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On the Road to Elspar [Book 1] (Dryad Mercenary Schoolgirl Quest)

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[x] ...share similar frustrations over how the knight orders can turn a blind eye while the Confederacy is under threat.
-[x] But you wonder, what is the reason they spend so much time training and practicing, but not use their skills? They aren't interested in fighting in wars or protecting people, but devote their lives to skills that they almost never use?
 
Varder said:
Any reason to do it? They don't have territory, they don't have mines, they don't have exotic things. They are just a bunch of monks in mountain forts who spend their lives perfecting combat arts. Lots of trouble, little to no gain.

And if they are hard pressed, I doubt these orders can't vanish deeper into mountains. And noone wants to fight a skilled opponent in their home mountains. Especially if they have no problem devoting their entire life to fighting.
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If they were to join the war effort, however, and Caldrein still eventually lost, then they'd likely be in a much less comfortable position.

I think it's worth noting that these are apparently Conceptualist warrior monks, as well -- that's the same religion as the Tennies, who apparently are displeased about Caldrein having become mostly Primordialist.
Adhoc vote count started by Gazetteer on Apr 20, 2019 at 1:58 AM, finished with 59 posts and 42 votes.
  • [X] ...share the view of woodland dryads in their respect for societies that cannot yet fully integrate with the broader Caldran public.
    [x] ...don't really know what you feel about the knight orders.
    -[x] But you wonder, what is the reason they spend so much time training and practicing, but not use their skills? They aren't interested in fighting in wars or protecting people, but devote their lives to skills that they almost never use?
    [X] Your name is Neianne of Caelon and you are a mercenary in training. Ever since you came to Faulkren Academy you have slowly learned to stand on your own two feet and chase after the you that you wish you could be. You'd like to think, even, that you've made progress. You have learned to rely both on yourself and others. You have stood up for yourself and others. You have made friends and... not friends. You have experienced grief and anger. You have started to learn politics, strategy, and magic. You have learned the art of the blade. You even thought that maybe you were getting good at it. That is, until today, when you saw beauty in motion, the truth of steel. Being honest with yourself, you still struggle with politics and philosophy. You have no idea if what the Knights do is right or not and asking Sieglinde for her opinion feels like the... best way to make it make sense. But, but, you would really really like to be as good with your sword as the knight is with hers.​
    [x] ...share similar frustrations over how the knight orders can turn a blind eye while the Confederacy is under threat.
    [x] ...don't really know what you feel about the knight orders.
    [x] ...see a beauty to such a transcendent pursuit, but know that the peace it depends upon is bough in Confederacy lives. You hope some day, some of their teachings will be shared with worthy candidates, to help defend their neighbors and countrymens homes before it is too late, and the enemy comes to their doors.
    [X] ...share the view of woodland dryads in their respect for societies that cannot yet fully integrate with the broader Caldran public.
    -[x] But you wonder, what is the reason they spend so much time training and practicing, but not use their skills? They aren't interested in fighting in wars or protecting people, but devote their lives to skills that they almost never use?
    -[x] And your also a bit jealous of her skill, honestly.
    [x] ...share similar frustrations over how the knight orders can turn a blind eye while the Confederacy is under threat.
    -[x] But you wonder, what is the reason they spend so much time training and practicing, but not use their skills? They aren't interested in fighting in wars or protecting people, but devote their lives to skills that they almost never use?
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[x] ...don't really know what you feel about the knight orders.
-[x] But you wonder, what is the reason they spend so much time training and practicing, but not use their skills? They aren't interested in fighting in wars or protecting people, but devote their lives to skills that they almost never use?
 
[x] ...don't really know what you feel about the knight orders.
-[x] But you wonder, what is the reason they spend so much time training and practicing, but not use their skills? They aren't interested in fighting in wars or protecting people, but devote their lives to skills that they almost never use?

Honestly just seems like the vote that best fits her, as I imagine she would have a naturally mixed opinion, with her background as a Dryad and how her family acts she would naturaly understand that desire, while also feeling like they, the exiled old guard of the Empire, should fight their former enemies and help in the war effort in the county of that they live in.
 
