They met, not in the dark of night or in the corner of some tavern, but in the lavishly appointed quarters of one of their group. It was common knowledge around the Court that they were all close friends, and the rumours had already begun to circulate that they were more than just friends.
"Did you hear about Arnold Vincennes?" Their self-appointed leader had a proclivity for melodrama, as a girl her age was wont to do.
"Let's not jump to conclusions," her second-in-command interjected. As the oldest, he was usually the most level-headed of the group. "And anyway, it's not as though it affects our plans at all."
"But people could become more vigilant across Sartier, and that could affect our plans," pointed out the token blonde of the group. She flicked her curls over her shoulder, pleased at being the centre of attention for the moment. "Might I suggest we use our connections to make sure no one looks too closely at us?"
"Funny you should say that considering who your uncle is."
"Oh, don't be like that. It's not like any of us fuss about you being a commoner. You're not in Harper, after all," she retorted.
Silent until now, the last member spoke quietly, "I think it's a good idea. We all have relatives or friends," she added with a small smile to their second-in-command, "who we can make sure gets or intercepts key information."
"That's right," jumped in their leader, keen to regain control of the conversation, "And that way, we can help to further the cause. I'm sure the other groups around the country are beginning to mobilise now. I've heard unhappiness is growing which bodes well for the other missionaries," this with a nod to her right-hand man, "and their recruitment."
A flicker of concern crossed the delicate features of one of their number at the news. This had gone much further than the bit of fun she'd thought it to be.
Odds that this is that Yellow Band that we've been seeing mentioned? Pretty high IMHO. We should probably look into it, alongside all the other things that we should look into this turn.
Great House Tellar, Turn 2, Winter
"Let's get down to business. I'm sure the question preying on everyone's mind is what are we doing to do about the Dale-Vincennes incident."
Your father is presiding today, but you're surprised at the ongoing issue of Dale-Vincennes is first on the agenda. Surely it should be what Alana revealed to you during the summit.
"I understand how that might be a priority, Andres, but surely we should be discussing the potential for Teuvians among us first," drawls your mother, deceptively casual.
What is going on with them? Your dad's got that hangdog look lately, like he didn't get what he wanted.
Your father doesn't bat an eye, "That may be so, but that is surely a more extended conversation because of its potential."
"So, Dale and Vincennes. Where are we at?" Antonia jumps in before your parents escalate further in the Council meeting.
Seriously, fuck Dale/Vincennes. We've got way more important shit we need to deal with right now than their fucking grudge. And to make matters worse Vincennes was overtly acting to weaken Sartier against the Teuv whilst fucking Dale actually killed one of the few elite songweavers we have.
Mechanics
You have seven agents you can assign (May and Monica are occupied), as well as five free influence points.
Wooo! Influence increase!
I feel this is going to be where most of our effort is spent this turn, again. So many fires, so few actions...
(Non-Agent Action, 1 turn only) Crime and Punishment - The fact that the Vincennes are your vassals only makes this more complicated. The eyes of every House in Sartier are on you to see how you approach this. But this is an ugly decision. These are your vassals, after all, and the most powerful of the three. Their fortresses are strong, protected by thousands of soldiers, tens of thousands of militiamen, and the Fortis Drums. Today you must punish them, but tomorrow you may have to call their banners to your side. But Capo is pushing furiously, and Sonissimmo watches and waits to see how you will discipline your own. Meanwhile, Vincennes are making all the right apologetic noises, as well they should, but what will they do when you reach the high notes?
(Pick one option)
(Default Option) [ ] - Slap on the Wrist - With the looming spectre of the Teuv, you cannot afford to weaken a vassal too badly. Though there must be a visible repercussion, you don't want to do anything with a lasting effect. [20,000g Vincennes fine, 8,000g Anzios fine, unimportant hostage claimed from Court at Marlingtay, Vincennes -1 Vincennes Influence for 4 turns, Capo is unhappy, Sonissimmo unimpressed, green-light perceived for settling cross-border difference]
[ ] - Significant - This feud is a very tricky matter and getting to the right solution will require some very delicate tuning. But there must be significance in the punishment levied. [Costs 1 Influence - Demand arrest and deliver of Arnold Vincennes, Vincennes heir claimed as hostage, 50,000g Vincennes fine, 16,000g Anzios fine payable over 4 turns, -2 Vincennes Influence for 4 turns, House reactions not guaranteed and will require Diplomacy tests to finesse]
[ ] - Severe - No more. Never again. These blood soaked games must end. Their conductors must face the music, their players must pay their dues. Justice will prevail over all concerns and the wicked bow will bow before it. [Costs 2 Influence - Demand arrest and delivery of Gordon Vincennes and others, Vincennes and Anzios heirs claimed as hostages, multi-House peacekeeping force put into place on the border, 100,000g fine payable over 4 turns, -1 Vincennes Influence Permanent, -1 Vincennes Influence Temporary for 5 turns, Capo pleased, Sonissimmo satisfied, reduction in cross-border skirmishing in Sartier]
[ ] - Write in
I'm in favour of the severe option here. Smack them over the head and make it clear that they never do anything like this again. Seriously, fuck that shit. This is our chance to stop this feud in its tracks, lets do just that.
The only downside (except Vincennes probably hating it) is the huge influence cost associated with this.
(Non-Agent Action, 1 turn only) Without Chivalry We Are Nothing - Chivalry is part of the code that binds the nobility of Sartier together. It is more than simply a code of conduct, or a set of guidelines, it speaks to the heart of what it means to be Sartieran. The Spellknights especially are held up as paragons to aspire to, even if not everyone can live up to such ideals. So when Carmen reported that the Dalish Spellknights have thrown aside their integrity in their lust to avenge their slain countrymen, the Council knows it must act.
(Default Option) [ ] - Slap on the Wrist - Look, everyone knows that when the chorus starts, all must join in. Can you really blame Dale for the intensity of their riposte? [5,000g Dale fine, -2 Chivalry for Lana Antilles, importance of Chivalry is weakened in Sartier]
[ ] - Significant - Blind eyes are turned to many things in Sartier, but never the actions of Spellknights. And when they fall short of their ideals, repercussions must follow. [Costs 1 Influence - 10,000g Dale fine, hostages claimed from Dale, -4 Chivalry for Lana Antilles, Dale accepts a multi-House force on its side of the border]
[ ] - Severe - It's the hypocrisy of the act that must disgusts you. Lana Antilles is one of the most chivalrous nobles in Sartier. For her to have her hand in this, why it just makes you sick. [Costs 2 Influence - Demand that Lana Antilles be arrested and delivered for judgement, 30,000g fine against House Dale, hostages claimed from House Dale, Dale accepts a multi-House force on its side of the border, Spellknights everywhere put on notice, -6 Chivalry for Lana Antilles]
[ ] - Write in
Again, I'm in favour of the severe option, chivalry's important guys. But honestly I'm more pissed at the killing of an Elite Songweaver, there's a limited number of them. Whilst Vincennes set out to support the Teuv in the countryside Dale probably did more harm to Sartier and our ability to fight the Teuv than Vincennes could have hoped to accomplish with their expedition.
