Blood of the Frontier (CK2) Completed.

[Magoose]

AN: The Brothers Aristov everyone. And I'm too lazy to find baby pics, they won't get pics until they are 16.

Spoiler: Alexi Aristov

Name: Alexi Aristov

Title: Heir to the Rus

Age:0

Health: 7.0

Fertility: 125% (Trying for a child has a +20 roll boost.)

Relation 100/100

Stats:

Diplomacy:6

Martial:7

Stewardship:5

Intrigue:5

Learning:5

Personal Combat:11

Traits:

Triplet: You were born with two brothers by your side, and you know they will be with you until the end (Relation with your brothers will stay permanently above 30)

Genius: You were born with a gifted intellect, one that few in Europa can even match. (+5 to all stats)

Strong: You are physically strong and imposing. (+1 to diplomacy, +2 to martial. +2 to health, +6 to Personal Combat, +25% to fertility)

Spoiler: Dmitry Aristov

Name: Dmitry Aristov

Title: Lord of the Rus

Age:0

Health: 7.0

Fertility: 125% (Trying for a child has a +20 roll boost.)

Relation 100/100

Stats:

Diplomacy:6

Martial:7

Stewardship:5

Intrigue:5

Learning:5

Personal Combat:11

Traits:

Triplet: You were born with two brothers by your side, and you know they will be with you until the end (Relation with your brothers will stay permanently above 30)

Genius: You were born with a gifted intellect, one that few in Europa can even match. (+5 to all stats)

Strong: You are physically strong and imposing. (+1 to diplomacy, +2 to martial. +2 to health, +6 to Personal Combat, +25% to fertility)

Spoiler: Ivan Aristov

Name: Ivan Aristov

Title: Lord of the Rus

Age:0

Health: 7.0

Fertility: 125% (Trying for a child has a +20 roll boost.)

Relation 100/100

Stats:

Diplomacy:6

Martial:7

Stewardship:5

Intrigue:5

Learning:5

Personal Combat:11

Traits:

Triplet: You were born with two brothers by your side, and you know they will be with you until the end (Relation with your brothers will stay permanently above 30)

Genius: You were born with a gifted intellect, one that few in Europa can even match. (+5 to all stats)

Strong: You are physically strong and imposing. (+1 to diplomacy, +2 to martial. +2 to health, +6 to Personal Combat, +25% to fertility)

 

[Magoose]

The Cossacks

The news from your recruiters was not good. They only found one person that was willing to join your army. ONE! They were wasting money, time, and training that could be going elsewhere, like to repairing your ports, your ships, and improving the equipment of your men.

You had actually ridden all the way back home to face these two men and publicly execute them for their sheer incompetence.

But when you arrived Nicholas was the one who stayed your hand. The blizzard covered roads of Novgorod had made your travel difficult and you nearly died from falling off your horse. But you arrived, ready to start chopping off some heads.

"Vasily!" Nicholas shouted, running close behind you, his armor clanking on the floor as he struggled to keep up. "Let them explain themselves!"

"Aye! They'll give their report and last testaments before I cut their fucking heads off!" You growled back. You had given those men time, an ample amount of money, and your blessing. To only come back with one man was an outrage, an embarrassment, and a farce. They must have been foreign agents of some sort, sent by your enemies to disrupt your military readiness and recruitment. The first step in an invasion…

It's what you would do of course. Scout your enemies positions and leadership, get a lay of the land, find out where supplies can be gathered from foraging. Fortifications, settlements, water… If these men were indeed enemy agents, you would find out if they sent any messages to their masters.

"They were my best men!" Nicholas shouted. "I handpicked them. If they only recruited one man, they would have a damned good reason for it!"

"And if they don't!?" You asked. "If they have been lying, they deserve punishment!"

"And executing them before they can explain themselves would be counterproductive to learning the truth," Nicholas replied. "Don't let your paranoia get the better of you, especially now."

You stopped and glared at Nicholas. "I am not letting it get the better of me!"

Nicholas placed a hand on your shoulder. "Yes, you are. Now take a deep breath, and think rationally. Why would only one man join the army, and no one else?"

"They are all dead." You stated.

Nicholas nodded. "No. Think harder. You and the Empire can't be everywhere at once…"

Everything ticked and your thoughts of executing two men vanished in an instant as you understood everything. "They joined another army."

Nicholas nodded. "Aye… And their leader is waiting for you."

"Where?" You asked.

"With your bodyguards. She's taking a liking to them." Nicholas replied.

"She?" You said, surprised.

Nicholas laughed. "You know Zima is a proud knight of the Hussars and you're surprised that a woman is leading another army?"

"To be honest, yes." you replied.

Nicholas chuckled. "Don't let Zima hear that, or you'll get an earful."

"Or my ass kicked in the practice yard." You muttered. You turned towards Nicholas. "She hears nothing of what I have said here."

Nicholas nodded and lead you towards your bodyguard's barracks. "When you see her Vasily," Nicholas said as you got closer to the barracks. "Don't be too surprised at who she is."

Inside you could hear some laughter and the sounds of glasses clinking mugs and the words "CHUG!" being shouted repeated over and over again.

The thing you noticed the most was the woman. A Mongol woman.

You felt your anger and rage boil over. You drew your sword and barked. "WHY IS THIS MONGOL HERE!" You walked forward and noticed the mug of Vodka that was in front of her.

"Vasily!" Nicholas tried to stop you, but couldn't.

"She's not a Mongol," Ashford stated, stepping in front of you and your sword, blocking a precise stab into the woman's abdomen. "She's a Cossack."

You narrowed your eyes. "Ash. Get out of the way before I make you."

"Put your bloody sword down than," Wilhelm said, reaching for his own weapon. "I don't want to hurt you, but you're about to make a bloody mistake."

"I didn't kill her, my prince… because she's not a Mongol." Alfonso stated. "I would have if she was."

But then the woman spoke, her voice instantly calming you. "I knew you had my late husband's genius… but it seems you also have his temper and hatred for Mongols as well."

