Scheduled vote count started by SoaringHawk218 on Sep 30, 2022 at 12:11 AM, finished with 49 posts and 39 votes.
[X] Talk with Sypha and Bernard. You did promise to explain to them what was going on. Sypha also seems to be able to convince everyone to stand down if needed, so being on her good side can't be a bad thing. Besides, the girl really looks like she could use a friend right now.
[X] Talk with Robin privately. You remember that your goal is a bit different from the goal everyone else has. The Archduke wants Sypha to come with you to Agrithe. Maybe Robin has an idea for how to make that happen.
[X] Talk with Kelton. You still can't believe he's here! You'd thought he'd still be locked up at Castle Legerius! Maybe he can give some insight on what's happening so you can know which loose rocks to avoid in order to prevent an avalanche.
[X] Talk to Belle. She does not seem happy that her plan didn't go the way she planned it. It might not be a bad idea to try and calm her down and convince her that you only did what you thought was best to help Sypha.
[X] Talk with Sypha and Bernard. You did promise to explain to them what was going on, and Sypha seems able to convince everyone to stand down if needed, so being on her good side can't be a bad thing. Besides, the girl really looks like she could use a friend right now.
"When all else fails, the Mother speaks through the voice of the young."
-The Mother's Wisdom
You look from person to person, your thoughts racing. It's clear that, now that you're out of immediate danger, the tense peace born of a common enemy is rapidly fading. Mantrae's yeomen are throwing you increasingly wary glances, and Robin is responding in kind, his fingers openly hovering near the arrows at his belt. A part of you wants to talk to him, to try and figure out what you're going to do now this is not going as planned!
Kelton has been pulled off to the side by Claire, who was speaking too quietly for even you to hear with a wary look on her face. Belle's swung herself into a tree and is tossing her short sword to herself, staring down at all of you with a calculating expression on her face.
In the center of it all, Sypha and Bernard are sitting against a tree, the young noble girl shaking slightly as she hugs her legs to her chest. Bernard is patting her on the shoulder, but you can tell he's still in pain too. You know that concentrated, focused White magic can easily mend any of the injuries you'd seen on him, but the elixir hadn't seemed able to really tell what it needed to do, and so it had tried to heal everything.
It's clear the boy still needs medical attention. Sadly, you haven't had the chance yet to work on your White magic.
'Well, what's to stop you from doing some pre-practice?' a little voice says. 'Get a look at some injuries, so you can tell what they look like when you can heal with magic.'
'Besides,' another voice says. 'You did promise them that you'd fill them in on what's going on: they must be scared enough already without the suspense making it worse.'
'And Sypha looks like she needs some comfort,' a third thought rises.
You look between the pair and Robin. You really should talk to Robin, try to rework the plan so that you can give Artemis's father what he wants and prevent a war… but right now, he doesn't need you in the way those two children do. Mother, they must both be in their early teens! They're basically babies!
Besides, you remind yourself, you're supposed to be irritated with Robin right now.
"I'm gonna go make sure Sypha's okay," you say softly to Robin. He studies you for a moment, but simply nods before looking back at the nearest of Mantrae's yeomen.
It seems like everyone's eyes are on you as you stand up, pull out your bag of herbs, and make your way towards Sypha and Bernard. Swallowing your nerves, you continue on your path. You have to do this.
As you reach a few paces, however, Sir Ector stands and steps in front of you. "Stay back," he says sharply.
"Bernard needs medicine," you say. "And Sypha-"
"Lady Sypha does not need-"
"I want to talk to her, Sir Ector."
The cavalier's eyes widen as he looks back at the girl. "Young lady-"
"I don't know exactly what's going on with Ryza," Sypha says quietly. "And I know it's irresponsible to say this, but honestly? I don't care. Ryza was there for me: she came to save me. She deserves better than your suspicion and contempt." Bernard shifted next to her, and Sypha turns a weary eye onto him. "Bernie… please. Give her a chance."
Sir Ector looks between you and Sypha, his teeth almost grinding. After a moment, however, he sighs. "If this one's presence will bring you some comfort, Lady Sypha, then I suppose it can be permitted," he says, stepping away. However, he does not go far, and from the way he's gripping that unnerving spear you can tell he is one wrong move from trying to stab you with it.
Your attention is drawn back to Sypha as she pats the ground next to her. "I'm sorry about all this, Ryza," she says softly. "Sir Ector and the others are just worried about me. The last time they saw me… that thing swooped out of the sky and killed Sir Veren before carrying me off."
"In Legerius," you say softly, settling down next to her.
She nods. "Yes, in Legerius." She shivers. "I… I thought I was finally going home… that this could all be over… and then…"
Both you and Bernard try to put your arms around her at the same time. The boy glares at you, and not wanting a fight you settle for patting Sypha on the arm. The noble girl barely seems to notice, shuddering as the memory surely plays behind her eyes.
After a few moments, however, she swallows and shakes her head. "I'm sorry… I guess I'm still just in shock," she says. "I shouldn't put this all on you…"
You smile. "It's okay, Sypha," you say softly. "It's okay to be sad and scared and hurt. Anyone would be in your place."
