Delayed due to existing military commitments. Beyond that, the people who were making strong contributions were used to make up the force. Logan Sarba made the call that Vincennes would not be mustered for this fight, and they'd take care of it themselves, since he was confident his force could do the trick. And then they would ideally have goodwill for defending the locals.
Initial Approach:
Carlisle: Jockey for Advantage: 31
Pirates: Jockey for Advantage: 28
Carlisle by 3, slight advantage, gain +5 to next roll
Second Approach:
Carlisle: 4d10+d12+d8+5: 38
Pirates: 4d10+d10+d11: 49
Pirates by 11, major advantage, able to start approaching to ramming with +10 to rolls at Range 3
Disengagement:
Carlisle: 4d10+d12+d8+10 (Disengage) = 35
Pirates: 4d10+d10+d11+10 (Advantage) = 50
Pirates by 15, disengagement unsuccessful, Pirates now locked in pursuit
Battle
Valerie Tellar hated running.
"Damnation, they're preparing to fire," says Scott Linderman, the Carlisle Vice-Marshall as he looked across the water. Sure enough, Valerie's keen, young eyes could see the distant pirates bending their longbows.
For an old guy of nearly fifty, Scott wasn't so bad. He let Valerie have her head most of the time. More like a cool older brother or uncle than a guardian, really. That suited Valerie just fine. Much better than putting up with mama had been back in Harper. Now she got to spread her wings, have adventures.
Why, she had been to the north, jousted in Tarrant. And weren't those knights shocked to see her cute face under the helmet! A year ago she had fought a duel to the death with a young man before the walls of a bandit fort, slaying their champion before thousands of onlookers to end a revolt with only the one lost life. She was loved and feared, and that was just how Valerie liked it. She was everything an adventurous young noblewoman dreamed of being and doing.
The veterans at court all marvelled at her balance, her flexibility, her poise with sword in hand. When her body finished filling out and she got her full adult strength, they said she was like as not to be one of the finest warriors Sartier had ever produced.
To which Valerie would only scoff and ask, "What do you mean, 'one of'?"
Fleets are at Range 3
House Pentan's Flotilla is escaping in a different direction, Pirates ignore
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Scott's Fl
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Jing's Fl
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Orlon's Fl
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Kurn's Fl
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Intentions:
Jing Innspool prepares to sing Song of the Gust on Southhammer
Scott's Flotilla's Spellswords prepare to sing Song of the Gust
Kurn's Flotilla (Two Lords) exchanges fire with Jing's Flotilla
Results:
Scott Spellswords prepare to sing Song of the Gust
Need 20+
Scott Linderman, 2d20 = 31, success, +d5
Valerie Tellar, 2d20 = 25, success, +d5
Amelia Carlisle, 2d20 = 12, failed
Penelope Chin, 3d20 = 38, success + d7
Jing Innspool prepares to sing Song of the Gust on Southhammer
Need 20+, 2d20 = 27, success
+2 Range, +d5 to Roll
Disengagement failed, Need a +20 differential to close gap
Kurn 16/20 on Jing, Orlon 6/20 on Scott
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Scott's Fl
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Jing's Fl
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Orlon's Fl
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Kurn's Fl
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Intentions:
Scott's Flotilla's Spellswords prepare to sign Song of the Gust
Jing Innspool prepares to sing Song of the Gust on Southhammer
Kurn's Flotilla (Two Lords) exchanges fire with Jing's Flotilla
Results:
Scott Spellswords prepare to sing Song of the Gust
Need 20+
Scott Linderman, 2d20 = 19, failed
Valerie Tellar, 2d20 = 23, success, +d5
Amelia Carlisle, 2d20 = 14, failed
Penelope Chin, 3d20 = 26, success, +d7
Jing Innspool prepares to sing Song of the Gust on Southhammer
Need 20+, 2d20 = 36, success
+2 Range, +d5 to Roll
Disengagement failed, Need a +20 differential to close gap
Kurn 25/20 on Jing, Orlon 10/20 on Scott
Jing's Flotilla now range 2
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Scott's Fl
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Jing's Fl
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Orlon's Fl
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Kurn's Fl
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Intentions:
Scott's Flotilla's Spellswords prepare to sign Song of the Gust
Jing Innspool prepares to sing Song of the Gust on Southhammer
Kurn's Flotilla (Two Lords) exchanges fire with Jing's Flotilla
Results:
Scott Spellswords prepare to sing Song of the Gust
Need 20+
Scott Linderman, 2d20 = 8, failed
Valerie Tellar, 2d20 = 32, success, +d5
Amelia Carlisle, 2d20 = 28, success, +d5
Penelope Chin, 3d20 = 28, success, +d7
Jing Innspool prepares to sing Song of the Gust on Southhammer
Need 20+, 2d20 = 32, success
+2 Range, +d5 to Roll
For his own part, Scott wondered just how many of the most stressful parts of the last couple years were tied into those words.
"I'm busy, Valerie," he replied.
"Busy running like a whipped dog," snorted Valerie. "You can thank me for saving you from this later."
"What is it?"
"Look, we've opened up a gap on those Warriors in the other pirate flotilla," she explained, pointing out over the water. "But that other pirate flotilla is gaining on Jing's boys and girls. The bastards."
"So wh-oh no, no, not happening."
"Scott you lump! We'll have the perfect line of approach," said Valerie.
"You want me to take six Oboes into the teeth of seven Tranquility heavies?"
"Don't be a coward."