"What…?" You lowered your sword and moved around Ashford. "What do you mean late husband?"

"I am Anya…" You looked at her with a blank stare, not having any person that registered to that word. "I used to be known by another name a long time ago, but that woman is dead. Right, Nicholas?"

Nicholas nodded. "It's been a long time."

"Twenty years…" She replied with a small smile. "I'm sorry for what I put you and Alexi through."

"It doesn't matter," Nicholas replied. "We have matters to discuss. Matters of importance to the state."

The woman nodded and kicked her feet up. "So tell me, son of Alexi… What is it that you need to speak to me about?"

You gritted your teeth. "My men were sent to recruit soldiers for my army. Yet they could only find a single person."

"Ah, yes. There is an explanation for that." Anya replied.

"Tell me." You demanded.

"They are under my command." She replied.

"Your command?" You asked.

"The Mongols have been raiding, pillaging and destroying the homes of our motherland for decades, killing her men, enslaving her women, and destroying her children. The empire failed to protect us. The nobility failed to protect us... So we protect ourselves. We are the Cossacks. Filled to the brim with the downtrodden, the lost, the forgotten, and the free. We've sworn oaths to protect the motherlands." She replied. "We thought that you would never come. Until we heard rumor of the oath you swore on body and blood at your father's grave."

You narrowed your eyes. "How do you know that?"

Anya laughed. "Half of China knows of your bold proclamation to destroy the Mongols. And all the Mongol Khans as well. To them, it is a joke. A sign of your weakness."

You gritted your teeth. "What is your point?"

"I want to help you." She replied. "I want to help you burn the Mongols to the ground. Destroy their people, their culture, and their place in history. I want them to die and you want to as well. I'd say that's common cause enough to work together."

"How do I know you're telling the truth, that you're not some Mongol spy?" You asked.

"Because..." She said the word in such a way that it sent shivers up your spine. "You and your father, for all your faults, have tried your best to secure the motherland from these heathen scum."

"How many men do you have?" you asked.

"Fifty thousand." She replied. "The only thing we ask is that when the Mongols are defeated, the Empire will recognize my people as protectors of the Steppes. We will not submit to be mere vassals to faraway lords. We are a free, self-governing people."

"I don't know if I can do that. But I will try." You replied.

"And I have one thing to tell you." She stated.

"And what would that be?" You asked.

"Did you know your mother?" She asked.

"Yes." You replied, slightly hesitant. "Why are you asking?"

The woman looked at you with a very strange glare, like your mother used to give you when you were always asking questions. "Nothing, in particular, my prince... You just remind me of my son."

"Your son?" You asked.

"It doesn't matter. He died when he was a babe." She looked up at you and held her drink up. "For the motherland."

"For the motherland."

Reward: Domestic Lord met: Anya of the Cossacks, Relation at 70/100. You gained the alliance of the Cossacks. +25000 light cavalry, +25000 Horse Archers in the vassel levies.

AN: Enjoy.

 

[Magoose]

Turn 5 Rumor Mill

Reports From The Rus:

Moskova has been raided: Your vassals land has been raided, and because you did not stop the raids, he has grown resentful of you.

Reward: -5 relations with Lord Viktor of Moskova.

Crimea and Novgorod experience an extreme influx of refugees: The Raids from the Mongols have displaced many people over the last five years, and they continue moving to the only safe place that they knew, the grand cities of Novgorod, and the peninsula of Crimea.

Reward: If you recruit in the next two turns, you get a bonus 5000 men in your roll.

Report from the Order of the Dragon:

Vlad Tepes has executed Turkish diplomats: Due to an ongoing feud between the Balkin powers and the Turkish sultanate, diplomats were sent to smooth things over. The diplomats failed and they were (Gleefully) impaled by Vlad.

The story the Turks told was that the diplomats demanded Stefan Tepes if to become a ward of the sultan, and 10,000 Imperial Ducats if the feud was going to end peacefully. They said that Vlad agreed to the deal, but decided to go back on the deal when they were leaving. The Survivors claimed that Vlad was a monster in human form, filled with nothing but evil and ill content.

Vlad Tepes' story was a little absurd, but you had more trust in his words, then in the Turks. He said the Turkish diplomats were sure that he would cave into their demands, were mocking him and his brother, and brought up the time that they were 'wards' of the Sultan the first time when they and their father were kidnapped while on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. And when he refused to hand over his brother, they tried to kidnap Stefan in his sleep. Only to be stopped by Vlad himself, who was expecting the betrayal. He beat them all with a chair and ordered them impaled, and told the survivor that if he tried to threaten him or his family again they will be impaled.

The Emperor has fined him a thousand ducats and will serve one year in prison for attacking a diplomatic envoy of a foreign power, unlike the execution that the sultanate demanded for his role the death of its diplomats.

Reward: Reaching out to the Sultanate of Rum's difficulty increased by 10.

Report from the Rest of the Empire:

Grand Prince of Poland Exiles Zima Krakow: The King of Poland has exiled his cousin Zima on grounds of sedition and of unlawful use of Polish troops outside his borders. There has been no evidence of sedition or unlawful use of troops at this time.

Prince of Spain thwarted assassination attempt: Prince Renaldo of Spain stopped an assassination attempt on his father's life. Reports say that he was on the beach minding his own business when his father was assaulted by two men. Renaldo quickly defeated them with the use of a pitcher of water and his towel.

The Ripper strikes again: Helena Freeman, a local baker and tavern keeper, has been found murdered in the streets of Berlin outside Freeman's Bakery. The Guard quickly found evidence of Roy the Ripper. The Ripper has been stalking the streets of Mitte for five years and shows no signs of stopping his killing spree.

Reports from Outside the Empire:

T'challa retreats to the Congo: The Great warlord T'challa has removed his forces from Mali, taking untold fortunes in gold, back to the Congo. None knows why he fled south, but many fear he may be back. Back with a greater army, with sights on Europa.

Egypt and Persia are at war: The great powers of Egypt and Persia are at War.

AN: Enjoy.

