Valkur
The True Valkyria, Valkur!
- Location
- Fólkvangr
"Wow boss I want fight like you!"
*Days of training later*
"Fuck me why did I say that!"
Best In Life - Imperial Knight Order Quest [Warhammer Fantasy]
- Thread starter Swordomatic
- Start date
- Fantasy
"Wow boss I want fight like you!"
*Days of training later*
"Fuck me why did I say that!"
Sinsystems
Patron Librarian
"Quit your complaining, we've only done the warm up."
Icipall
Don't worry, we can fanfix that!
- Location
- Cold snow fields of Finland
"Lets get down to business, to defeat the Chaos..."
Imrix
Periodically Malevolent QM
Don't forget the beastmen! Everybody else does. Including GW...
That would be because you're using the standards of a completely different game that has very little relevance here. Don't do that.
Yeah, it's the kind of trait that means you're drilling your troops so hard that they start to resent it. So... They're incredibly disciplined and coordinated - probably make extremely good skirmishers and scouts, actually. But they're also stressed the feck out all the time.I dunno, I find it pretty plausible that exceedingly strict discipline can lead to poor morale, especially if you're trying to catch up to an impossible idea like the Asur phalanx.
It's one thing to train day in and day out and be expected to achieve excellent results; it's quite another to be ran to the bone and expected to achieve superhuman effort on demand, even if your commander is the sister of Emperor himself. At some point men will start growing resentful of the discipline, and begin question whether it's really the question of their officer's standards, or if they themselves are lacking somehow, or something else entirely.
I imagine what it means is that in practice our regular troops would be intelligent on command level, swiftly respond to orders and have overall superior skill, but their actual faith in us would be low. Ironically, I wouldn't be surprised if Johanna's regulars were a rather poor fit for the really powerful shock attacks. They can probably hold the line against a lot of stuff, but throw something that can power through ordinary human battleline with little difficulty, and they'll leg it pretty quickly.
On the flipside, our build is probably perfect for locking down these things personally before they become a problem.
Unless it's something like Archaon or Malekith, in which case we'll maybe get a second of magnificent glory before we get disemboweled like common infantryman
I take it plan kung fu won?
Icipall
Don't worry, we can fanfix that!
- Location
- Cold snow fields of Finland
That it did.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
I didn't-I include them in it. Greenskins too.
Imrix
Periodically Malevolent QM
"LET'S get down to BUSINESS, to deFEAT, the HUNG!"
"But ma'am, aren't the Hung on the other side of the world?"
"SHUT UP MAGGOT!"
... Derp. For some reason I read 'gribblies' as 'goblins'.
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Chimeraguard
We do deserve to exist.
You gripe now, but when you end up staring down a Marauder Horseman and Chaos Chariot spam, you'll be glad you trained for this.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Mmm, I wonder if we'll have a choice in where we're stationed...truth be told I'm not the most learned on the Knightly Orders, so I'm not the most known on how they operate.
@Swordomatic
Does "dueling" include taking on a giant monster one on one?
@Swordomatic
Does "dueling" include taking on a giant monster one on one?
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- Location
- Australia
Why skirmishers and scouts? Wouldn't discipline be better for formations and anything susceptible to morale shocks?
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Yeah, but, I suppose it could also help with them keeping their nerve in the face of overwhelming initial opposition and being alone.
- Location
- Australia
Skirmishers and scouts are supposed to run away when facing overwhelming opposition. "Skirmish" basically means "go up to the enemy, throw a few missiles their way, run away when out of ammo or if something chases you". It's not a job that requires holding the line.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Precisely. You want to do that well, not let emotion take over and spoil your aim or cause you to leave too early or give away your position, or run off the battlefield entirely.
Zedman7054
Eternally 3rd
- Location
- United States
I think this is turning into a 'Peanut Butter' 'Jelly' conversation. As such, might I propose that discipline is the bread? Discipline is the kind of thing that any and every military unit should have in some capacity, and a lack of it in a major capacity in any unit or army is what separates professional soldiers from ragtag mobs. It has a place in every formation and unit type.
Imrix
Periodically Malevolent QM
Skirmishing is immensely dependent on discipline. Ultimately, formation fighting is not actually terribly complex. There are complex formations, yes, and greater discipline helps, certainly, but at the core you're drilling people to stand in a certain shape and listen for basic signals like 'begin advance'. That's why infantry blocks were often made up of levy soldiers or other rabble - part of it was necessity, but part of it was also that it's a job you can afford to give to the amateurs.
But skirmishers and scouts, real skirmishers rather than harnessed mob violence like Roman hastati, need a far greater ability to take an active role in the battle. It requires judgement, initiative, situational awareness, a keen sense of risk, and the will to hold your nerve when faced with the prospect of combat without the comforting presence of heavy armour or a great mass of comrades packed around you. A skirmisher needs to be able to not just passively endure but actively venture forwards into the clamour of battle, retain the fine motor control (which, when placed under stress is one of the very first things that you lose) to pick and attack enemies with missile weapons, remain actively aware of the course of battle around them, and able to act quickly to respond to changing circumstances, either to preserve their own lives or spot and exploit an opportunity, and do all of this essentially alone, while the nearest fellow is perhaps dozens of paces away. It's the kind of job that you want to train people to a razor's edge for.
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Theunderbolt
"Prepare for trouble..."
- Location
- USoA
It's not the fabled Aurelia quest but it will do.
- Location
- Australia
I think we can find a way to counteract the negative effects of Inhuman Drillmaster without simply overpowering it with morale buffs. One way I've thought of doing it is through pride.
As the reputation of the order and its knights grows, so too will their reputation for their immense discipline. Knights will endeavour to meet that level of discipline, lest they let down themselves and their order. (Loyalty to the order is a prerequisite to this.)
Another way to leverage pride is to have them fight alongside less disciplined troops. Johanna got her trait because she spent years fighting alongside those who were inhumanly disciplined. After a sufficient number of years of meeting Johanna's standards, they too will eventually find themselves annoyed with fighting alongside those who aren't as dedicated to discipline as they are, especially if a rout starts among allies.
As the reputation of the order and its knights grows, so too will their reputation for their immense discipline. Knights will endeavour to meet that level of discipline, lest they let down themselves and their order. (Loyalty to the order is a prerequisite to this.)
Another way to leverage pride is to have them fight alongside less disciplined troops. Johanna got her trait because she spent years fighting alongside those who were inhumanly disciplined. After a sufficient number of years of meeting Johanna's standards, they too will eventually find themselves annoyed with fighting alongside those who aren't as dedicated to discipline as they are, especially if a rout starts among allies.
Order Creation
- Location
- Singapore
Your name is Johanna von Holswig-Schliestein, Princess of Altdorf and daughter… sister of the Emperor of Man. And now you sit at your desk in your study, pondering the future that awaits you. You know what you want to be, of course, in charge of a squadron of knights and running down bands of beastmen, orcs, and other malcontents. But there are particulars to be concerned about. Politics to play. And as much as you disdain the court's intrigue, the game must be played.
Firstly, you must choose the faith of your Order. The gods are dear to the Empire, but the politics of religion permeate nearly every aspect of their participation in the affairs of men. There is the conflict between Sigmar and Ulric, of course - ironic, considering Sigmar himself worshipped Ulric, but then you're a Sigmarite so - but the rest have their squabbles as well. Some petty, others less so.
While plenty of Knights dedicate themselves to a God, just as many Orders hold themselves separate from the matters of faith. Faith is a powerful motivator, and you've witnessed the powers of the divine enough to know they are real and they do care. But is it worth it in the face of such factionalism in the Empire?
RELIGION: TEMPLAR OR SECULAR?
