"FOOLS! LIARS! TREACHEROUS OVERSTUFFED CURS!"
Your ravings echo uselessly around the fabled...
Your ravings echo uselessly around the fabled...
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"FOOLS! LIARS! TREACHEROUS OVERSTUFFED CURS!"
Your ravings echo uselessly around the fabled Tomb of the Twelve, final resting place of the Twelve Brothers and their terrible burden. Heroically and nobly did they keep it hidden and sealed, to be buried with them at the final hour.
"...VAUNTED COWARDS HIDING BEHIND A VENEER OF..."
All empty, of course. The overwrought stone jars they were buried in remain, but contain nothing but moldering bone and ragged steel. If this was their true tomb in the first place, their oath to keep the Twelve Rings of Abu'Shah out of mortal hands failed.
"...THREE CENTURIES OF WORSHIP ALL OVER A LIE OF A SHAM..."
Which means, of course, that you have failed. With that meddling fool of a Sultan out of the way, there was nothing to stop you from accessing this tomb and claiming what its occupants were too cowardly to wield. With them, you could wield true and terrible powers, vast abilities beyond the comprehension of most mortals...
"...WORTHLESS... AIMLESS... MISERABLE..."
Your voice finally starts to crack, and you double over in a heavy coughing fit. A few more curses escape your lips before you're hacking and wheezing into a bloody rag, struggling for breath against your own body. You can't breathe, and as you kneel gagging on the floor, you briefly wonder if you're about to die here.
After several long, futile seconds, at last you inhale in wheezing gasps, and your usual poise returns. You cough out the last of your difficulties, wipe the blood off your lips with your silk kerchief, and rise slowly to your feet, glaring at your meatheaded thugs. Corpulent and slow-witted, they stare dumbly back at you.
"What are you waiting for, you fools," you sneer at them. "We have work to do."
---
You sit at your usual desk, pretending to pore over a map of the realm. It's of little use at the moment, of course; your efforts have uncovered no evidence that the Rings were ever used outside the legendry of their original wielders, and as such you have little notion of where they might be now. It galls you to be without a plan, but not so much as the knowledge that you put yourself in this position. You were greedy and reckless, assuming baselessly that the rings- or their majority, surely- would be waiting patiently for you in ornamental stone boxes. Impertinent fool! What task great or small has ever gone so smoothly?!
You lean back in your chair, coughing briefly into your kerchief. With the Sultan and his heir slain in a tragic hunting accident, it fell on you, their Most Trusted Vizier, to appoint a successor. You wisely did so with the future in mind, knowing that even if you found the rings, it might take time to fully unlock their secrets. Fortunately the Imperial Harem- the great walled garden used to house troublesome yet valuable individuals- provided a ready selection of vaguely royal-blooded younglings with a keen grasp of their usefulness to the powerful and expendability to the ruthless. For this particular task, you selected...
[] A Close Relative. While not the closest living blood relation to the Sultan by far, the boy is close enough to be a passable candidate. He'll be more wily and dangerous, knowing he has a valid claim and the ability to acquire noble support, but the nobles will be placated and controllable, thinking he's somewhat legitimate and fearing he'll have the support of their peers.
[] A Distant Relative. While related to the Sultan, there's little justification for the boy taking the throne. He'll be more pliable and submissive, knowing he's an expendable pawn and lacking many prospects for noble support, but the nobles will be unruly and ambitious, knowing the Sultan is a puppet and that their peers are similarly unimpressed.
[] A Girl. While closely related to the Sultan, there's no excuse for placing a girl on the throne ahead of dozens of male relatives. She'll be little more than a crude hand puppet, knowing this farce relies on you alone, but the nobles will be incensed, likewise recognizing this as little more than a thin charade.
Speaking of politics, you'll need to begin devising a strategy. The first order of business will surely be placating the most important nobility; in theory, their support will help keep the rest in line. You don't need the Sultanate prosperous or particularly stable, but any time or resources you must spend keeping the realm from splintering is time you can't spend on your true pursuit. A quiet land is a productive land, in this case, and to make that happen you think you'll meet with...
[] The Satraps. The Sultanate is divided into Six Satrapies, each ruled by a Satrap appointed by the Sultan. In theory, the Satrapies revert to the Sultan on succession, to be doled out as the new Sultan desires; in practice, dislodging any of the six most powerful men in the land is a dangerous affair. As the current Satraps were all close friends of the Sultan, they are likely to be... difficult. However, they are often disliked by their vassals, rendering their power and positions somewhat unreliable.
[] The Royal Sheikhs. The center of the Sultanate is divided into Six Royal Sheikhdoms, answering directly to the Sultan rather than a Satrap. While not as powerful as the Satraps, their proximity and direct contact render them a potent core of the Sultan's might. As they are routinely bribed with royal marriages, they tend to claim close relation to the Sultan, and the prestige and political clout that comes with it. While the Royal Sheikhs are typically more concerned with sucking up to the current Sultan than avenging the last one, they are liable to take the most offense at someone other than themselves gaining the throne.
[] The Wealthy. Landed or not, wealth carries power. Rather than meeting with proper nobility, you could arrange a grand banquet for some of the wealthiest men in the realm in an attempt to garner their support. While this would do nothing for your political woes directly, it might grant you vast resources to address that and other problems later.
[] The Peasantry. While the thought of unwashed serfs being useful is peculiar, even a grain of sand can be meaningful in large numbers. By holding a festival celebrating the new coronation, you could persuade the general populace of the legitimacy of the new Sultan, rendering attempts to undermine or oppose him damaging to the stability of the realm. While the nobles would obviously be displeased, they would also be reluctant to destabilize their own lands in revolt or subversion.