 

[Always Late]

Spoiler: Rider Servant Sheet

Name: Vasily Aristov
Class: Rider
Allignment: Chaotic Good
Titles: The Khan of the Rus, Hannibal of the East, Scourge of Huns, Protector of the Motherland, Steel Wind, Tactical Genius, First Gunslinger.

Stats
STR: B
END: C
AGI: A
MANA: B
LCK: EX

Class Skills
Magic Resistance EX: As he comes from a world never touched by gods or magic, he is a void to all but the strongest of magics, such as Divine or True Magic. This includes contracts, area attacks, and
Riding A: As a master of horsemanship and mobile warfare, all vehicles and all creatures up to the level of Phantasmal Beast and Divine Beast can be used as mounts. The usual exception of Dragonkind does not apply to him.

Personal Skills
Independent Action (A+): Due to the unique extra-dimentional nature of Vasily and his lifetime of acting on his own initiative, he comes with the ability to act without input from
Advice of the Strategist (A+): At Rank A+, the advice given will be 100% correct even if it contains any unforeseen circumstances in enacting the advice. For enemies to counter this, it is required to have a level of fortune or skill to overcome any analysis conjured by the user of this Skill
Charisma (A+): At this point, it is no longer popularity or skill, but rather a kind of spell in itself. A force led by Vasily r will have a tremendous increase in abilities and morale. The closer a connection each member has to (Russia), the higher their morale.

Noble Phantasms
The Council of Rus - Heroic Ensemble:Anti-Army/Unit Noble Phantasm: EX Intimately tied with his legend are Vasily's Council, each worthy of their own myths. Can summon his council, each a Heroic Spirit with skills and Noble Phantasms.

Ride of the Cossacks - Army of the Rus: Anti-Army/Unit Noble Phantasm: B The combined army of Vasily as was commanded in his time as General of The Empire in Eastern Europe. It can be manifested at any number, from a handful of soldiers up to the soldiers of all Eastern Europe. These men are not Servants, but High Middle Ages knights, handgunners, men-at-arms, and horse archers. They all possess C-rank Independent Action, capable of one day of existence without mana from Vasily.

Burning Plain - Genocide of civilization: Anti-Army Noble Phantasm: A+ Born from his campaign of genocide against the Huns, Burning Plain manifests as a wall of flame that does not stop burning until all life or structures within its reach are but ash. Ride of the Cossacks-Army of The Rus can teleport to the location of any flame made by this ability, seemingly riding out of the flames of hell.

Ghengis Khan - Universal Ruler of The World: Anti-Unit (Self)/Populace Noble Phantasm: EX As a (Universal Ruler), he understands and knows all, and the world returns this. As the title he took upon ascending the throne of an Empire that stretched from the Atlantic to the Pacific, this Noble Phantasm boosts his skills and stats to EX levels. It also implants in the minds of all who view him, even animals and those who are mindless by force, as a (King). This changes his class to Ruler, and removes all other Noble Phantasms. The requirements for this Noble Phantasm are unknown, even to him.

Logic of Earth - Theumaterical Void: Anti-Thaumaturgy Noble Phantasm: EX As a man from a world with no magic or religion, the existence of such is an impossibility to his mind. Thus, through the Grail's power, this logic is temporarily imposed on the world around him, sometimes unconsciously. As he becomes more familiar with his other noble Phastasms and magic, this Phantasm will degrade in effectiveness until eventually becoming unusable.

Spoiler: Dialog

Summon:
I am Vasily Aristov. Apparently of the Rider class. I have no clue what is going on, can you explain this magic nonsense?

Leveling
Level Up: Ah, nothing like another day on the practice field.
Ascension 1: My trusty pistols. I missed you.
Ascension 2: Why is my sword five times longer? And fused with my lance?
Ascension 3: Holy Shit! I HAVE A FUCKING DRAGON NOW?
Ascension 4: Behold! The Khan of all stands before you!

Battle
Start 1: FOR THE MOTHERLAND!
Start 2: CHARGE! FORWARDS!
Skill 1: Wait! This is what needs to be done!
Skill 2: Wing Time, Fun Time.
Attack Select 1: Off with their heads!
Attack Select 2: Attack from their flanks!
Attack Select 3: Taste cold steel, monster!
Noble Phantasm Select: Everyone stand back, I have no clue what I am doing.
Damage: FUCK YOU!
NP Damage: BUUUUUUUUUULLLLLSHIIIIIIIIIIT!
Defeat 1: NO! NONONONONONO!
Defeat 2: Zima... I'm coming.
Finish 1: Victory. It was inevitable.
Finish 2: I need a drink after that.

My Room
Bond LVL 1: Hey, don't forget to keep yourself in fighting shape. You'll need to at least not get... oh what was that term? 'gang-ked'? Something like that.
Bond LVL 2: You know we didn't actually have religion on my world? Yeah, I know. Crazy.
Bond LVL 3: Dragons, mana, Heroic Spirits, anime, unlimited vodka? I am starting to like this world.
Bond LVL 4: Hey. You're good people, you know that?
Bond LVL 5: I... there is only one person who ever got to know me as well as this. I stood atop my world, and yet only she knew Vasily.
Dialogue 1: Very well then. Let us be off!
Dialogue 2: This is going to be boring. Why must we harvest these things like farmers with wheat?
Dialogue 3: if we have to go through one more bullshit round of this conditional fighting crap, I'm going to kill someone!
Dialogue 4 (Attila): Don't put me in a team with her, don't put me within vicinity of her, and don't even think about telling her a thing about me. I'd sooner take my own life than have anything to do with that abomination.
Dialogue 5 (Artoria Pendragon): Huh. King Arthur is a woman here. Seems to be a running theme...
Dialogue 6 (Nero Agustus): OK, how are you even related to Artoria?
Dialogue 7 (Mashu Kyrielight): How and why does a giant table give you protection?
Dialogue 8 (Gilgamesh): I'm going to call him Golden Asshole. Because that's what he is.
Dialogue 9 (Atilla State 3): OK, you do not get to rip off my wife's look. Even if they're almost certainly magic bullshit, it still counts!
Something You Like: My beloved wife.
Something You Hate: Huns. Mongols. Anything of that violent culture and destructive race. And people calling me 'Khan'.
About the Holy Grail: ... I give up. I just, agh. Magic is bullshit.
Event: OK, more magical things are happening. Could really use an explanation here!
Birthday:C Днём рождения! I'll round us up some good vodka.

