[X] Ignore him, he can't do anything to you that would jeopardise his job. (Stewardship focus) As a young man, you were a glorified clerk, a beancounter who organized tax forms and signed off on documents for your house. Look where you are now, eh?
[X] The spear, a two-handed polearm best used for thrusting from afar. Your most famous feat was defeating the Knight of Tears on foot, impaling his horse lengthwise before stabbing him through a chink in his armour.
[X] Look in adventurers' taverns. They're a source of skilled, but more pricey fighters. Still, you can find people whose quality is decent.
'Learning' is more than just flashy magic. At least if, as indicated by the Diplomacy, Martial, Stewardship, Intrigue, Learning pattern (Intrigue probably missing due to the -2 Trusting malus), we are working with the popular CK2 system.
But yeah. Most quests that have a spellcaster option seem to have people always take said option and I am slowly but surely growing tired of it.
[X] Ignite a spark on that hay bale nearby, cause a little havoc. (Learning focus) You were a reject of the Ifrit Pyromancy Academy, where your insulting of an ornery elder fire elemental resulted in half a wing being burnt down in an inferno of fire. Oops?
[X] The quarterstaff, metal tipped and designed for use with Ifrit martial arts. You challenged and humiliated a mysterious spellsword from the east, who probably chases you even now after the stinging blow you dealt to their reputation.
[X] Look in adventurers' taverns. They're a source of skilled, but more pricey fighters. Still, you can find people whose quality is decent.
[X] Tell him that you're a friend of the King, and all too willing to sack him. (Diplomacy focus) You used to be a diplomatic attache for the real ambassadors, who bossed you around and forced you to engage in smalltalk with your counterparts. Needless to say, it got boring fast.
[X] The spear, a two-handed polearm best used for thrusting from afar. Your most famous feat was defeating the Knight of Tears on foot, impaling his horse lengthwise before stabbing him through a chink in his armour.
[X] Search the streets for those down on their luck. You could get all sorts through this. A little random, but who knows what rubies in the rough you might find?
Diplomacy is related to charisma, and if this is anything like M&B, being able to have more people in our little warband is more important than personal skill of arms.
Spears are cool. I would choose the quarterstaff, but I don't really want a "mysterious spellsword" thirsty for revenge.
People we pick up off the streets and give another chance are probably going to be more loyal than mercenaries we hire in a tavern.
Secondary was incredibly close, at 8-7-6 but giving way to Diplomacy. Spear and Tavern also win. Thanks for taking the chance to vote, I appreciate it. On another note, I rolled for your stats and well... it's best if you see it for yourself over on the first page.
Part 3: Baby Steps
You weren't really a fan of taverns. Or rather, tavern owners weren't really a fan of you. This went double for the fact that you had this amazing tendency to either vacate the premises under a hail of shouting because you've gone and beaten up the innkeeper's son, or because you've accidentally burnt the place to the ground. Sometimes both. Go figure.
Regardless of past history with such unfortunate tragedy, you find yourself in the enviable position of going to the tavern to hire people rather than the other way around. Entering the smoky and warm confines of the "Crooked Scale Inn" on a cloudy afternoon, it instantly strikes you how very typical the place is. There's the curvaceous barmaid, the shadowy corners where strange hooded people reside, the dragonkin barman...
Wait a minute. You sidle up to the golden scaly figure, whose head is that of a dragon's and with a tail jutting out of his leather-covered backside. Flicking a single coin his way for a drink, the barkeep grunts in response. He passes you a keg of something approximating beer. Well, if it looks brown and has froth, maybe you won't be keeling over anytime soon?
"How do you do on this fine day, mister?" you ask confidently. At least, that's usually how you begin all your conversations. Dragonkin are rarer to see than Ifrits, considering it requires a dragon to have children with a humanoid creature. This usually means copious amounts of magic in the form of shapeshifting, though you're not clear on the details. Frankly, you're not sure if you want to know in the first place.