Finally, you consider the true issue at hand: How you are going to locate your rings.
What you know about them- or think you know about them- comes from a variety of sources, many of them ancient. Even the dates are unclear; your best estimates put the events of the Twelve Brothers somewhere between 80 and 300 years ago, leaning towards the older figure. They most likely arose during a civil war or other large-scale crisis, or at least became most powerful and famous during this time. Records- and especially idle tales- speak of them battling vile demons and saving the whole of the land; most likely (but not certainly) these demons were largely mundane foes portrayed as more powerful and wicked than they were by the victors. That said, it is all but certain the Brothers had some supernatural contact; the rings are not of this world, and you know better than most what terrors lie beyond the sands of the desert and the sands of human perception.
The actual origin of the rings is shrouded in myth; some records suggest they were taken from the demonic lord of the invaders, while others imply they were already possessed or indeed utilized to defeat such an entity. A few state that they were given as a reward for the deed, but as these fail to mention where twelve artifacts of unfathomable power originated, you find them suspect. What you do find repeatedly, and what you have come to firmly believe, is that the rings were a splitting of a greater whole for fear of its immense power, though this theory does nothing to explain their ultimate origins, or indeed why they should be split into twelve sections, no more and no less.
The powers of the rings are well documented and largely worthless. Everything from immense strength to undoing time is attributed to them, and sifting reliable information from wild tales is all but impossible. What you do know comes from the rare sober account or retelling, a great volume of highly suspect tales compared for common themes, and sources best left unmentioned. You know, with absolute certainty, that the Twelve never used the rings to their full potential. Liars though they may have been, tales of their fear of their powers are likely accurate, and they restrained their usage to parlor tricks and blunt shows of force. Above all, the rings are power. They may have shape and nature, but they are tools to be wielded in whatever manner their master desires. To limit their abilities to something so crude as a magic charm is to display the utmost ignorance of their... higher nature.
As for their later history... well. You thought that the rings and their powers would be famous enough to garner notice had they seen any later use, but your accompanying conclusion that they had been resting in their tomb for three centuries is apparently false. This could mean they were lost or hidden elsewhere under a similar principle, in which case finding them will be difficult indeed. Perhaps more likely, it could mean that nobody could resist the allure of the rings after all; but it seems highly unlikely that there would be no record of such artifacts in use. A more distasteful hypothesis could be that the rings are dormant in some manner, possibly wielded by cowards and fools with no comprehension of how to use them; but this would require they never once touch worthy hands, which again seems unusual. It's trivially possible they were removed from the Sultanate somehow, but it'd require a rather peculiar kind of motivation to place them in a sand tomb or oasis-hop somewhere isolated yet secure.
In short, you have no obvious leads.
Still, you must start somewhere. You'll begin...
[] Immediately (Write-In your first course of action).
[] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
Your ravings echo uselessly around the fabled Tomb of the Twelve, final resting place of the Twelve Brothers and their terrible burden. Heroically and nobly did they keep it hidden and sealed, to be buried with them at the final hour.
"...VAUNTED COWARDS HIDING BEHIND A VENEER OF..."
All empty, of course. The overwrought stone jars they were buried in remain, but contain nothing but moldering bone and ragged steel. If this was their true tomb in the first place, their oath to keep the Twelve Rings of Abu'Shah out of mortal hands failed.
"...THREE CENTURIES OF WORSHIP ALL OVER A LIE OF A SHAM..."
Which means, of course, that you have failed. With that meddling fool of a Sultan out of the way, there was nothing to stop you from accessing this tomb and claiming what its occupants were too cowardly to wield. With them, you could wield true and terrible powers, vast abilities beyond the comprehension of most mortals...
"...WORTHLESS... AIMLESS... MISERABLE..."
Your voice finally starts to crack, and you double over in a heavy coughing fit. A few more curses escape your lips before you're hacking and wheezing into a bloody rag, struggling for breath against your own body. You can't breathe, and as you kneel gagging on the floor, you briefly wonder if you're about to die here.
After several long, futile seconds, at last you inhale in wheezing gasps, and your usual poise returns. You cough out the last of your difficulties, wipe the blood off your lips with your silk kerchief, and rise slowly to your feet, glaring at your meatheaded thugs. Corpulent and slow-witted, they stare dumbly back at you.
"What are you waiting for, you fools," you sneer at them. "We have work to do."
---
You sit at your usual desk, pretending to pore over a map of the realm. It's of little use at the moment, of course; your efforts have uncovered no evidence that the Rings were ever used outside the legendry of their original wielders, and as such you have little notion of where they might be now. It galls you to be without a plan, but not so much as the knowledge that you put yourself in this position. You were greedy and reckless, assuming baselessly that the rings- or their majority, surely- would be waiting patiently for you in ornamental stone boxes. Impertinent fool! What task great or small has ever gone so smoothly?!
You lean back in your chair, coughing briefly into your kerchief. With the Sultan and his heir slain in a tragic hunting accident, it fell on you, their Most Trusted Vizier, to appoint a successor. You wisely did so with the future in mind, knowing that even if you found the rings, it might take time to fully unlock their secrets. Fortunately the Imperial Harem- the great walled garden used to house troublesome yet valuable individuals- provided a ready selection of vaguely royal-blooded younglings with a keen grasp of their usefulness to the powerful and expendability to the ruthless. For this particular task, you selected...
