High Queen Quest (CK2 Fantasy Quest)
- Thread starter Unhacker
- Start date
- Original Fantasy
Your Corination
- Location
- The Shrine of the Muse
- Pronouns
- She/They
Today as a momentous day, today was the day that you were crowned High Queen of the Sister Kingdoms, you weren't entirely sure how or why you got the position. For the occasion, you opted to wear your best dress and ignored your guards' protests to put armour on instead, you were mounted on a snow-white charger, at the head of your parade as you made your way to the seat of power within the Sister Kingdoms.
Oakenfeild Stronghold, the seat of power within the Sister Kingdoms, constructed by High Queen Sophia during the end of her reign, though the construction, you suspect, will be continued well into your reign this is because of the fact that the citadel is not fully complete, sure the keep was built and the inner layer of the walls was built but the second layer of the walls were under construction and apparently the high queen had some plans for a third layer.
You grimaced slightly, looking at the keep, the stone was a bright white and it kind of hurt your eyes when you looked at it, not to mention the fact that the bright red of the sister kingdom's banners portrayed a sharp contrast on the walls. You note that it would have been an insane amount of gold required to pay for this keep and you can't help it came from.
As your small parade moved through the area where the third walls were being built you can't help but smile when you see the people who have inhabited the small town surrounding the keep (most likely the families of the workers, architects and soldiers) as they kneel in the presence of your parade, as was proper.
Any soldiers that saw your cavalcade gave a sharp salute, though something which irked you was the fact that the salute was directed towards your new Marshal, the daughter of the late High Queen, Duchess Miriel the Skull-taker. Though you can't blame them, the Duchess did cast a striking image, clad in her dull grey plate armour that came up to her neck, a red cloak flowed out from behind her with fur lining at the top and bottom of the cloak, in addition, her famous longsword, Harbinger, was at her hip, gilded pommel and hilt shining in the sunlight.
As you passed the second layer of the walls, the workers stopped working to bow, kneel or curtsy to you, blacksmiths gave a slight pause to their work to nod at you or at your marshal... so irksome, though it was assumed that she would take the throne when her mother died.
You couldn't help but notice that second layer of the walls was almost finished, or at least looked almost finished to you, though you spotted the fact that the scaffolding when higher at some parts, Goddess above, it seems the rumours that High Queen Sophia was paranoid in her last years weren't wrong.
As you got closer to the last layer of walls, there was something obvious, the roads and the streets were becoming narrower, you look back and you could see your marshal smiling in pride at this street. "Proud of something?" You ask
"Yes, your majesty, I helped design the streets at this layer of defence, I didn't think mother included my plans in her final design." She responds, looking somewhat downcast at the mention of her late mother.
"You didn't notice?"
"No, your majesty, I was out hunting down bandits," She responds you know for a fact that it was a half-truth, she also had fought against other soldiers in the sister kingdoms during a few internal border disputes, "among other things at the time."
You dismissed this as you got close to the keep. The interior was as grand as the outside, made of white granite with several tapestries and other decorations inside which made it look as grand as the old palace of Summermount, though it is highly likely that High Queen Sophia moved most of the decorations.
There was something that irked you though, it was the High Cardinal, the head of the Church of Gaia, Novella of Low birth, she was standing in front of your throne, with your crown in her hands. You understood what was about to be done, but you did not like it. you could smell the corruption
You, begrudgingly, kneeled before the High Cardinal and pretended to listen as she began to prattle on and on about the previous High Queen and how you were to carry on her legacy and is she still talking?
You tuned in long enough to hear that yes, she was still talking at this point your knees started to hurt. You felt her gaze upon your head and you found yourself tuning in again. "Do you swear to uphold the ideals of the Sister Kingdoms?" What Ideals?
"I do." You answered, voice solemn to keep your contempt out of your voice.
"Do you swear to act in the best interests of the Kingdoms?"
"I do."
"Do you swear to act without mercy when the heretic and heathen would threaten our peace?" She asks, you noticed that she put emphasis on the word heretic
"I do."
"Do you swear to keep the peace and to stop other Gaian kingdoms from tearing each other apart?"
"I do." That was a lie, there was little you could do.
"Then by the powers granted to me by the Goddess, I proclaim you to have the holiest of crowns, the crown of the High Queen of the Sister Kingdoms." She placed the crown upon your head with the utmost delicacy, like either you or it was some fragile thing in danger of breaking. "Rise, High Queen Czarina the First." You rose on command, pretending that the words of the High Cardinal actually meant something to you.
Her words didn't matter you were High Queen, the words of a corrupt priestess meant very little to you.
This is for your character's corination, I shall begin writing up your first turn, and the rumour mill, soon.
Oakenfeild Stronghold, the seat of power within the Sister Kingdoms, constructed by High Queen Sophia during the end of her reign, though the construction, you suspect, will be continued well into your reign this is because of the fact that the citadel is not fully complete, sure the keep was built and the inner layer of the walls was built but the second layer of the walls were under construction and apparently the high queen had some plans for a third layer.
You grimaced slightly, looking at the keep, the stone was a bright white and it kind of hurt your eyes when you looked at it, not to mention the fact that the bright red of the sister kingdom's banners portrayed a sharp contrast on the walls. You note that it would have been an insane amount of gold required to pay for this keep and you can't help it came from.
As your small parade moved through the area where the third walls were being built you can't help but smile when you see the people who have inhabited the small town surrounding the keep (most likely the families of the workers, architects and soldiers) as they kneel in the presence of your parade, as was proper.
Any soldiers that saw your cavalcade gave a sharp salute, though something which irked you was the fact that the salute was directed towards your new Marshal, the daughter of the late High Queen, Duchess Miriel the Skull-taker. Though you can't blame them, the Duchess did cast a striking image, clad in her dull grey plate armour that came up to her neck, a red cloak flowed out from behind her with fur lining at the top and bottom of the cloak, in addition, her famous longsword, Harbinger, was at her hip, gilded pommel and hilt shining in the sunlight.
