Sartier Quest: A Tale of Song, Gods, and Trouble (CK2-Let's Go Hunt Gods, SV!)

[Katreus]

"Ah, my wounded," says Levar as he turns back to the harbour. "My wounded are being treated well. I do wish for a Memphrabi surgeon, but you Sartierans are not unskilled, so I am comfortable, as are my wounded."

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Wow, Levar certainly is loquacious (his ship name is well suited). It's a good thing he seems genuine to make up for some of his careless chatter. Seems like - if this were the quest to use D&Dish stats - high charisma but average wisdom.

You wait a moment and nod. "Of course. The qualities of Memphrabi physicians are legend."

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Huh. Are they? I suppose once we get that nurse stuff up and going, we might consider seeing if we can get a hold of one of them to help boost our healing.

"Ah, but your Songweavers...," breathes Levar, who turns to lean back against the balcony. Abruptly he raises his hands to the sky. "Ah, your Songweavers! Voices of beauty and power to stir the heavens! To see such masterful performances was worth the voyage alone."

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Our songweaving really is making an impression. Seriously, Tellar must have really been just the strange, mysterious hermits up in the forest or something. It's crazy how everyone is so surprised.

"Carentan is nice but those who know it consider it a very large coastal town rather than a true city with the grandeur to match. Sarba is starting to develop a good reputation for their architecture, but has far to go. So to no longer have Sonissimmo rule the nation ... why, many are concerned; yes, even in the Hall of the Sage of Heaven. Our God-King worries about where you will take your people"

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Ah. I guess we're turning doubters into (possible) believers. Or, at least, believers of our ability to bring down the boom. Guess choosing to take Levar along was a pretty good choice if only for the diplo opportunities it opens up.

A year ago you would probably fly off the handle at this point, fiercely defending your homeland. But ... today you keep your counsel and let him speak.

[Trait: Hothead -> Hothead (1)]

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Oh? Given the fluff, this seems like we're working on getting rid of our hothead or transforming it into a slightly better trait.

The township has been treated gently so far, with Evelyn ensuring that no sacking occurred. When this was announced, some ill-feeling arose when Lana, the Dale Mezzo, remarked, "Oh, so the Vincennes didn't learn it from you, then?"

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:lol Lana...

Great House Tellar gains Trait "Stirring From Shadow" - +1 Influence, +5 to Diplomacy Rolls opening up new relations - "Sartier and the world around Harper province have taken notice of recent events, even as the Tellar in turn begin to take notice of the world around them."

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Stat wise, nice. Description wise, I'm always a bit leery of other powers paying attention to our faction. It's flattering - in a very scary way.

Evelyn - "Shield of Many Colours" - +2 D, +15 to rolls for gathering allied contingents, +4 to Martial when commanding multiple factions

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Haha. Our prospective Marshall is so good at diplomacy. She's also picking up a lot of multi-gathering / allied force commander bonuses that'll probably come in handy given Tellar's status now. And we always seem to pick up these conditions when getting the Martial buffs. I guess it is a nasty surprise - someone expects a great combat commander, and suddenly the Commander may be about 1-2 tiers better than expected.

@OneirosTheWriter Does multiple factions include the Minor or Vassal Houses? Like Tellar + Hulland - does that count as multiple factions?

Rita - Replace "Nascent Statesman" with "Statesman", +1 Influence

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Nice. Racking up the influence for our House. Hrm. I think this offsets the -2 influence for next turn's Dale mini-turn. We might be able to spend the influence to build roads this turn. I'd like to get that done quickly while we still have the spare influence before anything big pops up (like the Dalish uprising).

Dominic - "And That Is Knightly Too", Gains bonuses on the charge and as a commander will look for chances to launch them; "Sea Lord" (+2 M at Sea)

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So what I'm getting is that we should probably have him command cavalry or the Oboes like now.

Claire Yin - [d100 = 100, critical pass], "Steel Without Peer", +1 C, +1 D, +3 Attacks added after Initiative Roll in Personal Combat

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Wow. Claire is really kill-y. Seriously. She might be closing in on Theo.

