiness
- Location
- Behind You
What we should instead do is have the Emperor order the Prince to lead an expedition into the northern mountains to find/stop/whatever the thing that the Governor's son found. 
I'm just kidding, of course. He wouldn't obey that order and it would be weird to send the Prince. People would obviously see it as sending him on a suicide mission.
I'm just kidding, of course. He wouldn't obey that order and it would be weird to send the Prince. People would obviously see it as sending him on a suicide mission.
You're right @The Laurent , it's just my mental map was wrong as I didn't re-consult your drawn map. I was thinking that Hari-Bueli was north east as due to the Manchu and China, but instead it's north west and opposite of Prince Jinhai's power base.
Could you also answer these?
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Probably better to do the first and then the second, but they can be taken together.
As for "At Beating Hearts" it's possible, but the action as a whole is more designed for opening up generalized faith options involving spirits and the like. If you roll well enough, it might give a bonus, perhaps. *thinks about it.*
I was thinking due to the fact it's heart of the Csirit spiritually, and the action indicates you go there to learn about religion, magic and spirits all of which relate to Aiysitan given the references to the Judges.
Zeitgeist Blue
Currently Made of Metal
- Location
- Manila, Philippines, GMT +8
You know, with everyone and their mother making their own plan I think it's best to start compromising to get votes. And well, checking it all, your plan and mine (and what the choices I'd like to see in the next turn) are the most similar.
So right now, what I'm most strongly against is Dueling Words. What's a bit meh for me is The Will of the Father and the second Dice in both The Turtle of the West and No Contracts. Everything else is something in my plan now or what I would've liked done in the next turn.
I'm not entirely convinced that Dueling Words is the answer to our money woes, or even the path to ameliorating it. What started it was our bribe to that official, the boss of Yonu, and considering that Dueling Words describes us as getting "a little money", I don't think the money we get is worth the Influence. I'm thinking of it as Money + Poetry Fame = Influence, rather than Money = Influence. Perhaps we can rely on the stipend from Kuojah and what income Envoy brings our way, and start building up our savings again. So instead of Dueling Words, perhaps you can do Unseating the Poet? It would seem to grant us another Influence if we were to succeed. And Spirits know we need all we can get, especially since 2 of our 14 are only temporary.
Now The 'Gang of Roughs' is something I'd like to see done, but I don't think now is the optimal time. I think Academy Days: The Bureaucracy of Magic is better for establishing ourselves. From the description, once we understand the bureaucracy and, I'd imagine, gain allies like in Academy Days: Cultivating the Head we could begin the process of officially tying the Academy, and from there the mages of Csrae, into the military apparatus. Actually reading The 'Gang of Roughs' has me realizing that it is the first step in what I want to do here. So just keeping this here to show my thoughts.
I think The Will of the Father can be waited upon. The guy's a tough old bastard, unlucky for us, so I'm thinking he could hang on a season more. There's probably better uses of our Influence right now, like the above Academy Days, or one of the actions that would let us investigate the Emperor's Death.
Here are the actions I'd think would be of better use:
[] Southern Vipers?
[] The Emperor's Body?
[] Down In The Vaults
[] The Opener of Letters
[] Academy Days: Cultivating the Head
[] Academy Days: The Bureaucracy of Magic
And I just have a gut feeling that we can do all right in the secrecy roll for The Turtle of the West so feel free to ignore that.
Same with No Contracts.
Though in fact, you may use a Expensive Hari-Su tapestry to gift in The Turtle of the West to give a bonus with the secrecy roll. Ju'ae is from the west, and maybe whatever trusted ally he scrounges up is as well. That's quite far enough from the Southlands that we may receive a hefty bonus (+10? Or even +15?). Definitely much more than using it for someone from Hari-Su. Whichever way, you could do this and free up a Court Action.
What do you say?
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Random Member
Gardener of Human Happiness
- Location
- Behind You
You make some good points in the rest of your post and I had trouble deciding where to place the tapestries, but:
Random Member
Gardener of Human Happiness
- Location
- Behind You
I really hate to double post, but since editing the previous post might cause him to miss it...
@Zeitgeist Blue
Regarding 'Dueling Words', what would you think about replacing it with 'Friends In Poem Places'? It could improve our chances of 'Unseating the Poet' and could get us some useful contacts.
As for 'The Will of the Father', I'd probably replace it with 'Academy Days: The Bureaucracy of Magic'. If I wasn't so worried about the secrecy roll on the Turtle, I'd replace the 2nd die on it with 'Down In The Vaults', but I'm still not sure....
@Zeitgeist Blue
Regarding 'Dueling Words', what would you think about replacing it with 'Friends In Poem Places'? It could improve our chances of 'Unseating the Poet' and could get us some useful contacts.
As for 'The Will of the Father', I'd probably replace it with 'Academy Days: The Bureaucracy of Magic'. If I wasn't so worried about the secrecy roll on the Turtle, I'd replace the 2nd die on it with 'Down In The Vaults', but I'm still not sure....
Zeitgeist Blue
Currently Made of Metal
- Location
- Manila, Philippines, GMT +8
Ah, must have missed that then.
That's fine with me. Considering the secondary roll for Intrigue, which feels like a secrecy roll, and the unknown amount of turns to complete it. Mind though, both Actions have a 77% chance of success, with Kiralo's Diplomacy. I'd prefer to cut to the chase and gain more Influence, take the chance and all that. You can tell me "I told you so," if yours wins and we fail the roll though.
They both have a 72% chance of success, coincidentally enough, and both have a partner action of sorts in your plan. Hmm, let's see. That's a hard choice actually, since they're both somewhat tangentially related to their partner choice, The 'Gang of Roughs' and For What Purpose?, respectively, which seems to lead to the same goal. Yet Academy Days is the 2nd step on the path, while Down In The Vaults just opens one for us, as far as I can remember.
I think you're gut feeling is right. I'd prefer Academy Days over Down In The Vaults. Perhaps we may discover Aiyistin's purpose, and in so doing provide a bonus for future "Investigation on the Emperor's Death" actions. Or not; it may not even be related. Who knows?
[X] Plan Random 2.0: Electric Boogaloo
Random Member
Gardener of Human Happiness
- Location
- Behind You
Added 'Friends in Poem Places' and 'Academy Days: Bureaucracy'. Maybe if I had an idea on where to put a tapestry but....Ah, must have missed that then.
That's fine with me. Considering the secondary roll for Intrigue, which feels like a secrecy roll, and the unknown amount of turns to complete it. Mind though, both Actions have a 77% chance of success, with Kiralo's Diplomacy. I'd prefer to cut to the chase and gain more Influence, take the chance and all that. You can tell me "I told you so," if yours wins and we fail the roll though.
They both have a 72% chance of success, coincidentally enough, and both have a partner action of sorts in your plan. Hmm, let's see. That's a hard choice actually, since they're both somewhat tangentially related to their partner choice, The 'Gang of Roughs' and For What Purpose?, respectively, which seems to lead to the same goal. Yet Academy Days is the 2nd step on the path, while Down In The Vaults just opens one for us, as far as I can remember.
I think you're gut feeling is right. I'd prefer Academy Days over Down In The Vaults. Perhaps we may discover Aiyistin's purpose, and in so doing provide a bonus for future "Investigation on the Emperor's Death" actions. Or not; it may not even be related. Who knows?
[X] Plan Random 2.0: Electric Boogaloo
I'll keep the 2nd die on the Turtle, for now. If other people think about voting for my plan, I'm willing to swap that 2nd die for 'Down In The Vaults', if you guys would prefer that.
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Vote closes on Sunday.