And then there's the matter of your retinue, as well. Your fame and reputation - and, being frank, relation to your brother - has given you access to rather exotic companions, which will bolster your Order in special ways. You don't have to settle for normal members in your retinue like most people - but then that begs the question; who do you want in your retinue? What shape do you see your Order taking?
COMPANIONS: ONE FROM EACH CATEGORY (EXCEPT SPECIAL)
Rubbing your eyes, you sigh and retire to the balcony, where a pigeon arrives and rests on the railing before you. It looks at you, head tilted, and jangles its leg at you until you pluck the letter from its leg and send it off. You take one glance at the letter before sighing and tearing it up; it's from your stupid rival again.
Seriously, all you did was defeat a man in honorable single combat. How is that enough to have an entire Kingdom declare a vendetta upon you? It's unfair is what it is. You hope you don't end up getting more nemeses. They're hard work and you have shit to do.
NEMESIS VOTE: CHOOSE ONE PER CATEGORY
Regardless of all that… You look out at the city of Altdorf, the people that swarm in its depths going about their lives. This is the Empire, in essence. A lot of people together, who could achieve great things if they worked together, but won't for various reasons. Your father worked to protect this. Your father died to protect this. And now your brother is on the same throne doing the same job, walking the same path. You don't want him to end in the same place.
There is no way you could sit in one place with that hanging over your head. You ventured out beyond the Empire more than once as one of the Reiksguard; who's to stop you from venturing around the Empire, fighting its enemies as one of your Order? You shall not rest on your laurels. You will Crusade.
MANDATE: THE CRUSADER
...You do need a name though, mmh. All good Knightly Orders have a name.
[][NAME] Write-In
Firstly, you must choose the faith of your Order. The gods are dear to the Empire, but the politics of religion permeate nearly every aspect of their participation in the affairs of men. There is the conflict between Sigmar and Ulric, of course - ironic, considering Sigmar himself worshipped Ulric, but then you're a Sigmarite so - but the rest have their squabbles as well. Some petty, others less so.
While plenty of Knights dedicate themselves to a God, just as many Orders hold themselves separate from the matters of faith. Faith is a powerful motivator, and you've witnessed the powers of the divine enough to know they are real and they do care. But is it worth it in the face of such factionalism in the Empire?
RELIGION: TEMPLAR OR SECULAR?
[][FAITH] Secular Order: Divorced from the politics of religion and free to operate, but they forsake the blessings of their patron.
[][FAITH] Templar Order: Faith brings adherents and the attentions of their patron, but politics boondoggles everything.
-[] Sigmar
The first Emperor, God of Mankind and wielder of Ghal Maraz, the Cult of Sigmar has been in conflict with the Cult of Ulric for much of the Empire's history. They command three electoral votes to determine the next Emperor, and command much influence in the Empire's southern provinces.
-[] Ulric
The God of Winter and Wolves, and Sigmar's own God, Ulric's influence in the Empire has waned since the rise of the Cult of Sigmar. The Ar-Ulric, high priest of their faith, is still an Elector of the Empire, but their waning influence in the face of Sigmarite domination rankles. They retain power in the North.
-[] Taal & Rhya
God of the Wilds and Goddess of Agriculture, Taal is largely indifferent to the affairs of men, instead focusing on the wilds that are his domain. He abhors technology and the lifeless earth, and favors life and that which springs from it. Talabecland, literally Taal's Land, honors him first and foremost.
-[] Manann
God of the Seas, Manann is as temperamental and mercurial as the oceans he holds as his domain. All who step on a boat, whether a ferry or a warship, give prayer to Manann lest his fury dooms their passage. Those in Manann's service dedicate themselves to the ocean, and to the God's will.
-[] Morr
God of the Dead and of Dreams, Morr ensures that dead men find eternal rest in his gardens, and in doing so preserves the sanctity of life. Above all else, Morr abhors the undead, and his followers oppose them at every turn. Service to Morr as a Knight is almost certainly dedication to eternal war against the undead.
-[] Verena
Goddess of Justice and Law, Verena exults fairness and values wisdom and education. While Verena's followers uphold reason and discussion over violence, it is accepted that force is sometimes necessary for the preservation of knowledge and freedom, and her knights ride only as a last resort.
-[] Myrmidia
Myrmidia is the Goddess of War, and her worship has spread into the Empire from the southern Old World nations of Tilea and Estalia. An advocate of War as an art and science, she is a god foreign to the Empire, and whose faithful seem strange to its people.
-[] Other (Write-In)
[][FAITH] Templar Order: Faith brings adherents and the attentions of their patron, but politics boondoggles everything.
-[] Sigmar
The first Emperor, God of Mankind and wielder of Ghal Maraz, the Cult of Sigmar has been in conflict with the Cult of Ulric for much of the Empire's history. They command three electoral votes to determine the next Emperor, and command much influence in the Empire's southern provinces.
-[] Ulric
The God of Winter and Wolves, and Sigmar's own God, Ulric's influence in the Empire has waned since the rise of the Cult of Sigmar. The Ar-Ulric, high priest of their faith, is still an Elector of the Empire, but their waning influence in the face of Sigmarite domination rankles. They retain power in the North.
-[] Taal & Rhya
God of the Wilds and Goddess of Agriculture, Taal is largely indifferent to the affairs of men, instead focusing on the wilds that are his domain. He abhors technology and the lifeless earth, and favors life and that which springs from it. Talabecland, literally Taal's Land, honors him first and foremost.
-[] Manann
God of the Seas, Manann is as temperamental and mercurial as the oceans he holds as his domain. All who step on a boat, whether a ferry or a warship, give prayer to Manann lest his fury dooms their passage. Those in Manann's service dedicate themselves to the ocean, and to the God's will.
-[] Morr
God of the Dead and of Dreams, Morr ensures that dead men find eternal rest in his gardens, and in doing so preserves the sanctity of life. Above all else, Morr abhors the undead, and his followers oppose them at every turn. Service to Morr as a Knight is almost certainly dedication to eternal war against the undead.
-[] Verena
Goddess of Justice and Law, Verena exults fairness and values wisdom and education. While Verena's followers uphold reason and discussion over violence, it is accepted that force is sometimes necessary for the preservation of knowledge and freedom, and her knights ride only as a last resort.
-[] Myrmidia
Myrmidia is the Goddess of War, and her worship has spread into the Empire from the southern Old World nations of Tilea and Estalia. An advocate of War as an art and science, she is a god foreign to the Empire, and whose faithful seem strange to its people.
-[] Other (Write-In)
And then there's the matter of your retinue, as well. Your fame and reputation - and, being frank, relation to your brother - has given you access to rather exotic companions, which will bolster your Order in special ways. You don't have to settle for normal members in your retinue like most people - but then that begs the question; who do you want in your retinue? What shape do you see your Order taking?
COMPANIONS: ONE FROM EACH CATEGORY (EXCEPT SPECIAL)
[][MARTIAL] Your old sparring mate, Dragg Limbripper, has heard that new Orders are being founded and come to seek his knighthood yet again. While an ogre squire would be a first, there's no actual rule against it, and Dragg's a good fellow. A bit dim, but he means well! Besides, he's a phenomenal wrestler, and it'd be good to have a training partner who can actually push you - and just think what he could make of your knights!... If he doesn't break them.
[][MARTIAL] Siegbert Reiner is an old travelling companion of yours, the sole other survivor of your time with the elves. You're surprised he's put his name forwards, he swore he'd had enough battle to last a lifetime, but you suppose the old dog changed his mind. A beastmaster of some ability, he would be invaluable in breaking and training the Order's horses - and other creatures, if they were acquired in the future.
