Don't worry, Sonissimmo voters, this is still a perfectly viable route and @Macchiato and I will make sure it's an interesting ride. Also, once you get a little patching up done, you'll all be back on the same side together!
<.<... Oh dear. This will be interesting. ...Oh look, Oneiros used "interesting" as well. Isn't that interesting...
This is the part where I reveal that I do from time to time have sadistic tendencies. And by time to time, I mean like... well, I was already giggling wildly at some of the analysis going before votes closed so... yeah, that's happening. Good luck
They waited for him downriver, just outside of Marlingtay.
Evelyn Tellar stood alongside her father, the Symphonius of Tellar, taking the place where her Aunt Antonia should have been as the Symphonia of Tellar. She glanced at him from beneath dark eyelashes, wondering as they waited. It had been Aunt Antonia who had woken her two nights ago, Antonia who had led her into her father's study where they, Symphony Tellar united, then told her of their plans to take over as the ruling Symphony of Sartier. Why was it not Antonia here?
But of course she knew why it wasn't Antonia. Andres was the Executive, the half of the Symphony focused on domestic Sartieran concerns. And one of them had to stay in Harper, just in case. That left her, the Concerto, heir apparent, to stand at Andres' side and provide the female balance to his male. And perhaps, too, she could balance his smooth charisma with her candour, provide a more frank explanation that would quell Avery Sonissimmo's understandable anger.
She shook her head, grimacing at the weight of her hair unbound. Her preference was to keep it tied back and out of her way. Much like the Symphony had done with her. Her lips quirked at the commonality. Andres and Antonia had allowed her the inevitable shock and outrage. How else could it have been? It was common knowledge that she counted all of the Sonissimmo scions as friends, but Hana was one of her closest. In fact, she had been friends with the new Symphony Sonissimmo, Symphonia Hana and Symphonius Avery, since childhood courtesy of the fostering exchange between Sonissimmo and Tellar. More importantly, she realised in that moment that this was, at least in part, her own fault. When news had arrived that Symphony Sonissimmo was stepping down, Evelyn had been one of the first to know. Naturally, she had shared the news with her family. Now she knew what wheels that had set in motion.
But once they began to lay out their arguments, once they talked about the long-reaching consequences of Hana's daring but disastrous attack on Tranquility and Avery's horrible letter to Vincennes and Dale, the long-held grievances against some of House Sonissimmo's decisions, she began to understand. And, too, she had her own future to consider. Yes, this was their birthright, but it was also the best way to prevent Sartier from becoming so vulnerable that Teuv might easily pick them off given the opportunity. Sonissimmo might understand, eventually, it just had to be put forward in the right way and she knew she was Tellar's best shot at that.
"There!" The cry went up as the escort came into view.
Of course, even if they didn't understand, it still needed to be done. Evelyn took a shaky breath. It was one thing to believe in something, quite another to face the reality. She wasn't sure her Sonissimman friendships would ever recover from this. To say it wasn't personal would have been a lie on so many levels. But sacrifices needed to be made sometimes, isn't that what Hana always said to her? Well fine, if this is what it took to see House Tellar in its rightful place, she would do it.
The expression on Avery's face as he was brought before her and her father was bemused, but not unduly alarmed. It seemed their Harperknights had kept their mouths shut, as ordered.
"What's all this about, Symphonius, Concerto?" Avery asked calmly, addressing Andres first as courtesy dictated but looking squarely at her.
Whatever reservations she may have had fell away quickly at his tone. How could he not know, not even suspect? Surely he could read the signs, clear as they were laid out for him. The stopped river traffic on the Fermoy, the seizure of himself and his men upon disembarking, the escort and presentation before herself and her father. If he did, though, there was no indication of it anywhere on his honest face. So trusting. The crux of their problem, as always.
"Avery," Andres stepped forward, bending his head but only as you would to an equal, "It is with regret that we inform you that House Sonissimmo rules Sartier no more." He gestured, and the ranks of soldiers around them parted, revealing Lucas and Alana Capo, Symphonius and Concerto of House Capo. Lucas, who couldn't quite keep the smirk from his face, and Alana, sombre but determined.
Andres continued, "By consensus, we find the appointment of you and Hana to be contrary to the well being of Sartier and we have no choice but to intervene before you put us in even greater danger."
"Are you mad, Andres?" Avery's voice was very carefully controlled, but there was real frustration there. "Who of you would rule in our stead? You with your birthright," he sneered, "Or shall it be Capo? With their precious games and greed?"
"There are questions surrounding your ability to lead us-" Andres began, clearly prepared for such an argument, but Evelyn jumped in. Avery didn't understand; that was obvious. Only she had a chance of making him see.
"Avery, how many soldiers did you bring with you to accompany you?"
Confusion again, "Five," he ventured tentatively.
"You should have brought fifteen," she said flatly. His answer had confirmed what she had suspected and it got under her skin. "Let me guess, you only brought five as a sign of good faith because you wanted Vincennes and Dale to know you trusted them to do the right thing, even though you know this area's basically a warzone."
Avery's expression was blank, which only made it worse, "Of course I did."
Her lip curled, "You don't see it, do you?" She felt her temper slipping, frustration and anger that they had allowed it to get to this point, that they had made her family do this. "Your very inability to see this," she swept her hand, taking in the soldiers, the Capos, her father, "is exactly why you aren't fit to rule. Why Sonissimmo is not fit to rule. You trust too quickly. You expect everyone will see that what you do is sound and good, well-considered and the best option. You have grown fat and overconfident in your own abilities. At least your parents had the decency to do things properly, to consult and hear more voices than their own and not simply take action unilaterally. They would have known better than to send that letter and they certainly would have known better than to take some misguided action against Tranquility." It came out more harshly than she'd planned, product of her lost temper, but she had no intention of taking it back.
Her friend's head reared back as if she had struck him. "I see," he said quietly. "While I expected no less from House Capo, I admit I thought you were more levelheaded than this, Evelyn, Andres. As you say," he nodded wryly at Evelyn, "I was too quick to trust."
She felt a pain in her chest but ignored it, glaring fiercely at Avery. A step behind her, her father's hand on her shoulder as if to restrain her temper himself. Yet another thing Hana chided her about. So much for being the one to quell Avery's anger.
"Our terms are simple," Andres said, sounding the very epitome of reason. "We will send word to your sister. When you have both written and signed declarations that House Sonissimmo no longer rules Sartier entire, we will release you back into Sonissimmo custody."
An expression, regret? anger? frustration?, flickered across Avery's face and was gone. He had always been good at keeping control of his emotions and doing what needed to be done. "Very well." The picture of nobility, pure and unruffled, "Bring me quill, ink, and parchment."
------------
Antonia Tellar
Description: Antonia is a true scion of House Tellar. As a highly gifted general talented with both song and weapon, she has long held the respect of those she leads. Her toughness and willingness to do whatever it took to get results has stood her in good stead across a variety of situations, including her time of exploration around Sartier in her youth. She learned much in that time and rumour has it that she made notable connections, and conquests, during those long years away. Much to the surprise of many, she returned with a wife in hand who was quite possibly even harder than she was. Thus, it was a shock to all of Harper to discover, twenty years later, that she was not only divorcing Luna Reynolds, her wife and Vice-Marshall, but that it was her decision.