As you passed the second layer of the walls, the workers stopped working to bow, kneel or curtsy to you, blacksmiths gave a slight pause to their work to nod at you or at your marshal... so irksome, though it was assumed that she would take the throne when her mother died.
You couldn't help but notice that second layer of the walls was almost finished, or at least looked almost finished to you, though you spotted the fact that the scaffolding when higher at some parts, Goddess above, it seems the rumours that High Queen Sophia was paranoid in her last years weren't wrong.
As you got closer to the last layer of walls, there was something obvious, the roads and the streets were becoming narrower, you look back and you could see your marshal smiling in pride at this street. "Proud of something?" You ask
"Yes, your majesty, I helped design the streets at this layer of defence, I didn't think mother included my plans in her final design." She responds, looking somewhat downcast at the mention of her late mother.
"You didn't notice?"
"No, your majesty, I was out hunting down bandits," She responds you know for a fact that it was a half-truth, she also had fought against other soldiers in the sister kingdoms during a few internal border disputes, "among other things at the time."
You dismissed this as you got close to the keep. The interior was as grand as the outside, made of white granite with several tapestries and other decorations inside which made it look as grand as the old palace of Summermount, though it is highly likely that High Queen Sophia moved most of the decorations.
There was something that irked you though, it was the High Cardinal, the head of the Church of Gaia, Novella of Low birth, she was standing in front of your throne, with your crown in her hands. You understood what was about to be done, but you did not like it. you could smell the corruption
You, begrudgingly, kneeled before the High Cardinal and pretended to listen as she began to prattle on and on about the previous High Queen and how you were to carry on her legacy and is she still talking?
You tuned in long enough to hear that yes, she was still talking at this point your knees started to hurt. You felt her gaze upon your head and you found yourself tuning in again. "Do you swear to uphold the ideals of the Sister Kingdoms?" What Ideals?
"I do." You answered, voice solemn to keep your contempt out of your voice.
"Do you swear to act in the best interests of the Kingdoms?"
"I do."
"Do you swear to act without mercy when the heretic and heathen would threaten our peace?" She asks, you noticed that she put emphasis on the word heretic
"I do."
"Do you swear to keep the peace and to stop other Gaian kingdoms from tearing each other apart?"
"I do." That was a lie, there was little you could do.
"Then by the powers granted to me by the Goddess, I proclaim you to have the holiest of crowns, the crown of the High Queen of the Sister Kingdoms." She placed the crown upon your head with the utmost delicacy, like either you or it was some fragile thing in danger of breaking. "Rise, High Queen Czarina the First." You rose on command, pretending that the words of the High Cardinal actually meant something to you.
Her words didn't matter you were High Queen, the words of a corrupt priestess meant very little to you.
This is for your character's corination, I shall begin writing up your first turn, and the rumour mill, soon.
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First Turn Rumour Mill
- Location
- The Shrine of the Muse
- Pronouns
- She/They
Rumour Mill Update
Internal Rumours
Second Sheyethen Civil War?
The Long Splintered Kingdom of Sheyethen is no stranger to strife, but the Southern Half of the Kingdom, which is a member of the Sister Kingdoms has been urging for assistance from other Kingdoms to reunite Sheyethen. In response, Northern Sheyethen has started stockpiling supplies and weapons. War might very well be on the horizon...
Corrupt Church?
Though these rumours have been longstanding, they are coming closer to mainstream thoughts as more and more cases of priestesses living decadent lifestyles despite their oaths to not commit sins of the flesh. This is not helped by the larger rumours of overarching corruption in the church.
The Sparrow Knights
A group of Knights, known as the Band of the Sparrow have started to gather influence in the Sister Kingdoms and have been growing in number recently, this has raised Southern Sheyethen concerns due to the fact that one of their most prominent members is a former Northern Sheyethen General, Count Ywain the Bastard.
Controversy surrounding the High Queen's Election.
The Low Standing of the High Queen has put into question the legitimacy of her election in general, with many parties inside the Sister Kingdoms believing that the election itself was rigged in order to allow a previously unknown Lady to take the throne.
Trade Disruptions Continue.
Due to the Dritia Republic navally blockading the Sister Kingdom's ports, maritime trade continues to be paralyzed by their powerful navy, this poor situation is exaggerated by the fact that the Dritia Republic has not openly published a reason for this aggressive movement.
External Rumours
The Starford Civil War Rages!
The Starford Civil War continues with bitter divisions running through the country, with a faction devoted to the newly crowned King aiming to seize greater powers and a faction devoted to the old regency council, it looks like the civil war is set to continue until one side is militarily defeated. Though some Gaian Nobles have sent some soldiers into the Kingdom to prolong the war.
The Sacred Order of the Holy Lance is Heretical?
There have been questions raised against the Sacred Order of the Holy Lance and their campaigns into the Free Peoples of Welesca, which has also had connections with the Gaian church. The Sacred Order of the Holy Lance has issued an official reply, stating "We do what the Goddess needs us to do. We mortals should not meddle in what the Goddess dictates."
A New Continent?
As of yet, unconfirmed rumours say that the Dritia republic has discovered a new continent to the West, though these rumours have been dismissed by many saying on the basis that it comes from the Dritia Republic, which is infamous for deceit on a grand scale.
A Northern Empire?
Unconfirmed reports have pointed to the possibility of an, as of yet, unidentified empire existing in the frozen North, which is known for its rich stores of Mythril and inhospitable conditions.
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LucidProp
Pocky Eating MafiaDoka
Invisitext, ho!