[][MARTIAL] Your own squire, Reinhard Edelstein, appears to have put his name forward! He served you during your time in the Reiksguard, and you struck up a good rapport with him as friend and teacher. When you left, he had already become a fully ordained knight of the Reiksguard. Another veteran of the Reiksguard would be worth his weight in gold.
[][MARTIAL] Siegbert Reiner is an old travelling companion of yours, the sole other survivor of your time with the elves. You're surprised he's put his name forwards, he swore he'd had enough battle to last a lifetime, but you suppose the old dog changed his mind. A beastmaster of some ability, he would be invaluable in breaking and training the Order's horses - and other creatures, if they were acquired in the future.
[][MARTIAL] Your own squire, Reinhard Edelstein, appears to have put his name forward! He served you during your time in the Reiksguard, and you struck up a good rapport with him as friend and teacher. When you left, he had already become a fully ordained knight of the Reiksguard. Another veteran of the Reiksguard would be worth his weight in gold.
[][STEWARDSHIP] Besen von Verlässlich, or Brom as you called him, is a childhood friend of yours. You remember him as he was, weedy and noodly, but he had heart. So you kept him around, showed him the ropes, dragged him along for walks, and hammered him into good iron. Before long he grew up, bulked out, and became someone worth talking to. Last you heard he had become a part of the Imperial Estate, an aide to the Imperial Steward! And now he's applying to serve you. That's… actually kind of sweet of him.
[][STEWARDSHIP] A Journeyman of the Gold Order, Otwin Schwerin seeks employment as part of his education to become a Magister - apparently serving the Emperor's sister looks good on the records. He's too thin, spends all his time in an expensive laboratory, and apparently his magic is on the weedy side, but he's apparently an enchanter as well as an alchemist, so you're willing to overlook how he smells funny and how his nose is always in a book, as long as he can make your sword magic.
[][STEWARDSHIP] A Journeyman of the Gold Order, Otwin Schwerin seeks employment as part of his education to become a Magister - apparently serving the Emperor's sister looks good on the records. He's too thin, spends all his time in an expensive laboratory, and apparently his magic is on the weedy side, but he's apparently an enchanter as well as an alchemist, so you're willing to overlook how he smells funny and how his nose is always in a book, as long as he can make your sword magic.
[][DIPLOMACY] This is a surprising one. A Witch Hunter by the name of Aristea Bartz is an option. Probably one of the Grand Theogonist's plants to keep an eye on you… Well, the eye of an irate Witch Hunter is always a good motivator for the men, and if you ever face the ruinous powers her expertise will be useful.
[][DIPLOMACY] Luise Liebjungfer once served Duchess Alda von Preissner loyally as a Lady-in-Waiting, but tragically the Duchess died not too long ago, reportedly slain by beastmen while visiting her vineyards. With the death of her lady, Luise has been looking for another to serve. Reputed to be one of Reikland's finest ladies-in-waiting, Luise would be a great boon to the comforts of your household and the efficiency of your staff, and apparently her massages are incredible. Well. The job has to come with some perks, right?
[][DIPLOMACY] Luise Liebjungfer once served Duchess Alda von Preissner loyally as a Lady-in-Waiting, but tragically the Duchess died not too long ago, reportedly slain by beastmen while visiting her vineyards. With the death of her lady, Luise has been looking for another to serve. Reputed to be one of Reikland's finest ladies-in-waiting, Luise would be a great boon to the comforts of your household and the efficiency of your staff, and apparently her massages are incredible. Well. The job has to come with some perks, right?
[][PIETY] You received an offer from a Templar of a Religious Order to join your service out of respect for your prowess, deeming it pleasing to their patron. Whether or not you choose to remain secular or dedicate yourself to a god, another veteran of a Knightly Order can only be helpful. (Write-In: By Default, will match the religion of a Templar Order)
[][PIETY] A Priest has offered to join your Order to help tend to the men and watch over the faith of your Order. You're pretty sure they're plants by the various cults in the Empire, but having a Priest stationed permanently in your Order would be tremendous for morale, especially in a Religious Order. (Write-in: By Default, will match the religion of a Templar Order)
[][PIETY] You've met Sunnhilde Kantorowicz before, at the center of an outbreak of Nurglites near Kemperbad. By all accounts she is a normal priestess of Shallya, if a little stiff, preaching peace and treating the wounded… until she saw the infected dead rise, went mad with outrage, and began beating them to death with whatever was nearby. By the time your Reiksguard arrived she was still beating them to second death with an iron bar. A Shallyan Priestess would be an invaluable comfort to your subordinates, and you actually wouldn't mind having the little firecracker around… But being that high-strung probably doesn't bode well for her future in a Knightly Order...
[][PIETY] A Priest has offered to join your Order to help tend to the men and watch over the faith of your Order. You're pretty sure they're plants by the various cults in the Empire, but having a Priest stationed permanently in your Order would be tremendous for morale, especially in a Religious Order. (Write-in: By Default, will match the religion of a Templar Order)
[][PIETY] You've met Sunnhilde Kantorowicz before, at the center of an outbreak of Nurglites near Kemperbad. By all accounts she is a normal priestess of Shallya, if a little stiff, preaching peace and treating the wounded… until she saw the infected dead rise, went mad with outrage, and began beating them to death with whatever was nearby. By the time your Reiksguard arrived she was still beating them to second death with an iron bar. A Shallyan Priestess would be an invaluable comfort to your subordinates, and you actually wouldn't mind having the little firecracker around… But being that high-strung probably doesn't bode well for her future in a Knightly Order...
[][STEWARDSHIP/DIPLOMACY] Sontrulvus is an elven merchant, immigrated here from Ulthuan several hundred years ago and now a naturalised citizen of the Empire. Adept at both diplomacy and business in a way you could never comprehend, he would be the ideal retainer if not for his awful attitude. Although his court manners are impeccable, elves are not well-liked by the common folk of the Empire, and neither for that matter are merchants, so taking him on will raise a few eyebrows. At least he respects you somewhat, thanks to your service in the Long March. (Special, may be selected as either a Stewardship or Diplomacy option, and can act in both capacities, but costs 50 Prestige)
Rubbing your eyes, you sigh and retire to the balcony, where a pigeon arrives and rests on the railing before you. It looks at you, head tilted, and jangles its leg at you until you pluck the letter from its leg and send it off. You take one glance at the letter before sighing and tearing it up; it's from your stupid rival again.
Seriously, all you did was defeat a man in honorable single combat. How is that enough to have an entire Kingdom declare a vendetta upon you? It's unfair is what it is. You hope you don't end up getting more nemeses. They're hard work and you have shit to do.
NEMESIS VOTE: CHOOSE ONE PER CATEGORY
[][BRETONNIA] A Knight Errant has declared a vendetta on you, vowing to defeat you to avenge the slight to his father's name… oh, great, the Marquis' stupid son wants to avenge him. He's even a Knight Errant, so either he'll hound you to the end of your days or you do duel him and someone dies. Note to self, find a Jade Wizard. Hopefully he wises up soon.
[][BRETONNIA] The new Marquis, a fully ordained Knight of the Realm, has taken up the Kingdom's vendetta and seeks to challenge you to single combat, with the caveat that if you lose, you will become his wife. That's… slightly concerning. You have no intention of getting married to a Bretonnian, you know what they do to women there. Your future there is death in a wineyard, not death on the battlefield. And you don't like wine that much.
[][BRETONNIA] Especially now that you have a Grail Knight coming after you. Apparently the Lady of the Lake took a personal interest in you defeating their Lord and has sent one of her personal demigod champions to beat you. At least you can trust that you won't die in the process. Maybe if you make a good enough impression they won't put you on a spit and roast you.