Candice Kettleblack - Gain "Blooded", gain "Ruby Among Diamonds", Candice seeks to prove herself as belonging in this world, prone to take risks, +5 to any failed Action roll.

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Ruby Among Diamonds? That sounds ... a little like a backhand compliment. Also, hrm - the +5 to failed Action roll but the prone to take risks... Something to keep in mind.

Evelyn, +2 M, +1 Mg

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Yay. So she's at 27 M, 39 Mg now? I'd like Evelyn to get to base Elite martial at least... Especially since wow, Antonia just hit Elite! (36) martial.

It is during the second night of their return, as the fleet makes camp for the night on another series of small islands, one day out from home, that it is discovered that they have a missing number. Miranda Long has disappeared in the confusion, and no one can say where she has gone. However, a fleet is a terribly large thing to turn back on account of any one person, and the fleet continues home.

Of course, when you arrive home and Hamid Hulland is waiting with members of the Inner Guard to arrest her, it quickly becomes clear Miranda's disappearance owed more to the impending doom of the Yellow Banner than any unfortunate mistake.

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Seriously, is there some sort of long distance communication spell that Tellar just doesn't know? How did Miranda even know she had to skedaddle? At least she helped out in the naval battle...

Yeah, but OK, this one doesn't bug me as much as the Harbor Master escaping. At least it's Yellow Banner affiliation, not Teuv.

[X][CASTLE] Gift - Clan Khironex will occupy Tidespray
(Ruger pays 12,000g into the lump sum kitty, maluses will apply to pirate attacks against Sartier)
(+1 Relations with Khironex with a DC80 test to improve to +2, +0 with Capo)

[X][SHIPS] - Plan A - Lords to Ruger, Corsairs to Tellar, Warriors to Tellar Minors
(2,000g salvage value to Ruger, 1,750g to Tellar, 750g to Tellar Minors)

[X][SHIPS] - Other - Write in (Disparity in values will be evened up through the lump sum)
- [X] 3 Lords, 2 Corsairs to Ruger
- [X] 1 Lord to Royal Navy
- [X] 5 Corsairs to Tellar
- [X] Warriors to Tellar Minors

[X][PIRATES] - Indenture Them - They will be committed to spend their lives paying back the damage they have caused to the Sartier, committed to work for the gold mines of Capo. [No Chivalry change, +1 Pressure in Tranquility, +280g per turn for Tellar, +1 Relations with Capo]
(1.2g / year / person, 2217g/turn, 28% share)

[X][HEROES] - Pardon Them - Release them back to Tranquility, but not before marking each one. Those found engaged in Piracy again will face the gallows. [+1 Chivalry to all commander characters involved, -3 Pressure in Tranquility, small chance for future dialogue]

... Makes sense to me game bonus wise, but ouch, it really sucks to be a regular person, I guess. If you're a hero, you def. get some more leeway than otherwise!

And I hope the Royal Navy appreciates that ship split. Since they said they'd like one to study... @OneirosTheWriter Do they actually want it? If not, Plan A is fine...

 

[Spectrum]

Nice. Racking up the influence for our House. Hrm. I think this offsets the -2 influence for next turn's Dale mini-turn. We might be able to spend the influence to build roads this turn. I'd like to get that done quickly while we still have the spare influence before anything big pops up (like the Dalish uprising).

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Oh, good thinking. Yeah, let's see what the Influence costs next turn look like. We should have done the research this turn on Stewardship stuff to let us take double projects or something of that nature next turn.

Yay. So she's at 27 M, 39 Mg now? I'd like Evelyn to get to base Elite martial at least... Especially since wow, Antonia just hit Elite! (36) martial.

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Yep. Just need to get Evelyn a bit more Martial and she can take over if necessary without any loss.

Seriously, is there some sort of long distance communication spell that Tellar just doesn't know? How did Miranda even know she had to skedaddle? At least she helped out in the naval battle...