Anyways, things seem like they're tumbling towards an inevitable doom. I suggest we gather a loyal powerbase for ourselves, and then migrate as a Government in Exile. Maybe to that unknown continent that may or may not exist? Alternatively, we could go full Batman and handle the crime personally, one night at a time.
Seems like our contempt for the corrupt clergy didn't escape their notice.
Anyways, things seem like they're tumbling towards an inevitable doom. I suggest we gather a loyal powerbase for ourselves, and then migrate as a Government in Exile. Maybe to that unknown continent that may or may not exist? Alternatively, we could go full Batman and handle the crime personally, one night at a time.
- Location
- The Shrine of the Muse
- Pronouns
- She/They
Well, not all is guaranteed to happen, some could just be mere posturing, some could be genuine.
though in relation to the Government in Exile idea, there is a Southern Continent that is confirmed to exist, with some unoccupied coastland ripe for the taking, if only the Dritia republic would stop blockading you.
Also no question about the Marshal's Title?
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LucidProp
Pocky Eating MafiaDoka
I'm assuming Skull-Taker is mearly methaporical. Last thing I want is to see our Marshal's collection skull shaped drinking cups!
- Location
- The Shrine of the Muse
- Pronouns
- She/They
Yes... just skull shaped, totally not actual skulls. She will drink from your skull
- Location
- PA
Sooo let's see if I grok the situation:
Sheyethen is split in half and about to carve itself up for the taking.
Da Church is corrupt (not another one...)
Sparrow Knights, about to cause further havoc in Sheyethen.
We can't trade because another nation is smacking us with their big naval stick...
Aaand our own legitimacy is questioned because we're a duke risen to the throne instead of something else.
FUNTIMES!
Sheyethen is split in half and about to carve itself up for the taking.
Da Church is corrupt (not another one...)
Sparrow Knights, about to cause further havoc in Sheyethen.
We can't trade because another nation is smacking us with their big naval stick...
Aaand our own legitimacy is questioned because we're a duke risen to the throne instead of something else.
FUNTIMES!
- Location
- The Shrine of the Muse
- Pronouns
- She/They
Yep, though you can help stop it, in theory
No guarantee, Ywain doesn't lead the group
Oh you wish you were a duke you are a second child of a count. Very little knew who you were until now.
- Location
- The Shrine of the Muse
- Pronouns
- She/They
Vote has not started yet
First Turn
- Location
- The Shrine of the Muse
- Pronouns
- She/They
Of course, when you are recently crowned, the fact that you are adjusting to the castle is no excuse not to attend your new duties, despite the fact that you are probably underqualified for them. You stand before the door to the council chambers, ignoring the amused look that one of the guards gives you as you calm your nerves and begin to do what you always hated to do: Talk to people.
When you had calmed yourself you pushed the large mahogany doors open and entered the chambers, where you saw your council, sitting in a collection of oak chairs, surrounding a single round table, at the back of the room is a single oaken throne, beautifully carved and partially inlaid with silver, you assumed this was your chair. You quickly sat down in your chair and looked at your council.
There was your Marshal, Mirel the Skull-taker, sitting cross-legged in her seat with a fairly bored look on her face.
There was your Steward, Countess Eliza of House Heart, she was from the centre of the Sister Kingdoms, she sat crossed-legged and filed her nails, barely looking up as you entered and as you sat down.
Your Spymaster sat close to your throne, Viscountess Alice of Low birth, one of the rare Starford-born Gaians, she looked at you with a neutral expression as you entered.
The Court Priestess sat on the other side of the table, she was a woman by the name of Nalia Zaealix who bore several Bishoprics. Corrupt, as always
The Chancellor was an oddity, she was from the Southern Continent and bore the name 'Ophis', despite previously being a slave, she was a damn good negotiator and good at fabricating documents. She is rather content, for a chancellor. Her ears are always covered
The oldest person in the room was the Advisor without Portfolio, the previous High Queen's right-hand man and possible lover, Duke Edward of House Wildner. The High Queen never married
"Alright tell me what should we do for the next few months." You said in what you hoped was a commanding tone. Your Advisor handed you a report which summarised in basic detail what you had:
Treasury:
400 Ducats
- 200 From Gifts for Favour
- 200 from set aside funds for construction
Profit of 50 Ducats every 3 Months
(Steward's Note: Recommend paying debt)
Military:
1,750 Levy (Experienced)
10,000 Levy (Green)
200 Retinue (Experienced)
No Recruitment so far.
(Marshal's note: Supplies needed)
Looking at the report, you sighed and then decided what exactly it is you should do with the council for the next three months.
Martial (Pick One)
[ ] Intervene in the Starford Civil War - Sending peasant levy to act as a mercenary band can be a profitable venture, provided they don't get slaughtered.
75% Chance of Success, Cost 25 Ducats, 500 Levy, 2 Turns
[ ] Recruit more Levy - Send Mirel around on a tour of the Sister Kingdoms to recruit more levy to your number in order to improve your number.
90% chance of Success, Cost 10 Ducats, 1 Turn.
[ ] Train your Levy - Send Mirel around on a tour of the Sister Kingdoms to better train the Levy in the art of Gaian Warfare
65% Chance of Success, Cost 7 Ducats, 2 Turns
[ ] Support Northern Sheyethen - Send Mirel and some levy over to Northern Sheyethen to support them in border raids and showcase what side you are on.
80% Chance of Success, Cost 30 Ducats, 500 Levy, 2 Turns
[ ] Support Southern Sheyethen - Send Mirel and some levy to Southern Sheyethen to support them in border raids and showcase what side you are on.
80% Chance of Success, Cost 30 Ducats, 500 Levy, 2 Turns
[ ] Recruit New Marshal - While Mirel is good at her job, there are better people out there, let's try to get them into your council.