"Great. Maybe if my supplier could come through without bloody bandits demanding a tithe every time they come through, it'd be better." The barkeep's draconic heritage results in a very serpentine voice, slithering into your ears. Wow, that was a vivid image.
"I'm Berat Arcadius, mercenary captain. Know anyone looking for employment?" you ask.
"Cennuth. Proprietor. Try asking around the back, that's usually where the troublemakers head out to."
Armed with knowledge and a purse of coin, you make your way over sticky wooden floorboards and the occasional rip-roaring drunkard to make the introductions.
"I'm Berat, Ifrit sellsword and captain!"
"Looking for work? I'm a mercenary captain."
"You know, you wouldn't be sitting by yourself in this corner if you were working for me."
After a few mishaps, you've won over a number of individuals who are willing to listen to your pitch, at the very least. For instance, this elvish hedge knight with the winged helmet. She has the typical pointed ears and pale pallor of a sylphen, sharp blue eyes and with her long blonde hair tucked into her plate armour. Smart move, if she wants to make sure that it doesn't get ripped off. She holds up a gauntleted hand to interrupt you as you're speaking.
"How long have you been a mercenary, and what is your ethos?" she asks. Her face watches yours like a hawk, keen to spot any slips in character. The others listening nod sagely at her question.
Ooh, good one. Wouldn't be the first time that a smooth-talking conman's gone and tricked impressionable newbies to their death. The people here most likely have at least some modicum of combat experience. Not much, though, or most of them wouldn't be still looking for work.
"Six years," you answer smoothly. "I've fought as a lieutenant for the Scarlet Capes, a hired sword for the Tornwall King himself, and made my way up to running my own crew. I'm looking for a dozen men and women of good character and skill, who're willing to fight not for some higher cause or nation, but money. Money to survive, and maybe enough to retire to some beachside villa when you think you've had enough."
You catch a few approving glances at this. Evidently, your track record's impressed them. The fact that you're an ifrit probably counts for something, too.
"What will we be doing initially?" says a nervous young man in black robes. His dark hair is immaculate and well groomed. An alchemist? That's what you'd guess by the bandoliers of glass tubes, flasks and leather satchel. You've nothing against those skilled in the art of potion-craft, especially if it's liquid fire they're throwing out.
"Small jobs," you assure him, "fighting bandits, maybe tangling with some baron's rival patrols. Heck, maybe killing a monster nest. We'll leave the wars for when we establish a better name." He looks a little calmer at this.
"What jobs would you object to doing?" queries a man in chainmail. His features are hard to make out when they're covered from head to toe, including an iron cap on his head, but you can see tanned olive skin. At his side is a hand axe, as well as a recurve bow and quiver on his side.
"Nothing, for now. If we ever come to something that seems questionable like killing civilians, it'll be held by vote by myself and the lieutenants, as is custom amongst most mercenary bands." He sits back in his chair, hopefully satisfied.
"Lastly, what made you want to run a mercenary band?" This comes from a young ifrit woman, with the customary dark skin and white hair of your race. Her messy hair is partially covered by a green cloak, she wears travel-worn cloth, and the staff she wields at her side marks her out as a mage. What element or type, you wouldn't be able to say at first glance.
"I was tired of the politics back home. My House sent me out to run my own mercenary band, since I wasn't cut out for the cloak-and-dagger of the House Games. I think I've ruined more plots unknowingly than an actual counterspy. Knowing this, what would you think?" you inquire of her. She smiles kindly.
"I'd say that you've a lot less blood on your hands than some of us."
By the end of playing Ten Questions with everyone in the tavern, you finish with a dozen fairly competent, somewhat loyal recruits. Most of them aren't veterans, but at least they know how to use their weapon of choice and listen to your orders.
Who do you wish to act as your lieutenants, both on and off the field? (Select two) (Pay will change to 4 V)
[] Illyria Aesyr, Sylphen Knight. She accompanied a semi-famous tourney knight as a retainer before he was eaten by a dragon, thus her lack of employment. You're not really sure if she has much practical experience, but she assures you that she's fought in more than a few melees.
