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Author Topic: Prince: of Lords and Sorcerers  (Read 63719 times)

3man75

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Re: Prince: of Lords and Sorcerers
« Reply #420 on: August 14, 2014, 01:32:41 pm »

Have there been incident's between the priesthood of the father and mother? Or do they usually respect each other to the highest degree?

Have the cults ever tried killing off priests or followers?
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Andres

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Re: Prince: of Lords and Sorcerers
« Reply #421 on: August 14, 2014, 08:07:50 pm »

It seems that doing general charity work would ingratiate ourselves with the clergy and followers of the Mother, but how do the nobles approach themselves with the Father? It would seem it's not worth doing so if the only way was to parcel out land and money to the priesthood, seeing as we have little of the latter and none of the former. If there are more simple ways however (e.g. killing bandits, cracking down on corruption), we should probably go about doing so since gaining political power from the Priesthood of the Father would be the better option.

But with that comes more questions. How does favour with the Father translate into political power? According to the OP (Prominent members of the Royal Court) the king either does not have a religious advisor or if he does exist, he isn't considered important. If he was existent and important it would be well worth the effort, as he can say that we would be a much better candidate for kingship than our foreign-religion-friendly uncle or our indifferent half-brother.
Can the Priesthood of the Father excommunicate certain people? If so then that could be a very powerful tool to level against our enemies.

I say we should forget about the Mother entirely. We don't need any public support at the moment and the one noble who might care about the Mother to any greater degree is the knight who's village we saved, and he already loves us. It would just be a waste of time and resources.

If we're going to as the king for some land we could ask for the Countryhouse. What countryhouse you might ask? Why, this one of course:
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
When we're older we can ask for the Island Castle to use a staging point for the invasion of Keshla, and then keep it for ourselves afterwards (assuming we didn't incidently start owning Keshla itself, and even then.....)

If possible we should keep informed about possible suitors to the daughter of the Duke that has all the heavy cav. One of our long-term goals should be to marry her but not until we've made friends with some of our other marital options, but we can't marry her if she's already been betrothed to some nobody (or worse: Erik) because we weren't paying attention.
« Last Edit: August 14, 2014, 08:25:46 pm by Andres »
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3man75

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Re: Prince: of Lords and Sorcerers
« Reply #422 on: August 14, 2014, 09:31:19 pm »

Is it possible to get the favor of a gadget making society?

For example one who wants to protect the kingdom via making mines, help researching spells, and the development of better siege machines?
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Andres

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Re: Prince: of Lords and Sorcerers
« Reply #423 on: August 14, 2014, 10:17:15 pm »

Is it possible to get the favor of a gadget making society?

For example one who wants to protect the kingdom via making mines, help researching spells, and the development of better siege machines?
Are there any known gadget making societies? The presence of magic would probably decrease the likelihood of such an organisation existing. If I remember correctly that's one of the reasons why gunpowder doesn't exist.
« Last Edit: August 14, 2014, 11:53:48 pm by Andres »
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Mlamlah

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Re: Prince: of Lords and Sorcerers
« Reply #424 on: August 14, 2014, 10:53:42 pm »

But with that comes more questions. How does favour with the Father translate into political power? According to the OP (Prominent members of the Royal Court) the king either does not have a religious advisor or if he does exist, he isn't considered important. If he was existent and important it would be well worth the effort, as he can say that we would be a much better candidate for kingship than our foreign-religion-friendly uncle or our indifferent half-brother.
Can the Priesthood of the Father excommunicate certain people? If so then that could be a very powerful tool to level against our enemies.

The King has several landless officials of either Priesthoods as representatives in the royal court, also worth noting are the official High Priest and High Priestess of the Kingsland, which are more or less the de facto heads of the religion. The strongest power of the Priesthood of the Father is probably in it's ability to influence prominent Lords of the Kingdom, but one other influence they have during political strife is to sanction sides in civil war. The High Priests of any particular province are not beholden to the lords within that province and may take whatever sides they wish in a conflict. While the military forces that these religious leaders command tend to be modest, the symbolic nature of this allegiance has been enough to turn popular support in a civil conflict from one side to another.