As an added advantage, there's a solid chance that if we punish both severely Capo will accept it, and they should accept their punishments with slightly more grace if its obvious that they're not the only ones being smacked.
Again, the downside (other than Dale and Capo hating it) is the huge influence cost. If we take both severe options (which we should, if we're going to take either) then we can't afford to invest in any other influence actions this turn in order to have some left over for the mid-turn (which I think the last mid-turn proved we need).
Meet the Neighbours - Sartier is the smallest of the major nations and until its role in defeating the Teuv onslaught was seldom thought about. With a new era being ushered in, perhaps it would be a good time for introducing yourselves as the new rulers and start making friends? (Antonia, Evelyn)
[ ] - Khironex, the Serene Bell, rules over a nation of mariners and merchants, which could be useful to someone trying to bolster their economy.
[ ] - Memphrabi, the Scholar Lords, here are powerful and may have much wisdom to share.
[ ] - Kabilee, the Horse Lords, who live and die in the saddle. You doubt you'll break the Kabilee-Tarrant contract, or even if that would be a good idea, but they can be powerful allies.
[ ] - Renmi, the densely populated large island to the north. Subjugated by Teuv, they may be a canary in the mine when it comes to Teuvian plans. Over the years Sartier has received many refugees from Renmi.
All things we should do, but of slightly lower priority. @Macchito,
@OneirosTheWriter, does the Evelyn/Antonia thing there mean that it can be done as an agent free action by Antonia? Or does it still require an Agent?
[ ] -Tellarvangelists - Sometimes it's more important to be feared than loved. Sometimes it doesn't matter if they like you, as long as they respect you. But most often, getting other Houses to like you is pretty important.
-[ ] Write in which House (Great or Vassal) you would like your agent to attempt to make a diplomatic outreach to. [Effects depend on House and agents]
Possibility of combination with the Putting Yourself in their Shoes actions? Depends how many diplomacy actions we can spare. We should really do that for the final Sonissimmo action though.
In the Navy! - Well, the Sonissimmo aren't just the patrons of the Royal Navy, they basically own it lock, stock, and barrel. Nonetheless, it may be a good idea to start talking with the Navy and see if you can inspire at least a little of the traditional neutrality. They may not like you, but you still hold the reins of Sartier and you really should be on speaking terms.
(Pick one)
-[ ] To the Balan Cloister naval base in Etela, home of the Arsenal and where the bulk of the Royal Navy's major players operate from. It gets to the heart of the matter, but going to Etela could be risky with the way they're feeling right now. Of course, with relationships thawing, it isn't so bad now. [60% base chance, 500g, unlocks new options, small chance of hostile action][/B]
-[ ] To the Valeigh Cloister naval base in Arbalen, where the Royal Navy normally maintains the bulk of their fleet, though much of this force has now withdrawn to Etela. But there are still well-informed officials here who you may be able to talk to. [30% base chance, 500g, unlocks new options, 30% chance of -1 relation with Vincennes]
Honestly, I'm inclined to just ignore the Navy for now. We've got, how do you say this... bigger problems on our plate. Sonissimmo is on good enough terms now that they're unlikely to revolt for the hell of it and if Teuv come then we can probably rely on them to do their bit. That's all I really want from them right now, we can deal with centralising the realm when our other fires have been put out.
[ ] - Meet the Symphony Guard! - The Royal Army has been turned over to your control, but you have seldom had a chance to deal with them. It is time to foster links to the Royal Army and find out what they might like going forward, and what they might require in terms of new bases. [Unlocks new Royal Army options]
This is something we should do this turn, provided we have the free actions. Its an autosuccess so maybe send Theo over? Or someone else who they'll respect. Don't send the Stewards. Honestly, I'd want to send Luna but I'm not sure we can spare her this turn.
[ ] - The number of fully professional units that each House can keep is controlled by an ancient treaty to limit competition. With the Teuv threat looming, perhaps this treaty should be rewritten to increase the allowed regiments. (Chance will increase as the Teuv threat increases. [-10% base chance, 1,000g, 4 Influence]
This is something we should do. Later.
We'll want a clear and present danger before we engage in it, not to mention that influence cost is painful. Also, standing troops are expensive, we'll want a better economy first.
[ ] - A Formal Position - One of the things that Dominic suggested was an Ambassador role on the Council, who is dedicated to outreach with the various houses. [65% base chance, 4,000g, 2,000g per turn, on completion +2,000g upkeep, 3 turns, gain one free Diplomacy action per turn]
We should do this this turn. Hell, we should have Dominic do it given it was his suggestion, we might even get a bonus from that. A free diplomacy action each turn is just too precious to waste. Also an extra role on the Council means the possibility of an extra statesman filling it, which means delicious extra influence.
Foster Care - Exchanges of young nobles between Houses is an old and time-honoured tradition. It helps bring new knowledge in, spreads familiarity, and builds lasting friendships. Perhaps exchanging youths can help solidify thawing relationships?
(Pick one or two of the following, same agent can handle both, 1 Influence only)
[Automatic Success for search, candidates to be presented in the mid-turn post, Diplomatic test depending on who is asked for and offered]
[ ] - Approach House Tarrant to negotiate possible fosterings.
[ ] - Approach House Sonissimmo to look into possible fosterings.
We
should do this this turn, but I'm not sure we can afford it if we want to deal with Dale/Vincennes for good.
@OneirosTheWriter @macchito do Evelyn/our other diplomatic councillors feel that it can hold a turn if we need it to?
Research
[ ] - The Personal Touch - In a feudal Kingdom, the actions of a nation can depend upon the outlook of an individual. Sometimes it makes more sense to lobby an individual rather than an entire Kingdom. [50% base chance, 1,000g, 1 turn, attempt to develop a relationship between the agent and target.