[] A Close Relative. While not the closest living blood relation to the Sultan by far, the boy is close enough to be a passable candidate. He'll be more wily and dangerous, knowing he has a valid claim and the ability to acquire noble support, but the nobles will be placated and controllable, thinking he's somewhat legitimate and fearing he'll have the support of their peers.
[] A Distant Relative. While related to the Sultan, there's little justification for the boy taking the throne. He'll be more pliable and submissive, knowing he's an expendable pawn and lacking many prospects for noble support, but the nobles will be unruly and ambitious, knowing the Sultan is a puppet and that their peers are similarly unimpressed.
[] A Girl. While closely related to the Sultan, there's no excuse for placing a girl on the throne ahead of dozens of male relatives. She'll be little more than a crude hand puppet, knowing this farce relies on you alone, but the nobles will be incensed, likewise recognizing this as little more than a thin charade.
Speaking of politics, you'll need to begin devising a strategy. The first order of business will surely be placating the most important nobility; in theory, their support will help keep the rest in line. You don't need the Sultanate prosperous or particularly stable, but any time or resources you must spend keeping the realm from splintering is time you can't spend on your true pursuit. A quiet land is a productive land, in this case, and to make that happen you think you'll meet with...
[] The Satraps. The Sultanate is divided into Six Satrapies, each ruled by a Satrap appointed by the Sultan. In theory, the Satrapies revert to the Sultan on succession, to be doled out as the new Sultan desires; in practice, dislodging any of the six most powerful men in the land is a dangerous affair. As the current Satraps were all close friends of the Sultan, they are likely to be... difficult. However, they are often disliked by their vassals, rendering their power and positions somewhat unreliable.
[] The Royal Sheikhs. The center of the Sultanate is divided into Six Royal Sheikhdoms, answering directly to the Sultan rather than a Satrap. While not as powerful as the Satraps, their proximity and direct contact render them a potent core of the Sultan's might. As they are routinely bribed with royal marriages, they tend to claim close relation to the Sultan, and the prestige and political clout that comes with it. While the Royal Sheikhs are typically more concerned with sucking up to the current Sultan than avenging the last one, they are liable to take the most offense at someone other than themselves gaining the throne.
[] The Wealthy. Landed or not, wealth carries power. Rather than meeting with proper nobility, you could arrange a grand banquet for some of the wealthiest men in the realm in an attempt to garner their support. While this would do nothing for your political woes directly, it might grant you vast resources to address that and other problems later.
[] The Peasantry. While the thought of unwashed serfs being useful is peculiar, even a grain of sand can be meaningful in large numbers. By holding a festival celebrating the new coronation, you could persuade the general populace of the legitimacy of the new Sultan, rendering attempts to undermine or oppose him damaging to the stability of the realm. While the nobles would obviously be displeased, they would also be reluctant to destabilize their own lands in revolt or subversion.
Finally, you consider the true issue at hand: How you are going to locate your rings.
What you know about them- or think you know about them- comes from a variety of sources, many of them ancient. Even the dates are unclear; your best estimates put the events of the Twelve Brothers somewhere between 80 and 300 years ago, leaning towards the older figure. They most likely arose during a civil war or other large-scale crisis, or at least became most powerful and famous during this time. Records- and especially idle tales- speak of them battling vile demons and saving the whole of the land; most likely (but not certainly) these demons were largely mundane foes portrayed as more powerful and wicked than they were by the victors. That said, it is all but certain the Brothers had some supernatural contact; the rings are not of this world, and you know better than most what terrors lie beyond the sands of the desert and the sands of human perception.
The actual origin of the rings is shrouded in myth; some records suggest they were taken from the demonic lord of the invaders, while others imply they were already possessed or indeed utilized to defeat such an entity. A few state that they were given as a reward for the deed, but as these fail to mention where twelve artifacts of unfathomable power originated, you find them suspect. What you do find repeatedly, and what you have come to firmly believe, is that the rings were a splitting of a greater whole for fear of its immense power, though this theory does nothing to explain their ultimate origins, or indeed why they should be split into twelve sections, no more and no less.
The powers of the rings are well documented and largely worthless. Everything from immense strength to undoing time is attributed to them, and sifting reliable information from wild tales is all but impossible. What you do know comes from the rare sober account or retelling, a great volume of highly suspect tales compared for common themes, and sources best left unmentioned. You know, with absolute certainty, that the Twelve never used the rings to their full potential. Liars though they may have been, tales of their fear of their powers are likely accurate, and they restrained their usage to parlor tricks and blunt shows of force. Above all, the rings are power. They may have shape and nature, but they are tools to be wielded in whatever manner their master desires. To limit their abilities to something so crude as a magic charm is to display the utmost ignorance of their... higher nature.
As for their later history... well. You thought that the rings and their powers would be famous enough to garner notice had they seen any later use, but your accompanying conclusion that they had been resting in their tomb for three centuries is apparently false. This could mean they were lost or hidden elsewhere under a similar principle, in which case finding them will be difficult indeed. Perhaps more likely, it could mean that nobody could resist the allure of the rings after all; but it seems highly unlikely that there would be no record of such artifacts in use. A more distasteful hypothesis could be that the rings are dormant in some manner, possibly wielded by cowards and fools with no comprehension of how to use them; but this would require they never once touch worthy hands, which again seems unusual. It's trivially possible they were removed from the Sultanate somehow, but it'd require a rather peculiar kind of motivation to place them in a sand tomb or oasis-hop somewhere isolated yet secure.
In short, you have no obvious leads.
Still, you must start somewhere. You'll begin...
[] Immediately (Write-In your first course of action).
[] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
Important Information
Dermonster
The Shittiest Wizard
[X] A Distant Relative. While related to the Sultan, there's little justification for the boy taking the throne. He'll be more pliable and submissive, knowing he's an expendable pawn and lacking many prospects for noble support, but the nobles will be unruly and ambitious, knowing the Sultan is a puppet and that their peers are similarly unimpressed.
[X] The Royal Sheikhs. The center of the Sultanate is divided into Six Royal Sheikhdoms, answering directly to the Sultan rather than a Satrap. While not as powerful as the Satraps, their proximity and direct contact render them a potent core of the Sultan's might. As they are routinely bribed with royal marriages, they tend to claim close relation to the Sultan, and the prestige and political clout that comes with it. While the Royal Sheikhs are typically more concerned with sucking up to the current Sultan than avenging the last one, they are liable to take the most offense at someone other than themselves gaining the throne.
[X] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
[X] The Royal Sheikhs. The center of the Sultanate is divided into Six Royal Sheikhdoms, answering directly to the Sultan rather than a Satrap. While not as powerful as the Satraps, their proximity and direct contact render them a potent core of the Sultan's might. As they are routinely bribed with royal marriages, they tend to claim close relation to the Sultan, and the prestige and political clout that comes with it. While the Royal Sheikhs are typically more concerned with sucking up to the current Sultan than avenging the last one, they are liable to take the most offense at someone other than themselves gaining the throne.
[X] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
- Location
- Sydney
[X] A Close Relative. While not the closest living blood relation to the Sultan by far, the boy is close enough to be a passable candidate. He'll be more wily and dangerous, knowing he has a valid claim and the ability to acquire noble support, but the nobles will be placated and controllable, thinking he's somewhat legitimate and fearing he'll have the support of their peers.
[X] The Royal Sheikhs. The center of the Sultanate is divided into Six Royal Sheikhdoms, answering directly to the Sultan rather than a Satrap. While not as powerful as the Satraps, their proximity and direct contact render them a potent core of the Sultan's might. As they are routinely bribed with royal marriages, they tend to claim close relation to the Sultan, and the prestige and political clout that comes with it. While the Royal Sheikhs are typically more concerned with sucking up to the current Sultan than avenging the last one, they are liable to take the most offense at someone other than themselves gaining the throne.
[X] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
[X] The Royal Sheikhs. The center of the Sultanate is divided into Six Royal Sheikhdoms, answering directly to the Sultan rather than a Satrap. While not as powerful as the Satraps, their proximity and direct contact render them a potent core of the Sultan's might. As they are routinely bribed with royal marriages, they tend to claim close relation to the Sultan, and the prestige and political clout that comes with it. While the Royal Sheikhs are typically more concerned with sucking up to the current Sultan than avenging the last one, they are liable to take the most offense at someone other than themselves gaining the throne.
[X] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
DanBaque
Let's Have Fun
- Location
- Occupied Catalonian Countries
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] A Distant Relative. While related to the Sultan, there's little justification for the boy taking the throne. He'll be more pliable and submissive, knowing he's an expendable pawn and lacking many prospects for noble support, but the nobles will be unruly and ambitious, knowing the Sultan is a puppet and that their peers are similarly unimpressed.
[X] The Peasantry. While the thought of unwashed serfs being useful is peculiar, even a grain of sand can be meaningful in large numbers. By holding a festival celebrating the new coronation, you could persuade the general populace of the legitimacy of the new Sultan, rendering attempts to undermine or oppose him damaging to the stability of the realm. While the nobles would obviously be displeased, they would also be reluctant to destabilize their own lands in revolt or subversion.
[X] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
[X] The Peasantry. While the thought of unwashed serfs being useful is peculiar, even a grain of sand can be meaningful in large numbers. By holding a festival celebrating the new coronation, you could persuade the general populace of the legitimacy of the new Sultan, rendering attempts to undermine or oppose him damaging to the stability of the realm. While the nobles would obviously be displeased, they would also be reluctant to destabilize their own lands in revolt or subversion.
[X] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
- Location
- St. Petersburg
Oho, a new quest by IronyOwl!
[x] A Girl. While closely related to the Sultan, there's no excuse for placing a girl on the throne ahead of dozens of male relatives. She'll be little more than a crude hand puppet, knowing this farce relies on you alone, but the nobles will be incensed, likewise recognizing this as little more than a thin charade.
[x] The Satraps. The Sultanate is divided into Six Satrapies, each ruled by a Satrap appointed by the Sultan. In theory, the Satrapies revert to the Sultan on succession, to be doled out as the new Sultan desires; in practice, dislodging any of the six most powerful men in the land is a dangerous affair. As the current Satraps were all close friends of the Sultan, they are likely to be... difficult. However, they are often disliked by their vassals, rendering their power and positions somewhat unreliable.
[X] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
Off to a great start, I see.
[x] A Girl. While closely related to the Sultan, there's no excuse for placing a girl on the throne ahead of dozens of male relatives. She'll be little more than a crude hand puppet, knowing this farce relies on you alone, but the nobles will be incensed, likewise recognizing this as little more than a thin charade.
[x] The Satraps. The Sultanate is divided into Six Satrapies, each ruled by a Satrap appointed by the Sultan. In theory, the Satrapies revert to the Sultan on succession, to be doled out as the new Sultan desires; in practice, dislodging any of the six most powerful men in the land is a dangerous affair. As the current Satraps were all close friends of the Sultan, they are likely to be... difficult. However, they are often disliked by their vassals, rendering their power and positions somewhat unreliable.
[X] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
- Location
- PA
Hrrm...