Even with a troubled personal life, she remains a formidable foe, particularly if you cross her niece, Evelyn, who she loves like the daughter she never had.
""Well, isn't this awkward!"
Antonia winced at the loud proclamation before turning from her study of the Tellar complex grounds to face her ex-wife, Luna.
"You don't need to do that every time we're the only ones in a fucking room together, Luna," Antonia growled irritably.
Unperturbed, Luna smirked and leaned against the doorframe, her lean arms crossed, "It's not so much a case of need, as it is I know it pisses you off and that pleases me. Darling."
Although no hothead like Evelyn, Luna knew all of the right buttons to push to set Antonia off. Even when she knew that's what her Vice-Marshall was doing, she couldn't stop herself from reacting to the provocation. "Why are you being such a bitter little cow, Luna?" she found herself hissing. "Were you so worried about your status, that you said you were over it just so you wouldn't lose your job and be sent back to House Reynolds in disgrace?"
"Ant, what really gets under your skin about my behaviour? That I haven't been publicly heartbroken enough for you? It's been a year, darling, and while I did miss your sweet ass for a time, I've moved onto greener pastures. Much like yourself, although admittedly, mine's not quite so young or... unremarkable." Butter wouldn't have melted in her mouth, even with that insincere smile on her lips.
Antonia stopped herself from getting sucked in into yet another argument by sheer force of will, "Were you here to inform me of something? If not, you're excused."
"You're no fun," her ex replied. Her tone became brisk, clearly switching gears to the professional, "Word has just arrived that Avery is now in custody. Evelyn became more involved than originally planned, but Andres rescued the situation before it got out of hand. They don't know how Hana will react, but are returning to Harper."
Well that was surprising. Although Evelyn had been a bit of a hothead in her youth, she had been much better lately, at least if the drop in duels she participated in was any indicator. She would have to speak to her niece on her return. She and Andres had known Evelyn might struggle with their decision, but she had come around quite quickly. Antonia made a mental note to see if there was any way she might be able to help Evelyn come to terms with everything more readily.
"Thank you, Luna. You're dismissed," she said absentmindedly, beginning to plan for the future.""
Andres Tellar
Description: Despite being the oldest of his siblings, Andres has always felt overshadowed by his sister, Antonia. As good or better than he was in most areas, at least those valued by people around him, he often found himself retrospectively compared to her and found wanting. But what everyone around him saw as incredible achievements and talent, he knew to be due to her ruthlessness and moral flexibility. He just wanted to be loved, and developed all the accoutrements to make that happen. And does make it happen, much to the anger of his children and sometime-wife Rita Hulland. But don't be fooled by his silver tongue and receding hairline, Tellar's Symphonius is no soft target. Although he falls behind some in the raw magical power, he more than makes up for it with his experience and creative application of music and magical principles. Highly educated and strong of will, when he applies himself to something, he will get answers and results.
[Note: This took place months before the takeover.]
"Andres resisted the urge to clutch his hair and pull. He needed to preserve what was left of it and his constant tugging was surely not helping. But looking up and seeing that smug expression on his sister's face made his fingers itch.
"Just pull on your hair, Andy, you know you want to."
"Don't call me that," he said reflexively. She knew he hated the nickname which was exactly why she used it. He didn't have time for her petty games of provocation just now, though, not with the massive pile of metaphorical manure she had just deposited on his desk. He sighed heavily.
"Antonia, I know you and I disagree on many things, why our parents decided to yoke us together I will never understand, but surely even you can understand the significant issues that you divorcing our Vice-Marshall will pose. And I don't even want to discuss the rumours circulating about this younger version of your soon-to-be ex-wife that you've taken up with who is young enough to be your daughter."
All he received in reply was a quirked eyebrow. Even her expression didn't change, much to his dismay. He had long known she was less sympathetic than most, or at least showed it less, but he had expected a bit more concern for the wellbeing of the House, if not his own sanity. There was a part of him that wanted to rail and scream at her, but he knew it wouldn't crack that veneer in the slightest. A caesura stretched between them.
He threw his hands in the air, "Fine, do what you want. Just make sure you clean up your damn mess after you and appoint a new Vice-Marshall. And smooth over any ruffled feathers that result. And stay on top of the rumours that are going to come up. I shouldn't be surprised that you're disgracing the Tellar name in such a spectacular fashion."
"I'm not appointing a new Vice-Marshall," she replied smoothly. "And if you don't like it, you're welcome to duel me over it. Besides, you're not one to scold me about bringing scandal to House Tellar or even the Symphony. How many affairs have you had again?"
"At least I've produced and named a viable Concerto," he snarled, her words playing pizzicato on a nerve, or perhaps several.
Her laughter was unsurprisingly mocking, "Oh yes, because if you've got the next generation right, the current one is irrelevant." She pointed an accusing finger, "Don't tell me what to do. We may have to play nice out there for all the court and the commoners," she sneered, "But this is my life and these are my decisions as much as your inability to be faithful to anyone or anything, is yours."
She stormed to the door, but made sure to close it gently behind her, just to prove she was playing nice. How was he expected to maintain anything when so much was already wrong even in his own House?"
Evelyn Tellar
Description: On Evelyn's strong shoulders rests the hopes of House Tellar. Although she is aware of the weight, she has never been one to back down from a challenge. Much to the dismay of her father, she has often been compared to her Aunt Antonia in her approach and potential. Secretly, this has always pleased her, as her Aunt has been an important and stable part of her life, unlike her parents and their relationships. Unlike Antonia, however, she has a temper and still struggles to control it at times. Evelyn can be prickly, particularly if she feels her ability or independence is being questioned in any way, leading in previous years to a multitude of duel challenges, most of which she usually managed to win. Her relationships with both parents are somewhat fraught. Growing up, her father's infidelities were often whispered and shouted about, which prompted her mother's infidelities and so on. While she understands it now as an adult, she still struggles with the impact it had on her childhood, the listening at doors, the fights, the rumours that filtered through Court. Either way, she is determined to bring honour to House Tellar and to hopefully remove some of the tarnish that her father's behaviour has wrought.
"After much pomp and circumstance arriving home from Marlingtay, Evelyn had finally made it back to the privacy of her rooms. The gilded door clicked shut behind her and she let out a deep breath of relief. It was done. Yes, she had made it more difficult than it had strictly needed to be, but it had all worked out. Tellar would be the ruling House of Sartier; it felt right and completely unbelievable.
A knock. Her shoulders tensed immediately. "Enter," she called.
"Rumour has it that you ended up ruffling more feathers than your father. Colour me surprised," her Aunt Antonia said jovially as she walked in.
Evelyn waited for the door to close again before responding, "Avery was completely fucking oblivious. I just couldn't believe it. I had to connect the fucking dots for him and I still don't think he understands." She felt a tug on her braid and turned around, annoyed. "Well he didn't!"