The girl smiles back. "Thank you, Ryza," she says. "But I'm being rude, I never introduced myself. Even though you already know me, a proper lady should always introduce herself." She clasps her hands in front of her chest and bows slightly. "Hello, Ryza, my name is Sypha Mantrae, first daughter of Countess Lindila Mantrae of Legerius. Thank you for rescuing me."
You clumsily copy her motion. "Hello, Sypha, my name is Ryza," you say. "I was happy to help."
Bernard raises an eyebrow. "No mage-name?" he asks.
Sypha frowns at him. "Be polite, Bernard!" she says. "Introduce yourself before you start questioning Ryza." She smiles at you, a faintly cheeky gleam finally flaring in her eyes. "Please forgive my dear cousin, Ryza. He has a good heart, but he is very much a boy."
Bernard bristles for a moment before sighing. "Well met, Ryza," he says stiffly. "My name is Bernard Rickman, second son of Baron Silvin Rickman of Wyrmbone Mountain."
"There," Sypha said. "Was that so hard?"
The boy narrows his eyes. "Setting that aside, Ryza, I believe you promised us an explanation. How is it that you came to be here?"
…Well, at least he isn't starting with "What are you?" Pausing for a moment to think, you finally answer carefully.
"Well, I lived up in the Icewall Mountains," you say. "And I… had to go to sleep. For a long time, because it wasn't safe. Recently, I was woken up by Artemis-"
Sypha goes pale. "Artemis… you mean, Artemis Cartese?" she asks nervously.
You cock your head. "Yes?"
Shivering, the noble girl hugs herself. "Is… is she okay?" she asks in a small voice. "Art… I mean, Lady Artemis? Is she alright?"
"She was the last time I saw her," you say. "I got her back to Agrithe, and she's still there."
Sypha lets out a slow, shuddering breath. "That… that's good, I guess?" she says. "Is… does she h…" She swallows. "Is she… mad at me?"
You blink. "What?" Sypha starts to flinch away from you, but you shake your head. "No! No, why would Artemis be mad at you? Why would you think that?!"
Sypha tucks her knees further under her chin. "I heard… I heard the Talons talking about what Mama tried to do to her," she whispers, glancing up at where Belle is watching the three of you with interest. "And I saw… I saw that woman that I thought was her being dragged along, with a bag over her head, and handed off in trade for me. She… they both must be so mad at me…"
"No!" you say, ignoring Bernard's hiss as you scoot closer and wrap and arm around the other girl. "No, Sypha, Artemis was never mad at you!" You glance at Belle. "I… can't speak for her, but I know Artemis. We're friends, and she was never upset with you." You grimace. "She wasn't happy with your mother, I'll admit that, but even when she was cr- really upset, she was sad she couldn't help you." Sypha gives a sniffling snort. Squeezing gently, you keep going. "None of this was your fault, Sypha. You can't blame yourself-"
"Without me, none of it would have happened," she says softly.
On the other side of her, Bernard sighs. "Don't go down that road, cousin," he says, his fingers brushing you as he adjusts his arm around Sypha. "The Talons were not men under your command, and so responsibility for their actions does not flow upwards. You did not order or hire them. In no way can guilt be assigned to you."
You nod. "Listen to your cousin, Sypha," you say. "Nobody's mad at you: not Artemis, not me, not anyone. We're just glad you're okay."
Slowly, the girl smiles. "Thank you," she whispers, wrapping her arms around both of your shoulders and squeezing. "Thank you so much…"
A few moments pass with the three of you just holding each other. Glancing around, you notice that everyone is carefully looking elsewhere. Even Sir Ector has found something fascinating on the ground to study. Before you can try to figure out what's going on, Sypha continues. "I'm sorry… I thought I'd be okay once I got out there, but I'm just dragging everyone down…"
"No you're not," both you and Bernard say at the same time. You glance at each other, and you give him a nod: Sypha will take it better coming from him. Hopefully. "It is completely natural to be stressed and upset after a traumatic event, and we're not out of this yet. Trust your mother's men and I, we'll see to your safe while you process," he continues.
"I'll help too, and Robin," you say, miffed at being ignored.
Before Bernard can respond to that, Sypha nods. "Okay…" she says. "Okay…" Swallowing, she takes a breath before looking at you. "I'm sorry, Ryza, I interrupted you."
Nodding, you re-find your stream of thought. "Right. I was saying how Artemis found me, after the Talons attacked her and her friends. We were able to work together to get to Legerius where…" you pause. "Where… things happened, that shouldn't have happened but they did and we're going to move past that. I was able to get Artemis out, but we had to leave some friends behind. However, I was able to get her back to Agrithe. Her father was there, and he asked me to go with Robin to find you and make sure you're safe."
Bernard frowns thoughtfully. "Why you?" he murmurs. "The Archduke of Agrithe has many agents, why would he choose an untested little girl?"
You puff up your cheeks. "Hey! I got Artemis out okay!" you say. "And I was a huge help in saving you both from the wyvern!"
"And in so doing, you raise more questions than answers," Bernard continues quietly. "A child your age should not be capable of wielding magic with such precision and power. And those wings… those are not natural."