[X] A Girl. While closely related to the Sultan, there's no excuse for placing a girl on the throne ahead of dozens of male relatives. She'll be little more than a crude hand puppet, knowing this farce relies on you alone, but the nobles will be incensed, likewise recognizing this as little more than a thin charade.
[X] The Royal Sheikhs. The center of the Sultanate is divided into Six Royal Sheikhdoms, answering directly to the Sultan rather than a Satrap. While not as powerful as the Satraps, their proximity and direct contact render them a potent core of the Sultan's might. As they are routinely bribed with royal marriages, they tend to claim close relation to the Sultan, and the prestige and political clout that comes with it. While the Royal Sheikhs are typically more concerned with sucking up to the current Sultan than avenging the last one, they are liable to take the most offense at someone other than themselves gaining the throne.
[X] Immediately (Write-In your first course of action).
The Realm? Pah! We have greater interests!
And frankly, dealing with some wily brat and trying to keep him from getting Ideas about how useful we are is most certainly not one of them! I have a better idea for the throne...
Namely, we place someone who does not Know the Game of Politics. A crude puppet, a clear insult! Except...Where are the pulls of the strings? Where are the manipulations? None! We will secure her power and no more. And when the Nobles realize this new player is in fact acting of her own whims, then we will carefully intervene, act as a buffer to prevent the Realm from being torn apart by the greed of men.
Ultimately? We care not about who has beef with whom. We have Greater Interests! And who rules the realm is not as important as the fact that it will be maintained.
[X] A Girl. While closely related to the Sultan, there's no excuse for placing a girl on the throne ahead of dozens of male relatives. She'll be little more than a crude hand puppet, knowing this farce relies on you alone, but the nobles will be incensed, likewise recognizing this as little more than a thin charade.
[X] The Royal Sheikhs. The center of the Sultanate is divided into Six Royal Sheikhdoms, answering directly to the Sultan rather than a Satrap. While not as powerful as the Satraps, their proximity and direct contact render them a potent core of the Sultan's might. As they are routinely bribed with royal marriages, they tend to claim close relation to the Sultan, and the prestige and political clout that comes with it. While the Royal Sheikhs are typically more concerned with sucking up to the current Sultan than avenging the last one, they are liable to take the most offense at someone other than themselves gaining the throne.
[X] Immediately (Write-In your first course of action).
The Realm? Pah! We have greater interests!
And frankly, dealing with some wily brat and trying to keep him from getting Ideas about how useful we are is most certainly not one of them! I have a better idea for the throne...
Namely, we place someone who does not Know the Game of Politics. A crude puppet, a clear insult! Except...Where are the pulls of the strings? Where are the manipulations? None! We will secure her power and no more. And when the Nobles realize this new player is in fact acting of her own whims, then we will carefully intervene, act as a buffer to prevent the Realm from being torn apart by the greed of men.
Ultimately? We care not about who has beef with whom. We have Greater Interests! And who rules the realm is not as important as the fact that it will be maintained.
Chronobreak
Chara Appreciator
- Location
- Chicago
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] A Distant Relative. While related to the Sultan, there's little justification for the boy taking the throne. He'll be more pliable and submissive, knowing he's an expendable pawn and lacking many prospects for noble support, but the nobles will be unruly and ambitious, knowing the Sultan is a puppet and that their peers are similarly unimpressed.
While I'm undecided on the rest, I refuse to appoint a girl as a sultan because that will have the realm well and truly burn down.
While I'm undecided on the rest, I refuse to appoint a girl as a sultan because that will have the realm well and truly burn down.
[X] A Distant Relative. While related to the Sultan, there's little justification for the boy taking the throne. He'll be more pliable and submissive, knowing he's an expendable pawn and lacking many prospects for noble support, but the nobles will be unruly and ambitious, knowing the Sultan is a puppet and that their peers are similarly unimpressed.
[X] The Royal Sheikhs. The center of the Sultanate is divided into Six Royal Sheikhdoms, answering directly to the Sultan rather than a Satrap. While not as powerful as the Satraps, their proximity and direct contact render them a potent core of the Sultan's might. As they are routinely bribed with royal marriages, they tend to claim close relation to the Sultan, and the prestige and political clout that comes with it. While the Royal Sheikhs are typically more concerned with sucking up to the current Sultan than avenging the last one, they are liable to take the most offense at someone other than themselves gaining the throne.
[X] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
[X] The Royal Sheikhs. The center of the Sultanate is divided into Six Royal Sheikhdoms, answering directly to the Sultan rather than a Satrap. While not as powerful as the Satraps, their proximity and direct contact render them a potent core of the Sultan's might. As they are routinely bribed with royal marriages, they tend to claim close relation to the Sultan, and the prestige and political clout that comes with it. While the Royal Sheikhs are typically more concerned with sucking up to the current Sultan than avenging the last one, they are liable to take the most offense at someone other than themselves gaining the throne.
[X] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
DarkLight140
Credit to Team
- Location
- Lost in my thoughts
[x] A Close Relative. While not the closest living blood relation to the Sultan by far, the boy is close enough to be a passable candidate. He'll be more wily and dangerous, knowing he has a valid claim and the ability to acquire noble support, but the nobles will be placated and controllable, thinking he's somewhat legitimate and fearing he'll have the support of their peers.
It will be far, far easier to cope with an uppity youth with foolish ideas of his own importance than with the most powerful men in the realm deciding to make their own play for the big chair while decrying our perfidy. We need a stable and prosperous realm, not an instant civil war.