Focus: Combat and Stewardship. Traits: Temperate, Just
[] Akhem-Ra, or Akhem for short, Human Marksman. He fought for the Pharoah's army as a corporal once, and has some knowledge of tactics and supplying the men. He won't tell you why he was discharged, only that it was unfair, but he seems quite handy with that bow of his.
Focus: Martial and Intrigue. Traits: Patient, Cynical
[] Zahra Felix, Ifrit Druid. She apparently trained under a dryad, though heavens know how she managed to do so considering their raging xenophobia. The young woman is adventurous and eager to see the world like you, but it is tempered by a slyness beneath her smile.
Focus: Diplomacy and Intrigue. Traits: Ambitious, Gregarious
[] Barrett Gregory, Human Alchemist. The young man was sent out by his master to, and you quote, "See the world, you shut-in!" Shyness aside, he is capable of various concoctions to both heal and hurt, with a vastness of knowledge on more esoteric matters as well.
Focus: Learning and Stewardship. Traits: Diligent, Scholar
There are a number of jobs that you can take as of now. You've gathered them from your contacts within the King's Court (thank you, diplomatic connections) as well as a few other places.
Day One Jobs (Select one)
[] Asker: Cennuth. I want some lads with fire in their belly (ha!) to go out and put a stop to those idiots raiding my shipments. Let 'em know that my business isn't to be messed with.
Length (to and back again): 1 Week
Difficulty (of the opposition): Moderate
Rewards (your cut): 60 Valons
[] Asker: Baron Rosemont. My rival, the Baron Velstadt continues to send his patrols to harass my villagers. I want you to kill or capture two of his patrols to send him a message.
Length: 2 Weeks
Difficulty: Hard
Rewards: 150 Valons
[] Asker: Mayor Kingsley. As leader of this fair city, I need a few enterprising fellows to clear the sewers of dire rats and other strange beasts lurking below. Strong nose recommended.
Length: 1 Week
Difficulty: Moderate?
Rewards: 45 Valons, a single Artifact equivalent to +2 in a stat of your choice.
[] Zahra Felix, Ifrit Druid. She apparently trained under a dryad, though heavens know how she managed to do so considering their raging xenophobia. The young woman is adventurous and eager to see the world like you, but it is tempered by a slyness beneath her smile.
[] Barrett Gregory, Human Alchemist. The young man was sent out by his master to, and you quote, "See the world, you shut-in!" Shyness aside, he is capable of various concoctions to both heal and hurt, with a vastness of knowledge on more esoteric matters as well.
[] Asker: Mayor Kingsley. As leader of this fair city, I need a few enterprising fellows to clear the sewers of dire rats and other strange beasts lurking below. Strong nose recommended.
[X] Illyria Aesyr, Sylphen Knight. She accompanied a semi-famous tourney knight as a retainer before they were eaten by a dragon, thus her lack of employment. You're not really sure if she has much practical experience, but she assures you that she's fought in more than a few melees.
[X] Zahra Felix, Ifrit Druid. She apparently trained under a dryad, though heavens know how she managed to do so considering their raging xenophobia. The young woman is adventurous and eager to see the world like you, but it is tempered by a slyness beneath her smile.
[X] Asker: Mayor Kingsley. As leader of this fair city, I need a few enterprising fellows to clear the sewers of dire rats and other strange beasts lurking below. Strong nose recommended.
Edit: Changed job, I'd forgotten that the rat hunt is traditional.
[X] Illyria Aesyr, Sylphen Knight. She accompanied a semi-famous tourney knight as a retainer before he was eaten by a dragon, thus her lack of employment. You're not really sure if she has much practical experience, but she assures you that she's fought in more than a few melees.
[X] Zahra Felix, Ifrit Druid. She apparently trained under a dryad, though heavens know how she managed to do so considering their raging xenophobia. The young woman is adventurous and eager to see the world like you, but it is tempered by a slyness beneath her smile.