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My interpretation is that Miranda came along already knowing she was being investigated and took the opportunity to vanish afterwards.

... Makes sense to me game bonus wise, but ouch, it really sucks to be a regular person, I guess. If you're a hero, you def. get some more leeway than otherwise!

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You may want to take a look at my vote selection, I've actually opted for the complete opposite. +280g/turn is peanuts, the only good thing there is +Relations with Capo.

 

[wingstrike96]

[X][CASTLE] Gift - Clan Khironex will occupy Tidespray
[X][SHIPS] - Other - Write in: Plan A, except Warriors are split appropriately between Tellar Minors, Capo, and Thanh
[X][PIRATES] - Pardon Them - Release them back to Tranquility, but not before marking each one. Those found engaged in Piracy again will face the gallows. [+1 Chivalry to all commandes present, -3 Pressure in Tranquility, DC 70 Diplo Test to avoid -1 Relations with Khironex, DC 60 to avoid -1 Relations with Capo, DC110 Test to gain 1 Influence in Sartier]
[X][HEROES] - Ransom Them - For the Heroes, Witches, and Lords there are usually interested parties who will pay a ransom. Maybe not all of them, but at least some of them. [Gain some crowns from ransom, no Chivalry change, those who cannot be ransomed will follow the fate accorded to the common Pirates, result will come next turn]
-[X] Pirate Heroes who cannot be ransomed will be Indentured, not Pardoned.

 

[Void Stalker]

[X][CASTLE] Gift - Clan Khironex will occupy Tidespray
[X][SHIPS] - Other - Write in: Plan A, except Warriors are split appropriately between Tellar Minors, Capo, and Thanh
[X][PIRATES] - Pardon Them - Release them back to Tranquility, but not before marking each one. Those found engaged in Piracy again will face the gallows. [+1 Chivalry to all commandes present, -3 Pressure in Tranquility, DC 70 Diplo Test to avoid -1 Relations with Khironex, DC 60 to avoid -1 Relations with Capo, DC110 Test to gain 1 Influence in Sartier]
[X][HEROES] - Ransom Them - For the Heroes, Witches, and Lords there are usually interested parties who will pay a ransom. Maybe not all of them, but at least some of them. [Gain some crowns from ransom, no Chivalry change, those who cannot be ransomed will follow the fate accorded to the common Pirates, result will come next turn]
-[X] Pirate Heroes who cannot be ransomed will be Indentured, not Pardoned.

Yeah I like how this plan works out. To me the castle is a money sink we can't afford until we into economy.

 

[Neptune]

@OneirosTheWriter - could you take at my previous post, and whether those ideas are feasible?

 

[Spectrum]

could you take at my previous post, and whether those ideas are feasible?

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FYI, he's asleep, it's like 4AM over there.

 

[Terrabrand]

[X] Spectrum

Seems solidly reasoned.

 

[Spectrum]

I'm actually curious at some of the answers to Neptune's suggestions and Katreus' comment about whether the Royal Navy would've wanted one of the big ships for analysis, so I may end up revising if something novel comes up. We'll see!

Also, for anyone who cares, I've edited the trait list I had with the new stuff and I found a few more of what the "Child Of ___" bonuses were.

 

[Katreus]

3) For the Pirates+Heroes, I am taking the position that enemy common combatants are under orders/don't have a lot of choice, so we'll treat them civilly and send them back, but it's their only chance. Diplo tests *should* be Evelyn (+37) + Councilor (+37/3+2=15) + Symphony (+25/3=9) for +61 base, so I'm not concerned there. Their leaders are the ones responsible, and so we'll treat them appropriately as who takes the blame. Ransom and then Indenture because I think Ransom or Execute looks more like extortion/kidnapping than laying blame appropriately.

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Edit: Diplo tests are Evelyn base with Antonia bonus, no other Council bonus.

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It's going to be +46 base, not 61. Also, as I mentioned, the mechanical bonuses are better the other way... Diplo tests just to avoid -1 relations?