-[ ] Write in target and relevant agent
[ ] - Sow the Seeds of Discord - Make an effort to disrupt the smooth operation of a Court, triggering schisms, fostering factions, and spurring scandals until the Court finds it difficult to exercise power. [10% base chance, Diplomacy/Intrigue, 6,000g, 1 turn, success reduces target Influence pool for a number of turns] (Fair warning ramifications of scandals can be unpredictable)
[ ] - Find Out Who Can Say Yes - With letters taking days or weeks to arrive at their destination, many times the authority of the Symphony or Mezzo is invested in a few trusted Councillors or Courtiers. Knowing who wields the authority of their liege can be very helpful. [60% base chance, 2,000g, 1 turn, identify all agents and statesmen belonging to a Court]
-[ ] write in Court
These are all catch all actions that could be useful in the future but aren't immediately important, I'm not sure we can spare an action for them right now. They could be useful as ways to add extra modifiers onto hard contested rolls.
Putting Yourself In Their Shoes
[ ] - Investigate what might be done to mend fences with House Sarba. [???% chance, new options unlocked]
[ ] - House Timbre's new tariffs are wreaking havoc in Gambier's Merchant Quarter. Surely someone could convince Laurent Timbre that this is only hurting Sartier. [???% base, new options unlocked]
[ ] - You've heard rumours that "Faithless as a Tellar" is doing the rounds of the Court at Etela. That's not a good sign. You need to find some intermediaries to help try and normalise relations with the Sonissimmo. It won't be easy, but Sartier cannot stand with two of the Great Houses so riven. [???% base, new options unlocked]
Action we should do is an action we should do. We have a possible in with Timbre regarding his need for skilled councillors and we do need to get Sarba to stop paying for bandits, when they're backing Teuvian agents (if accidentally) things have gone too far. I'm of the opinion we should send at least one person to Sarba, if only so that if the tension point there explodes we'll have people on site to respond this turn.
Marshall & Vice-Marshall
The report on the summer War College Summit is upbeat, focusing less on the losses to Carlisle and more on three of the four semi-finalists being Tellar vassals. The Vincennes being out of favour, their eventual victory is glossed over.
Much is made of Luna's research, which has now opened a number of new avenues to pursue to keep down costs. Carmen's contracting mission went well, and eight House Triremes will be in the water next turn (as long as the Vincennes don't screw with anything to spite you) and you will have more than doubled your navy.
For the next season, Luna is still advocating the improving how Tellar handles wounded warriors. Antonia is pleased to see the new ships being built, and is now itching for a chance to come to grips with the bandits and the Teuvian rebels in her lands, should an opportunity present itself.
tl;dr things progress slowly but they still progress. Antonia wants to kill things, Luna still wants a way to recover wounded soldiers.
Action
You're in the Army, Mister Brown - Antonia and Luna don't agree on much these days, but they do agree that having more troops to call upon would be useful. Luna has helpfully pointed out that you can support two more regiments from the gentry (semi-professional), and the treaty allows one more fully professional regiment. Multiple selections allowed.
[Agent required to commence recruitment, but freed up after first turn as the Regiment's new officers take over training. One agent can oversee any number of regiment raisings.]
[You can also force recruitment on your six Minor Houses by paying 50% of the cost, with the other 50% being picked up by the Minor Houses]
[ ] - Write in recruitment plan - Available Types are:
-Tellar Inner Guard [Professional slot, 12,000g / 2,000g upkeep, Super-Heavy Spears/Swords, 3 turns]
-Tellar House Spearmen [Professional slot, Medium Spears/Axes 7,750g / 2,000g upkeep, 3 turns]
-Tellar House Cavalry [Semi-Pro slot, 11,600g / 1,400g upkeep, 3 turns]
-Tellar House Longbows [Requires agent Spellsword trait, Semi-Pro slot, Light Longbows 23,500g / 2,000 upkeep, 4 turns]
-Tellar House Men-at-Arms [ Semi-Pro slot, 5,250g / 1,000g upkeep, 2 turns]
-Harper Militia [Medium Spears, 2,000g / 125g upkeep, 1 turn, Militia] (Can take x1-x4)
-Harper Archers [Skirmish Bows, 3,000g / 1250 upkeep, 1 turn, Militia] (Can take x1-x4)
-Harper Longbows [Skirmish Longbows. 5,250g / 125g upkeep, 2 turns, Militia] (Can take x1-x4)
(feel free to ask if you want to know how to implement a plan here)
Option to recruit more troops. We probably shouldn't, but
@OneirosTheWriter @Macchito if we were to recruit more, where would Luna/Antonia suggest we invest in. Do we have any gaping holes that need to be filled? Are we hugely out matched by other forces in size?
A Shield of Our Own - Although the Royal Navy represents the strongest naval force in Sartier, all Houses maintain at least a couple of their own. Evelyn has been campaigning to expand on the six ships Tellar currently maintains, and would like to get new hulls in the water post haste. Unfortunately, your own shipyards on the west shore of the Barossa River aren't up for this sort of work, which means you'll need to place orders with…
(Agent only required to handle the first turn contract negotiations, released after that)
[ONGOING 1T] - … House Carlisle's shipyards at Gambier. You'll pay full price but at least Carlisle will appreciate the extra work for their Merchants, and the fact you're taking more responsibility for the sea. [Gain +4 House Triremes, 4,000g / 1,000g upkeep, +1 Relations with Carlisle, 2 turns]
[ONGOING 1T] - … the House Vincennes Shipyards. They're offering a discount as a sweetener in the hopes of enticing you into helping with their port expansion. [3,000g / 1,000g upkeep, 2 turns]
Plan: If The Royal Navy Won't Play Ball We'll Create Our Own Navy With Blackjack And Hookers is proceeding on schedule...
Antonia has spoken to the council about the need to coordinate with the Vassal Houses on recruitment matters. All of Greater Harper needs to be ready for trouble in these heightened times.
[ ] - Write in policy (For example, step up recruitment, or recruit light forces, heavy forces, to expand the militia, or even to stop recruitment) [Stewardship/Martial Test, success chance depends on policy, 1 turn]
Do Antonia/Luna have any thoughts on this? Anywhere that the vassal houses aren't working in coordination with us? Anything we should farm out to them to do?
[ ] - ...But That Is A Sacrifice I Am Willing To Make - Luna wants to form a Levy Board that will take over and streamline the management of Militia and Levies. It is her hope that these will be able to reduce some of the waste associated with these forces. [40% base chance, 8,000g, 3 turns, +5 Morale to Militia and Levy, 10% Reduction in call-up costs]
Thing we should do is a thing we should do.
(Non-Agent Action) [ ] Raise the Banners - Antonia wants to gather a force of standing and militia regiments, ready to attack any targets of opportunity that arise in greater Harper. If a mole puts its head above ground, she will be there to whack it. [1 Influence, 8,000g, keeps a ready alert force going, halves the Bonus that Antonia provides this turn, allows free interrupts during Mid-Turn on targets of opportunity]
I'd like to do this, and if we don't do it this turn we should certainly do it next turn. Urgh, so many delicious influence options that I'd like to do.
