- Pronouns
- They/Them
Also, you should know, your Dad's kinda acting like an umbrella currently.
Behind the Serpent Throne (CK2)
- Thread starter The Laurent
- Start date
- Original Fantasy
Also, you should know, your Dad's kinda acting like an umbrella currently.
- Pronouns
- They/Them
*shakes the vote tree*
- Location
- Iceland
*falling from the vote tree*
[X] Veekie
[X] Veekie
Random Member
Gardener of Human Happiness
- Location
- Behind You
Current tally btw, in case some people want to do some strategic voting or something.
Vote Tally : Original - Fantasy - Behind the Serpent Throne (CK2) | Page 82 | Sufficient Velocity
##### NetTally 1.7.3.2
[X] The rumors of a job have drawn more and more skilled Mages than expected. Coming out of their holes in something of a swarm.
No. of Votes: 12
[X] Gen'he: A strange one, he's in his early twenties and while he does know some combat abilities, his main skill is in long-term spirit-work, such as binding spirits to protect an army while it is sleeping, or using spirits to enhance the strength and fortitude of a castle.
No. of Votes: 12
[X] Kiralo has made not merely a servant, but a friend through this battle. Or perhaps just someone who likes to tag along, because now Ji'lae's trying to talk to him.
No. of Votes: 11
[X] Hi'sen: A northerner who is said to have a real talent for calling upon spirits to heal injuries. There were rumors, apparently, that he was going to be placed on the staff of, say, a Governor if he successfully completed his challenging duel-lessons as doctor and Mage, but shockingly he has declared that he would rather make his name by working with the army. In his early 20s.
No. of Votes: 11
[X] Reroll the Academy Bureaucracy option (it was a failure, if you're wondering.
No. of Votes: 10
[X] Bao'ren: The son of a merchant, Bao'ren was in fact a 'Street Spirit-catcher' as they are called until he was thirteen, and he still specializes in finding spirits even in the wilderness. And along those same lines, he knows what sorts of spirits can be found where, leading to this city-boy having a skillset that might well be perfect for the army on the march.
No. of Votes: 10
[X] Ji'lae has heard of a distant fugitive of sorts, who, despite their young age, has done much. He's said to be skilled in the Sage styles of the Southlands, and in fact he is said to perhaps be one of them. Ji'lae has been somewhat mum on this person. Except to endorse them as skilled.
No. of Votes: 10
[X] Qinlun: A young prodigy, he is only fourteen and yet many apparently rave about his flawless brush-strokes and cunning understanding of spirits. He lacks experience, and is in fact the son of a noble and a respected concubine, raised on dreams and with long fingers, and yet he apparently looks up to Ji'lae and has managed to convince the Academy to give him a pass to stop his education for a time to serve as a junior magical aide to the army, if Kiralo will have him.
No. of Votes: 8
[X] One of the soldiers spreads the tale around, and his victory reaches many ears, adding to Kiralo's reputation.
No. of Votes: 6
[X] Jaw-lung: Named for the ancient invasion of Sea-Raiders that his distant ancestor was said to have seen off, he grew interested in the Sea-Raiders magical arts, as well as those of the Anlan, and he has a strange obsession with cannons. Guns. Things that make explosions. On a battlefield, he's the first to go for the big, flashy spirit. Off the battlefield, he's more likely to improve equipment and work on customized weaponry and armament combinations for soldiers.
No. of Votes: 6
[X] Hano: A bastard from Hari-Bueli, he has risen this far on fire and spirit, yes, but also a real skill with, apparently, defensive magic and a dedication to Csirit equal to the person he was named after, Hanae. Despite suspicions of his Bueli blood, he's proven himself loyal.
No. of Votes: 2
[X] Deshi: Almost Kiralo's age, he is the son of a solider, and physically skilled, and startlingly tall, which has no doubt led to rumors about his blood. Either way, he is known for the speed of his bindings, and his skill at unleashing spirits in scrolls with a quick, supple will that means that in a direct fight using spirits, none can beat him, and if it gets close, he's apparently almost as good at Ji'lae in a fight.
No. of Votes: 1
Total No. of Voters: 13
##### NetTally 1.7.3.2
[X] The rumors of a job have drawn more and more skilled Mages than expected. Coming out of their holes in something of a swarm.
No. of Votes: 12
[X] Gen'he: A strange one, he's in his early twenties and while he does know some combat abilities, his main skill is in long-term spirit-work, such as binding spirits to protect an army while it is sleeping, or using spirits to enhance the strength and fortitude of a castle.
No. of Votes: 12
[X] Kiralo has made not merely a servant, but a friend through this battle. Or perhaps just someone who likes to tag along, because now Ji'lae's trying to talk to him.
No. of Votes: 11
[X] Hi'sen: A northerner who is said to have a real talent for calling upon spirits to heal injuries. There were rumors, apparently, that he was going to be placed on the staff of, say, a Governor if he successfully completed his challenging duel-lessons as doctor and Mage, but shockingly he has declared that he would rather make his name by working with the army. In his early 20s.
No. of Votes: 11
[X] Reroll the Academy Bureaucracy option (it was a failure, if you're wondering.
No. of Votes: 10
[X] Bao'ren: The son of a merchant, Bao'ren was in fact a 'Street Spirit-catcher' as they are called until he was thirteen, and he still specializes in finding spirits even in the wilderness. And along those same lines, he knows what sorts of spirits can be found where, leading to this city-boy having a skillset that might well be perfect for the army on the march.