100% Chance of Success, Cost Mirel's Trust, 1 Turn
[ ] The Eastern Wall - Deolodre has stood for decades as the Eastern Wall of the Sister Kingdoms to the people of the Umbra Steppe, maybe send some over there to strengthen that flank,
95% Chance of Success, Cost 15 Ducats, 500 Levy, 1 Turn
[ ] Navy Production - The Navy has been a weakness of the Sister Kingdoms since its conception as we lack the Naval traditions of Lindisfarne or the Technological Superiority of Dritia, but let's try.
90% Chance of Success, Cost 20 Ducats, 2 Turns
[ ] Here's an idea... - Maybe you have a better idea, write it in and we shall see how much it will cost.
Stewardship (Pick One)
[ ] The Dritia Trade Blockade - While they have not publicly shown why they blockaded us, they did send us a letter. The previous High Queen borrowed 300 Ducats from them, they want the money back.
90% Chance of Success, Cost 300 Ducats, 1 Turn
[ ] Cancel the Third Wall of Oakenfeild - Yes, the walls may look pretty and they may be tall, but we need the money right about now so...
100% Chance of Success, Cost 1 Turn.
[ ] Stop Construction of Oakenfeild - Sure the second walls are not entirely done but it's good enough for now, we need the money sharpish.
100% Chance of Success, Cost 1 Turn.
[ ] Finance Southern Sheyethen - Southern Sheyethen may have good faith and zealousness, but they are pathetically underfunded, though civil wars do tend to do that.
70% Chance of Success, Cost 30 Ducats, 2 Turns.
[ ] Finance Northern Sheyethen - Northern Sheyethen may have a mastery of warfare, but they are pathetically underfunded, though civil wars do tend to do that.
70% Chance of Success, Cost 30 Ducats, 2 Turns.
[ ] Find new Steward - Eliza may like to work and may be good at what she does, but she is not the best out there, try to find them.
100% Chance of Success, Cost Eliza's Trust, 1 Turn.
[ ] Trade with the Free Peoples - The Free Peoples of Welesca is a Gaian area (though there are other faiths there) maybe see if you can't get trade from them
85% Chance of Success, Cost 5 Ducats, 1 Turn.
[ ] Stockpile Weapons - Weapons are the lifeblood of any army, maybe you should consider stockpiling them in order to ensure that the levy is properly equipped.
75% Chance of Success, Cost 20 Ducats, 2 Turns.
[ ] Maybe the High Queen has a mind for business - We know that it may be hard to decide on what to do, but maybe you have an idea?
Diplomacy (Pick One)
[ ] The Sheyethen Question - The Reunification of Sheyethen was a problem that High Queen Sophia was never able to figure out throughout her life, maybe this is where you will triumph.
35% Chance of Success, Cost 20 Ducats, 2 Turns.
[ ] Clam Sheyethen Tensions - It's Naive to think that the presence of a High Queen could reunite these squabbling people, but maybe you could calm the tensions so that all-out war won't happen?
75% Chance of Success, Cost 20 Ducats, 2 Turns.
[ ] Guarantee Northern Sheyethen - While Northern Sheyethen may not be a part of the Sister Kingdoms, a war is not in your best interests, your sabre rattling might be what is needed to stop a war here.
87% Chance of Success, Cost 20 Ducats, 1 Turn.
[ ] Guarantee Southern Sheyethen - While Southern Sheyethen is one of the most irritating parts of the Sister Kingdoms, it is best to make sure that any Sheyethen Civil War is won quickly and by a friendly government, let's make sure that they are friendly.
87% Chance of Success, Cost 20 Ducats, 1 Turn.
[ ] Try to Negotiate something with Dritia - The Dritia Republic might not be as uncompromising as they as normally known for. It just requires some careful negotiation
56% Chance of Success, Cost 40 Ducats, 2 Turns.
[ ] Smooth Succession - There have been questions about your election to High Queenship, maybe a public appearance would allow for you to quell some fears that your subjects may have.
74% Chance of Success, Cost 10 Ducats, 1 Turn.
[ ] Find New Chancellor - Maybe finally a new Chancellor might be a good idea in order to secure some better luck with diplomacy
100% Chance of Success, Cost 1 Turn.
[ ] Integrate Deolodre - Deolodre, often referred to as the East Wall, is one of the most important buffer states of the Sister Kingdoms, however, given the mental health of the Queen, it might be time to end its independence.
65% Chance of Success, Cost 1 Turn, 10 Ducats when Queen is Lucid.
[ ] Integrate Cappadocia - Cappaodica is a duchy that borders Starford, as our Western Bastion of Gaianism, than we should make it an official part of the Sister Kingdoms, rather than our proxy.
85% Chance of Success, Cost 40 Ducats, 2 Turns
[ ] Aggressive Diplomacy - As High Queen, you might have your own ideas of what to do, so tell me what you want to do and let's see if we can make it happen.
Learning (Pick One)
[ ] Improve Relations with the Papacy - The Papacy, while corrupt, has always had good relations with the Sister Kingdoms, there's no reason why that has to end.
65% Chance of Success, Cost 25 Ducats, 1 Turn, Going against everything you stand for.
[ ] Religious Education - Conversion of the populace is always a fun thing to employ your priestesses to do, so let's try to remove the heathen and heretic from inside the Sister Kingdoms.
75% Chance of Success, Cost 10 Ducats, 1 Turn.
[ ] Find new Court Priestess - Though you are loathe to say it, you might actually need a court priestess, well, it is probably for the best that you get one who is incorruptible.
75% Chance of Success, Cost 2 Ducats, 1 Turn.
[ ] Understanding the Sacred Order of the Holy Lance - You will admit, when you were being taught history, you dozed over the parts surrounding the founding of Gaianism and the significance of the SOHL.
