"I've also got a lead on the Wisdom's Asp," you say, and Van Hal perks up, visibly interested. "My Master recommended a device theorized by da Miragliano, originally designed to trap light, that hopefully will. It's going to be rather expensive to build, though - if you could-?"
[REQUESTING FUNDS, Req ??, Stewardship, 89+10=99. Of course you can.]
"Of course, of course," he says, sketching a note to Wilhelmina. "Can't have my spymaster being eaten by a dream snake. da Miragliano - do you just have his blueprints, or do you have one of his writings?"
"A copy of Light and its Properties, from the archives of the Grey College."
"If you don't mind I'd quite like to borrow that once you're done with it," he says, smiling in anticipation. "I once fired a da Miragliano crossbow - it would recock itself, though you had to be wound quite vigorously every ten shots. Amazing device."
"Of course," you say with a smile.
Well, our boss has a nice hobby at least.
*Marks down on list of gifts: Tinkertech*
Option analysis:
[ ] The leaders of the Stirlandian League need to be rounded up so you can question them regarding their former patron.
THis would be the Backtrace option. Useful for intel, but I'm pretty sure we've given them enough lead time that their patron would have cutouts.
[ ] Rounding up as many of the individual members of the League as possible will make it clear that nobody can engage in this sort of behaviour without facing eventual consequences.
Making an example. Doesn't really work.
[ ] Though Van Hal didn't mention it, you could work with authorities in Talabecland and Averland to help them do their own purges parallel to yours. They'd likely be grateful, but it will come at the expense of your activities in Stirland.
Diplomatic route. However, we don't actually know what THEY think of the whole thing so it's prone to backfire.
[ ] The documents of the Stirlandian League will allow you to rebuild the north-south trade network with speed and efficiency.
Stewardship route. This is the link with Wilhemina, and most likely the most lucrative one long term.
[ ] The assets of the Stirlandian League will be a huge boost to Stirland's coffers.
Their material funds. This is a one shot boost in resources, but as per the update we are fine for immediate expenses. What we need is cash flow, not treasury.
[X] Plan Bless The Snake
-[X] The documents of the Stirlandian League will allow you to rebuild the north-south trade network with speed and efficiency.
-[X] Practice, Practice, Practice: Having been thrown into the deep end of imperial politics, it would probably be a good idea to brush up on your skills and internalize the lessons you've learned (choose which trait; can be taken multiple times; will be more effective if you've used the trait a lot lately).
--[X] Intrigue
-[X] Practice, Practice, Practice: Having been thrown into the deep end of imperial politics, it would probably be a good idea to brush up on your skills and internalize the lessons you've learned (choose which trait; can be taken multiple times; will be more effective if you've used the trait a lot lately).
--[X] Learning
-[X] You've got a handle on most of the Petty and Minor magics, but some still elude you. Dispel in particular could have come in very handy recently. Time to round up the rest of them. (
NEW)
-[X] Personally construct the Mirrorcatch Box. Though being around that many mirrors for that long makes you antsy, there's nobody else you can trust with the task. (expense paid for by Van Hal) (
NEW)
--[X] Ranald's Blessing
-[X] Free Time: Now well-established in Wurtbad, you can spend some time in your scant off hours getting to know someone better. Pick one character. (no action required) (
NEW)
--[X] Julia
6/6-8
Main difference points from the other plans:
-The League doesn't need the Blessing. We have the ledgers, we have Wilhelmina double teaming.
-As per our economy:
"Archives are as secure as a dwarvern vault. Nothing's getting in there that isn't allowed to be. Apart from that, nothing new on the money front - we've still got a bit of a surplus but that'll change soon." She glances at Gustav and Schultz.
EAGLE CASTLE: Archives reinforced.
WEALTH OF STIRLAND: Poor.
INCOME OF STIRLAND: Mediocre.
TREASURY OF STIRLAND: Poor.
We need
income, we have enough budget for Right Now, but we need cashflow to pay for everything. Hence, focus on their documents so we don't leave Wilhemina needing to build a nation-spanning trade route from scratch
-We DO want to bless the mirrorcatch box. Getting rid of the snake is going to be risky due to working with mirrors. We want Ranald looking out for us so the snake doesn't bite us during construction.
-Not meddling further with Van Hal's religious beliefs since we're not really suited to any of the other angles than conversion to Ranald, and well...thread decided thats not good.
-Also given our magical ability capping out the Petty Magics, the next step will require higher Learning and Intrigue.
--Fortunately we've done a shitload of Learning and Intrigue rolls last turn. We have a good bonus to make it work.