Aaaaand done. Crazy mix of Alexander and Best Paladin.

 

[Magoose]

Turn 6

You were afraid. There were so many things that you thought were going to go wrong. You were a grand prince and a cadet at the Academy. You thought you would not be able to see your children and Zima.

But you had found a way, and every time you were able to see them, you forgot about your troubles. Your worries, and your fears.

They washed away with their eyes and their smiles.

Diplomacy: Those Polish basterds made Zima cry… You will make sure they are punished.

(Choose 1)

[]Demand Imperial Aberration of your dispute: The Grand Prince of Poland exiled your wife from her homeland, without even the courtesy of a reason. You will not stand for that. And hopefully, neither will the House of Lords. Cost: 10 Chance of success: 90%, ??% Reward: You get imperial aberration of your dispute.

[]Reaching Out: (The Sultanate of Rum): The Buffer state between the Persian Empire and the warring states in the Levant, Egypt, and Arabia, They do little to extend their diplomatic channels to anyone within the empire itself. But you need to establish diplomatic ties with them. You need to have people ready to negotiate if the Black Sea becomes contested. Cost: 50 Chance of success: 55% Reward: Foreign contact made, further diplomatic negotiations can be made.

[]Reaching Out: (The Sultanate of Egypt): The Richest of the warring kingdoms of the Middle East, they have vast swaths of cotton, grain, and influence. The Empire has long been allied with the easternmost kingdom of North Africa and has profited greatly from it. To tap into that wealth, you need to be able to talk. Cost: 50 Chance of success: 65% Reward: Foreign contact made, further diplomatic negotiations can be made.

[]Reaching In: (Random Province): Your father said that there are men throughout the empire who understood the dangers of the Frontier, and they are more than willing to meet and discuss its future and safety. Cost: 50 Chance of success: 70% Reward: Domestic lords met. New actions become available.

[]Lords of the Rus: You need to make sure the Lords of the Rus are going to be on your side. Cost: 10 Chance of success: 50% Reward: Relations with the Russian Lords improved.

Martial: The Cossacks are helping you… Rus will stand in a coming invasion.

(Choose 2)

[]Spar with Zima: Zima asked if you wanted to spar. Cost: 0 Chance of success: ???% Reward: You spar with Zima, Relation increase by 5.

[]Drilling the Troops: You need your men in top shape. To be prepared for battle at any minute, and fight as well as any Imperial Infantryman. Cost: 250 Chance of success: 15% Reward: Troop quality of local troops will increase (Gain roll bonuses).

[]The Raids: You need to send a message to the Mongols who are raiding your territory. You are not going to tolerate their continued presence. Their transgression and the blood of your people will be paid with their own blood. Even though you are not there to do it, you can Send Nicholas to do it for you. Cost: 100 Chance of success: 35% Reward: The Mongols will not raid your territory. Disaster Roll reduced.

[]Recruit More Troops: You need more able-bodied men in your army, and you know the Rus has a larger population to call upon. Cost: 100 Chance of success: 30% Reward: A D10,000 is rolled for soldiers recruited. Soldiers experience will be placed at (Recruits)

[]Request Reinforcements: Implore the house of Lords to send more troops and supplies to the Border of the frontier. Your people's lives are at stake. Cost: 50 Chance of success: 45% Reward: Fulk gets some of the troops and supplies that he needs to defend the Frontier.

Stewardship: Axel has been a busy bee. He says there is much to be done.

(Choose 1)

[]Tax Breaks: You need to ask the emperor if you can be exempted from the yearly taxes to the empire for next year so that you may use it for other projects. Cost: 0 Chance of success: 40% Reward: You do not need to pay the Imperial tax next turn. The Emperor and the House of Lords will not like you asking for it if it succeeds.

[]Imperial Funds: You can request for funds to improve the Infrastructure in the Rus. Though considering the Rus is not high on the empire's to do list, it will take a lot of political arm wrestling. Cost: 20 Chance of success: 30% Reward: You get a random (d2000) amount of money from the Imperial treasury to use as infrastructure funds for the next turn.

[]The Wealth of a Nation: The Rus is poor, but it has great potential. You need to find that potential. Cost 150 Chance of success 35% Reward: You send surveyors to find those mineral resources, trade goods, and farmers to find ways to make the farmland more useful.

[]Ship Repairs: You need to spend money on repairs for your ships so they can patrol the waters. Cost: 400 Chance of success: 40% Reward: Your ships are repaired.

[]Protecting Trade Routes: The Cossacks are more than willing to protect the trade routes to Novgorod and your other cities because they get to kill Mongols. Cost: 200 Chance of success: 60% Reward: Domestic trade income increased by 300.

Intrigue: The World is an interesting place.

(Choose 1)

[]Spies...spies everywhere: You need to know who's keeping tabs on you...and whether you should leave them be or purge the sons of bitches to send a message. Cost:100 Chance of success 50%. Reward: You learn who might be spying on you.

[]Spy networking: You want to get agents out around the world, and the empire. Natasha knows people that can help, but it will take time. Cost 100 Chance of success 75% reward: International and Domestic espionage unlocked.

[]Spiders hiding steel: Natasha is willing to get you some contacts within the imperial assassin network, as a thank you for killing Gavelo. Cost 0 Chance of success 30% Reward: You get assassins on your beck and call. Assassination rolls get a -10. New actions will become available when the time comes.

[]Spy on the In-laws: They humiliated her. You will humiliate them, with extreme prejudice. Cost: 100 Chance of success: 60% Reward: You learn what Zima's family's darkest secret.