It might be worth doing it anyway to be honest...
Research
[ ] - Calling Florence Nightingale - Not all casualties are lost. Wounded soldiers can be healed and returned to the fray in due course. Fewer dead mean fewer widows, widowers, and orphans, fewer pensions to pay out, more experience retained and better morale for all. Perhaps it is time to look into options for keeping your forces alive better? [40% base chance, 3,000g, unlocks new options, 1 turn]
Sensible option is sensible, and to top it off Luna wants to do it. If we do a martial action in addition to This Is A Sacrifice I Am Willing To Make we should do this.
[ ] Supply Corps - Luna would like to pursue possibly raising up a Regiment that consists of troops that serve to supply the other troops. There are probably many who would like to wear Tellar's livery, but don't want to risk getting stabbed on the front line. [50% base chance, Martial/Stewardship test, 4,000g, 2 turns, unlocks Supply Regiment which provides bonuses to attached Regiments in a force]
We should do this at some point certainly, just probably not this turn.
[ ] - But It's So Big and Blue - Seapower has never been that high on the priority list of Sartierans, but perhaps it is time to invest some thought into how Tellar can change that. [50% base chance, 2,000g, unlocks new options for Seapower development, 1 turn]
Hmm, might this possibly synergise with the our buddy Alice coming down to see us? Worth pushing forward just for that?
Executive, Exchequer & Tariff Chief
The Tellar Treasury stands at about 75,000 gold crowns, and Andres wishes he could say it more precisely than that. Carlisle had disruptions that caused ripples in Harper's economy, but overall things are good. The fact that Lowenton was not sacked surely saved the south of Sartier a lot of angst. Revenue for the half-year is expected to be around 100 to 120,000 gold crowns, with an income before actions of 40 to 45,000 gold crowns, barring the unexpected.
Having seen the start of the Vincennes Harbour redevelopment and the Carlisle Shipyard expansions has reinvigorated the three stewards of the Tellar. Andres is anxious to see further development, and Juan and May have been concocting a number of potential future developments. In particular, the infrastructure projects and the bold new idea for a grand bridge that both May and Juan are jockeying for.
Luna has also been consulting with Andres about possible new fortifications.
tl;dr Tellar continues to be really poor. Infrastructure is something that our Stewards want, we should satisfy their desires.
Action
Roadworks Next Twenty Leagues - The infrastructure in Harper lags behind all the rest of Sartier. While it had been merely embarrassing in the past, now that Harper is expected to be the international face of the nation, it is simply unacceptable. Andres is more energetic and hopeful than he has been in years, and everyone in the council agrees. Work needs to begin to drag Harper into line with the rest of the nation. To start with, things need some long overdue repairs. (All options must be completed in order to increase Infrastructure to Level 2, currently 1/5).
[ ] - Over time the main roads that connect the city of Harper and the settlements of the Minor Houses, have begun to suffer from neglect. If you could renew these important paths, far more traffic between the settlements of Harper would be possible. [45% base 8,000g/turn for 3 turns, reduce by one turn per extra Influence you add to the project, as it helps you gain buy-in from minor houses to contribute]
We should avoid doing this till we have some influence spare so we can spend 2 influence and turn it into a 1 turn action, though I confess to being curious as to what happens if we spend three influence on it, does it become an agent free action?
@OneirosTheWriter
[ ] - There have been calls recently to rebuild the riverside dock facilities along the Barossa River. Rebuilt piers, repairs to the cargo cranes, clearing out some of the slums that have started to intrude onto the docks, all would do wonders for improving the productivity of the river docks. [50% base chance, 6,000g/turn for 4 turns, small increase in trade income for all settlements on the Dyelin]
We should do this, money is always nice. Perhaps not this turn though.
[ ] - The granaries of Harper are old and decrepit, and hardly fit for purpose. They'll need to be rebuilt to be properly useful again. [55% base chance, 3,000g/turn, 5 turns]
[ ] - Luna wants to establish a courier system that can help distribute messages faster and more reliably. [40% base chance, 3,000g/turn, 3 turns, improved chance of reinforcing districts under attack]
Useful military improvements are useful.
[ ] - Bank of Gambier - The Lumens are telling Andres that the answer to the House's financial straits is to draw down on House Carlisle. Surely they can be convinced that it is in everyone's best interests to back the House through these perilous times? At the least, with Tellar's new influence, there are a few things that can be done to bring in extra income. [???% chance (improved by other pro-Carlisle actions, 2,000g, ??? results, 1 turn]
I'd personally advise against this unless our finances get truely dire. At the moment we've got the money to get by, lets not resort to extrating money from our vassals unless we truly need to.
[ ] - ...And Get Over It - The three major stewards of Tellar, Andres, Juan and May, have been cooking up a project privately for a while: a bridge over the broad Barossa River. At the moment, cross-river travel is handled by ferry, which is hardly efficient. A solid bridge could do wonders for the city. [50% base chance, 20,000g, 4,000g/turn, +4,000 Civil Upkeep, 6 turns, bridge over the river, counts as 3 Infrastructure Actions, +2 Commoner Mood]
This is a good idea which we should do. This turn.
@OneirosTheWriter is the 20k gold in addition to the 4k a turn?
[ ] - Trust In Stone - After reviewing some of her own research, and reviews of the Antilles War College Summit, Luna would like to review the fortifications of your district, with a view to possibly planning additional fortifications, perhaps on the west bank of the river, or expanding the already mighty Barossa Citadel. [45% base chance, 7,000g, 2 turns, Martial/Stewardship test, provide fortress-building options]
Important, but for later when we've got our finances slightly more in order I feel.
Research
Read the Manual - Almost every other House already has better infrastructure. Perhaps it would be a good idea to send someone to another House to study? [60% Base chance, 2,000g, improves "Roadworks Next Twenty Leagues actions, better base chances, moderates failure states, 1 turn]
-[ ] Write in House to study (chance of improved relations) - Already studied: Carlisle
Did we actually get anything from this last turn? I don't notice any improvement, frankly I'm unimpressed.
[ ] - Martial Spirit Doesn't Buy Your Horse - As much as Juan and May try, the House as a whole lacks a good grounding in the meat and bones of money-making. Truth be told, if it doesn't involve Knights or Songweaving, it is often hard to keep a Tellar noble's attention. But nonetheless, some strides must be made to improve the understanding of the matters that make a treasury vault fat or lean. [30% base chance, 4,000g, unlocks new options for finding out how Tellar can into economics, 1 turn]
Next turn perhaps when May is freed up.