"I have the second in line to the Mezzo in this flotilla, Vicky," replied Scott through gritted teeth. "It isn't cowardice."
"Do you think she'll thank you for tying her into this cowardice when you let half of the House's entire fleet get run down and destroyed?" retorted the teenager. "Turn in and we can crush the fleet chasing Jing."
"That's a lot of crushing you'd have us do!"
"We know their flagship," said Valerie.
"Jing will get himself out of this."
The Tellar hothead threw her hands up and stamped away a few paces, fists balled and face red. Finally she half-turned back to Scott, and drew her sword. The steel tip was levelled at the enemy flagship and she stood there in her youth and inner fire, a moment in time stolen from a storybook. Emerald green Tellar cloth ripped in the sea breeze while the sun danced off the blade and the heavy lamellar armour. Her eyes were alight with her passion, her teeth grit.
"Do you want to live forever, old man?" she demanded. "You won't find it in your dotage! It's out there, on the deck of that ship!"
"Valerie..."
"Follow me and I will lead you there, and save this fleet!"
The Vice-Marshall stood there as a hundred House Carlisle men and women turned to watch him. "Snap my strings," he muttered to himself.
Fleets are at Range 1
Sarai Osgood sings Ripsong on Scott's Flotilla
Need 50+, 5d20 = 54, success
+d10 to roll
Disengagement failed, Need a +20 differential to close gap
Kurn 21/20 on Jing, Orlon -11/20 on Scott, Orlon is falling behind
Jing's Flotilla now range 1
Scott's Flotilla now on the corner
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Scott's Fl
Jing's Fl
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Kurn's Fl
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Orlon's Fl
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Intentions
Scott Spellswords prepare to sing Song of the Gust
Jing Innspool prepares to sing Song of the Shockwave
Kurn and Jing's Flotilla exchange fire
Scott's Flotilla fires on Kurn's Flotilla
Results:
Scott Spellswords prepare to sing Song of the Gust
Need 20+
Scott Linderman, 2d20 = 30, success, +d5
Valerie Tellar, 2d20 = 20, success, +d5
Amelia Carlisle, 2d20 = 28, success, +d5
Penelope Chin, 3d20 = 30, success, +d7
Jing Inspool prepares to sing Song of the Shockwave
Need 25+, 2d20 = 19, failed
Valerie's voice was beautiful as she went through the tricky rising notes of the Song of the Gust. Her song joined several rising up around the fleet, a beautiful harmony of chivalry. Around her the marines bent their bows and loosed volleys at the foe. Their assault goes unanswered for now, as the pirates kept their focus on Jing's Flotilla, their arrow shafts turning those noble ships into hedgehogs.
When the song finished welling up within her and broke loose it was a powerful, thrilling sensation. A tingle went from the hollow of her throat down to her toes. It was kind of like kissing her friend Amelia's cousin only without the slobber.
The effect was brutal. She saw Tranquility pirates go down on their rapidly nearing decks. Scores of pirates were cut down. They had caught their foe on horns of indecision. Tranquility still pursued Jing, unwilling to let a prize so near escape. It would be their undoing, of that Valerie was certain.
Kurn -8/20 on Jing, Orlon -21/20 on Scott, Orlon has falling behind
Jing's Flotilla slowing to lend support
Scott's Flotilla approaches to ramming
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Jing's Fl
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Scott's Fl >
Kurn's Fl
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Orlon's Fl
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Intentions:
Sarai Osgood casts Dolphinsong on Scott's Flotilla (All but Carlisle # 6)
Scott Spellswords prepare to sing Thunderhymn
Jing Innspool prepares to sing Song of the Shockwave
Kurn's Flotilla and Scott's Flotilla exchange fire Jing's Flotilla fire's on Kurn's Flotilla
Ramming and boarding attacks!
Results:
Sarai Osgood casts Dolphinsong on Scott's Flotilla (All but Carlisle # 6)
Need 55+, 5d20 = 55, success
+3d8h1 to ramming rolls for Astute - 5
Scott Spellswords prepare to sing Thunderhymn
Need 15+
Scott Linderman, 2d20 = 23, success, +d3
Valerie Tellar, 2d20 = 19, success, +d3
Amelia Carlisle, 2d20 = 15, success, +d3
Penelope Chin, 3d20 = 28, success, +d4
Jing Innspool prepares to sing Hymn of the Mountains
Need 25+, 2d20 = 24, failed
Carlisle # 6 ramming attack on Corsair # 4
Ram: 4d10+d12+10 (Side-on!) = 40 Counter 4d10+d15 = 25
Ramming successful! Carlisle # 6 WR: 6d20h4+d12 = 63 Corsair # 4, Port, 58 v Hp9/14T = 4 Hp, above and below water, 5/9 Hp
Armour Mod Reduced to d16, +7 pts flooding/turn! Now 7pt!
"By all the crowns in Castle Mariner," whispers Scott as the trireme flings itself at the enemy. "It's going to work." The side of the enemy Lord grows massive as they neared. It is trying but failing to get out of the way, having left it too late in its blind pursuit of prizes.
"Come on!" cried Vicky just before the ram sinks home. "For Harper and Gambier!"
The ships collide with a violent crash, and Vicky leaps from the prow to the pirate ship with reckless disregard for the danger. Her hair streams behind her, her emerald surcoat billows, her sword shines in the light, and in that moment, Valerie Tellar is a fairy tale come to life. Centuries of Sartieran Chivalry have led her to this moment.