No. of Votes: 10
[X] Ji'lae has heard of a distant fugitive of sorts, who, despite their young age, has done much. He's said to be skilled in the Sage styles of the Southlands, and in fact he is said to perhaps be one of them. Ji'lae has been somewhat mum on this person. Except to endorse them as skilled.
No. of Votes: 10
[X] Qinlun: A young prodigy, he is only fourteen and yet many apparently rave about his flawless brush-strokes and cunning understanding of spirits. He lacks experience, and is in fact the son of a noble and a respected concubine, raised on dreams and with long fingers, and yet he apparently looks up to Ji'lae and has managed to convince the Academy to give him a pass to stop his education for a time to serve as a junior magical aide to the army, if Kiralo will have him.
No. of Votes: 8
[X] One of the soldiers spreads the tale around, and his victory reaches many ears, adding to Kiralo's reputation.
No. of Votes: 6
[X] Jaw-lung: Named for the ancient invasion of Sea-Raiders that his distant ancestor was said to have seen off, he grew interested in the Sea-Raiders magical arts, as well as those of the Anlan, and he has a strange obsession with cannons. Guns. Things that make explosions. On a battlefield, he's the first to go for the big, flashy spirit. Off the battlefield, he's more likely to improve equipment and work on customized weaponry and armament combinations for soldiers.
No. of Votes: 6
[X] Hano: A bastard from Hari-Bueli, he has risen this far on fire and spirit, yes, but also a real skill with, apparently, defensive magic and a dedication to Csirit equal to the person he was named after, Hanae. Despite suspicions of his Bueli blood, he's proven himself loyal.
No. of Votes: 2
[X] Deshi: Almost Kiralo's age, he is the son of a solider, and physically skilled, and startlingly tall, which has no doubt led to rumors about his blood. Either way, he is known for the speed of his bindings, and his skill at unleashing spirits in scrolls with a quick, supple will that means that in a direct fight using spirits, none can beat him, and if it gets close, he's apparently almost as good at Ji'lae in a fight.
No. of Votes: 1
Total No. of Voters: 13
Zeitgeist Blue
Currently Made of Metal
- Location
- Manila, Philippines, GMT +8
*blinks slowly*
The cool, explosive-artillery mage advocating technological innovations in warfare is losing? Right, well I'm not voting for child soldiers anymore.
The cool, explosive-artillery mage advocating technological innovations in warfare is losing? Right, well I'm not voting for child soldiers anymore.
- Pronouns
- They/Them
...man, there goes my chance for having you participate in my Naruto Quest.
Random Member
Gardener of Human Happiness
- Location
- Behind You
If only our child soldier had an interest in explosions, but alas!
I'll follow along with that then. Perhaps @The Laurent could be nice and considering we're likely to take the major options that give us more mages and befriend Ji'Lai that given Qinlun's fluff he could come too.
[X] Reroll the Academy Bureaucracy option (it was a failure, if you're wondering.)
[X] Kiralo has made not merely a servant, but a friend through this battle. Or perhaps just someone who likes to tag along, because now Ji'lae's trying to talk to him.
[X] The rumors of a job have drawn more and more skilled Mages than expected. Coming out of their holes in something of a swarm.
[X] Hi'sen: A northerner who is said to have a real talent for calling upon spirits to heal injuries. There were rumors, apparently, that he was going to be placed on the staff of, say, a Governor if he successfully completed his challenging duel-lessons as doctor and Mage, but shockingly he has declared that he would rather make his name by working with the army. In his early 20s.
[X] Jaw-lung: Named for the ancient invasion of Sea-Raiders that his distant ancestor was said to have seen off, he grew interested in the Sea-Raiders magical arts, as well as those of the Anlan, and he has a strange obsession with cannons. Guns. Things that make explosions. On a battlefield, he's the first to go for the big, flashy spirit. Off the battlefield, he's more likely to improve equipment and work on customized weaponry and armament combinations for soldiers.
[X] Ji'lae has heard of a distant fugitive of sorts, who, despite their young age, has done much. He's said to be skilled in the Sage styles of the Southlands, and in fact he is said to perhaps be one of them. Ji'lae has been somewhat mum on this person. Except to endorse them as skilled.
[X] Gen'he: A strange one, he's in his early twenties and while he does know some combat abilities, his main skill is in long-term spirit-work, such as binding spirits to protect an army while it is sleeping, or using spirits to enhance the strength and fortitude of a castle.
[X] Bao'ren: The son of a merchant, Bao'ren was in fact a 'Street Spirit-catcher' as they are called until he was thirteen, and he still specializes in finding spirits even in the wilderness. And along those same lines, he knows what sorts of spirits can be found where, leading to this city-boy having a skillset that might well be perfect for the army on the march.
Random Member
Gardener of Human Happiness
- Location
- Behind You
I think our QM has been pretty nice to us already. Like holy cow, these are alot of good rewards and we get to pick eight in total. Eight!
True, it's not essential given the options we've been given but it would still be nice.
On the other hand, it may be for the better another character isn't introduced unless the character list keeps being updated. Would you be willing to put that post near the top of the threadmarks list regardless, Laurent? That way it can be easily found.
- Location
- Melbourne, Australia
This is a really cool quest that I think doesn't have nearly enough participants. It's refreshing to experience a whole new world unfolding before me as I've read the quest.
[X] Kiralo has made not merely a servant, but a friend through this battle. Or perhaps just someone who likes to tag along, because now Ji'lae's trying to talk to him.
[X] The rumors of a job have drawn more and more skilled Mages than expected. Coming out of their holes in something of a swarm.