 
The OP isn't totally updated about all of the members of court quite yet, it's hard to pick stuff the stuff i need out of my labyrinthian notes without risking spoilers. I would be more than happy to add additional information of any kind upon request, and i'll continue updating it bit by bit as will and time permit. I'm also working on the next update, but i'm pretty tired so it might not be finished until morning.
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Andres

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Re: Prince: of Lords and Sorcerers
« Reply #425 on: August 15, 2014, 12:12:20 am »

Hmmmm....... I think we should leave religion alone for now. We have a little too much on our plate at the moment and it might be tricky getting the Father's High Priest as an ally.
What's the main religion of the Keshlian refugees and the sea mage ruling Keshla itself? I they differ, and the refugees' religion mirrors our own, we have an opportunity to gain influence with both the Priests of the Father and the Priests of the Mother. The Father would like us for bringing righteous fury (or justice or whatever) against the sea mage for wrongly expelling its own people and the Mother would like us for helping out the poor, besodden refugees in returning to their homeland. Then tie it up in a neat little bow of Holy War.
« Last Edit: August 15, 2014, 05:30:24 am by Andres »
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3man75

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Re: Prince: of Lords and Sorcerers
« Reply #426 on: August 15, 2014, 09:21:13 am »

The sea mage may also be partly responsible for killing our aunt who who was married to a kelshan general. I think she was executed or somesuch.

Ultimately we must focus on our relations in the tourney we are attending.

I'll repost what we have so far to male it easier on the GM but first some breakfast.

EDIT:

1. Sell small hoard of useless trinkets in Annalysse before leaving.
2. Receive more useless trinkets from adoring peasants on way to Koringberg.
3. Compare Koringberg prices to Annalysse prices.
4. ? ? ? ?
5. PROFIT!!!

((We could use some as a prize should we decide to hold a chess tournament on the road with penrod. Just think about it, chess when we're tired or are sitting out.))

Weirdsunds' suggestion Before Meeting: Try to Calm Down. Get a quick massage, have some soothing tea, hang out with your younger sisters, anything to dispel our present funk.

I think the key points of the meeting should be as follows:

-Tell Penrod matter-o-factually that although you love all of your family, save perhaps the mother of your half brother, your deepest affection is for your sister, and as he is now responsible for her well being, you intend to keep his interests in mind, and act on his behalf should he require any assistance at your father's court, so long as such assistance wouldn't be suicidal or blatantly and outwardly treasonous to give.
-Ask to pick his brain about the assassination attempts. Tell him what he doesn't already know. Ask if he can think of any reason, assuming one's goal is the throne, to start by killing the youngest prince in contention.
-In turn, allow him to bounce any issues concerning him off of you.
-Ask what is up between him and your uncle; Is it just leftover venom from the old wars? Or something more personal than that?
-Mention your older brother, and that he is considering leaving the Capital. Ask if he would be open to the idea of building an estate for him on or near the border between Analysse and Adalbert. The estate could be used for treaty signings, tournaments, weddings, and other major events involving both nations, and it could serve as a vacation retreat on which both royal families might be able to intermingle when times are good. If he seems open to the idea, ask if he would be willing to approach your father about it with you and William, assuming of course that William agrees.


Before meeting with Penrod let's talk to Barrick.

((guy's cuban philosophy on the way!))

"Barrick, you feeling alright?"

If he seems fine and up and up. then no speech. If not give him this:

"I heard from many heroes in my history books that to fall down is honorable, but to get up is mandatory. Despite your injuries earlier you put up a big fight and fought against that knight from aldabert. I'm sure you would have won had it not been for that interference at the end. Learn anything by the way from my brother?"

Barrack: Blah blah blah

"Alright go see some healers while i talk to penrod, this journey may be the most dangerous yet so i'll need you on top condition."

EDIT:

Before Meeting: Try to Calm Down. Get a quick massage, have some soothing tea, hang out with your younger sisters, anything to dispel our present funk.

I think the key points of the meeting should be as follows:

-Tell Penrod matter-o-factually that although you love all of your family, save perhaps the mother of your half brother, your deepest affection is for your sister, and as he is now responsible for her well being, you intend to keep his interests in mind, and act on his behalf should he require any assistance at your father's court, so long as such assistance wouldn't be suicidal or blatantly and outwardly treasonous to give.
-Ask to pick his brain about the assassination attempts. Tell him what he doesn't already know. Ask if he can think of any reason, assuming one's goal is the throne, to start by killing the youngest prince in contention.
-In turn, allow him to bounce any issues concerning him off of you.
-Ask what is up between him and your uncle; Is it just leftover venom from the old wars? Or something more personal than that?
-Mention your older brother, and that he is considering leaving the Capital. Ask if he would be open to the idea of building an estate for him on or near the border between Analysse and Adalbert. The estate could be used for treaty signings, tournaments, weddings, and other major events involving both nations, and it could serve as a vacation retreat on which both royal families might be able to intermingle when times are good. If he seems open to the idea, ask if he would be willing to approach your father about it with you and William, assuming of course that William agrees.


