>>5836536

It had been two days since your meeting with your officers. You had gotten more work done, but not without your friends. Lady Malevus Silverthread, Malevus just for you and everyone else, had helped you to walk and recuperate. She had been there for you when you needed support and now you had been trying to walk the stairs up and down to strengthen your legs with her standing right behind you ready to catch you if you were to fall. Taretha Foxton, Tari for you and her closest friends, has helped you in your daily tasks, be it just to have food or help you get dressed. Her smile and friendliness has given you strength to push through the days. Normand and Maura Garside, your foster parents, your parents, have supported you from day to day, helping you in their own ways be it handling paperwork or just trying to make you realise that you are loved.

There was Lieutenant Cromwell who since the meeting had kept you up to date with the status of your troops. Eligius, your warlock and a spymaster, who had told you what he had heard and learned. Lady Nalice, the dragon Nalicatrasza, had watched over your health and observed your recovery. Lieutenant Beckston meanwhile had just offered his companionship with Sir Gravis, while not being much the thought mattered a lot.

You sat downstairs on your seat behind the dining table, your walking cane leaned on the table and you had your dark glasses on. While downstairs you had chosen to always wear the glasses just in case someone unexpectedly walks through the door.

“The hunters haven’t seen any mountain lion tracks in a week or two.” Eligius told you. “The large one they were avoiding hasn’t been seen. They think it has left the territory.”

You had hoped to hunt that one.

“The locals here in Dawnholme are trying to find work for the Unberbelliers.” He continued. “Some have already succeeded.”

“Underbelliers? Is that what they call them?” You asked back. That was a rather lame name.

“They needed some nickname.” Eligius said back and scratched his short beard.

“What else?”

“Pai has been asking for you.” Eligius said to you.

“You have been trying to get her to talk?”

“Yes, but not with success. She doesn’t want to talk with me at all, Pai just looks at me as I ask my questions and that's it.” Eligius told you.

“Yet you are trying.”

“I will have to try, I can’t give up otherwise she will have the joy of victory...” Eligius said in an apparent defeat.

“Alright, anything else?” You asked again.

1/2

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>>5836537

“The wizards?” Eligius shrugged. “You could meet them? I have their profiles ready.”

“And?”

“You could show your face to the locals, to your people. Maybe if you showed yourself, the rumours would calm down.” Eligius said back to you.

“And the rumours are what?” You asked and sighed. Of course the rumour mill is going on.

“It depends, they range from you being dead to varying levels of you being sick and or poisoned. Though the word had spread after you met your officers that you are alive, still there are those who doubt them.” Eligius said to you. “And the rumours that you have been just cooped inside with one of your lovers or that you haven’t even been here, in fact you have been in Alterac negotiating with the ogres.”

“Really? Ogres and lovers?” You asked him and laughed. Though it wouldn’t hurt to have Jandice to be around.

“Those are the rumours Prince Alric.” Eligius said and shrugged.

Alright, those were the rumours and options for today. Maybe you could get something done today.


>Go see Pai the Assassin. It is a good excuse for you to spread your legs and see how walking to the town and back will go.
>You should see the mages that arrived from Underbelly. Have them brought here so that you can speak with them.
>The locals should see your face. The rumours should be put to rest. You need to make sure that they know that you are alive and mostly fine.
>Other, write in.

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>>5836538

Thread 25! How far we have reached. Getting this far makes me a happy QM and so as always, if you have any questions about the Quest, characters or for the QM go ahead and ask them. I will try to answer them as well as I can. Consider this a bit of an 24/7 Q&A session.

>>5836538
>You should see the mages that arrived from Underbelly. Have them brought here so that you can speak with them.
Pai needs to sweat a little first, showing up with the conspicuous glasses is gonna maoe the rumours worse and showing up with our eyes visible is gonna cause pandemonium.

>>5836538
>>The locals should see your face. The rumours should be put to rest. You need to make sure that they know that you are alive and mostly fine.
Meet with our people. Organize it even, we have always hold the majority of their respect, loyalty and devotion. That internal strength must be completely maintained.

Organize an encounter with the mages later in the day. Pai, tommorow or next week. We still need a ton of help with our body

We are their prince not showing ourselves for so long will have a worse effect. And we will be seen regardless when we leave for Tarren Mill with the army.
We know our people and talked with it in the past. We shouldn't be afraid of the people we want to protect, keeping us a secret is a not a good choice. The mistake was done, we can live with it and emphasize our survival and strength of mind. Alterac stands

>>5836538
>The locals should see your face. The rumours should be put to rest. You need to make sure that they know that you are alive and mostly fine.

>>5836538
>>Go see Pai the Assassin. It is a good excuse for you to spread your legs and see how walking to the town and back will go.
>>5836540
how do you do it?

>>5836538
>The locals should see your face. The rumours should be put to rest. You need to make sure that they know that you are alive and mostly fine.
>Go see Pai the Assassin. It is a good excuse for you to spread your legs and see how walking to the town and back will go.

I guess we could do both. A small roundabout before going to see the assassin

>>5836538
>You should see the mages that arrived from Underbelly. Have them brought here so that you can speak with them.

Rather split vote, but doing rounds through the town and allowing locals to see you is the winner. Could I have a set of rolls, the first d10 is for the peasants and is best of three. Second and the third d10 is for the migrants and for the soldier and are best of four. This is for their reactions.


>3d10
>Best of four

>>5836770

Very carefully. Non joke answer is a lot of notes and the want to push the story forward with you my precious beautiful anons.

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>5837166
Inb4 we get 1 in 10.000 unlucky again.

>>5837185

3d10 please, not a 1d10.

Rolled 9, 1 = 10 (2d10)

>>5837197
Oh shit, sorry. This work since I already rolled 1d10?

Rolled 9, 10, 4 = 23 (3d10)

>>5837166

Rolled 6, 3, 5 = 14 (3d10)

>>5837166

Rolled 8, 7, 5 = 20 (3d10)

>>5837166

Rolled 4, 9, 5 = 18 (3d10)

>>5837166
Man I am tempted to call in that Makegood gift for the dragon fire cultivation runes, but then the troll battle is coming and it might be really nice to save Cromwell or Normand.

>>5837325
If either Cromwell or Normand die, this is personal when we are up again. I want to be out of the bed so badly.
Wonder if Nalice, Eligius and the witches could be tasked with doing something against the trolls (i already know we have assigned a lot of different work, education and training to them. So it might be unwise but is something to consider with us being forced here).

Update halfway done, but I am too knackered to finish it today. Rather interesting result from the rolls. I need to plan something for the near and further future.

>>5837472
Its unfortunate everyone was rather spooked about pushing physical recovery so we just walked back and forth up stairs. Also we didn't take the increased strength and vitality glyphs.

I doubt we can ask any more of them without taking away from spymaster work and training. Plus Nalice considering glyph effects on us, and her own search for stuff.

A random dragon attack, or a stealthy mage or warlock attack. Either one might draw some rather unpleasant attention.

Nalice does a commando mage attack on the trolls before the army gets there > the underbelly mages we just got know it wasn't them > Alric must have a secret mage in his group.

A random dragon attack on the trolls we intended to kill, and who others know we were about to campaign against, would look a bit suspicious. Probably rile some neighbors and people with wonders if theres some wild dragons nesting somewhere, maybe one that got away from the Dragonmaw clan in the second war. The Aerie Peak dwarves start looking around for it, maybe Dalaran since they also keep an eye out for dragons, or operate on the suspicion that its a secret mage pretending it was a dragon attack that greatly benefitted us. Its an interesting topic.

You stood in the dining room with your cane in your hand as Malevus draped an orange cloak with the swooping falcon of Alterac over your shoulders. This was a bit too flashy for your liking, but if you were to be seen, you should look the part. You had your normal clothes and on top of them you had thrown your winter jacket, it was still a bit cold to stand around in a leather jacket after all. Chaperon on your head and your hair well brushed, you looked rather presentable.

“Everything ready?” You asked and pushed your dark glasses up to hide your eyes proper.

“As ready as they can be Prince Alric.” Malevus said. “Royal Foot Guard and the knights are waiting.”

On insistence by Normand, you would have the Royal Foot Guard trailing behind you. Less for your security, but more as a show of force and projection of your image. And Normand was right, you needed to look strong or at least convey the idea of being strong.

You gave a nod to her and allowed your squire to open the door for you. With careful steps you left your home for the first time in nearly two and half weeks. The midday sun shone brightly and it would have blinded you if not for your glasses.

The Royal Foot Guard, all ten men of whom the majority had been with you for the past two years, stood there in their new Dark Iron plate mails, their orange cloaks fluttering in the wind. You wouldn’t find more loyal and skilled men anywhere else as you passed each and everyone of them, shaking their hands one by one.

“Sir Gravis.” You said as the leader of your knights saluted you. The man in the black plate mail, with his long black hair, looked as dashing rogue as always. “Still haven’t found a new member?”

“No my Prince, we have strict standards.” Sir Gravis said back to you with a jest.

“Good, I only expect the best.” You said back and smiled. “Shall we go?”

“At your pace my Prince.” Sir Gravis replied and gave you way.

Now just to put a smile on and get through this and hope your legs can carry you.

…

>9
>10


When you crossed the short distance between your home and Dawnholme, immediately the people recognised you. Whatever they had been doing, they dropped it and came to see you.

Be it young or old, men or women, they all seemed happy to see you as they told how they had prayed and wished for your health to recover. Of course having the walking cane and then seeing you slowly make your way was concerning to them, but seeing you up and walking in the end was enough for them.

