Turn 2
Critian Caceorte
Currently Suffering from Space-Time Narcolepsy
- Location
- Washington State
Winning Plan: Advantages for All
Your royal tent, while great in size, was not so glamorous in terms of amenities and trinkets. You were never one for raising yourself so far above your people's own situation as to be cruel. What they suffered, you would at least suffer in part. Besides, it was better to have most of your valuables kept locked away in a safe than displayed out in the open for any to see. Where that safe was located was a secret kept between 3 individuals: yourself, Gwai and Lieutenant Chinwe-
You frowned as the realization came over you. Right, you had not yet assigned a new commander to your Guard. With how chaotic these past three months had been, it had slipped past your mind. And while you were certain that Chinweike would not normally divulge a secret given to him, you still were not sure what precisely had possessed Ifiok, you didn't know if it could spread to someone else easily, you didn't know anything save that you could remove it if you acted fast enough. Best to have it dug up and relocated elsewhere then.
For now, the only true items of value you had in the tent was the Royal Crown, given to you by Gwai in your Mother's stead, and Never-Melting Glacier, the Adamant-and-Blue-Jade suit of armor which you still needed to look into. Besides that, there was a floor desk, a cushion for yourself and now several cushions and rugs laid out onto the floor. Each cushion had embroidered on it one of the Ministries in golden thread. In the long run, it might be considered wasteful for an item that was meant to be sat or leaned on, but it was the least you could do in this situation to make your Ministers feel… not at home, but that they had earned their way into this position. At least until a proper palace could be constructed, but right now that would have to wait until everyone had a house to live in.
For this first meeting between advisors, you had indulged slightly, taking some more of the rarer fruit rations out of storage to help this discussion go over well. It couldn't be sustained, not without impacting the lives of others, but it would hopefully help set the tone you were looking for. The flap of your tent opened, the head of one of your guards peaking in. "Your Majesty, they are here." You knew what she meant.
"Send them in." One by one, those who would become your advisors filtered in, remaining near the entrance as they looked at the cushions laid out inside. Ekundayo in particular read the text easily from a distance, her face taking on her signature fae grin. Once all 8 individuals were gathered inside, you began your speech. "As some of you might have already guessed, you have been called here because in some form or fashion, you have passed the interviews which I placed before you. Each of you have been assigned the role of Minister and Advisor to the King, and I will-" the noise of one of the cushion's being impacted halted your explanation in its tracks.
Turning around to your left, you saw your sister-in-law smugly sitting on top of the cushion titled "Vigilance." When your half-lidded eyes focused on her with exasperation, her smile only grew larger. "What?" said Ekundayo, "It was obvious where you were putting me."
…You may have made a mistake choosing this one. You counted to three after taking in a deep breath, before slowly releasing it. When the air had evacuated your lungs, you pointed towards where the rest of the group was watching this comedy act with bemused expressions. "I am trying to perform a ceremony here. Get up." With supernatural finesse she leaped up from her sitting position, doing a flip at the same time before quickly rejoining the rest where they stood.
Clapping your hands, you started over. "As I was saying, each of you have been assigned the role of Minister and Advisor to the king. I will go over your positions in order. When I call your name, come to the cushion and rug I direct you to. I will perform some introductions after that, and have you give your oaths of office there." Most nodded in acknowledgement, while others remained stoic as they took in your words.
You walked over to the cushion to the immediate left of your desk. "I shall now begin with the Minister of War. Elder Brother, if you would please join me over here." Gwai did so, walking to the designated cushion. "Elder Brother, if you could kneel on top of the cushion, feet behind you on the rug." He dropped down, showing no age in his joints as he did so. The Sovereign Exalted might have looked their age far sooner than most Exalted, but they did not truly lose that vitality until… well, you weren't sure of a maximum age just yet. No Sovereign had ever lived long enough to die of old age, so the record of 558 years achieved by your mother before her death remained intact.
"Thousand-Hours Gwai, you who earned your title in battle against the Thousand Talon Clan of Raksha by yourself numerous times," that got some looks from the Dragon-Blooded, who did not know your family's tales, "You have proven worthy of the position of Minister of War. In your role, you shall command the armies in my stead, oversee the proper outfitting of each soldier, and learn the enemy's tactics so that Uluiru shall never again fall. You have worked as a Sovereign Exalt in the council of my mother for five centuries," wider eyes could be seen now on the Dragon-Blooded, as well as your students. The person they would be speaking with was a living part of the nation's history. "All I ask is that you do so again in this role."
"I shall," was all he said in response. You gave him his oaths to swear, mostly covering the expectations of loyalty to the crown, and to the people, as well as going over again what his duties would be. Perhaps he might have slightly more skill when it came to money and administration, but war was a business he was talented at all the same. Once his part was done, it was time for the next individual.
You walked over to the next cushion, marked "Culture." "Fumnanya, if you would please come over here." Your ever-prideful great-grandniece strutted towards the cushion as if she had known this was coming all along. The smile on her face grew a bit more shaky when she saw how… plain the cushion and especially the rug were, but ultimately these were furniture meant to be sat upon. You weren't going to splurge more than you already have on a pillow of all things. Still, she made no comments, and kneeled on top of her cushion as Gwai did.
"Fumnanya, Last of the Queen's Chosen, you have been found worthy of the position of Minister of Culture." Found, not proven as with Gwai, because she was still young enough to not have many great deeds to her name. She would need to truly prove herself if she wanted to retain the job. And judging by her quickly vanishing frown, she had caught on to your choice of words. "In your role, you shall serve as an envoy both to our people, and foreign nations abroad. It will also be your obligation to work alongside the Ministry of Stewardship to perform trade with willing nations and peoples. Finally, Uluiru was and shall always be known for its culture and its arts, which you shall oversee." That last part made her smile again. She always was one for music, among other things.
Her swearing in proceeded quickly and you moved onto the next cushion, "Finance." "Milosen Atara V'neef, please come over here." The Water Aspect nodded graciously as she followed suit after her predecessors. "Milosen, I have not witnessed your deeds, so I must extend my trust that those things which you have spoken about in your interview are true." She nodded in acceptance, she was ultimately a stranger to you, one that you would need to depend on in the coming years. "You have been found worthy of the position of Minister of Finance. In your role, you shall oversee the nation's supplies and finances. It will be your job to ensure that as few of our people go hungry every night and wake with parched throats every morning. You shall be a guardian to our wealth and a steward to our homes. Finally, together with the Ministry of Culture you shall perform trade with other nations and peoples." Her oath swearing went only slightly slower than the rest, on account of Skytongue not being a native language of hers.
Next was Vigilance, and unfortunately your sister had already spoiled the surprise. "Evil-Smile Ekundayo, you who have earned your title by the wicked grin you gave as you trapped the Limb-Witch Maug in an oath of servitude for a decade." And there was that same smile now. Would it remain with this next part? "With your many years of work with the Invigilators Royal," and now the grin had diminished slightly, gaining a slight twitch to the eyebrow as most everyone looked at her with surprise, save Gwai. Turnabout was fair play, dear sister. "You have proven worthy of the position of Minister of Vigilance. In your role, you shall oversee the nation's defense from the shadows. No spy shall evade your sight, and none of your agents shall fall into enemy hands. You will also gather and make known to me the desires of the people, so that I might ensure that they be fulfilled." Oaths were sworn, with a particular emphasis on not betraying the crown (you trusted your sister to not do so. You did not trust any particular successor to her role.)
