- Location
- Brazil
Where's the predecessor action to investigate in Julbach?
Warhammer Fantasy: Divided Loyalties - an Advisor's Quest
- Thread starter Boney
- Start date
- Fantasy Users' Choice!
Voted best in category in the Users' Choice awards.
- Location
- USA
How does predecessor approach differ from the league?
That was an option we give our boss and he said no, focus on expanding the network
The League was a tool of the previous Spymaster, but exists independent of them, and you don't know whether the two are still linked. The idea is to choose one from each 'pair' of options - I've edited in a slightly clearer explanation.
Van Hal hasn't ordered you to go after the predecessor because he's not sure that it's important enough to distract from building up an intelligence infrastructure. If you think differently, now's the time to weigh in. Or, if you want to act independently, you can write in going after him and see what happens.
Van Hal hasn't ordered you to go after the predecessor because he's not sure that it's important enough to distract from building up an intelligence infrastructure. If you think differently, now's the time to weigh in. Or, if you want to act independently, you can write in going after him and see what happens.
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I think a good combination of actions would be letters back home, learning about the Thorned One, and interviewing the martial candidates given they should synergy together wonderfully; and really, given we'd be directly there and in contact with the people the tasks themselves should either be easier or provide us with more information. Letters back home is valuable as we can learn how to progress as a wizard and perhaps get some advice on how to Spy Master from the Grey Order, plus we can see what they know about the martial candidates as well. Depending on what @BoneyM , we could also take just one of the magic swords with us as a free action and see what those at Altdorf think.
The other three actions I'd spend on; interviewing the castle servants to get a gauge on internal loyalty and if they're supplying information (it could just be to other counts, which wouldn't be surprising) to anyone, then meet with the local leaders of Western Stirland given their importance, with the final action being spend on seeing if Anton knows anything about the previous Spymaster thus preparing the way for the Stirlandian League to be taken care of next turn either way.
For that, I'd be in favour of claiming the league. Its been built up considerably and we'll only truly know the value of it once it's in our grasp, if the benefits are later determined to be worth less than the costs then we should realistically still be able to dismantle it. We'd do a much better job of it too, given we'd be aware of it's extent and reach. For the predecessors loyalty; a core rule should be don't attribute to malice what can simply be greed. Greed adequately explains everything particularly given the instability the province has faced in the last few decades, while we've no indication of him being involved with Vampires. The castle was abandoned when the books were taken, so it didn't require special knowledge to get them out of the castle itself.
The other three actions I'd spend on; interviewing the castle servants to get a gauge on internal loyalty and if they're supplying information (it could just be to other counts, which wouldn't be surprising) to anyone, then meet with the local leaders of Western Stirland given their importance, with the final action being spend on seeing if Anton knows anything about the previous Spymaster thus preparing the way for the Stirlandian League to be taken care of next turn either way.
For that, I'd be in favour of claiming the league. Its been built up considerably and we'll only truly know the value of it once it's in our grasp, if the benefits are later determined to be worth less than the costs then we should realistically still be able to dismantle it. We'd do a much better job of it too, given we'd be aware of it's extent and reach. For the predecessors loyalty; a core rule should be don't attribute to malice what can simply be greed. Greed adequately explains everything particularly given the instability the province has faced in the last few decades, while we've no indication of him being involved with Vampires. The castle was abandoned when the books were taken, so it didn't require special knowledge to get them out of the castle itself.
- Location
- The underworld
[X] plan rip the weeds out by the roots
-[X] PREDECESSOR LOYALTY: I believe that they were truly suborned by the Von Carsteins.
-[X] STIRLANDIAN LEAGUE: Do not clasp the snake to your bosom. Destroy the League.
-[X] Wurtbad, like all major cities, is home to a number of guilds. Reach out to them and enforce your will.
-[X] A large number of Shyish-stained weapons were uncovered from the Barrow. Perhaps you should:
[X] Allow the Morrites to examine them (does not take an action).
[X] Letters Home: You might be able to wring more information out of your Master, or you might just be able to get news, information and guidance in general from the Grey Order.