[][BRETONNIA] The new Marquis, a fully ordained Knight of the Realm, has taken up the Kingdom's vendetta and seeks to challenge you to single combat, with the caveat that if you lose, you will become his wife. That's… slightly concerning. You have no intention of getting married to a Bretonnian, you know what they do to women there. Your future there is death in a wineyard, not death on the battlefield. And you don't like wine that much.
[][BRETONNIA] Especially now that you have a Grail Knight coming after you. Apparently the Lady of the Lake took a personal interest in you defeating their Lord and has sent one of her personal demigod champions to beat you. At least you can trust that you won't die in the process. Maybe if you make a good enough impression they won't put you on a spit and roast you.
[][DESTRUCTION] When Gork and Mork were handing out luck, Boss Ribkrumpa got the short end of the stick. He's been skulking around Reikland since before you were born, launching irritating raids but never amassing the successes necessary to accumulate a proper Waaaagh!, only holding onto his position through his innate might as as a Black Orc and a certain low cunning - you tried like many before you to crush him for good, but even the Reiksguard wasn't enough to keep him from slipping away. Now he's finally sick of being dismissed as an annoyance, and has set his sights on making his name as the Skullcrusha-crusha. He's experienced, an uncommonly skilled tactician for a greenskin, and rapidly growing in power in anticipation of facing you.
[][DESTRUCTION] As a teenage girl, you once had a daydream or two about being kidnapped by a vampire and finding eternal love in undeath - because monsters or not the story of Vlad von Carstein and Isabella von Carstein is pretty fucking romantic - but the thing about teenage fantasies is how awful they tend to be in practice. Which is not great for you, because you seem to have a vampiric admirer. More than once he's slaughtered a pack of beastmen and greenskins to raise an army to fight you, just so he can see you again. It's… actually fairly thoughtful of him to clear out the Empire's enemies while still giving you something to crush, but this is still creepy. Eurgh.
[][DESTRUCTION] During your time with the elves, you clashed repeatedly with a particular Bray-Shaman attempting to defile their menhirs. He turned out to be a remarkably powerful warrior when you finally clashed him in a duel, lodging an axe in the meat of your leg - but you shattered his arm in return. His name is Ur-Gurhath, and has vowed revenge. In entirely unrelated news, you wonder if the Bright College is up for a special job.
[][DESTRUCTION] Johann Mayer is a former Imperial general turned arch-heretic, a monster with a silver tongue and a rotten heart. He was also once a trusted friend of your mother, your godfather, and the man you were named after. You must burn away this stain on your family's honour, but he's proven irritatingly elusive. You've foiled his schemes three or four times now, long before he can become an actual threat, but he always seems to escape - the gifts of his new patrons have made him an inspiring orator and a fearsome foe despite his advanced age, and he's a famously skilled commander. Even with a rabble of mutants, brigands, deserters and peasants he's a serious threat. If he ever had time to knock them into something like a proper army...
[][DESTRUCTION] You don't even know how the beastmen keep finding assassins. They're supposed to abhor civilisation how do they keep finding technologically advanced ratmen with poison and bombs to throw at you. You haven't had a good night's rest in years.
[][DESTRUCTION] As a teenage girl, you once had a daydream or two about being kidnapped by a vampire and finding eternal love in undeath - because monsters or not the story of Vlad von Carstein and Isabella von Carstein is pretty fucking romantic - but the thing about teenage fantasies is how awful they tend to be in practice. Which is not great for you, because you seem to have a vampiric admirer. More than once he's slaughtered a pack of beastmen and greenskins to raise an army to fight you, just so he can see you again. It's… actually fairly thoughtful of him to clear out the Empire's enemies while still giving you something to crush, but this is still creepy. Eurgh.
[][DESTRUCTION] During your time with the elves, you clashed repeatedly with a particular Bray-Shaman attempting to defile their menhirs. He turned out to be a remarkably powerful warrior when you finally clashed him in a duel, lodging an axe in the meat of your leg - but you shattered his arm in return. His name is Ur-Gurhath, and has vowed revenge. In entirely unrelated news, you wonder if the Bright College is up for a special job.
[][DESTRUCTION] Johann Mayer is a former Imperial general turned arch-heretic, a monster with a silver tongue and a rotten heart. He was also once a trusted friend of your mother, your godfather, and the man you were named after. You must burn away this stain on your family's honour, but he's proven irritatingly elusive. You've foiled his schemes three or four times now, long before he can become an actual threat, but he always seems to escape - the gifts of his new patrons have made him an inspiring orator and a fearsome foe despite his advanced age, and he's a famously skilled commander. Even with a rabble of mutants, brigands, deserters and peasants he's a serious threat. If he ever had time to knock them into something like a proper army...
[][DESTRUCTION] You don't even know how the beastmen keep finding assassins. They're supposed to abhor civilisation how do they keep finding technologically advanced ratmen with poison and bombs to throw at you. You haven't had a good night's rest in years.
Regardless of all that… You look out at the city of Altdorf, the people that swarm in its depths going about their lives. This is the Empire, in essence. A lot of people together, who could achieve great things if they worked together, but won't for various reasons. Your father worked to protect this. Your father died to protect this. And now your brother is on the same throne doing the same job, walking the same path. You don't want him to end in the same place.
There is no way you could sit in one place with that hanging over your head. You ventured out beyond the Empire more than once as one of the Reiksguard; who's to stop you from venturing around the Empire, fighting its enemies as one of your Order? You shall not rest on your laurels. You will Crusade.
MANDATE: THE CRUSADER
...You do need a name though, mmh. All good Knightly Orders have a name.
[][NAME] Write-In
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Archon of Ghosts
Servant of Rome
- Location
- Luxembourg
[X] Plan Judgement of the Dead
-[X][NAME] The Black Templars
-[X][FAITH] Templar Order: Faith brings adherents and the attentions of their patron, but politics boondoggles everything.
--[X] Morr
-[X][MARTIAL] Siegbert Reiner is an old travelling companion of yours, the sole other survivor of your time with the elves. You're surprised he's put his name forwards, he swore he'd had enough battle to last a lifetime, but you suppose the old dog changed his mind. A beastmaster of some ability, he would be invaluable in breaking and training the Order's horses - and other creatures, if they were acquired in the future.
-[X][STEWARDSHIP] Besen von Verlässlich, or Brom as you called him, is a childhood friend of yours. You remember him as he was, weedy and noodly, but he had heart. So you kept him around, showed him the ropes, dragged him along for walks, and hammered him into good iron. Before long he grew up, bulked out, and became someone worth talking to. Last you heard he had become a part of the Imperial Estate, an aide to the Imperial Steward! And now he's applying to serve you. That's… actually kind of sweet of him.
-[X][DIPLOMACY] Luise Liebjungfer once served Duchess Alda von Preissner loyally as a Lady-in-Waiting, but tragically the Duchess died not too long ago, reportedly slain by beastmen while visiting her vineyards. With the death of her lady, Luise has been looking for another to serve. Reputed to be one of Reikland's finest ladies-in-waiting, Luise would be a great boon to the comforts of your household and the efficiency of your staff, and apparently her massages are incredible. Well. The job has to come with some perks, right?
-[X][PIETY] A Warrior-Priest has offered to join your Order to help tend to the men and watch over the faith of your Order. You're pretty sure they're plants by the various cults in the Empire, but having a Warrior-Priest stationed permanently in your Order would be tremendous for morale, especially in a Religious Order.
-[X][BRETONNIA] The new Marquis, a fully ordained Knight of the Realm, has taken up the Kingdom's vendetta and seeks to challenge you to single combat, with the caveat that if you lose, you will become his wife. That's… slightly concerning. You have no intention of getting married to a Bretonnian, you know what they do to women there. Your future there is death in a wineyard, not death on the battlefield. And you don't like wine that much.