[X] Asker: Mayor Kingsley. As leader of this fair city, I need a few enterprising fellows to clear the sewers of dire rats and other strange beasts lurking below. Strong nose recommended.
[X] Illyria Aesyr, Sylphen Knight. She accompanied a semi-famous tourney knight as a retainer before he was eaten by a dragon, thus her lack of employment. You're not really sure if she has much practical experience, but she assures you that she's fought in more than a few melees.
[X] Zahra Felix, Ifrit Druid. She apparently trained under a dryad, though heavens know how she managed to do so considering their raging xenophobia. The young woman is adventurous and eager to see the world like you, but it is tempered by a slyness beneath her smile.
[X] Asker: Mayor Kingsley. As leader of this fair city, I need a few enterprising fellows to clear the sewers of dire rats and other strange beasts lurking below. Strong noserecommended.
The traditional Rat Hunt must be upheld. For that is where the road of riches and fame starts for any Adventurer worth their salt. It is also where a dastardly plot is discovered, where the mettle of a person is tested.
Who knows what may happen? I will pray to Sage Dice to bless thia quest.
[X] Illyria Aesyr, Sylphen Knight. She accompanied a semi-famous tourney knight as a retainer before he was eaten by a dragon, thus her lack of employment. You're not really sure if she has much practical experience, but she assures you that she's fought in more than a few melees.
[X] Zahra Felix, Ifrit Druid. She apparently trained under a dryad, though heavens know how she managed to do so considering their raging xenophobia. The young woman is adventurous and eager to see the world like you, but it is tempered by a slyness beneath her smile.
[X] Asker: Mayor Kingsley. As leader of this fair city, I need a few enterprising fellows to clear the sewers of dire rats and other strange beasts lurking below. Strong noserecommended.
Sage dice are in his other quest where we just Aeus Vaulted some war elephants and a whole legion.
[X] Zahra Felix, Ifrit Druid. She apparently trained under a dryad, though heavens know how she managed to do so considering their raging xenophobia. The young woman is adventurous and eager to see the world like you, but it is tempered by a slyness beneath her smile.
Focus: Diplomacy and Intrigue. Traits: Ambitious, Gregarious
Considering how bad we are at Intrigue, we kind need an Intrigue advisor.
[X] Illyria Aesyr, Sylphen Knight. She accompanied a semi-famous tourney knight as a retainer before he was eaten by a dragon, thus her lack of employment. You're not really sure if she has much practical experience, but she assures you that she's fought in more than a few melees.
Focus: Combat and Stewardship. Traits: Temperate, Just
A Stewardship advisor with some practical experience.
[X] Asker: Mayor Kingsley. As leader of this fair city, I need a few enterprising fellows to clear the sewers of dire rats and other strange beasts lurking below. Strong nose recommended.
Length: 1 Week
Difficulty: Moderate?
Rewards: 45 Valons, a single Artifact equivalent to +2 in a stat of your choice.
[X] Akhem-Ra, or Akhem for short, Human Marksman. He fought for the Pharoah's army as a corporal once, and has some knowledge of tactics and supplying the men. He won't tell you why he was discharged, only that it was unfair, but he seems quite handy with that bow of his.
[X] Barrett Gregory, Human Alchemist. The young man was sent out by his master to, and you quote, "See the world, you shut-in!" Shyness aside, he is capable of various concoctions to both heal and hurt, with a vastness of knowledge on more esoteric matters as well.
[X] Asker: Cennuth. I want some lads with fire in their belly (ha!) to go out and put a stop to those idiots raiding my shipments. Let 'em know that my business isn't to be messed with.
[X] Zahra Felix, Ifrit Druid. She apparently trained under a dryad, though heavens know how she managed to do so considering their raging xenophobia. The young woman is adventurous and eager to see the world like you, but it is tempered by a slyness beneath her smile.