"Bernard, don't-" Sypha says.
You shake your head. "No, it's okay, I promised I'd explain," you say. "Though I will say that my wings are natural. They're mine, and they always have been." You take a deep breath. "Does the term 'manakete' mean anything to either of you?"
The two nobles glance at each other before shaking their heads. "What's a mana… mani… that?" Sypha asks.
After a moment, you decide that it'd be better to only give a partial answer. You were proud of your heritage, all of it… but you remember the shock and fear in Artemis's face when you told her about your draconic self. It'd be best to ease your new friends into things. "I'm a manakete," you say. "We're… beings of magic. Not all of us can fly, but we all can do magic from a young age. Younger, relatively, than humans."
Bernard frowns, but Sypha's eyes light up. "Really?" she gasps. "I've never heard about anything like this!"
The memory of why slams into your mind, causing you to flinch. "Yes… there aren't… many of us, anymore." You refuse to believe you're the only one, you refuse to believe you're all alone…
Sypha's face falls as she senses your sorrow. "Oh… sorry," she says. "I didn't mean-"
"It's okay," you say. "I'm not alone. I have Artemis. She was really nice to me when we met, and since I didn't really have anywhere to go, I went with her. She offered to let me stay in Agrithe with her and her family." You shrug. "Well, after that, I wanted to be able to help, so when her father needed someone to go get you, well, I had to help. Besides, you deserve to be safe too."
As you speak, you watch Bernard as he stares at you. To your concern, you notice his frown starting to deepen. Then, his fingers start slowly creeping towards the sword sitting at his side.
Before you can even think to do something about that or even call him out on it, however, he looks at Sypha. Then, he takes a deep breath before moving his hand away from the sword. "So that's the answer to some questions," he says quietly.
Not having noticed anything, Sypha looks at Bernard. "Bernie… isn't that enough for now?" she asks. "Ryza's here now, and if… if Artemis really isn't mad at me, then isn't this good?"
Bernard studies you quietly before nodding. "I suppose it is," he says. "Ryza, you mentioned that you had a vulnerary."
Oh, right. That was one of the reasons you'd had to come over here. "Yes," you say, holding it up. "Do you want me to-"
"Just on the leg," he says. "Normally, I would not ask… a young lady to do such a thing, but seeing as we have a dearth of healers here and I would not want to take the sentries from their task, if you are willing to assist I would be… grateful."
"I'll help too!" Sypha says quickly. "After all, you got hurt because of-"
Bernard shakes his head. "I made my own choices, Sypha," he says firmly. "You are not to blame for them any more than you are to blame for anything else." He jerks his head towards Sir Ector, who you'd almost forgotten about. "Besides, if I know my aunt the Countess, she will have left a message with her man that she would want delivered sooner rather than later. Is that correct, sir?"
The cavalier nods. "It is, young lord," he says.
"Perhaps that is something best spoken of in private," Bernard said after giving a genteel nod.
Sypha looks between the pair of you and Sir Ector, chewing on her lip again. "Don't worry, Sypha," you say. "Mother taught me how to do basic first aid, and the elixir will have cleared up the worst of the injuries. Bernard will be fine, I promise."
After a moment, Sypha nods. "Okay, if you're sure," she says, smiling. "Thank you both again… Ryza for coming to save me, and Bernie for giving Ryza a chance. I do hope we can all be friends." With that, she uncurls herself from the pair of you and makes her way to Sir Ector, who leads her to the other side of the impromptu camp.
As you pull out some herbs from your bag and Bernard carefully rolls up the leg of his pants so that you can see the bruised, still-damaged leg, you get to work. You're pretty sure the leg was broken at one point, at least a little. The elixir seems to have dealt with that, but it was still clearly painful. The fact that Bernard wasn't a quivering ball of pain was really, really impressive.
"Your mission is to take Sypha to Agrithe, isn't it?"
You jump slightly as Bernard speaks. "What?" you ask.
He raises an eyebrow. "It is not a difficult leap of logic to make," he says quietly, glancing around as if to make sure nobody is listening. Which he probably is. "Whatever her reasons, Countess Mantrae betrayed hospitality and kidnapped the Archduke's heir. He would be seen as weak if he did not deliver some form of retribution."
You frown. "He doesn't want a war," you say. "Nobody does. It would let the Empire-"
Bernard sighs. "Ah yes, the eternal boogieman of the Kingdoms," he says dryly. "I am sure you have heard many horror stories about us from Cartese. Some of them might even be true. However, the universe does not revolve around this tiny little corner of the continent. His Majesty's Protectorate has many other challenges to face, from the bestial barbarians in the northwest to the monsters in the west to the zealots in the northeast. We are not constantly plotting to punish every little slight."
"And yet someone hired these Talons to take Sypha and Artemis," you shoot back.
The noble boy's eyes narrow. "Yes, and rest assured that will be investigated. While no Imperial authority will care about Cartese, Legerius and Mount Wyrmbone are tied by blood. That should provide some protection, especially since I was caught up in whatever heavy-handed scheme is being cooked up." His eyes narrow. "But do not avoid the question: are you or are you not tasked with taking Sypha to Agrithe?"