Several times your soldiers or Malevus had to push some people back a bit and your progress through the town was slow due to people stopping you. Which actually was fine, this allowed you to stop and rest your legs. At one point you even sat down with a few old grandpas and spoke with them. A valid excuse to rest a bit.

1/2

>>5838440

And if the Alteracis were happy to see you, the migrants from Underbelly were outright ecstatic. When the word spread that you were in the town, the people from Underbelly flocked to see you. They thanked you for accepting them and taking them in. They wouldn't forget the selfish action by you and would do everything to pay you back somehow.

They were incredibly glad to be able to finally say their thanks to you in person, which made venturing out of your home feel like a success.

Your people and the newcomers loved you.

…

>5


You were tired when you reached the barracks and immediately you could feel the change in the atmosphere. Things were off.

It quickly became apparent why when Lieutenant Cromwell approached you and asked you to come into his office.

"Prince Alric, the news about your eyes have spread." Cromwell told you and continued. "The older soldiers are more understanding, but the fresher recruits have their doubts."

You pinched the bridge of your nose in annoyance. You wouldn't need any of this right now.

"Do you think this will affect how well the men will fight and obey orders?" You asked the most important question.

"They will follow orders, but some of them are quite shaken." Cromwell told you.

That was a problem.


>Ask who had spread the news? Not that many people had seen your green eyes after all.
>Have Cromwell gather the soldiers here together so that you can speak with them. It was probably for the best if they saw you and your eyes in person.
>Let this matter pass. You don't need to address the soldiers now. They will learn that nothing has changed from your actions.
>Other, write in.

>>5838442
>Have Cromwell gather the soldiers here together so that you can speak with them. It was probably for the best if they saw you and your eyes in person.

>>5838442
>>Have Cromwell gather the soldiers here together so that you can speak with them. It was probably for the best if they saw you and your eyes in person
Alric is their prince, and they will see him for what he is not a monster, but a man with the only desire of seeing his people and the kingdom of his forefathers restored. We bleed red, we don't worship horrors and we wear the orange falcon with honor.
We shall reforge their hearts with courage and strength.

>>5838442
>>Have Cromwell gather the soldiers here together so that you can speak with them. It was probably for the best if they saw you and your eyes in person.

>>5838442
>>Have Cromwell gather the soldiers here together so that you can speak with them. It was probably for the best if they saw you and your eyes in person.

>>5837583
To be fair physical recovery has been difficult. We need a lot of time to move, and sometimes help or some rest. I am afraid it might take 1-2 months for full recovery.

That's why I only considered it could be too much rumor. Even then..... it might work. We will see.

>>5838442
>>Have Cromwell gather the soldiers here together so that you can speak with them. It was probably for the best if they saw you and your eyes in person.

The vets understand. A man could get struck by dark powers of a warlock and survive, does he come back to welcome arms or...?


>Other, write in.
A round of drinks always gets the boys in a better mood. A chance for the new recruits to show off their skills.

A cause for celebration like a Cromwell Promotion would have been good for morale. Possibly a lesser promotion if theres someone up for Sergeant or another Lieutenant. Maybe Beckston's child is almost due. Letting them know we have some mages waiting in the wings which would be great support for the campaign.

Seeing your soldiers is the winner. Could I have some clarifying votes on how will you handle this.


Eyes:
>Keep them hidden behind the glasses, your presence should be enough alone.
>Keep them on, but imply heavily that your eyes are green.
>Take off your glasses, let the soldiers see them. Give a confirmation to the news and rumours

How to approach them:
>Warmly, less strictly and more informally.
>Don't be overly stern, but be disappointed that the soldiers were the ones spreading rumours and news.
>Sternly, make it clear to them that the eyes change nothing about you.

>>5839015
>Take off your glasses, let the soldiers see them. Give a confirmation to the news and rumours

>Don't be overly stern, but be disappointed that the soldiers were the ones spreading rumours and news.

>>5839015
>Keep them on, but imply heavily that your eyes are green.
>Don't be overly stern, but be disappointed that the soldiers were the ones spreading rumours and news.

>>5839015
>>Keep them on, but imply heavily that your eyes are green.
>Don't be overly stern, but be disappointed that the soldiers were the ones spreading rumours and news.

>>5839015
>Keep them on, but imply heavily that your eyes are green.
>Don't be overly stern, but be disappointed that the soldiers were the ones spreading rumours and news.
Showing our eyes could backfire, make it less about them and more about spreading rumours

>>5839015
>Take off your glasses, let the soldiers see them. Give a confirmation to the news and rumours

>Don't be overly stern, but be disappointed that the soldiers were the ones spreading rumours and news.

Too tired to finish the update today without a drop in quality. So I will ask a vote for what will Alric do next. The options that are not chosen will be pushed into the future.


>Invite the mages to see you. You want to learn more about them.
>Go visit Pai and see what she wants from you. Also deal with Sahvan, he has probably stayed in the jail for enough long time.
>Go see Nalice and continue your magic studies. You can't wait too long to recover.

>>5839531
>>Invite the mages to see you. You want to learn more about them.

>>5839531
>Invite the mages to see you. You want to learn more about them.

>>5839531
>Invite the mages to see you. You want to learn more about them.

>>5839531
>>Invite the mages to see you. You want to learn more about them.

>>5839531
>>Go visit Pai and see what she wants from you. Also deal with Sahvan, he has probably stayed in the jail for enough long time.

Cromwell had gathered all the available soldiers together into the great hall of the barracks. There were the crossbowmen, some footmen and archers, the bandit rogues of Sir Radan, the knights of Sir Gravis and the Royal Foot Guards. Even some City Guards were standing there.

They were milling around when you stepped into the hall. Your presence got them quickly to sort themselves into ranks and prepare to listen to what you had to say.

You pushed the glasses up with your free hand and slowly made your way past the soldiers in their ranks, staring each and everyone of them through the dark glasses. While they didn't see your eyes, they knew that you were staring daggers at them by how you looked at them.

When you had slowly walked past them, you turned around and went to stand next to Cromwell.

And then you sighed deeply and let your shoulders drop a bit.

"I am not angry, but I am disappointed." You told the soldiers. "Disappointed that the worst rumourmongers had to be you. I walked through the whole town and instead of people being suspicious of me or avoiding me, they greeted me, they showed their happiness at seeing me up and walking after two weeks of being cooped up inside my home. They were happy to see their Prince who had survived an assassination attempt."

You scanned the soldiers for how they would react to this.

"Instead of the peasants who love their rumours and news, it was you with whom I have shed blood, shared the shieldwall and nearly died, who decided to let this get into your heads." You said, tapping your glasses and sighed again. "People whom I trust to carry themselves with honour and whom I trust to defend Alterac and her people."

The whole day had taken a toll on you and you leaned on your cane a bit. Your soldiers could see that you were tired, which you knew to use to your advantage.

"Only thing that has changed is that my body is unwilling to carry me right now. If not for this, I would join you in the campaign, but sadly I can't." You told them somewhat sternly. "I can't express how disappointed I am with myself so don't add to that by disappointing me any further."

You straightened your back and collected yourself a bit.

"I don't need to put an emphasis on how important conquering Strahnbrad Hills will be to us. So do not disappoint me or the people of Alterac." You told them and finished your speech before turning to look at Cromwell and giving him a nod.

He barked some orders and the soldiers started to file out the hall. You watched them leave and when finally they had filed out, you could relax a bit.

"Malevus." You said with an ordering tone and your squire took a step to stand next to you.

Immediately you grabbed her shoulder and leaned on her. Your legs could barely carry yourself and the second half of your speech had been a struggle for you to keep yourself standing.

"I got you Alric." Malevus said and took a hold of you.

1/2

>>5840552

"Lieutenant Cromwell, can you help me into your office? I need to rest a bit." You asked him and saw that he didn't like what he was seeing.

"Sorry for being this frail…" You said back to him. You felt embarrassed.

Cromwell didn't answer as he just nodded to you. You weren't sure what he was thinking, but seeing you like this should help him to understand that you weren't like this because you wanted to.

…

"I am sorry for meeting you like this." You said and fixed your glasses.

You had been smuggled out of the barracks after your legs were way too tired to carry you. Malevus had fetched the Robe of Obfuscation that you had used to not be seen as a conveniently placed horse cart stopped in front of the barracks. Malevus had helped you on and then off when you had reached your home.

And now you were sitting in your bed, your legs covered by the blanket and propped upright with a pile of pillows. Tari had brushed your hair and made sure you shirt was without any wrinkles. You were as presentable as you could be.

"We can come back later." Said the older woman wearing a stupendously large hat.

"Nonsense, it is my fault for walking so much in the town." You said and waved her suggestion away. "Now let's introduce ourselves. I am Prince Alric Perenolde, the Second Heir of Alterac, the rightful ruler of these lands and so on and so forth."

The three mages looked at you until they replied to you one by one.

"I am Jon Boyd." The first one said. He was wearing robes of red and purple. You could see that his right ear had burned off and there were burn marks across his face. Also his right arm was heavily bandaged.

"Madam Judy Martin, at your service Prince Perenolde." The older lady in the big hat and otherwise rather wizard's robe said.

The third mage, a bald man with a head full of crisscrossing scars and dents, opted to just bow.

"That is Luke Williams. He is mute, the orcs took his tongue and tortured him." Boyd told you to which Williams just nodded.

The profiles Eligius had made matched with what they had told you, but now that they were here, they could tell you more.


>Have them tell you who they are and what skills they bring to the table. And most importantly how much do they ask for the pay.
>What do they expect of life in Dawnholme? What do they expect of you, do you need to do anything to them?
>Everyone has their reason why they lived in Underbelly. You want to know what their reasons were, though will they answer?
>Other, write in.