Learning: You are thankful that you found the midwife for Zima.

(In Progress)
[X]Study at the Imperial Military Academy: You are now old enough to study military academy of Rome, a place where even the greatest military mind can learn more. It is also a good place to make friends with future officers and with the old guard. Cost: 600 Chance of success: 100% Reward: You get a d2 in all stats for 4 turns, and new actions become available. You also gain a specialization (Combat modifiers). Lose one action in all categories for the duration of Vasily's stay.

(Choose 1)

[]Study Zima's Family history: You want to know why Zima was treated with such disdain by her family. Cost: 0 Chance of success: 70% Reward: You learn why Zima is hated by her family.

[]Study your family history: You have never really bothered looking into your family's past, mostly because you always wanted to be a soldier. Cost: 0 Chance of success: 100% Reward: You learn a bit more about your family that wasn't told to you as a child in stories.

[]Specialize in tactics: You want to specialize leading a particular group of forces in your army: Cost: 0 Chance of success: 100% Reward: You get to choose your force specialization (Combat modifiers).

[]Workshops Galore: Rurik had an idea. Maybe you could hire some carpenters, metalworkers, and other skilled laborers and have them try to build whatever the hell they want and you get the device's patent for half of the cut. You were going to call him crazy until Jory said that was a great idea. And you didn't want to hurt the old man's feelings so you agreed to it. Cost: 200 Chance of success: 40% Reward: You get a workshop of skilled laborers and craftsmen experimenting on… stuff. What could possibly go wrong?

Personal: Zima is so happy that your sons are okay… You are too.

(Choose 1)

[]Spend time with your family: You will find some time in your busy schedule to be there for them. What kind of man would you be if you were not? Cost: 0 Chance of success: 100% Reward: You spend time with your family.

[]Talk with the Trio: You decided to spend time with your fellow cadets, to talk about those plans they had. Cost: 0 Chance of success 100% Reward: You meet fellow cadets of the imperial army academy. Increase relation cadets in the Academy.

[]The Old Guard: You decided to talk to some of your instructors and professors. They have plenty of stories to tell. Cost: 0 Chance of success 100% Reward: You meet some officers of the Imperial Army Academy.

[]Overlook: You can oversee a project personally, giving it a personal touch. Cost 0 Reward a single action can have a +15 roll added to the dice.

AN: Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you enjoy this turn.

Edit: I had a brain fart and accidentally made a mistake on one of the actions. It's spying on the in laws. It's a 60% instead of 100.

 

[Magoose]

Vlad's Terror

(Vlad Tepes POV)

Cold sweat was how Vlad always woke up at night. Cold sweat and screams.

If someone asked Vlad why he murdered those diplomats, he would have told them that they threatened his brother. It was that simple. His conscience was clear. Were that all that occupied his mind, he would sleep like a baby.

No. The things that awoke him were far more painful to him.

Stefan was his little brother, the one who he promised to protect before their father was murdered by the Turkish dogs. And thankfully, Stefan was too young to remember their time imprisoned.

Unlike Vlad. The nightmares of that year were never ever going to end. Not until he was long dead, and his name lost to the sands of time, would the terror he endured be forgotten.

Vlad still remembered every waking moment he was in that cell, separated from Stefan. He remembered the beatings, the days without food, the force-feeding when he wanted to starve himself to death, and worse. But those tortures paled in comparison with being tormented by his captors every day and night, with a child's head being shown to him. The man who showed it to him, the grand vizier, claiming that the Sultan got bored of using his little brother.

All the while, his father's corpse rotting away next to him, being nibbled by the rats until there was nothing left. And all Vlad could do was cry, wanting it all to end.

And then Vlad heard Stefan's voice crying for help. He didn't know what overcame him. He still wondered what it was that brought him to do what he did next. For years he thought it was the pure, unadulterated rage, that being locked up for almost a year drove him nearly mad. Perhaps it was just the basic instinct that forced him to stay alive.

But it didn't matter. He remembered every moment vividly in his dreams. The door opening, the dagger, his sight going red, the taste of iron, the man's gurgling scream. His blood-curdling yell as he charged two fully grown men and killed them both still haunted his nightmares. Blood was everywhere, coating you and Stefan with its baptizing warmth. And it didn't stop you. It felt like nothing could, your heart beating in your chest like the thundering sound of horses.

The footsteps though. It was always the footsteps that made him wonder how the hell he and Stefan were still alive.

He never could quite remember how he got to the wall overlooking the sea. He did remember something about the castle overlooking the sea, but that was it. He remembered Stefan crying as the guards surrounded you. He remembered kissing his brother on the forehead and jumping into the sea.

It was luck that they were found by an Imperial merchant ship, and were brought back to their home.

"Vlad…" He heard Stefan's voice and saw him standing next to him. "Are you alright?"

Seeing Stefan alive and well… that was more than a reason to be the monster everyone thought he was.

"I'm fine." He replied, giving Stefan a hug. Stefan returned it.

Now you were. He would always be alright if his little brother safe.

AN: Enjoy. Turn 6 is coming in an hour.

 

[Magoose]

Turn 6 Results

You were afraid. There were so many things that you thought were going to go wrong. You were a grand prince and a cadet at the Academy. You thought you would not be able to see your children and Zima.

But you had found a way, and every time you were able to see them, you forgot about your troubles, your worries, and your fears.

They washed away with their laughter and their smiles.

Diplomacy: Those Polish basterds made Zima cry… You will make sure they are punished.

(Choose 1)

[]Demand Imperial Aberration of your dispute: The Grand Prince of Poland exiled your wife from her homeland, without even the courtesy of a reason. You will not stand for that. And hopefully, neither will the House of Lords. Cost: 10 Chance of success: 90%, ??% Reward: You get imperial aberration of your dispute. Rolled: 1D100 => 68+10=78

Your audience went as well as you expected… (Continued in Arbitration)

Martial: The Cossacks are helping you… Rus will stand in a coming invasion.