[ ] - Trading Baby Steps - Trade is something that other Houses seem to have a lot of, and you don't. May Lumen is crying out for help in finding possible ways to open up trade. [40% base chance, 2,000g, unlocks new options for trade revenue, 1 turn]
Or this next turn, whatever, its just important that we get them both done somehow.
[ ] - Logistics - You're told that when they went and tallied up the expense of the six-month confrontation and realised that across Sartier something on the order of half a million gold crowns had been paid to raise and maintain the levy, Juan and May Lumen had gone and gotten blind drunk. After getting over their hangovers, they started brainstorming ideas for savings in the industries that support your levy. [50% base chance, Stewardship test, 2,000g, unlocks new options, 2 turns] (Chances increased via Luna trait)
Have Luna do this some time when we have some spare time methinks.
[ ] - Bridging the Gap - In Harper the inequality between rich and poor is more dramatic than elsewhere. Sonissimmo used to frequently chide them over this. Perhaps some research is in order? [55% base chance, 2,000g, unlocks new options for beginning to improve your Gentry Level, 2 turns]
Another on the list of things to do. We should consider making this a slightly higher priority, given that the Teuv find so much sympathy in the hearts of the peasants...
Justice
Charlie spends a surprising amount of time extolling the virtues of Ethan Sonissimmo, the Court Justice she met in Etela, raising a few eyebrows. Enough so that you wonder if she speaks of him that way around her husband. Beyond that, she stresses the need to tackle the Teuvian problem head on, getting an understanding of the true situation in Carentan especially. It will be a risky job, but she needs someone on the ground, finding out what is going on.
tl;dr Teuv is a dick, Charlie Tellar has a crush, fuck Capo for letting the Teuv infestation get this bad.
Action
Taking over the Case Load - Traditionally the duties of the ruling Great House have included a certain responsibility for backing other Houses up on law and order, particularly when it came to bandits, uprisings, and Teuvian influence. The Tellar Justice, Charlie Tellar, knows that she has a lot to catch up on and wants resources to help her survey the other provinces to find out how they are going. (This will give you a spot check on the Commoner Mood and Teuvian Influence of the provinces, as long as you pass the action the information should be accurate Base chances boosted by 'Maestro of the Hunt' and 'Law and Order', recent revelations]
-[ ] Survey Greater Harper, your home and vassal provinces. Things in Harper itself are mostly fine, and Carlisle is okay, but there are some rumours about the other two. [60% base chance, 0 Influence, 1 turn]
-[ ] Survey Greater Carentan, home of Capo and its vassals. Antonia has heard some dark and alarming rumours as to the extent of trouble in these lands. [50% base chance, 0 Influence, 1 turn]
-[ ] Survey Greater Etela, home of Sonissimmo and its vassals. Up until now there have been few problems, but massive upheavals are unpredictable by nature. [40% base chance, 1 Influence, 1 turn]
We should seriously consider doing this for Carentan, given what we know is going on in the province. Seriously consider.
[ ] - Call a Meeting - Charlie Tellar wants to host a meeting of all of the House Justices, Great, Vassal, and Minor to discuss the keeping of the peace. [Automatic success, 2 Influence, will create a Justice Meeting mini-turn with an agenda to be determined]
Something we should do in the near future, not sure we can do it just yet...
(Option made available now thanks to Law and Order trait)
[ ] - Andres has been catching worrying rumours that Harper already has the nascent heart of a rebel army, a group called the Yellow Banner, who wishes the end of Tellar rule. From what he has heard, they are years away from any true attempts at an uprising. However, hard facts are difficult to come by. It is time to do some focused digging. Whoever these people are, the peasantry are being careful not to betray them. Would that they were so careful not to betray their rightful lords! [35% base chance, 3,000g, 1 turn]
(Non-Agent Action) [ ] - During the recent bandit outbreak, two men were captured, wounded but alive, by the forces of House Rios. They have kindly turned them over to you, for the captured men have offered in exchange for their lives a lead on a member of the Yellow Banner's leadership who can be captured... [Option Disappears this turn] [Commence a hunt for the Yellow Banner rebel peasants]
(Charlie Tellar will handle if no agent is attached)
We should do one of these, I'm inclined to give the job to Charlie Tellar, though if we have an intrigue specced agent free we should definitely use them for it instead.
@OneirosTheWriter can we combine these two options into one task for an agent if we do assign one?
[ ] - Looking For An Unclogged Ear - The Royal Navy is heavily in Sonissimmo's pocket, which makes leveraging them difficult. Perhaps if you could find a sympathetic ear or two among the Admirals and Commodores you could start to wield some influence on Royal Navy policy? [20% base chance, locate Royal Navy characters who you can work with, 1 turn, 2,000g]
We need to get round to this eventually, however we have bigger eggs to fry this turn. We can unseat Sonissmmo from the Royal Navy at a later date when we're not frantically putting out fires.
(Free Action) Mentoring Audrey Suarez - One of your new debutantes is a promising lawbringer whom Charlie believes can go far. But Audrey is still learning the ropes, and the youth will be well served to follow around one of the older, more established Courtiers. It is just a matter of who you attach her to.
(Pick one only)
[ ] - Andres Tellar - [Improves Stewardship, possibility of learning a lite version of Law & Order trait]
[ ] - Carmen Rios - [Improves all stats, investigation ability, protects Carmen]
[ ] - Charlie Tellar - [Improves stats a little, but applies an extra Bonus to Justice Actions]
I'm inclined to give her to Carmen, less bonus for now but we'll get a more useful character out of her later. Invest for the future and all that.
Research
[ ] - Know thy Enemy - You know that Teuv is a large land-mass to the south-east that is home to zealous devotees of a pantheon of gods. But as things have been quiet for fifty years, much of the institutional knowledge has faded. Who are the Teuvian gods? What is their nature? What makes them attractive to followers? Perhaps it is time to do some digging. [40% base chance,4,000g, 2 turns, generate a report on Teuvian Gods, possibly earn bonuses to Teuv related rolls]
If we do this, and we should, we should go out of our way to pick a low piety character for it. Not sure if it ranks on the list of actions to take this turn though...
[ ] Did You Get My Memo? - Andres has long wanted his Spymaster and Justice to work more closely together, feeling the spies can provide many clues to potential unrest. Both councillors are interested in looking into it further. [30%, Diplomacy-Intrigue test, unlocks new options]
Another thing we should do eventually, not sure if it ranks for this turn what with our nascent crises.