You moved on to Public Works. A rather odd name for a Ministry that focused so much on the divine, but you would rather not shake up the Ministerial structure too much. "Chinasa, Blood of the Faith, come here." Her look of surprise was not because of the position you stood in front of, but rather the title you had just bestowed onto her. She had never been officially granted such from your mother, and considering her military accomplishments, you had figured that it had been long overdue. May she prove worthy of it with time. "You have been found worthy of the position of Minister of Public Works. In your role, you shall oversee the proper relationship between man and the divine." That phrasing had been meant to soothe Songbird's mind just a touch, as she nodded along. It had been constructed that way to soften the blow of an Immaculate not taking the religious role in the nation.
"It will be your job to ensure that both proper worship and proper recompense are given by each side of the exchange known as prayer." You got some side eyes and some wide eyes with that comment, but none dared interrupt. "You will serve to ensure that no faith, save the worship of the demonic, will be diminished and harassed by others. Finally, in the event of my death," an intense degree of focus was directed your way from all sides, "You shall serve as the protectors and givers of allowance for Exaltation via the Fount of Glories, until my successor assumes my title as King." You would not follow in your mother's path by creating confusion on who would obtain their glory after your demise. Better to have a protocol in place to handle that, and judging by Gwai's slight nod he agreed with your addition. Chinasa's expression was one of shock at the duty placed upon her, but she quickly composed herself as she began to swear the oaths you gave her.
After that came your most unusual selection. "Before I start with the assignment of Minister of Records, I would like to give an explanation for a certain discrepancy." You gestured towards the individuals still standing, 3 of them, with only 2 positions left. "As you can see, we have more people called into this room than there are spots left to fill. Sadly, I could not choose between the candidates I had brought in for this role in time." A lie, but a pleasant one. In reality, no one met your admittedly colossal standards when it came to the job, so you would need to split its duties for a time between your two students. "So, I have decided to, until the death or resignation of one or the other, call two individuals to this role to serve as Co-Ministers. Taiwo, Nkiru, if you could please kneel here. Each of you, place one knee on top of the cushion, with one foot placed onto the rug." Your students followed your directions with exactness, and you moved to the explanation.
"As my students, you have shown excellence in your learning and in your control over magic. With this excellence, you two together have proven worthy of the role of Minister of Records. In this role, you will create and maintain our people's history in this strange land. You will work alongside our healers as well as the Ministries of Finance and Public Works to ensure that our people remain free of disease or taint. You will ensure that the people young and old gain the proper education needed as citizens of this nation. Finally, you will serve as a representative for the Sorcerers who reside inside our boundaries." They both nodded and easily followed along with your recitation of their oaths, this being a familiar task for the two of them.
And now for the last remaining position. "Innocent Songbird, come here please." The Wood Aspect did so, her shorn head bowing down as she kneeled on top of the "Mining" cushion. "I realize now that the task I am placing before you will be a strange one. In the Realm, I am sure that the Immaculate Order does not typically oversee mining operations, am I correct?" After a moment of silence, you clarified, "You may speak."
"With the exception of some students of Pasiap's teachings, they do not, your Majesty," she said. Pasiap, the Earth Dragon. Yes, that did make some sense. Regardless, you carried on.
"However, in these strange times I have no assurance that the mines we create will remain free of foes. Demons, soldiers and more eldritch creatures could dwell inside the tunnels that litter Creation since the First Age," assuming this place even WAS Creation. With the rise of the Green Moon, you had your doubts, but did not vocalize them just yet. "It is your role to protect the workers inside this nation's chthonic places where they cannot. It shall be your opportunity to learn more about the practice of mining and smelting ore, and the building of great wonders. You shall work alongside the Ministry of Finance to oversee the creation of currency, and with the Ministry of War to further defend the darkest reaches we hold claim to." Songbird's oaths took the longest amount of time, as her Skytongue was not perfectly fluent as Milosen's was. Still, by the end of it, you had finished your oaths with every one of your Ministers.
You took your seat by kneeling behind your floor desk. "And now, with your oaths taken, I hereby endow you with the positions discussed here today. It is my hope that we will be able to work together as one people in order to best administer and serve the needs of our weary masses." And now, your speech was finally over, and you were able to breathe a sigh of relief. "So, let's go over what I have planned for the next 3 months. If you have any suggestions, let me know." And thus did the first Meeting of Ministers begin.
Luck Roll: 84, Great Bonus
Bonus Type (d8): 4, Intrigue
Out in the northern sea far from the shores of Naggaroth, a number of Dark Elf guards watched the ocean waters in front of them. Either by eye or by spell, and in all ways in boredom, the Elvish scouts nonetheless did their duty, much as they started to hate it. One sorceress in particular groaned with as much ennui as she could convey as she continued to just stare at the ocean. She had been assigned here from Ghrond to get a closer look at the Wastes farther up north, and thus far it had been the worst indignity she had suffered thus far.
She couldn't even properly utilize the pleasure-slaves available here on the small island the Watchtower was built on due to her vow of celibacy. While workarounds were aplenty, even she could get bored of the same things over and over again. But sadly, that was the price she paid to be allowed her magic. It didn't mean she had to like it, though.
With a groan, she walked away from the northern porch, not even bothering to step out onto the southern porch which faced the mainland. After all, what was even the point? Nothing had gotten past the Watchtowers in years, and if nothing had gotten past them, then there was no way that any enemy could be on Naggaroth's shores.
Due to the overconfidence of several very bored guards, Uluiru was not noticed by the Watchtowers before the stealth field was set up, and thus no notice was given to Ghrond and the greater Kingdom. They will continue to be useless throughout Turn 2.
You may select TWO actions from each category. This turn and every turn onwards, your actions will benefit from the stat bonuses of your advisors. You also gain access to several Hero units, which you can assign to different actions. An action can only benefit from 1 Hero at a time, and a Hero can only be assigned to 1 action. Be mindful when assigning Heroes to more dangerous actions, there is a risk of them being put into the line of fire. Assigning a Heroic Sorcerer to do a Working also assigns them as a Hero to that action.
You have the following Heroes (You can assign them using --[] for any action):
How much will you be pushing yourself this turn? Your current Overwork penalty this turn is +2 threshold (Tired). You can choose to abstain and recover, or push yourself more for more actions.
[] You will overwork yourself-
-[] By a normal amount (+1 Personal Action, +2 Critical Fail Threshold)
-[] By a sizable amount (+2 Personal Actions; +4 Critical Fail Threshold)
[] You will not stress yourself too much.
And what will you command others to do? This turn, you have 4 full units of Food (will consume 1 per turn), 4 full units of fresh Water (will consume 1 per turn), and 1 Lumber. You may choose to ration your supplies, allowing your food and water to last up to Turn 8. Rationing will stretch supplies, but will create an ongoing Diplomacy roll (benefitting from the Advisor bonus) after the first 2 turns. Failing this roll will lower your people's opinion of you. Refusing to ration will have your supplies last up to Turn 5.
[] You will ration your current supplies (-0.5 per turn)
[] You will not ration your current supplies (-1 per turn)
Martial Actions
[X][Martial][LOCKED] Protecting the Flock 1 (DC 10+)
-[] Fight by yourself (-1 Personal Action, Frees up 1 Martial Action)
-[] Command your armies (Select 1 army below as well; -1 Personal Action; +15 to roll)
-[] Send your personal guard (Size 2, Quality 2, Might 0 = +22?)
-[] Send your general troops (Size 4, Quality 1, Might 0 = +42?)
-[] Send your elite troops (Size 1, Quality 2, Might 0 = +22?)
-[] Bejeweled Eidolon Army (Size 5, Quality 1, Might 1 = +52?)