[x] The Royal Sheikhs. The center of the Sultanate is divided into Six Royal Sheikhdoms, answering directly to the Sultan rather than a Satrap. While not as powerful as the Satraps, their proximity and direct contact render them a potent core of the Sultan's might. As they are routinely bribed with royal marriages, they tend to claim close relation to the Sultan, and the prestige and political clout that comes with it. While the Royal Sheikhs are typically more concerned with sucking up to the current Sultan than avenging the last one, they are liable to take the most offense at someone other than themselves gaining the throne.
The satraps were friends of the Sultan, but by appointing a close relative we minimize their anger- their friend's heir is on the throne and all is well, if not perfect. The sheikhs, however, would have wanted the throne themselves and will need immediate diversion or placation.
[x] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
It could be weeks, months, or even years before we actually get our hands on the darn rings and we need to focus on the succession at the moment. Best to move slowly and carefully.
It will be far, far easier to cope with an uppity youth with foolish ideas of his own importance than with the most powerful men in the realm deciding to make their own play for the big chair while decrying our perfidy. We need a stable and prosperous realm, not an instant civil war.
[x] The Royal Sheikhs. The center of the Sultanate is divided into Six Royal Sheikhdoms, answering directly to the Sultan rather than a Satrap. While not as powerful as the Satraps, their proximity and direct contact render them a potent core of the Sultan's might. As they are routinely bribed with royal marriages, they tend to claim close relation to the Sultan, and the prestige and political clout that comes with it. While the Royal Sheikhs are typically more concerned with sucking up to the current Sultan than avenging the last one, they are liable to take the most offense at someone other than themselves gaining the throne.
The satraps were friends of the Sultan, but by appointing a close relative we minimize their anger- their friend's heir is on the throne and all is well, if not perfect. The sheikhs, however, would have wanted the throne themselves and will need immediate diversion or placation.
[x] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
It could be weeks, months, or even years before we actually get our hands on the darn rings and we need to focus on the succession at the moment. Best to move slowly and carefully.
[x] A Close Relative. While not the closest living blood relation to the Sultan by far, the boy is close enough to be a passable candidate. He'll be more wily and dangerous, knowing he has a valid claim and the ability to acquire noble support, but the nobles will be placated and controllable, thinking he's somewhat legitimate and fearing he'll have the support of their peers.
[x] The Royal Sheikhs. The center of the Sultanate is divided into Six Royal Sheikhdoms, answering directly to the Sultan rather than a Satrap. While not as powerful as the Satraps, their proximity and direct contact render them a potent core of the Sultan's might. As they are routinely bribed with royal marriages, they tend to claim close relation to the Sultan, and the prestige and political clout that comes with it. While the Royal Sheikhs are typically more concerned with sucking up to the current Sultan than avenging the last one, they are liable to take the most offense at someone other than themselves gaining the throne.
[x] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
[x] The Royal Sheikhs. The center of the Sultanate is divided into Six Royal Sheikhdoms, answering directly to the Sultan rather than a Satrap. While not as powerful as the Satraps, their proximity and direct contact render them a potent core of the Sultan's might. As they are routinely bribed with royal marriages, they tend to claim close relation to the Sultan, and the prestige and political clout that comes with it. While the Royal Sheikhs are typically more concerned with sucking up to the current Sultan than avenging the last one, they are liable to take the most offense at someone other than themselves gaining the throne.
[x] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
- Location
- Brazil
[x] A Close Relative. While not the closest living blood relation to the Sultan by far, the boy is close enough to be a passable candidate. He'll be more wily and dangerous, knowing he has a valid claim and the ability to acquire noble support, but the nobles will be placated and controllable, thinking he's somewhat legitimate and fearing he'll have the support of their peers.
[x] The Royal Sheikhs. The center of the Sultanate is divided into Six Royal Sheikhdoms, answering directly to the Sultan rather than a Satrap. While not as powerful as the Satraps, their proximity and direct contact render them a potent core of the Sultan's might. As they are routinely bribed with royal marriages, they tend to claim close relation to the Sultan, and the prestige and political clout that comes with it. While the Royal Sheikhs are typically more concerned with sucking up to the current Sultan than avenging the last one, they are liable to take the most offense at someone other than themselves gaining the throne.
[x] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
[x] The Royal Sheikhs. The center of the Sultanate is divided into Six Royal Sheikhdoms, answering directly to the Sultan rather than a Satrap. While not as powerful as the Satraps, their proximity and direct contact render them a potent core of the Sultan's might. As they are routinely bribed with royal marriages, they tend to claim close relation to the Sultan, and the prestige and political clout that comes with it. While the Royal Sheikhs are typically more concerned with sucking up to the current Sultan than avenging the last one, they are liable to take the most offense at someone other than themselves gaining the throne.
[x] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
- Location
- nz
[X] A Distant Relative. While related to the Sultan, there's little justification for the boy taking the throne. He'll be more pliable and submissive, knowing he's an expendable pawn and lacking many prospects for noble support, but the nobles will be unruly and ambitious, knowing the Sultan is a puppet and that their peers are similarly unimpressed.
[X] The Royal Sheikhs. The center of the Sultanate is divided into Six Royal Sheikhdoms, answering directly to the Sultan rather than a Satrap. While not as powerful as the Satraps, their proximity and direct contact render them a potent core of the Sultan's might. As they are routinely bribed with royal marriages, they tend to claim close relation to the Sultan, and the prestige and political clout that comes with it. While the Royal Sheikhs are typically more concerned with sucking up to the current Sultan than avenging the last one, they are liable to take the most offense at someone other than themselves gaining the throne.