Antonia's arms were crossed and her face was serious, despite her previous light tone, "Evvie, you need to accept that's going to happen sometimes and not let it get to you. I know this has been hard for you because they're your friends, but the whole nation is counting on us now and we need to show that we're not like them." She braced her hands against Evelyn's shoulders, "We need you to prove we're worth it, I need you to prove we're worth it."
Evelyn nodded silently. Her aunt was right, of course. She just hadn't thought Avery could be so blind. Where was the boy with the sharp wit and tongue she had summered with? "I know. I'm just... disappointed in them," she said, "Not just as rulers, but as people too."
"Oh sweetheart," Antonia's arms encircled her, hearing what she'd left unspoken. "I know it's hard, but it really is for the best. Sartier's going to benefit from this in the long run; we'll make sure of it." Evelyn nodded against her aunt's shoulder, then pulled back.
"I know we will. I just need to figure out how to keep my temper under control," she added wryly.
"Yes, that would be a good starting point. We can hardly have the nation's Concerto die tragically in a misguided duel."
"Not even if it's just a commoner?" Evelyn asked hopefully.
Antonia eyed her niece, "I'd be very surprised if they know how to duel properly to begin with. But we can discuss it if the time comes."
The seat of Great House Tellar is the sprawling city of Harper, one of the three largest in Sartier. A city bisected by a river, it consists of a grim and cluttered lower class western shore, and a far cleaner, far more elaborate eastern shore. In the heart of that eastern shore sits a great fortified compound. The mighty Barossa Citadel, so named for the river that runs through the city.
Like the rest of your family, you call it home as well.
As with the rest of Sartier, Harper has been a hive of tension and unease for the last few months since the crisis began. You feel it, of course, same as anyone. Would Hana Sonissimmo take it to war? Would there be a peaceful resolution? Everyone is agitated, especially after Antonia clamped down on preventing any of the foolish younger nobles from rashly going up to join the sporadic skirmishing. It's a waiting game. They had laid out their terms and now it was up to House Sonissimmo to decide whether it would concede gracefully or violently.
It wasn't until three months had passed that we received our answer.
One day as spring was just beginning to breathe warmth into the city again, you find yourself arriving for a hastily convened meeting of the Council. When your father's secretary finds you, you were heading out to one of the elevated balconies overlooking the city to practice your morning weapon drills, and you didn't appreciate anything getting in the way of that. But when you enter the council chambers, the look on your father's face tells you it had been worth the interruption.
The council chambers have always struck you as a bit tacky, decorated in bright Tellar green everywhere, with large ornate chairs and a mighty square table forged from enchanted wood. It seems you're the first to arrive, as only your aunt Antonia, who is the Marshall half of the Symphony, and your father, Andres, the Executive half, are there.
"Evelyn, here," your father says as you walk into the luxurious room. "Read this."
You glance at the letter he has proffered you and then back up at him. Your father is a late middle-aged man, with character lines through his face, his thinning, dark hair still fighting off greying resolutely, even as it slowly lost the war with baldness. You aren't blind to his faults, of course, philanderer and needy man that he can be. But you still love him, and know he has accomplished great things for his House and for Sartier, and still has many things to accomplish. After all, your father…
[ ] … has a lot of talent as an Auditor. A few years back, before the May and Juan Lumens took the post, the Exchequer was starting up a racket. He had hardly gotten started with his scheme before Andres noticed the books were being cooked. He may not have the best brain for business, but he knows when something is crooked! [50% chance per turn of catching anyone acting with income-reducing traits in a Council role, +1 Stewardship]
[ ] … is always ready to Ride to the Rescue whenever Pirates threaten the coast of Tellar.[+2 Combat, always able to deploy House Tellar troops to fight pirate raids, able to raise the Harperknights without Influence cost in response to major pirate incursions]
[ ] … is a very effective Recruiter, who often helps out Antonia when it comes time to raise troops. [-10% recruiting costs for standing troops]
[ ] … is a real Law and Order sort of guy, even if his personal life is a little patchy. He works closely with Charlie Tellar, the Justice, and, if things get serious, the Spymistress, Patricia Frunkle. [Peasant uprising percentages reduced by 5, increased chance of identifying and intercepting dissident characters]
Andres Tellar
Great House Tellar
M 47
Martial 20
Combat 19
Stewardship 26
Diplomacy 18
Intrigue 11
Magic 29
Piety 12
Chivalry 6
Symphony; Father to Evelyn Tellar; Child of Tellar; Natural with Numbers; The Taxman Cometh; Enthusiastic; Spear-master; Tutored; Married to Rita Hulland;Trained; Hard as Nails;Hammer-trained; Veteran Songweaver; Charming; Schooled in Old Lore; Nascent Statesman;
As you pluck the letter and unfold it, it occurs to you that you have never seen him so excited. "Good news?"
"The best we could hope for," says your Aunt Antonia.
Your Aunt is someone you look up to, even if you swear you'd never let your private life get as messy as the hard-charging, hard-headed woman before you. But her fire, her determination, her ability to think rings around other generals in battle, they are all things you try to emulate. Even as you try to avoid some of the hard drinking craziness that went with it.
But that's your dearest aunt, the Marshall. Antonia Tellar, Symphonia and madwoman. Apart from being a lunatic, she's pretty special. After all, your Aunt…
[ ] … is Beloved by her Soldiers, being probably the roughest, gutsiest, most stubborn noble that ever existed. You try not to listen to the stories. Your aunt has a pretty wild streak but you don't want to hear that sort of stuff about family. But the soldiers love her, to the point that they say no regiment that stands with Antonia would ever allow itself to break, even unto death. [House Tellar troops with Antonia attached auto-pass all morale tests. A vassal unit gains +40 morale]
[ ] … is a Fortress Buster, who knows all the tricks of the trade when it comes to punching her way into fortified areas and cleaning house. You once asked her why she made it her specialty and she told you that prolonged sieges were no good; when you finally got inside the booze was long gone and the damsels too thin. You think she was joking. [+3 Martial attacking fortifications, +1 Combat Dice to attached units while attacking fortifications]
[ ] … may have a Dubious History, if you listen to some of the rumours. She's pretty dubious right now, what with the mid-life crisis, but some people say she spent more than a few of her young days as a wandering warrior on the wrong side of the law, helping herself to other people's stuff. Well, there may be some truth to that, if her familiarity with the back country of Sartier is anything to go by. [+2 Martial, +1 Combat, When fighting in Sartier, may re-roll Battlefield Initiative]
[ ] …is called the Maestro of the Hunt when it comes to finding Teuvians. Antonia got to know all the sorts of backwater peasant nonsense that used to go on when she wandered around with Luna. There was no one like her for finding a cult and breaking the doors down. Although some of the tales she has of things she ran into out in the mist are silly. I think. [+3 Intrigue, +1 Combat, +10 dice bonus on Martial or Intrigue Actions that would result in Teuvian Influence reduction]
Antonia Tellar
Great House Tellar
F 44
Martial 34
Combat 25
Stewardship 15
Diplomacy 23
Intrigue 24
Magic 27
Piety 11
Dread 4
Gay; Attractive; Symphony; Married to Candice Kettleblack; Divorced from Luna Reynolds; Tutored; Veteran; Talented General;Halberd-master; Veteran Songweaver; Loremaster; Atheist; Wandering Warrior; Familiar with Killers; Aged; Spry; Hard as Nails; Statesman; Trained;
"Is it over, then?" you ask, voice climbing with your excitement.