Spymaster
Hamid introduces himself by way of a bombshell. It is, of course, known that your grandmother, Charlotte Tellar, was once Charlotte Capo, and that she played a large role in the events leading up to deposing Sonissimmo. You are all surprised to hear however, that Charlotte had known all along the deeper reasons behind Capo's cooperation, but neglected to share them with the rest of your family. Apparently you can take the girl out of Carentan, but you can't take Carentan out of the girl.
Thanks, Grandmama.
Hamid goes on to explain that the Teuvian problem, although widespread, is largely confined to the north-east of Sartier, namely the provinces of Talesa, Carentan, Arbalen, and Marlingtay. All of greater Carentan, plus your Vincennes vassals, in other words. However, there are still problematic pockets of the Teuvian faith. Although Teuvian worship is not strictly speaking outlawed, few would complain about aggressively pursuing these pockets.
He knows that there is at least one Missionary in Harper somewhere, but that is all he knows for now.
You wonder how many other Missionaries have come from the land of the gods to your shores.
tl;dr even Capo we're related to are huge dicks, who the fuck keeps something this serious secret?
Perhaps we should outlaw Teuvian worship...
Action
[ ] - Let's Network - Use one of your agents to go visit another Court and look for a potential recruit, or failing that, a commoner who works at the Court.
-[ ] Write in with target House, and any details regarding targeting [???% base chance, chance to recruit Foreign Agent]
Don't think we need this this turn, though agents are delicious. Not sure if this means agent for the court or simply a guy in a foreign court that we've turned...
[ ] - Infiltrate Tranquility - Even before your current difficulties with the Royal Navy, your problems with the pirate lords of Tranquility were already long, severe, and varied. Perhaps agents could be placed in that shattered land to provide warning of large developments. [Base chance 25%, 500g, Increased chance of getting a turn's warning for any major Pirate incursions, get updates on the pressure level in Tranquility]
Thing we should do as soon as we have time. Perhaps not this turn though...
[ ] - Two Can Play At That Game - When spies are suspected, Hamid can be ordered to perform a sweep through the Court at Harper, looking for signs of disloyalty. In light of new Teuvian actions, he will also enlist Antonia and see if he can find signs of people who are showing signs of interest in Teuv. [???% base chance, chance of locating disloyal court members, if any exist]
Do we suspect any spies in court? I mean we have an intrigue action that went on last turn and we know there's a missionary active in Harper...
I'm not sure I suspect enough yet though.
[ ] - The Royal Navy is more than too fond of the old regime, you have found out they are effectively entirely co-opted. Opinions are divided as to what to do about it, because many see it as a danger to your continued hold on power. Perhaps you should look into the matter and see what your spies can tell you about the Navy and their intentions. [35% base chance, 3,000g, 1 turn, Unlocks intrigue options for interacting with the Royal Navy]
Thing we should do is thing we should do, if only so that we have more of idea of what's going on with the bloody navy. It can probably wait though. Sonissimmo isn't going to start anything with the Capo lands this close to Teuvian revolt.
[ ] - The Cure for Stupidity - When all else fails, sometimes you can take a more … direct route to problem solving. Hamid is a dangerous man in a fight, but he is no assassin. However, he has access to two talented blades in the form of Patricia Frunkle and a commoner in her employ named Daisy Connor. A handler will need to be provided, however. (Ask for Hamid's estimates for chances and costs)
-[ ] Target in Harper [Target dependent base chance and cost, 1 Influence, no Agent required]
-[ ] Target elsewhere [Target-dependent base chance and cost, Agent required]
I don't think there's anyone we need to assassinate this turn. Right guys?
Right?
(Non-Agent Action) [ ] - The Lady in Yellow - Miranda Long is a commoner Songweaver who has come to Court with recommendations from her teachers in the Countryside. She is quite talented, but Andres Tellar harbours suspicions about her. It might be worth investigating. [10% base chance, 500g, 1 Influence, gain information about Miranda Long]
Urgh, can this wait a turn? I hope it can. We should really do it though. Its important shit.
[ ] Go to the Well (Hamid Hulland only) - Hamid can often learn much about what occurs in Sartier from his sources in Carentan. He never quite knows what he'll find, but it's usually something interesting! [???% base chance, 1,500g, random intel find]
Could be useful, could be useless. Bit of a gamble. We should probably consider doing it at least once though, should to see how it works.
[ ] A Formal Relationship - Melody Piar has been skulking about as the personal tool of Andres Tellar, but Hamid Hulland thinks she would make a very handy infiltration agent, especially in dangerous places. Charlie is not so enthused about the sort of influence she would be, though. [???% base chance, Hamid attempts to add Melody Piar to the Court at Harper, with a view to vetting her as an agent]
Delicious chance of an extra agent is delicious...
[ ] - Gods in Small Places - The Teuvian faith is spreading within the provinces of Sartier. Some provinces are more infested than others, but all are at least somewhat affected. Hamid wants to start using his agents to infiltrate the networks of believers rather than simply playing whack-a-mole. [40% base chance, 7,000g, Intrigue Test, high chance of combat, gain intelligence on Teuv groups]
We need to move on this, its a proactive solution to our Teuv problem rather than just stomping on it whenever it turns up. Whoever we send should have low piety though.
Research
[ ] - Loose Lips - Even before the entire order of Sartier was turned on its ear spies were trafficking themselves about with wild abandon. You are sure it will only get worse from here. Hamid wants funding to research ways to keep the Barossa Citadel clear of intruders. [40% base chance, 2,000g, unlocks new options]
This is pretty high priority. CINT is important people. Not sure its high enough priority to fit in this turn though...
[ ] - Follow the Money - Patricia Frunkle has long known that you can learn just about anything by knowing where the money goes. Hamid agrees fully. He'd like to spend some time looking into ways to better equip your agents to track that. [25% base chance, 4,000g, unlocks new options]
[ ] - The Professional - Daisy Connor, the commoner woman who handles much of Tellar's wetwork, would like funding to start research into the more underhanded applications of Spellsword techniques. [40% base chance, 4,000g, multi-discipline test, unlocks new options]
Both things we should do. At some point.
Court Songweaver
Your mother is quick to extol the rapid progress that Monica has made in her mission to establish a research base in the Chiming Forest. It is well ahead of progress and will likely finish in three years instead of four, a year ahead of schedule. Georgie Hulland will also be beginning her research soon, and Rita has great expectations of her.
For further action in her remit, your mother is strongly advocating that she get the chance to learn the ways of the Royal Navy's Naval Songweavers. She has heard they have begun teaching the Sonissimmo Songweavers their skills, and would like to add them to her repertoire.