[X] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
[X] The Royal Sheikhs. The center of the Sultanate is divided into Six Royal Sheikhdoms, answering directly to the Sultan rather than a Satrap. While not as powerful as the Satraps, their proximity and direct contact render them a potent core of the Sultan's might. As they are routinely bribed with royal marriages, they tend to claim close relation to the Sultan, and the prestige and political clout that comes with it. While the Royal Sheikhs are typically more concerned with sucking up to the current Sultan than avenging the last one, they are liable to take the most offense at someone other than themselves gaining the throne.
[X] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
chocolote12
A Penguin Flailing Against The Keyboard Of Life.
[X] A Close Relative. While not the closest living blood relation to the Sultan by far, the boy is close enough to be a passable candidate. He'll be more wily and dangerous, knowing he has a valid claim and the ability to acquire noble support, but the nobles will be placated and controllable, thinking he's somewhat legitimate and fearing he'll have the support of their peers.
[X] The Royal Sheikhs. The center of the Sultanate is divided into Six Royal Sheikhdoms, answering directly to the Sultan rather than a Satrap. While not as powerful as the Satraps, their proximity and direct contact render them a potent core of the Sultan's might. As they are routinely bribed with royal marriages, they tend to claim close relation to the Sultan, and the prestige and political clout that comes with it. While the Royal Sheikhs are typically more concerned with sucking up to the current Sultan than avenging the last one, they are liable to take the most offense at someone other than themselves gaining the throne.
[X] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
[X] The Royal Sheikhs. The center of the Sultanate is divided into Six Royal Sheikhdoms, answering directly to the Sultan rather than a Satrap. While not as powerful as the Satraps, their proximity and direct contact render them a potent core of the Sultan's might. As they are routinely bribed with royal marriages, they tend to claim close relation to the Sultan, and the prestige and political clout that comes with it. While the Royal Sheikhs are typically more concerned with sucking up to the current Sultan than avenging the last one, they are liable to take the most offense at someone other than themselves gaining the throne.
[X] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
- Location
- Somewhere
[X] A Girl. While closely related to the Sultan, there's no excuse for placing a girl on the throne ahead of dozens of male relatives. She'll be little more than a crude hand puppet, knowing this farce relies on you alone, but the nobles will be incensed, likewise recognizing this as little more than a thin charade.
[X] The Peasantry. While the thought of unwashed serfs being useful is peculiar, even a grain of sand can be meaningful in large numbers. By holding a festival celebrating the new coronation, you could persuade the general populace of the legitimacy of the new Sultan, rendering attempts to undermine or oppose him damaging to the stability of the realm. While the nobles would obviously be displeased, they would also be reluctant to destabilize their own lands in revolt or subversion.
[X] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
Why twelve rings? How does that work, there are only ten fingers to work with. Twelve fingers would be odd, maybe a staff, or multiple rings on one finger.
[X] The Peasantry. While the thought of unwashed serfs being useful is peculiar, even a grain of sand can be meaningful in large numbers. By holding a festival celebrating the new coronation, you could persuade the general populace of the legitimacy of the new Sultan, rendering attempts to undermine or oppose him damaging to the stability of the realm. While the nobles would obviously be displeased, they would also be reluctant to destabilize their own lands in revolt or subversion.
[X] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
Why twelve rings? How does that work, there are only ten fingers to work with. Twelve fingers would be odd, maybe a staff, or multiple rings on one finger.
Dermonster
The Shittiest Wizard
- Location
- Somewhere
Yeah, but the evil vizier wants to use all twelve on presumably 1 human being. How is the human with ten fingers going to wear 12 rings?
[x] A Close Relative. While not the closest living blood relation to the Sultan by far, the boy is close enough to be a passable candidate. He'll be more wily and dangerous, knowing he has a valid claim and the ability to acquire noble support, but the nobles will be placated and controllable, thinking he's somewhat legitimate and fearing he'll have the support of their peers.
[x] The Royal Sheikhs. The center of the Sultanate is divided into Six Royal Sheikhdoms, answering directly to the Sultan rather than a Satrap. While not as powerful as the Satraps, their proximity and direct contact render them a potent core of the Sultan's might. As they are routinely bribed with royal marriages, they tend to claim close relation to the Sultan, and the prestige and political clout that comes with it. While the Royal Sheikhs are typically more concerned with sucking up to the current Sultan than avenging the last one, they are liable to take the most offense at someone other than themselves gaining the throne.
[x] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
[x] The Royal Sheikhs. The center of the Sultanate is divided into Six Royal Sheikhdoms, answering directly to the Sultan rather than a Satrap. While not as powerful as the Satraps, their proximity and direct contact render them a potent core of the Sultan's might. As they are routinely bribed with royal marriages, they tend to claim close relation to the Sultan, and the prestige and political clout that comes with it. While the Royal Sheikhs are typically more concerned with sucking up to the current Sultan than avenging the last one, they are liable to take the most offense at someone other than themselves gaining the throne.
[x] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
BurningLaugh
Shape Shifting Master of Hiatus
- Location
- The Land of Retconnia
[X] A Distant Relative. While related to the Sultan, there's little justification for the boy taking the throne. He'll be more pliable and submissive, knowing he's an expendable pawn and lacking many prospects for noble support, but the nobles will be unruly and ambitious, knowing the Sultan is a puppet and that their peers are similarly unimpressed.