 

[Spectrum]

It's going to be +46 base, not 61. Also, as I mentioned, the mechanical bonuses are better the other way... Diplo tests just to avoid -1 relations?

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Ah, I missed the edit. +46 vs DC60 and DC70 are IMHO probably still fine given +relations from other spots, -3 Pressure, and the chance at more +Influence.

 

[Terrabrand]

+46 vs DC60 and DC70 are IMHO probably still fine given +relations from other spots, -3 Pressure, and the chance at more +Influence.

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Should be 85%~ for the first and 75%~ for the second chance of success. Chance of failing both is therefore in the vicinity of 4%~. Seems a reasonable risk to take.

 

[Spectrum]

Should be 85%~ for the first and 75%~ for the second chance of success. Chance of failing both is therefore in the vicinity of 4%~. Seems a reasonable risk to take.

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36% chance at +1 Influence, too. Not as good as I thought, but that's still worth a dice roll I think, given how strong Influence is. But -3 Pressure is potentially worth it on its own even if all the dice fail.

 

[Terrabrand]

36% chance at +1 Influence, too. Not as good as I thought, but that's still worth a dice roll I think, given how strong Influence is. But -3 Pressure is potentially worth it on its own even if all the dice fail.

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Yeah, Influence is a big deal. I'd actually be happy with failing both diplomacy rolls but succeeding at Influence, given we could probably take advantage of the extra to, you know, patch up the diplomatic states.

 

[Void Stalker]

[X] Spectrum

Is there any place where the character sheets are up to date? One the front page when I look at Evelyns the diplo and magic at least are too low. Also whenever we go to get the other half for the ruling pair for Evelyn it looks like Stewardship and Intrigue are the areas we want highest.

 

[Spectrum]

Is there any place where the character sheets are up to date? One the front page when I look at Evelyns the diplo and magic at least are too low. Also whenever we go to get the other half for the ruling pair for Evelyn it looks like Stewardship and Intrigue are the areas we want highest.

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Yeah, they're out of date. Check instead the Turn 3 start post, that has accurate bonuses, then adjust for what was just unlocked in this battle.

 

[OneirosTheWriter]

I don't commit the stat and trait changes formally until the end of the turn.

It turns out were right about Mirande, but it's a shame enemies have escaped twice during this interlude.

For the elite prisoners is imprisoning them with the purpose of interrogating them an option, with leniency being granted with cooperation. This would provide Sartier with much greater information about Tranquility and it's magic, along with it's society which is particularly relevant now that we know Teuv has influence there too. Loyalty to such an individualistic society is also unlikely, especially with a proper carrot and stick policy.

Also is giving the island to the navy as an institution itself an option? The Sonissimo currently have control and are naval and stewardship experts so they should be able to rebuild the island effectively in the short term, while in the medium term we can use this gift as a way to reduce overall Sonissimo control and increase Tellar influenced.

@OneirosTheWriter - I'm not sure if you noticed my edit as you may have only read the original post. (Sorry about that, typing on a small tablet is f*cking annoying)

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The Royal Navy isn't really interested in offshore bases as their remit is pretty Sartier focused. And, um, Antonia would blanch a little at Sonissimo establishing an island base that opens up the entire south-east of Sartier to their forces.

@OneirosTheWriter That reminds me, when you did the prelim post you seemed to be thinking about "Special Items". In the end, nothing dropped?

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I was getting bogged down, might take a second crack at it later and fold it into the turn post.

@Katreus - Yea, they would appreciate one to study.

 

[Spectrum]

I don't commit the stat and trait changes formally until the end of the turn.

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Yeah, but what was being pointed out was that:

Evelyn Tellar - HARPER-Locked
Healthy
Magic 38
Diplomacy 35

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in the start of turn 3 post is accurate but:

Evelyn Tellar
Tellar Concerto
Female 27

M:24
C:29
S:16
D:33
I:20
Mg:34
Piety: 5
Chivalry: 4

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in the OP is out of date. It's not a huge deal since at least it's there in the most recent place, but we do have to remember to look there instead of the OP.