(Choose 2)

[]Recruit More Troops: You need more able-bodied men in your army, and you know the Rus has a larger population to call upon. Cost: 100 Chance of success: 30% Reward: A D10,000 is rolled for soldiers recruited. Soldiers experience will be placed at (Recruits) Rolled: 1D100 => 38+20=58

The Troops you wanted to recruit were drafted into part of the imperial army. Much to your frustration.

Failure.

[]Request Reinforcements: Implore the house of Lords to send more troops and supplies to the Border of the frontier. Your people's lives are at stake. Cost: 50 Chance of success: 45% Reward: Fulk gets some of the troops and supplies that he needs to defend the Frontier. Rolled: 1D100 => 91+20=101

It seemed someone finally lit a fire under the House of Lords' ass, and they decided to send not one, but two armies of the empire to defend the frontier. Though the second army was from your territory… without your permission.

The cunts.

Reward: The Army of General Fulk gain these forces: 10,000 light infantry, 10,000 Skirmishers, 20,000 heavy infantry, 9500 light cavalry, 9500 heavy cavalry.

Stewardship: Axel has been a busy bee. He says there is much to be done.

(Choose 1)

[]The Wealth of a Nation: The Rus is poor, but it has great potential. You need to find that potential. Cost 150 Chance of success 35% Reward: You send surveyors to find those mineral resources, trade goods, and farmers to find ways to make the farmland more useful. Rolled: 1D100 => 87+20=107

The Rus and the frontier is the richest region that Axel has ever seen. But he is disappointed about your family's lack of… exploiting said resources. Though he does not blame your family for it, he blames the Mongol's.

The land is full fertile soil, almost endless in its vastness. You can offer farmers and serfs to migrate east with promises of claiming whatever land they can work and register with the state.

The Mountains of the Ural's, what little you control at least, was full of gold and silver. You were advised to build mines to tap into those resources. From there you could either make a deal with the imperial treasury to mint coinage yourself or work a supply deal with them to get a nice tidy profit.

The vast plains were filled with bountiful game, game that can both feed your people and supply the empire with more furs than anywhere else in the world. Merchants could even meet the demands of lands as far away as China and Hindustan.

And the goods you did have were already of finer quality than the other parts of the empire, and he made sure that to tell you that investing in the artisans and trading expeditions to increase that profit.

All of the wealth was yours… If you could tap into it, and destroy the Mongols. And build your principality.

Reward: New Actions available +200 to domestic income.

Intrigue: The World is an interesting place.

(Choose 1)

[]Spy on the In-laws: They humiliated her. You will humiliate them, with extreme prejudice. Cost: 100 Chance of success: 60% Reward: You learn what Zima's family's darkest secret. Rolled:1D100 => 39+10=49

You did not expect to find much… But you found something that made you very interested.

According to a rumor that Natasha picked up, there was a will that was written by her aunt before she died. A will that made Zima the Grand Princess of Poland.

But the will was lost before Zima aunt could reveal it, and because she died, Zima was set aside for her cousin.

But the will existed, and potentially could be found. If so, the cousin's the succession would be declared illegal, as the will was still legally binding under the laws of the empire.

Hopefully.

Reward: There is a will to succession for Poland. You just need to find it. New Action available.

Learning: You are thankful that you found the midwife for Zima.

(In Progress)
[X]Study at the Imperial Military Academy: You are now old enough to study military academy of Rome, a place where even the greatest military mind can learn more. It is also a good place to make friends with future officers and with the old guard. Cost: 600 Chance of success: 100% Reward: You get a d2 in all stats for 4 turns, and new actions become available. You also gain a specialization (Combat modifiers). Lose one action in all categories for the duration of Vasily's stay.

Stat Rolls:
Diplo: 1D2 => 1

Martial: 1D2 => 1

Stewardship:1D2 => 1

Intrigue: 1D2 => 1

Learning:1D2 => 1

PC:1D2 => 2

(Choose 1)

[]Study Zima's Family history: You want to know why Zima was treated with such disdain by her family. Cost: 0 Chance of success: 70% Reward: You learn why Zima is hated by her family. Rolled:1D100 => 71+10=81

Zima's family is… Odd. The reason Zima's aunt became the Grand Princess of Poland was that her father willed it to her. And the polish, noble and honorable, were going to respect the wishes of their late prince.

And their respect was rewarded with almost 50 years of prosperity. The Princess never married, saying that "Poland is my husband."

But not all in Poland were happy about a woman taking charge. Like the prince's sons, who were ready to squabble over the inheritance with arms and intrigue, only being stopped by both the strong arm of their sister and from the Hussars that swore loyalty to her.

It was embarrassing to them, and the hatred festered for decades.

Then Zima was born, and the old queen dotted on her, giving her every opportunity to prove herself like the great-nephews and nieces did. And she excelled at everything she put her mind to, not to the level that you did, where everything came easily to you. But she did it well, with competence that the other members of her generation lacked.

Becoming a Hussar at a young age was a minor miracle in and of itself. And it gave you every reason to believe that, if the princess had lived longer, Zima would have been made the heir. Politics and balance of power within the empire be damned.

Reward: Information learned. Zima's opinion increased by 5 because you looked up something about her.

Personal: Zima is so happy that your sons are okay. You are too.

(Choose 1)

[]Spend time with your family: You will find some time in your busy schedule to be there for them. What kind of man would you be if you were not? Cost: 0 Chance of success: 100% Reward: You spend time with your family. Rolled: 1D100 => 27+10=37

You looked at Zima and your little three children. "Zima… I'm afraid."

"Afraid of what?"

"That I won't be a good father. That I might hurt them. That they will think I'm a monster."

(Continued in Worries for the Future)

Disaster roll: 1D100 => 11-30= (-19)

Special event roll:1D100 => 93

"This my dear friend… Is the future." (Continued in What Women Love)

AN: Enjoy.

 

[Magoose]

Arbitration

The room you were in was dimly lit, with only a few candles to bathe your face in light, but that was it. Of course on the other side of the table was the man whom your anger was placed against.