Your thoughts race. You don't want to just say yes, surely that would cause all sorts of problems, but Bernard is clearly asking the sort of question that he already knows the answer to.
After a long moment of silence, Bernard sighs. "Don't bother answering, it's obvious enough," he says. "I will warn you, that if you take this action, then there will be blood. I do not know about the thief woman or this 'Kelton' character you seem so enamored with, but Countess Mantrae's men will fight to the death to see Sypha home safely, and I will be bound to join them, even injured."
Your blood runs cold. "I don't want to fight-"
"You do not have to," he says. "I do not know what promises you made to Agrithe, but surely the situation has changed." He looks around. "I tell you this because… I don't want to fight either. Not only am I not certain that I and the Countess's men will defeat you, the secret abilities you have not mentioned, and Archduke Cartese's handpicked man-" You start to open your mouth to argue, but he raises a finger. "-but also because, no matter who won, Sypha would suffer." He looks at you seriously. "She likes you, and not just because you saved her. You are… I will not lie, a likable person. If utterly uneducated in proper forms of respect."
"I am very respectful!" you say hotly. "I'm always polite! I listen when people talk-"
"You have not once used someone's proper title," Bernard cuts in.
"Yes I have!" you say. "I call the Archduke by his title, and I called Artemis by hers until she told me I didn't have to." You leave off that you hadn't been completely sure that wasn't a part of her name.
The two of you stare at each other before the boy rubs his nose, sighing. "My point is, as much as I know you're lying to me by omission, as much as much as your goal is to essentially kidnap Sypha again, I cannot help but think that you're not a bad person. Just a strange one who's only gotten one side of the story." He leans back against the tree. "It is… possible, we could come to some compromise."
Before you could ask what exactly he meant by that, you notice Sypha standing up from where she and Sir Ector had been talking and clearing her throat. "Excuse me, if everyone could gather over here?" she asked.
Bernard sighs. "Sypha, you are one of two nobles in this forest, and your mother's men are the ones here," he calls as he refuses your offered hand and gets to his feet himself. "You should not request, you should order." Sypha flushed, but doesn't say anything more until you, Bernard, Robin, Belle, and Claire had joined her and Sir Ector.
"Where's Kelton?" you ask Claire.
The woman sighs, and you suddenly notice how tired she looks. Tired and sad. "He… needed some time," she says softly.
"You told him the truth about what happened at Castle Legerius?" Robin asks icily. "What your mistress did?"
The mood instantly went frigid. Sir Ector's eyes narrow as he fingers the sword at his side. "Take care how you speak, yeoman," he says. "Insult Her Ladyship's honor at your peril."
"I am merely stating facts, sir knight," Robin says. "Or do you deny-"
"Robin, please, let's not focus on that," you say. "Right now, we still have to figure out how we're going to get to safety." Bernard gives you a look as you say that, but you refuse to meet his eye.
Sypha, however, jumps in. "I agree with Ryza," she says. "I know… I know that some things happened that shouldn't have, but can we all agree that the Talons are the main problem right now?" You quickly nod: whatever comes afterwards, the mercenaries are the worst.
"This is especially true as the wyvern is still alive," Robin says, some of the hostility fading from his voice. "If we had managed to kill it, we would likely have a free shot back to the Kingdoms. With it still alive, however, the Talons will be able to track and harass us."
You all sit in silence for a minute before Sypha speaks up. "Maybe they won't cross the border again?" she says weakly. "I mean, Ma- Mother's men will be on the lookout now. If we hurry-"
Sir Ector shakes his head. "I'm afraid we cannot count on that, Lady Sypha," he says. "From the way their commander spoke, they are determined to get something out of this, and with both you and young Lord Rickman free they're left with nothing. They will do everything in their power to take you again."
"Not to mention," the boy cuts in. "The fact that they assaulted an imperial noble will be a black mark on their chapter, if not on the whole organization, if I am allowed to report it." He grits his teeth. "Especially since I was just collateral damage to them."
"So we need to make sure that we get to safety," Robin says. He gestures at you. "Before we discovered your presence, Archduke Cartese entrusted Ryza and myself with rescuing Lady Sypha. We have a method of getting her to safety while ensuring that the Talons cannot pursue. We cannot take everyone, unfortunately, but if our goal is to see Lady Sypha free of them then this is the only guaranteed option."
Sir Ector sneers. "And what sorcery would you employ to do this?" he asks. "As curious as this child's wings are, I do not see her being able to carry Lady Sypha away."
"Do not underestimate her," Robin says. "The Talons did, as did their bandit auxiliaries. They all paid the price for their mistake." He glances at you. When you don't chime in, he continues. "More than that, I cannot say, on my lord's command. But I will say that, on the honor of Agrithe and House Cartese, if you allow us to protect Sypha, she will see home safely."
'After going to Agrithe,' you add uncomfortably in your head as Bernard narrows his eyes. It's clear he's considering telling on you, but glances at Sypha before shaking his head.
"Forgive us for being wary to trust a stranger with strange powers, yeoman," he says. "However, there is another option. While my father's lands are not practical to reach, one of my father's allies, Baron Warwick-Lightbringer, has holdings not far from here. We would likely be able to reach him before the Talons could do more than harass us by air. We would be safe there to plan our next move."
