Zacharie had personally ridden out to greet this diplomat, all smiles and cheer despite the frosting of ice and snow which had fallen across Oathbreaker's verdant clime. As he rode out, of course, his own men and servants were busy within the hamlet bordering Oathbreaker fort, and Alistair was busy within the fort itself. There was much to be done in preparation for their special guest's arrival. Much to be done indeed.
Back at the fort, within the heat of a crackling fire, Zacharie offered the man his most dazzling of grins. "I simply wished to learn how our neighbors to the west were faring in this cruel winter," he replied casually, hardly taking notice of the servant who stoked the nearby flames. "It certainly must be rather dreadful, camping out in the snow and cold, though in a time like this, with barbarians and other horrid sorts poised to sail south at any time should they so choose, we all do what we must, hm?"
Zacharie's grin grew wider, and he spread his arms as if to give the man a brotherly hug, though he moved no closer to the other. Behind him, Alistair, silent and poised, oped the doors to the banquet hall.
"In any case, you will be welcome to stay here for as long as you wish, and to leave as late as you'd like. Unless you've a fort or some other shelter to return to?"
He paused only long enough to hear the beginnings of the reply (and any indication as to the defensive fortifications in which Donnerstein had placed itself), before waving away the issue with an amiable air. "Tonight, however, we will feast. I am afraid that stores are a tad low, given the recent wars and the coming of winter, but I do hope this fare will serve you well. Hm?"
Using my 50 crowns and whatever might be found in the fort wine cellar, hold a small feast. Ensure that three casks of liquor/wine are brought in to the kitchens: One is to be as heavy as it can be, one is to be somewhat weak, and the last is to be watered down considerably.
(Charisma) Seek to befriend the diplomat, and make myself appear to be harmless. If necessary, allude to the (false) fact that I may be willing to provide shelter and supplies for Donnerstein forces, and that I may have been tasked with seeking aid against recent and more pressing threats. Both Zacharie and the Diplomat are served the weak wine at this time. All are to be clearly labeled so as to prevent confusion, and the cup which Zacharie drinks from is to be distinct from the Diplomat's for the entirety of the night so that he is never to be served the wrong wine. The diplomat is never to know of the differences between the drinks.
(Charisma) End the feast before it gets too late. Invite the Diplomat to the study or lounge or wherever would be appropriate for a more private meeting, using Zacharie's reputation as a party-boy to further disarm him. During this time Zacharie is to be served the watered down wine while the diplomat is to be given the heavy stuff. Throughout this meeting, Zacharie is to subtly needle the diplomat, through small-talk, for information as to the following:
-The number and strength of the Donnerstein forces at the border.
-The current defenses of Donnerstein's border forces.
-The names of any prominent nobles and other key players among the border forces, where their personal fiefs are located, and how many regiments they brought.
-The current status, strength, and location of the Donnerstein supply train.
(Charisma) The diplomat is to be invited to remain within Oathbreaker for as long as he likes, of course, and Zacharie attempts to be affable enough to convince him of this. To further attempt to convince him, Zacharie pretends to get a little too into his drink (impossible, likely, given he's drinking the watered down stuff), and confides in the diplomat who "reminds him so much of his dear deceased brother/father": He might be convinced to betray his Liege and side with Donnerstein given enough time to come around to the idea. He is also to imply that he is seeking to marry his sister off, to further enhance the image that he might be willing to turn coat given enough persuading.
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Topic: You are King III: Spring 938 AAL (Read 133190 times)