Her friends and hangers-on follow without a second thought and help her bull her way through a gap to attack the pirate commander. Behind them, the flat-footed House Carlisle marines spring across the gap behind her, piling in against the crew. But none are caught more flat-footed than the Pirate Lord known as Kurn, who finds himself confronted by a furious angel at full gallop.
Valerie strikes at her target not with a flurry of blows, but a series of feints as she approaches. Even as Scott labours to catch up, her blade moves high, slips across; she controls the lines of approach between them, body flexing to wrong-foot the pirate about where the attack will come from. For all his muscular power, Kurn cannot keep up with the moves and is goaded into a reckless attack, axes raised high, ready to smash and pulverise.
Valerie springs into her foe, raising her shield and bringing it across, knocking into Kurn's blow. And this hides her own blade. Even as the axe glances off her rawhide shield, her own swordpoint thrusts up and punches through the thin armour at his flank, just above the hip, through the leather stays. She has not the strength to drive her sword far into his side, but it is still more than enough to make the wound mortal. With a jerk and a welter of blood the sword comes free, and Kurn slumps to his knees and falls.
"That's the end of our welcome, Vicky, time to make haste!" Scott yells over the din as he moves to shield her from potential retribution. Vicky nods and turns to race back aboard the Astute with the rest of the retreating marines, while Scott is the last back aboard, holding off the hungry axes of seasoned pirates long enough to let them all escape, before he himself turns and makes the perilous jump back.
Fleets are at Range 1
Scott's Flotilla and Jing's Flotilla Disengage and escape before Orlon's Flotilla can respond Kurn's Flotilla Leaderless, control devolves to Orlon, needs to pass a Martial test to regather
<= 7 on d20 = 13, failed
Kurn's Flotilla has four holed ships and one shattered crew, pursuit of fleeing Carlisle ships not offered
Carlisle flotillas escape automatically
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Jing's Fl
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Scott's Fl ^
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Kurn's Fl
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Orlon's Fl
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House Carlisle casualties: 265
(20+4d6 = 35, 2d6 = 8)
93 KIA, 172 WIA (21 crippled)
House Carlisle Exchequer Jing Innspool wounded by arrows
Tranquility casualties: 348
(20+4d6 = 32, 2d6 = 4)
111 KIA, 237 WIA (14 crippled)
Pirate Lord Kurn killed in battle by Valerie Tellar
Net Effect:
Kurn's Pirate Raid on Bonita District of Gambier heavily disrupted, city will no longer be assaulted, looting gains are quartered
Valerie Tellar gains trait "Fairytale Made Flesh" - +1 Chv,+1 D, +1 T; Test [d100 = 90, pass], gains trait "Steel Without Pity" - +2 Attacks added after Initiative roll in personal combat
Valerie Tellar has 1 Influence Point saved.
"You, Valerie, are a fucking maniac," says Scott as he sags with relief.
"Looks like the flotilla has disengaged and the enemy Warriors are going to help their fellows," says Valerie. "I may be mad, but I'm right as well, old man." With that she smiles and walks off towards her friends.
Scott shakes his head and looks to one of the older salts on the crew. "Did I ever have that much energy as a young man?"
And around the Astute, around the flotilla entire, the marines and sailors are singing her name.
Valerie Tellar gains trait "Fairytale Made Flesh" - +1 Chv,+1 D, +1 T; Test [d100 = 90, pass], gains trait "Steel Without Pity" - +2 Attacks added after Initiative roll in personal combat
Oh, Kurn has no bodyguard. Slightly less impressive by Valerie!
Amused that Scott didn't at least take Valerie's challenge the wrong way. For a second when she pulled the sword out it seemed like she might be challenging him directly in order to then give the order to charge.
Missed some clean-up from copy-pasting so I didn't have to retype Oboe frameworks, will address. Scott's Flotilla never hit the 25% dice-loss mark as a group, only Jing's did.
Amused that Scott didn't at least take Natalie's challenge the wrong way. For a second when she pulled the sword out it seemed like she might be challenging him directly in order to then give the order to charge.
Song of Gust adds a point of range. A spell that only proc'd on two ships, which is why it mentions the "(two ships)". And that was a legitimate cock-up on my part forgetting to run that attack. Only two ships firing on nine, so it would have been pretty small potatoes, but still, oops.
There is laughter all around you. Warm touches on your arms and back, merry voices and faces that shout to be heard over the tumult. Dancers sweep by with hair fanning out, the breeze of their passage cooling you. The ale and wine flow. The celebrations are in full swing tonight. The hall is a cozy oval with a tall roof at the heart of a large villa, and people are packed around the dance floor and dais shoulder to shoulder, arms links, laps sat in, serving staff squeezing through the gaps.
A little way from Billfarthing lie these Estates of Monica Reynolds. The nobles and officers have gathered there on the evening of the return to Harper's lush green land to celebrate the triumph over Tranquility. The older crowd with the house lords are at Glorianate Keep, stronghold of House Reynolds, but you've had your fill of responsibility, and plunging yourself into the fervour of this party is your just rewards.
Monica herself is irrepressible, leading song after song, wearing the bandages around her arm as if they are the finest silk, showing them off to whoever she pleases. Commoners in Reynolds livery play instruments while the nobles sing, sing, and sing again, filling the cozy hall with music. It's hardly the most refined and formal of balls, but it's heartfelt and wild.