"As over as it can be," sighs Andres as you read the letter over. "But I'm afraid you don't unleash a near civil war without a few consequences."
"Well, I didn't expect Hana to quit without leaving a little sting in the tail," you say with a grimace. "Ah…"
"I presume you reached the part about the tithe, then?" asks Andres.
You nod silently.
"Still," says Antonia. "It could have been much worse. For all the force that they put on our borders, it only amounted to a little skirmishing."
Though she says 'a little skirmishing', you know that nearly three hundred people had died on either side, and twice that were wounded. Of course, it was by and large from among the peasantry, so it wasn't as pricey a cost to bear as it could have been. Certainly, it was no one you knew or cared about.
House Raleigh had borne the brunt of it, their border with Sarba marking the boundary between Greater Etela and Greater Harper. Beatrice Raleigh was furious that they had not received advanced warning that something was in the works so they could be prepared. You had personally been on the receiving end of one of her tirades, in fact.
As annoying as that was, it's something of a personal milestone for you that one of the Vassal House Mezzos is confident enough in your ability to make things happen. But of course, why wouldn't she? After all, you're in your twenty-sixth year and making a name for yourself. In particular, you're known to have…
[ ] … 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]
[ ] … travelled abroad and Sailed with the Khironex in your younger days, staying with the Sea-Bellain Alice Ruger on the trireme Unbreakable. It taught you much, and you still remember the sea mist and the rolling of the waves. Of course, you also remember your fight with the pirate galley; the decks bloodstained and shivered. You taught all to respect the power of a Songweaver that day. [+2 Combat, +1 to Relations with Khironex, +6 Martial when commanding ships]
[ ] … a Drive to Succeed that didn't let you quit. You have been known to to push the limits and never accept failure. Victory has often been saved from the jaws of defeat because of this drive. Or you at least salvaged something from themess. [When undertaking an action, may add +10 to a failed dice roll, either to her own or someone else's action occurring at the same location. Once per turn only.]
[ ] … been a Prima Donna of the Blade as you grew up. Although you don't demonstrate it as often these days, you've only gotten better. Your sword would be like a glimmering mist before you, deflecting all blows and striking out. Beware when you put aside your sword for your halberd, however, for that's when you mean to draw blood. [Gain +2 Combat, +1 Toughness, +1 Magic, +1 Max Parry, Gain Halberd-master trait]
Evelyn Tellar
Great House Tellar
F 26
Martial 24
Combat 26
Stewardship 16
Diplomacy 31
Intrigue 20
Magic 34
Piety 5
Chivalry 4
Smart; Attractive; Concerto; Veteran Songweaver; Tutored; Elitist; Longsword-master; Veteran; Hothead; Ambitious; Energetic; Schooled in Old Lore; Child of Tellar; Agent of Tellar; Statesman; Eavesdropper; Fostered with Sonissimmo;
Still, It frustrates you that somehow Beatrice and Indus Raleigh were unable to see that their preparing would have potentially tipped everyone off. When you take a shot at a ruler, you can't miss, and if leaving House Raleigh in the dark meant a little extra security for the plot, well then that was how it had to happen.
After all, the Symphony'd left you in the dark, and you were their own daughter and niece, and what was Raleigh next to that?
You guess this is just something that would have to come up on the agenda. Not that you didn't accept there were problems in Raleigh. News that one of their beloved Bladesinger monks was now a guest of House Tarrant is stoking the fires among Raleigh's peasantry. Something would have to be done about that. And it's true that it would have been good to have had some help from Carlisle and Vincennes, rather than simply Carlisle dragging their feet and Vincennes begging off to keep an eye on their border with Dale. Carlisle in particular, needs to have something done about it.
So many things to do, so few hands to do it.
On the plus side, your new prestige has help secure the services of a helpful new Courtier, who will work well as a new agent of the Symphony. You are all very relieved to have acquired...
[ ] Hamid Hulland, the Elder
[ ] Liam Innslaught, the Merchant
[ ] Louise Tellar, the Lady
[ ] Melody Piar, the Knife in Shadow
[ ] Leanne Carlisle, the Veteran
It's welcome news, because you certainly need all the help we could get. Capo was being difficult to deal with. In exchange for their backing against Sonissimmo, you had to promise...
[ ] … not to openly intervene between House Dale and House Vincennes. You're not quite turning your back on them, but you won't be allowed to leverage your position to help your vassals. [-3 Relations with Vincennes, +1 with Dale, +1 with Capo. Non-intrigue actions relating to the Dale-Vincennes conflict are locked for the time being, intrigue actions that are discovered can cause political consequences]
[ ] … to send over some of your best Songweavers and Spellswords to tutor House Capo nobles in their arts, tying up some of the people your House relies on. [Agents Monica Reynolds, Dominic Rios, and hero unit Georgie Hulland are sent to Capo as trainers for 4 turns (2 years), at a cost of 1,000g per turn.]
[ ] … extend favourable deals for Harper leather and Dyelin iron to the Capo houses. Beatrice Raleigh was not amused. [Capo and Vassals receive Surfeit of Iron and Many Ways to Skin special rules, -5,000g income per turn for Tellar and Raleigh for 5 years (10 turns), -1 Relations to Raleigh]
[ ] ... to get you to agree to a betrothal with Raul Capo, second child of the ruling Capos, which you're distinctly unhappy about. [Evelyn Tellar betrothed to Raul Capo, Raul Capo will join Tellar household in 1 year's time, tension between Evelyn and Symphony, +3 to relations with Capo, a Capo is now part of the Tellar succession line, plus Raul happens to be a little closer on the family tree than Evelyn would like]
[ ] … to be allowed to host the Royal Army in Talesa, home of Antilles, in the north of Sartier. They would pay for the base construction, though of course as ruling house, Tellar would still be responsible for the Royal Army's gold hungry maintenance. As a result the Army would be out of position to protect anywhere but greater Carentan. Antonia is not a fan of this one. [Royal Army would shift camp from Etela in the West and Arbalen in the East, to Talesa in the North and Arbalen in the East]
[ ] … to owe them a favour. A big favour, which they would cash in some time in the future. [Kicks the can down the road, but means the nature of the favour is unknown. Refusing this favour when it is called in will be a Bad Idea.]
"So only Capo will pay the Tithe," you say, sighing deeply. "Yet she's turning over financial responsibility for the Royal Army straight away. How can we pay for them without the Tithe?"
"That's not even the worst of it," says Antonia. "Tarrant is continuing the embargo on horses."
"What!?" You aren't embarrassed to admit that there's a hint of a screech in your voice. "On what possible grounds?"