[X] The Royal Sheikhs. The center of the Sultanate is divided into Six Royal Sheikhdoms, answering directly to the Sultan rather than a Satrap. While not as powerful as the Satraps, their proximity and direct contact render them a potent core of the Sultan's might. As they are routinely bribed with royal marriages, they tend to claim close relation to the Sultan, and the prestige and political clout that comes with it. While the Royal Sheikhs are typically more concerned with sucking up to the current Sultan than avenging the last one, they are liable to take the most offense at someone other than themselves gaining the throne.
[X] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
I like your style @IronyOwl
[X] The Royal Sheikhs. The center of the Sultanate is divided into Six Royal Sheikhdoms, answering directly to the Sultan rather than a Satrap. While not as powerful as the Satraps, their proximity and direct contact render them a potent core of the Sultan's might. As they are routinely bribed with royal marriages, they tend to claim close relation to the Sultan, and the prestige and political clout that comes with it. While the Royal Sheikhs are typically more concerned with sucking up to the current Sultan than avenging the last one, they are liable to take the most offense at someone other than themselves gaining the throne.
[X] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
I like your style @IronyOwl
chocolote12
A Penguin Flailing Against The Keyboard Of Life.
Having six fingers is a dominant trait, actually, just a very rare one.
Alternatively, two to a thumb, like you said. It's not like the inconvenience of being overly ringed is going to really matter to a man who can spit demons.
Dermonster
The Shittiest Wizard
[x] A Girl. While closely related to the Sultan, there's no excuse for placing a girl on the throne ahead of dozens of male relatives. She'll be little more than a crude hand puppet, knowing this farce relies on you alone, but the nobles will be incensed, likewise recognizing this as little more than a thin charade.
[x] The Satraps. The Sultanate is divided into Six Satrapies, each ruled by a Satrap appointed by the Sultan. In theory, the Satrapies revert to the Sultan on succession, to be doled out as the new Sultan desires; in practice, dislodging any of the six most powerful men in the land is a dangerous affair. As the current Satraps were all close friends of the Sultan, they are likely to be... difficult. However, they are often disliked by their vassals, rendering their power and positions somewhat unreliable.
[X] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
[x] The Satraps. The Sultanate is divided into Six Satrapies, each ruled by a Satrap appointed by the Sultan. In theory, the Satrapies revert to the Sultan on succession, to be doled out as the new Sultan desires; in practice, dislodging any of the six most powerful men in the land is a dangerous affair. As the current Satraps were all close friends of the Sultan, they are likely to be... difficult. However, they are often disliked by their vassals, rendering their power and positions somewhat unreliable.
[X] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
New
[X] A Close Relative. While not the closest living blood relation to the Sultan by far, the boy is close enough to be a passable candidate. He'll be more wily and dangerous, knowing he has a valid claim and the ability to acquire noble support, but the nobles will be placated and controllable, thinking he's somewhat legitimate and fearing he'll have the support of their peers.
[X] The Royal Sheikhs. The center of the Sultanate is divided into Six Royal Sheikhdoms, answering directly to the Sultan rather than a Satrap. While not as powerful as the Satraps, their proximity and direct contact render them a potent core of the Sultan's might. As they are routinely bribed with royal marriages, they tend to claim close relation to the Sultan, and the prestige and political clout that comes with it. While the Royal Sheikhs are typically more concerned with sucking up to the current Sultan than avenging the last one, they are liable to take the most offense at someone other than themselves gaining the throne.
[X] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
[X] The Royal Sheikhs. The center of the Sultanate is divided into Six Royal Sheikhdoms, answering directly to the Sultan rather than a Satrap. While not as powerful as the Satraps, their proximity and direct contact render them a potent core of the Sultan's might. As they are routinely bribed with royal marriages, they tend to claim close relation to the Sultan, and the prestige and political clout that comes with it. While the Royal Sheikhs are typically more concerned with sucking up to the current Sultan than avenging the last one, they are liable to take the most offense at someone other than themselves gaining the throne.
[X] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
- Location
- Should be a bit higher
[X] A Close Relative. While not the closest living blood relation to the Sultan by far, the boy is close enough to be a passable candidate. He'll be more wily and dangerous, knowing he has a valid claim and the ability to acquire noble support, but the nobles will be placated and controllable, thinking he's somewhat legitimate and fearing he'll have the support of their peers.
[X] The Satraps. The Sultanate is divided into Six Satrapies, each ruled by a Satrap appointed by the Sultan. In theory, the Satrapies revert to the Sultan on succession, to be doled out as the new Sultan desires; in practice, dislodging any of the six most powerful men in the land is a dangerous affair. As the current Satraps were all close friends of the Sultan, they are likely to be... difficult. However, they are often disliked by their vassals, rendering their power and positions somewhat unreliable.
[X] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
So let's have just one snake working against use rather than every dissatisfied fool out there.
Have the Royal Sheikhs occupy the dear boy with their venom while we placate or distract the more distant sources of trouble.
And if we hare off to early we'll come back with everything on fire probably.
[X] The Satraps. The Sultanate is divided into Six Satrapies, each ruled by a Satrap appointed by the Sultan. In theory, the Satrapies revert to the Sultan on succession, to be doled out as the new Sultan desires; in practice, dislodging any of the six most powerful men in the land is a dangerous affair. As the current Satraps were all close friends of the Sultan, they are likely to be... difficult. However, they are often disliked by their vassals, rendering their power and positions somewhat unreliable.
[X] After a few days of preparation (Wait to view a list of options).
So let's have just one snake working against use rather than every dissatisfied fool out there.
Have the Royal Sheikhs occupy the dear boy with their venom while we placate or distract the more distant sources of trouble.
And if we hare off to early we'll come back with everything on fire probably.
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- Location
- The Internet