>Don't mention Eligius being a warlock or you training to be a mage.
>Tell them about Eligius being a warlock and being your expert in magic. They have probably seen more strange things in Underbelly.
>Have them know that you are training to become a mage. They would probably learn about it sooner than later.
>Other, write in.

QM: Here we go. Please vote on both.

>>5840553
>Everyone has their reason why they lived in Underbelly. You want to know what their reasons were, though will they answer?
>Don't mention Eligius being a warlock or you training to be a mage.
not spilling our secrets to people we just met

>>5840553
>Everyone has their reason why they lived in Underbelly. You want to know what their reasons were, though will they answer?
>Don't mention Eligius being a warlock or you training to be a mage.

>>5840553
>>What do they expect of life in Dawnholme? What do they expect of you, do you need to do anything to them?
>Have them know that you are training to become a mage. They would probably learn about it sooner than later.

>>5840553
>Everyone has their reason why they lived in Underbelly. You want to know what their reasons were, though will they answer?
>Don't mention Eligius being a warlock or you training to be a mage.

>>5840553

>What do they expect of life in Dawnholme? What do they expect of you, do you need to do anything to them?

>Other, write in
Any news and rumors in Dalaran? What was the sentiment people seemed to have about people leading the Underbelly? In your opinions, are there others who might have been suitable to coming here, but something stopped them and what?

>Don't mention Eligius being a warlock or you training to be a mage.

I wonder if any of them is a spy for Dalaran. A pyromancer with a habit of getting himself burned who wants to be reinstated by the service of keeping an eye on Alirc, or just hopeful to find someone to further his research.

An older woman presumably with an interest in an obscure and not powerful magic of naturalism, trusted to keep an eye on the underbelly but thats probably some tough living and shes eager to be somewhere where the sun shines even if it means keeping an eye on Alric's group. Or to just get away from there.

A man who was captured and tortured by orcs in the second war or on some clandestine mission. Perhaps captured by orcs who worked with the traitor King of Alterac? Eager for revenge if it presents itself in orcs or in a traitorous prince. It would be hard to catch a man in his lies and past when he cant actually speak, but he can still write letters of what he sees. Or has he simply heard of blackrock orc activity in the mountains and wants a piece.

>>5840553
>Everyone has their reason why they lived in Underbelly. You want to know what their reasons were, though will they answer?
>Don't mention Eligius being a warlock or you training to be a mage.
good

"What of the two students?" You asked.

"They are with Williams, and they are just students. Not on our level." Boyd replied and Williams nodded to it.

"Understandable, though at one point I would like to meet them as well." You told them and continued carefully. "I am sorry for being or sounding cautious, but wizards and magic can unnerve the commoners."

"They have kept their distance to us already." Madam Martin said back to you. "We aren't in Dalaran."

"We are not and that is why I would like to know why you were living in Underbelly? I told Captain Raethan to avoid witches and warlocks and he found you to be suitable. Why were you living down there? I visited the place once, it isn't a nice place for humans." You said.

"A few too many accidental fires. Kirin Tor made it clear that I wasn't allowed to leave, but that I couldn't practise my fire magic in the city either." Boyd told you and sounded bitter. "Underbelly was my only option."

"What did you do there?"

"I burned rats and sold my spells to thugs." Boyd didn't sound that enthusiastic. "Getting out of that place was what I wanted, at least I don't have to stink like shit everyday."

Driven to Underbelly by Kirin Tor? What would they think about him leaving for Alterac? Was he now your problem?

"I see, just don't cause any fires in the town and I think we will have no issues." You told him and grinned. He seemed to take it as a jest. "How about you Madam? You were a naturalist?"

"Yes, I have written widely about animals and their bodies, how they work and so on. My works are good enough that they should be in libraries all across the world." Madam Martin said proudly and Williams nodded to it, he seemed to agree.

"Then what is the issue?"

"The Sorcerers' League, guild politics. Because I wasn't part of them, when I released my first major study, they opted to ostracise me to avoid 'an outsider' stepping on their toes." Madam Martin said and sounded spiteful towards the League. "And that restricts what I can do, you can cut open a pig or a rat only so many times."

"So you moved to Underbelly where the smugglers can bring you what you want.'

"Observant smart thinking." Madam Martin replied. "Yes, there I had access to things I couldn't get anywhere else."

"Then why Alterac, I don't think you can get what you want from here?" You asked and raised your eyebrows.

"I believe I will, the work of a naturalist is not just animals, but plants as well. And the hills and mountains are just out there." Madam Martin said. You weren't sure if she was telling you everything. You opted to just nod.

"Mr. Williams?" You asked and looked at him and then back to Boyd. He seemed to know Williams well.

"Gambling. He lost too much coin to the wrong person and fled to Underbelly. And uhh… Underbelly protects its own, the thugs hired by this wrong person didn't get far." Boyd told you and Williams gave you a crooked smile, his jaw hadn't healed properly.

1/2

>>5841257

"Would the… wrong person… follow you here?" You asked carefully.

Williams gave you a hollow awful sounding laugh.

"The person was found floating in the sewers two years later…" Boyd replied carefully.

"And if the danger was gone, why wouldn't he return back into the city then?" You asked.

"The man's family holds Williams responsible, though there is no evidence for it." Boyd continued. "He wouldn't have a future in the city."

"I see…"

Williams wouldn't confess, but you had a hunch that he had murdered the man he owned the coin to.

You wanted to sigh, but instead kept your stiff upper lip. Was this the best Captain Raethan had managed to find and get to migrate to Dawnholme? Someone who has set places and himself on fire accidentally, a pyromaniac or an arsonist probably. Someone who cuts open animals and you had a worrisome idea what else she has cut open. And a murderer.

Beggars couldn't be choosers, wasn't that the saying? They did seem sincere that they wouldn't cause issues and they had been rather open, but could you be sure about it? Should you send them away for the safety of your people? Or are you just a bit too paranoid? Or does your need of more magic trump over the potential negatives?


Sending them away:
>Jon Boyd, Pyromancer
>Madam Martin, Naturalist
>Luke Williams, Arcanist
>None, you need their skills

>Ask what their skills are and what they bring to the table? What is also their pay, they must not work for free?
>Any rumours or news from Underbelly or from Dalaran? Anything that would interest you?
>Do they know anyone else who could join them in Dawnholme? Any other mages or other people?
>Have them promise to not cause any issues while in Dawnholme and in Alterac. You don't want to hear any complaints about them.
>Other, write in.

QM: Please vote on both.

>>5841258
>None, you need their skills

>Ask what their skills are and what they bring to the table? What is also their pay, they must not work for free?
>Any rumours or news from Underbelly or from Dalaran? Anything that would interest you?
>Do they know anyone else who could join them in Dawnholme? Any other mages or other people?
>Have them promise to not cause any issues while in Dawnholme and in Alterac. You don't want to hear any complaints about them.
Also have eligius shadow them or one of hes new minions.

>>5841258
>>None, you need their skills
>>Ask what their skills are and what they bring to the table? What is also their pay, they must not work for free?
>>Any rumours or news from Underbelly or from Dalaran? Anything that would interest you?
>>Do they know anyone else who could join them in Dawnholme? Any other mages or other people?
>>Have them promise to not cause any issues while in Dawnholme and in Alterac. You don't want to hear any complaints about them.
Write Medivh! White! All the options!

>>5840864
Eligius needs to watch over them like anon said. All of them feel fishy and could be spies. I would put my money on the pyromaniac, or maybe he is just fishy some other way?

>>5841361
>>5841284
>>5841258
>support
>we should ask Pyro bro. If he's ready to burn trolls without burning humans(aka our side. Don't need him to frag the team)

>>5841258
>>None, you need their skills

>>Ask what their skills are and what they bring to the table? What is also their pay, they must not work for free?
>>Have them promise to not cause any issues while in Dawnholme and in Alterac. You don't want to hear any complaints about them.

>>5841258
>>None, you need their skills
>Ask what their skills are and what they bring to the table? What is also their pay, they must not work for free?
>Do they know anyone else who could join them in Dawnholme? Any other mages or other people?
>Have them promise to not cause any issues while in Dawnholme and in Alterac. You don't want to hear any complaints about them.

Question, new fag but, why does Arthas hate us?

>>5841764
Read the quest but tl;dr is that he's jealous as fuck about the attention we receive. That's what is at the heart of the grudge.

You can't send them away. You needed them even with their quirks and all. You couldn't send any of them away.

"I see nothing that worries me greatly, though promise to me to not cause any trouble or issues while you are in Dawnholme and in Alterac." You said to them and dropped ro more stern voice. "Because if problems start to happen, you probably wouldn't want to be sent back to Dalaran?"

"Prince Perenolde, we won't cause any issues." Boyd said.

"You have our promise Prince Perenolde." Madam Martin replied.

Williams just nodded in agreement.

"Good, any rumours or news from Dalaran?" You asked them.

"Nothing ever really happens in the city." Madam Martin said. "But those who arrived here caused some ripples."

"Your friend, Lady Proudmoore had visited Underbelly several times and brought food and other things to be distributed to the poor. She got many friends, those willing to support her down there." Boyd told you. "Though also those who oppose her, not everyone appreciates that Lord Antonidas' renowned pupil goes down to Underbelly. To many it would be better if Underbelly was forgotten."

"She brings too much light to Underbelly for people who benefit from the place." Madam Martin finished.

You should probably send a warning to her in the next letter. You don't think that she would be in physical danger, but politics can be rather cruel.

"Do you know I there would be anyone else willing to join you here in Dawnholme?" You asked. "Mages or other people?"