[X] Hang Out A Shingle: Spymasters don't advertise, but wizards sometimes do. Make an official announcement that there's a wizard in residence, and see who comes out of the woodwork.
[ ] Home Comforts: Your Palace-Shrine is bursting with potential. And also mud.
-[X] Filled with Potential: You've got a room cleared out and ready to be put to use. Decide what you're going to put there.
-[X] a headquarters for your growing intelligence agency
[X] That damn Asp has still been quiet, but maybe it's just biding it's time. Finally admit it's existence to your contacts back in the College and see if they know anything that can help.
-[X] PREDECESSOR LOYALTY: I believe that they were truly suborned by the Von Carsteins.
-[X] STIRLANDIAN LEAGUE: Do not clasp the snake to your bosom. Destroy the League.
-[X] Wurtbad, like all major cities, is home to a number of guilds. Reach out to them and enforce your will.
-[X] A large number of Shyish-stained weapons were uncovered from the Barrow. Perhaps you should:
[X] Allow the Morrites to examine them (does not take an action).
[X] Letters Home: You might be able to wring more information out of your Master, or you might just be able to get news, information and guidance in general from the Grey Order.
[X] Hang Out A Shingle: Spymasters don't advertise, but wizards sometimes do. Make an official announcement that there's a wizard in residence, and see who comes out of the woodwork.
[ ] Home Comforts: Your Palace-Shrine is bursting with potential. And also mud.
-[X] Filled with Potential: You've got a room cleared out and ready to be put to use. Decide what you're going to put there.
-[X] a headquarters for your growing intelligence agency
[X] That damn Asp has still been quiet, but maybe it's just biding it's time. Finally admit it's existence to your contacts back in the College and see if they know anything that can help.
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If you're heading there anyway, you can bring a sword along and show it to your Master and get his opinion of it - as far as you're aware he's got no special talent with enchanting, but he does have more general knowledge than you.
If you do, please specify how you transport the weapon.
- Location
- Brazil
What about something like this:
[] Plan Backlog
-[ The Wurtbad Watch already has their ear to the ground. Make their information flow to you.
-[ Personally vet everyone that works in the castle, and replace everyone you're not sure of the loyalties of
-[] Much of Western Stirland is under the de facto direct control of the Elector Count. Meet with each of the local leaders and make it clear that you're to be kept in the loop.
-[] Van Hal is considering candidates for the post of Marshal, and he has asked you to vet them. Investigate them in person.
--[] That damn Asp has still been quiet, but maybe it's just biding it's time. Finally admit it's existence to your contacts back in the College and see if they know anything that can help.
-[ Home Comforts: Your Palace-Shrine is bursting with potential. And also mud.
--[] Diggy Diggy Hole, Outsourced: Pay someone to do the digging, then Mindhole them on their way out. (no action required, -personal gold)
-[] A large number of Shyish-stained weapons were uncovered from the Barrow. Perhaps you should:
--[] Examine them yourself and see if they're useful, or dangerous, or both.
---[] Bring an example or two to show your master while you are there.
----[] Lead-lined steel case. Magic lock on top of mundane one.
The Watch already has a network in place, we got to coordinate. The castle staff is way too big a vulnerability to leave as-is. Meeting with more of the locals to firm our grip on the region is exactly what we were told to do.
Might as well go to Altdorf to research into the three guys, as we can also look into the Asp. These are both things Van Hel wants done.
Lets take a shot at the enchanted weapons as that's also something the Boss wishes.
[] Plan Backlog
-[ The Wurtbad Watch already has their ear to the ground. Make their information flow to you.
-[ Personally vet everyone that works in the castle, and replace everyone you're not sure of the loyalties of
-[] Much of Western Stirland is under the de facto direct control of the Elector Count. Meet with each of the local leaders and make it clear that you're to be kept in the loop.
-[] Van Hal is considering candidates for the post of Marshal, and he has asked you to vet them. Investigate them in person.
--[] That damn Asp has still been quiet, but maybe it's just biding it's time. Finally admit it's existence to your contacts back in the College and see if they know anything that can help.