"On the grounds they don't like us, and they hold exclusivity with Kabilee," says Andres with a snort.
"It isn't in the letter," your Aunt says, "But our friends in Sarba are starting to quietly send resources to local peasant agitators, increasing our risk of uprisings."
"And Timbre has quadrupled the tariffs for any of our trade passing through their lands," your father adds, "Which has Carlisle beating down our door and demanding action. It wouldn't be such a problem if Dale and Vincennes were talking but, well…" A dismissive sweep of his hand accompanies the trail off.
"Right, okay, so we have our work cut out for us," you say, setting your features. You move to your seat at the council table, only to hear your Aunt last.
"Finish reading the letter," she says, "Your friend left the best for last."
You blink and continue reading. "'As a final note'," you recite, "'In order to facilitate the smooth transition of power, we will retain fiscal responsibility for…' She can't be serious."
"Serious as the Teuv," your father says. "And what can we say? If we took on the Royal Navy as well, I'd be whoring you out to the Carlisle for crowns. Without the Sonissimmo tithe, the Royal Army is already straining our budget. If we add the Royal Navy to that, well, fifty thousand crowns is the annual budget, it'd cut our remaining revenue by half."
"I think we both know Hana isn't keeping the Royal Navy under her thumb for our own sakes," you say drily. "The Navy's neutrality has always been shaky. We're now sitting under the threat of having the Navy's patrols of the southern shores rescinded. Tranquility would have a field day with only our house ships left to patrol."
"You're not wrong," says Antonia. "So I hope you've come ready to work, because we're about to find out just how big this Kingdom really is."
Near Wrothe, in Sarba
Sarbine Spears with Lulu Hansard attached; Spearmen with Clara Winter attached
Clara Magic Bonus 10, 3+1 Casting Dice
Clara casts Song of Shock
Casting: 4d20, Need 30 = 19, failed
At Town of Oslan Dell, Alstair, in province of Dyelin
Tarrant General Erana Zhou, M 26, Bn 10 Axe
3 Woodwind Squadrons (1 Tarrant, WT; 1 Minor House Ritter, WR; 1 Minor House Takeda, WK)
Erana Zhou with WT (Bn 10, Axe, mounted)
Hiromi Ritter with WR (Bn 10, Longsword, mounted)
Joan Takeda with WK (Bn 8, Axe, Spellsword, 2 Casting Dice, Mg Bn 6, mounted)
Adam Korlis independent (Vet Songweaver, 3+1 Casting Dice, Mg Bn 7, mounted)
House Yap, 1 Militia Regiment YM1, 2 Levy Regiments, YL1 YL2 (Light Spear, Shield)
House Tellar, 2 Militia Regiments TM1 TM2
Bladesinger Kaylee Tarleigh with YM1 (Bn 10, Songweaver, 3 Casting Dice, Mg Bn 8)
Bladesinger Orlando Veridge (Bn 9, Martial 16, Vet Songweaver, 4+1 Casting Dice, Mg Bn 11) independent in village
2 Levy regiments inside village
Turn 1
At Range 2
Kaylee Tarleigh casts Hymn of Fortitude on TM2
Casting Dice: 3, Need 25 = 35, success! +8 Morale for TM2
Orlando Veridge casts Hymn of Iron on TM1
Casting Dice: 5, Need 30 = 70, success! + 22 Morale for TM1
Defending forces retreat, township is abandoned
Township pillaged for 4d6 * 100g = 1,000 gold from House Yap Income this turn, split between Vassal House Tarrant, Minor House Takeda, Minor House Ritter
50g for Erana Zhou, 25g for Adam Korlis, 25g for Hiromi Ritter, 25g waiting for Joan Takeda
Joan Takeda gains +1 Chivalry; Blooded; Wounded; Prisoner
Erana Zhou gains +1 Martial, Blooded
Hiromi Ritter upgrades Blooded to Veteran
Smart; Cunning; Aged; Sword-master; Axe-master; Child of Tellar; Veteran Songweaver; Agent-material; Tutored; Noble; Maestro of Shadows; Consummate Spy; Familiar with Killers; Trained; Statesman;
Description: A consummate professional, Hamid Hulland was a highly sought prize by many Sartieran Houses in his younger days. He had much to recommend himself, after all, having shown strong songweaving talent and a reasonable head for governance. With his origins in an ancient, if somewhat minor House, he ticked all the boxes. But his true value lay in his ability to navigate the perilous waters of Court politics, courtesy of having fostered with Capo for a time. Never mind that he picked up some of their apathy for morals and ethics as long as he knew how to put a positive spin on things, which he does. Quiet Hamid, however, chose to remain in the shadows, instead, serving his House in any capacity they required. Rumour has it that he's picked up some connections in the years since and may have done some questionable deals. Did we mention he's also the Symphonius' uncle-in-law?
"Sitting in his study, Hamid considered the letter in his hand. Since news of Tellar's play for power arrived, he had been expecting it but that didn't make his decision any easier. He loved his niece, Rita, dearly and on his very infrequent visits to see her at Court Tellar, he had idly identified levers which could be pulled if necessary. Had advised her accordingly as appropriate, truth be told. There was potential in that Court, ways to shape it through Rita and her daughter, Evelyn. A plucked string here, a careful bow there. And if it needed to be sforzando, well, he had connections for that as well, could even do it himself if it became necessary.
But he and Symphonius Andres didn't get along, and not having good relations with half of the ruling Symphony wasn't going to help anyone. At least not anyone he cared about. There were many things he could forgive, but if you chose to have a wife, you should surely appreciate what you have. Not go inspecting what others had.
And he had to be honest with himself, he had made enemies in his time and they might well follow him if he were to join the Court at Harper. Might gather more, really, if it became clear who he would prefer to sit in the Symphony's seats. Nearing retirement as he was, did he really want to leave himself open to attack when he had managed to survive for so long?
He leaned back in his chair and sighed aloud, "Stop playing games with yourself, old man. You know you've already made up your mind; an aging spy is better than no spy at all.""
Smart; Child of Carlisle; Tutored; Noble; Ruthless Merchant; Grasp of Numbers; Songweaver; Longsword-master; Blooded; Agent-material; Hated by Carlisle;
Description: From a young age, Liam Innslaught knew he was destined to be great. Although he was only middling in most of the areas classically valued by the short-sighted Tellars, he knew his understanding of money and the processes needed for things to run smoothly would take him far beyond the borders of House Carlisle, maybe even as far as Etela. Luck is not Liam's friend, at least not if you ask him. Because here he is, middle-aged and fleeing Carlisle after one too many of his carefully designed systems worked the way it was supposed to and he got found out. At least he has funds to start anew in Harper. If you're willing to bend the rules from time to time, he'd tell you he's worth the investment. He's going to be great, you see. That little trouble with House Carlisle? No no, just a simple misunderstanding, those silly bankers didn't know a good thing when they had it so they threw him out. He's sure it'll clear up in its own time. Really.
"Liam couldn't stop looking over his shoulder.