75% Chance of Success, Cost 6 Ducats, 1 Turn, your Self-Respect.
Intrigue (Pick One)
[ ] Counter-Intelligence - One of the best things about having a Spymaster is the fact that it allows you to keep other spies out.
75% Chance of Success, Cost 1 Turn.
[ ] Study Dritia Technology - The Dritia Republic has some of the most advanced technology in the continent. Maybe your spymaster could 'Study' some of it.
80% Chance of Success, Cost 10 Ducats, 1 Turn.
[ ] Study Starford Civil War - Why send soldiers to the war, when you could instead send your spymaster to study their battle tactics, maybe you might learn something.
60% Chance of Success, Cost 10 Ducats, 50 Levy, 2 Turn.
[ ] Replace Spymaster - Your spymaster kind of likes you so it would be a good idea to keep them on your side, but you're the High Queen, why not, what is the worst that can happen? Don't answer that.
100% Chance of Success, Cost 1 Turn.
[ ] Scope out potential threats - Potential Threats to your reign should always be identified and removed when necessary, your spymaster could help identify some of these parties.
76% Chance of Success, Cost 5 Ducats, 1 Turn.
[ ] The Southern Continent - Perhaps a small excursion to the Southern Continent might be interesting as it would allow for some opportunities for expansion
75% Chance of Success, Cost 20 Ducats, 100 Levy, 2 Turns.
[ ] The Sparrow Knights - A group of career Mercenaries who appeared mysteriously a few years ago, maybe investigating them might shine a light on their situation.
75% Chance of Success, Cost 20 Ducats, 2 Turns.
[ ] Whispers behind the Golden Throne - You know that not all options can be neatly summed up, perhaps with your permission, you might be able to figure out what to do.
Personal Actions (Pick Three)
[ ] Read the High Queen's Notes - High Queen Sophia left her notes behind for you to read, maybe it may allow you to get a better grip on the political situation
95% Chance of Sucess, Cost 1 Turn.
[ ] Get to know: Marshal - Perhaps spending some time with the daughter of the High Queen might be beneficial in the long run.
95% Chance of Success, Cost 1 Turn
[ ] Get to know: Advisor - He was the advisor to the previous High Queen and one of the most respected people in the Sister Kingdoms, maybe he might be on to something.
95% Chance of Success, Cost 1 Turn
[ ] Get to know: Court Priestess - Sure, she's from the Papal States, but maybe she can give you an insight into how corrupt the church is.
95% Chance of Success, Cost 1 Turn
[ ] Get to know: Spymaster - She spent her childhood living in Starford, so she might be able to shed some light on the larger political situation
95% Chance of Success, Cost 1 Turn
[ ] Get to know: Chancellor - She is from the Southern Continent, maybe that might explain why she almost always keeps her ears covered.
95% Chance of Success, Cost 1 Turn
[ ] Get to know: Steward - Perhaps it's a good idea to make friends with the person who happens to be in control of the treasury.
95% Chance of Success, Cost 1 Turn
[ ] Consult the Other You - The Other You can often help or hinder your efforts, though it is best to see which one comes first.
65% Chance of Success, Cost 1 Turn
SIDE VOTE:
Appearance:
[ ] The LAW
[ ] Flat is Justice
[ ] Rapier Wit
[ ] Realistic Art Style
[ ] Fabulous.
Remember: PLAN FORMAT
NOTE: Your Advisor without Portfolio acts as another option to be picked in only one section per turn, i.e. use him to perform multiple martial actions per turn.
When you had calmed yourself you pushed the large mahogany doors open and entered the chambers, where you saw your council, sitting in a collection of oak chairs, surrounding a single round table, at the back of the room is a single oaken throne, beautifully carved and partially inlaid with silver, you assumed this was your chair. You quickly sat down in your chair and looked at your council.
There was your Marshal, Mirel the Skull-taker, sitting cross-legged in her seat with a fairly bored look on her face.
There was your Steward, Countess Eliza of House Heart, she was from the centre of the Sister Kingdoms, she sat crossed-legged and filed her nails, barely looking up as you entered and as you sat down.
Your Spymaster sat close to your throne, Viscountess Alice of Low birth, one of the rare Starford-born Gaians, she looked at you with a neutral expression as you entered.
The Court Priestess sat on the other side of the table, she was a woman by the name of Nalia Zaealix who bore several Bishoprics. Corrupt, as always
The Chancellor was an oddity, she was from the Southern Continent and bore the name 'Ophis', despite previously being a slave, she was a damn good negotiator and good at fabricating documents. She is rather content, for a chancellor. Her ears are always covered
The oldest person in the room was the Advisor without Portfolio, the previous High Queen's right-hand man and possible lover, Duke Edward of House Wildner. The High Queen never married
"Alright tell me what should we do for the next few months." You said in what you hoped was a commanding tone. Your Advisor handed you a report which summarised in basic detail what you had:
Treasury:
400 Ducats
- 200 From Gifts for Favour
- 200 from set aside funds for construction
Profit of 50 Ducats every 3 Months
(Steward's Note: Recommend paying debt)
Military:
1,750 Levy (Experienced)
10,000 Levy (Green)
200 Retinue (Experienced)
No Recruitment so far.
(Marshal's note: Supplies needed)
Looking at the report, you sighed and then decided what exactly it is you should do with the council for the next three months.
Martial (Pick One)
[ ] Intervene in the Starford Civil War - Sending peasant levy to act as a mercenary band can be a profitable venture, provided they don't get slaughtered.
75% Chance of Success, Cost 25 Ducats, 500 Levy, 2 Turns
[ ] Recruit more Levy - Send Mirel around on a tour of the Sister Kingdoms to recruit more levy to your number in order to improve your number.
90% chance of Success, Cost 10 Ducats, 1 Turn.