-[ Home Comforts: Your Palace-Shrine is bursting with potential. And also mud.
--[] Diggy Diggy Hole, Outsourced: Pay someone to do the digging, then Mindhole them on their way out. (no action required, -personal gold)
-[] A large number of Shyish-stained weapons were uncovered from the Barrow. Perhaps you should:
--[] Examine them yourself and see if they're useful, or dangerous, or both.
---[] Bring an example or two to show your master while you are there.
----[] Lead-lined steel case. Magic lock on top of mundane one.
The Watch already has a network in place, we got to coordinate. The castle staff is way too big a vulnerability to leave as-is. Meeting with more of the locals to firm our grip on the region is exactly what we were told to do.
Might as well go to Altdorf to research into the three guys, as we can also look into the Asp. These are both things Van Hel wants done.
Lets take a shot at the enchanted weapons as that's also something the Boss wishes.
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Sinsystems
Patron Librarian
I can get behind a plan like that.
- Location
- USA
My write ins
-[ ] PREDECESSOR LOYALTY: While I am leaning towards self serving and incompetence, I do not feel we can afford to take the risk of betting on that. Better treat them as actually subverted until we can prove otherwise. The stakes are too high.
-[ ] STIRLANDIAN LEAGUE: Do not clasp the snake to your bosom. Destroy the League.
--[] Stirland economy is in poor shape, and the league carries much of the blame. It completely cripples trade that it isn't doing, and its tax exemptions make things even worse for the count. While it is a bit of a shame to lose out on such an impressive intelligence engine. We can still do our job without crippling the economy.
-[ ] PREDECESSOR LOYALTY: While I am leaning towards self serving and incompetence, I do not feel we can afford to take the risk of betting on that. Better treat them as actually subverted until we can prove otherwise. The stakes are too high.
-[ ] STIRLANDIAN LEAGUE: Do not clasp the snake to your bosom. Destroy the League.
--[] Stirland economy is in poor shape, and the league carries much of the blame. It completely cripples trade that it isn't doing, and its tax exemptions make things even worse for the count. While it is a bit of a shame to lose out on such an impressive intelligence engine. We can still do our job without crippling the economy.
- Location
- Brazil
Again, we will lose them all with that.
That's our very last resource.
@BoneyM do the action plan and the answers need to be in one big plan? It'd be best if we voted separately.
Maybe add a tag [Answers] and a tag [Actions] to the vote?
I should have specified - this requires writing in what the room will be.
No, the answers can be separate to the action plan.
- Location
- Burgundian Netherlands
This seems like a good addition to any plan where we travel to Altdorf.
The "please specify means of transportation" is triggering my paranoia something fierce though.
DocMatoi
Theoretical Lover of Girls
- Location
- within 2 hours of the White House
- Pronouns
- They/Them
[ ] Weigh in - write-ins justifying a decision will have much greater weight. No action point expenditure.
-[ ] STIRLANDIAN LEAGUE: Do not clasp the snake to your bosom. Destroy the League.
my position
-[ ] STIRLANDIAN LEAGUE: Do not clasp the snake to your bosom. Destroy the League.
my position
- Location
- USA
See this, stirland is POOR. why? because the league is choking it.
All trade is going through a tax exempt monopoly that stifles competition to retain their monopoly status using murder. They prevent more efficient trade routes, they keep the people too poor to invest and expand.
And on top of all the harm they do, they also don't pay taxes
Furthermore, there is no way in hell that the count will give us both the league AND a renald cult. So if we choose now to go for taking over the league, we are sabotaging our plans for a renald cult that answers to us
And incidentally, economically, I think a renald cult would do massively less damage. Some theft is not nearly as bad as this crushing murderous monopoly. Especially with the increase of wealth that would come from getting rid of it and allowing the economy to flourish
So really, what do you want as our main method of intel gathering. To be in charge of a cult to renald, our god. Or to be in charge of a trade guild that our predecessor made...
Is enchanting laboratory an option?