[x] ...share similar frustrations over how the knight orders can turn a blind eye while the Confederacy is under threat
 
[X] ...share the view of woodland dryads in their respect for societies that cannot yet fully integrate with the broader Caldran public.
 
[x] ...share similar frustrations over how the knight orders can turn a blind eye while the Confederacy is under threat

If Steph is part of one of the knight order families, that might explain the secrecy. The other knights wouldn't be terribly happy, because they'd feel that they'd become targets of the Tenereians if one of their own joined the war.
 
[x] ...don't really know what you feel about the knight orders.
-[x] But you wonder, what is the reason they spend so much time training and practicing, but not use their skills? They aren't interested in fighting in wars or protecting people, but devote their lives to skills that they almost never use?

Which is kinda not that cool tbh from various standpoints. Them just hanging in the back while everyone's dying and stuff
Adhoc vote count started by Crow on Apr 20, 2019 at 1:07 AM, finished with 2608 posts and 42 votes.
  • [X] ...share the view of woodland dryads in their respect for societies that cannot yet fully integrate with the broader Caldran public.
    [x] ...don't really know what you feel about the knight orders.
    -[x] But you wonder, what is the reason they spend so much time training and practicing, but not use their skills? They aren't interested in fighting in wars or protecting people, but devote their lives to skills that they almost never use?
    [x] ...share similar frustrations over how the knight orders can turn a blind eye while the Confederacy is under threat.
    [X] Your name is Neianne of Caelon and you are a mercenary in training. Ever since you came to Faulkren Academy you have slowly learned to stand on your own two feet and chase after the you that you wish you could be. You'd like to think, even, that you've made progress. You have learned to rely both on yourself and others. You have stood up for yourself and others. You have made friends and... not friends. You have experienced grief and anger. You have started to learn politics, strategy, and magic. You have learned the art of the blade. You even thought that maybe you were getting good at it. That is, until today, when you saw beauty in motion, the truth of steel. Being honest with yourself, you still struggle with politics and philosophy. You have no idea if what the Knights do is right or not and asking Sieglinde for her opinion feels like the... best way to make it make sense. But, but, you would really really like to be as good with your sword as the knight is with hers.​
    [x] ...don't really know what you feel about the knight orders.
    [x] ...see a beauty to such a transcendent pursuit, but know that the peace it depends upon is bough in Confederacy lives. You hope some day, some of their teachings will be shared with worthy candidates, to help defend their neighbors and countrymens homes before it is too late, and the enemy comes to their doors.
    [X] ...share the view of woodland dryads in their respect for societies that cannot yet fully integrate with the broader Caldran public.
    -[x] But you wonder, what is the reason they spend so much time training and practicing, but not use their skills? They aren't interested in fighting in wars or protecting people, but devote their lives to skills that they almost never use?
    -[x] And your also a bit jealous of her skill, honestly.
    [x] ...share similar frustrations over how the knight orders can turn a blind eye while the Confederacy is under threat.
    -[x] But you wonder, what is the reason they spend so much time training and practicing, but not use their skills? They aren't interested in fighting in wars or protecting people, but devote their lives to skills that they almost never use?
Click to expand...
 
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[x] ...don't really know what you feel about the knight orders.
-[x] But you wonder, what is the reason they spend so much time training and practicing, but not use their skills? They aren't interested in fighting in wars or protecting people, but devote their lives to skills that they almost never use?


I prefer this to the current bandwagon. At the very least this has Neianne a bit more inquisitive about the knighthood's way of life. Just sharing the view of the woodland dryads about the Knighthood feels... bland. What do you even do with this mindset? Where do you even go from there?

I would much rather challenge the knighthood's philosophy or at least make more of an effort to explore it. If the knighthood philosophy isn't being challenged or seriously looked at then there's no conflict.

And without conflict, there's no story.
 
[x] ...share the view of woodland dryads in their respect for societies that cannot yet fully integrate with the broader Caldran public.