--[] Take Prisoners (Inflicts -20 to roll, but will take up to (Size - 1) prisoners if successful, minimum Size 1).
-[] Fight by yourself (-1 Personal Action, Frees up 1 Martial Action)
-[] Command your armies (Select 1 army below as well; -1 Personal Action; +15 to roll)
-[] Send your personal guard (Size 2, Quality 2, Might 0 = +12?)
-[] Send your general troops (Size 4, Quality 1, Might 0 = +22?)
-[] Send your elite troops (Size 1, Quality 2, Might 0 = +12?)
-[] Bejeweled Eidolon Army (Size 5, Quality 1, Might 1 = +32?)
--[] Take Prisoners (Inflicts -20 to roll, but will take up to (Size - 1) prisoners if successful, minimum Size 1).
[][Martial] Scout Defense (No Roll)
[][Martial] Active Patrols (DC 40)
[][Martial] Train Your Subjects (Variable)
-[] Your Citizens (DC 25)
-[] Your General Troops (DC 50)
-[-] Merge Units (Can't be taken yet)
[][Martial] Build a Galleon (DC 20+)(CONSUMES 1 LUMBER)
[][Martial] Raise Earthen Walls (DC 20/30/40)(SORCEROUS)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Yourself (-1 Personal Action; Frees Up 1 Martial Action; +17, -20 DC)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Abioye (Hero; +6)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Your Students (Hero; +7)
-[] SPECIAL: Nokun (Ramparts of Obedient Earth)(Hero; +20)
[][Martial] Refitting Masterpieces (DC 30)
-[] Assign the army that benefits from this.
[X][Diplomacy][LOCKED] Organize the Festival of Funerals (DC 40+)
[][Diplomacy] Raise Spirits (DC 40+)
[][Diplomacy] Who Wishes To Stay? (DC 10+)
[][Diplomacy] Linguistic Drift (DC 10+)
[][Diplomacy] Build the Docks (DC 50+)(CONSUMES 1 LUMBER)
Stewardship Actions
[][Stewardship] Money Matters (DC 10+)
[][Stewardship] Build Some Homes (DC 20)(CONSUMES 1 LUMBER OR STONE)
-[] How many times?
[][Stewardship] Tent Crafting (DC 20)
-[] How many times?
[][Stewardship] Start Some Farms (DC 60)
-[] Perform an additional time (-1 Stewardship Action)
[][Stewardship] Fishing Boats (DC 20)(CONSUMES 1 LUMBER)
-[] Perform an additional time (-1 Stewardship Action)
[][Stewardship] Stone To Dirt (DC 30/40/50)(SORCEROUS)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Yourself (-1 Personal Action; Frees Up 1 Stewardship Action; -20 DC)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Abioye (Hero; +6)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Your Students (Hero; +7)
[][Stewardship] Warm The Land (DC 40/50/60)(SORCEROUS)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Yourself (-1 Personal Action; Frees Up 1 Stewardship Action)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Abioye (Hero; +6; +20 DC)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Your Students (Hero; +7; +20 DC)
[][Stewardship] Draw Freshwater (DC 15/25/35)(SORCEROUS)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Yourself (-1 Personal Action; Frees Up 1 Stewardship Action; -20 DC)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Abioye (Hero; +6)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Your Students (Hero; +7)
--[] Done how many times?
[][Stewardship] Rock to Wood (DC 30/40/50)(SORCEROUS)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Yourself (-1 Personal Action; Frees Up 1 Stewardship Action; -20 DC)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Abioye (Hero; +6)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Your Students (Hero; +7)
--[] How many times?
[][Stewardship] Dirt to Rock (DC 30/40/50)(SORCEROUS)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Yourself (-1 Personal Action; Frees Up 1 Stewardship Action; -20 DC)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Abioye (Hero; +6)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Your Students (Hero; +7)
--[] How many times?
Intrigue Action
[X][Intrigue][LOCKED] The Pangu Opening (DC 40/60)(Costs No Action)
[][Intrigue] Scouting Ahead (Variable)
-[] In General (DC 20)
-[] For Hostiles (DC 20)
-[] At the Settlement (DC 30)
-[] At the Watchtowers (DC 50)
[][Intrigue] Gauge Opinions (DC 10+)
[][Intrigue] Recruit Informants (DC 30+)
[][Intrigue] Pointed Interrogations (DC 40/60/80)
[][Intrigue] Build a Jail (DC 20)(CONSUMES 1 LUMBER OR STONE)
[][Intrigue] Channeled Sorrow of Uluiru (DC 35/45/55)(SORCEROUS)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Yourself (-1 Personal Action; Frees Up 1 Stewardship Action)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Abioye (Hero; +6; +20 DC)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Your Students (Hero; +7; +20 DC)
Piety Actions
[][Piety] On the Fount (No Roll)
[][Piety] Ask Slumbering Star for a blessing (DC 20+)
[][Piety] Ask Three-Color Edge for a blessing (DC 20+)
[][Piety] Ask the Earth Elementals for help (DC 10+)
-[] Write-in which action to benefit.
[][Piety] Ask the Other Elementals for help (DC 10+)
-[] How many times?
--[] Write-in which action(s) to benefit.
[][Piety] Search the Worthy (DC 50+)
Learning Actions
[][Learning] Go Over Records (DC 10+)
[][Learning] Who Can Read? (DC 10+)
[][Learning] Toll the Dead (DC 10+)
[][Learning] Know Thy Enemy (Variable)
-[] The Point-Ears (DC 40+)
[][Learning] Study the Green Moon (DC 10/??)
[][Learning] Medical Aid (DC 20+)
[][Learning] House of Healing (DC 20)(CONSUMES 1 LUMBER OR STONE)
[][Learning] Mobile Lodestone (DC 30/40/50)
-[] Out to 10 Miles (DC 35/45/55)
-[] Out to 100 Miles (DC 40/50/60)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Yourself (-1 Personal Action; Frees Up 1 Learning Action; -20 DC for base option)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Abioye (Hero; +6; +20 DC for 10/100 Miles)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Your Students (Hero; +7; +20 DC for 10/100 Miles)
[][Learning] Stabilize Reality for 1 Mile (DC 40/50/60)
-[] For 10 Miles (DC 45/55/65)
-[] For 100 Miles (DC 50/60/70)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Yourself (-1 Personal Action; Frees Up 1 Learning Action; +20 DC for 100 Miles)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Abioye (Hero; +6; +20 DC for 1/10 Miles, +40 DC for 100 Miles)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Your Students (Hero; +7; +20 DC for 1/10 Miles, +40 DC for 100 Miles)
Mining Actions
[][Mining] Ground Survey (DC 60)
-[] How Many Times?
[][Mining] Mountain Scouting (DC 20+)
-[] How Many Times?
-[] In the Mountains (DC 20+)
[][Mining] Build Some Ore Wagons (DC 30+)(CONSUMES 1 LUMBER)
[][Mining] Set Up Smitheries (DC 50+)(CONSUMES 1 LUMBER OR STONE)
[][Mining] Pull Up the Vein (DC 20/30/40)(SORCEROUS)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Yourself (-1 Personal Action; Frees Up 1 Mining Action; -20 DC)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Abioye (Hero; +6)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Your Students (Hero; +7)
--[] Done how many times?
Personal Actions
[][Personal] Intervene in…
-[] Write-in what actions you perform instead of anyone else.
[][Personal] Designate a line of succession. (No Roll)
[][Personal] The First Class (No Roll)
-[] How many times? (Up to 3)
[][Personal] Summon a Demon! (Variable)
-[] First Circle (DC 30)
--[] Write-in for what. You will need to provide me with a reference or a link for me to review the choice.