[X] Reroll the Academy Bureaucracy option (it was a failure, if you're wondering.
[X] Hi'sen: A northerner who is said to have a real talent for calling upon spirits to heal injuries. There were rumors, apparently, that he was going to be placed on the staff of, say, a Governor if he successfully completed his challenging duel-lessons as doctor and Mage, but shockingly he has declared that he would rather make his name by working with the army. In his early 20s.
[X] Gen'he: A strange one, he's in his early twenties and while he does know some combat abilities, his main skill is in long-term spirit-work, such as binding spirits to protect an army while it is sleeping, or using spirits to enhance the strength and fortitude of a castle.
[X] Qinlun: A young prodigy, he is only fourteen and yet many apparently rave about his flawless brush-strokes and cunning understanding of spirits. He lacks experience, and is in fact the son of a noble and a respected concubine, raised on dreams and with long fingers, and yet he apparently looks up to Ji'lae and has managed to convince the Academy to give him a pass to stop his education for a time to serve as a junior magical aide to the army, if Kiralo will have him.
[X] Jaw-lung: Named for the ancient invasion of Sea-Raiders that his distant ancestor was said to have seen off, he grew interested in the Sea-Raiders magical arts, as well as those of the Anlan, and he has a strange obsession with cannons. Guns. Things that make explosions. On a battlefield, he's the first to go for the big, flashy spirit. Off the battlefield, he's more likely to improve equipment and work on customized weaponry andarmament combinations forsoldiers.
[X] Bao'ren: The son of a merchant, Bao'ren was in fact a 'Street Spirit-catcher' as they are called until he was thirteen, and he still specializes in finding spirits even in the wilderness. And along those same lines, he knows what sorts of spirits can be found where, leading to this city-boy having a skillset that might well be perfect for the army on the march.
Edit. Thanks, I thought I had included the spirit catcher.
[X] Kiralo has made not merely a servant, but a friend through this battle. Or perhaps just someone who likes to tag along, because now Ji'lae's trying to talk to him.
[X] The rumors of a job have drawn more and more skilled Mages than expected. Coming out of their holes in something of a swarm.
[X] Reroll the Academy Bureaucracy option (it was a failure, if you're wondering.
[X] Hi'sen: A northerner who is said to have a real talent for calling upon spirits to heal injuries. There were rumors, apparently, that he was going to be placed on the staff of, say, a Governor if he successfully completed his challenging duel-lessons as doctor and Mage, but shockingly he has declared that he would rather make his name by working with the army. In his early 20s.
[X] Gen'he: A strange one, he's in his early twenties and while he does know some combat abilities, his main skill is in long-term spirit-work, such as binding spirits to protect an army while it is sleeping, or using spirits to enhance the strength and fortitude of a castle.
[X] Qinlun: A young prodigy, he is only fourteen and yet many apparently rave about his flawless brush-strokes and cunning understanding of spirits. He lacks experience, and is in fact the son of a noble and a respected concubine, raised on dreams and with long fingers, and yet he apparently looks up to Ji'lae and has managed to convince the Academy to give him a pass to stop his education for a time to serve as a junior magical aide to the army, if Kiralo will have him.
[X] Jaw-lung: Named for the ancient invasion of Sea-Raiders that his distant ancestor was said to have seen off, he grew interested in the Sea-Raiders magical arts, as well as those of the Anlan, and he has a strange obsession with cannons. Guns. Things that make explosions. On a battlefield, he's the first to go for the big, flashy spirit. Off the battlefield, he's more likely to improve equipment and work on customized weaponry andarmament combinations forsoldiers.
[X] Bao'ren: The son of a merchant, Bao'ren was in fact a 'Street Spirit-catcher' as they are called until he was thirteen, and he still specializes in finding spirits even in the wilderness. And along those same lines, he knows what sorts of spirits can be found where, leading to this city-boy having a skillset that might well be perfect for the army on the march.
Edit. Thanks, I thought I had included the spirit catcher.
Last edited:
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Alright, vote closed, tally please.
- Location
- ?
Vote Tally : Original - Fantasy - Behind the Serpent Throne (CK2) | Page 82 | Sufficient Velocity
##### NetTally 1.7.4
[X] The rumors of a job have drawn more and more skilled Mages than expected. Coming out of their holes in something of a swarm.
No. of Votes: 13
[X] Gen'he: A strange one, he's in his early twenties and while he does know some combat abilities, his main skill is in long-term spirit-work, such as binding spirits to protect an army while it is sleeping, or using spirits to enhance the strength and fortitude of a castle.
No. of Votes: 13
[X] Kiralo has made not merely a servant, but a friend through this battle. Or perhaps just someone who likes to tag along, because now Ji'lae's trying to talk to him.
No. of Votes: 12
[X] Hi'sen: A northerner who is said to have a real talent for calling upon spirits to heal injuries. There were rumors, apparently, that he was going to be placed on the staff of, say, a Governor if he successfully completed his challenging duel-lessons as doctor and Mage, but shockingly he has declared that he would rather make his name by working with the army. In his early 20s.
No. of Votes: 12
[X] Reroll the Academy Bureaucracy option (it was a failure, if you're wondering.
No. of Votes: 11
[X] Bao'ren: The son of a merchant, Bao'ren was in fact a 'Street Spirit-catcher' as they are called until he was thirteen, and he still specializes in finding spirits even in the wilderness. And along those same lines, he knows what sorts of spirits can be found where, leading to this city-boy having a skillset that might well be perfect for the army on the march.