He's going to be living with the Warren mages in a magical commune probably. Also ask him about the Bandit Baronies at some point. They interest me personally and they'd be a good target for us when we come of age and need a military victory.

Hopefully resting will clear our bad mood.


An my suggestion, sorry i didn't quote the others it's just that i'm not confident in quoting yet on these forums.
« Last Edit: August 15, 2014, 01:40:19 pm by 3man75 »
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Mlamlah

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Re: Prince: of Lords and Sorcerers
« Reply #427 on: August 15, 2014, 03:32:30 pm »

Raynor Casar, Royal Prince of Analysse, popular claimant on the future crown.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)


When you fetch Barick he seems to be speaking with a young man you barely recognise, you believe he's a local city deputy, and he's lauding praise on the combat prowess of your champion. At your approach he dismisses himself with a resectful bow in your direction. Barick himself seems very weary, and raises himself stiffly from the wooden chair he was seated in to pay you proper respect. You congratulate him in how he comported himself in the melee, and urge him to have the palace healers see to him to make sure he is in top shape. He wearily agrees, taking a swig from a waterskin at his side before leaving.

You feel the need to improve on your poor mood, and you seem to remember that once before when you were in poor spirits your business partner Ishvakala helped you to stay level-headed. So you and your bodygaurds make for the mage's shop. When you arrive he is haggling with a pair of elderly women over a bag of exotic herbs, which he quickly sells at a discount upon your arrival. Ishvakala brews a pot of tea of some of the very herbs he just sold, and the two of you talk ildly for a short while. He mentions that his clientèle has been expanding into locals seeking medicinal remedies, which is helping to stabilize the highly fluctuating income of the shop, which mostly sells exotic magical knick knacks and paraphernalia for novice spellcasters. Your mood benefits from the casual visit, and his wealth of proverbs and faux mysticism is comforting. Soon you leave, but you find the cloud that has settled on you dissipate a bit.

...


Some of the tension alleviated, you return to the palace. Almost as soon as you've seen your horse to the stables Penrod and Ritalia are there to meet you, and the three of you retire to the palace gardens, the bodygaurds of all parties a respectful distance out of earshot to preserve privacy. Briefly, the talk is idle, Penrod mentions that he'd like Ritalia to be involved in his political and personal dealings, and Ritalia affirms that she agrees she should be active in such affairs. Penrod's Annalyssian seems to be improving considerably, and you find it's much easier to think of him as intelligent now that you can speak with one another better.

You begin to discuss politics with Penrod. You explain that family is deeply important to you, and now that he's married to your sister he is in certain respects, part of your family. You agree that if he needs any help at court in Analysse, that you are willing to represent his interests, so long as he maintains the safety and wellbeing of your sister in mind. Penrod seems pleased by your offer of assistance, and in turn he explains that given your friendliness towards his interests he is willing to offer you whatever support his name might provide you. You discuss the possibility of perhaps creating a neutral estate on the border between the Kingdom of Analysse, and the Principality of Koringberg, and while no decisions are made it is acknowledged as an idea worth exploring in the future. You leave unspoken the thought that perhaps your brother William could live there, that's an idea that you feel requires more thought and preparation, if you are to bring it up at all.

Settling upon more immediate concerns though, you begin to dig into specifics. "I'm sure by now you have heard of the attempt on my life, do you have any thoughts on who would want to kill a prince so far down in succession?" Penrod settles into thought at this, eye fixed on the heavens, scratching his chin thoughtfully, before turning his gaze to you in answer. "You're popular Raynor, among the western lords of Analysse. If i'm to be frank, consider the other claimants.You have your Bastard brother, with almost no experience at court and the background of a soldier.William is not considered competent by the nobility, and his seclusion doesn't help that reputation. Robilard? He's competent, but entering middle age. He's got a strong army and a reputation for skullduggery, and some might fear what would happen if he donned the crown. You've publicly declared designs on the crown, made strong diplomatic contact with prominent members of two foreign nations, established yourself firmly in the royal court, and all that before you've even come of age." Penrod pauses, grinning sidelong at you as you walk. "Make no mistake that to any with designs on the crown you are considered a threat to their legitimacy as a claimant. Enough support you that if your father died tomorrow you could probably cause a war for the crown if you so pleased."
At that Ritalia grimaces, and adds her own insight. "Many of the western Lords are scared, wealth and trade is the lifeblood of Western Analysse. You're the only claimant who's shown interest in the economic safety of the nation. That said, have you considered that maybe Keshlan politics is involved? Your support against the revolutionaries is public, and Analyssian intervention could help decide the fate of the war, it may be that some think that your death would help the rebels to win."
Penrod smiles sadly, "There are many who might want you ended little Prince, of that make no mistake."