"Yes… but Captain Raethan was instructed by you to not recruit them." Boyd replied.

Well… that was an issue then. Maybe you could ask them to make a list on a later date and then for you to pick and choose from there?

"I see, thought for another day then." You said to them and shrugged. "One more thing and maybe the most important one. What do you bring to the table and how much does it cost me to hire you?"

You could see their eyes brighten up when you mentioned being paid for their services. They wouldn’t work for free, they were mercenaries. They wouldn't be cheap, but they could be incredibly useful.

1/3

>>5841800

Jon Boyd was first to talk. He was a pyromancer; he knew the most common fire spells, he could create walls out of fire or throw fireballs at his opponents. They were rather straightforward skulls, but having seen Jaina using her fire against the gnolls, you could imagine Boyd doing the same to your opponents. Maybe you could also learn something from him.

Madam Martin meanwhile wasn't a true healer. She didn't know healing magic, but all the years of cutting up animals and other things made her an expert on wounds. If she can make a cut, she can also patch people up. Her skills on herbalism and traditional medicine made her a skilled surgeon and if her magic is needed, she can defend herself if needed.

Luke Williams let Boyd describe his skills. He could confuse people's minds or slow their movement. He could also cast basic arcane magic missiles, but more often he liked to rely on his staff. Williams gave you his crooked smile when he pulled out a simple mace from within his robe. Mace as a staff, a rather smart move in your opinion.

If Boyd was more about being on offensive and burning his problems away, Madam Martin helping to tend the wounded and close their wounds, Williams was more defensive. He was a bodyguard, a job he had in Underbelly. Intriguing set of abilities and skills at your hand, but you knew they wouldn't be cheap. And when they told their prices, you weren't surprised.


Mages for hire:
>Jon Boyd, Pyromancer. Hiring Cost 1 Wealth, Upkeep 2 Wealth per Season
>Madam Judy Martin, Naturalist. Hiring Cost 3 Supplies, Upkeep 3 Supplies per Season
>Luke Williams, Arcanist Bodyguard, Hiring Cost 1 Wealth, Upkeep 1 Wealth and 1 Supply per Season.

…

You thanked the trio and sent them away. When the door clicked shut, you slumped on the bed and brushed your hair off your eyes.

"How did it go?" You asked from no one.

"Splendidly." Eligius said as he took off the hood of Robe of Obfuscation and appeared in the corner of your bedroom.

2/3

>>5841803

He had been sitting there the whole time. Listening and watching.

"I didn't mention my training or you. They will probably learn at some point, but not yet." You told your spymaster. "Just keep an eye on them. Normal people don't end up in Underbelly."

"I will Prince Alric, don't you worry about that." Eligius nodded and put the robe away.

"Good, good. What do you think of them?"

"Boyd is brash, direct. Might cause problems, but if his need to set things on fire is directed at something then he could be useful. Madam Martin probably has more bodies buried than we can guess and I am not talking about pig carcasses." Eligius had made the same observation about her. She probably had cut human bodies in Underbelly. No one would miss if a dead person's body ends up missing. "Williams meanwhile seems the most harmless of them all."

"Really?"

"Gambling is whatever, but he just seems broken. A shell of a man. Like a clockwork mashed with a hammer and barely then put together." Eligius said and sighed. "Murderer or not, he and his students are where I would put my coin."

"Thank you Eligius."

"It is my pleasure to serve." He said and bowed slightly. "I will send Taretha or someone else to bring you food."

"I appreciate that." You said and closed your eyes.

Today you would rest and tomorrow more things would need your supervision.

…

Next morning Normand had passed to tell you the news and events. There were a couple of things that you could concentrate on, but you knew that you wouldn't have energy for all of them. Maybe just to one of them in the end so you should choose carefully. The list of things to do in your mind grows shorter, when Beric returns from Southshore and your soldiers are ready to march to Tarren Mill, you will have your spring meeting.

But now the events of the day.


>Go talk with Pai the Assassin. See what she wants. Also deal with Sahvan, the turncoat has stayed in the jail long enough.
>Master Mason Erefor Pelija has his plans regarding Dawnholme finished. You could talk with him now or wait till the spring meeting for him to reveal them.
>You want to know how well you can hold a sword. Unlikely it is, but attempt to spar with Malevus. You need the exercise to recuperate.

QM: Choose one. The hiring costs for the mages will come up during the military portion of the spring meeting.

>>5841764

Combination of many things, but the root cause is that Alteracis aren't exactly liked after the whole "Betraying the Alliance and allying with genocidal Orcs" thing. So when the son of the number one traitor appeared, the first reaction of the impatient Arthas was to want to arrest Alric and lock him away.

Then the things have kept snowballing with jealousy being a major thing. Alric continues to take away his spotlight and be the person everyone talks about. It isn't Arthas Menethil the servants gossip about, it is Alric Perenolde and his latest adventure and accomplishments.

And the last straws that made him rather seriously jealous was that he thought that you and Jaina were becoming a thing and then that you and Calia were growing close. He can't handle either of the ideas, his long time love interest or his sister falling for you.

A bloody Alteraci taking his sister Preposterous!

>>5841764
>>5841812

To continue a bit, Arthas against his instincts that tell him to hate you, is trying to not hate you right now. It isn't easy for him, but he is at least trying as Jaina wants him to drop being mean towards you. And you know how boyfriends want to try to appease their girlfriends and their wishes.

There will be a rather interesting set of reactions from characters as the news of your "poisoning" spreads. Many reevaluations and hard thinking will happen. Arthas being one of them.

Also I forgot to say in the previous post. Welcome to the Quest, I hope you will have fun and if you have anymore questions then go ahead and ask them.

>>5841820
Thanks Medivh for the quick explanation and for being generous enough to explain it to me. The fact that I get to also read the oh so rare type of quests, specifically Warcraft ones, is just the cherry on top. I’ll make sure to read through the entire threads of this quest before I go and make any new responses either now or later. Keep up the good work, and may the Light watch over you!

>>5841805
>Go talk with Pai the Assassin. See what she wants. Also deal with Sahvan, the turncoat has stayed in the jail long enough.

>>5841805
>>5841803
>hire them all but can we do the caveat of we don't pay them for the first season until after. Like a probationary period. We'll in return give them a house and diplomatic immunity from Dalaran coming after them. After 1 years service they can become residents. And positions finalized in the government. (Battle mage, Royal Healer, ect.)
Everyone likes titles.

>talk to pai

>>5841803
>Jon Boyd, Pyromancer. Hiring Cost 1 Wealth, Upkeep 2 Wealth per Season
>Luke Williams, Arcanist Bodyguard, Hiring Cost 1 Wealth, Upkeep 1 Wealth and 1 Supply per Season.
Could we negotiate down with Judy Martin? That upkeep is really fucking expensive for someone who doesn't even know healing magic and the graverobbing risk doesn't help either. On another matter, didn't we have a probationary period with Wixlish? We should insist on one for this lot as well since it's a very reasonable ask.

>>5841805
> Deal with Sahvan
I don't want to talk to Pai, she should stew a little more in my opinion.

>>5841805
>Go talk with Pai the Assassin. See what she wants. Also deal with Sahvan, the turncoat has stayed in the jail long enough.

>>5841803
>>Luke Williams, Arcanist Bodyguard, Hiring Cost 1 Wealth, Upkeep 1 Wealth and 1 Supply per Season.
>>5841805
>Go talk with Pai the Assassin. See what she wants. Also deal with Sahvan, the turncoat has stayed in the jail long enough.

>>5841803
>>Luke Williams, Arcanist Bodyguard, Hiring Cost 1 Wealth, Upkeep 1 Wealth and 1 Supply per Season.
>>5841805
>Master Mason Erefor Pelija has his plans regarding Dawnholme finished. You could talk with him now or wait till the spring meeting for him to reveal them.

>>5841803
>Jon Boyd, Pyromancer. Hiring Cost 1 Wealth, Upkeep 2 Wealth per Season
>Luke Williams, Arcanist Bodyguard, Hiring Cost 1 Wealth, Upkeep 1 Wealth and 1 Supply per Season.
Why are anons not voting for the pyromancer? Wouldn't he be extremely useful against the trolls?
>>5841805
>Master Mason Erefor Pelija has his plans regarding Dawnholme finished. You could talk with him now or wait till the spring meeting for him to reveal them.

You had walked to the jail wearing the robe and carefully leaning on Malevus. No one had realised or really wondered why Malevus was walking so slowly as she just looked at the sky and the gentle rolling clouds. Unseen you had made your way there and for the first time in several weeks you saw the progress the miners and Stonemasons had achieved.

A winding staircase had been dug into the ground and masterfully the masons had built an arched roof. At one point they had dug an air vent to the surface and now they were digging the first underground hall. You would have ventured down there, but instead decided to allow the miners and masons to work in peace and without interruptions. Constantly men walked back and forth and were carrying buckets of dirt outside or stones requiring stonecutting down the stairs. It would take some time for the dungeon to be finished, but it would be safer for you to keep your prisoners alive and secure then.

Though now you had different business to handle. Pai the Assassin had wanted to see you, but before her, you felt like you had to deal with Sahvan, her former comrade.

"Has Sahvan behaved?" You asked from Eligius who was already in the jail waiting for you.

"Yes Prince Alric, he has behaved well and told me everything he knows or remembers." Eligius said back.

"Alright good, what do you think we should do with him?"

"I could use him as one of my spies. He could help in teaching and I could send him away from Dawnholme." Eligius said to you. "But if you think he might run away, maybe give him to Sir Radan. As an example of a Syndicate soldier switching sides."