It wasn't until he'd cleared the guards at the entrance to the Tellar complex that he began to breathe more easily. He had a plan and it was going to work this time because this was his destiny. Those unappreciative bastards in Carlisle wouldn't have recognised a valuable resource if it rode in circles around them naked on a horse covered in opals. So he skimmed a little. Or a lot. Okay well look, he invested in other Carlisle businesses so, really, he was giving back to House Carlisle in the long run. If he kept a small percentage of that, it was only his due for doing such a good job. The point was, he had done it all for the benefit of the House and they had been too tunnel-visioned to see it. But that was all behind him now.
He glanced nervously behind him again. He wasn't running to Harper; he was offering his services. He tugged his earlobe fretfully as he climbed the stairs to the main Tellar court. They would appreciate him, he reassured himself. Shoulders back, spine straight, he opened the doors, ready for his audience with the new rulers of Sartier. This was going to work."
Smart; Child of Tellar; Tutored; Merchant; Grasp of Numbers; Veteran; Knightly; Spear-master; Longsword-master; Aged; Spry; Spellsword; Noble; Agent-material; Married; Mother of 3;
Description: Louise Tellar has always done the right thing. Not being gifted with especial magical talent, she still sought to do well in the areas she did study including the usage of more traditional weapons. She married for the benefit of her House. She bore children for the benefit of her House. And now she would return home, if only for a time, to lend a hand wherever she might be needed. Having paid her dues throughout her life and proven her loyalty to her House, she expects this to be recognised to the benefit of her children. That's all she asks, surely that's not too much?
"Louise surveyed the chests cluttered at the bottom of the stairs critically. She was certain she had gotten everything, the boxes on her lists were ticked, she had her sword strapped to her back, it was all in order.
The news of Tellar's ascension hadn't taken her by surprise, as such, but nor was she entirely prepared for it to come so quickly. But now was her opportunity. Having grown up with Antonia and Andres and having a history of doing what was in House Tellar's best interests should stand her children in good stead now that she was travelling to Harper to help out. They needed her level head, and if it benefited her daughter and sons, all to the better.
She smiled at the thought of them, little darlings. They would surely blossom at House Tellar, all they needed was the opportunity and that she could certainly provide. Or at least arrange to provide."
Description: Although she had remarried, Melody's mother had never forgotten the man who had swept her off her feet and then disappeared into the night. Whenever her stepfather wasn't around, her mother would tell her stories of him. Of course, her stepfather didn't like Melody very much and to escape his passive aggressive muttering and glances, she turned quickly to life as a child of the streets. There she learned the skills which would ultimately serve her in her current career as an assassin. Her familiarity with administering death in any number of ways was only honed when her father found her again and took him in under his wing, spy to spy. Her love-hate for him, and all nobles, has only grown worse since. While her skills would be of exceptional use, make sure you trust her no further than you can lift her.
"It was unusual for Melody to not try and conceal her identity, but in this case, it was probably a necessity. Most potential employers didn't take well to being deceived from the get go. How boring. She passed the guard a small wooden token, then waited while he looked at it and her and then led her to a well-appointed room with wildly impractical furniture that was beautiful to look at but was probably highly uncomfortable to sit in.
As though to prove her point, Andres Tellar simply stood at the door upon entering, shutting it behind him but making no move to sit. "Can I help you?" he asked coolly, hands clasped behind him. She smiled her most infectious smile and very obviously examined him from the dark hair bearing an honourable retreat from his forehead down to his well-shaped legs before lifting her bright gaze to meet his darker one.
"I think the real question is how can I help you, Symphonius? The token tells you all you need to know, surely."
He bore up well under the scrutiny, although he seemed slightly uncomfortable, "Yes. Well. We'll see."
Description: Leanne Carlisle knows she's not much special and it makes her nervous. Her skill with her longsword and her role with the Dusk Chorus has certainly led her down a path of some notable achievements, but she's certain that those were more to do with her being in the right place at the right time rather than anything else. But she wants to be special, desperately. It's why she was always in those situations in the first place. House Carlisle certainly believes she's special, anyway, and they expect others to treat her accordingly. Personal circumstance has prompted her abrupt departure from Gambier, but she could still be useful and Carlisle at large still seems to like her.
"Leanne flopped back onto her new bed and stared pensively at the ceiling of her new room. It seemed that everyone and their immediate family members was headed towards Harper once word of Tellar's ascendancy had started trickling through to the minor Houses. She sort of wished she was one of those and not a silly girl who had gotten entangled with the wrong guy and who really didn't want to deal with all of the pitying glances and well wishing.
Yes, it had quickly become clear that she had been pretty badly misled but even so, she was still the dupe who had been taken in to begin with. For all of her accomplishments, she had managed to be scammed and she hated that. So she had escaped to a new environment in hopes of starting over. And carrying the goodwill of House Carlisle would probably only help her. Not that she knew how she felt about House Tellar exactly, but she was willing to give it a shot."
In case anyone's curious, when creating characters, we used a ton of random dice rolls to determine stats to help make characters en masse. Like what you would have seen in the stat line profiles for Bladesingers and Soothsingers.
Which had some interesting side effects from a narrative point of view. But basically almost everything here has been randomly generated, and then massaged into the plot. Fun times!
[X] … is a real Law and Order sort of guy, even if his personal life is a little patchy. He works closely with Charlie Tellar, the Justice, and, if things get serious, the Spymistress, Patricia Frunkle. [Peasant uprising percentages reduced by 5, increased chance of identifying and intercepting dissident characters]
[X] … is Beloved by her Soldiers, being probably the roughest, gutsiest, most stubborn noble that ever existed. You try not to listen to the stories. Your aunt has a pretty wild streak but you don't want to hear that sort of stuff about family. But the soldiers love her, to the point that they say no regiment that stands with Antonia would ever allow itself to break, even unto death. [House Tellar troops with Antonia attached auto-pass all morale tests. A vassal unit gains +40 morale]
[X] … a Drive to Succeed that didn't let you quit. You have been known to to push the limits and never accept failure. Victory has often been saved from the jaws of defeat because of this drive. Or you at least salvaged something from themess. [When undertaking an action, may add +10 to a failed dice roll, either to her own or someone else's action occurring at the same location. Once per turn only.]
[X] Louise Tellar, the Lady
[X] … to send over some of your best Songweavers and Spellswords to tutor House Capo nobles in their arts, tying up some of the people your House relies on. [Agents Monica Reynolds, Dominic Rios, and hero unit Georgie Hulland are sent to Capo as trainers for 4 turns (2 years), at a cost of 1,000g per turn.]
[X] … is a real Law and Order sort of guy, even if his personal life is a little patchy. He works closely with Charlie Tellar, the Justice, and, if things get serious, the Spymistress, Patricia Frunkle. [Peasant uprising percentages reduced by 5, increased chance of identifying and intercepting dissident characters]
[X] … is Beloved by her Soldiers, being probably the roughest, gutsiest, most stubborn noble that ever existed. You try not to listen to the stories. Your aunt has a pretty wild streak but you don't want to hear that sort of stuff about family. But the soldiers love her, to the point that they say no regiment that stands with Antonia would ever allow itself to break, even unto death. [House Tellar troops with Antonia attached auto-pass all morale tests. A vassal unit gains +40 morale]
[X] … a Drive to Succeed that didn't let you quit. You have been known to to push the limits and never accept failure. Victory has often been saved from the jaws of defeat because of this drive. Or you at least salvaged something from themess. [When undertaking an action, may add +10 to a failed dice roll, either to her own or someone else's action occurring at the same location. Once per turn only.]