No. of Votes: 11
[X] Ji'lae has heard of a distant fugitive of sorts, who, despite their young age, has done much. He's said to be skilled in the Sage styles of the Southlands, and in fact he is said to perhaps be one of them. Ji'lae has been somewhat mum on this person. Except to endorse them as skilled.
No. of Votes: 10
[X] Jaw-lung: Named for the ancient invasion of Sea-Raiders that his distant ancestor was said to have seen off, he grew interested in the Sea-Raiders magical arts, as well as those of the Anlan, and he has a strange obsession with cannons. Guns. Things that make explosions. On a battlefield, he's the first to go for the big, flashy spirit. Off the battlefield, he's more likely to improve equipment and work on customized weaponry and armament combinations for soldiers.
No. of Votes: 8
[X] Qinlun: A young prodigy, he is only fourteen and yet many apparently rave about his flawless brush-strokes and cunning understanding of spirits. He lacks experience, and is in fact the son of a noble and a respected concubine, raised on dreams and with long fingers, and yet he apparently looks up to Ji'lae and has managed to convince the Academy to give him a pass to stop his education for a time to serve as a junior magical aide to the army, if Kiralo will have him.
No. of Votes: 7
[X] One of the soldiers spreads the tale around, and his victory reaches many ears, adding to Kiralo's reputation.
No. of Votes: 6
[X] Hano: A bastard from Hari-Bueli, he has risen this far on fire and spirit, yes, but also a real skill with, apparently, defensive magic and a dedication to Csirit equal to the person he was named after, Hanae. Despite suspicions of his Bueli blood, he's proven himself loyal.
No. of Votes: 3
[X] Deshi: Almost Kiralo's age, he is the son of a solider, and physically skilled, and startlingly tall, which has no doubt led to rumors about his blood. Either way, he is known for the speed of his bindings, and his skill at unleashing spirits in scrolls with a quick, supple will that means that in a direct fight using spirits, none can beat him, and if it gets close, he's apparently almost as good at Ji'lae in a fight.
No. of Votes: 1
Total No. of Voters: 14
##### NetTally 1.7.4
[X] The rumors of a job have drawn more and more skilled Mages than expected. Coming out of their holes in something of a swarm.
No. of Votes: 13
[X] Gen'he: A strange one, he's in his early twenties and while he does know some combat abilities, his main skill is in long-term spirit-work, such as binding spirits to protect an army while it is sleeping, or using spirits to enhance the strength and fortitude of a castle.
No. of Votes: 13
[X] Kiralo has made not merely a servant, but a friend through this battle. Or perhaps just someone who likes to tag along, because now Ji'lae's trying to talk to him.
No. of Votes: 12
[X] Hi'sen: A northerner who is said to have a real talent for calling upon spirits to heal injuries. There were rumors, apparently, that he was going to be placed on the staff of, say, a Governor if he successfully completed his challenging duel-lessons as doctor and Mage, but shockingly he has declared that he would rather make his name by working with the army. In his early 20s.
No. of Votes: 12
[X] Reroll the Academy Bureaucracy option (it was a failure, if you're wondering.
No. of Votes: 11
[X] Bao'ren: The son of a merchant, Bao'ren was in fact a 'Street Spirit-catcher' as they are called until he was thirteen, and he still specializes in finding spirits even in the wilderness. And along those same lines, he knows what sorts of spirits can be found where, leading to this city-boy having a skillset that might well be perfect for the army on the march.
No. of Votes: 11
[X] Ji'lae has heard of a distant fugitive of sorts, who, despite their young age, has done much. He's said to be skilled in the Sage styles of the Southlands, and in fact he is said to perhaps be one of them. Ji'lae has been somewhat mum on this person. Except to endorse them as skilled.
No. of Votes: 10
[X] Jaw-lung: Named for the ancient invasion of Sea-Raiders that his distant ancestor was said to have seen off, he grew interested in the Sea-Raiders magical arts, as well as those of the Anlan, and he has a strange obsession with cannons. Guns. Things that make explosions. On a battlefield, he's the first to go for the big, flashy spirit. Off the battlefield, he's more likely to improve equipment and work on customized weaponry and armament combinations for soldiers.
No. of Votes: 8
[X] Qinlun: A young prodigy, he is only fourteen and yet many apparently rave about his flawless brush-strokes and cunning understanding of spirits. He lacks experience, and is in fact the son of a noble and a respected concubine, raised on dreams and with long fingers, and yet he apparently looks up to Ji'lae and has managed to convince the Academy to give him a pass to stop his education for a time to serve as a junior magical aide to the army, if Kiralo will have him.
No. of Votes: 7
[X] One of the soldiers spreads the tale around, and his victory reaches many ears, adding to Kiralo's reputation.
No. of Votes: 6
[X] Hano: A bastard from Hari-Bueli, he has risen this far on fire and spirit, yes, but also a real skill with, apparently, defensive magic and a dedication to Csirit equal to the person he was named after, Hanae. Despite suspicions of his Bueli blood, he's proven himself loyal.
No. of Votes: 3
[X] Deshi: Almost Kiralo's age, he is the son of a solider, and physically skilled, and startlingly tall, which has no doubt led to rumors about his blood. Either way, he is known for the speed of his bindings, and his skill at unleashing spirits in scrolls with a quick, supple will that means that in a direct fight using spirits, none can beat him, and if it gets close, he's apparently almost as good at Ji'lae in a fight.