[ ] Train your Levy - Send Mirel around on a tour of the Sister Kingdoms to better train the Levy in the art of Gaian Warfare
65% Chance of Success, Cost 7 Ducats, 2 Turns
[ ] Support Northern Sheyethen - Send Mirel and some levy over to Northern Sheyethen to support them in border raids and showcase what side you are on.
80% Chance of Success, Cost 30 Ducats, 500 Levy, 2 Turns
[ ] Support Southern Sheyethen - Send Mirel and some levy to Southern Sheyethen to support them in border raids and showcase what side you are on.
80% Chance of Success, Cost 30 Ducats, 500 Levy, 2 Turns
[ ] Recruit New Marshal - While Mirel is good at her job, there are better people out there, let's try to get them into your council.
100% Chance of Success, Cost Mirel's Trust, 1 Turn
[ ] The Eastern Wall - Deolodre has stood for decades as the Eastern Wall of the Sister Kingdoms to the people of the Umbra Steppe, maybe send some over there to strengthen that flank,
95% Chance of Success, Cost 15 Ducats, 500 Levy, 1 Turn
[ ] Navy Production - The Navy has been a weakness of the Sister Kingdoms since its conception as we lack the Naval traditions of Lindisfarne or the Technological Superiority of Dritia, but let's try.
90% Chance of Success, Cost 20 Ducats, 2 Turns
[ ] Here's an idea... - Maybe you have a better idea, write it in and we shall see how much it will cost.
Stewardship (Pick One)
[ ] The Dritia Trade Blockade - While they have not publicly shown why they blockaded us, they did send us a letter. The previous High Queen borrowed 300 Ducats from them, they want the money back.
90% Chance of Success, Cost 300 Ducats, 1 Turn
[ ] Cancel the Third Wall of Oakenfeild - Yes, the walls may look pretty and they may be tall, but we need the money right about now so...
100% Chance of Success, Cost 1 Turn.
[ ] Stop Construction of Oakenfeild - Sure the second walls are not entirely done but it's good enough for now, we need the money sharpish.
100% Chance of Success, Cost 1 Turn.
[ ] Finance Southern Sheyethen - Southern Sheyethen may have good faith and zealousness, but they are pathetically underfunded, though civil wars do tend to do that.
70% Chance of Success, Cost 30 Ducats, 2 Turns.
[ ] Finance Northern Sheyethen - Northern Sheyethen may have a mastery of warfare, but they are pathetically underfunded, though civil wars do tend to do that.
70% Chance of Success, Cost 30 Ducats, 2 Turns.
[ ] Find new Steward - Eliza may like to work and may be good at what she does, but she is not the best out there, try to find them.
100% Chance of Success, Cost Eliza's Trust, 1 Turn.
[ ] Trade with the Free Peoples - The Free Peoples of Welesca is a Gaian area (though there are other faiths there) maybe see if you can't get trade from them
85% Chance of Success, Cost 5 Ducats, 1 Turn.
[ ] Stockpile Weapons - Weapons are the lifeblood of any army, maybe you should consider stockpiling them in order to ensure that the levy is properly equipped.
75% Chance of Success, Cost 20 Ducats, 2 Turns.
[ ] Maybe the High Queen has a mind for business - We know that it may be hard to decide on what to do, but maybe you have an idea?
Diplomacy (Pick One)
[ ] The Sheyethen Question - The Reunification of Sheyethen was a problem that High Queen Sophia was never able to figure out throughout her life, maybe this is where you will triumph.
35% Chance of Success, Cost 20 Ducats, 2 Turns.
[ ] Clam Sheyethen Tensions - It's Naive to think that the presence of a High Queen could reunite these squabbling people, but maybe you could calm the tensions so that all-out war won't happen?
75% Chance of Success, Cost 20 Ducats, 2 Turns.
[ ] Guarantee Northern Sheyethen - While Northern Sheyethen may not be a part of the Sister Kingdoms, a war is not in your best interests, your sabre rattling might be what is needed to stop a war here.
87% Chance of Success, Cost 20 Ducats, 1 Turn.
[ ] Guarantee Southern Sheyethen - While Southern Sheyethen is one of the most irritating parts of the Sister Kingdoms, it is best to make sure that any Sheyethen Civil War is won quickly and by a friendly government, let's make sure that they are friendly.
87% Chance of Success, Cost 20 Ducats, 1 Turn.
[ ] Try to Negotiate something with Dritia - The Dritia Republic might not be as uncompromising as they as normally known for. It just requires some careful negotiation
56% Chance of Success, Cost 40 Ducats, 2 Turns.
[ ] Smooth Succession - There have been questions about your election to High Queenship, maybe a public appearance would allow for you to quell some fears that your subjects may have.
74% Chance of Success, Cost 10 Ducats, 1 Turn.
[ ] Find New Chancellor - Maybe finally a new Chancellor might be a good idea in order to secure some better luck with diplomacy
100% Chance of Success, Cost 1 Turn.
[ ] Integrate Deolodre - Deolodre, often referred to as the East Wall, is one of the most important buffer states of the Sister Kingdoms, however, given the mental health of the Queen, it might be time to end its independence.
65% Chance of Success, Cost 1 Turn, 10 Ducats when Queen is Lucid.
[ ] Integrate Cappadocia - Cappaodica is a duchy that borders Starford, as our Western Bastion of Gaianism, than we should make it an official part of the Sister Kingdoms, rather than our proxy.
85% Chance of Success, Cost 40 Ducats, 2 Turns
[ ] Aggressive Diplomacy - As High Queen, you might have your own ideas of what to do, so tell me what you want to do and let's see if we can make it happen.
Learning (Pick One)
[ ] Improve Relations with the Papacy - The Papacy, while corrupt, has always had good relations with the Sister Kingdoms, there's no reason why that has to end.