"And if this Baron Warwick is somehow in league with these Talons?" Robin asks.
Bernard's eyes narrow. "I understand your suspicion, Agrithian, but do not dare impugn Lord Warwick's honor in front of me." Sypha puts a hand on his shoulder, causing him to close his eyes and take a deep breath. "In the interest of peace, I will overlook that comment."
Sir Ector frowns. "I swore to my Countess that I would see her daughter home as swiftly as possible," he says. "We scattered the Talons' horses; killed their best war-mounts. If we move swiftly, we should be able to make it back to Castle Legerius before they can recover."
Robin shakes his head. "It'll also give the most time for the wyvern to harass us and slow us down, giving the others a chance to catch up. We are still not in a position to be able to fight the whole chapter. It's too risky to Lady Sypha!"
As the conversation/argument continues, you find yourself desperately trying to figure out what the best course of action is as you look at the mountains containing your home...
[] Back Robin up on his claim: you know you can outfly that wyvern any day of the week. Sypha will get to safety, you swear it! (Pros: Will succeed at your mission from Archduke. Will prevent the wyvern from catching up to you. Cons: Very possibly will cause an immediate fight between yourself and Mantrae's men. Leaves the Legerians to deal with the Talons.)
- [] Be open about where you would be flying and try to get Sypha to help you calm everyone down. This is the best way to prevent a war.
- [] Don't say anything and pray that Bernard's desire to prevent blood and Sypha's pain outweighs his feeling of obligation to see Sypha home.
[] Back Sir Ector on taking Sypha directly to Castle Legerius. The situation has just changed too much; you have to do what you think is right. You hope Robin will go along with it. You hope even more that Artemis and Archduke Cartese will forgive you. The Talons will also surely have something to say about this as well. (Pros: Guarantees cooperation between yourself and the Legerians. Sypha will be very happy. Cons: You're not doing what Archduke Cartese asked you to. Most likely to have conflict with the Talons.)
[] Back Bernard's idea of going to get more help. He didn't rat you out and cause a fight, and he did talk about compromising. Perhaps if you show that you trust him, he'll trust you enough to convince Sypha to go with you to Agrithe. (Pros: Gives people time to calm down from their heightened emotions. Will probably get an ally to help you get Sypha to safety. Will probably minimize conflict with the Talons. Cons: The last time you went to a strange noble for help, things didn't go so well. You and Robin will be even more outnumbered if things go wrong.)
[] Suggest a new plan: your home is not that far from here. This is a long shot, even you admit it, but hopefully once you're at your home you can use the fact that it's yours to convince people to sit down and talk like good guests. Besides, there's no way the Talons will see this move coming! (Pros: You get to go home. Good chance to completely avoid contact with the Talons since you're not going any way they'd look. Cons: Kicking the problem of where Sypha goes down the path. Will have to assert your authority. Home is… kind of a mess right now, not really fit for guests…)
[] Write In: You think of a sudden, (hopefully) brilliant idea! (Pros: Might be a really good idea. Cons: Might be a really bad idea.) SUBJECT TO VETO
AN: For the chances of a fight breaking out, I will be rolling a dice. You'll get a bonus because you talked to Sypha, convinced her you're friendly, and she really doesn't want any more fighting. However, she cannot guarantee that her mother's men won't attack.
[X] Suggest a new plan: your home is not that far from here. This is a long shot, even you admit it, but hopefully once you're at your home you can use the fact that it's yours to convince people to sit down and talk like good guests. Besides, there's no way the Talons will see this move coming! (Pros: You get to go home. Good chance to completely avoid contact with the Talons since you're not going any way they'd look. Cons: Kicking the problem of where Sypha goes down the path. Will have to assert your authority. Home is… kind of a mess right now, not really fit for guests…)
I want to see if theirs any of ryza parent's stuff their
[X] Back Bernard's idea of going to get more help. He didn't rat you out and cause a fight, and he did talk about compromising. Perhaps if you show that you trust him, he'll trust you enough to convince Sypha to go with you to Agrithe. (Pros: Gives people time to calm down from their heightened emotions. Will probably get an ally to help you get Sypha to safety. Will probably minimize conflict with the Talons. Cons: The last time you went to a strange noble for help, things didn't go so well. You and Robin will be even more outnumbered if things go wrong.)
Letting tempers cool and hopefully getting Bernard's support seems like the best option available... unless the "ally" we're getting is referring to Lord Warwick, in which case I'll probably change my vote to backing Robin.
[X] Back Bernard's idea of going to get more help. He didn't rat you out and cause a fight, and he did talk about compromising. Perhaps if you show that you trust him, he'll trust you enough to convince Sypha to go with you to Agrithe. (Pros: Gives people time to calm down from their heightened emotions. Will probably get an ally to help you get Sypha to safety. Will probably minimize conflict with the Talons. Cons: The last time you went to a strange noble for help, things didn't go so well. You and Robin will be even more outnumbered if things go wrong.)
They call our home "Mount Wyrmbone". If we go home with people, they will know we're a dragon instead of our cute little "I'm a being of magic" half-truth.
