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Mathilde, as a Grey Magister does not trust almost anyone. It won't surprise me if the three people she really trusts in her whole life is Belegar, Anton and Abelheim.
I was going to ask "what about Regimand?," but then I remembered that he is a Grey Wizard, and not only has he also kept secrets from Mathilde, but he might well consider it a sign that he failed as a teacher if Mathilde trusted him unconditionally.
 
I have to admit; I'm a little unsure what this option is going to do.

Our very first AV investigation back in Turn 21 focused pretty heavily on what induces a transformation. Then the "expose Vitae to living beings" option we just took also did a lot to figure out what will induce a transformation.

What exactly is left to experiment with along those lines? I presume BoneyM has something in mind, but I can't think what we haven't already covered.
My interpretation has been "we know that a concentration of winds, caused by Morrslieb's light, warpstone, the efforts of a spellcaster, or someone feeling strong emotions of a particular kind, can cause a transformation; what other things can do it?" We really want to find convenient ways to turn it into ambient Winds that don't involve having a human or a spellcaster on hand, if such ways exist, because being able to recharge the ambient Winds is something we want our Runelords to be able to do. And while we know it can transform into Winds by being physically agitated (i.e. shaken about), it is imperative to know, for safe handling procedures, "how much shaking will cause it to explode and how much shaking is safe?"

I've compared this part of the research historically to a Materials Safety Data Sheet used in chemistry and materials science. "Things that explode when you put a flame to them" and "things that explode above a certain ambient temperature" and "things that explode if you bump them" (looking at you for that last one, nitrogen chains) are different substances that require different kinds of handling, and if we want to use AV in any sort of practical application, we need to know what sets it off and what doesn't.
 
My understanding is that this step means we are hiring multiple handlers, but we are the ones coordinating them. But because we only have half an action applied to the EIC, this means there is only so much sophistication our information network can handle, because tracking a dozen handlers and getting them to make co-ordinated improvements is a full-time job.

This means eventually, we need to employ an "over-handler" so to speak, which is why the options to employ Julia or a Perpetual were on the table. Presumably, if we were feeling very risky or particularly devout to Ranald, a Ranaldite seconded by Hendrich may also be on the table.

@BoneyM Am I reading things correctly, that whatever happens, Mathilde needs an "over-handler" to co-ordinate the Handlers to develop her network past a certain point? And the options are:
1. Someone new, preferably from the ranks of the EIC, if not, then elsewhere like the Wurtbard Cult of Ranald?
2. Julia
3. Gretel
4. A freshly minted Perpetual Grey

Or is it simply a choice of a de-centralized network with many handlers reporting directly to Mathilde (I find it hard to believe Mathilde can manage so many handlers on half AP), or a centralized network of a single "over-handler" co-ordinating multiple handlers?

The two matters are separate. Handlers within the EIC will allow for it to gather more information. Having someone as a 2IC will eventually unlock options for them to either assist or to take over completely, once they've grown into the position.
 
The two matters are separate. Handlers within the EIC will allow for it to gather more information. Having someone as a 2IC will eventually unlock options for them to either assist or to take over completely, once they've grown into the position.

So the network can continue growing indefinitely in sophistication even without a 2nd IC, it's just that many options are locked away until a 2nd IC grows sufficiently to assist or take over completely?

In other words, it's very possible that Mathilde can simply never recruit a 2nd IC, if she thinks no-one is suitable? That does seem to suggest that there is an upside to taking a 2nd IC as soon as possible, but it is not mandatory.
 
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Kislev seems to be completely equal bordering on matriarchal.
Nah, pretty equal but not really bordering on matriarchal. Just pretty equal. Only weird gender split thing that comes at the top of my head is that men are expected to do military stuff at some point while women are merely allowed to do so (and do). Oh and also how ice witches and hags are all women and divine casters are all men.
 
I have to admit; I'm a little unsure what this option is going to do.