65% Chance of Success, Cost 25 Ducats, 1 Turn, Going against everything you stand for.
[ ] Religious Education - Conversion of the populace is always a fun thing to employ your priestesses to do, so let's try to remove the heathen and heretic from inside the Sister Kingdoms.
75% Chance of Success, Cost 10 Ducats, 1 Turn.
[ ] Find new Court Priestess - Though you are loathe to say it, you might actually need a court priestess, well, it is probably for the best that you get one who is incorruptible.
75% Chance of Success, Cost 2 Ducats, 1 Turn.
[ ] Understanding the Sacred Order of the Holy Lance - You will admit, when you were being taught history, you dozed over the parts surrounding the founding of Gaianism and the significance of the SOHL.
75% Chance of Success, Cost 6 Ducats, 1 Turn, your Self-Respect.
Intrigue (Pick One)
[ ] Counter-Intelligence - One of the best things about having a Spymaster is the fact that it allows you to keep other spies out.
75% Chance of Success, Cost 1 Turn.
[ ] Study Dritia Technology - The Dritia Republic has some of the most advanced technology in the continent. Maybe your spymaster could 'Study' some of it.
80% Chance of Success, Cost 10 Ducats, 1 Turn.
[ ] Study Starford Civil War - Why send soldiers to the war, when you could instead send your spymaster to study their battle tactics, maybe you might learn something.
60% Chance of Success, Cost 10 Ducats, 50 Levy, 2 Turn.
[ ] Replace Spymaster - Your spymaster kind of likes you so it would be a good idea to keep them on your side, but you're the High Queen, why not, what is the worst that can happen? Don't answer that.
100% Chance of Success, Cost 1 Turn.
[ ] Scope out potential threats - Potential Threats to your reign should always be identified and removed when necessary, your spymaster could help identify some of these parties.
76% Chance of Success, Cost 5 Ducats, 1 Turn.
[ ] The Southern Continent - Perhaps a small excursion to the Southern Continent might be interesting as it would allow for some opportunities for expansion
75% Chance of Success, Cost 20 Ducats, 100 Levy, 2 Turns.
[ ] The Sparrow Knights - A group of career Mercenaries who appeared mysteriously a few years ago, maybe investigating them might shine a light on their situation.
75% Chance of Success, Cost 20 Ducats, 2 Turns.
[ ] Whispers behind the Golden Throne - You know that not all options can be neatly summed up, perhaps with your permission, you might be able to figure out what to do.
Personal Actions (Pick Three)
[ ] Read the High Queen's Notes - High Queen Sophia left her notes behind for you to read, maybe it may allow you to get a better grip on the political situation
95% Chance of Sucess, Cost 1 Turn.
[ ] Get to know: Marshal - Perhaps spending some time with the daughter of the High Queen might be beneficial in the long run.
95% Chance of Success, Cost 1 Turn
[ ] Get to know: Advisor - He was the advisor to the previous High Queen and one of the most respected people in the Sister Kingdoms, maybe he might be on to something.
95% Chance of Success, Cost 1 Turn
[ ] Get to know: Court Priestess - Sure, she's from the Papal States, but maybe she can give you an insight into how corrupt the church is.
95% Chance of Success, Cost 1 Turn
[ ] Get to know: Spymaster - She spent her childhood living in Starford, so she might be able to shed some light on the larger political situation
95% Chance of Success, Cost 1 Turn
[ ] Get to know: Chancellor - She is from the Southern Continent, maybe that might explain why she almost always keeps her ears covered.
95% Chance of Success, Cost 1 Turn
[ ] Get to know: Steward - Perhaps it's a good idea to make friends with the person who happens to be in control of the treasury.
95% Chance of Success, Cost 1 Turn
[ ] Consult the Other You - The Other You can often help or hinder your efforts, though it is best to see which one comes first.
65% Chance of Success, Cost 1 Turn
SIDE VOTE:
Appearance:
[ ] The LAW
[ ] Flat is Justice
[ ] Rapier Wit
[ ] Realistic Art Style
[ ] Fabulous.
Remember: PLAN FORMAT
NOTE: Your Advisor without Portfolio acts as another option to be picked in only one section per turn, i.e. use him to perform multiple martial actions per turn.
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- Location
- PA
I wonder how that name got into your subconscious... XDDD
But me being a narcissist aside...
[X] Rapier Wit
is my vote as far as appearances. I'll leave the ACTUAL planmaking to people familiar with CK2, as I am not.
LucidProp
Pocky Eating MafiaDoka
[X] The LAW
[X] Plan Clean House
-[X] Recruit more Levy
-[X] Trade with the Free Peoples
-[X] Smooth Succession
-[X] Understanding the Sacred Order of the Holy Lance
-[X] Scope out potential threats
-[X] Read the High Queen's Notes
-[X] Get to know: Marshal
-[X] Consult the Other You
We can't do much with the outside world if we can't consolidate our rule first. That means getting friendly with the previous administration. I'd pick the Marshal and the Adviser because of that, but I'm really curious what our Other Self does.
As for appearance, it's those eyes man. They get to me.
[X] Plan Clean House
-[X] Recruit more Levy
-[X] Trade with the Free Peoples
-[X] Smooth Succession
-[X] Understanding the Sacred Order of the Holy Lance
-[X] Scope out potential threats
-[X] Read the High Queen's Notes
-[X] Get to know: Marshal
-[X] Consult the Other You
We can't do much with the outside world if we can't consolidate our rule first. That means getting friendly with the previous administration. I'd pick the Marshal and the Adviser because of that, but I'm really curious what our Other Self does.
As for appearance, it's those eyes man. They get to me.