-[] Second Circle (DC 60)
--[] Write-in for what. You will need to provide me with a reference or a link for me to review the choice.
Free Actions
[][Free] Write-in a Sorcerous Working (Up to 2 times)
-[] What do you want to research?
-[] Suggest a name
Author's Note: Made some changes to the Bonus roll section per user feedback. Also changed the Search the Worthy action from Diplomacy to Piety, because I felt that would fit something to do with the Fount of Glories more.
If you're wondering where the The Trumpet of Eventual Parting action is, it's currently locked behind your smithies. Can't get started on building an Artifact without your crafters at minimum getting set up. While The Sorrow of Uluiru is something you can pull off immediately, it's a bit indiscriminate without the full Finesse. The Trumpet on the other hand is portable and can discriminate from friend or foe, hence why it requires more set-up to pull off.
If you have any suggestions for a Working you want to see done, put in the idea with the Free Actions! Free Actions do not have a limit and don't have any mechanical effect, they're just me taking in suggestions and giving a story write-up for them. I will eventually have a proposal section for Artifacts as well once those get unlocked. I would have maybe put the line of succession in that area as well, but that's kind of too important both IC and OOC to leave it there.
If you have any questions about the actions I've listed above, let me know. Same with any other feedback. I have a few minutes still before I need to get ready for work, so if they're quick I might be able to answer your inquiries.
[X] Plan: Advantages for All (Immaculate Martial Arts Count)
-[X][War] Gwai (+12)(ADVANTAGE)
-[X][Culture] Fumnanya (+11)
-[X][Finance] Milosen (+12)(ADVANTAGE)
-[X][Vigilance] Ekundayo (+13)(ADVANTAGE)
-[X][Public Works] Chinasa (+10)(ADVANTAGE)
-[X][Learning] Taiwo (+9)(ADVANTAGE)
-[X][Learning] Nkiru (+9)(ADVANTAGE)
-[X][Mining] Innocent Songbird (+10)
-[X][War] Gwai (+12)(ADVANTAGE)
-[X][Culture] Fumnanya (+11)
-[X][Finance] Milosen (+12)(ADVANTAGE)
-[X][Vigilance] Ekundayo (+13)(ADVANTAGE)
-[X][Public Works] Chinasa (+10)(ADVANTAGE)
-[X][Learning] Taiwo (+9)(ADVANTAGE)
-[X][Learning] Nkiru (+9)(ADVANTAGE)
-[X][Mining] Innocent Songbird (+10)
Your royal tent, while great in size, was not so glamorous in terms of amenities and trinkets. You were never one for raising yourself so far above your people's own situation as to be cruel. What they suffered, you would at least suffer in part. Besides, it was better to have most of your valuables kept locked away in a safe than displayed out in the open for any to see. Where that safe was located was a secret kept between 3 individuals: yourself, Gwai and Lieutenant Chinwe-
You frowned as the realization came over you. Right, you had not yet assigned a new commander to your Guard. With how chaotic these past three months had been, it had slipped past your mind. And while you were certain that Chinweike would not normally divulge a secret given to him, you still were not sure what precisely had possessed Ifiok, you didn't know if it could spread to someone else easily, you didn't know anything save that you could remove it if you acted fast enough. Best to have it dug up and relocated elsewhere then.
For now, the only true items of value you had in the tent was the Royal Crown, given to you by Gwai in your Mother's stead, and Never-Melting Glacier, the Adamant-and-Blue-Jade suit of armor which you still needed to look into. Besides that, there was a floor desk, a cushion for yourself and now several cushions and rugs laid out onto the floor. Each cushion had embroidered on it one of the Ministries in golden thread. In the long run, it might be considered wasteful for an item that was meant to be sat or leaned on, but it was the least you could do in this situation to make your Ministers feel… not at home, but that they had earned their way into this position. At least until a proper palace could be constructed, but right now that would have to wait until everyone had a house to live in.
For this first meeting between advisors, you had indulged slightly, taking some more of the rarer fruit rations out of storage to help this discussion go over well. It couldn't be sustained, not without impacting the lives of others, but it would hopefully help set the tone you were looking for. The flap of your tent opened, the head of one of your guards peaking in. "Your Majesty, they are here." You knew what she meant.
"Send them in." One by one, those who would become your advisors filtered in, remaining near the entrance as they looked at the cushions laid out inside. Ekundayo in particular read the text easily from a distance, her face taking on her signature fae grin. Once all 8 individuals were gathered inside, you began your speech. "As some of you might have already guessed, you have been called here because in some form or fashion, you have passed the interviews which I placed before you. Each of you have been assigned the role of Minister and Advisor to the King, and I will-" the noise of one of the cushion's being impacted halted your explanation in its tracks.
Turning around to your left, you saw your sister-in-law smugly sitting on top of the cushion titled "Vigilance." When your half-lidded eyes focused on her with exasperation, her smile only grew larger. "What?" said Ekundayo, "It was obvious where you were putting me."
…You may have made a mistake choosing this one. You counted to three after taking in a deep breath, before slowly releasing it. When the air had evacuated your lungs, you pointed towards where the rest of the group was watching this comedy act with bemused expressions. "I am trying to perform a ceremony here. Get up." With supernatural finesse she leaped up from her sitting position, doing a flip at the same time before quickly rejoining the rest where they stood.
Clapping your hands, you started over. "As I was saying, each of you have been assigned the role of Minister and Advisor to the king. I will go over your positions in order. When I call your name, come to the cushion and rug I direct you to. I will perform some introductions after that, and have you give your oaths of office there." Most nodded in acknowledgement, while others remained stoic as they took in your words.
You walked over to the cushion to the immediate left of your desk. "I shall now begin with the Minister of War. Elder Brother, if you would please join me over here." Gwai did so, walking to the designated cushion. "Elder Brother, if you could kneel on top of the cushion, feet behind you on the rug." He dropped down, showing no age in his joints as he did so. The Sovereign Exalted might have looked their age far sooner than most Exalted, but they did not truly lose that vitality until… well, you weren't sure of a maximum age just yet. No Sovereign had ever lived long enough to die of old age, so the record of 558 years achieved by your mother before her death remained intact.
"Thousand-Hours Gwai, you who earned your title in battle against the Thousand Talon Clan of Raksha by yourself numerous times," that got some looks from the Dragon-Blooded, who did not know your family's tales, "You have proven worthy of the position of Minister of War. In your role, you shall command the armies in my stead, oversee the proper outfitting of each soldier, and learn the enemy's tactics so that Uluiru shall never again fall. You have worked as a Sovereign Exalt in the council of my mother for five centuries," wider eyes could be seen now on the Dragon-Blooded, as well as your students. The person they would be speaking with was a living part of the nation's history. "All I ask is that you do so again in this role."
"I shall," was all he said in response. You gave him his oaths to swear, mostly covering the expectations of loyalty to the crown, and to the people, as well as going over again what his duties would be. Perhaps he might have slightly more skill when it came to money and administration, but war was a business he was talented at all the same. Once his part was done, it was time for the next individual.
You walked over to the next cushion, marked "Culture." "Fumnanya, if you would please come over here." Your ever-prideful great-grandniece strutted towards the cushion as if she had known this was coming all along. The smile on her face grew a bit more shaky when she saw how… plain the cushion and especially the rug were, but ultimately these were furniture meant to be sat upon. You weren't going to splurge more than you already have on a pillow of all things. Still, she made no comments, and kneeled on top of her cushion as Gwai did.