-[X][DESTRUCTION] As a teenage girl, you once had a daydream or two about being kidnapped by a vampire and finding eternal love in undeath - because monsters or not the story of Vlad von Carstein and Isabella von Carstein is pretty fucking romantic - but the thing about teenage fantasies is how awful they tend to be in practice. Which is not great for you, because you seem to have a vampiric admirer. More than once he's slaughtered a pack of beastmen and greenskins to raise an army to fight you, just so he can see you again. It's… actually fairly thoughtful of him to clear out the Empire's enemies while still giving you something to crush, but this is still creepy. Eurgh.
-[X][NAME] The Black Templars
-[X][FAITH] Templar Order: Faith brings adherents and the attentions of their patron, but politics boondoggles everything.
--[X] Morr
-[X][MARTIAL] Siegbert Reiner is an old travelling companion of yours, the sole other survivor of your time with the elves. You're surprised he's put his name forwards, he swore he'd had enough battle to last a lifetime, but you suppose the old dog changed his mind. A beastmaster of some ability, he would be invaluable in breaking and training the Order's horses - and other creatures, if they were acquired in the future.
-[X][STEWARDSHIP] Besen von Verlässlich, or Brom as you called him, is a childhood friend of yours. You remember him as he was, weedy and noodly, but he had heart. So you kept him around, showed him the ropes, dragged him along for walks, and hammered him into good iron. Before long he grew up, bulked out, and became someone worth talking to. Last you heard he had become a part of the Imperial Estate, an aide to the Imperial Steward! And now he's applying to serve you. That's… actually kind of sweet of him.
-[X][DIPLOMACY] Luise Liebjungfer once served Duchess Alda von Preissner loyally as a Lady-in-Waiting, but tragically the Duchess died not too long ago, reportedly slain by beastmen while visiting her vineyards. With the death of her lady, Luise has been looking for another to serve. Reputed to be one of Reikland's finest ladies-in-waiting, Luise would be a great boon to the comforts of your household and the efficiency of your staff, and apparently her massages are incredible. Well. The job has to come with some perks, right?
-[X][PIETY] A Warrior-Priest has offered to join your Order to help tend to the men and watch over the faith of your Order. You're pretty sure they're plants by the various cults in the Empire, but having a Warrior-Priest stationed permanently in your Order would be tremendous for morale, especially in a Religious Order.
-[X][BRETONNIA] The new Marquis, a fully ordained Knight of the Realm, has taken up the Kingdom's vendetta and seeks to challenge you to single combat, with the caveat that if you lose, you will become his wife. That's… slightly concerning. You have no intention of getting married to a Bretonnian, you know what they do to women there. Your future there is death in a wineyard, not death on the battlefield. And you don't like wine that much.
-[X][DESTRUCTION] As a teenage girl, you once had a daydream or two about being kidnapped by a vampire and finding eternal love in undeath - because monsters or not the story of Vlad von Carstein and Isabella von Carstein is pretty fucking romantic - but the thing about teenage fantasies is how awful they tend to be in practice. Which is not great for you, because you seem to have a vampiric admirer. More than once he's slaughtered a pack of beastmen and greenskins to raise an army to fight you, just so he can see you again. It's… actually fairly thoughtful of him to clear out the Empire's enemies while still giving you something to crush, but this is still creepy. Eurgh.
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- Location
- We the North
[X] Plan Sigmar
[X][FAITH] Templar Order: Faith brings adherents and the attentions of their patron, but politics boondoggles everything.
-[X] Sigmar
The first Emperor, God of Mankind and wielder of Ghal Maraz, the Cult of Sigmar has been in conflict with the Cult of Ulric for much of the Empire's history. They command three electoral votes to determine the next Emperor, and command much influence in the Empire's southern provinces.
Sorry guys I had to do this, I feel like making a premier order for Sigmar would be pretty fun.
[X][MARTIAL] Siegbert Reiner is an old travelling companion of yours, the sole other survivor of your time with the elves. You're surprised he's put his name forwards, he swore he'd had enough battle to last a lifetime, but you suppose the old dog changed his mind. A beastmaster of some ability, he would be invaluable in breaking and training the Order's horses - and other creatures, if they were acquired in the future.
Maybe in the future we'll obtain some more 'exotic' beast and we'll have someone to train him, he also has tons of experience which I feel like would be good for a new order.
[X][STEWARDSHIP] Besen von Verlässlich, or Brom as you called him, is a childhood friend of yours. You remember him as he was, weedy and noodly, but he had heart. So you kept him around, showed him the ropes, dragged him along for walks, and hammered him into good iron. Before long he grew up, bulked out, and became someone worth talking to. Last you heard he had become a part of the Imperial Estate, an aide to the Imperial Steward! And now he's applying to serve you. That's… actually kind of sweet of him.
Just a generic choice here for stewardship, he seems like someone who could be depended on to do his job.
[X][DIPLOMACY] Luise Liebjungfer once served Duchess Alda von Preissner loyally as a Lady-in-Waiting, but tragically the Duchess died not too long ago, reportedly slain by beastmen while visiting her vineyards. With the death of her lady, Luise has been looking for another to serve. Reputed to be one of Reikland's finest ladies-in-waiting, Luise would be a great boon to the comforts of your household and the efficiency of your staff, and apparently her massages are incredible. Well. The job has to come with some perks, right?
Once again just someone who seems like they'll be a good choice.
[X][PIETY] A Priest has offered to join your Order to help tend to the men and watch over the faith of your Order. You're pretty sure they're plants by the various cults in the Empire, but having a Priest stationed permanently in your Order would be tremendous for morale, especially in a Religious Order.
[X][BRETONNIA] Especially now that you have a Grail Knight coming after you. Apparently the Lady of the Lake took a personal interest in you defeating their Lord and has sent one of her personal demigod champions to beat you. At least you can trust that you won't die in the process. Maybe if you make a good enough impression they won't put you on a spit and roast you.
[X][DESTRUCTION] Johann Mayer is a former Imperial general turned arch-heretic, a monster with a silver tongue and a rotten heart. He was also once a trusted friend of your mother, your godfather, and the man you were named after. You must burn away this stain on your family's honour, but he's proven irritatingly elusive. You've foiled his schemes three or four times now, long before he can become an actual threat, but he always seems to escape - the gifts of his new patrons have made him an inspiring orator and a fearsome foe despite his advanced age, and he's a famously skilled commander. Even with a rabble of mutants, brigands, deserters and peasants he's a serious threat. If he ever had time to knock them into something like a proper army...
[X][Name] Knights of the Blazing Hammer
Not sure about the name but I feel like someone else could come up with something cooler. I feel like the two enemies should be something to work towards and with our patron god being Sigmar, eventually crushing that one heretic will feel good.
[X][FAITH] Templar Order: Faith brings adherents and the attentions of their patron, but politics boondoggles everything.
-[X] Sigmar
The first Emperor, God of Mankind and wielder of Ghal Maraz, the Cult of Sigmar has been in conflict with the Cult of Ulric for much of the Empire's history. They command three electoral votes to determine the next Emperor, and command much influence in the Empire's southern provinces.
Sorry guys I had to do this, I feel like making a premier order for Sigmar would be pretty fun.
[X][MARTIAL] Siegbert Reiner is an old travelling companion of yours, the sole other survivor of your time with the elves. You're surprised he's put his name forwards, he swore he'd had enough battle to last a lifetime, but you suppose the old dog changed his mind. A beastmaster of some ability, he would be invaluable in breaking and training the Order's horses - and other creatures, if they were acquired in the future.
Maybe in the future we'll obtain some more 'exotic' beast and we'll have someone to train him, he also has tons of experience which I feel like would be good for a new order.