Our very first AV investigation back in Turn 21 focused pretty heavily on what induces a transformation. Then the "expose Vitae to living beings" option we just took also did a lot to figure out what will induce a transformation.

What exactly is left to experiment with along those lines? I presume BoneyM has something in mind, but I can't think what we haven't already covered.

Consider it the difference between determining that something is flammable, and finding its exact flashpoint.

In other words, it's very possible that Mathilde can simply never recruit a 2nd IC, if she thinks no-one is suitable? That does seem to suggest that there is an upside to taking a 2nd IC as soon as possible, but it is not mandatory.

Correct.
 
Nah, pretty equal but not really bordering on matriarchal. Just pretty equal. Only weird gender split thing that comes at the top of my head is that men are expected to do military stuff at some point while women are merely allowed to do so (and do). Oh and also how ice witches and hags are all women and divine casters are all men.
You sure about the divine caster thing? I thought that Dahz and Tor allowed female priests.

Otherwise thats fair enough, I was probably projecting to much fanon on to them.
 
@BoneyM IIRC you said that we will be able to use the EIC to search and acquire exotic book or items through the empire and any important city in which EIC will have a presence, what do we need to do to unlock that EIC division?
 
I am surprised Randal has not come to Mathilde with a quest or something. You know since she has helped him rob 3 different gods. Mathilde should help him rob another god for a even 4.
 
@BoneyM IIRC you said that we will be able to use the EIC to search and acquire exotic book or items through the empire and any important city in which EIC will have a presence, what do we need to do to unlock that EIC division?

The thread decided to keep out of the economic side of the EIC, so Mathilde can't really prod it to spread to places that will expand the possibilities of what books she can buy. If you have a specific exotic mystery item in mind I might be able to give a more detailed answer of how Mathilde can go about getting her hands on it.
 
The thread decided to keep out of the economic side of the EIC, so Mathilde can't really prod it to spread to places that will expand the possibilities of what books she can buy. If you have a specific exotic mystery item in mind I might be able to give a more detailed answer of how Mathilde can go about getting her hands on it.

Oh, this reminds me. If we wanted to get around to spreading niter factories, in order to increase the supply of quality gunpowder for Dawi/Stirland etc. how should we go about it?
 
Oh, this reminds me. If we wanted to get around to spreading niter factories, in order to increase the supply of quality gunpowder for Dawi/Stirland etc. how should we go about it?

Controlling the economic side of the EIC or being the Steward of K8P would have been the ways to go about that sort of thing, but since the thread opted for neither, it's really outside of her wheelhouse.
 
This I think shifts the question then to: should we even bother to recruit a Second in charge? My position is yes, but that is partly because I suspect the network will remain relatively faceless, and I would prefer the dynamics of Mathilde interacting and working aside with a characterized subordinate, especially since that might be the key to the info network leading to interesting plot threads.

Also, I think that not recruiting a 2nd Ic means there is an entire world of interesting choices we are simply locked out of, which makes for a less vibrant game.

I get the feeling a good chunk of the thread feels differently. We can make do without a 2nd IC, because all of them come with potential risks, from Julia to Gretel to even a Grey Prepetual, and whatever a 2nd Ic unlocks, that is a mystery box that merely leads to choice bloat.

My own suspicion is that even without a 2nd IC, there is no guarantee the handlers themselves aren't a risk either, especially since Mathilde cannot afford to engage with them on even a week by week basis. So, I don't quite buy the risk argument.

Anyway, what are the threads thoughts on this matter
1. Should we go for a 2nd IC or Handlers first? Both seem like a seperate branch, but I do think narratively and possibly mechanically, bringing in a 2nd IC after the handlers means its just harder for the 2nd IC to settle in and grow into her role, especially if she didn't see a stage as fundamental as this first hand

2. Should we ever go for a 2nd IC alone? Or should Mathilde be the sole central figure of the whole operation, with no direct deputy? What are the upsides and the downsides?
 