I'm leaning towards Bernard's idea because it eases tensions and demonstrates our trustworthiness. With enough trust we could casually mention that Sypha just needs to make a little stopover in Agrithe on her way back because we have something there we want to give to her and we'll take her home after that.
Ryza's so worried that she forgot most humans die before reaching the age of manakete tweens like herself.
"And in so doing, you raise more questions than answers," Bernard continues quietly. "A child your age should not be capable of wilding magic with such precision and power. And those wings… those are not natural."
You shake your head. "No, it's okay, I promised I'd explain," you say. "Though I will say that my wings are natural. They're mine, and they always have been." You take a deep breath. "Does the term 'manakete' mean anything to either of you?"
Ryza being shocked that someone figured out their basic spy plan so easily is a decent consolation prize, though!
You frown. "He doesn't want a war," you say. "Nobody does. It would let the Empire-"
Bernard sighs. "Ah yes, the eternal boogieman of the Kingdoms," he says dryly. "I am sure you have heard many horror stories about us from Cartese. Some of them might even be true."
I don't have anything half-clever to say here, this is just a good line.
I really like the idea of taking everyone to Ryza's home (and collecting some more of her belongings). But I'd like to throw around a possibly good, possibly really bad idea: Turn into a dragon.
Not, like, threateningly or anything. (Aside from being the size of an ox with two banners and a python on its back.) Just "You want to know what strange powers I have? This is how I'd get Sypha to safety!"
Pros: Might be seen as honesty, definitely makes it clear that we have a good plan to get Sypha to safety, possible intimidation edge
Cons: Might be seen as a threat, definitely reveals Ryza's big secret, probably lets Sir Ector know his lance would work really well on Ryza
They call our home "Mount Wyrmbone". If we go home with people, they will know we're a dragon instead of our cute little "I'm a being of magic" half-truth.
Letting tempers cool and hopefully getting Bernard's support seems like the best option available... unless the "ally" we're getting is referring to Lord Warwick, in which case I'll probably change my vote to backing Robin.
[X] Back Bernard's idea of going to get more help
Unless someone comes up with an amazing write-in, this seems like the safest plan to me. Granted, it has the worst fail state, but it seems unlikely for the talons to have the leverage to cause a similar situation to last time.
I really like the idea of taking everyone to Ryza's home (and collecting some more of her belongings). But I'd like to throw around a possibly good, possibly really bad idea: Turn into a dragon.
Not, like, threateningly or anything. (Aside from being the size of an ox with two banners and a python on its back.) Just "You want to know what strange powers I have? This is how I'd get Sypha to safety!"
Pros: Might be seen as honesty, definitely makes it clear that we have a good plan to get Sypha to safety, possible intimidation edge
Cons: Might be seen as a threat, definitely reveals Ryza's big secret, probably lets Sir Ector know his lance would work really well on Ryza
Having thought about it, I am not going to outright veto this, but I will say that you have to decide what emotion you're going to try and transform in.
[X] Back Robin up on his claim: you know you can outfly that wyvern any day of the week. Sypha will get to safety, you swear it! (Pros: Will succeed at your mission from Archduke. Will prevent the wyvern from catching up to you. Cons: Very possibly will cause an immediate fight between yourself and Mantrae's men. Leaves the Legerians to deal with the Talons.)
- [X] Be open about where you would be flying and try to get Sypha to help you calm everyone down. This is the best way to prevent a war.
[X] Back Bernard's idea of going to get more help. He didn't rat you out and cause a fight, and he did talk about compromising. Perhaps if you show that you trust him, he'll trust you enough to convince Sypha to go with you to Agrithe. (Pros: Gives people time to calm down from their heightened emotions. Will probably get an ally to help you get Sypha to safety. Will probably minimize conflict with the Talons. Cons: The last time you went to a strange noble for help, things didn't go so well. You and Robin will be even more outnumbered if things go wrong.)
The Talons are an immediate and definite threat. Warwick is only maybe a threat and Si Ector is only a threat if we make him into one. I'd rather gamble on the unknown threat here than either tangle with the known threat of the Talons or make a new threat by possibly forcing a fight with Sypha's other rescuers.
And if it turns out that the safer route turns out to be not taking Sypha to Agrithe? Oh no. Whatever will we do. Guess we failed, how horrible. /flat sarcasm
[X] The way you want to save Lady Sypha is a mystery, so you want to talk to her privately and see if she agrees.
-[X] Bernard can also join if he insists.
-[X] Explain to her the whole situation and the reasons why you do what you do. How this is all probably a conspiracy by the Empire and that you want to prevent an internecine war between her mother and the Archduke - a war that will only bring everyone pain.
-[X] Promise that you will make sure that she will be fine and will not be treated unfairly. Besides, you don't believe that Artemis and her family would do something like that.
-[X] Ask her to choose if she wants to come with us to Agrithe.
-[X] Bernard can probably go with you too? The rest will probably be fine on their own.
-[X] If she refuses, choose another option.
This plan is probably much less likely to go wrong than revealing our motives to everyone present. Also, I think that Sypha should have a voice in her own destiny.