Two weeks of careful responsibility and reserve slough off you in the candlelight and song, chased by the ale. Your silks ripple as you dance with friends, the sound of strings lifting you higher, the drumbeat leading your heartbeat. Sleepless hours, stress, anxiety, you purge it all to go faster, faster into the night.
Your older cousin, Janie Tellar, is on your right arm, cutting loose with wild abandon, the beautiful woman flirting as if flirting will be outlawed tomorrow. She's such a talent with court intrigues that she makes a dangerously helpful wingman, capable of getting you deep into mischief and always whispering who has done what, or whom. You intend to keep her with you through the night if you can; having a skilled apothecary like her around is also helpful for the morning after big nights!
Your much younger cousin, Alice Tellar, is on your left arm, and you are doing your very, very best to be a bad influence for the girl. Fiery, brash girl that she is, she needs little encouragement. She is one of Louise Tellar's daughters, every bit as ambitious as her mother could hope for. But for now her cheeks are flush with merriment. Despite her youth, she's confident and forward, adding her beautiful voice to the songs of the evening like an old hand. Magic springs forth from her as she sings, a crackle of joy running over your skin where your arms link.
Alana is with you as well, finally letting her cool reserve down as she sings along to another of Monica's bawdy numbers. No one who sees the two of you would guess your combined inheritance amounts to millions of subjects and over half the kingdom. Tonight you don't care, you are victors, and hang the intrigues. Right now the only intrigue you care about is who is disappearing from the hall with whom. Or, for that matter, wondering who saw you come back in with the House Reynolds Justice.
"I love parties in other houses," Alana says to you as she leans over your shoulder, the scent of wine clear on her breath. "It's nice to only have to watch your back for gossip instead of daggers."
"Ha, I'm just glad Theo isn't here," you reply.
"Oh?"
"I know these ladies, and I know him," you say drolly. "He'd cut a swathe here."
A song ends and Monica goes to quench a thirst, some of the younger Courtiers you know in your area begin to turn inward, issuing quick little verbal challenges to each other. You hear Nick Lang laugh, and spot him in the corner. He's a cute little firecracker from Raleigh, come from his knightly parent's estate to make his name. You'd think about taking him in hand yourself if May and Juan's oldest, Alina Lumen, wasn't planted squarely on his lap. They've been the subject of gossip for a while. You guess it's out in the open now.
"In Gambier was a noble," he began in sing-song tones, looking squarely at a girl in a chair across from him. "So much gold she was immobile. But steal a penny, it won't be funny. Your pursuit would be global!"
On the other end of his jape is a girl from the countryside of Gambier, vassals of House Carlisle. Wine has painted her cheeks with a subtle blush, but her gaze is still sharp when she glares back at Nick. Bangles of gold and diamond fit snugly to her upper arms and collar. Silk of the finest grade is tailored to make the most of her softer figure. Bea is well known in the court for always having a book or three to hand rather than a sword, though the voice that sang as sweet as spring with Monica earlier could be turned on foes just as easily.
"Valour warms the Raleigh son's heart, like their sisters by hot springs fire," she replies, acid in her tone. "But you should know before you start, That I could buy your house entire!"
"Bea," you groan aloud in exasperation. "Money boasting and the sibling insults at once, really?"
"Hey! He started with the cliches!" blurted Bea, hand to her chest as if in shock.
You stand up and walk past her, patting the younger woman on the shoulder as you pass. "Fine fruit may hang thy head around, but never lying on the ground." Bea mutters behind you.
Alana leans over. "So, is Dyelin the place people in the south make the 'sibling bonds' jokes about?" she asks.
"Depends where you are," you reply. "People from Gambier joke about Dyelin, yeah. They're poor and are a bit more peculiar about their public baths. Now, Marlingtay is often poor as well, but that's Vincennes land, so..."
"So they're poor and scary," laughs Alana. "What about you Tellar? Who do people joke about here."
"People from Palkerend, where Minor House Lumen rules," you reply breezily. "No more poor than the rest of us, but they marry both too close and too young for the rest of our tastes." You shoot her a wry grimace. "Not that I should talk about proper age of marriage."
"Don't remind me," says Alana.
You return to find one of the few commoners of the Court present. It was Justice Charlie's new protege, Audrey Suarez. You don't know what to make of her, really. It is easy to forget she's a commoner when she looks at you, that cunning gleam clear in her eyes. She's talented and ambitious, and at not quite twenty you think there's a long and distinguished road before her at Court. But for now, she's all coy, inviting smiles.
Truth be told, you're startled to see her here. She went with her mentor, Carmen Rios, on the mission to Timbre, and must only be freshly returned. You're curious as to how that mission went, but a crowded party is hardly the place for council business.
"So which part of the fight were you in?" Audrey is asking.
"I was on Song of Storms in the sea battle," replies Madeleine.
"What was it like?" asks Audrey. "I've never been in a proper battle."
"Like being a sailor-shepherd," laughs Madeleine. "My second battle, this one was scarier, but seeing the Songweavers work was amazing. Hard to explain here though...," she says, trailing off on a lilting high note.
"Oh, you poor thing, you," you laugh as you walk by. "Be careful, Miss Audrey, this one here has subtle designs."
"Concerto!" she protests, but a lopsided grin is on her face.
"Our Lady Madeleine did sigh," you reply. "She'd kissed the girls but made them cry."
"My admirers declare that fake," she nearly purrs back at you. "Where sweetly lay my lips they quake."