"Fumnanya, Last of the Queen's Chosen, you have been found worthy of the position of Minister of Culture." Found, not proven as with Gwai, because she was still young enough to not have many great deeds to her name. She would need to truly prove herself if she wanted to retain the job. And judging by her quickly vanishing frown, she had caught on to your choice of words. "In your role, you shall serve as an envoy both to our people, and foreign nations abroad. It will also be your obligation to work alongside the Ministry of Stewardship to perform trade with willing nations and peoples. Finally, Uluiru was and shall always be known for its culture and its arts, which you shall oversee." That last part made her smile again. She always was one for music, among other things.
Her swearing in proceeded quickly and you moved onto the next cushion, "Finance." "Milosen Atara V'neef, please come over here." The Water Aspect nodded graciously as she followed suit after her predecessors. "Milosen, I have not witnessed your deeds, so I must extend my trust that those things which you have spoken about in your interview are true." She nodded in acceptance, she was ultimately a stranger to you, one that you would need to depend on in the coming years. "You have been found worthy of the position of Minister of Finance. In your role, you shall oversee the nation's supplies and finances. It will be your job to ensure that as few of our people go hungry every night and wake with parched throats every morning. You shall be a guardian to our wealth and a steward to our homes. Finally, together with the Ministry of Culture you shall perform trade with other nations and peoples." Her oath swearing went only slightly slower than the rest, on account of Skytongue not being a native language of hers.
Next was Vigilance, and unfortunately your sister had already spoiled the surprise. "Evil-Smile Ekundayo, you who have earned your title by the wicked grin you gave as you trapped the Limb-Witch Maug in an oath of servitude for a decade." And there was that same smile now. Would it remain with this next part? "With your many years of work with the Invigilators Royal," and now the grin had diminished slightly, gaining a slight twitch to the eyebrow as most everyone looked at her with surprise, save Gwai. Turnabout was fair play, dear sister. "You have proven worthy of the position of Minister of Vigilance. In your role, you shall oversee the nation's defense from the shadows. No spy shall evade your sight, and none of your agents shall fall into enemy hands. You will also gather and make known to me the desires of the people, so that I might ensure that they be fulfilled." Oaths were sworn, with a particular emphasis on not betraying the crown (you trusted your sister to not do so. You did not trust any particular successor to her role.)
You moved on to Public Works. A rather odd name for a Ministry that focused so much on the divine, but you would rather not shake up the Ministerial structure too much. "Chinasa, Blood of the Faith, come here." Her look of surprise was not because of the position you stood in front of, but rather the title you had just bestowed onto her. She had never been officially granted such from your mother, and considering her military accomplishments, you had figured that it had been long overdue. May she prove worthy of it with time. "You have been found worthy of the position of Minister of Public Works. In your role, you shall oversee the proper relationship between man and the divine." That phrasing had been meant to soothe Songbird's mind just a touch, as she nodded along. It had been constructed that way to soften the blow of an Immaculate not taking the religious role in the nation.
"It will be your job to ensure that both proper worship and proper recompense are given by each side of the exchange known as prayer." You got some side eyes and some wide eyes with that comment, but none dared interrupt. "You will serve to ensure that no faith, save the worship of the demonic, will be diminished and harassed by others. Finally, in the event of my death," an intense degree of focus was directed your way from all sides, "You shall serve as the protectors and givers of allowance for Exaltation via the Fount of Glories, until my successor assumes my title as King." You would not follow in your mother's path by creating confusion on who would obtain their glory after your demise. Better to have a protocol in place to handle that, and judging by Gwai's slight nod he agreed with your addition. Chinasa's expression was one of shock at the duty placed upon her, but she quickly composed herself as she began to swear the oaths you gave her.
After that came your most unusual selection. "Before I start with the assignment of Minister of Records, I would like to give an explanation for a certain discrepancy." You gestured towards the individuals still standing, 3 of them, with only 2 positions left. "As you can see, we have more people called into this room than there are spots left to fill. Sadly, I could not choose between the candidates I had brought in for this role in time." A lie, but a pleasant one. In reality, no one met your admittedly colossal standards when it came to the job, so you would need to split its duties for a time between your two students. "So, I have decided to, until the death or resignation of one or the other, call two individuals to this role to serve as Co-Ministers. Taiwo, Nkiru, if you could please kneel here. Each of you, place one knee on top of the cushion, with one foot placed onto the rug." Your students followed your directions with exactness, and you moved to the explanation.
"As my students, you have shown excellence in your learning and in your control over magic. With this excellence, you two together have proven worthy of the role of Minister of Records. In this role, you will create and maintain our people's history in this strange land. You will work alongside our healers as well as the Ministries of Finance and Public Works to ensure that our people remain free of disease or taint. You will ensure that the people young and old gain the proper education needed as citizens of this nation. Finally, you will serve as a representative for the Sorcerers who reside inside our boundaries." They both nodded and easily followed along with your recitation of their oaths, this being a familiar task for the two of them.
And now for the last remaining position. "Innocent Songbird, come here please." The Wood Aspect did so, her shorn head bowing down as she kneeled on top of the "Mining" cushion. "I realize now that the task I am placing before you will be a strange one. In the Realm, I am sure that the Immaculate Order does not typically oversee mining operations, am I correct?" After a moment of silence, you clarified, "You may speak."
"With the exception of some students of Pasiap's teachings, they do not, your Majesty," she said. Pasiap, the Earth Dragon. Yes, that did make some sense. Regardless, you carried on.
"However, in these strange times I have no assurance that the mines we create will remain free of foes. Demons, soldiers and more eldritch creatures could dwell inside the tunnels that litter Creation since the First Age," assuming this place even WAS Creation. With the rise of the Green Moon, you had your doubts, but did not vocalize them just yet. "It is your role to protect the workers inside this nation's chthonic places where they cannot. It shall be your opportunity to learn more about the practice of mining and smelting ore, and the building of great wonders. You shall work alongside the Ministry of Finance to oversee the creation of currency, and with the Ministry of War to further defend the darkest reaches we hold claim to." Songbird's oaths took the longest amount of time, as her Skytongue was not perfectly fluent as Milosen's was. Still, by the end of it, you had finished your oaths with every one of your Ministers.
You took your seat by kneeling behind your floor desk. "And now, with your oaths taken, I hereby endow you with the positions discussed here today. It is my hope that we will be able to work together as one people in order to best administer and serve the needs of our weary masses." And now, your speech was finally over, and you were able to breathe a sigh of relief. "So, let's go over what I have planned for the next 3 months. If you have any suggestions, let me know." And thus did the first Meeting of Ministers begin.
Luck Roll: 84, Great Bonus
Bonus Type (d8): 4, Intrigue
Out in the northern sea far from the shores of Naggaroth, a number of Dark Elf guards watched the ocean waters in front of them. Either by eye or by spell, and in all ways in boredom, the Elvish scouts nonetheless did their duty, much as they started to hate it. One sorceress in particular groaned with as much ennui as she could convey as she continued to just stare at the ocean. She had been assigned here from Ghrond to get a closer look at the Wastes farther up north, and thus far it had been the worst indignity she had suffered thus far.
She couldn't even properly utilize the pleasure-slaves available here on the small island the Watchtower was built on due to her vow of celibacy. While workarounds were aplenty, even she could get bored of the same things over and over again. But sadly, that was the price she paid to be allowed her magic. It didn't mean she had to like it, though.
With a groan, she walked away from the northern porch, not even bothering to step out onto the southern porch which faced the mainland. After all, what was even the point? Nothing had gotten past the Watchtowers in years, and if nothing had gotten past them, then there was no way that any enemy could be on Naggaroth's shores.