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- Location
- Brazil
Added that to Plan Backlog. Transport in a lead-lined steel case with magic and mudane locks.
- Location
- USA
Yea, I seriously don't want to send them out... we just have to find the time to look at them ourselves.
Also, I don't really trust anyone else to do it.
Guile
Having a really great time right now
I'm leaning towards this bunch. Thoughts?
[ ] Weigh in - write-ins justifying a decision will have much greater weight. No action point expenditure.
-[ ] PREDECESSOR LOYALTY: I believe that they were truly suborned by the Von Carsteins.
-[ ] PREDECESSOR APPROACH: The damage is done; we must repair it.
-[ ] STIRLANDIAN LEAGUE: Do not waste such a potent resource. Claim the League.
-[ ] Write-in: Everything I've seen so far suggests greed and venality, not heresy... except for that business with the grave mound. That was suspicious as hell, and definitely connected to Sylvania. My gut says that we can still suborn the League and without that resource the threat will be defanged, but then, I'm an optimist.
[ ] As Per Orders: Perform your current assignment.
-[ ] The Wurtbad Watch already has their ear to the ground. Make their information flow to you.
-[ ] Wurtbad, like all major cities, is home to a number of guilds. Reach out to them and enforce your will.
[ ] Backtracking and Side Operations:
-[ ] Van Hal is considering candidates for the post of Marshal, and he has asked you to vet them. Investigate them (in person).
-[ ] A large number of Shyish-stained weapons were uncovered from the Barrow. Perhaps you should:
--[ ] Allow the Morrites to examine them (does not take an action).
[ ] Letters Home: You might be able to wring more information out of your Master, or you might just be able to get news, information and guidance in general from the Grey Order.
[ ] Hang Out A Shingle: Spymasters don't advertise, but wizards sometimes do. Make an official announcement that there's a wizard in residence, and see who comes out of the woodwork.
[ ] Research:
-[ ] That damn Asp has still been quiet, but maybe it's just biding it's time. Finally admit it's existence to your contacts back in the College and see if they know anything that can help.
[ ] Influence: Though you haven't taken these over (yet?) you could still spend some time to influence or tap into them. Write in what you would like to do with them.
- [ ] The Wurtbadian Thieves Guild is currently little more than a church group, albeit of a very unconventional god.
That ends up at 7, so a bit of overworking.
[ ] Weigh in - write-ins justifying a decision will have much greater weight. No action point expenditure.
-[ ] PREDECESSOR LOYALTY: I believe that they were truly suborned by the Von Carsteins.
-[ ] PREDECESSOR APPROACH: The damage is done; we must repair it.
-[ ] STIRLANDIAN LEAGUE: Do not waste such a potent resource. Claim the League.
-[ ] Write-in: Everything I've seen so far suggests greed and venality, not heresy... except for that business with the grave mound. That was suspicious as hell, and definitely connected to Sylvania. My gut says that we can still suborn the League and without that resource the threat will be defanged, but then, I'm an optimist.
[ ] As Per Orders: Perform your current assignment.
-[ ] The Wurtbad Watch already has their ear to the ground. Make their information flow to you.
-[ ] Wurtbad, like all major cities, is home to a number of guilds. Reach out to them and enforce your will.
[ ] Backtracking and Side Operations:
-[ ] Van Hal is considering candidates for the post of Marshal, and he has asked you to vet them. Investigate them (in person).
-[ ] A large number of Shyish-stained weapons were uncovered from the Barrow. Perhaps you should:
--[ ] Allow the Morrites to examine them (does not take an action).
[ ] Letters Home: You might be able to wring more information out of your Master, or you might just be able to get news, information and guidance in general from the Grey Order.
[ ] Hang Out A Shingle: Spymasters don't advertise, but wizards sometimes do. Make an official announcement that there's a wizard in residence, and see who comes out of the woodwork.
[ ] Research:
-[ ] That damn Asp has still been quiet, but maybe it's just biding it's time. Finally admit it's existence to your contacts back in the College and see if they know anything that can help.
[ ] Influence: Though you haven't taken these over (yet?) you could still spend some time to influence or tap into them. Write in what you would like to do with them.