[X][STEWARDSHIP] Besen von Verlässlich, or Brom as you called him, is a childhood friend of yours. You remember him as he was, weedy and noodly, but he had heart. So you kept him around, showed him the ropes, dragged him along for walks, and hammered him into good iron. Before long he grew up, bulked out, and became someone worth talking to. Last you heard he had become a part of the Imperial Estate, an aide to the Imperial Steward! And now he's applying to serve you. That's… actually kind of sweet of him.
Just a generic choice here for stewardship, he seems like someone who could be depended on to do his job.
[X][DIPLOMACY] Luise Liebjungfer once served Duchess Alda von Preissner loyally as a Lady-in-Waiting, but tragically the Duchess died not too long ago, reportedly slain by beastmen while visiting her vineyards. With the death of her lady, Luise has been looking for another to serve. Reputed to be one of Reikland's finest ladies-in-waiting, Luise would be a great boon to the comforts of your household and the efficiency of your staff, and apparently her massages are incredible. Well. The job has to come with some perks, right?
Once again just someone who seems like they'll be a good choice.
[X][PIETY] A Priest has offered to join your Order to help tend to the men and watch over the faith of your Order. You're pretty sure they're plants by the various cults in the Empire, but having a Priest stationed permanently in your Order would be tremendous for morale, especially in a Religious Order.
[X][BRETONNIA] Especially now that you have a Grail Knight coming after you. Apparently the Lady of the Lake took a personal interest in you defeating their Lord and has sent one of her personal demigod champions to beat you. At least you can trust that you won't die in the process. Maybe if you make a good enough impression they won't put you on a spit and roast you.
[X][DESTRUCTION] Johann Mayer is a former Imperial general turned arch-heretic, a monster with a silver tongue and a rotten heart. He was also once a trusted friend of your mother, your godfather, and the man you were named after. You must burn away this stain on your family's honour, but he's proven irritatingly elusive. You've foiled his schemes three or four times now, long before he can become an actual threat, but he always seems to escape - the gifts of his new patrons have made him an inspiring orator and a fearsome foe despite his advanced age, and he's a famously skilled commander. Even with a rabble of mutants, brigands, deserters and peasants he's a serious threat. If he ever had time to knock them into something like a proper army...
[X][Name] Knights of the Blazing Hammer
Not sure about the name but I feel like someone else could come up with something cooler. I feel like the two enemies should be something to work towards and with our patron god being Sigmar, eventually crushing that one heretic will feel good.
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Imrix
Periodically Malevolent QM
[X] Plan Imrix
-[X][FAITH] Secular Order: Divorced from the politics of religion and free to operate, but they forsake the blessings of their patron.
--[X][MARTIAL] Your old sparring mate, Dragg Limbripper, has heard that new Orders are being founded and come to seek his knighthood yet again. While an ogre squire would be a first, there's no actual rule against it, and Dragg's a good fellow. A bit dim, but he means well! Besides, he's a phenomenal wrestler, and it'd be good to have a training partner who can actually push you - and just think what he could make of your knights!... If he doesn't break them.
--[X][STEWARDSHIP] Sontrulvus is an elven merchant, immigrated here from Ulthuan several hundred years ago and now a naturalised citizen of the Empire. Adept at both diplomacy and business in a way you could never comprehend, he is almost the ideal retainer. However, although his court manners are impeccable, elves are not well-liked by the common folk of the Empire, and neither for that matter are merchants, so taking him on will raise a few eyebrows. At least he respects you somewhat, thanks to your service in the Long March. (Special, may be selected as either a Stewardship or Diplomacy option, and can act in both capacities, but costs 50 Prestige)
--[X][DIPLOMACY] Luise Liebjungfer once served Duchess Alda von Preissner loyally as a Lady-in-Waiting, but tragically the Duchess died not too long ago, reportedly slain by beastmen while visiting her vineyards. With the death of her lady, Luise has been looking for another to serve. Reputed to be one of Reikland's finest ladies-in-waiting, Luise would be a great boon to the comforts of your household and the efficiency of your staff, and apparently her massages are incredible. Well. The job has to come with some perks, right?
--[X][PIETY] You've met Sunnhilde Kantorowicz before, at the center of an outbreak of Nurglites near Kemperbad. By all accounts she is a normal priestess of Shallya, if a little stiff, preaching peace and treating the wounded… until she saw the infected dead rise, went mad with outrage, and began beating them to death with whatever was nearby. By the time your Reiksguard arrived she was still beating them to second death with an iron bar. A Shallyan Priestess would be an invaluable comfort to your subordinates, and you actually wouldn't mind having the little firecracker around… But being that high-strung probably doesn't bode well for her future in a Knightly Order...
--[X][BRETONNIA] The new Marquis, a fully ordained Knight of the Realm, has taken up the Kingdom's vendetta and seeks to challenge you to single combat, with the caveat that if you lose, you will become his wife. That's… slightly concerning. You have no intention of getting married to a Bretonnian, you know what they do to women there. Your future there is death in a wineyard, not death on the battlefield. And you don't like wine that much.
--[X][DESTRUCTION] As a teenage girl, you once had a daydream or two about being kidnapped by a vampire and finding eternal love in undeath - because monsters or not the story of Vlad von Carstein and Isabella von Carstein is pretty fucking romantic - but the thing about teenage fantasies is how awful they tend to be in practice. Which is not great for you, because you seem to have a vampiric admirer. More than once he's slaughtered a pack of beastmen and greenskins to raise an army to fight you, just so he can see you again. It's… actually fairly thoughtful of him to clear out the Empire's enemies while still giving you something to crush, but this is still creepy. Eurgh.
--[X][NAME] Order of the Iron Arm
Okay, so, this gives us a really good training master for our knights, who is also, well, an ogre. Proooobably pretty handy in a fight. As noted previously, grappling is a key part of medieval combat even if you're carrying weapons, especially in heavy armour, so wrestling is actually a foundational skill for our knights.
It also gives us a skilled lady-in-waiting - this is actually a huge deal. Historically speaking, 'lady-in-waiting' was basically the medieval noblewoman's equivalent to a personal secretary, the sort of person who arranges the household, appointments, supplies... All the kind of logistical stuff that Johanna is both really bad at (Stewardship nine), while also going some of the way to ease the stress our warriors are under due to the training from hell we're always putting them through.
For similar reasons, a Shallyan priestess is a very tempting offer. As I see it, the Piety options basically operate on a spectrum of firing up the knights' fighting zeal to tending their spiritual needs. A Templar is a powerful fighter who can spur the warriors on, but not actually an ordained priest. An ordained priest can better tend to the spiritual needs of the Order, and would be particularly helpful for a Templar Order, but is (Sigmarites and Ulricans aside) not actually a warrior. A Shallyan priestess is actively pacifistic, but they're an inspirational figure, and their presence is a balm to flesh and soul. For Johanna, morale is probably the more important concern - we already have a great training master, and we're an incredible fighter, so spurring the troops on is not a problem, which means we want to drown out that morale hit from Inhuman Drillmaster.
Which leaves Sontrulvus, the elf. Okay, yes, I'm biased towards elves, we all know that, and truthfully I could go for Brom instead, but while Luise can do a lot for our internal diplomacy by acting as a morale officer, she doesn't seem very good at contacting other nobles. She can probably advise us on how to do it ourselves, but she doesn't look like much of an independent agent. Taking Sontrulvus as our Stewardship option lets us cover that base as well without sacrificing logistical efficiency.
NOW. You might notice that the above plan only covers companions. The reason for that is simple: I don't actually have any strong feelings on the other options. I like all of 'em, to be honest. As such, I am taking suggestions from anybody who will vote with me for the above companion setup.