I like to think we have plenty of conflicts :V
 
Muramasa said:
[x] ...don't really know what you feel about the knight orders.
-[x] But you wonder, what is the reason they spend so much time training and practicing, but not use their skills? They aren't interested in fighting in wars or protecting people, but devote their lives to skills that they almost never use?


I prefer this to the current bandwagon. At the very least this has Neianne a bit more inquisitive about the knighthood's way of life. Just sharing the view of the woodland dryads about the Knighthood feels... bland. What do you even do with this mindset? Where do you even go from there?

I would much rather challenge the knighthood's philosophy or at least make more of an effort to explore it. If the knighthood philosophy isn't being challenged or seriously looked at then there's no conflict.

And without conflict, there's no story.
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There can still be conflict if 'sharing' wins, it just won't be with the Knights. There are going to be other apprentices/people who believe that the Knights should participate, so disagreements between them and Neianne aren't out of bounds.
IMO, if anything the bland option is the neutral one. Respecting their wishes to remain apart from the war, whilst it may have originally come from her community is inherently a bias.
 
She really need to take an harder stand on this kind of issue considering all she have experienced, sure pre-academy Neianne all dryad's respect but now....
She may be shy but would have strong opinion even if she doesn't express it to everyone.
Pity votes not enough for me to change.
Adhoc vote count started by Jrin on Apr 20, 2019 at 4:38 AM, finished with 2612 posts and 43 votes.
  • [X] ...share the view of woodland dryads in their respect for societies that cannot yet fully integrate with the broader Caldran public.
    [x] ...don't really know what you feel about the knight orders.
    -[x] But you wonder, what is the reason they spend so much time training and practicing, but not use their skills? They aren't interested in fighting in wars or protecting people, but devote their lives to skills that they almost never use?
    [X] Your name is Neianne of Caelon and you are a mercenary in training. Ever since you came to Faulkren Academy you have slowly learned to stand on your own two feet and chase after the you that you wish you could be. You'd like to think, even, that you've made progress. You have learned to rely both on yourself and others. You have stood up for yourself and others. You have made friends and... not friends. You have experienced grief and anger. You have started to learn politics, strategy, and magic. You have learned the art of the blade. You even thought that maybe you were getting good at it. That is, until today, when you saw beauty in motion, the truth of steel. Being honest with yourself, you still struggle with politics and philosophy. You have no idea if what the Knights do is right or not and asking Sieglinde for her opinion feels like the... best way to make it make sense. But, but, you would really really like to be as good with your sword as the knight is with hers.​
    [x] ...share similar frustrations over how the knight orders can turn a blind eye while the Confederacy is under threat.
    [x] ...don't really know what you feel about the knight orders.
    [x] ...see a beauty to such a transcendent pursuit, but know that the peace it depends upon is bough in Confederacy lives. You hope some day, some of their teachings will be shared with worthy candidates, to help defend their neighbors and countrymens homes before it is too late, and the enemy comes to their doors.
    [X] ...share the view of woodland dryads in their respect for societies that cannot yet fully integrate with the broader Caldran public.
    -[x] But you wonder, what is the reason they spend so much time training and practicing, but not use their skills? They aren't interested in fighting in wars or protecting people, but devote their lives to skills that they almost never use?
    -[x] And your also a bit jealous of her skill, honestly.
    [x] ...share similar frustrations over how the knight orders can turn a blind eye while the Confederacy is under threat.
    -[x] But you wonder, what is the reason they spend so much time training and practicing, but not use their skills? They aren't interested in fighting in wars or protecting people, but devote their lives to skills that they almost never use?
Click to expand...