"I think I'll be safe, Concerto," laughs Audrey.
At the center of the room, your aunt's young wife Candice is taking her turn for singing. At her words the torch sconces glow blue, little will o' the wisps go through the room, hearts everywhere are buoyed. Power and will comes through her words, Songweaving magic in its most beautiful form, it's truest expression. Not the stunted constraints of battle songs, with their carefully formulated and shackled notes, performable under duress.
Candice twirls, arms splayed wide, singing a song of only tones, not lyrics. At her voice a soft glow came over the crossbeams of the hall, before a wave of flowers bloomed along the length of the wood. There is a beautiful shimmer in the air, like heat rising from summer rocks, yet this magic is cool as it whispers past your ears.
The baton moves on and another person begins to sing instead, leaving Candice to recline smugly into a chair by the wall, garnering compliments from those around her.
You hear a voice call out to you, and turn to see a man a few years older than you resting against the far wall, his arm thrown casually around another man, fingers casually laced through his hair. "Concerto! Cousin!" he calls, a big grin on his face. He's a strapping lad, with rather more heft than you prefer. It's easy to see why with the plate of food in his lap and two empty plates beside him. Arnold is a man as stubborn as the day is long, while as patient as the earth below.
"Well met, cousin," you greet as you near, before introducing him to Alana as Arnold Tellar..
"I was just telling my friend here about Nune Reef," he says with a grin. "He does not believe me that I rammed a Corsair?"
"Hm, I'm a little thirsty for storytelling, dear cousin," you reply.
Arnold laughs and passes up his ale. "Anything for a friend in need."
"Ah, this will help. Well, you see, there was a corsair known as the Wildhunt..."
Time passes and you're circling around the party anew. You hear your mother, Rita, singing drunkenly. If she doesn't stop soon you'll die of embarrassment. She has her arm around Monica, both holding goblets of wine, and for a moment you look past the years and maturity, and see them not as the mighty Elite Songweavers they are now, but how like they were when they were the age of Lily and Violet, all giggling and wild.
Rita sings aloud, "A noble's life breeds brave and true / Raising children who defy fears."
Monica takes over and adds, "Yet when pretty soldiers walk by / Then not all is as it appears."
Her voice nearly cracks as Rita completes their little ditty, "When the noble's lass takes her shield / Vows to throw herself on their spears." Monica and Rita collapse over each other in laughter better suited to children ducking out on their tutors than grown women.
You choke on your ale as the people around the pair erupt, nearly spilling the drink. Only nearly, though, those old Khironex salts taught you well the arts of not wasting a good drink.
"Do you think she saw herself as the noble or the daughter?" asks Janie, since after all it's not her mother singing drunken dirty ditties and embarrassing her.
"I know she's single but dammit does she have to be single near me?" you reply in a tone that sounds as exasperated as your cheeks feel burned.
Janie glances back towards your mother and then laughs. "Well, bad news, I don't think they're done embarrassing you."
"Weh?" Your head shoots up and around and you realise to your alarm that your mother has noticed you, and is watching with a broad grin and crossed arms.
A hush settles over the guests, and you catch many furtive glances your way as Monica walks over to whisper to the musicians. A moment later a drum beat soft as a summer rain begins, and Monica sings in a low, slow hush, just long enough to start a few of the men singing it in deep bass tones.
"Symphony after symphony... "Symphony after Symphony... Sing together..."
More voices join in, the volume rising. "Our Concerto calls us onward - onward Harper
From the Barossa to the sea - pushing further!"
And then the whole room erupts in song including your cousins alongside you, a mighty crescendo after the slow build. Arms are linked, and you realise you are in the middle of it all.
"Court life made us friends, Evelyn; Blood made us loyal to the end,
You led us to the bloody fray, into the crucible, our friend!
Now at the shores of Tidespray, once afore to save House Alwyn.
For the Tellar, mighty Tellar
Day or night we're standing there,
Against foes crossing song and spear
Our upraised voices sing o'er land
Across storm-swept sea or city grand
The Flower of our Chivalry!"
Laughter spills over the lines of the song as the crescendo ends and the voices slow into the hush of the ending, but you hardly even catch the words as everyone begins to flock around you. Soft lips are brushing your cheek, strong hands clasping your own, your back is buffeted by the pats of wellwishers.
"Our Concerto calls us onward - onward Harper,
From the Barossa to the sea, pushing further...
Symphony after symphony,
Symphony after symphony,
Sing together..."
Tonight, you feel on top of the world.
====
Today, you wake feeling like your head is a melon struck by a mallet.
Escaping the evidence of the previous night's excesses is the first order of business, and one you manage with practiced aplomb. Monica is up and about, seemingly none the worse for wear. You can't help but notice she is wearing a bracelet you previously saw on the Memphrabian scholar who fought at Nune Reef, Levar Alan. The lady of the house details off servants to run a bath for you, to your eternal gratitude.
Waiting for you as you return to eat breakfast is Lea Tsu, one of the stalwart commanders of House Tellar. During the assault on Tidespray Castle, she commanded the battle line of Men-at-Arms and led them them. She is slightly older than your parent's generation, with more than a decade of experience commanding deployments around Greater Harper.
"I've been sent to fetch you for the council meeting," she says by way of introduction.
"So soon?" you blurt as you straighten up from your eggs. "Why a morning meeting?"
"It's actually a noon meeting...," says Lea slowly. "And if you don't leave now you'll be late."
"Late...? But...," you say slowly. "Wait, how long did I sleep in...?"