EDIT: Added the Marquis and the vampire for the amusement of competing unwanted husbandos as nemeses. I'll still entertain attempts to sway me towards other options (in particular, I'm kind of tempted by the Grail Knight/orc combo of Alectai's plan), but for now this is the choice people seem to dig.
EDIT 2: Added Order name, and provisionally selected Secular Order for Faith. I expect to fluctuate on this point between Secular, Myrmidian and Morrite, depending on how the discussion goes.
-[X][FAITH] Secular Order: Divorced from the politics of religion and free to operate, but they forsake the blessings of their patron.
--[X][MARTIAL] Your old sparring mate, Dragg Limbripper, has heard that new Orders are being founded and come to seek his knighthood yet again. While an ogre squire would be a first, there's no actual rule against it, and Dragg's a good fellow. A bit dim, but he means well! Besides, he's a phenomenal wrestler, and it'd be good to have a training partner who can actually push you - and just think what he could make of your knights!... If he doesn't break them.
--[X][STEWARDSHIP] Sontrulvus is an elven merchant, immigrated here from Ulthuan several hundred years ago and now a naturalised citizen of the Empire. Adept at both diplomacy and business in a way you could never comprehend, he is almost the ideal retainer. However, although his court manners are impeccable, elves are not well-liked by the common folk of the Empire, and neither for that matter are merchants, so taking him on will raise a few eyebrows. At least he respects you somewhat, thanks to your service in the Long March. (Special, may be selected as either a Stewardship or Diplomacy option, and can act in both capacities, but costs 50 Prestige)
--[X][DIPLOMACY] Luise Liebjungfer once served Duchess Alda von Preissner loyally as a Lady-in-Waiting, but tragically the Duchess died not too long ago, reportedly slain by beastmen while visiting her vineyards. With the death of her lady, Luise has been looking for another to serve. Reputed to be one of Reikland's finest ladies-in-waiting, Luise would be a great boon to the comforts of your household and the efficiency of your staff, and apparently her massages are incredible. Well. The job has to come with some perks, right?
--[X][PIETY] You've met Sunnhilde Kantorowicz before, at the center of an outbreak of Nurglites near Kemperbad. By all accounts she is a normal priestess of Shallya, if a little stiff, preaching peace and treating the wounded… until she saw the infected dead rise, went mad with outrage, and began beating them to death with whatever was nearby. By the time your Reiksguard arrived she was still beating them to second death with an iron bar. A Shallyan Priestess would be an invaluable comfort to your subordinates, and you actually wouldn't mind having the little firecracker around… But being that high-strung probably doesn't bode well for her future in a Knightly Order...
--[X][BRETONNIA] The new Marquis, a fully ordained Knight of the Realm, has taken up the Kingdom's vendetta and seeks to challenge you to single combat, with the caveat that if you lose, you will become his wife. That's… slightly concerning. You have no intention of getting married to a Bretonnian, you know what they do to women there. Your future there is death in a wineyard, not death on the battlefield. And you don't like wine that much.
--[X][DESTRUCTION] As a teenage girl, you once had a daydream or two about being kidnapped by a vampire and finding eternal love in undeath - because monsters or not the story of Vlad von Carstein and Isabella von Carstein is pretty fucking romantic - but the thing about teenage fantasies is how awful they tend to be in practice. Which is not great for you, because you seem to have a vampiric admirer. More than once he's slaughtered a pack of beastmen and greenskins to raise an army to fight you, just so he can see you again. It's… actually fairly thoughtful of him to clear out the Empire's enemies while still giving you something to crush, but this is still creepy. Eurgh.
--[X][NAME] Order of the Iron Arm
Okay, so, this gives us a really good training master for our knights, who is also, well, an ogre. Proooobably pretty handy in a fight. As noted previously, grappling is a key part of medieval combat even if you're carrying weapons, especially in heavy armour, so wrestling is actually a foundational skill for our knights.
It also gives us a skilled lady-in-waiting - this is actually a huge deal. Historically speaking, 'lady-in-waiting' was basically the medieval noblewoman's equivalent to a personal secretary, the sort of person who arranges the household, appointments, supplies... All the kind of logistical stuff that Johanna is both really bad at (Stewardship nine), while also going some of the way to ease the stress our warriors are under due to the training from hell we're always putting them through.
For similar reasons, a Shallyan priestess is a very tempting offer. As I see it, the Piety options basically operate on a spectrum of firing up the knights' fighting zeal to tending their spiritual needs. A Templar is a powerful fighter who can spur the warriors on, but not actually an ordained priest. An ordained priest can better tend to the spiritual needs of the Order, and would be particularly helpful for a Templar Order, but is (Sigmarites and Ulricans aside) not actually a warrior. A Shallyan priestess is actively pacifistic, but they're an inspirational figure, and their presence is a balm to flesh and soul. For Johanna, morale is probably the more important concern - we already have a great training master, and we're an incredible fighter, so spurring the troops on is not a problem, which means we want to drown out that morale hit from Inhuman Drillmaster.
Which leaves Sontrulvus, the elf. Okay, yes, I'm biased towards elves, we all know that, and truthfully I could go for Brom instead, but while Luise can do a lot for our internal diplomacy by acting as a morale officer, she doesn't seem very good at contacting other nobles. She can probably advise us on how to do it ourselves, but she doesn't look like much of an independent agent. Taking Sontrulvus as our Stewardship option lets us cover that base as well without sacrificing logistical efficiency.
NOW. You might notice that the above plan only covers companions. The reason for that is simple: I don't actually have any strong feelings on the other options. I like all of 'em, to be honest. As such, I am taking suggestions from anybody who will vote with me for the above companion setup.
EDIT: Added the Marquis and the vampire for the amusement of competing unwanted husbandos as nemeses. I'll still entertain attempts to sway me towards other options (in particular, I'm kind of tempted by the Grail Knight/orc combo of Alectai's plan), but for now this is the choice people seem to dig.
EDIT 2: Added Order name, and provisionally selected Secular Order for Faith. I expect to fluctuate on this point between Secular, Myrmidian and Morrite, depending on how the discussion goes.
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Theunderbolt
"Prepare for trouble..."
- Location
- USoA
Part of me wants to see what happens when the Bretonian and the Vampire who want to waifu Johanna meet...
Imrix
Periodically Malevolent QM
That could indeed be hilarious, and I am prepared to vote for it.
Alectai
Speaks Words of Wisdom... On occasion
I got you all fam.
[X] Plan: The Order of Knights Warden
[X][FAITH] Secular Order: Divorced from the politics of religion and free to operate, but they forsake the blessings of their patron.
Yeah, politics are fucking poison, what we are is a bunch of lunatics who run around punching dudes--in the face, forcing their ribs up into their eyes. It's kind of a god-agnostic position--if you're good at beating up nerds who want to bully the Empire, then you'll have a place here.
[X][MARTIAL] Your own squire, Reinhard Edelstein, appears to have put his name forward! He served you during your time in the Reiksguard, and you struck up a good rapport with him as friend and teacher. When you left, he had already become a fully ordained knight of the Reiksguard. Another veteran of the Reiksguard would be worth his weight in gold.
Every band of lunatics needs a straight man, and having someone well liked, well trained, and actually has expectations that you'd expect from an ordinary human being should help moderate Johanna's absolutely fucking insane standards--the Inner Circle are the poor fuckers who she expects to be able to chokeslam an Ogre.
[X][STEWARDSHIP] A Journeyman of the Gold Order, Otwin Schwerin seeks employment as part of his education to become a Magister - apparently serving the Emperor's sister looks good on the records. He's too thin, spends all his time in an expensive laboratory, and apparently his magic is on the weedy side, but he's apparently an enchanter as well as an alchemist, so you're willing to overlook how he smells funny and how his nose is always in a book, as long as he can make your sword magic.