Adhoc vote count started by Jrin on May 1, 2019 at 2:53 AM, finished with 2624 posts and 49 votes.
  • [X] ...share the view of woodland dryads in their respect for societies that cannot yet fully integrate with the broader Caldran public.
    [x] ...don't really know what you feel about the knight orders.
    -[x] But you wonder, what is the reason they spend so much time training and practicing, but not use their skills? They aren't interested in fighting in wars or protecting people, but devote their lives to skills that they almost never use?
    [X] Your name is Neianne of Caelon and you are a mercenary in training. Ever since you came to Faulkren Academy you have slowly learned to stand on your own two feet and chase after the you that you wish you could be. You'd like to think, even, that you've made progress. You have learned to rely both on yourself and others. You have stood up for yourself and others. You have made friends and... not friends. You have experienced grief and anger. You have started to learn politics, strategy, and magic. You have learned the art of the blade. You even thought that maybe you were getting good at it. That is, until today, when you saw beauty in motion, the truth of steel. Being honest with yourself, you still struggle with politics and philosophy. You have no idea if what the Knights do is right or not and asking Sieglinde for her opinion feels like the... best way to make it make sense. But, but, you would really really like to be as good with your sword as the knight is with hers.​
    [x] ...share similar frustrations over how the knight orders can turn a blind eye while the Confederacy is under threat.
    [x] ...don't really know what you feel about the knight orders.
    [x] ...see a beauty to such a transcendent pursuit, but know that the peace it depends upon is bough in Confederacy lives. You hope some day, some of their teachings will be shared with worthy candidates, to help defend their neighbors and countrymens homes before it is too late, and the enemy comes to their doors.
    [X] ...share the view of woodland dryads in their respect for societies that cannot yet fully integrate with the broader Caldran public.
    -[x] But you wonder, what is the reason they spend so much time training and practicing, but not use their skills? They aren't interested in fighting in wars or protecting people, but devote their lives to skills that they almost never use?
    -[x] And your also a bit jealous of her skill, honestly.
    [x] ...share similar frustrations over how the knight orders can turn a blind eye while the Confederacy is under threat.
    -[x] But you wonder, what is the reason they spend so much time training and practicing, but not use their skills? They aren't interested in fighting in wars or protecting people, but devote their lives to skills that they almost never use?
    [x] ...are in awe of their prowess and wish you could also learn from the knight orders.
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[x] ...don't really know what you feel about the knight orders.
-[x] But you wonder, what is the reason they spend so much time training and practicing, but not use their skills? They aren't interested in fighting in wars or protecting people, but devote their lives to skills that they almost never use?
 
[x] ...share the view of woodland dryads in their respect for societies that cannot yet fully integrate with the broader Caldran public.
 
late as usual
Kei said:
Elizabeth recovers first, cocking her head at you in a fetching, amused way that makes your face burn. "You have an objection, Squad Leader Neianne?" she asks.
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'fetching'? Narrator plz

XD

Kei said:
A streak of lightning going straight up into the ceiling causes a number of you to jump back, startled. The bolt bursts in a haze of eye-catching sparks before it reaches the roof beams.
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Thank you for not damaging the building, Elizabeth. ;P

Kei said:
"I'm sorry, Ravenhill, are signals for help meant to be easy to miss?"
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Well, the point was that it could be not just a signal for help, it could be general communication...and perhaps something you don't want other people to see or hear. Oh well.

Kei said:
Without a word, she falls in behind them as the two groups separate
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missing period

Also, I guess that's a vote of confidence? ;X

Kei said:
Sieglinde strides ahead, her height allowing her to resolutely trudge through the mud with considerably less inconvenience. "Your choice invokes no small amount of curiosity."
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Hey look, yet another person questioning all the Elizabeth socialization effects.

Kei said:
she doesn't...want me to be like her.
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capitalization

Kei said:
She makes a slight sound that sounds like a mixture of mild surprise and amusement. "I see I come across as jealous to you."
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Well, Neianne -is- the heroine of this VN.

wait what

Kei said:
Most eye-catcjing among them is an elven woman who is only beginning to reach middle-age, dressed in straight-line robes and a sword in hand.
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typo

Wao, elves age? ;x

Kei said:
No, she has never stopped moving in the first place, nor did she seem like she has ever slowed down or broke her momentum.
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Great Cleave is a good feat, guys :whistle:

Kei said:
There is an exceedingly simple style to her movements, to her attacks and defense, that seems to encourage no wasted movements, seeming so mind-bogglingly efficient, as if there is some kind of minimalistic that defies understanding.
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I'm, uh, not sure that I'd describe a style with a lot of spinning shit as simple.