Half an hour later you are rushing into the council chambers of House Reynolds, which were kindly set aside for the masters of the Tellar to use.
"Ah, the apple of my eye," your father says drolly. "And only ten minutes late."
"I'm so very sorry," you blurt as you take your seat.
"No need to apologise," he says. He glances darkly a bashful Rita. "Only two minutes later than your mother."
"O-Oh, right..."
A little warmth enters his voice. "A council meeting so soon after a victorious return to port is a bit ruthless, after all."
"Hopefully you're still up for it," laughs Antonia. "You're not as young as you were."
"Don't tease, dear aunt," you reply exasperatedly.
"In any case," interrupts Andres. "It's not bad timing, we've just finished briefing the Dale Mezzo here of what we have learned and intend to do. She says she will permit our agents with her blessing."
You turn and notice the ashened face of Lana Antilles. She looks like she has seen a ghost, and you can't really blame her. It freaked you out when you first heard of it, and Arbalen isn't even your home province.
"So what's being reported and decided on?" you ask.
"Working with Hamid alongside all of his other duties this last few months," says Andres. "We put together a list of candidates to make into emergency agents of the Symphony. As Symphony, we have selected four of them."
"Now we're deciding on a Chief of Mission as well," adds Antonia.
"Only four?" you say, letting surprise come through.
"We, uh, don't want to spread this news too widely," says Lana. "At the moment, you know, I know, and Capo will learn. Outside of that we are keeping it secret for now. We don't wish to tip off the Teuvians that we are ahead of them now."
Hamid clears his throat. "We think we can discreetly manage a team of four, with one chief of mission, who will act as agents on the ground to disrupt the Teuvians and make sure that this fight kicks off to our advantage."
"Do you trust your banners, Mezzo Lana?" you ask.
"To be honest...," begins Lana before she winces. "No, no I don't. Not against Teuvians. In my native Talesa the superstitions ran deep, but nothing like they do in Arbalen. Nothing like it."
"Great," you say with a deep sigh. "Okay, a team of four. Hamid, what sort of priorities did we have for them?"
"Well," the old man says, and you can't help but notice subtle red marks on his neck as he leans back to collect his thoughts. The old dog. "The way I see it, there are a number of different angles to cover. Sniffing out traitors is a must, of course. Leading raids and fights, kicking skulls in whenever we find pockets of Teuvians. Rallying the Minor House leaders, many of whom are not nearly as fluffy as our own. Making their Justices work together. Using our stewardship nous to track down those who are funneling equipment to the Teuvians, as well as to help organise new anti-Teuv efforts."
"Are you okay with accepting our help?" you ask of Lana.
Lana is silent for several seconds, but eventually sighs and nods. "If this has snuck up on us, then clearly we need the helping hand, and no Vassal House can match the resources of a Great House. This is the system working."
You nod at her. "Alright then. Let's see these new agents."
As you hear the names listed off, it occurs to you that you would be more comfortable right now if you hadn't seen almost all of these young prospects at various stages of inebriation and scandal last night.
====
[Agents for the Dale Emergency Actions]
(Select up to four (4) of the following Candidates)
Smart; Bi; Married to Antonia Tellar; Songweaver; Cunning; Schooled; Commoner; Mentored by Antonia Tellar; Consummate Spy; Charming; Child of Dale; Symphonia Consort; Shameless; Unkind; Epicure; Sword-master;
-
[ ] Bea Chin
F23
Martial Poor
Combat Fair
Stewardship Great
Diplomacy Poor
Intrigue Poor
Magic Great
Piety High-Middling
Chivalry 1
Child of Carlisle; Tutored; Gifted with Numbers; Merchant; Loremaster; Songweaver; Betrothed; Noble;Spear-master; Agent-material; Covetous; Pig-headed; Comfortable; Bookworm; Social Drinker; Alms; Trained;
-
Janie Tellar
F30
Martial Poor
Combat Good
Stewardship Fair
Diplomacy Great
Intrigue Elite
Magic Great
Piety Middling
Chivalry 3
Lewd Streak; Beautiful; Child of Tellar; Songweaver; Loremaster; One With Shadows; Longsword-master; Duelist; Veteran (1); Trained; Noble; Apothecary;Tutored; Longbow-training; Agent-material; Sleeping with Theo Raleigh; Charismatic; Funny; Poet;
Lea Tsu
F47
Martial Elite
Combat Good
Stewardship Fair
Diplomacy Good
Intrigue Fair
Magic Bad (None)
Piety Low
Chivalry 7
Bi; Wild Streak; Smart; Talented General; Veteran; Schooled; Child of Tellar; Spear-master; Longbow-master; Trained; Noble; Valorous; Brave; Aged; Agent-material; Married to Georgie Hulland; Master of Militia (+1 M +1 D); Adopted Sonja Raleigh's Child; Trusts Self; Stubborn; Patient;
-
[ ] Alice Tellar
F19
Martial Fair
Combat Good
Stewardship Poor
Diplomacy Good
Intrigue Fair
Magic Great
Piety High
Dread 1
Smart; Songweaver; Tutored; Noble; Longsword-master; Agent-material; Ambitious; Charming; Blooded; Schooled in Old Lore; Child of Tellar; Knightly; Daughter of Louise Tellar; Fiery; Confident;
-
[ ] Madeleine Chin
F18
Martial Fair
Combat Elite
Stewardship Fair
Diplomacy Fair
Intrigue Fair
Magic Bad
Piety High
Dread 3