[X] Louise Tellar, the Lady
[X] … to send over some of your best Songweavers and Spellswords to tutor House Capo nobles in their arts, tying up some of the people your House relies on. [Agents Monica Reynolds, Dominic Rios, and hero unit Georgie Hulland are sent to Capo as trainers for 4 turns (2 years), at a cost of 1,000g per turn.]
[X] … is a real Law and Order sort of guy, even if his personal life is a little patchy. He works closely with Charlie Tellar, the Justice, and, if things get serious, the Spymistress, Patricia Frunkle. [Peasant uprising percentages reduced by 5, increased chance of identifying and intercepting dissident characters]
Less peasant uprisings sounds good.
[X] … is Beloved by her Soldiers, being probably the roughest, gutsiest, most stubborn noble that ever existed. You try not to listen to the stories. Your aunt has a pretty wild streak but you don't want to hear that sort of stuff about family. But the soldiers love her, to the point that they say no regiment that stands with Antonia would ever allow itself to break, even unto death. [House Tellar troops with Antonia attached auto-pass all morale tests. A vassal unit gains +40 morale]
[X] … a Drive to Succeed that didn't let you quit. You have been known to to push the limits and never accept failure. Victory has often been saved from the jaws of defeat because of this drive. Or you at least salvaged something from themess. [When undertaking an action, may add +10 to a failed dice roll, either to her own or someone else's action occurring at the same location. Once per turn only.]
[X] Hamid Hulland, the Elder
I'm not sure we have any agents good at intrigue right now, and Melody doesn't seem trustworthy.
[X] ... to get you to agree to a betrothal with Raul Capo, second child of the ruling Capos, which you're distinctly unhappy about. [Evelyn Tellar betrothed to Raul Capo, Raul Capo will join Tellar household in 1 year's time, tension between Evelyn and Symphony, +3 to relations with Capo, a Capo is now part of the Tellar succession line, plus Raul happens to be a little closer on the family tree than Evelyn would like]
We're going to married for political reasons eventually, might as well do it now.
[X] … has a lot of talent as an Auditor. A few years back, before the May and Juan Lumens took the post, the Exchequer was starting up a racket. He had hardly gotten started with his scheme before Andres noticed the books were being cooked. He may not have the best brain for business, but he knows when something is crooked! [50% chance per turn of catching anyone acting with income-reducing traits in a Council role, +1 Stewardship]
[X] … is Beloved by her Soldiers, being probably the roughest, gutsiest, most stubborn noble that ever existed. You try not to listen to the stories. Your aunt has a pretty wild streak but you don't want to hear that sort of stuff about family. But the soldiers love her, to the point that they say no regiment that stands with Antonia would ever allow itself to break, even unto death. [House Tellar troops with Antonia attached auto-pass all morale tests. A vassal unit gains +40 morale]
[X] … a Drive to Succeed that didn't let you quit. You have been known to to push the limits and never accept failure. Victory has often been saved from the jaws of defeat because of this drive. Or you at least salvaged something from themess. [When undertaking an action, may add +10 to a failed dice roll, either to her own or someone else's action occurring at the same location. Once per turn only.]
[X] Liam Innslaught, the Merchant
[X] … extend favourable deals for Harper leather and Dyelin iron to the Capo houses. Beatrice Raleigh was not amused. [Capo and Vassals receive Surfeit of Iron and Many Ways to Skin special rules, -5,000g income per turn for Tellar and Raleigh for 5 years (10 turns), -1 Relations to Raleigh]
Okay, allow me to explain. Liam Innslaught is a problem, but he's also a solution to said problem. And we definitely need some money help: thus, our father can help us find corruption. For instance, he can stand in front of Liam and point at him at all times.
Still, I think Liam could be useful, and if Carlisle hates him? Well, they were likely to be our enemies anyways.
Beloved by Soldiers is obvious, and I think will have plenty of benefits against a peasant revolt, hence not needing it for father. Loyal, brave, and unbreakable troops will be peasant rebels 10/10 times.
The drive to succeed *is* a little generic, but it's also a little good. However, @OneirosTheWriter , what do we know about the Khironex?
And also, just not sure if we should be giving away part of our only advantage to the Capo.
The Khironex is another island nation that lies east-north-east of Sartier and is one of Sartier's in general, and Carlisle's in particular, major trading partners. They don't live on one island so much as three big islands and a morass of smaller islands, and their culture is heavily revolved around the sea, around ships, and around trade.
They are ruled by nobles known as Bells, who are a kind of noble-cum-admiral-cum-merchant. Each one rules a fleet, and they rank a smidgen lower than your Vassal House Mezzos in general, though the actual wealth and power (i.e., fleet size) can vary considerably. When it says "Sea-Bellain" that basically means that an heir to one of these Bells.
The overall leader is known as the Serene Bell, which should give you some idea of what I was intending with these: "Venice matriarchy".
So effectively that trait means that Evelyn spent a notable period of time at sea and learned her way around a ship, a sea battle, and she also has some cachet with the Bells of Khironex. This can open up extra options and events in future depending on how things play out.
The Khironex is another island nation that lies east-north-east of Sartier and is one of Sartier's in general, and Carlisle's in particular, major trading partners. They don't live on one island so much as three big islands and a morass of smaller islands, and their culture is heavily revolved around the sea, around ships, and around trade.
They are ruled by nobles known as Bells, who are a kind of noble-cum-admiral-cum-merchant. Each one rules a fleet, and they rank a smidgen lower than your Vassal House Mezzos in general, though the actual wealth and power (i.e., fleet size) can vary considerably. When it says "Sea-Bellain" that basically means that an heir to one of these Bells.
The overall leader is known as the Serene Bell, which should give you some idea of what I was intending with these: "Venice matriarchy".
So effectively that trait means that Evelyn spent a notable period of time at sea and learned her way around a ship, a sea battle, and she also has some cachet with the Bells of Khironex. This can open up extra options and events in future depending on how things play out.
...effective political marriages are aimed to build a strong alliance. Someone with power close to parity offers strength and support, without becoming subordinate. Someone stronger to be the supplicant, but also having a big gun to use. Or someone slightly weaker but unaligned to reel them in. Or even someone with a rare skill worth more than the ties we find
A desperate political marriage is one where you don't get to consider candidates due to them having you over a barrel. You are only averting a disaster, not acquiring advantage
Yeah, it's there for two reasons, one as a way to get someone who knows their way around a sea-battle into your court, since that is pretty rare in Sartier, and it gives you an option to intercept pirates instead of fighting near your villages.