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In The Land of Stars and Fire
- Location
- The Shrine of the Muse
- Pronouns
- She/They
Your name is Scarlet of House Ashbridge and you have multiple problems to deal with:
For starters, it seems that many of the Nobles of the Sister Kingdoms are trying to make a tidy profit off the Civil War if the amount of barely disguised peasant levy pretending to be mercenary bands flooding the area is anything to go by.
Secondly, you notice that some Gaian Lords have taken to sending their spymasters instead in hopes of studying Starford battle strategy, unfortunately for them, they are about as subtle as your brother, so they are often easily found and dispatched.
Thirdly, it seems that the Gaians have started to send soldiers in order to prolong the war, as some of the 'mercenary bands' have started siding with either faction for free, her brother was pleased with having more soldiers for the shield wall but you were not. They were trying to extend the length of the war, but for what end, most of the merc bands were from deep within the Sister Kingdoms. Either way, they added to the amount of work that you had to do.
A fourth problem was that the Civil War had fucked with your spy network, while you had a good network of spies before the Civil War had started, the war had caused many spies to be killed as an accident or worse flat out switch sides, similarly the old council had a similar problem with their problems, while you would normally be happy to have extra spies, their presence threw your entire network into disarray and most were probably double agents. You massaged the bridge of your nose and shook your head, this was a disheartening situation.
All this work took away from your true role in the war, as acting Spymaster for your Brother's faction, you enjoyed seeing what was going on past the flames of Civil War and it seemed that there were other problems brewing.
The Sister Kingdoms' previous High Queen, Sophia the Peacemaker had died and was replaced by her less capable replacement, a minor noble under the name of Czarina, the thought of it made you almost giggle at how easy it would be to tear apart the Sister Kingdoms, a single well-placed bribe and you could have some powerful and angry queen rise up in rebellion and destabilise the entire region. It was almost hilarious how fragile that alliance was
Though that plan never made it past any talks with your brother's war council, after all, we only had limited resources and they were focused on making sure that power returned to the Crown, after-all power returning to the Crown meant that you could easily be the power behind the throne.
Though there was the Civil War, both sides had yet to amass a grand host yet and were stuck having multiple skirmishes, you knew that brother was trying to amass a host, but the more strategically positioned troops of the Council made it hard to sneak any levy past without them being intercepted. The Council proves to be more adept than they were during the War, if they were that good, this civil war wouldn't be happening
You felt your hand reflexively go to the symbol hanging around your neck, feeling the cold brass of the Holy Symbol you offered a small prayer to the Nameless One in hopes of success in the Civil War, because after brother deals with the council and focuses on reclaiming the old territory lost during the Regency, then your fun begins and oh boy, are you going to have fun.
For starters, it seems that many of the Nobles of the Sister Kingdoms are trying to make a tidy profit off the Civil War if the amount of barely disguised peasant levy pretending to be mercenary bands flooding the area is anything to go by.
Secondly, you notice that some Gaian Lords have taken to sending their spymasters instead in hopes of studying Starford battle strategy, unfortunately for them, they are about as subtle as your brother, so they are often easily found and dispatched.
Thirdly, it seems that the Gaians have started to send soldiers in order to prolong the war, as some of the 'mercenary bands' have started siding with either faction for free, her brother was pleased with having more soldiers for the shield wall but you were not. They were trying to extend the length of the war, but for what end, most of the merc bands were from deep within the Sister Kingdoms. Either way, they added to the amount of work that you had to do.
A fourth problem was that the Civil War had fucked with your spy network, while you had a good network of spies before the Civil War had started, the war had caused many spies to be killed as an accident or worse flat out switch sides, similarly the old council had a similar problem with their problems, while you would normally be happy to have extra spies, their presence threw your entire network into disarray and most were probably double agents. You massaged the bridge of your nose and shook your head, this was a disheartening situation.
All this work took away from your true role in the war, as acting Spymaster for your Brother's faction, you enjoyed seeing what was going on past the flames of Civil War and it seemed that there were other problems brewing.
The Sister Kingdoms' previous High Queen, Sophia the Peacemaker had died and was replaced by her less capable replacement, a minor noble under the name of Czarina, the thought of it made you almost giggle at how easy it would be to tear apart the Sister Kingdoms, a single well-placed bribe and you could have some powerful and angry queen rise up in rebellion and destabilise the entire region. It was almost hilarious how fragile that alliance was
Though that plan never made it past any talks with your brother's war council, after all, we only had limited resources and they were focused on making sure that power returned to the Crown, after-all power returning to the Crown meant that you could easily be the power behind the throne.
Though there was the Civil War, both sides had yet to amass a grand host yet and were stuck having multiple skirmishes, you knew that brother was trying to amass a host, but the more strategically positioned troops of the Council made it hard to sneak any levy past without them being intercepted. The Council proves to be more adept than they were during the War, if they were that good, this civil war wouldn't be happening
You felt your hand reflexively go to the symbol hanging around your neck, feeling the cold brass of the Holy Symbol you offered a small prayer to the Nameless One in hopes of success in the Civil War, because after brother deals with the council and focuses on reclaiming the old territory lost during the Regency, then your fun begins and oh boy, are you going to have fun.
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- Location
- France
[x] Realistic Art Style
[x] Plan Pay the Debt
-[x] Recruit more Levy
-[x] The Dritia Trade Blockade
-[x] Trade with the Free Peoples
-[x] Smooth Succession
-[x] Scope out potential threats
-[x] Read the High Queen's Notes
-[x] Get to know: Marshal
-[x] Get to know: Steward
[x] Plan Pay the Debt
-[x] Recruit more Levy
-[x] The Dritia Trade Blockade
-[x] Trade with the Free Peoples
-[x] Smooth Succession
-[x] Scope out potential threats
-[x] Read the High Queen's Notes
-[x] Get to know: Marshal
-[x] Get to know: Steward