One of the upsides to being a Secular Order is stuff like this--we can employ a Gold Wizard with a straight face and nobody can accuse us of Heresy! And having a wizard who can improve our kit makes us one step closer to being a respectable Knightly Order that secretly hides an Inner Circle of absolute fucking madmen who are expected to be capable of fighting Heroes and Lords or are made fun of for mucking about.
[X][DIPLOMACY] Luise Liebjungfer once served Duchess Alda von Preissner loyally as a Lady-in-Waiting, but tragically the Duchess died not too long ago, reportedly slain by beastmen while visiting her vineyards. With the death of her lady, Luise has been looking for another to serve. Reputed to be one of Reikland's finest ladies-in-waiting, Luise would be a great boon to the comforts of your household and the efficiency of your staff, and apparently her massages are incredible. Well. The job has to come with some perks, right?
What? She's good at making ends meet, she's good at keeping morale up and ensuring our order is nicely humming along, and she gives good massages--what's not to like?
[X][PIETY] You've met Sunnhilde Kantorowicz before, at the center of an outbreak of Nurglites near Kemperbad. By all accounts she is a normal priestess of Shallya, if a little stiff, preaching peace and treating the wounded… until she saw the infected dead rise, went mad with outrage, and began beating them to death with whatever was nearby. By the time your Reiksguard arrived she was still beating them to second death with an iron bar. A Shallyan Priestess would be an invaluable comfort to your subordinates, and you actually wouldn't mind having the little firecracker around… But being that high-strung probably doesn't bode well for her future in a Knightly Order...
Look, we're going to go through a lot of fucking injuries, having a Shallyan on staff who can be trusted to go absolutely fucking berserk at the sight of Nurglites can't be going on the wrong path.
[X][BRETONNIA] Especially now that you have a Grail Knight coming after you. Apparently the Lady of the Lake took a personal interest in you defeating their Lord and has sent one of her personal demigod champions to beat you. At least you can trust that you won't die in the process. Maybe if you make a good enough impression they won't put you on a spit and roast you.
Encouragement to Git Gud against a foe who can push Johanna to her limits and beyond them. The Knight Errant is a political clusterfuck waiting to happen, and the Knight of the Realm is just savvy enough based on the description that we could potentially expect shenanigans--at the very least, him having an actual fiefdom behind him gives him enough political power to be worrisome.
[X][DESTRUCTION] When Gork and Mork were handing out luck, Boss Ribkrumpa got the short end of the stick. He's been skulking around Reikland since before you were born, launching irritating raids but never amassing the successes necessary to accumulate a proper Waaaagh!, only holding onto his position through his innate might as as a Black Orc and a certain low cunning - you tried like many before you to crush him for good, but even the Reiksguard wasn't enough to keep him from slipping away. Now he's finally sick of being dismissed as an annoyance, and has set his sights on making his name as the Skullcrusha-crusha. He's experienced, an uncommonly skilled tactician for a greenskin, and rapidly growing in power in anticipation of facing you.
And finally, a good military opponent to keep us sharp and prevent us from getting complacent.
[X][NAME] The Order of Knights Warden
[X] Plan: The Order of Knights Warden
[X][FAITH] Secular Order: Divorced from the politics of religion and free to operate, but they forsake the blessings of their patron.
Yeah, politics are fucking poison, what we are is a bunch of lunatics who run around punching dudes--in the face, forcing their ribs up into their eyes. It's kind of a god-agnostic position--if you're good at beating up nerds who want to bully the Empire, then you'll have a place here.
[X][MARTIAL] Your own squire, Reinhard Edelstein, appears to have put his name forward! He served you during your time in the Reiksguard, and you struck up a good rapport with him as friend and teacher. When you left, he had already become a fully ordained knight of the Reiksguard. Another veteran of the Reiksguard would be worth his weight in gold.
Every band of lunatics needs a straight man, and having someone well liked, well trained, and actually has expectations that you'd expect from an ordinary human being should help moderate Johanna's absolutely fucking insane standards--the Inner Circle are the poor fuckers who she expects to be able to chokeslam an Ogre.
[X][STEWARDSHIP] A Journeyman of the Gold Order, Otwin Schwerin seeks employment as part of his education to become a Magister - apparently serving the Emperor's sister looks good on the records. He's too thin, spends all his time in an expensive laboratory, and apparently his magic is on the weedy side, but he's apparently an enchanter as well as an alchemist, so you're willing to overlook how he smells funny and how his nose is always in a book, as long as he can make your sword magic.
One of the upsides to being a Secular Order is stuff like this--we can employ a Gold Wizard with a straight face and nobody can accuse us of Heresy! And having a wizard who can improve our kit makes us one step closer to being a respectable Knightly Order that secretly hides an Inner Circle of absolute fucking madmen who are expected to be capable of fighting Heroes and Lords or are made fun of for mucking about.
[X][DIPLOMACY] Luise Liebjungfer once served Duchess Alda von Preissner loyally as a Lady-in-Waiting, but tragically the Duchess died not too long ago, reportedly slain by beastmen while visiting her vineyards. With the death of her lady, Luise has been looking for another to serve. Reputed to be one of Reikland's finest ladies-in-waiting, Luise would be a great boon to the comforts of your household and the efficiency of your staff, and apparently her massages are incredible. Well. The job has to come with some perks, right?
What? She's good at making ends meet, she's good at keeping morale up and ensuring our order is nicely humming along, and she gives good massages--what's not to like?
[X][PIETY] You've met Sunnhilde Kantorowicz before, at the center of an outbreak of Nurglites near Kemperbad. By all accounts she is a normal priestess of Shallya, if a little stiff, preaching peace and treating the wounded… until she saw the infected dead rise, went mad with outrage, and began beating them to death with whatever was nearby. By the time your Reiksguard arrived she was still beating them to second death with an iron bar. A Shallyan Priestess would be an invaluable comfort to your subordinates, and you actually wouldn't mind having the little firecracker around… But being that high-strung probably doesn't bode well for her future in a Knightly Order...
Look, we're going to go through a lot of fucking injuries, having a Shallyan on staff who can be trusted to go absolutely fucking berserk at the sight of Nurglites can't be going on the wrong path.
[X][BRETONNIA] Especially now that you have a Grail Knight coming after you. Apparently the Lady of the Lake took a personal interest in you defeating their Lord and has sent one of her personal demigod champions to beat you. At least you can trust that you won't die in the process. Maybe if you make a good enough impression they won't put you on a spit and roast you.
Encouragement to Git Gud against a foe who can push Johanna to her limits and beyond them. The Knight Errant is a political clusterfuck waiting to happen, and the Knight of the Realm is just savvy enough based on the description that we could potentially expect shenanigans--at the very least, him having an actual fiefdom behind him gives him enough political power to be worrisome.
[X][DESTRUCTION] When Gork and Mork were handing out luck, Boss Ribkrumpa got the short end of the stick. He's been skulking around Reikland since before you were born, launching irritating raids but never amassing the successes necessary to accumulate a proper Waaaagh!, only holding onto his position through his innate might as as a Black Orc and a certain low cunning - you tried like many before you to crush him for good, but even the Reiksguard wasn't enough to keep him from slipping away. Now he's finally sick of being dismissed as an annoyance, and has set his sights on making his name as the Skullcrusha-crusha. He's experienced, an uncommonly skilled tactician for a greenskin, and rapidly growing in power in anticipation of facing you.
And finally, a good military opponent to keep us sharp and prevent us from getting complacent.
[X][NAME] The Order of Knights Warden