No. of Votes: 1
Total No. of Voters: 14
Turn 7--Results, C
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Turn 7--Results C
Kiralo had thought that young warriors were the most troublesome people in the world. He had not in fact counted on young Mages of all sorts. Within three days of his victory, the word had spread around, and suddenly they were knocking at all hours, presenting their carefully written letters of recommendation or their self-praising descriptions of their careers written in trained calligraphy.
And then they'd hang around at all hours, talking with each other, drinking his tea. He needed an office, and he needed staff to deal with them. He'd step outside and there they'd be, a swarm of Mages looking for his approval, or wanting to discuss theoretical battle tactics, or…
It was enough to drive him up the wall, and then back down it again, and that was without the fact that Ji'lae did more then hang around drinking his tea. He followed him, trying to discuss important matters of battle plans.
Kiralo did not have it in him to refuse the discussion, but he did have it in him to make sure Arimi and Vedal weren't swallowed up by this gaggle of young men.
That day, as he was walking to the office of the Mage registry to check a few topics, the one called Jaw-Lung was talking his jaw off about the necessity of purchasing more cannons. Cannons in Kiralo's experience slowed down an army quite a bit, and were best for sustained campaigns where one knew there were forts to knock down, but he could see some use in the boy's excited muttering about the possibilities of new, lighter cannons.
In the archives, he stood, glancing at the dusty shelves and then at the army of people at his back. "Actually, if you want to discuss cannons, I'd like some help first. I need to find the list of how many registered Mages there are, and then--"
*****
It went surprisingly smoothly from there. In Csirit, with a population of over one-hundred millions, the number of registered Mages was remarkably low, since of course many 'shamans' or other people didn't qualify for the education and yet certainly possessed talents. In fact, that's what most armies dealt with. They had only a few Mages, and so they made up for it with talented amateurs or with local geniuses.
Similarly, at every level there was a dearth of talented Mages, and so there was high demand. The offices that granted admission were constantly offered bribes to let less qualified people in because there was such a need for good Mages, and surely the Academy could make anyone skilled enough to pass.
If the applicant was rich enough, anything could be bent, and was, Kiralo learned over time, as he talked quietly to these scholars and paper-pushers, and to Mages who knew what the system was like.
Still, the Academy had maintained high standards, and strict ones at that. One had to be a young man (no women were allowed, obviously) who engaged in proper conduct or at least was not caught, with good calligraphy, adequate skill in all basic magical topics and excellent skill in a number of specific magical topics. All of this was required to graduate, and so there was no way that they could increase their numbers except by building more schools. And to do so would take a large expansion of funding: which they had received almost a year and a half ago. But work had only just begun on secondary academies in Basrat and Nestirin when the Emperor had died, and rather wisely, they had stopped construction on the two new academies in Basrat.
There were also proposals for lesser schools designed to teach magic-users enough for the less strenuous jobs, but that ran into the fact that there were only so many levels of gradation. After all, Kiralo himself used spirits all the time, as did everyone else. Eventually if you made 'lesser' version of Mages, what you actually got were regular people. A soldier had skill in spirits of war and strength, of earth and fire and metal, that was as impressive as that of a Mage within his limited field. And the most powerful such warriors blurred or destroyed any lines between 'magic users' and 'non users.'
Still, more could be done in that respect, and it was true that the religious restrictions placed were particularly onerous. Of course, it was true that now that Kuojah's policies had alienated various inferior groups or people who didn't worship of the Gods and Judges and the Emperor, even when they weren't outlawed as enemies of the state (which they were not). So these very restrictions might now be necessary.
It was a frustrating thought, and there were other thoughts that occurred to him. There were proposals for a school of healers, and proposals that the laws around certain aspects of the curriculum should be relaxed.
It was a mess, in other words.
*****
"Are you sure you are going to need this much in the way of purchases, Cs-Kiralo?" the merchant asked. "You know I was thinking of raising my rates, and--"
Kiralo looked at the storehouse, standing on the street. People stopped and pointed, and he knew that his reputation mattered here. "I wish to have a banquet. I don't know if you've heard, but men of war such as myself are big eaters."
"Ah, yes. A banquet. Of course," the balding merchant said, rubbing at his bright red robes. "And so you'd like my rice and millet? You know, they say that you are a man of great virtue, renowned for poetry and for acts of war."
"Is it?" Kiralo asked, frowning, trying to project an air of calm unconcern. It was very necessary, because he had dozens of merchants to visit, and if they raised their rates too high, or if there was a panic, then all would be lost. What mattered is that with each of them he projected calm and confidence, and that they did what he knew they would do.
They would ship in more rice and grain and prepare to raise the rates, assuming that Kiralo would be back next month for more, even at the newly inflated rates. They were hoping, betting even, that war would begin farther off than Kiralo predicted, and that he'd thus be buying a lot more rice than expected.
They knew his game, but they did not know that the sand in the hourglass measuring such a game was coming to its end. If he was wrong, then he would pay far too much later on, but if he was right.
The merchant, Di'ying, smiled a little, sure he understood Kiralo. "It is. Oh, Cs-Kiralo, I would be happy to help with your party. And any parties you have in the future."
"Thank you, Cs-Di'ying," Kiralo said, bowing formally even as he began to do the math. The expenses were going to add up, but the stores of rice were starting to approach enough to survive a march. And that'd definitely be an issue.
"Is this," he asked, a little later, "Why you came?"
The spirit, Aiyistin, shifted a little bit in his mind. It was a tugging feeling, deeply painful, and Kiralo closed his eyes. "The fate of the Empire--"
The spirit seemed to consider it. Kiralo could feel the weight on his shoulders as if it were perched there like a particularly lazy cat. "No."