Eligius shrugged, it would be your call.

You gave him a nod and waved a guard to open his cell. Stepping in with a lantern in your hand, you saw the man for the first time in a long time.

"Sahvan." You greeted him and watched as he stood up. He had been given plenty of leniency as he didn't have any irons on. He had also grown his hair and beard out, though not probably by his own choice.

"Prince Perenolde." Sahvan said and bowed deeply. When he raised his head, he eyed your cane and the dark glasses.

"You will hear the news soon enough." You told him as the cell door closed behind you. You put the lantern down and sat on the chair next to the table.

Sahvan, understanding that he shouldn't look down at you, dropped down on his knees.

1/2

>>5842677

"Now what do we do with you?" You said matter of factly. "You are a turncoat, people know that and recognise you as one who has been in jail. They know that you are a member of the Syndicate and believe me they aren't exactly well liked right now."

Sahvan listened to you.

"You have been in jail since Durnholde, several months now, and you have been helpful to us. I never intended for you to rot in here and those who turn their coats and show their usefulness to me should be rewarded." You told him. "So what do you want as a reward? A woman? Freedom? Coin? A chance to serve me?"

You said that last as bait and Sahvan took it.

"I want to serve you Prince Perenolde." He bowed deep and let his forehead hit the dirt. "Let me repay you for allowing me to live and not hang me."

"Do I want you to serve me?" You asked and probed a reaction out of him. "What could you do for me that I would appreciate?"

"I can fight or… I could kill for you." He said.

"Kill? You failed to assassinate me." You said back.

"I won't fail again whoever is my target." Sahvan said, still his forehead on the floor.

He would like to fight for you? A man who only knows fighting tries to apply it everywhere. Though taking him out of that violent life could be a reward of another magnitude for him. Setting him free, but not recruiting him. Let him show his gratitude by learning a trade and living his life in peace. Maybe that could fit him better than fighting, but you need soldiers. You always do.


>Set him free, but don't recruit him. Let him show his gratitude by working and living a normal life.
>Sir Radan could use a new recruit. A former member of the Syndicate could act as an example to the rest.
>Eligius could need more spies, Sahvan is someone with actual experience. He could help in training the others.
>Rookie or not, Sahvan is an assassin. You might require those skills for yourself. Let him become your assassin.
>Other, write in.

QM: I should have been a bit more clear. The option to hire them comes with the military portion of the spring meeting, because they are basically mercenaries. No need to vote for them right now.

Why are people voting on the mages now? He said its gonna come up in the military spring meeting, though I do think having the pyromancer would be good for the troll battle but after that I'd say drop him. I'll agree with Eligius that Williams is probably the man we want.

I wonder if Nalice would be interested in Jon and Judy as part of the spying circle. More like a hitman and the mob doctor. That said, very expensive right now. Theres a lot of building on our plate I wanted to get done, and investing in Wiklish's inventions, and buying a better armor for Malevus at some point.

>>5842678
>Eligius could need more spies, Sahvan is someone with actual experience. He could help in training the others.

Spies spies spies. Never enough talent in that area. I don't see assassin working out somehow.

>>5842678
>>Eligius could need more spies, Sahvan is someone with actual experience. He could help in training the others.

>>5842678
>>Sir Radan could use a new recruit. A former member of the Syndicate could act as an example to the rest.
We need to give an example to the Syndies in the prison camp. A concrete example that one can change who they serve.

I would hire all three mages. Expensive sure, but all three have skills. Especially Martin with her surgery knowledge.

>>5842678
>Eligius could need more spies, Sahvan is someone with actual experience. He could help in training the others.

>>5842678
>>Sir Radan could use a new recruit. A former member of the Syndicate could act as an example to the rest.

>>5842678
> Eligius could need more spies, Sahvan is someone with actual experience. He could help in training the others.

>>5842680
> Why are people voting on the mages now?
Cause it was greentexted and the post didn't show our income like it did in other posts with recruitment options.

>>5842788
He can do that well enough with his cover job.

You pushed yourself up with the help of your cane and straightened your back.

"You will work for me, more accurately you will work for my spymaster." You told him and picked the lantern before walking to the door. "Do not disappoint him."

"I won't Prince Perenolde." Sahvan said back and lifted his head.

"Good." You said and knocked on the door. A guard opened it and you stepped out.

"Eligius, he is all yours." You said to him.

Sahvan had followed you out of the cell he had called home and was confused when he saw the scribe who had asked him all the questions and bothered him so often.

"Welcome to the service of Prince Alric Perenolde." Eligius said back to him. "Please follow me, we will need to get you cleaned up first."

Sahvan still rather confused couldn't really put it together that Eligius the Scribe was also Eligius the Spymaster, but he followed him nonetheless.

Now though you turned to face the cell where Pai has been living since Durnholde. The seductive and alluring assassin lady had tried to get into your pants and into your head several times already, but you had rather easily declined her advances. To get her to talk, you had gotten her a regular bath and extra rations so now maybe she will talk to you, or will you end up needing even more time for her to stay in the cell.

But how to approach her this time, she wanted to talk with you after all. And if she was going to tease you, how will you respond?


>Enter and stare at her silently. It worked before and you know how much it bothers and annoys her.
>Get to the point immediately. You don't have the patience at all for her shenanigans this time.
>Have some small talk, you know the weather, how she has been and if the neighbours are fun. Then ask why she asked for you.
>Other, write in.

Teasing:
>Completely no sell her potential attempts
>Acknowledge them and be disappointed, prepare to walk out of the cell.
>Tease her back, assert dominance.
>Other, write in.

Could I also have a roll for something completely unrelated.


>1d100
>Best of three

QM: Please vote on both. And yes I should have been more clearer with the mages, my apologies.

Rolled 86 (1d100)

>>5843194
>Get to the point immediately. You don't have the patience at all for her shenanigans this time.
And if she doesn't get to it, leave immediatly. Don't get riled up and be at ease.

>Completely no sell her potential attempts

Rolled 91 (1d100)

>>5843194
>Enter and stare at her silently. It worked before and you know how much it bothers and annoys her.
>Completely no sell her potential attempts

Rolled 46 (1d100)

>>5843194
>Have some small talk, you know the weather, how she has been and if the neighbours are fun. Then ask why she asked for you.

>Completely no sell her potential attempts
A bit too tired for that.

Rolled 83 (1d100)

>>5843194
>Enter and stare at her silently. It worked before and you know how much it bothers and annoys her.
>Completely no sell her potential attempts

>"your staring isn't going to work this time, prince"
>alric takes off his glasses
>"wut..."

Rolled 40 (1d100)

>>5843194
>Get to the point immediately. You don't have the patience at all for her shenanigans this time.

>Completely no sell her potential attempts

>>5843194
>>Enter and stare at her silently. It worked before and you know how much it bothers and annoys her.
>Completely no sell her potential attempts

>>5843487
>>5843194
>hybrid. I want to go in stare and say nothing. But count to 10. She doesn't say anything we get up and leave.
>no sell

>91


Pretty good roll for unrelated things. Staring and no selling her wins. Now could I have a roll for related things. This roll is for Alric.


>3d10, Best of three
>DC 10, 15, Crit 24

Rolled 10, 4, 5 = 19 (3d10)

>>5843869

Rolled 10, 4, 4 = 18 (3d10)

>>5843869

Rolled 9, 9, 3 = 21 (3d10)

>>5843869
im NOT feeling lucky.

>21, Success!


"Eligius!" You said loudly to catch his attention.

"Yes Prince Alric?" He turned and responded.

"This might take awhile so don't wait for me." You said and looked at Malevus next. "And Malevus, you may leave as well. I will get back home without aid."

Malevus gave you a bow.

"You are going to stare at her?" Eligius asked and got a curious look from Malevus.

"It got her talking and she hates it." You told them. "I will be fine."

You waved your hand and the guard opened the cell door. Stepping in, you saw Pai lying on her bed back towards you. As she didn't react to the door opening, you just put the lantern down on the table, followed by the black noise device, took the chair and sat down.

Pai realised that it wasn't the guards when the cell door closed shut and you hadn't left. So she turned and when she saw you sitting there in the dark wearing your glasses, she smirked.

"The Prince arrived in the end." Pai said to you and you didn't reply to her in any way.

Her smirk dropped as she realised what you were doing.

"You are going to stare at me again. You are really doing it." She said and seemed annoyed.

Again you didn't react, instead you opted to concentrate on the mana inside you and the certain tranquillity you found in the boiling sea of fire.

Pai bit her lip in annoyance. The regular baths and extra rations had helped her to not look as dirty and malnourished. She had lost her pudginess, but her rather alluring shapes and large tracts of land were still there.

She sat up and decided to stare back at you for a couple of seconds.

"Are we really going to do this?" Pai asked with annoyance in her voice. Then her tone switched to that of a seducer. "I mean if you want to stare at me so much, I guess you want to see it all?"

You didn't reply, completely no selling her and concentrating on the mana inside you. Though you guessed correctly in your mind what she was planning on doing.

Pai lifted her shirt off, revealing her bare body to you. Behind your dark glasses, your concentration lapsed and your eyes wandered up and down. You could see why men fall for her, and you also saw the scar from the wound you gave her. This wasn't enough for Pai as next she stood up and pulled down her trousers and you saw everything else. She stood there, just a couple yards away from you stark naked.

"Do you like what you see?" She asked and put a finger on her lips.

Yet you kept your cool, concentrating on the mana and not on Pai. Oh you would disappoint her so greatly by not reacting to her at all. You didn't say anything, nor move an inch, because you knew it would infuriate her like there is no tomorrow.