Your conversation is interupted when you notice an alarmed expression on the Prince's face. The tension of danger coming over you, you face whatever has your conversation partner so concerned. Walking quickly towards you, in full armor, is an Adalbertian Knight. Walter, Adrickar and Serles all intercept him, and he raises his hands to indicate he is unarmed. Serles angrily asserts that you are having a private discussion, and do not wish to be disturbed. With a snort of derision, the heavily armored Adalbertian Man roughly shoves the dandy into the dirt before continuing past him. Walter draws his blade, and Adrickar prepares a spell, both seem prepared to strike down the potential assailant. Palace Gaurds and Penrod's very own Knight bodygaurds approach, drawing weapons and preparing for confrontation.
Penrod sighs deeply before stepping forward to intercept his belligerent vassal. In Adalbertian the Prince addresses his Knight, warning him, or perhaps reminding him of a warning he had already made. The Knight spends only a moment acknowledging his prince's words before turning to address you, speaking in crude Analyssian.
"You Are Vassal-Lord of Barick Houseless?"

You murmur that you are, and the Knight deftly removes his gauntlet and tosses it in the dirt in front of you. To Penrod, the Knight says that he will withdraw the challenge if you put Barick in his custody to face charges of murder. You do not need the statement to be translated.
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Weirdsound

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Re: Prince: of Lords and Sorcerers
« Reply #428 on: August 15, 2014, 03:57:30 pm »

Consider Analysse dueling customs, especially in regards to allowing champions. This is not his kingdom, so he will not be playing by his rules.

Then ask you challenger for a minute to talk to Penrod in private before answering his challenge and demand. Ask the prince the exact circumstances of this knight's grudge, if the trial he demands can be rigged in our guard's favor, and if what the fallout would be if Barick was found innocent, or the challenger humiliated in a duel.

---

Alternatively, take a good step back, and Chide the man for his cowardice in challenging a small child, and his disrespect to his lord in attempting something that will greatly complicate the political situation. Speak calmly and condescendingly, trying to provoke the man into giving you a good excuse to have him killed on the spot.

I can't say which idea is better. We can either try and be clever about it an play a long game, or just capitalize on the fact that there is likely no better time to deal with this man; his lord is clearly annoyed at him, and the current audience is small enough that his death can be covered up and explained away.
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Mlamlah

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Re: Prince: of Lords and Sorcerers
« Reply #429 on: August 15, 2014, 04:06:39 pm »

In Analysse a challenge may be rejected outright with no legal reprecussions, however denying a challenge may be seen as cowardly depending on context. Any Vassal or willing champion may be chosen to represent the challenged party, though that vassal is also free to reject the call to battle.

There is however, very little precedent for the challenging of nobles under the age of 16, and it's possible it could be interpreted as a challenge of the party's parent.
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The Alchemist

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Re: Prince: of Lords and Sorcerers
« Reply #430 on: August 15, 2014, 04:38:34 pm »

Is it necessary for the duel to be a physical altercation? As the challenged party I believe we would determine what type of duel takes place. In that respect we could make this challenge a magic duel, something that the challenger probably wouldn't be skilled in. Of course that doesn't matter if we are forced to agree to a more traditional duel.
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3man75

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Re: Prince: of Lords and Sorcerers
« Reply #431 on: August 15, 2014, 04:49:50 pm »

"Prince Penrod please relay everything i get wrong to Sir Walter, the Knight."

In our best tongue of Adalbertian

"Sir Walter,

First, i don't care what your background in life is. Tact is something very simple, i would have even considered a meeting with you had a request been made. This behavior is unfiting during such a important wedding between our nations.

Second, pushing around my guardsman, albeit new, references a lack of respect that you have for me and my family. That is unacceptable and also unfitting for a Knight here to show friendship and respect to a marriage of a fellow.

Third, Barrick is not my vassal he is part of my personnel retinue and bodyguard who's help thwart assassinations against me. I cannot trow away those who have been loyal to me for it will be a stain on me as a bad leader. This is a LARGE problem."


*walk up to him*

"As for your challenge wait till i'm 18 so i can punch your stupid teeth down your throat."

If he doesn't want to wait 7 years than he can take us on a chess duel.