"No?"
"Empire not important. Rise. Fall. Many times."
Kiralo stared blankly at the sky, trying to figure out how to express just how those words made him feel. On the one hand, it did place certain things in perspective. To the Gods, the dangers that the Empire was now facing were no worse than the ones three centuries ago.
At the same time, this civil war was at the heart of everything, it was what he was most concerned with. "Is it just one reason you chose me?"
It didn't reply for almost an entire week. A week of plotting and working and building up trust and understanding both with the army and with the Mages.
"I think...two" it indicated, long after Kiralo had given up on getting an answer.
Two reasons. Huh.
*****
The Turtle project too was ongoing, and the letters made him realize that this was going to be a complex problem.
"Dear Cs-Kiralo" it had begun, in a foreign script that he'd had to have translated. Another letter had arrived in such broken Csirit that he'd almost felt like his father for a moment, cursing the lack of education and erudition in men who were supposed to be ambassadors to Csirit. Surely they could at least learn the language, instead of butchering it.
"We not no do any trading within Bueli-the-bad," an attempt to use a traditional word of insult, such as 'Cursed Bueli' and yet…, "We ask gratefulness as the eel crawls. We beg implore ask need--"
On the other hand, once translated, the letter in Anlan was far more sensible. It subtly hinted at the capabilities of the Turtle. Apparently it could survive even the bolts of the Hanin, although a strong and sustained enough volley could, with enough repetitions, break through. Which did imply that a group of charging Tarnarin would be a threat to the Turtle. At the same time, it spoke well to its abilities. If it could move as fast as that and deal as much damage as was said, then while it would in no way take over the battlefield, it would have its own place.
The Turtle would have to be supported by other units, or by enough other Turtles in order to stand up to the rigors of combat. As well, their wheels seemed to mean that there would be some terrain that would thwart them.
Still, he sent out an inquiry of guarded interest that hinted at the big question not yet asked: how much would these cost?
******
On a similar question of cost, the merchants from Hari-Su were now attempting to set up permanent trading ties with the court. And Kiralo could certainly help them in this respect, but the real question was, what should be emphasized?
What two fields should be focused on? (Choose two obviously)
[] Strange foreign grain, such as 'Wheat' could be traded in, by their connections to the Southlands.
[] Tapestries, silk carpets, and the like.
[] Exotic men, women, girls and boys.
[] Horses.
[] Spiritual Goods (Requires a DC check to pass)
[] Literature/literary stylings from Hari-Su and the Southlands.
******
A/N: Alright, so this is short and a bit blah, but I hope you enjoyed it.
Kiralo had thought that young warriors were the most troublesome people in the world. He had not in fact counted on young Mages of all sorts. Within three days of his victory, the word had spread around, and suddenly they were knocking at all hours, presenting their carefully written letters of recommendation or their self-praising descriptions of their careers written in trained calligraphy.
And then they'd hang around at all hours, talking with each other, drinking his tea. He needed an office, and he needed staff to deal with them. He'd step outside and there they'd be, a swarm of Mages looking for his approval, or wanting to discuss theoretical battle tactics, or…
It was enough to drive him up the wall, and then back down it again, and that was without the fact that Ji'lae did more then hang around drinking his tea. He followed him, trying to discuss important matters of battle plans.
Kiralo did not have it in him to refuse the discussion, but he did have it in him to make sure Arimi and Vedal weren't swallowed up by this gaggle of young men.
That day, as he was walking to the office of the Mage registry to check a few topics, the one called Jaw-Lung was talking his jaw off about the necessity of purchasing more cannons. Cannons in Kiralo's experience slowed down an army quite a bit, and were best for sustained campaigns where one knew there were forts to knock down, but he could see some use in the boy's excited muttering about the possibilities of new, lighter cannons.
In the archives, he stood, glancing at the dusty shelves and then at the army of people at his back. "Actually, if you want to discuss cannons, I'd like some help first. I need to find the list of how many registered Mages there are, and then--"
*****
It went surprisingly smoothly from there. In Csirit, with a population of over one-hundred millions, the number of registered Mages was remarkably low, since of course many 'shamans' or other people didn't qualify for the education and yet certainly possessed talents. In fact, that's what most armies dealt with. They had only a few Mages, and so they made up for it with talented amateurs or with local geniuses.
Similarly, at every level there was a dearth of talented Mages, and so there was high demand. The offices that granted admission were constantly offered bribes to let less qualified people in because there was such a need for good Mages, and surely the Academy could make anyone skilled enough to pass.
If the applicant was rich enough, anything could be bent, and was, Kiralo learned over time, as he talked quietly to these scholars and paper-pushers, and to Mages who knew what the system was like.
Still, the Academy had maintained high standards, and strict ones at that. One had to be a young man (no women were allowed, obviously) who engaged in proper conduct or at least was not caught, with good calligraphy, adequate skill in all basic magical topics and excellent skill in a number of specific magical topics. All of this was required to graduate, and so there was no way that they could increase their numbers except by building more schools. And to do so would take a large expansion of funding: which they had received almost a year and a half ago. But work had only just begun on secondary academies in Basrat and Nestirin when the Emperor had died, and rather wisely, they had stopped construction on the two new academies in Basrat.
There were also proposals for lesser schools designed to teach magic-users enough for the less strenuous jobs, but that ran into the fact that there were only so many levels of gradation. After all, Kiralo himself used spirits all the time, as did everyone else. Eventually if you made 'lesser' version of Mages, what you actually got were regular people. A soldier had skill in spirits of war and strength, of earth and fire and metal, that was as impressive as that of a Mage within his limited field. And the most powerful such warriors blurred or destroyed any lines between 'magic users' and 'non users.'