"What say something!" Pai demanded, this was working as she dropped her sultry tone.

1/2

>>5843937

You couldn't lie to yourself, especially after having cleaned herself thanks to having taken a bath, Pai was rather beautiful. But while there were ways to get into your head and heart, this wasn't it. She tried to use brute force, just straight through with her beauty and promise of sex. Maybe if she wasn't an assassin and had tried to kill you, maybe then in other circumstances, but not now.

You wanted to laugh, but you kept your stiff upper lip. Which was a smart choice as Pai lost her cool.

"You! You reprobate! Sodomite! I strip down and you don't even react!" Pai shouted at you angrily. No one else heard anything thanks to the black noise device. "Am I this worthless, nothing I do gets a reaction out of you! All the rumours about you were lies, you sodomite piece of shit!"

Pai took her pillow and threw it at you. Your reflexes were still there as you easily dodged it as it sailed through the air where your head had been. Next she threw her trousers that landed underneath the table and finally her shirt that went behind you.

"You fucker!" Pai shouted and sat back down on her bed before crawling under a blanket and turning her back on you. She hadn't tried to approach you or walk past you to go collect her clothes.

She hadn't gotten what she had wanted out of you. She had been really pissed, you hadn't seen her like this before. Hopefully at some point she realised that approaching you like this wouldn't work.

She knew that both of you had the time and that you had kept your cool. She knew you were winning.

…

>21, Success!


Maybe around two hours had passed.

You had breathed slowly and concentrated on your mana. The small sliver inside you had maybe grown a bit, but not by much. You had moved it around, tried to see how it felt. It was there, now just to slowly cultivate it.

"I just want this to end." Pai said with a whisper back still at you.

She sat back up and wrapped the blanket around herself, covering her naked body. She looked at you.

"What do I need to do to get you to react?" Pai asked you. "Do I need to force myself on you or what?"

She didn't mean that, you could hear it in her voice. Yet it was maybe the only thing she knew. A crooked misguided woman. That was Pai.

"What do I need to do?" She asked, with sadness in her voice.


>Go pick her clothes and give them to her. If you are going to talk, she should be dressed.
>Let her tell you what she thinks she needs to do.
>She doesn't need to try to seduce you in the first place. And no, you aren't a sodomite.
>By talking to you about what she knows about the Syndicate. By telling you everything.
>You can provide an alternative, she could serve you. Then she wouldn't have to do any of this.
>Other, write in.

QM: First DC was to avoid the pillow and remaining two were for concentrating on your mana.

>>5843939
>>Go pick her clothes and give them to her. If you are going to talk, she should be dressed.
>>Let her tell you what she thinks she needs to do.
>>She doesn't need to try to seduce you in the first place. And no, you aren't a sodomite.
Lets start softly. We might have cracked her open

>>5844022
>>5843939
support

>>5843939
>Let her tell you what she thinks she needs to do.
>She doesn't need to try to seduce you in the first place. And no, you aren't a sodomite.

>>5844022
If we did, giving her her clothes back won't do much. If we didn't, it will show a softness that will risk her going back to her old tricks.

>>5844022
+1

>>5843939
>Go pick her clothes and give them to her. If you are going to talk, she should be dressed.
>By talking to you about what she knows about the Syndicate. By telling you everything.

>>5844036
Though if by "give them back" we mean throw them back then I'd find it acceptable.

>>5844022
>>5843939
>support

Thinking more about Pai. She has gotten used to getting what she wants with her body. Be it getting her underlings do her bidding or getting close to her targets. Now with Alric that hasnt worked and she is really confused as she doesnt know anything else. She has lived very violent and selfcentered life, her job is to kill people and how she approaches it tells us how she isnt used to anything else.

Now stuck in the jail and her original assassination target having captured and imprisoned her, she just has time to think about all this. And then her captor just comes around sometimes and stares at her. Alric didnt hang her and Syndicate hasnt assassinated her because she failed at her job. She should be dead, but she isnt and she cant comprehend why.

And then this weirdo comes and stares at her and nothing she does has an effect on him.

>>5843939
>Let her tell you what she thinks she needs to do.
>By talking to you about what she knows about the Syndicate. By telling you everything.
>You can provide an alternative, she could serve you. Then she wouldn't have to do any of this.
>Write-in
"Stop resisting me is simple, do not oppose me anylonger. Abandon the Syndicate fully, and serve me. The Syndicate existance will never be accepted with the crimes they do by the rest of the world even if they reclaim Alterac, instead my Alterac just might. See reason and follow me."
"You are a fine woman, but after having survived multiple attempts at my life i would be a fool to even consider your idea with your current conditions. I prefer if you first capitulate and completely give up on the Syndicate. Renounce and denounce them. What strings they still have to hold you back ?"

>>5844022
>support +1

Pai suddenly looked very vulnerable and confused. She didn't know how to react or what to do, which brought out the woman who didn't need to act or pretend to be anything else. Nearly naked she was in your eyes both in body and in person.

You closed your eyes and pushed your glasses to sit better on your nose. Taking your cane, you next pushed yourself up and walked where the pillow was. You picked it up and threw it in her direction before taking her shirt and next reaching for her trousers.

Then you nonchalantly threw the clothes at her.

Pai looked at you surprised as you did this all and when you sat down and crossed your legs, she was going to say something, but didn't.

"Dress yourself, then we can talk." You said to her.

Pai looked at you for a couple of seconds before shedding the blanket and starting to dress. You watched as she pulled on the trousers first and then the shirt and when she was finally clothed, you opted to speak.

"You don't need to try to seduce me, it won't work because I see through it. It is fake, pretend, no real love or desire." You told her and continued. "So please, drop that act. It won't get you anywhere."

You shifted on your seat a bit.

"And for you to know, I like women very much. I am not a sodomite." You told her matter of factly.

Pai kept looking at you as she pulled the blanket on her shoulders to cover her better.

"Now the question is, what do you think you need to do?" You asked her and waited for an answer.

She brushed her brown hair off her face and looked down at her feet.

"To talk." She said with a whisper.

"Why?" You asked back.

"To find a reason."

"Reason for what?" You asked and knew the answer. She was questioning herself.

"Why am I still alive? What will I do with my life?" Pai said to you and looked into your eyes.

"Because in the end your will to live is stronger than your want to die." You told her.

"Yes, but why?" The assassin asked you.

"That is for you to realise by yourself. Who you are beneath all this." You said and waved at her. "That part of you is keeping you alive."

She didn't know what to say to you as she just looked back.

"I can't force that out of you, but I can help you to be more comfortable, but in return you know very well what I want." You told her.

"Information." She said.

"Precisely."

Pai looked down and around her small cell.

"I might… I need to think." She said in the end.

Good, that was a step forward. A small step, but lately you have been used to taking small steps.

"Why did you call me here then? I presume not to just try to seduce me?" You asked her.

1/2

>>5844512

"I heard the news from a passing guard that you were sick, very sick." Pai told you and continued. "And then I heard you were poisoned."

"That is why you called me? Just the rumours or…" You said and paused before continuing. "If I was assassinated, why weren't you? Why did The Syndicate pass you."

You were right as Pai nodded.

"Now you walk here with a cane, wearing dark glasses indoors like a gigantic fool and your nails are black." Pai said to you. "It wasn't an ordinary poison, if it even was a poison."

She is observant, sharp eyes and sharp mind to question your story about the poisoning. How would you answer, if you would even answer.


>Don't tell her anything. She is your prisoner, she doesn't need to know anything.
>Tell her that the poisoner had planted the poison months ago, she was never a target because she wasn't even the prisoner back then.
>Tell her that the poison nearly killed you. The Syndicate nearly succeeded in what she had failed.
>Reveal your eyes to her. Tell her it was Fel poison, but even with these eyes you are still who you are. See how she reacts.
>Other, write in.

>>5844515
Why aren't we wearing gloves? Showing the nails raises questions I'd prefer we didn't answer. Anyway...
> That is for you to know and her to find out. Only say that it was no normal poison as a hint to keep her curious.
I like this better than the other options. Creates a mystery that leads to more interest in us.

>>5844515
>Reveal your eyes to her. Tell her it was Fel poison, but even with these eyes you are still who you are. See how she reacts.

>>5844537
>>5844515
>support

>>5844515
>>Reveal your eyes to her. Tell her it was Fel poison, but even with these eyes you are still who you are. See how she reacts.

>>5844515
>>Reveal your eyes to her. Tell her it was Fel poison, but even with these eyes you are still who you are. See how she reacts.
Yeah we could have mystery, but this should shock her more.

>>5844515
>>Don't tell her anything. She is your prisoner, she doesn't need to know anything.

Revealing your eyes technically is the winner, but telling Pai little to none has same amount of votes. I would like to have a tiebreaker please, before I write the update.

Also good musing about Pai.

>>5844515
I'll support >>5844537 no spilling secrets to people we barely know.

"I can say that it wasn't a normal poison." You told her. "Rest is for me to know and maybe for you to find out."

Pai glared at you, but then relented.

"Fine, I will find out sooner than later." She said and brushed her hair off her face. "So what now?"

"I will leave now, when you have thought about these things, call me and I might appear." You said to her and pushed yourself up.

You walked to the table to pick up the lantern and the black noise device which you still kept active.

"You know where I stand and what I want. It is your decision where things will go next." You told her and continued. "In a week or two my men will march back into Strahnbrad Hills and remove whatever remains of the Syndicate influence there. Their grasp of the region will grow weaker, which means you have to make the decision where you will stand."

Pai looked at you as you walked to the door.

"Prince." She said and got you to stop. "Whoever cut your hair did a great job."