Katreus - Yea, they would appreciate one to study.

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Because the Royal Navy does not have a separate share (trees under Tellar), to accomplish this it would just come out of Tellar's share?

 

[OneirosTheWriter]

No, it would just remove the ship from the other calculations for splitting up the liquid capital. (Whichever ship has the highest repair cost will be given)

And right, I'll remember to update those properly. Those ones can be time-consuming :X Part of what is nice about the stat approximations actually!

 

[Spectrum]

No, it would just remove the ship from the other calculations for splitting up the liquid capital. (Whichever ship has the highest repair cost will be given)

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Righto. I have edited my plan accordingly to distribute a Lord to the RN. Hopefully we can buy some goodwill with them or at least improve Sartieran naval operations indirectly down the line.

Wait, does this mean that Sartier has never actually taken a Tranquility Lord intact to give to them in the past?

@wingstrike96 You copied my vote previously, so heads-up that I made an edit to the ship distribution if you decide to follow as well.

@Terrabrand @Void Stalker Courtesy heads-up that I have made a plan edit.

 

[OneirosTheWriter]

Righto. I have edited my plan accordingly to distribute a Lord to the RN. Hopefully we can buy some goodwill with them or at least improve Sartieran naval operations indirectly down the line.

Wait, does this mean that Sartier has never actually taken a Tranquility Lord intact to give to them in the past?

@wingstrike96 You copied my vote previously, so heads-up that I made an edit to the ship distrbution if you decide to follow as well.

@Terrabrand @Void Stalker Courtesy heads-up that I have made a plan edit.

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First time in the last several years. They appear very rarely and are the most slippery of the ships. Nabbing one from time to time helps keep the RN abreast of the trends in Tranquility shipbuilding,

 

[Spectrum]

Say, Oneiros, if earlier we had chosen to only have the best Courtiers go, would Miranda Long still have come along?

 

[Void Stalker]

Righto. I have edited my plan accordingly to distribute a Lord to the RN. Hopefully we can buy some goodwill with them or at least improve Sartieran naval operations indirectly down the line.

Wait, does this mean that Sartier has never actually taken a Tranquility Lord intact to give to them in the past?

@wingstrike96 You copied my vote previously, so heads-up that I made an edit to the ship distribution if you decide to follow as well.

@Terrabrand @Void Stalker Courtesy heads-up that I have made a plan edit.

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Yeah I switched to voting by your name in case it was worth giving the RN one of the Lords

 

[OneirosTheWriter]

Say, Oneiros, if earlier we had chosen to only have the best Courtiers go, would Miranda Long still have come along?

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Would have been a borderline case. Her combat and toughness isn't where you'd like it but 30+ Magic Veteran Songweavers are srs bsns.

 

[Spectrum]

Ruby Among Diamonds? That sounds ... a little like a backhand compliment. Also, hrm - the +5 to failed Action roll but the prone to take risks... Something to keep in mind.

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I'm a little surprised she got a mixed bag Trait as well. Near as I can tell, she did fine during the battles actually casting successful spells during the naval portion from Dominic's flotilla. Perhaps she still felt she didn't measure up compared to Real Tellar Courtiers and needs to do more as Antonia's new wife. Luna's sniping and the whole being around House Reynolds probably didn't do her any favors in that regard, either.

 

[Macchiato]

Etela
"Have you heard the news from Nune Reef, sister?"

"Hello, Blake. Lovely day. How is the rest of the Royal Navy feeling at being left behind? I hope Ethan is well."

He flicked a hand at my passive aggressive commentary on his manners and carried on like the insufferable prat he was.

"Tellar Songweavers," he prompted.

"Hmm yes, I seem to recall hearing they have some and that they're not bad at what they do."

"Could you just…?" Blake sputtered, face reddening.

I grinned, goal achieved. "Continue, Vice-Marshall."