Still, more could be done in that respect, and it was true that the religious restrictions placed were particularly onerous. Of course, it was true that now that Kuojah's policies had alienated various inferior groups or people who didn't worship of the Gods and Judges and the Emperor, even when they weren't outlawed as enemies of the state (which they were not). So these very restrictions might now be necessary.
It was a frustrating thought, and there were other thoughts that occurred to him. There were proposals for a school of healers, and proposals that the laws around certain aspects of the curriculum should be relaxed.
It was a mess, in other words.
*****
"Are you sure you are going to need this much in the way of purchases, Cs-Kiralo?" the merchant asked. "You know I was thinking of raising my rates, and--"
Kiralo looked at the storehouse, standing on the street. People stopped and pointed, and he knew that his reputation mattered here. "I wish to have a banquet. I don't know if you've heard, but men of war such as myself are big eaters."
"Ah, yes. A banquet. Of course," the balding merchant said, rubbing at his bright red robes. "And so you'd like my rice and millet? You know, they say that you are a man of great virtue, renowned for poetry and for acts of war."
"Is it?" Kiralo asked, frowning, trying to project an air of calm unconcern. It was very necessary, because he had dozens of merchants to visit, and if they raised their rates too high, or if there was a panic, then all would be lost. What mattered is that with each of them he projected calm and confidence, and that they did what he knew they would do.
They would ship in more rice and grain and prepare to raise the rates, assuming that Kiralo would be back next month for more, even at the newly inflated rates. They were hoping, betting even, that war would begin farther off than Kiralo predicted, and that he'd thus be buying a lot more rice than expected.
They knew his game, but they did not know that the sand in the hourglass measuring such a game was coming to its end. If he was wrong, then he would pay far too much later on, but if he was right.
The merchant, Di'ying, smiled a little, sure he understood Kiralo. "It is. Oh, Cs-Kiralo, I would be happy to help with your party. And any parties you have in the future."
"Thank you, Cs-Di'ying," Kiralo said, bowing formally even as he began to do the math. The expenses were going to add up, but the stores of rice were starting to approach enough to survive a march. And that'd definitely be an issue.
"Is this," he asked, a little later, "Why you came?"
The spirit, Aiyistin, shifted a little bit in his mind. It was a tugging feeling, deeply painful, and Kiralo closed his eyes. "The fate of the Empire--"
The spirit seemed to consider it. Kiralo could feel the weight on his shoulders as if it were perched there like a particularly lazy cat. "No."
"No?"
"Empire not important. Rise. Fall. Many times."
Kiralo stared blankly at the sky, trying to figure out how to express just how those words made him feel. On the one hand, it did place certain things in perspective. To the Gods, the dangers that the Empire was now facing were no worse than the ones three centuries ago.
At the same time, this civil war was at the heart of everything, it was what he was most concerned with. "Is it just one reason you chose me?"
It didn't reply for almost an entire week. A week of plotting and working and building up trust and understanding both with the army and with the Mages.
"I think...two" it indicated, long after Kiralo had given up on getting an answer.
Two reasons. Huh.
*****
The Turtle project too was ongoing, and the letters made him realize that this was going to be a complex problem.
"Dear Cs-Kiralo" it had begun, in a foreign script that he'd had to have translated. Another letter had arrived in such broken Csirit that he'd almost felt like his father for a moment, cursing the lack of education and erudition in men who were supposed to be ambassadors to Csirit. Surely they could at least learn the language, instead of butchering it.
"We not no do any trading within Bueli-the-bad," an attempt to use a traditional word of insult, such as 'Cursed Bueli' and yet…, "We ask gratefulness as the eel crawls. We beg implore ask need--"
On the other hand, once translated, the letter in Anlan was far more sensible. It subtly hinted at the capabilities of the Turtle. Apparently it could survive even the bolts of the Hanin, although a strong and sustained enough volley could, with enough repetitions, break through. Which did imply that a group of charging Tarnarin would be a threat to the Turtle. At the same time, it spoke well to its abilities. If it could move as fast as that and deal as much damage as was said, then while it would in no way take over the battlefield, it would have its own place.
The Turtle would have to be supported by other units, or by enough other Turtles in order to stand up to the rigors of combat. As well, their wheels seemed to mean that there would be some terrain that would thwart them.
Still, he sent out an inquiry of guarded interest that hinted at the big question not yet asked: how much would these cost?
******
On a similar question of cost, the merchants from Hari-Su were now attempting to set up permanent trading ties with the court. And Kiralo could certainly help them in this respect, but the real question was, what should be emphasized?
What two fields should be focused on? (Choose two obviously)
[] Strange foreign grain, such as 'Wheat' could be traded in, by their connections to the Southlands.
[] Tapestries, silk carpets, and the like.
[] Exotic men, women, girls and boys.
[] Horses.
[] Spiritual Goods (Requires a DC check to pass)
[] Literature/literary stylings from Hari-Su and the Southlands.
******
[] Bureaucracy of Magic:
Need: 35, Rolled: 45
[] The Turtle of the West, Part 2 x2
Need: 20, Rolled: 1d100+12 (twice)=104, 86
[] Hoarding Works? x2
Need: 50, Rolled: 1d100+7+1 (twice)=77, 55
[] Followup Notice
Need: 35, Rolled: 1d100+9=87
Need: 35, Rolled: 45
[] The Turtle of the West, Part 2 x2
Need: 20, Rolled: 1d100+12 (twice)=104, 86
[] Hoarding Works? x2
Need: 50, Rolled: 1d100+7+1 (twice)=77, 55
[] Followup Notice
Need: 35, Rolled: 1d100+9=87
A/N: Alright, so this is short and a bit blah, but I hope you enjoyed it.