Bi; Wild Streak; Duelist; Halberd-training; Longsword-master; Knightly; Child of Tellar; Noble; Trained; Blooded; Tutored; A Spark of Song; Bloodthirsty; Agent-material; Sleeping with Theo Raleigh, Indiana Tellar; Older Tastes; Funny; Trusts Self; Frugal;
-
[ ] Audrey Suarez
F19
Martial Poor
Combat Great
Stewardship Fair
Diplomacy Good
Intrigue Good
Magic Good
Piety Middling
Dread 1
Injust; Lawbringer; Bi; Cunning; Attractive; Spellsword; Commoner; Schooled; Child of Tellar; Talented with Numbers; Schooled in Old Lore; Familiar with Spies; Hammer-master; Spear-master; Trained; Mentored by Carmen Rios; Strict; Severe; Sarcastic;
-
Arnold Tellar
M34
Martial Great
Combat Elite
Stewardship Bad
Diplomacy Poor
Intrigue Fair
Magic Poor (Spellsword)
Piety Low-Middling
Chivalry 6
Attractive; Hothead; Child of Raleigh; Longsword-Master; Sleeping with Alina Lumen;Spellsword; Duelist;Schooled;Trained; Knightly; Ambitious; Shameless; Firebrand; Proud; Confident;
-
The debate over the ages rages for a long time. But one thing that passes the council unanimously is Luna's suggestion for the handler of the four agents. She puts forward her brother, a man by the name of Apollo, who is the other half of the Reynolds ruling pair. You cannot honestly say that you know him very well yourself, but from the way Antonia and Andres both immediately jump on the idea, you are filled with at least some confidence.
-
Chief of Mission
Capriccio Apollo Reynolds
Executive of Minor House Reynolds
Smart; Cunning; Drinker; Child of Tellar; Knightly; Spear-master; Trained; Veteran; Tutored; Merchant; Stern; Severe; Court Manipulator; Charming; Ambitious; Aged; Lordly; Covetous; Married; Nascent Statesman; Brother of Luna Reynolds; Father of 4;
Luna's older brother, Apollo Reynolds is the inheriting line of Minor House Reynolds. In many ways he is it's sole autocrat as Luna devotes most of her time to the Court at Harper. Apollo runs a tight court, despite having some fearsome personalities to contend with. He is ambitious but, Luna assures, mainly about consolidating his power at home. But what he does have to offer is a keen political nose, the ability to defy expectations and, if necessary, the ferocity and sternness to do what is needed when his back is to the wall.
====
QM/N:
Okay, Dale Mission stuff will basically be a few little mini-turns, an almost tutorial-like system to let people see a cut down simplified version of the main turn mechanics to practice making plans with. No Symphony and specific Council bonus to deal with, here you just have the Agent and the Chief (so two layers instead of three and only one source of bonuses) and you'll only have the four agents to deal with. Hopefully that will work out okay.
===
Happy to hear from people if they would rather this be plan or line voting.
Plan voting I think since we want teams to compliment each other. Also I think Jamie Teller should be one of the choices, excellent intrigue and good diplomacy with magic and combat ability to get her out of a pinch, Apollo thankfully provides a good stewardship investigstion. We may need someone with good martial to lead any forces.
Two agents thst immediately stand out are Janie Tellar and Aubrey Suarez. Janie has excellent stats with some nice traits, while Aubrey has pretty good stats but importantly has the Lawgiver and a spy organiser trait which will both be exceedingly helpful in this situation. Schooled in old lore may help to, if she has knowledge of when Teuv previously invaded.
For the remaining two there are plenty of combinations left, so it depends on what we think needs fleshing out. Given both above characters have iffy martial, one will likely be someone focused there.
@OneirosTheWriter - I forget, but what role does piety play in this for our nation?
Of note, if we take Janie Tellar we shouldn't take Madeleine Chin as they're both sleeping with Theo.
I can't tell you how sad that makes me though, given her 'Indiana Tellar' trait.
EDIT: @Spectrum, since this is intended as a psudo-tutorial will you join me in giving a couple of days for plans to emerge naturally? If they don't then we should certainly submit plans, but I'd like to give it a couple of days first.
"Do you think she saw herself as the noble or the daughter?" asks Janie, since after all it's not her mother singing drunken dirty ditties and embarrassing her.
"I know she's single but dammit does she have to be single near me?" you reply in a tone that sounds as exasperated as your cheeks feel burned.
"Court life made us friends, Evelyn; Blood made us loyal to the end,
You led us to the bloody fray, into the crucible, our friend!
Now at the shores of Tidespray, once afore to save House Alwyn.
For the Tellar, mighty Tellar
Day or night we're standing there,
Against foes crossing song and spear
Our upraised voices sing o'er land
Across storm-swept sea or city grand
The Flower of our Chivalry!"
Hmm... Seems to me that Janie Tellar is an obvious pick. Some of the characters who might also be good would be Audrey Suarez and Candice Kettleblack. Beyond that... Either Lea Tsu or Arnold Tellar to guarantee that we have someone with actual Martial ability if we need to kick down some doors.
That's not a trait, it means that she's sleeping with Indiana Tellar as well as Theo. You have to watch the semi-colons versus the commas in the trait lists.