This plan is probably much less likely to go wrong than revealing our motives to everyone present. Also, I think that Sypha should have a voice in her own destiny.
...I actually really like this. No more planning over her head, just lay out the facts and let her make an informed choice.
[X] The way you want to save Lady Sypha is a mystery, so you want to talk to her privately and see if she agrees.
-[X] Bernard can also join if he insists.
-[X] Explain to her the whole situation and the reasons why you do what you do. How this is all probably a conspiracy by the Empire and that you want to prevent an internecine war between her mother and the Archduke - a war that will only bring everyone pain.
-[X] Promise that you will make sure that she will be fine and will not be treated unfairly. Besides, you don't believe that Artemis and her family would do something like that.
-[X] Ask her to choose if she wants to come with us to Agrithe.
-[X] Bernard can probably go with you too? The rest will probably be fine on their own.
-[X] If she refuses, choose another option.
[X] The way you want to save Lady Sypha is a mystery, so you want to talk to her privately and see if she agrees.
-[X] Bernard can also join if he insists.
-[X] Explain to her the whole situation and the reasons why you do what you do. How this is all probably a conspiracy by the Empire and that you want to prevent an internecine war between her mother and the Archduke - a war that will only bring everyone pain.
-[X] Promise that you will make sure that she will be fine and will not be treated unfairly. Besides, you don't believe that Artemis and her family would do something like that.
-[X] Ask her to choose if she wants to come with us to Agrithe.
-[X] Bernard can probably go with you too? The rest will probably be fine on their own.
-[X] If she refuses, choose another option.
If they want Sypha to speak with authority, then they should respect it.
[X] The way you want to save Lady Sypha is a mystery, so you want to talk to her privately and see if she agrees.
-[X] Bernard can also join if he insists.
-[X] Explain to her the whole situation and the reasons why you do what you do. How this is all probably a conspiracy by the Empire and that you want to prevent an internecine war between her mother and the Archduke - a war that will only bring everyone pain.
-[X] Promise that you will make sure that she will be fine and will not be treated unfairly. Besides, you don't believe that Artemis and her family would do something like that.
-[X] Ask her to choose if she wants to come with us to Agrithe.
-[X] Bernard can probably go with you too? The rest will probably be fine on their own.
-[X] If she refuses, choose another option.
[X] Back Bernard's idea of going to get more help. He didn't rat you out and cause a fight, and he did talk about compromising. Perhaps if you show that you trust him, he'll trust you enough to convince Sypha to go with you to Agrithe. (Pros: Gives people time to calm down from their heightened emotions. Will probably get an ally to help you get Sypha to safety. Will probably minimize conflict with the Talons. Cons: The last time you went to a strange noble for help, things didn't go so well. You and Robin will be even more outnumbered if things go wrong.)
[X] The way you want to save Lady Sypha is a mystery, so you want to talk to her privately and see if she agrees.
-[X] Bernard can also join if he insists.
-[X] Explain to her the whole situation and the reasons why you do what you do. How this is all probably a conspiracy by the Empire and that you want to prevent an internecine war between her mother and the Archduke - a war that will only bring everyone pain.
-[X] Promise that you will make sure that she will be fine and will not be treated unfairly. Besides, you don't believe that Artemis and her family would do something like that.
-[X] Ask her to choose if she wants to come with us to Agrithe.
-[X] Bernard can probably go with you too? The rest will probably be fine on their own.
-[X] If she refuses, choose another option.
Yeah, if we can lay out the situation to Sypha and let her decide that seems best given the situation. I don't really like Bernard's plan and before seeing this I was leaning towards rolling the dice on saying we intend to go to Agrithe and praying to the RNG but this seems like a better way of going towards that.
Yeah I'm really not into kidnapping children against their will so I'm glad we've taken the route we've taken so far. It's also great for Ryza's mental wellbeing. So far I'm leaning towards the "make Lady Sypha an honest offer" plan. But it does have the downside of leaving Lady Sypha's people and Kelton/Belle on their own against the Talons, who have a wyvern.
I feel like people are forgetting that if Sypha doesn't end up going to Argrithe that the big man will declare war. This is a really sensitive situation.
[X] The way you want to save Lady Sypha is a mystery, so you want to talk to her privately and see if she agrees.
-[X] Bernard can also join if he insists.
-[X] Explain to her the whole situation and the reasons why you do what you do. How this is all probably a conspiracy by the Empire and that you want to prevent an internecine war between her mother and the Archduke - a war that will only bring everyone pain.
-[X] Promise that you will make sure that she will be fine and will not be treated unfairly. Besides, you don't believe that Artemis and her family would do something like that.
-[X] Ask her to choose if she wants to come with us to Agrithe.
-[X] Bernard can probably go with you too? The rest will probably be fine on their own.
-[X] If she refuses, choose another option.
Archduke Letoro picks up a scroll from beside him, tapping it lightly on the table. "Ultimately, as angry as I am with Mantrae's actions, I cannot help but understand them," he says. "Though that does not excuse them." You nod slowly. "More importantly, however, solidarity among the Southern Kingdoms is not to be ceded lightly. It is the shield that protects us from the Empire. To cast it aside without a fight is madness."