Last edited:
- Location
- Austria
Hm.
I think that those which he can "recommend" personally are decent idea? So, horses and literature? Overall?
Also, @The Laurent , sorry, what is Hari-Suwere? Thread search results only in this one update...
I think that those which he can "recommend" personally are decent idea? So, horses and literature? Overall?
Also, @The Laurent , sorry, what is Hari-Suwere? Thread search results only in this one update...
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Fixed.
- Location
- Austria
Okay then. Ahh...it was "Hari-Su were", I didn't even realize that there was a verb missing. Apologies, it was not sarcasm or anything.
Soo...Csirit needs fucking cavalry worth the name (although mass combat and, it seems, renaissance-style pike+shoot render it not nearly as powerful as european medieval cavalry, it seems), it needs some opening of borders (fuck you dad)...
Wheat is actually quite big in Northern China, so it can totally become popular in less rice-friendly provinces in due time.
@The Laurent , sorry again, does any of the options help in very short term? For example, will establishing horse trade give option to buy horses in time for civil war, if Kiralo can make a guess about such things?
Also, this is absolutely amazing quest. Getting in was hard, because a lot of names and opening chapter on daddy issues is hard to read (it is a compliment), but it is outstanding. Thanks.
Soo...Csirit needs fucking cavalry worth the name (although mass combat and, it seems, renaissance-style pike+shoot render it not nearly as powerful as european medieval cavalry, it seems), it needs some opening of borders (fuck you dad)...
Wheat is actually quite big in Northern China, so it can totally become popular in less rice-friendly provinces in due time.
@The Laurent , sorry again, does any of the options help in very short term? For example, will establishing horse trade give option to buy horses in time for civil war, if Kiralo can make a guess about such things?
Also, this is absolutely amazing quest. Getting in was hard, because a lot of names and opening chapter on daddy issues is hard to read (it is a compliment), but it is outstanding. Thanks.
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Going to work, but none will probably help over the next month or two...well, they might help a little.
- Location
- Austria
Well.
Truly long-distance trade was historically done in mostly luxury goods particularly because of ease of transportation, but if such heavier goods as wheat are on the list of merchants, I presume they think it can be profitable. Maybe it is not that long a distance? Month's travel on the horseback is no Silk Road, after all.
So far, I'd say wheat because more crops never hurt (although this is a long term thing more suitable for particular regions) and probably horses because Kiralo knows about horses and can use them for army reform he hinted at promising.
[X] Strange foreign grain, such as 'Wheat' could be traded in, by their connections to the Southlands.
[X] Horses.
Truly long-distance trade was historically done in mostly luxury goods particularly because of ease of transportation, but if such heavier goods as wheat are on the list of merchants, I presume they think it can be profitable. Maybe it is not that long a distance? Month's travel on the horseback is no Silk Road, after all.
So far, I'd say wheat because more crops never hurt (although this is a long term thing more suitable for particular regions) and probably horses because Kiralo knows about horses and can use them for army reform he hinted at promising.
[X] Strange foreign grain, such as 'Wheat' could be traded in, by their connections to the Southlands.
[X] Horses.
[X] Horses.
[X] Literature/literary stylings from Hari-Su and the Southlands.
I'd currently rather stick with Kiralo's focuses given the long term nature of most of the trades here, and while grain would be helpful it's a a product that spoils and not really luxurious enough to make trade profitable so the benefit would be having grain producing regions in Csirit which would seem like something relevant only on the years to decades time scale.
Horses and Literature meanwhile can either transport themselves under their own power, or are low density and high quality products, meaning that they are easy to transport and importantly Kiralo himself has bonuses/traits towards the both of them. We also will or are likely to make connections to individuals or groups who would purchase them, allowing us to more easily promote them and thus increase the profit for the traders.
@The Laurent - I notice you didn't really go into the matter of the Imperial Government itself hiring the mages on retainer, thus centralizing a bit more power into their hands. Given the sheer success we had, is there anything interesting that happened in this regard?
[X] Literature/literary stylings from Hari-Su and the Southlands.
I'd currently rather stick with Kiralo's focuses given the long term nature of most of the trades here, and while grain would be helpful it's a a product that spoils and not really luxurious enough to make trade profitable so the benefit would be having grain producing regions in Csirit which would seem like something relevant only on the years to decades time scale.
Horses and Literature meanwhile can either transport themselves under their own power, or are low density and high quality products, meaning that they are easy to transport and importantly Kiralo himself has bonuses/traits towards the both of them. We also will or are likely to make connections to individuals or groups who would purchase them, allowing us to more easily promote them and thus increase the profit for the traders.
@The Laurent - I notice you didn't really go into the matter of the Imperial Government itself hiring the mages on retainer, thus centralizing a bit more power into their hands. Given the sheer success we had, is there anything interesting that happened in this regard?
[X] Horses.
[X] Literature/literary stylings from Hari-Su and the Southlands.
[X] Literature/literary stylings from Hari-Su and the Southlands.
[X] Strange foreign grain, such as 'Wheat' could be traded in, by their connections to the Southlands.
[X] Literature/literary stylings from Hari-Su and the Southlands.
[X] Literature/literary stylings from Hari-Su and the Southlands.