Jan Królowa, the Grand prince of Poland. The man who exiled Zima from her homeland under the pain of death. If it were not for his rank and the location, you would have strangled him then and there and wiped his damned smirk he wore proudly off his face.

Alexander was sitting at the head of the table, his eyes steely, and his face locked in a neutral scowl. You could tell he was bored like he had a thousand other things on his mind he wanted to do that he considered more important. You were inclined to agree with him. "Prince Aristov… Please state your grievance."

You stood up from the table."My grievance, emperor," You maintain a calm composed tone in your voice. "Is that Prince Jan, without any provocation from myself, my wife, or from any of my supporters or vassals, has seen fit to strip not one of his loyal vassals of her rightful lands and tiles and sentenced her to exile. She was denied a trial, as is her right under Imperial Law, and no elaboration was given to the Prince's claims of treason."

"Objection your grace!" Jan shouted in protest.

"Silence," Alexander replied with a wave of his hand. "Prince Jan, you will speak when spoken to." Jan stared you down, but he followed the emperor's instructions without hesitation. "Continue."

"I hope that we can undo the mistake that was made by my counterpart and have Zima allowed back into her homeland, have her titles back under her, and we forget about all this ever happening." You replied.

You sat down and gave a very hard, furious glare at Jan.

"Prince Jan." Alexander looked at his nails like they were dirty. You knew he was listening to every word and was thinking about it accordingly.

"Your Grace, when the princess died without an heir, or a will, the principality was about to enter a crisis. The lords of Poland saw the influx of troops you had placed under Prince Aristo's vassalship in order to place Zima onto the throne of Poland and by extension annex us." Jan replied. "The Lords feared an illegitimate succession or war would break out if a prince was not chosen, and they chose me as their prince."

"Was stripping her of her lands and titles necessa-"

"You've had your chance to speak Prince Aristov, don't ruin what goodwill you've got going for you." Alexander stood up and rolled his neck. "While the succession was indeed a cause for concern, your reasoning for exiling Princess Zima from Poland is unjust. There was no evidence of Prince Aristov was rallying troops to strike at the west, especially when the continued raiding from the Mongol horde was and is increasing in frequency. You shall immediately remove Zima's exile from her homeland, or face severe consequences"

"Uh… Yes, emperor." Jan replied.

"And my wife's lands and titles?" You gritted your teeth.

"Since your wife gave birth, the lands would, per law in both Poland and the Empire, go to sons who would sit on your throne... The border friction of such an arrangement and the escalation that brings is something none of us can afford, but that could easily be avoided. I am fully endorsing Prince Jan's decision to fold them back into the principality of Poland."

You wanted to say something but Alexander waved his hand, "You shall both do as my will commands."

You and Jan both stood up and bowed. "Yes, emperor." There was no point in arguing, at least not now.

Jan left, and when he did, you scowled at Alexander. "What the hell was that?!" You demanded.

Alexander rolled his eyes. "Careful with your tone Vasily. I did just buy you a bit of time."

"Time for what?" you asked.

"To find the will of course," Alexander replied with a smile. "Jan is not the man who I want in control of Poland. He's a weasel, someone who would stab me in the back if it meant staying in power. And while I can't throw him off his throne without looking like a tyrant, you can do it for me."

"What am I, your errand boy?" You asked.

"In a manner of speaking, but don't lower yourself with trivial titles when work needs to be done." You struggled to not walk over and punch Alex in the face. "The will exists, but you have to find it and present it to the lords of Poland."

"They won't believe that they'll think its a forgery." You protested. "And why can't you do it?"

"You know damn well if I get involved, It will look like I am showing favoritism. And that will do nothing but sow distrust within the empire." Alexander replied. "As for the lords of Poland? Yes, they will believe the will, Vasily. I know they will. The lords of Poland value their honor more than they value petty politics."

You paused and started to think. "And where would I look?"

"I don't hold all the answers, Vasily, I am merely trying to make sure the empire will be standing in the wars to come," Alexander replied. "And having you alive is key to that."

You nodded. "What kind of game are you playing at? And why the hell are you helping me?"

"The game I play is the kind that either cements or shatters empires, Vasily." Alex relaxed in his chair. "As for why I am helping you… I thought we already went over this. The threat is to the east, not to the south."

"I..."

"Is there anything else?" He asked.

"No." You replied as you bowed again. "I shall be going, my emperor."

"Goodbye Prince Aristov," Alexander said. "I wish you well in graduating, and in the wars to come."

Reward: Zima is no longer exiled. Alexander is hedging his bets on you to find the will.

AN: Happy New Years SV! Enjoy.

 

[Magoose]

Worries for the future

You looked at the three little children crawling around the floor of the Villa. They were so small, so weak and needy. But they were yours. You were their father and you could not be happier. Every day they gave you new life when you otherwise felt dead.

But you were frightened. Ever since you were a child who could understand the world, your father told you that it was a terrifying place. That you were born screaming and confused… And it never got better from there. That only the strongest were going to survive the coming storm, and he was going to make sure that you were ready. But he was fair in his harsh training, for he knew that you were a child that needed to rest and learn.

You loved your father, and all that he taught you. But you remembered your first battle that you fought in. Where you witnessed slaughter on a grand scale… You hadn't wanted to hurt people. You didn't want your children to know the horrors that the world was full of before they were ready.

Zima appeared from behind you and picked up Ivan. She then herded Alexi and Dimtry towards her so she could feed them.

"You're not bringing the wet nurse?" You asked.

"I will feed my children, and damn you for not letting me do it." Zima joked. You let out a little laugh before you stopped and walked over and picked up Alexi.

Alexi had Zima's sparkling blue eyes and your blond hair, and his cherubic smile on his face made you smile back at him. He squirmed a little in your arms, before relaxing at your quiet humming, his chubby hands holding on to you loosely.

You saw Dimtry and scooped him up as well. The two brothers seemed to mind being next to each other and as you slowly rocked them, their eyes dipped lower and lower, until both of them were calm and half asleep.

"Zima." You said your wife's name softly.