She doesn't mention it in the meeting, but she is also pushing you to begin the process of learning how to grow into an Elite Songweaver. You have to admit, the idea is enticing, but also intimidating. Very few ever achieve the things your mother has, or that Monica has. You also feel a little uneasy by the idea that she is looking to replace Kayli Vincennes to replenish numbers.
tl;dr I continue to be salty as fuck about the fact that we lost one of our elite songweavers to a petty fucking squabble.
@OneirosTheWriter, I thought it was one automatic magic research project a year? Have we crossed over a year for these purposes?
Action
Rita Hulland is campaigning to establish research bases in areas where the ley lines of power run deep and strong. Of course, these are not easy places to establish a camp.
[MONICA 2T] Chiming Forest. The enchanted woods of the Chiming Forest have been a b-word for the bizarre and incredible. Since the defeat of the Teuv that has only grown, as parts of the forest become misted and tales of strange monsters floating among the trees begin to circulate. [20% Base Chance, 12,000g, Stewardship/Magic test, 4 turns]
[ ] Capo Mists. The mists in the warm northern part of the island are plainly unnatural. The strongest areas correspond to regions with many of the tallest tales and most bizarre happenings. [20% Base Chance, 15,000g Stewardship/Magic test, 4 turns]
-[ ] … Jointly with the Capo - If you approach the Capo openly, there's a good chance they'd be perfectly happy to join you in this endeavour. Their Court Songweaver, Luke Capo, is not quite Rita's equal, but he's still a fine mage with much to offer. [Replace above costs with: 40%, 6,000g, Diplomacy/Magic test, 3 turns, research shared with the Capo]
[ ] Mountains hold many veins of magic in their granite grasp, and setting up camp in some of the abandoned old mines of central mountains could be very rewarding. [35% Base chance, 15,000g, 4 turns]
[ ] Greater Etela Mists. Things are slowly thawing, but you'll have to do your best to fly under the radar. Not everyone there is ready to kiss and make-up. Maybe with the right agent to set it up, it could work? [10% Base chance, 15,000g, Stewardship/Intrigue/Magic test, 4 turns] *Normalise relations with the Sonissimmo in order to improve base chance.
[ ] Balan Harbour, Etela. Many strange water phenomena have been reported in the harbour, and Rita is dying to get some traction for a research mission there. Ideally before the
Sonissimmo scholars realise what is sitting under their noses. [10% Base Chance, 20,000g, Diplomacy/Magic test, 4 turns]
Two turns left till we hopefully get something delicious out of the Chiming Forest, I wonder if it'll roll again this year or if we only got one roll of it?
Research
[ ] - When the Beating of Your Heart... - The Vincennes Fortis Drums are mighty artifacts of magical power. But how are they made? Rita has long wanted a chance to investigate the Drums and how they are made. [15% base chance, 2,000g, 2 Influence, 2 turns]
Pretty sure we're not going to get another look at these for a while, lol.
(Non-Agent Action, once per year, starts ongoing research) Some talented Songweavers are asking you to bankroll their research into Songweaving. This sets up ongoing research into topics that have a chance to return a discovery each turn. These may generate small improvements, such as a reduction in the casting requirement, or an incremental improvement in yield. Or it may even generate a new song or hymn entirely!
[ ] Monica Reynolds (Mg 48) wants funding to conduct independent research into battlefield songs. Of course, with this sort of research, you need a lot of space and resources. [Base chance -30%, 30,000g startup, 5,000g per turn upkeep, currently a 32% chance of an incremental improvement, 2% of a major breakthrough]
[ ] Your young relative, Alice Tellar (Mg 25), would like an opportunity to conduct general research. [-10% base chance, 15,000g startup, 3,000g per turn upkeep, currently a 29% chance of an incremental improvement in a random field, 15% chance of an interesting development]
[ ] Natalie Tellar (Mg 12, C 36) is very interested in learning how to develop and improve Spellsword techniques. [Base chance -30% Magic+Combat test, 20,000g startup, 4,000g per turn upkeep, currently. 29% chance of an incremental improvement in a random field, 2% chance of a major breakthrough]
We can do another one of these?!
[ ] - Georgie Hulland requires 2,000g per turn to conduct her research. When budgets are tight, this funding can be suspended for a time. [Removes 2,000g/turn upkeep. Restarting funding requires a one-off cost of 250g/turn suspended]
Haha, fuck that, delicious automatic magic research isn't something we're giving up easily.
Hello, Sailor - Rita Hulland got to see the Royal Navy's special Songweavers in action over the summer, and she would love to get a chance to learn some of their techniques. She feels having a few of them on hand for Tellar and her vassals would help with coming battles against the Tranquility pirates. [Both of the below options entail a 30% Base Chance diplomacy test Evelyn will undertake as a Free Action to gain access]
-[ ] Have an Agent travel to Sonissimmo to attempt to learn these skills. [20% base chance, Magic Test, 2 turns, gain trait Naval Songweaver]
-[ ] Have Rita travel herself to Sonissimmo to attempt to learn these skills. [20% base chance, Magic Test, 2 turns, Rita Hulland gains trait Naval Songweaver]
If we pick to have Rita go do we still need to send an agent on the trip?
Minor Houses
Entreaties for aid had come from twoof your six vassal houses, from Rios in the west, Hulland in the south, and Reynolds in the east.
tl;dr ... there's not really anything new there. Our vassals want our backing for shit.
[ ] - One of your immediate vassals, Minor House Rios, hasn't operated their own navy before, but with the current instability they are looking to start. They are reaching out to you to see if you can spare an advisor to help them start up. [-200g, +2 Triremes for Rios, +1 Relations with Rios]
-[ ] - Subsidise the construction. This will allow Rios to build a larger force and also make the shipwrights in Gambier happy with you. [-1,000g, Additional +2 Triremes for Rios, +1 Relations with Rios, 30% chance of +1 Relations with Carlisle]
Thing we should do is a thing we should do. Its even an autosux so we can send someone otherwise unused on it if we need to.
[ ] - The Reynolds of Billfarthing, from whom some of the members of your Court hail, are floating the idea that with Tellar help, they could greatly expand their shipyards. This will let your Minor Houses build their own warships, though it would take further expanding before they can manage the higher-quality warships your major houses uses. [60% base chance of success, 2,000g per turn, +3 Relations with House Reynolds, 6 turns, shipyard berths increase to 6, Agent available after 2 turns]
Losing an agent for two turns is painful, but we should get around to doing this at some point as part of Plan: Create Our Own Navy With Blackjack And Hookers.