The Archduke nods. "Good. Then, once you have found the trail, you will need to follow it to find the ones responsible. Recover Sypha from them by any means required, though I would prefer they be eliminated as a threat to Agrithe. Once that is done, you will bring Sypha back here."
You frown. "Why wouldn't I just take her home?" you ask. "It'd be closer."
"As understandable as Mantrae's actions were," the Archduke says coolly, "there must still be consequences for her betrayal. Bring Sypha to me. She will see her mother again, but only after some terms are agreed to between Mantrae and I."
"As understandable as Mantrae's actions were," the Archduke says coolly, "there must still be consequences for her betrayal. Bring Sypha to me. She will see her mother again, but only after some terms are agreed to between Mantrae and I."
You squirm uncomfortably in your seat. "But wouldn't that mean I'm just kidnapping her again?" you ask. "She's probably really scared. Wouldn't it be wrong to make that worse?"
Dione reaches over and rubs your shoulder. "I know it seems cruel," she says gently. "And I understand your hesitation. But we would never hurt Sypha. She's not to blame for any of this. We just want to make sure that nothing like this happens again. That no other children are snatched away from their families, and to do that Letoro and Lindila need to have a serious talk. One that she'll really listen to."
"I guess…" you say, fidgeting with a cup. Dione smiles sadly, patting your shoulder again.
"I do not know what the world was like when you were last awake," Archduke Letoro says. "But the world of today can sometimes be harsh. However, Dione is right. I give my word that no harm will come to the child, and that she will be returned to her family safely. The most important thing is to get her away from the people who have taken her."
Sighing, Robin puts his hands on your shoulders. "I understand your hesitation," he says. "But it's the best thing for the long term. Countess Mantrae needs to understand that, while Agrithe will help her in times of need, we need to know when there is trouble. She also needs to understand that, if she strikes at any member of House Cartese, there will be a response. However, this is a warning, not a punishment. Certainly not a punishment for Lady Sypha."
I would argue against Eternal Observer's write-in.
First, we can't hardly expect Sypha to be able to make an informed decision in our limited time frame. We would have to convince her we are a dragon, a nice one that can save her, that we should take her away and that we should leave her men behind. Artemis took time to swallow it and she was older and knew us a bit more. Due to the context, it would be more strong-arming a little girl than giving options to a free agent.
Second, even if it was possible, we would still have to convince her men that we aren't strong-arming a little girl, and your plan is making a complete abstraction of that. Sneaking away with Sypha for any reason now would be a sure recipe to get stabbed by a dragonbane weapon by Ector, her bodyguard.
[X] The way you want to save Lady Sypha is a mystery, so you want to talk to her privately and see if she agrees.
-[X] Bernard can also join if he insists.
-[X] Explain to her the whole situation and the reasons why you do what you do. How this is all probably a conspiracy by the Empire and that you want to prevent an internecine war between her mother and the Archduke - a war that will only bring everyone pain.
-[X] Promise that you will make sure that she will be fine and will not be treated unfairly. Besides, you don't believe that Artemis and her family would do something like that.
-[X] Ask her to choose if she wants to come with us to Agrithe.
-[X] Bernard can probably go with you too? The rest will probably be fine on their own.
-[X] If she refuses, choose another option.
[X] Back Sir Ector on taking Sypha directly to Castle Legerius. The situation has just changed too much; you have to do what you think is right. You hope Robin will go along with it. You hope even more that Artemis and Archduke Cartese will forgive you. The Talons will also surely have something to say about this as well.
I'll vote for this, hoping that Ryza and Robin will be able to use what political capital they have/gain to defuse the war situation a bit. Though going to Ryza's home would definitely be the funniest choice.
Yeah I'm really not into kidnapping children against their will so I'm glad we've taken the route we've taken so far. It's also great for Ryza's mental wellbeing. So far I'm leaning towards the "make Lady Sypha an honest offer" plan. But it does have the downside of leaving Lady Sypha's people and Kelton/Belle on their own against the Talons, who have a wyvern.
I was worried about the others too, but wyverns can't chase them for a while, and without kids, they might split into groups and get back unnoticed. Mercenaries will look for their former captives, not knowing that they have long been out of reach. That's why I added the part that the rest will be fine on their own.
I would argue against Eternal Observer's write-in.
First, we can't hardly expect Sypha to be able to make an informed decision in our limited time frame. We would have to convince her we are a dragon, a nice one that can save her, that we should take her away and that we should leave her men behind. Artemis took time to swallow it and she was older and knew us a bit more. Due to the context, it would be more strong-arming a little girl than giving options to a free agent.
Second, even if it was possible, we would still have to convince her men that we aren't strong-arming a little girl, and your plan is making a complete abstraction of that. Sneaking away with Sypha for any reason now would be a sure recipe to get stabbed by a dragonbane weapon by Ector, her bodyguard.
Therefore, there is nothing about dragons in my plan. The part about the secret method was mostly just an excuse to get this opportunity to talk.
I admit that this won't necessarily work, but it's probably the least risky option in the long run.
Am I forgetting something? I don't recall Baron Rickman being stated to be the ruler of the area where Ryza's home is.