Due to the overconfidence of several very bored guards, Uluiru was not noticed by the Watchtowers before the stealth field was set up, and thus no notice was given to Ghrond and the greater Kingdom. They will continue to be useless throughout Turn 2.
You may select TWO actions from each category. This turn and every turn onwards, your actions will benefit from the stat bonuses of your advisors. You also gain access to several Hero units, which you can assign to different actions. An action can only benefit from 1 Hero at a time, and a Hero can only be assigned to 1 action. Be mindful when assigning Heroes to more dangerous actions, there is a risk of them being put into the line of fire. Assigning a Heroic Sorcerer to do a Working also assigns them as a Hero to that action.
You have the following Heroes (You can assign them using --[] for any action):
- Abioye (Martial (+2), Diplomacy (+10), Stewardship (+8), Intrigue (+8), Piety (+12), Learning (+6), Combat (+3))
- Sorcerer
- Fuvor (Martial (+4), Diplomacy (+5), Stewardship (+6), Intrigue (+7), Piety (+5), Learning (+7), Combat (+5))
- Whispering Dragon Soul: Conceals Anima
- Nokun (Martial (+10), Diplomacy (+0), Stewardship (+8), Intrigue (+4), Piety (+7), Learning (+4), Combat (+9)
- Ramparts of Obedient Earth: Manipulates Earth
- Flaris (Martial (+12), Diplomacy (+3), Stewardship (+8), Intrigue (+10), Piety (+4), Learning (+6), Combat (+12))
- Deadly Wildfire Legion: Blesses Army with Fire Weaponry
- Your Students (Doesn't Include Nkiru and Taiwo, uses the highest stat of each remaining student)(Martial (+2), Diplomacy (+3), Stewardship (+5), Intrigue (+3), Piety (+4), Learning (+7), Combat (+6)
- Sorcerer
- Rising Dawn (Martial (+9 -> +12), Diplomacy (+6), Stewardship (+9), Intrigue (+6), Piety (+12), Learning (+4), Combat (+8 -> +11))
- -10 to DC of Assigned Task (Has a cooldown of 1 Turn)
- Silver Voiced Nightingale Style (Can substitute Diplomacy for Martial/Combat, or add ½ of Diplomacy to the same)
How much will you be pushing yourself this turn? Your current Overwork penalty this turn is +2 threshold (Tired). You can choose to abstain and recover, or push yourself more for more actions.
[] You will overwork yourself-
-[] By a normal amount (+1 Personal Action, +2 Critical Fail Threshold)
-[] By a sizable amount (+2 Personal Actions; +4 Critical Fail Threshold)
[] You will not stress yourself too much.
And what will you command others to do? This turn, you have 4 full units of Food (will consume 1 per turn), 4 full units of fresh Water (will consume 1 per turn), and 1 Lumber. You may choose to ration your supplies, allowing your food and water to last up to Turn 8. Rationing will stretch supplies, but will create an ongoing Diplomacy roll (benefitting from the Advisor bonus) after the first 2 turns. Failing this roll will lower your people's opinion of you. Refusing to ration will have your supplies last up to Turn 5.
[] You will ration your current supplies (-0.5 per turn)
[] You will not ration your current supplies (-1 per turn)
Martial Actions
[X][Martial][LOCKED] Protecting the Flock 1 (DC 10+)
-[] Fight by yourself (-1 Personal Action, Frees up 1 Martial Action)
-[] Command your armies (Select 1 army below as well; -1 Personal Action; +15 to roll)
-[] Send your personal guard (Size 2, Quality 2, Might 0 = +22?)
-[] Send your general troops (Size 4, Quality 1, Might 0 = +42?)
-[] Send your elite troops (Size 1, Quality 2, Might 0 = +22?)
-[] Bejeweled Eidolon Army (Size 5, Quality 1, Might 1 = +52?)
--[] Take Prisoners (Inflicts -20 to roll, but will take up to (Size - 1) prisoners if successful, minimum Size 1).
- Your opponent will be a Size 1 group of combatants, but not soldiers. Their Quality and Might are unknown, but likely quite low. Taking prisoners might be helpful here.
-[] Fight by yourself (-1 Personal Action, Frees up 1 Martial Action)
-[] Command your armies (Select 1 army below as well; -1 Personal Action; +15 to roll)
-[] Send your personal guard (Size 2, Quality 2, Might 0 = +12?)
-[] Send your general troops (Size 4, Quality 1, Might 0 = +22?)
-[] Send your elite troops (Size 1, Quality 2, Might 0 = +12?)
-[] Bejeweled Eidolon Army (Size 5, Quality 1, Might 1 = +32?)
--[] Take Prisoners (Inflicts -20 to roll, but will take up to (Size - 1) prisoners if successful, minimum Size 1).
- Your opponent will be a Size 3 group of soldiers. Their Quality is low, and they possess an unknown amount of Might.
[][Martial] Scout Defense (No Roll)
- Your troops will protect any scouting parties you send from potential danger. This reduces the results for those rolls by -10, but in exchange heavily reduces the risk of injury or death.
[][Martial] Active Patrols (DC 40)
- Your troops will secure your perimeter, heavily reducing the chance of spies and infiltrators from getting in. It will also give you advance warning of any warbands that arrive, granting crucial information.
[][Martial] Train Your Subjects (Variable)
-[] Your Citizens (DC 25)
-[] Your General Troops (DC 50)
-[-] Merge Units (Can't be taken yet)
- Converts a portion of the selected group into a Size 1 military unit of a Quality one greater than before. Citizens become general troops, and general troops become elite troops. If this action is performed when there are 2 groups of equal Size, Quality and focus, they will instead merge together into a group one Size larger.
[][Martial] Build a Galleon (DC 20+)(CONSUMES 1 LUMBER)
- By scrapping some of the broken boats you have, you can create 1 reconstructed galleon to serve your purposes. Difficult to use without a place to dock, but can be exploited in order to survey the sea-bordering nations of this location.
[][Martial] Raise Earthen Walls (DC 20/30/40)(SORCEROUS)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Yourself (-1 Personal Action; Frees Up 1 Martial Action; +17, -20 DC)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Abioye (Hero; +6)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Your Students (Hero; +7)
-[] SPECIAL: Nokun (Ramparts of Obedient Earth)(Hero; +20)
- While not as useful as interwoven bricks, you can command the earth to rise up as simple walls to insulate your people against attackers.
[][Martial] Refitting Masterpieces (DC 30)
-[] Assign the army that benefits from this.
- Your acquired war prizes are much too nice to simply discard. By having them fitted (or altered if need be), you can grant one of your armies up to Size 3 with Might 1. If they already possess Might 1, this does not benefit them further.
[X][Diplomacy][LOCKED] Organize the Festival of Funerals (DC 40+)
- Uluiru fell. It is gone. Your people need time to grieve, and creating a day of mourning will almost certainly be needed. You cannot deny them this meager allowance, but could you do more?
- Will benefit from an additional +10 bonus to the roll this turn.
[][Diplomacy] Raise Spirits (DC 40+)
- With your people departed from their home of five centuries, there is likely to be a sorrowful mood. Perhaps commissioning the entertainers for music will brighten someone's day.
- Will benefit from an additional +10 bonus to the roll this turn.
[][Diplomacy] Who Wishes To Stay? (DC 10+)
- By speaking to your people, you can figure out their opinion on staying here or just leaving as soon as possible for somewhere else. Will unlock options related to whichever goal you decide on.