EDIT: If we can pick the duel can it be chess? We'll have some advantage and if he's still not satisfied he can duel us in a match when we come of age. By the way, is of age 16 or 18 or 21?
« Last Edit: August 15, 2014, 04:56:50 pm by 3man75 »
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Andres

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Re: Prince: of Lords and Sorcerers
« Reply #432 on: August 15, 2014, 05:18:37 pm »

Then ask you challenger for a minute to talk to Penrod in private before answering his challenge and demand. Ask the prince the exact circumstances of this knight's grudge, if the trial he demands can be rigged in our guard's favor, and if what the fallout would be if Barick was found innocent, or the challenger humiliated in a duel.
-1. Asking honourable Penrod if we can cheat in a fair duel would destroy a lot of the respect he has for us.

Alternatively, take a good step back, and Chide the man for his cowardice in challenging a small child, and his disrespect to his lord in attempting something that will greatly complicate the political situation. Speak calmly and condescendingly, trying to provoke the man into giving you a good excuse to have him killed on the spot.
+1 to the parts where we don't try to get ourselves killed.


"Prince Penrod please relay everything i get wrong to Sir Walter, the Knight."

In our best tongue of Adalbertian

"Sir Walter,

First, i don't care what your background in life is. Tact is something very simple, i would have even considered a meeting with you had a request been made. This behavior is unfiting during such a important wedding between our nations.

Second, pushing around my guardsman, albeit new, references a lack of respect that you have for me and my family. That is unacceptable and also unfitting for a Knight here to show friendship and respect to a marriage of a fellow.
(It's irrelevant if they're new or not.)

Third, Barrick is not my vassal he is part of my personnel retinue and bodyguard who's help thwart assassinations against me. I cannot trow away those who have been loyal to me for it will be a stain on me as a bad leader. This is a LARGE problem." (He hasn't challenged Barrick. He's challenged you. Don't speak as if he's challenged Barrick directly and is merely asking for your permission to duel him.)

*walk up to him*

"As for your challenge wait till i'm 18 so i can punch your stupid teeth down your throat." (-1 WE DO NOT WANT TO DIE.)

If he doesn't want to wait 7 years than he can take us on a chess duel. (-1 Why not challenge him to a basket weaving contest or a... I don't know....... a Children's Card Game while we're at it. This is a gravely serious matter - not the stuff handled by a board game. Really, it would just come off as cowardly.)
Added suggestions and opinions to the speech.
Edit: An inconsistency I just found in the speech:
"Sir Walter,
Third, Barrick is not my vassal he is part of my personnel retinue and bodyguard "


"You Are Vassal-Lord of Barick Houseless?"

You murmur that you are,

Walter isn't the knight's name either; that's the name of our of the dudes that tried restraining him.

Is it necessary for the duel to be a physical altercation? As the challenged party I believe we would determine what type of duel takes place. In that respect we could make this challenge a magic duel, something that the challenger probably wouldn't be skilled in. Of course that doesn't matter if we are forced to agree to a more traditional duel.
That might just work. Though he would have to know magic first. And magic duels would have to be allowed at all. And it wouldn't blow our cover as an aspiring magician. And if we weren't dealing with an experienced fighter. And we would have to know ANY WORTHWHILE COMBAT MAGIC. -1 Besides, assuming we did know a good amount of combat magic and everything else was fine, we'd be at a disadvantage because of our still-existent Foul Mood.
« Last Edit: August 15, 2014, 05:34:07 pm by Andres »
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Weirdsound

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Re: Prince: of Lords and Sorcerers
« Reply #433 on: August 15, 2014, 05:26:41 pm »

We could, however, challenge him to a Magic Duel and see if dad would lend us Sir Kaelack, the Mage Tourneyment winner, as a Champion.

However, I agree with just calling out his cowardice and stupidity from behind the safety of our guardsmen.
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3man75

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Re: Prince: of Lords and Sorcerers
« Reply #434 on: August 15, 2014, 05:30:08 pm »

Maybe we should hold the trial here at the castle. We'll sit them both down and have them explain the stories.

We'll do what we can to make sure barrick isn't killed or jailed but have to pay a fine. One which we can help him front as we have business for that.

Also getting a partnership in a medical herbs store sounds like a good idea. If only small and temporary.

We could, however, challenge him to a Magic Duel and see if dad would lend us Sir Kaelack, the Mage Tourneyment winner, as a Champion.

However, I agree with just calling out his cowardice and stupidity from behind the safety of our guardsmen.

This could worsen relations between our countries, which would undermine the marriage and put penrod in a bad position. He's probably not to popular atm and has attached another Prince for trying to start a war. We cannot make him look weak.

+1 for a magical duel though.
« Last Edit: August 15, 2014, 05:31:45 pm by 3man75 »
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