- [ ] The Wurtbadian Thieves Guild is currently little more than a church group, albeit of a very unconventional god.
That ends up at 7, so a bit of overworking.
Yes, though it'll start off as just a room you enchant things in with some magnifying glasses and vises and whatnot. If you do go this route, specify whether you're willing to spend discretionary income on expensive additions to the laboratory, if you find any while in Altdorf.
Carried while riding, or sent separately?
- Location
- Burgundian Netherlands
Hmmm, we already have a room excavated and ready to use for something though, not convinced that digging out another one is a priority.
Proposing an alternative:
We could attach
[ ] Acquire a copy of Brother Kasmir's report, and confirm everyone is worshipping as they claimed to.
to
-[] Personally vet everyone that works in the castle, and replace everyone you're not sure of the loyalties of
I think the action is pretty interesting, and the fact that it's showing up could be relevant in a meta-sense. Also this gives us a thorough and in-depth screening of both the servants' worldly and spiritual loyalties. Someone with a Khaine shrine tucked in the palace dungeons would be a right bother.
- Location
- Brazil
[X] Answers Reasoned To Bits
-[X] PREDECESSOR LOYALTY: I believe that they were truly suborned by the Von Carsteins.
--[X] Loyalty Reasoning: The primary factors are, how agents of Drakenhof knew enough to move the ledgers, which should only be known to the prior count and his administration, how the Von Carstein aligned nobles knew we didn't have them, how the League benefited from the loss of the ledgers and the various undead and monsters literally buried within the castle at the barest inspection.
---[X] While the last factor could be achieved through incompetence or sloth, this does align with the former pieces, which points to a highly competent individual who knew they were in league with monsters. Either his loyalty lies with the monsters, or his greed lies beyond mortal means to fulfill.
-[X] PREDECESSOR APPROACH: The rot lives on; we must excise it.
--[X] The case of the stablehand to feed us poor information, and the Ledgers placed where they could be recovered intact, rather than much more simply burned or thrown in the river, points to further plots aimed at us rather than simple obscuration of loose ends. As such, the previous spymaster should be considered an active party rather than a simpler historical note.
-[X] STIRLANDIAN LEAGUE: Do not clasp the snake to your bosom. Destroy the League.
--[X] Intelligence wise, with what we know of their affiliates, the entire network's integrity is suspect, and its continued operations highlight the possibility of its former master still being in control, which would make it too easily suborned a source of deliberately bad information. Economically, the vast amounts of wealth running along the League has to be funding SOMETHING, and indications are that this is not to our benefit. If there were to be such a drain upon our economy, it should at least go towards paying for our operations rather than a mystery party's.
[x] Plan Backlog
-[X] Do your job:
--[x] The Wurtbad Watch already has their ear to the ground. Make their information flow to you.
--[x] Personally vet everyone that works in the castle, and replace everyone you're not sure of the loyalties of.
---[x] ... and make sure some of the new hires and trustworthy ones report to you.
---[X] Ask the good Brother to assist you. Can't hurt to double check when it comes to HERESY.
--[x] Much of Western Stirland is under the de facto direct control of the Elector Count. Meet with each of the local leaders and make it clear that you're to be kept in the loop.
-[X] Secret Base:
--[x] Diggy Diggy Hole, Outsourced: Pay someone to do the digging, then Mindhole them on their way out. (no action required, -personal gold)
-[X] Research:
--[x] A large number of Shyish-stained weapons were uncovered from the Barrow. Perhaps you should:
---[x] Examine them yourself and see if they're useful, or dangerous, or both.
---[X] Ranald's Blessing
----[x] Bring an example or two to show your master while you are in Altdorf.
-----[X] Lead-lined steel case. Magic lock on top of mundane one. Carry on your person.
-[X] Go to Altdorf:
--[x] Van Hal is considering candidates for the post of Marshal, and he has asked you to vet them.
--[x] That damn Asp has still been quiet, but maybe it's just biding it's time. Finally admit it's existence to your contacts back in the College and see if they know anything that can help.