[ ] - An Eye For Talent - Your Minor Houses can be your greatest resource. In addition to bolstering your armies and providing your income, they also provide many varied and useful Courtiers, some of whom can go on to become Councillors, Agents, Generals, or otherwise useful people. There is always a trickle of debutantes and others arriving, but perhaps the local Houses are hiding some gems who would be better off in Harper? [4,000g, Agent proclivities will determine what sort of prospects are located]
We should do this if we have any free agents this turn. Or at least we should consider doing it, with the hundred and one other actions we need to do.
Court Maintenance
Not too much had happened at court yet, as all the provinces are still reeling from the dramatic power shift that had gripped Sartier. Kayli Vincennes had arrived from Marlingtay on what was clearly a diplomatic mission, and soon Tina Loskaria would go back to her home in Carlisle and be replaced. Hopefully she would have good things to say about her time in Harper...
tl;dr Vincennes are pleading their case, we need to replace Loskaria. Hopefully she'll have nice things to say, lol.
(Non-Agent Action) Replace a Councillor - Sometimes a candidate for a council position comes along who is just clearly the right person for the job. A Symphony is free to chop and change councillors as they will, but should be wary about spreading ill-will if they do so wantonly.
-[ ] Write in: Councillor to be replaced, replacement courtier (must be part of your court, at least 16, not senile, requires 1 influence]
Invite to Court - If you have a specific character you would like in your court, send them an invite.
-[ ] Write in name to invite, chances depend on target
(Non-Agent Action) Some people are just rotten influences. They connive, they lie, they cheat, and they sow dissension behind the scenes. When you identify someone like this, often the best course of action is to expel them.
[ ] Inform a person they are no longer welcome at your Court. [Automatic success. Write in who is to be expelled. May be consequences depending on the person; e.g., expelling a noble may sour relations with their House]
I don't see us needing these three this turn.
(Free Action, Non-Agent) Help Needed - Tina Loskaria has served faithfully as Andres Tellar's Secretary, an official assistant to the Executive. As is traditional, she has watched on and learned the art of stewardship from Andres. But now that she has turned 25, it is time for her to return to Minor House Loskaria, a Carlisle vassal, to help apply what she has learned, while hopefully putting in a good word for House Tellar. Now the Secretary role lies vacant, so it is time to find a replacement. Given Tellar's rise in station, you will have interest from young men and women across Sartier this time.
(Pick one option, candidates will be presented during mid-turn)
-[ ] Instruct all agents to keep an eye out for candidates in their travels. [Only search where your agents travel, but chance of finding unusual candidates, helps lock foreign Spymaster's out of the loop, -2 malus on all agent action rolls this turn]
-[ ] Ask for nominations from interested candidates. [Get people with an interest in the role and more candidates, but some risk of people putting forward nefarious candidates]
I'm inclined to go for the Agent option. -2
could hurt, but it could not as well and we don't have the intrigue to fight off the foreign spymasters actions.
(Non-Agent Action) [ ] - Janie Tellar - One of the myriad relatives that infest the court, Janie is a woman in her late-twenties with a devilish sense of intrigue. Now that the Spymaster council role is held by a Noble, she has expressed interest in becoming Hamid's apprentice. [1 Influence, Hamid will vet and provide her profile to the mid-turn for a final choice. Would provide a half-bonus to Intrigue rolls]
Thing we need to do as soon as we have a free influence point.
[ ] - Theo knows no peer with steel in hand, but Evelyn feels that he could be a much more versatile asset on the battlefield if he was trained to take the next step as a Songweaver. He would increase his repertoire of songs, his reliability with casting and maybe improve his impact a little. [70% base chance, 1,000g, 1 turn, Theo Raleigh upgrades trait Songweaver to Veteran Songweaver (Tier-2 spells, +1 Casting Dice)]
If we ever have a quiet moment Theo should get on this, he's not
too far away from being a candidate for elite status with the Veteran Songweaver trait. Just a bit more training...
Personal
Evelyn
You are really looking forward to the imminent arrival of your friend Alice Rugain. Further letters have told you that she will be arriving at the head of a task force from her family, and you are looking forward to seeing her and her fleet before Alice finds herself taking over all of her family's maritime affairs. [Expect Alice related actions in the mid-turn]
Alice is arriving! Yay! Will this be negatively (or perhaps positively) impacted if we're with the Royal Navy learning to seaweave like a boss? Possible synergy is enticing...
How long is she staying, come to think of it.
Pick one option only
(Evelyn only, free action) - Backup Plan - While your dad and aunt certainly don't plan on getting bumped off, you never know when something could befall them. Both are no strangers to battle and, tough as they are, fortune can claim anyone, and if either dies it dissolves the Symphony and you will have to take their place. Problem is … You have no clue who would join you to form the Symphony. Maybe you should start looking ahead of time? (Can be reused as you become more acquainted with more courts)
[ ] - Not Quite Moestorm - Believe it or not, you're now probably the most eligible Bachelor in all of Sartier. You haven't been particularly interested up till now, and to be truthful, you've spent more energy on dueling than dating. [Start putting feelers out for potentially interested candidates]
[ ] - Looking For Kindred Spirits - As the inheriting line, it is up to you to pick a Symphonius to join you in ruling Harper. However, it doesn't have to be a husband, or a brother, or a friend, or cousin or, well anything else. All it has to be is someone reliable, talented, trustworthy, who won't freak your populace out, make people worry about flight risks, have dark secrets, and whom you can trust to lead half of your House. That shouldn't be too hard to find, right? [Start putting out feelers for non-marriage candidates]
Well if its free... Its on the list of things to do, we want to have a Symphonius picked out ahead of time after all.
[ ] - Preparing to Take the Next Step - Truly elite Songweavers are few and far between. Tellar is blessed to have two in their court: Monica Reynolds, and your mother, Rita. You would like to add a third: yourself. But it is a long and arduous road to the top. You would like to ask your mother to help prepare you for the challenges of reaching the true heights of the Songweaving craft. [50% base chance, starts the path of upgrading from Veteran Songweaver to Elite Songweaver] (Note: if Rita takes the Naval Songweaving action, Evelyn will travel with her to Etela)
We do need to replace our lost elite songweaver... Not sure we can spare Evelyn from diplomacy this turn though. On the other hand, the prospect of Seaweaving is delicious...
(Free Action) [ ] - Patching Up - You've taken the first steps towards towards mending your own fractured relationship with your old friend Hana Sonissimmo. Perhaps you can continue to pursue that course of action? [???% base chance, 0g, 1 turn, ??? results]
Ohh wait. I just found what Evelyn's doing this turn! We really do need to patch things us with Sonissimmo, you think they'd accept a gift basket as a 'we're sorry for overthrowing you in a violent coup' present?