This I think shifts the question then to: should we even bother to recruit a Second in charge? My position is yes, but that is partly because I suspect the network will remain relatively faceless, and I would prefer the dynamics of Mathilde interacting and working aside with a characterized subordinate, especially since that might be the key to the info network leading to interesting plot threads.

Also, I think that not recruiting a 2nd Ic means there is an entire world of interesting choices we are simply locked out of, which makes for a less vibrant game.

I get the feeling a good chunk of the thread feels differently. We can make do without a 2nd IC, because all of them come with potential risks, from Julia to Gretel to even a Grey Prepetual, and whatever a 2nd Ic unlocks, that is a mystery box that merely leads to choice bloat.

My own suspicion is that even without a 2nd IC, there is no guarantee the handlers themselves aren't a risk either, especially since Mathilde cannot afford to engage with them on even a week by week basis. So, I don't quite buy the risk argument.

Anyway, what are the threads thoughts on this matter
1. Should we go for a 2nd IC or Handlers first? Both seem like a seperate branch, but I do think narratively and possibly mechanically, bringing in a 2nd IC after the handlers means its just harder for the 2nd IC to settle in and grow into her role, especially if she didn't see a stage as fundamental as this first hand

2. Should we ever go for a 2nd IC alone? Or should Mathilde be the sole central figure of the whole operation, with no direct deputy? What are the upsides and the downsides?
I'm for a 2IC and having it be either Gretel or a Grey Perpetual.
 
The thread decided to keep out of the economic side of the EIC, so Mathilde can't really prod it to spread to places that will expand the possibilities of what books she can buy. If you have a specific exotic mystery item in mind I might be able to give a more detailed answer of how Mathilde can go about getting her hands on it.
I wasn´t meaning like that @BoneyM , what I meant is to use our information network to search for sellers of exotic items (like the lustrian eggs) and treasures in the trade hubs that the EIC and big cities in which the EIC will eventually expand, and then pass that information to Mathilde so that she can decide if she is interested in purchasing them or not...

This is what you said when I asked before, I basically wanted to know how long it will take to unlock that division since we already have a presence in Nuln and Altdorf.
It'll be available when the EIC is established in a major trade nexus, which is looking like its going to be barak varr. Its effectiveness will be depending on the breadth of the info network.
 
I wasn´t meaning like that @BoneyM , what I meant is to use our information network to search for sellers of exotic items (like the lustrian eggs) and treasures in the trade hubs that the EIC and big cities in which the EIC will eventually expand, and then pass that information to Mathilde so that she can decide if she is interested in purchasing them or not...

Are you asking for something along the lines of an action that presents a randomly generated list of curios each turn? Because the original question you quote boney replying to didn't sound like that, the current system where we can post a monetary bounty on an item and have our channels spread word of it sounds more like what you asked for originally.
 
Are you asking for something along the lines of an action that presents a randomly generated list of curios each turn? Because the original question you quote boney replying to didn't sound like that, the current system where we can post a monetary bounty on an item and have our channels spread word of it sounds more like what you asked for originally.
Yes, basically this.

Sorry if I wasn´t clear before...
 
I wasn´t meaning like that @BoneyM , what I meant is to use our information network to search for sellers of exotic items (like the lustrian eggs) and treasures in the trade hubs that the EIC and big cities in which the EIC will eventually expand, and then pass that information to Mathilde so that she can decide if she is interested in purchasing them or not...

This is what you said when I asked before, I basically wanted to know how long it will take to unlock that division since we already have a presence in Nuln and Altdorf.

Minor presences aren't sufficient for that purpose. At this point it's difficult to say when it would be available, as the EIC is reacting to events in the world to decide where to spread. That said, it doesn't really seem like it would be a major priority for the thread if it was available. Mathilde does not seem desperately short of things to spend her AP on.

When it does become available, it would be spending the EIC action for a selection of possible purchases. It would not be spending it once and getting a new list of shinies every turn forever.
 
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I would not mind finding out about a Shallya group in trouble and dealing with it with our coin set to protector. Seems like the best way to go about getting a blessing from them.
 
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