He glared reproachfully, feathers still clearly ruffled, but returned to the original topic, "The word from Nune Reef is that Rita and Monica did obscene things to the Tranquility forces unassisted."

"Unassisted?" I raised an eyebrow. Blake really needed to get a handle on his hyperbolic tendencies.

"Well okay, they had lots of support, but they took out a lead ship in two shots! They put a massive hole in a really really solid wall. And there is no gatehouse where there used to be one!"

"So you're saying we shouldn't have let Rita look into the Royal Navy archives to research Naval Songweaving?" I was still more amused than not. I already knew everything he was telling me, but it was really fun to see his reactions once his calm veneer was removed.

"I'm saying how did we not know that they could do something like this and what are you going to do about it?!"

"Well," I leaned forward, "for starters, I did know they could do something like this. Or, at least knew it was highly likely. I did foster with them, you know, and got to see firsthand some of what Rita could do back then."

"Then why didn't you-" he stopped at my raised hand.

"Because we're past quibbling over them usurping our rule, Blake. Teuv is rallying, and we need to be united against that threat. I'm not Avery, I can see what some of our reports coming in from Carentan mean and our friends in Memphrabi are of a similar mind. I don't like what they did any more than you do, but we need to set that aside or we may not have a Sartier to fight over. So I count this as a victory for us, not something to be afraid of."

Unhappy but chagrined, Blake nodded. He was by far the most ruthless of us but he was still young and sometimes lacked the maturity that Ethan had, which made for interesting conversations like this. "You could be a little unsettled at least," he muttered resentfully.

I laughed, not unkindly, "Of course I am, Blake. But they're on our side, which is to our benefit. And I can't do anything about what's already done. But this is where you come in." That perked him up. "You're uniquely placed, and talented enough, to make sure this stays working to our benefit. And that we have contingencies in place if it doesn't."

His mouth set, grimly pleased, "Leave it with me."


Carentan
The Spider set aside the latest correspondence from his daughter. Her reports on the forces unleashed at Nune Reef were unsettling to say the least. Although technically not within his purview, he and Theresa had long had an understanding what they each actually did and contributed to their partnership and this sat firmly within his scope.

Not since the time of the Gods War had the world seen, or fully appreciated, the power of Sartieran songweavers. Most, perhaps, had forgotten. Within the boundaries of their own nation, he knew many had never borne witness to the force of Elite Songweavers combined and unleashed. Reluctantly, he had to admit that even he had not realised the Tellar songweavers had grown to such strength. It was easy to underestimate them, hidden behind their veil of incompetent management and backwater townships. Like diamonds in the rough, however, there was true potential to be tapped there and he had been remiss in not cultivating the appropriate relationships sooner. It was time to see Alouette and discuss strategic placements.


Khironex
Along the docks and canals of the Serene Bell's domain, rumours were shouted, not whispered. Nexis were not fond of keeping things to themselves, and word quickly winged its way to their ruler's ear of the unknown and previously unquantified danger posed by Sartieran songweavers.

In her immense floating palace on the water, the ruler of Khironex considered the implications to the Clans and her nation. The power of their Sea Witches was one and the same as that of Tranquility's, albeit more refined and focused in its application. But it was obvious that even so, Sartier possessed power few had thought possible. Certainly of a nature that surpassed anything the Nexis would be able to field now or in the future.

She herself had been in swaddling cloths when the Gods War had taken place, but had heard enough stories and accounts from older and wiser heads to know that Teuv and its supposed gods were not to be trifled with or taken lightly. Much of what had actually occurred on Sartieran shores to push back Teuvian forces was now distorted with speculation and the sort of exaggeration that naturally came with time and distance. But if what they had shown then was anything like what Alice's account to Clan Ruger hinted at, they were a force to be reckoned with and a worthy ally to shore up sooner than later. Teuv was stirring and it would not do to be caught on the back foot when it came to those people, may their ships ever be storm-lashed.