"I will tell them that the assassin approved their work." You said back to her and knocked on the door.

You left her in the cell as you passed the lantern back to the guards and wrapped the Robe of Obfuscation around you. Slowly walking from the jail back to your home, you had plenty of time to think about Pai and her situation.

What a poor woman she was, you felt sympathetic towards her. Life of death and being someone else's tool. But also that her head was full of information you wanted, information that could help you greatly.

You sighed and stopped for a moment to look as a group of migrants from Underbelly were guided by one of the locals where to dig drainage channels next to the muddy cart path. While the snow had melted, the water was still there and the dreadful spring rains hadn't arrived yet. You hoped that the water would dry before the rains arrived, otherwise it would be a rather annoying slog for the soldiers to march through.

Though your mind went back to Pai. She hadn't noticed it, but after she had sat down and faced you while naked, when she had been vulnerable and not trying to seduce you, her beauty and what you saw had gotten you a bit stiff. It is just a natural reaction for seeing a naked woman, but thank the Light she hadn't noticed it.

Because if she had, she would have won this round of this little game.

1/2

>>5845185

"Alric." Tari said and asked. "When will you show me the magic like you promised?"

You turned your head to the left and looked at her. After returning from the jail, you had done some paperwork Normand had already checked once and now you were just lounging on your bed. Tari had brought you tea and as you saw her being tired too, you had invited her to lay down on the bed for a moment.

"I did promise you that." You said back to her. "Though I don't really know much."

"Even a little bit is enough." Tari said to you. She was wearing her long blue dress today. She had been a bit bedridden in the past two days due to morning sickness, but thankfully felt better now.

You thought what you could show her? Maybe just lighting a candle would be enough? Maybe you could try something new, something different? You have read about the theory a lot, just need to put things into practice.


>Light a candle, no need to do fancy tricks or push yourself too far. You know where that leads into.
>Create a small fire on your hand, you are fairly sure it shouldn't burn you.
>You had read about arcane light. A simple spell that creates a ball of arcane energy that illuminates what is around it.
>Arcane markings, you are fairly sure how writing arcane glyphs or just words into air or on objects work with just your finger.

Use the Fel inside you to boost the spell:
>Yes
>No

QM:If enough votes, I will try to get another update out today.

>>5845189
>Light a candle, no need to do fancy tricks or push yourself too far. You know where that leads into.
>Create a small fire on your hand, you are fairly sure it shouldn't burn you.
Creating fire is what we have the most practice with.
>Yes
Time to start burning the fel away.

>>5845207
>>5845189
>support
>maybe not necessarily inside... don't want to set our house on fire.

>>5845207
>>5845189
+1

>>5845189
>Create a small fire on your hand, you are fairly sure it shouldn't burn you.

>No

>>5845189
>>5845207
Support. Light would be neat, but this is what we know.

>>5845207
>Support

Fire wins! Burn Baby Burn! If you had chosen only the candle no roll would be needed, but as you try to create fire, could I have a roll please. The DCs are for a brief fire, for more sustained one and crit being walk in a park.


>3d10, Best of four
>DC 12, 16, Crit 24

Rolled 9, 4, 8 = 21 (3d10)

>>5845396

Rolled 1, 5, 7 = 13 (3d10)

>>5845396
BUUUUUUUURN

Rolled 6, 1, 4 = 11 (3d10)

>>5845396

>>5845396
Should I roll again? There's still one left to go but no one's done it.

Rolled 5, 8, 1 = 14 (3d10)

>>5845396

>21, Success!


"Yeah better not to do this in bed." You said and sat up before blowing the candle on the night table. Getting up, you took a couple steps without your cane and sat back down on the chair facing the bed and the now unlit candle.

"I will do this slowly." You said to Tari who sat up as well and watched you closely as you raised your right arm and pointed at the candle.

"First to feel the mana, then to move it into your arm and then…"

With a snap the candle wick lit up instantly, for a brief moment the fire had a green tint, before it returned back to normal.

"Magic." You said and smiled.

Tari looked at you and back at the candle with her mouth open before quickly rolling closer to the candle and blowing it off.

"Do It again." She said.

This time you did it faster, just a simple snap and the candle was lit again.

"Not much yet, but this is a start." You said to her and laughed. "I am not yet throwing fireballs."

"That is so cool… I have seen a bit of magic when hedge mages have visited Durnholde, but this close… never have I seen anything like this." Tari said to you and was rather amazed.

"Well it is just a candle…" You tried to downplay your progress.

"What else can you do?" Tari asked you.

"Well, I can really just create fire… I could maybe do that though." You mused aloud.

This time you opened your palm and started to concentrate on it. The trick was similar to lighting the candle, but this time the fire would be on your hand. And for some reason you had the hunch that the fire wouldn't burn you at all.

But that wouldn't be enough, you wanted to know if you could burn some of the Fel inside you away. If you could do it, maybe you could get rid of it in the end and be free of its influence.

A single bead of sweat made its way down your brow as you concentrated harder on your palm. You drew in the fire inside you and then mixed the cold sickly feeling Fel to it. If you didn't have your shirt on, you would have noticed the draconic glyphs on your chest flowing with a faint green tint.

And then you snapped your fingers and the green fire appeared. But just how big it was, where was it exactly and what was its shape?


Size of the flame:
>Small
>Medium
>Big

Location the flame:
>On your palm
>Engulfing your hand
>Floating couple of inches above your hand
>Other, write in

Shape of the flame:
>Just a normal burning flame
>A burning ball of flame
>A dripping liquid on fire
>Other, write in

QM: Cut the update in half, too tired to finish what I had planned so let's have some flavour instead. And don't worry, Alric won't burn down his home.

>>5845579
>Small
>Floating couple of inches above your hand
>A burning ball of flame

File: Youre a wizard Alric.jpg (17 KB, 500x357)

17 KB JPG

>>5845579
Im imagining the flames spell from skyrim, kinda like this.

Is this choice purely fluff by the way?

>>5845579
>Big
>Engulfing your hand
>A dripping liquid on fire
I wanna punch people with napalm.

>>5845579
>Small
>Floating couple of inches above your hand
>Just a normal burning flame

Like a pilot light. Ready to ignite something bigger.

>>5845657
+1

>>5845655

Very much purely fluff and yes, the Skyrim or your picture is rather close to what I was thinking as well.

>>5845579
>Small
>Floating couple of inches above your hand
>A dripping liquid on fire
Liquid fire sounds hardcore, I want that to be Alrics style. But lets go with a small flame first, no need to try harder

File: Taretha_Foxton.jpg (68 KB, 351x956)

68 KB JPG

From thin air a pea sized flame appeared. It grew bigger as it floated above your open palm, its flames fought the gravity as they tried to lick upwards. But it wasn't a normal fire, because it had the sickly green colour of Fel in it.

The Fel fire illuminated your bedroom with a green tint as you concentrated on keeping it alive. The flames fluctuated and as you watched it, you saw how the Fel fire was… syrupy or like liquid. The flames dripped and flowed down as they tried to lick upwards.

A couple of drops of the liquid fire dropped off the flame on your hand where they quickly fizzled out. They didn't burn you, or feel hot. Probably because the flame was yours, it was your mana under your control.

And then the Fel fire fizzled out with a slight wheeze as you allowed your concentration to drop.

You breathed deeply, your heart beat fast. More drops of sweat had appeared on your brow and you could feel your shirt stick on your skin. This had taken more out of you than you had expected, but for the first time since the incident you had pushed yourself with magic. You had succeeded in setting a fire to the hearth then and now you repeated that trick just above your palm.

"That was… beautiful… and amazing." Tari said to you and was amazed. But the tone of her voice had a tint of concern. "But your eyes…"

"What about them?" You asked her now concerned too.

"They were glowing a bit when the fire was there…" Tari told you.

So that happens when you decide to use the Fel inside you. You have to be watchful of other signs of the Fel, careful with it. You definitely should talk with Eligius and Nalice about this.

"I see…" You replied. "Maybe that is the price to pay if I want to get rid of the Fel inside me? Are my eyes still glowing?"

"No… they are just like before, just with the green tint…" Tari said and sounded sympathetic.

You closed your eyes and took several deep breaths. As your heart calmed down, you felt normal. Not any different to a couple moments ago before lighting the candle or creating the fire. Well, you felt tired, but that was normal to you.

"That is magic." You said and laughed suddenly.

"Why are you laughing?" Tari asked.

"Brought back memories, my big sister used to show me magic tricks when I was little." You said and smiled.

Tari chuckled back.

"And now you showed them to me. Thanks Alric." Tari said and smiled. "Incredible to see anything like this."

You tried to stand up, but couldn't really push yourself up. Did this take all of your energy? Tari stood up and helped you up and into your bed.

"I will bring you some tea, now just rest." Tari said and patted you on your back.

"Thanks Tari and by the way, the assassin said that the haircut you gave me fits me." You said and chuckled.

"I will put that in my list of accomplishments. 'Appreciated by assassins'" Tari laughed. "Now rest, I will bring the tea soon."

1/2

>>5846297

You watched as Tari left your bedroom and pulled the blanket over your legs. You felt tired and before Tari returned with the cup of tea, you had already fallen asleep. She didn't dare to wake you up and instead pulled the blanket on you properly and watched as you calmly snoozed.

And then you dreamed.

…

You stood in a place that you knew, but clearly wasn't in Dawnholme. Looking around you recognised the painted walls and pillars that kept the arched roof up. There was heavy mist all around the room and looking down you realised that you were without your clothes. Your bare feet were on the damp stone floor.