[X] Barrett Gregory, Human Alchemist. The young man was sent out by his master to, and you quote, "See the world, you shut-in!" Shyness aside, he is capable of various concoctions to both heal and hurt, with a vastness of knowledge on more esoteric matters as well.
[X] Asker: Cennuth. I want some lads with fire in their belly (ha!) to go out and put a stop to those idiots raiding my shipments. Let 'em know that my business isn't to be messed with.
[X] Illyria Aesyr, Sylphen Knight. She accompanied a semi-famous tourney knight as a retainer before they were eaten by a dragon, thus her lack of employment. You're not really sure if she has much practical experience, but she assures you that she's fought in more than a few melees.
[X] Zahra Felix, Ifrit Druid. She apparently trained under a dryad, though heavens know how she managed to do so considering their raging xenophobia. The young woman is adventurous and eager to see the world like you, but it is tempered by a slyness beneath her smile.
[X] Asker: Mayor Kingsley. As leader of this fair city, I need a few enterprising fellows to clear the sewers of dire ratsand other strange beasts lurking below. Strong nose recommended.
[X] Illyria Aesyr, Sylphen Knight. She accompanied a semi-famous tourney knight as a retainer before he was eaten by a dragon, thus her lack of employment. You're not really sure if she has much practical experience, but she assures you that she's fought in more than a few melees.
[X] Zahra Felix, Ifrit Druid. She apparently trained under a dryad, though heavens know how she managed to do so considering their raging xenophobia. The young woman is adventurous and eager to see the world like you, but it is tempered by a slyness beneath her smile.
[X] Asker: Mayor Kingsley. As leader of this fair city, I need a few enterprising fellows to clear the sewers of dire rats and other strange beasts lurking below. Strong nose recommended
[X] Illyria Aesyr, Sylphen Knight. She accompanied a semi-famous tourney knight as a retainer before he was eaten by a dragon, thus her lack of employment. You're not really sure if she has much practical experience, but she assures you that she's fought in more than a few melees.
[X] Zahra Felix, Ifrit Druid. She apparently trained under a dryad, though heavens know how she managed to do so considering their raging xenophobia. The young woman is adventurous and eager to see the world like you, but it is tempered by a slyness beneath her smile.
[X] Asker: Mayor Kingsley. As leader of this fair city, I need a few enterprising fellows to clear the sewers of dire rats and other strange beasts lurking below. Strong noserecommended.
[X] Illyria Aesyr, Sylphen Knight. She accompanied a semi-famous tourney knight as a retainer before they were eaten by a dragon, thus her lack of employment. You're not really sure if she has much practical experience, but she assures you that she's fought in more than a few melees.
[X] Zahra Felix, Ifrit Druid. She apparently trained under a dryad, though heavens know how she managed to do so considering their raging xenophobia. The young woman is adventurous and eager to see the world like you, but it is tempered by a slyness beneath her smile.
[X] Asker: Mayor Kingsley. As leader of this fair city, I need a few enterprising fellows to clear the sewers of dire rats and other strange beasts lurking below. Strong nose recommended.
[X] Illyria Aesyr, Sylphen Knight. She accompanied a semi-famous tourney knight as a retainer before he was eaten by a dragon, thus her lack of employment. You're not really sure if she has much practical experience, but she assures you that she's fought in more than a few melees.
Focus: Combat and Stewardship. Traits: Temperate, Just
[X] Akhem-Ra, or Akhem for short, Human Marksman. He fought for the Pharoah's army as a corporal once, and has some knowledge of tactics and supplying the men. He won't tell you why he was discharged, only that it was unfair, but he seems quite handy with that bow of his.
Focus: Martial and Intrigue. Traits: Patient, Cynical
[X] Asker: Mayor Kingsley. As leader of this fair city, I need a few enterprising fellows to clear the sewers of dire rats and other strange beasts lurking below. Strong nose recommended.