Probably just as well that Alice had gone to visit her friend when she did, as it turned out. Fortuitous, some would say, and certainly something they could turn to their advantage, particularly with the change in leadership that had happened only last year. She lifted a hand and found an arm right where she expected it to be.

"Thank you, Douglas," she smiled at her husband. "Would you fancy a trip, my love? Accompanied, of course, but those Sartierans might perceive your presence as sufficient honour, no?"

Although men were not rated particularly highly in Khironex society, her role required knowledge of other nations' customs, and she understood how to use those to her benefit from time to time. Such as sending her husband to a nation who allowed genders equal access in all matters.

"Of course, Serenity," he said meekly.


Kabilee
With dismay, the Kabilean King received the news of Sartier's triumph at Nune Reef. Not because he wished ill on Sartier, but because he hated backing the wrong horse. More than fifty years ago, it had been capitulating to the Teuv rather than fighting what had seemed inevitable. He had been a newly minted ruler at the time, a talented young horseman who many had hoped would lead the Kabilee to greater heights and perhaps win the affections of the people. Then the Gods War had happened and, swayed by his concern for their horses and perhaps swayed overmuch by bad advisors, he had surrendered to the Teuv under the most favourable terms they could negotiate at the time. Although decades ago now, he knew this was a legacy of his rule and he had lost the confidence of many of the Dukes and Barons from that decision onwards.

After the dust had settled, Kabilee had thrown their lot in with House Tarrant, vassals of the Sartieran ruling Symphony, not least because they were the ones who he felt would truly value Kabilean horses as they deserved to be. He had hoped that this coup by the Tellar would be temporary and that Sonissimmo would have again risen up but it appeared this was not to be.

If things continued as they were, he would not sit his seat for much longer, despite his long tenure. Particularly with this show of force from Tellar. None of his people pretended to truly understand Sartieran magic. Kabilean magic was of a gentler nature, focused on the defense of their home and horses. Perhaps because of this, they were become overawed at the idea of such devastating force in the hands of a nation with whom they did not have the strongest relationship.

He watched his horse lords gather on the Field of Council and rode to join them, pondering how much longer it would be before he were unhorsed by another who had not made so many mistakes.


Memphrabi
"Exalted One," the man prostrated before him murmured.

The Sage of Heaven, Memphrabi's head of state and believed embodiment of earthly wisdom, nodded his head, "You may rise."

The man rose, but only to his knees. Palms resting on his legs, he kept his gaze downturned. "Exalted One, word has arrived from your Cousin Levar Alan. He has borne witness to such wonders, Lord."

How fascinating. A distant relation, sending Levar on an expeditionary mission had been more to get him out of the way than for any real purpose. The boy did go on so.

Nevertheless, for all his frippery, Levar was not one to overembellish. He pressed his hands together, "Continue."

"Scholar Alan says that the Sartierans have rediscovered Elite Naval Songweaving, that which was believed to be a lost art, and have employed it to full effect. He estimates the two Elite Songweavers who engaged in battle were equivalent in worth to an additional flotilla in full."

"Surely he is mistaken," considered the Sage of Heaven aloud. But that was not something to muse over with others present.

"Dismissed," he waved his hand absentmindedly, turning over his cousin's words. He waited until the man had left before returning to his thoughts. If the Sartierans had revitalised Naval Songweaving again, this bore further investigation.

Although none surpassed the Memphrabi sorcery, all accounts he had heard and read regarding the value of this songweaving, not only in its traditional applications but the new developments which had been instrumental in stopping Teuv's onslaught, pointed to it being either a threat or of tremendous worth to others. How fortunate Levar was on-site already.



Teuv
The world might have forgotten all that had occurred except that Teuv had been pushed back, but the gods do not. Brothers and Sisters united, they surely would triumph when they tried again. There yet remained disagreement on tactics, but their missionaries and Renmi were proving useful, and the new information that now reached them of the exact strength of Sartier was critical.

In the mist-shrouded halls of Teuv, Bragati, self-proclaimed god of bravery and luck, massaged the old wound in his side and made plans. Soon.