[][Diplomacy] Linguistic Drift (DC 10+)
- While for the most part your people speak Skytongue, there's plenty of other languages they might potentially know. If you can find which individuals speak what, you might be able to preserve those languages for future use.
[][Diplomacy] Build the Docks (DC 50+)(CONSUMES 1 LUMBER)
- By constructing a set of docks, you can create a future hub for trade and fishing. It can also serve as a repository for whatever ships you might have.
Stewardship Actions
[][Stewardship] Money Matters (DC 10+)
- Go over the remaining material wealth that both you and your people possess. This will give you a good overview of your wealth as a person and as a nation. It will also open up options for trading and taxes.
[][Stewardship] Build Some Homes (DC 20)(CONSUMES 1 LUMBER OR STONE)
-[] How many times?
- You will use the scraps of wood available to create some long-term homes for your people. Hopefully, they will not need to sleep in tents for much longer. Each use will provide enough housing for ⅕ of your people at their current size.
[][Stewardship] Tent Crafting (DC 20)
-[] How many times?
- Instead of using precious wood to construct your buildings, you can make do with some tents instead. Does not cost Lumber, but also doesn't last as long as an actual house would. Each use will provide enough housing for 1/5 of your people at their current size for 12 turns (3 years).
[][Stewardship] Start Some Farms (DC 60)
-[] Perform an additional time (-1 Stewardship Action)
- Your farmers will get to work on starting up a crop rotation, hoping that things will soon heat up enough to make planting viable. Will provide ⅕ of a unit of Food every turn for every time this succeeds.
[][Stewardship] Fishing Boats (DC 20)(CONSUMES 1 LUMBER)
-[] Perform an additional time (-1 Stewardship Action)
- Your carpenters will get to work on constructing some canoes to be used by your fishermen out in the local waters. Will create a roll each turn that, if it succeeds, provides ⅕ of a unit of Food every turn for every time this action is accomplished.
[][Stewardship] Stone To Dirt (DC 30/40/50)(SORCEROUS)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Yourself (-1 Personal Action; Frees Up 1 Stewardship Action; -20 DC)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Abioye (Hero; +6)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Your Students (Hero; +7)
- You will have one of your available sorcerers transmute the cold earth into fertile soil, reducing the DC for Start Some Farms by 20.
[][Stewardship] Warm The Land (DC 40/50/60)(SORCEROUS)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Yourself (-1 Personal Action; Frees Up 1 Stewardship Action)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Abioye (Hero; +6; +20 DC)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Your Students (Hero; +7; +20 DC)
- You will alter the climate long-term, slowly increasing the average temperature over time. This will, in turn, increase the overall harvest period, making every farm provide ¼ of a unit of Food every turn instead of ⅕.
[][Stewardship] Draw Freshwater (DC 15/25/35)(SORCEROUS)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Yourself (-1 Personal Action; Frees Up 1 Stewardship Action; -20 DC)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Abioye (Hero; +6)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Your Students (Hero; +7)
--[] Done how many times?
- Will create a source of freshwater for your people to draw nourishment from. Will provide ⅕ of a unit of Water every turn for every time this succeeds.
[][Stewardship] Rock to Wood (DC 30/40/50)(SORCEROUS)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Yourself (-1 Personal Action; Frees Up 1 Stewardship Action; -20 DC)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Abioye (Hero; +6)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Your Students (Hero; +7)
--[] How many times?
- You will transmute cold dirt into cheap, but usable lumber. Each time this action is performed, it provides 1 unit of Lumber.
[][Stewardship] Dirt to Rock (DC 30/40/50)(SORCEROUS)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Yourself (-1 Personal Action; Frees Up 1 Stewardship Action; -20 DC)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Abioye (Hero; +6)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Your Students (Hero; +7)
--[] How many times?
- You will transmute cold dirt into more solid stone. Each time this action is performed, it provides 1 unit of Stone.
Intrigue Action
[X][Intrigue][LOCKED] The Pangu Opening (DC 40/60)(Costs No Action)
- Ifiok has had the spirit possessing him exorcized. You will do your best to interrogate him, but he seems unusually reticent to give information. Beating the first DC will give information, the second will lower his connection to ???.
[][Intrigue] Scouting Ahead (Variable)
-[] In General (DC 20)
-[] For Hostiles (DC 20)
-[] At the Settlement (DC 30)
-[] At the Watchtowers (DC 50)
- Your scouts will survey the region. Every interval of 20 achieved will result in more information gained.
- Scouting for Hostiles will give your troops advanced notice of enemy forces.
- The Settlement is the slave-owning town that your Scouts discovered.
- The Watchtowers out in the sea can be rowed to under the cover of night.
[][Intrigue] Gauge Opinions (DC 10+)
- It might be useful to find out how your people currently think of you. Will provide more information on your people's opinions.
[][Intrigue] Recruit Informants (DC 30+)
- By sending discrete inquiries amongst your people, you might be able to find individuals willing to provide information long-term to see how things are going.
[][Intrigue] Pointed Interrogations (DC 40/60/80)
- You will interrogate your pointy-eared prisoners, or at least attempt to due to the language barrier. Breaking the first threshold will give you insight into their language, the second will give you pertinent information, the third will make them more agreeable. Every threshold achieved will lower the DC of Know Your Enemy by 10 each.
[][Intrigue] Build a Jail (DC 20)(CONSUMES 1 LUMBER OR STONE)
- You will build a jail to contain your prisoners, reducing the chances of them escaping while inside.
[][Intrigue] Channeled Sorrow of Uluiru (DC 35/45/55)(SORCEROUS)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Yourself (-1 Personal Action; Frees Up 1 Stewardship Action)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Abioye (Hero; +6; +20 DC)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Your Students (Hero; +7; +20 DC)
- Inspired by your musician's misery, you can create a horrific shrieking field which scares away foes. Provides an ADDITIONAL -1 Quality to those that directly attack your capital, but only against units vulnerable to mental attacks.
- Mutually Exclusive with The Trumpet of Eventual Parting
Piety Actions
[][Piety] On the Fount (No Roll)
- While as the King, you might officially control the Fount, your mother always got the opinion of other Sovereigns regarding its use. You should probably do the same before doing anything with the monument.
[][Piety] Ask Slumbering Star for a blessing (DC 20+)
- As powerless as she might be in her current situation, the fickle goddess can still be beseeched to lend her aid to Mining Actions this turn. This will reduce the DC for those actions by 10.
[][Piety] Ask Three-Color Edge for a blessing (DC 20+)
- Flamboyant as he is, this god can be assigned to any action(s) involving weaponry, particularly extravagant armaments. This will reduce the DC for those actions by 10.
[][Piety] Ask the Earth Elementals for help (DC 10+)
-[] Write-in which action to benefit.
- By granting offerings to the many earth elementals who joined your journey, you can have them assist your miners with one task, lowering the DC by 20.
[][Piety] Ask the Other Elementals for help (DC 10+)
-[] How many times?
--[] Write-in which action(s) to benefit.
- By granting offerings to the other elementals who joined your journey, you can have them assist with any one action that has an elemental association. Actions related to air, ice or water reduce their DC by 10, actions related to fire or life reduce it by 5.
[][Piety] Search the Worthy (DC 50+)
- It might be too soon to look for candidates for Exaltation, but having a list of individuals that you could accept joining your family's legacy ready when the Fount of Glories is eventually properly installed could be useful.
Learning Actions
[][Learning] Go Over Records (DC 10+)
- You will need to organize what records of paper and parchment you have available. This will unlock further actions to be done with the Ministry of Records.