The other reason, of course, is the the one you mentioned: economic. I made sure there were a few distinct routes towards economic improvements available to see what people did and didn't like.
[X] … has a lot of talent as an Auditor. A few years back, before the May and Juan Lumens took the post, the Exchequer was starting up a racket. He had hardly gotten started with his scheme before Andres noticed the books were being cooked. He may not have the best brain for business, but he knows when something is crooked! [50% chance per turn of catching anyone acting with income-reducing traits in a Council role, +1 Stewardship]
[X] …is called the Maestro of the Hunt when it comes to finding Teuvians. Antonia got to know all the sorts of backwater peasant nonsense that used to go on when she wandered around with Luna. There was no one like her for finding a cult and breaking the doors down. Although some of the tales she has of things she ran into out in the mist are silly. I think. [+3 Intrigue, +1 Combat, +10 dice bonus on Martial or Intrigue Actions that would result in Teuvian Influence reduction]
[X] Liam Innslaught, the Merchant
[X] … travelled abroad and Sailed with the Khironex in your younger days, staying with the Sea-Bellain Alice Ruger on the trireme Unbreakable. It taught you much, and you still remember the sea mist and the rolling of the waves. Of course, you also remember your fight with the pirate galley; the decks bloodstained and shivered. You taught all to respect the power of a Songweaver that day. [+2 Combat, +1 to Relations with Khironex, +6 Martial when commanding ships]
[X] … to send over some of your best Songweavers and Spellswords to tutor House Capo nobles in their arts, tying up some of the people your House relies on. [Agents Monica Reynolds, Dominic Rios, and hero unit Georgie Hulland are sent to Capo as trainers for 4 turns (2 years), at a cost of 1,000g per turn.]
So, thoughts.
Taking the merchant should help our economy but provides a risk. Auditor neatly counters that risk. Since our house's biggest weakness is being perpetually short on money, I don't think spending two options here is unreasonable.
Maestro of the hunt provides an improvement to our intrigue options, which was the main reason we usurped Sonissimo, so we need to be on top of it. I'm also a little nervous about the piety rating on our characters, which is hovering around ten across the board and want some insurance.
Sailed with the Khironex gives us long term economic options, but I'm more interested in the martial boost. One of our current major problems is the lack of the royal fleet, and a major short term goal is knocking off Tranquility. Giving Evelyn the opportunity to prove herself is also a big plus.
I don't really like any of the options for the favour to the Capos. I don't like the idea of giving them 10% of our income for the next ten turns, though I may be getting tunnel vision about our economy. I picked advisors because it's only two years then done, as opposed to five years or for life, but I don't know how much of an investment those two agents and hero are in the grand scheme of things, especially with the possibility of them getting killed in a duel or assassinated.
I picked advisors because it's only two years then done, as opposed to five years or for life, but I don't know how much of an investment those two agents and hero are in the grand scheme of things
I think it is only fair to shed some more light on the factors here.
This deprives you of two quite powerful agents for a few turns. You're going to get a 9th agent when this vote completes, so this represents 2/9 of your agents, leaving you with seven actions instead of nine for four turns. However, to expand on something I mentioned earlier in this thread, the big way that the bonuses/maluses for Houses works is in how deep they bat in any particular field. You bat deep in magic, so you can still operate in that field, if at a bit less capacity.
The 1,000g per turn price tag is relatively negligible to your budget of 50k per turn.
The real thing to be aware of is that this will generate improvements to House Capo agents/hero types. However, that can be a good thing. Sometimes you will be in competition with your fellow houses. However, when external threats loom, they're also the guys that will be backing you up, so you may end up being grateful in the long-run.
So the question is: how adversarial and competitive, or how cooperative, with your fellow Houses do you guys want to be?
The real thing to be aware of is that this will generate improvements to House Capo agents/hero types. However, that can be a good thing. Sometimes you will be in competition with your fellow houses. However, when external threats loom, they're also the guys that will be backing you up, so you may end up being grateful in the long-run.
[X] … is a real Law and Order sort of guy, even if his personal life is a little patchy. He works closely with Charlie Tellar, the Justice, and, if things get serious, the Spymistress, Patricia Frunkle. [Peasant uprising percentages reduced by 5, increased chance of identifying and intercepting dissident characters]
[X] … is Beloved by her Soldiers, being probably the roughest, gutsiest, most stubborn noble that ever existed. You try not to listen to the stories. Your aunt has a pretty wild streak but you don't want to hear that sort of stuff about family. But the soldiers love her, to the point that they say no regiment that stands with Antonia would ever allow itself to break, even unto death. [House Tellar troops with Antonia attached auto-pass all morale tests. A vassal unit gains +40 morale]
[X] … a Drive to Succeed that didn't let you quit. You have been known to to push the limits and never accept failure. Victory has often been saved from the jaws of defeat because of this drive. Or you at least salvaged something from themess. [When undertaking an action, may add +10 to a failed dice roll, either to her own or someone else's action occurring at the same location. Once per turn only.]
[X] Louise Tellar, the Lady
[X] … to send over some of your best Songweavers and Spellswords to tutor House Capo nobles in their arts, tying up some of the people your House relies on. [Agents Monica Reynolds, Dominic Rios, and hero unit Georgie Hulland are sent to Capo as trainers for 4 turns (2 years), at a cost of 1,000g per turn.]
Noticed this is getting a lot of votes, and it just occurred to me this may have been badly worded.
This refers to the Regiment Antonia is directly attached to in a fight (as per the flavour text). This is still, in and of itself, huge with the combat system I have going, where battle is all about causing the other guy to lose his nerve, but I just want to make sure no one thinks it means the whole army is immune.
[X] … is a real Law and Order sort of guy, even if his personal life is a little patchy. He works closely with Charlie Tellar, the Justice, and, if things get serious, the Spymistress, Patricia Frunkle. [Peasant uprising percentages reduced by 5, increased chance of identifying and intercepting dissident characters]
[X] … is Beloved by her Soldiers, being probably the roughest, gutsiest, most stubborn noble that ever existed. You try not to listen to the stories. Your aunt has a pretty wild streak but you don't want to hear that sort of stuff about family. But the soldiers love her, to the point that they say no regiment that stands with Antonia would ever allow itself to break, even unto death. [House Tellar troops with Antonia attached auto-pass all morale tests. A vassal unit gains +40 morale]
[X] … been a Prima Donna of the Blade as you grew up. Although you don't demonstrate it as often these days, you've only gotten better. Your sword would be like a glimmering mist before you, deflecting all blows and striking out. Beware when you put aside your sword for your halberd, however, for that's when you mean to draw blood. [Gain +2 Combat, +1 Toughness, +1 Magic, +1 Max Parry, Gain Halberd-master trait]
[X] Louise Tellar, the Lady
[X] … to send over some of your best Songweavers and Spellswords to tutor House Capo nobles in their arts, tying up some of the people your House relies on. [Agents Monica Reynolds, Dominic Rios, and hero unit Georgie Hulland are sent to Capo as trainers for 4 turns (2 years), at a cost of 1,000g per turn.]