Married to Antonia Tellar; Consummate Spy; Child of Dale
Bea Chin
Poor
Fair
Great
Poor
Poor
Great
High-Middling
Ch 1
Gifted with Numbers / Merchant; Loremaster
Janie Tellar
Poor
Good
Fair
Great
Elite
Great
Middling
Ch 3
Loremaster; One with Shadows; Apothecary; Charismatic
Lea Tsu
Elite
Good
Fair
Good
Fair
Bad
Low
Ch 7
Talented General
Alice Tellar
Fair
Good
Poor
Good
Fair
Great
High
Dr 1
Madeleine Chin
Fair
Elite
Fair
Fair
Fair
Bad
High
Dr 3
Audrey Suarez
Poor
Great
Fair
Good
Good
Good
Middling
Dr 1
Lawbringer; Commoner; Talented with Numbers; Schooled in Old Lore; Familiar with Spies
Arnold Tellar
Great
Elite
Bad
Poor
Fair
Poor
Low-Middling
Ch 6
Gifted General
Sonja Raleigh
Poor
Great
Bad
Fair
Good
Fair
Low
Ch 3
Consummate Spy
Nick Lang
Fair
Great
Poor
Fair
Fair
Fair
Low
Ch 0
(Chief of Mission) Apollo Reynolds
Good
Fair
Elite
Good
Great
Bad
10
Dr 3
Merchant; Court Manipulator
Janie, I think, is pretty much a given. Apollo is, of course, required. I favor Lea too over Arnold because her martial is fantastic and her combat isn't bad. Also, I'm a little worried about Arnold having Poor diplomacy.
So - the 3 I really like are Janie Tellar, Lea Tsu, and Audrey Suarez (for the Lawbringer trait and her stats are pretty decent in comparison to the remaining candidates). Not sure about the 4th.
Thanks for the chart, that makes it a lot easier to compare them.
I think we want:
Janie Tellar-Diplo, Intrigue and Combat/Magic
Bea Chin-Stewardship and Magic, though the piety worries me but only agent besides Apollo with good stewardship
Lea or Arnorld-Martial and Combat (Lea is better Martial and Arnold is better Combat)
Audrey Suarez-Backup for Intrigue and Diplomacy with Combat/Magic as well
Candice-Dread score is highest and as most of my preferred agents have chivalry with the martials being 6 and 7 she won't work well with them also Janie has her beat in Intrigue and Diplo and Audrey has the same Diplo and Intrigue but better combat and a dread of 1 versus a dread of 5.
Nick and Sonja suffer from being combat focused and we already have Audrey who can match them in combat but is much better in Magic and Diplo.
Madeleiene is out as outside combat she does not offer much and her piety is High which is bad since we are dealing with Teuvians
Alice is someone I compare with Audrey and despite being better at magic, she is worse at combat and intrigue and once again has high piety so Audrey has the edge there, we also have Janie for magic and Audrey is no slouch either.
Martial-Lea/Arnold as primary Apollo works as backup
Comat-Arnold as primary if we take him, Audrey as backup along with Janie otherwise Audrey as primary and Janie and Lea as backups
Stewardship-Apollo as primary and Bea as backup
Diplomacy-Janie as primary with Lea, Audrey and Apollo as backup
Intrigue-Janie as primary with Audrey and Apollo as backup
Magic-Janie and Bea as primary with Audrey as backup
Lea over Arnold for the better Martial though he was so tempting since he is an Elite Combat option and one less chivalry so less likely to conflict with Apollo. Still somewhat undecided between the two.
That's not a trait, it means that she's sleeping with Indiana Tellar as well as Theo. You have to watch the semi-colons versus the commas in the trait lists.
Piety is your level of interest in Teuv and things that are associated with Teuv, and the more of it you have, the more likely you are to start following them. This doesn't mean that you automatically begin following them at any point, even at high. Of course, it's also helpful because it means you've learned things about Teuv...
Schooled in Old Lore and Loremaster give bonuses to that kind of check, though.
Piety is your level of interest in Teuv and things that are associated with Teuv, and the more of it you have, the more likely you are to start following them. This doesn't mean that you automatically begin following them at any point, even at high. Of course, it's also helpful because it means you've learned things about Teuv...
Schooled in Old Lore and Loremaster give bonuses to that kind of check, though.
[ ] … a Fascination with the Teuv that sees you study the ancient foe. You don't follow them, of course, but as the biggest threat Sartier faces, in your opinion, you want to be ready. [+10 to rolls targeting the Teuv, -2 Piety, +3 Combat & Martial against Teuv opponents]
A fascination isn't exactly subtle interest, but the trait itself is basically universally positive since it actually lowers Piety as compared to the description you just gave.
Just going to snark a bit at the description of one of Evelyn's chargen choices:
A fascination isn't exactly subtle interest, but the trait itself is basically universally positive since it actually lowers Piety as compared to the description you just gave.
Net +8 with none of the downsides/vulnerability, plus combat and martial bonuses? Not sure I understand the complaint...
There is also an Atheist trait out there that reduces piety but makes conversion rolls take a very heavy malus. There is already a character out there with high piety but Atheist trait - kinda like studying the devil as a priest.
Net +8 with none of the downsides/vulnerability, plus combat and martial bonuses? Not sure I understand the complaint...
There is also an Atheist trait out there that reduces piety but makes conversion rolls take a very heavy malus. There is already a character out there with high piety but Atheist trait - kinda like studying the devil as a priest.
It wasn't a complaint, it was amusement at trait naming that also could be boiled down to what Piety is described as in a big way but the trait itself has none of the negatives.