[][Learning] Who Can Read? (DC 10+)
- Literacy is not universal, but very useful. Once you know how many of your people are able to read and write in the nation's tongue, you can then gauge the need for schools in the immediate future.
[][Learning] Toll the Dead (DC 10+)
- You will have the few doctors on hand do a general survey to see which of your citizens were injured by the trip or crash. Or worse, to see if some did not survive. Will lower the DC of Medical Aid by 10.
[][Learning] Know Thy Enemy (Variable)
-[] The Point-Ears (DC 40+)
- You will analyze what you know about the selected enemy, and create a summary report for later. Will provide bonuses based on the quality of information obtained.
[][Learning] Study the Green Moon (DC 10/??)
- There's a Green Moon up there now. How in Luna's bountiful bosom did that even happen? Try and study the Green Moon's effects to see what's going on here.
[][Learning] Medical Aid (DC 20+)
- By having medical staff on hand, you can prevent or help your units recover from injuries this turn.
[][Learning] House of Healing (DC 20)(CONSUMES 1 LUMBER OR STONE)
- By creating a hospital for your doctors to work from, you can lower the DC for future medical rolls. Plus, you can house patients there long-term.
[][Learning] Mobile Lodestone (DC 30/40/50)
-[] Out to 10 Miles (DC 35/45/55)
-[] Out to 100 Miles (DC 40/50/60)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Yourself (-1 Personal Action; Frees Up 1 Learning Action; -20 DC for base option)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Abioye (Hero; +6; +20 DC for 10/100 Miles)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Your Students (Hero; +7; +20 DC for 10/100 Miles)
- Instead of permanently stabilizing reality, you will instead create a vessel of Earth Essence which will saturate the nearby terrain, making it more stable than before. This will lower the risk of mutation within the listed areas, and can be transported around by cart. Unlike Stabilize Reality, this does not FULLY remove the Wyld's influence from an area, it just reduces it within range.
[][Learning] Stabilize Reality for 1 Mile (DC 40/50/60)
-[] For 10 Miles (DC 45/55/65)
-[] For 100 Miles (DC 50/60/70)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Yourself (-1 Personal Action; Frees Up 1 Learning Action; +20 DC for 100 Miles)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Abioye (Hero; +6; +20 DC for 1/10 Miles, +40 DC for 100 Miles)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Your Students (Hero; +7; +20 DC for 1/10 Miles, +40 DC for 100 Miles)
- You will remove all influence of the Wyld from an area, stabilizing a region up to 1/10/100 square Miles in size. 1 Mile will be enough to cover your personal living space and some of your fellow Exalted, but not much more than that. 10 Miles will be enough to cover all of where your people are currently concentrated in, but not any outlying areas. 100 Miles will be enough to cover all of the living space, plus any farm lands and nearby sea you might have.
- You have performed this action once already, removing the Wyld for 10 square Miles in your capital.
Mining Actions
[][Mining] Ground Survey (DC 60)
-[] How Many Times?
- The remaining members of the Ministry of Mining will survey the ground around you for any open veins of minerals on the surface. Unlikely, but maybe you'll get lucky and find iron ore.
- You have attempted this action once already. You may attempt again 2 more times.
[][Mining] Mountain Scouting (DC 20+)
-[] How Many Times?
- Same as Ground Survey, except you will be sending prospectors out to climb the mountains to evaluate them for mining opportunities. There is a risk of natural disasters, as well as enemies finding them given how large of a distance there is.
- You have attempted this action once already. You may attempt again several more times.
-[] In the Mountains (DC 20+)
- You found some decent veins of iron. Now, you can construct a mine to work that iron ore and extract it from the earth.
[][Mining] Build Some Ore Wagons (DC 30+)(CONSUMES 1 LUMBER)
- You can't work ore that you can't take with you. By building some wagons, you can carry the ore from up in the mountains down to your capital.
[][Mining] Set Up Smitheries (DC 50+)(CONSUMES 1 LUMBER OR STONE)
- Your blacksmiths cannot really work their trade without an insulated enough building, or at least not well. By setting up small enclosed buildings with chimneys, they will have the equipment they need to really get to work.
[][Mining] Pull Up the Vein (DC 20/30/40)(SORCEROUS)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Yourself (-1 Personal Action; Frees Up 1 Mining Action; -20 DC)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Abioye (Hero; +6)
-[] Assigned Sorcerer: Your Students (Hero; +7)
--[] Done how many times?
- By moving aside the earth covering a small vein of metal, you can provide metal to supply your blacksmiths for 1 turn.
Personal Actions
[][Personal] Intervene in…
-[] Write-in what actions you perform instead of anyone else.
- Sango will perform the chosen actions instead of anyone else, essentially trading a Personal Action for one of any other type. This action will benefit from his stat bonuses. You may select this action multiple times, just use multiple subvotes (-[]) instead of listing the title of this action again and again.
[][Personal] Designate a line of succession. (No Roll)
- Perhaps it might be a bit early to do this, but with how unknown your current situation is, it might be helpful to ensure that someone else will be ready to take up your mantle, should you fall.
- You have yet to even put on this Artifact, let alone Attune yourself to it. Once you do, what insights can you gain from it?
[][Personal] The First Class (No Roll)
-[] How many times? (Up to 3)
- You are one of the greatest Sorcerers of Uluiru, it is easily within your power to teach more students in the art of magic. This will create a new Mortal Sorcerer Hero Unit representing the entire class of 5. Uses Best of 2 rolls of 4d5 + 1 for every stat, prioritizing Learning.
- The first time you attempt this action, it requires no roll. Future classes in the same year will require rolls until you give yourself time to breathe.
[][Personal] Summon a Demon! (Variable)
-[] First Circle (DC 30)
--[] Write-in for what. You will need to provide me with a reference or a link for me to review the choice.
-[] Second Circle (DC 60)
--[] Write-in for what. You will need to provide me with a reference or a link for me to review the choice.
Free Actions
[][Free] Write-in a Sorcerous Working (Up to 2 times)
-[] What do you want to research?
- Will give you the opportunity to "research" a potential Working, AKA write-in a potential Working and I will provide it a DC. The Working will become available to vote for on the next turn.
-[] Suggest a name
- Uluiru was named after your Mother Queen Ulu, who was the chieftain of the Irugu people before her Exaltation. Your new nation could continue to bear her name, or even call itself "New" Uluiru, but maybe another name might work to describe this new land.
- This is not a vote to determine what the nation will be called. It is only an option to suggest potential names for your kingdom.
There will be a 5-hour moratorium on voting. You may construct plans, but please hold off on voting until I give the okay.
Author's Note: Made some changes to the Bonus roll section per user feedback. Also changed the Search the Worthy action from Diplomacy to Piety, because I felt that would fit something to do with the Fount of Glories more.
If you're wondering where the The Trumpet of Eventual Parting action is, it's currently locked behind your smithies. Can't get started on building an Artifact without your crafters at minimum getting set up. While The Sorrow of Uluiru is something you can pull off immediately, it's a bit indiscriminate without the full Finesse. The Trumpet on the other hand is portable and can discriminate from friend or foe, hence why it requires more set-up to pull off.
If you have any suggestions for a Working you want to see done, put in the idea with the Free Actions! Free Actions do not have a limit and don't have any mechanical effect, they're just me taking in suggestions and giving a story write-up for them. I will eventually have a proposal section for Artifacts as well once those get unlocked. I would have maybe put the line of succession in that area as well, but that's kind of too important both IC and OOC to leave it there.
If you have any questions about the actions I've listed above, let me know. Same with any other feedback. I have a few minutes still before I need to get ready for work, so if they're quick I might be able to answer your inquiries.