Kei said:
Or perhaps they just wanted little do with the Confederacy experiment.
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little to do

and late write-in that will gain no traction but I like wasted votes, I guess.
[x] ...are in awe of their prowess and wish you could also learn from the knight orders.

is okay Neianne, fangirl even more about swords. Swords are easy, swords don't reeeeeally have to talk to people or lead.
 
Spectrum said:
Hey look, yet another person questioning all the Elizabeth socialization effects.
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The damning thing is it's not our efforts that made Elizabeth more social. She made the effort to befriend us, which it seems was a bit too much for the rest of the elf nobility to parse as worth doing.

But yes, Sieglinde, you are jealous, and maybe you should take efforts so that you aren't missing out on the closeness and communication with Neianne that Elizabeth has intentionally developed with us.
 
Spectrum said:
and perhaps something you don't want other people to see or hear. Oh well.
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Tbf to our favorite lightning emitter, signals that go unnoticed by others are not a thing until digital society (with exception to letters and cyphers, ofc).

RubberBandMan said:
The damning thing is it's not our efforts that made Elizabeth more social. She made the effort to befriend us, which it seems was a bit too much for the rest of the elf nobility to parse as worth doing.

But yes, Sieglinde, you are jealous, and maybe you should take efforts so that you aren't missing out on the closeness and communication with Neianne that Elizabeth has intentionally developed with us.
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Yeah, I hope we'll get to visit someone else this summer. Ezzy is great but so are others.
 
Varder said:
Yeah, I hope we'll get to visit someone else this summer. Ezzy is great but so are others.
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We might consider being assertive and making sure Stephanie isn't spending every night out in the woods. We had someone uninvited hanging around for a month, someone who has no where else to go is obviously worth inviting, and maybe even some bullying to accept it.
 
RubberBandMan said:
The damning thing is it's not our efforts that made Elizabeth more social. She made the effort to befriend us, which it seems was a bit too much for the rest of the elf nobility to parse as worth doing.

But yes, Sieglinde, you are jealous, and maybe you should take efforts so that you aren't missing out on the closeness and communication with Neianne that Elizabeth has intentionally developed with us.
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While I think that you're being a little harsh on Sieglinde -- Liz is a very harsh and periodically dangerous person -- a wrinkle in this dynamic that I enjoy is that this demonstrates that Elizabeth has a lot more respect/regard for Sieglinde than the reverse.
 
[x] ...don't really know what you feel about the knight orders.
-[x] But you wonder, what is the reason they spend so much time training and practicing, but not use their skills? They aren't interested in fighting in wars or protecting people, but devote their lives to skills that they almost never use?
 
[x] ...don't really know what you feel about the knight orders.
-[x] But you wonder, what is the reason they spend so much time training and practicing, but not use their skills? They aren't interested in fighting in wars or protecting people, but devote their lives to skills that they almost never use?

I like the addition here. Mostly because it is background knowledge the character knows that is being introduced to us only now.
With it not coming up before, besides it not being relevant (that we know of), this feels a bit like being confronted with someone on the street with a survey on an issue you have heard of, but not researched.
You're not sure, but now the topic has your curiosity and you want to know more if you can.
 
[x] ...don't really know what you feel about the knight orders.
-[x] But you wonder, what is the reason they spend so much time training and practicing, but not use their skills? They aren't interested in fighting in wars or protecting people, but devote their lives to skills that they almost never use?

Finally caught up!
 
[x] ...don't really know what you feel about the knight orders.
-[x] But you wonder, what is the reason they spend so much time training and practicing, but not use their skills? They aren't interested in fighting in wars or protecting people, but devote their lives to skills that they almost never use?

I'd rather Neianne formed her opinion after meeting one of them than started with a bias.
 
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