"Yes, Vasily? What is it?" She replied with her own question.

I'm afraid." You stated. You glanced at the two boys in your arms.

"What are you afraid of?" She asked.

For a moment, you didn't say anything, but you saw yourself coated in blood, standing before them like some monster that mothers told their children to stay in bed.

"That I'm a monster…." You glared at Dimtry and Alexi. "And I will hurt them."

Zima shook her head. "No, you won't." She stated. "You would never hurt them, Vasily."

"How do you know that?" You asked.

Zima glared at you, her eyes daring you to defy the sense she was about to put into you. "Because you're my husband. And I know you would do everything to protect us."

"I…"

"Now promise me. Whatever happens, you'll never be a monster. You will be my husband, and their father." Zima stated.

You paused before you nodded. "I promise."

Reward: Zima relation set to 100/100.

AN: Enjoy.

Edit: forgive the quality but life has been beating me on the head.

 

[Magoose]

What Women Love

(Alexander POV)

It only took one little breakthrough and you had everything you needed. You felt like such a fool for not knowing the chemical formula for gunpowder when it was told to you. Saltpeter, charcoal, and sulfur…

Not that that mattered. Once the substance was in your hand, you made sure it was written down and hidden from all but the most loyal of your men. Maybe it was paranoia, but you couldn't have an untested substance go flying around the empire before you knew that it worked.

The large metal tube was going to be the key to victory for your empire. The damage and hell it could unleash upon your enemies would make war against your empire impossible.

"Howlett… Are they set up?" You asked your spymaster.

Howlett nodded. "Yes, Emperor. Also, the prisoner is here as you ordered."

Ah yes, the man who broke first. The man who gave you this awesome power to destroy his own people, given the chance at least.

"He is no longer a prisoner Howlett." You replied. "Bring master Feng closer, so he can see what his tireless work has achieved."

Song Feng was the apprentice of one of the alchemists you had… 'invited' to enjoy the finery of the imperial court and capital. You had heard of his cooperation and the young man had tirelessly worked to make sure the gunpowder was both stable and potent. You expected excellence from all who served you, and even a foreigner was no exception to that rule.

"My emperor." Song Feng bowed lowly behind you. You may not see the scars and healing wounds underneath his clothes and bandages, but they were there. Loyal men of the Chinese empire did not defect willingly.
Not that it mattered, he was still loyal to his empire and had lied to you. He would die a death more horrible then the mongols could come up with.
You gave a small smile and tapped the man on his shoulder, causing the man to flinch in terror. "Song… do not look so frightened at this marvelous piece of craftsmanship." You walked forward with the man and showed him the large piece of iron. "Do you know what this does?"

Song looked out at the empty weapon and replied. "It fires a projectile of some sort."

You smiled. "Correct. This cannon, as my men call it, can fire a projectile over 200 yards, and it can take down a castle wall if it strikes it right." You paused and waved your hand. And Matilda walked towards the cannon, with a group of ten men surrounding her. All the men had trained for months for this demonstration, Matilda had seen to that personally. "Matilda, why are you here?"

Matilda ignored you. "Men, to your marks."

You smirked at Song, who was completely shocked that your sister was commanding these men with such authority. Though it was hiding your immense displeasure at your sister, who was stealing all your fun.

You rolled your eyes. "Matilda, what did I say about theatrics?"

"That they would get me killed?" Matilda replied.

"And what exactly are you doing?" You asked.

Matilda looked away. "Theatrics."

"Why the hell are you even here?" You asked.

"I like this weapon." She replied. "I can order men to get it ready and I can fire it without having to worry about anything."

You shook your head. "Fair enough." You looked at Song. "Are you ready to witness the future that you have created?"
Of course, you will not be there to witness it you lying bastard. I saw the letters that you were trying to get out.
Song paled, but did not answer, he could only stare at the final act of loading the weapon.

"Howlett, are the targets ready?" You asked.

Howlett nodded. "They're almost out there, my emperor."

"What targets are you using?" Song asked.
Prisoners of war, and you Song.
"That is none of your concern." You replied as you looked at the men walking out into the grassy field where the cannon was pointed at. All men, wearing rags and bags over their heads, chained together like cattle getting ready for the slaughter. "Take him away." You gestured to your guards and they walked Song away, back to his lavish quarters.
The Lavish quarters of death.
Song was about to protest, but the steely gaze of the guards was enough to silence him. He walked away shortly after.

"We're ready to fire brother." Matilda said.

"Good." You saw Howlett looking worried. "What is wrong my friend?"

"Are you sure that this will work?" He asked. "We've only fired it a few times before…"

"You worry too much." You replied.

"That's not my problem… I'm worried that the boy may have been lying." He stated.

"Of course he was lying." You stated matter of factually. "But we figured out the formula, and the needed amount in the end, once the right amount of pressure was applied." You looked out to see your men dragging Song out into the field, his screams muffled by the distance. The men who were chained were looking around in the distance, wondering what the hell was going on. "I did warn him about the consequences of lying to me. But he failed to keep that in mind."

He was chained to the rest of the men and was brought down to his knees. Your men started running away shortly after that.

"And the other alchemists?" Howlett asked as he raised an eyebrow.

"They will become much more cooperative after they hear this." You looked at the men and nodded. Howlett looked confused. You were dumbstruck. He, of all people, didn't know that little secret. You really wanted to applaud yourself for keeping that well of a secret from Howlett of all people."Did you really think I would kill them all right now when I still have use of them?"

Howlett nodded. "A plan worthy of an emperor." He stated with satisfaction. "You learned well."

"Indeed…" You looked at the gunner crew and Matilda. "FIRE!"

There was a delay than the loudest noise you have ever hear exploded next to you, as the cannon moved back, and the men in the grass ducked to the ground. It did not save them, as the cannon's projectile smashed into the ground and tore them apart.

Your ears were ringing, but you could not help but have a smile on your face. The world was soon going to be yours.

Reward: The empire has gunpowder. Alexander gains the trait Ruthless.

AN: Enjoy.