--[x] Filled with Potential: You've got a room cleared out and ready to be put to use. It should make an excellent enchanter's workshop after a bit of furnishing and some purchases in Altdorf. (no action, -personal gold)
-[X] PREDECESSOR LOYALTY: I believe that they were truly suborned by the Von Carsteins.
--[X] Loyalty Reasoning: The primary factors are, how agents of Drakenhof knew enough to move the ledgers, which should only be known to the prior count and his administration, how the Von Carstein aligned nobles knew we didn't have them, how the League benefited from the loss of the ledgers and the various undead and monsters literally buried within the castle at the barest inspection.
---[X] While the last factor could be achieved through incompetence or sloth, this does align with the former pieces, which points to a highly competent individual who knew they were in league with monsters. Either his loyalty lies with the monsters, or his greed lies beyond mortal means to fulfill.
-[X] PREDECESSOR APPROACH: The rot lives on; we must excise it.
--[X] The case of the stablehand to feed us poor information, and the Ledgers placed where they could be recovered intact, rather than much more simply burned or thrown in the river, points to further plots aimed at us rather than simple obscuration of loose ends. As such, the previous spymaster should be considered an active party rather than a simpler historical note.
-[X] STIRLANDIAN LEAGUE: Do not clasp the snake to your bosom. Destroy the League.
--[X] Intelligence wise, with what we know of their affiliates, the entire network's integrity is suspect, and its continued operations highlight the possibility of its former master still being in control, which would make it too easily suborned a source of deliberately bad information. Economically, the vast amounts of wealth running along the League has to be funding SOMETHING, and indications are that this is not to our benefit. If there were to be such a drain upon our economy, it should at least go towards paying for our operations rather than a mystery party's.
[x] Plan Backlog
-[X] Do your job:
--[x] The Wurtbad Watch already has their ear to the ground. Make their information flow to you.
--[x] Personally vet everyone that works in the castle, and replace everyone you're not sure of the loyalties of.
---[x] ... and make sure some of the new hires and trustworthy ones report to you.
---[X] Ask the good Brother to assist you. Can't hurt to double check when it comes to HERESY.
--[x] Much of Western Stirland is under the de facto direct control of the Elector Count. Meet with each of the local leaders and make it clear that you're to be kept in the loop.
-[X] Secret Base:
--[x] Diggy Diggy Hole, Outsourced: Pay someone to do the digging, then Mindhole them on their way out. (no action required, -personal gold)
-[X] Research:
--[x] A large number of Shyish-stained weapons were uncovered from the Barrow. Perhaps you should:
---[x] Examine them yourself and see if they're useful, or dangerous, or both.
---[X] Ranald's Blessing
----[x] Bring an example or two to show your master while you are in Altdorf.
-----[X] Lead-lined steel case. Magic lock on top of mundane one. Carry on your person.
-[X] Go to Altdorf:
--[x] Van Hal is considering candidates for the post of Marshal, and he has asked you to vet them.
--[x] That damn Asp has still been quiet, but maybe it's just biding it's time. Finally admit it's existence to your contacts back in the College and see if they know anything that can help.
--[x] Filled with Potential: You've got a room cleared out and ready to be put to use. It should make an excellent enchanter's workshop after a bit of furnishing and some purchases in Altdorf. (no action, -personal gold)
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- Location
- Brazil
While riding. A heavy case is a burden, but ultimately doable no?
Much safer to be moving at our speeds, alone in the dark, than in a convoy.
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- Location
- Brazil
It doesn't cost an action, and it might reveal a bunch of interesting stuff.
We seriously need to vet for spies.
If we are already replacing sketchy folk with people we trust, it'd certainly go a good way towards aleviating the need for further godly inquiry.
Besides, we really have a lot on our plate. Double-checking the priest in religious matters doesn't sound like a priority, especially as we live with a veteran WH.
@edit: Added Ranald's Blessing to Enchanted Weapons, because it might lead to him actually blessing something ona good roll, and it's something that also has good odds of improving our enchanting skill.
But I'm not terribly married to it.
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