[X] Illyria Aesyr, Sylphen Knight. She accompanied a semi-famous tourney knight as a retainer before he was eaten by a dragon, thus her lack of employment. You're not really sure if she has much practical experience, but she assures you that she's fought in more than a few melees.
Focus: Combat and Stewardship. Traits: Temperate, Just
[X] Akhem-Ra, or Akhem for short, Human Marksman. He fought for the Pharoah's army as a corporal once, and has some knowledge of tactics and supplying the men. He won't tell you why he was discharged, only that it was unfair, but he seems quite handy with that bow of his.
Focus: Martial and Intrigue. Traits: Patient, Cynical
[X] Asker: Mayor Kingsley. As leader of this fair city, I need a few enterprising fellows to clear the sewers of dire rats and other strange beasts lurking below. Strong nose recommended.
[X] Akhem-Ra, or Akhem for short, Human Marksman. He fought for the Pharoah's army as a corporal once, and has some knowledge of tactics and supplying the men. He won't tell you why he was discharged, only that it was unfair, but he seems quite handy with that bow of his.
[X] Barrett Gregory, Human Alchemist. The young man was sent out by his master to, and you quote, "See the world, you shut-in!" Shyness aside, he is capable of various concoctions to both heal and hurt, with a vastness of knowledge on more esoteric matters as well.
[X] Asker: Cennuth. I want some lads with fire in their belly (ha!) to go out and put a stop to those idiots raiding my shipments. Let 'em know that my business isn't to be messed with.
[X] Akhem-Ra, or Akhem for short, Human Marksman. He fought for the Pharoah's army as a corporal once, and has some knowledge of tactics and supplying the men. He won't tell you why he was discharged, only that it was unfair, but he seems quite handy with that bow of his.
[X] Barrett Gregory, Human Alchemist. The young man was sent out by his master to, and you quote, "See the world, you shut-in!" Shyness aside, he is capable of various concoctions to both heal and hurt, with a vastness of knowledge on more esoteric matters as well.
[X] Asker: Cennuth. I want some lads with fire in their belly (ha!) to go out and put a stop to those idiots raiding my shipments. Let 'em know that my business isn't to be messed with.
[X] Illyria Aesyr, Sylphen Knight. She accompanied a semi-famous tourney knight as a retainer before he was eaten by a dragon, thus her lack of employment. You're not really sure if she has much practical experience, but she assures you that she's fought in more than a few melees.
Focus: Combat and Stewardship. Traits: Temperate, Just
[X] Zahra Felix, Ifrit Druid. She apparently trained under a dryad, though heavens know how she managed to do so considering their raging xenophobia. The young woman is adventurous and eager to see the world like you, but it is tempered by a slyness beneath her smile.
Focus: Diplomacy and Intrigue. Traits: Ambitious, Gregarious
[X] Asker: Mayor Kingsley. As leader of this fair city, I need a few enterprising fellows to clear the sewers of dire rats and other strange beasts lurking below. Strong nose recommended.
Length: 1 Week
Difficulty: Moderate?
Rewards: 45 Valons, a single Artifact equivalent to +2 in a stat of your choice.
[X] Illyria Aesyr, Sylphen Knight. She accompanied a semi-famous tourney knight as a retainer before he was eaten by a dragon, thus her lack of employment. You're not really sure if she has much practical experience, but she assures you that she's fought in more than a few melees.
Focus: Combat and Stewardship. Traits: Temperate, Just
[X] Zahra Felix, Ifrit Druid. She apparently trained under a dryad, though heavens know how she managed to do so considering their raging xenophobia. The young woman is adventurous and eager to see the world like you, but it is tempered by a slyness beneath her smile.
Focus: Diplomacy and Intrigue. Traits: Ambitious, Gregarious
[X] Asker: Mayor Kingsley. As leader of this fair city, I need a few enterprising fellows to clear the sewers of dire rats and other strange beasts lurking below. Strong nose recommended.
Length: 1 Week
Difficulty: Moderate?
Rewards: 45 Valons, a single Artifact equivalent to +2 in a stat of your choice.