Your dream had sent you into the baths of the Royal Palace in Alterac City.

When you were a kid you loved this place. The warm water felt soothing and the pool was deep enough for you to swim and even dive in. You had plenty of pleasant memories of this place.

You took several steps towards where the pool should be, your steps echoing in the room. You felt healthy and strong, no weakness or anything, yet the blue sigils and the draconic glyphs were on your skin.

Then you heard the water move. Someone was in the pool.

Out of pure curiosity you walked closer and saw the pool, mist rising from the hot water that was actually boiling.

And in the middle of the pool back to you stood naked Malevus… no not her. There stood Malevus Thing. Her crimson hair dripping blood across her bare back that was all messed up, bones being where they shouldn't. The water around her already having a red tint from the blood.

Then she turned to face you, her bones creaking as they found their actual places. Her lifeless cold eyes pierced into yours.

This was a dream. This was a nightmare. She isn't Malevus, she isn't real. All of this is just happening in your head.

"Join me in the water… it is warm… it won't burn you Prince Alric." Malevus Thing made a hissing emotionless sound and raised her hand to invite you into the pool.

Malevus Thing stood there waist deep in the calmly boiling water. The corpse that was your squire had a slight smile on her face. She looked like she was enjoying this. But that wasn't your squire, it wasn't her. Malevus Thing had her chest and ribcage cleaved open, now though closed shut.

What was this? Last time it had tried to kill you in the throne room, but you had dodged and avoided her which had maddened her. You had denied her, declined her, understood that she was just a construct of the Fel inside your mind and how the throne room had resembled your ambition. But now though Malevus Thing didn't feel bloodthirsty, it lacked that aura on her. She seemed benign.

She wasn't here to kill you, not now, but just to invite you into the pool. Your body felt cold, you wanted to know more. Should you step in?

2/2

File: Malevus the Lady.jpg (151 KB, 800x1091)

151 KB JPG

>>5846299


>Join her into the pool, the water might be boiling, but you don't sense that you are in danger. You want to know more.
>Ask her who she is? A Fel construct, a nightmare? You demand an answer.
>Demand to know why Malevus Thing has chosen her form to be your squire's?
>You are going to outright decline any demands or suggestions she has. This is a dream in your head and you are in control.
>Other, write in.

QM: Dream?

>>5846300
>Join her into the pool, the water might be boiling, but you don't sense that you are in danger. You want to know more.
>Ask her who she is? A Fel construct, a nightmare? You demand an answer.
>Demand to know why Malevus Thing has chosen her form to be your squire's?
Last option feels like a trap and I want answers out of spoopy Malevus

>>5846300
>Other, write in.
"No hostility, a simple request and you even closed the wounds on her body. Whatever you are you can definitely learn, if you understand that the previous approach was so wrong."
>Join her into the pool, the water might be boiling, but you don't sense that you are in danger. You want to know more.
>Ask her who she is? A Fel construct, a nightmare? You demand an answer.
I don't mind if she keeps using Malevus.

>>5846300
also this feels more like a dream yeah. Before it was a nightmare, its clear this is the opposite (despite the boiling water)

>>5846300
>Join her into the pool, the water might be boiling, but you don't sense that you are in danger. You want to know more.
Test the waters then take a dip. Remain in silence because we're not in a position to make demands and letting it get us all worked up is silly. If we do say anything, make them questions rather than demands.

>>5846314
>>5846300
+1

Carefully you took a step closer to the pool, your eyes staring back at Malevus Thing. Somehow the fact that both you and her were naked didn't bother you as you reached the stairs into the pool and slowly dipped your toes into the faintly boiling water.

It was hot, but not scorching. Frankly, it was a rather pleasant feeling. Step by step you got deeper until you were waist deep as well. Just a couple of yards separated you from Malevus Thing as she stood there, faintly smiling and looking at you with her cold dead eyes.

"I knew you would do it." She replied without emotion. Her voice barely a hiss.

The coldness in your body left you as you stood there, until suddenly she took a step forward. The blood in the water flowed and spread, the holes in her hands leaving red trails on the water.

"Who are you?" You asked and she stopped.

"I am Malevus." Malevus Thing said. "Don't you recognise me?"

"You are not her! You are not Malevus, she isn't like you!" You raised your voice and shouted back at Malevus Thing. Your voice was poison, full of anger.

That surprised you.

"But I am her." She said.

"No!" No, you are not." You continued sternly.

That was unlike of you.

Malevus Thing dropped her smile and her shoulders drooped. She then let out a dreadful hissing laugh and took several steps forward until she stood right in front of you.

You wanted to back off, but your legs felt stiff. You couldn't move them as they felt like they were weighted down on the pool floor.

Malevus Thing raised her head and looked at you again.

"You know who I am." She said, her tone serious yet emotionless.

"A trick, Fel construct in my mind." You said back to her. You couldn't avert your eyes off her.

"Yes, yet no." She said and continued. "I am you."

"Me?" You were now thoroughly confused.

"I am you and you are me." Malevus Thing hissed.

You wrenched your legs free of whatever influence they were under and took several steps back and circled her in the water.

"You are a figment of my imagination, you don't exist. Just a thing created by the Fel inside me!" You sternly said back to her.

"Oh but I do exist, because you exist." Malevus Thing said and turned to face you again. "Like I said, I am you and you are me."

"No! And why do you have the form of the real Malevus?" You denied her words and waved at her. You were getting rather angry.

1/2

>>5846508

Malevus Thing blinked and approached you again.

"You haven't figured that out?" She asked you.

"No, other than you are trying to get inside my head by using her likeness." You said back to her poison in your words.

"Typical, of course I would be so dense when it comes to women." Malevus Thing told you and took another step closer. "The form I have is because Malevus is the closest person you have in your life."

You stopped. Was that true? Was your squire really the closest person in your life? Not Tari, nor Calia? Not your parents either? Jandice, no she was just a lover.

"You are me and I am you?" You said to her now confused.

"Yes, finally you start to understand." Malevus Thing said back to you and stepped closer. The water in the pool had all turned blood red from all the moving in it.

She stopped in front of you and raised her hand from the water, pressing it over your chest, over your heart. Her hand was warm, how could a corpse's hand be warm? The warmth radiated from her hand across your body.

"I am what keeps you alive, that prevents you from dying. I am not going to leave, we will always be together." Malevus Thing said and moved her hand down your chest to over your stomach.

"You… you are the Fel inside me trying to get inside my head." You said as you managed to put your thoughts into words.

Corruption, tainted, unclean, impure.

"But we are already there, what matters now is that will you accept me as part of you." Malevus Thing said to you.

She pressed her hands on her chest and pushed her fingers inside the wound that split her chest open. With a crack she pulled her ribcage open so that she could reach inside. With a tuck, she ripped off her heart that was still leaking blood.

Then she extended her arm and offered it to you.

"Take it and accept me. For I am you and you are me." Malevus Thing hissed to you. "Anger, violence, impatience, desire, hunger, greed, lust, pride. All that and more. You have always had them, so you have always had me."

Fel amplifies those traits, you know that. Negative traits, things that change you. But have you already changed? Is this just your mind telling you it? Or Fel playing tricks? Should you just accept it? Deny it? Realise that the Fel is there to stay?

"I am you and you are me." Malevus Thing said back to you.

You were scared, horrified. Frozen in place as you couldn't move away. Your heart raced and your breathing had become heavy.

"I am you and you are me."


>Take her heart, the Fel is part of you. She is right, she is you and you are her.
>Take her heart, you have to accept the fact that the Fel is now part of you. At least for now.
>Decline her, the Fel will never be part of you. You won't accept her, but you won't push her away either.
>Deny her, push her away. You aren't going to accept the Fel inside you.
>Other, write in

QM: Nightmare? Maybe another update later today.

>>5846510
>Deny her, push her away. You aren't going to accept the Fel inside you.
The use of Fel will be on our terms only. Also no this thing is not us, only a part of us, I believe it is only the evil present in the heart of every man made manifest in Alric's own.

Also stop letting it rile us up please.

>>5846510
>Decline her, the Fel will never be part of you. You won't accept her, but you won't push her away either.

All that they are is a face in the mirror, when we close our eyes, surely, they will disappear...Good taste in musicals btw QM, "Confrontation" is a excellent song.

>>5846510
>Decline her, the Fel will never be part of you. You won't accept her, but you won't push her away either.

>>5846510
>>Take her heart, but Decline her, the Fel will never be part of you. You won't accept her, but you won't push her away either.
Spoopy Malevus wont be expecting this power move. If she is part of Alric representing the evil inside every man like anon said, then Alric should have full control of her.

>>5846510
Oh and if "You won't accept her, but you won't push her away either." simply means being at peace with the fact that you have evil within you instead of being in denial about it then I agree with that option. It felt like hesitating to reject evil instead of merely acknowledging it though so I didn't vote for it.

>>5846610
But I believe taking the heart signifies embracing the evil, making rejecting her but embracing the heart redundant. She IS the evil.

>>5846510
>>Deny her, push her away. You aren't going to accept the Fel inside you.

>>5846633
I thought more how Alric would take control of the evil and through that prevent it from acting. Less accepting it and more "I am going to take this and make sure it wont act against me"

But declining it is fine to me as well. Long term we want it gone and out

>>5846510
"The form I have is because Malevus is the closest person you have in your life."
You stopped. Was that true?"
Yes, she is very close. Like Alric its every day Malevus, we talk with her no small amount of time.
Though to be fair, Normand and Maura are also very close.... but its not the same thing. Also i like that Maura is ensuring Malevus and Tari are properly trained in the ways of cooking. Wonder why.....


>Decline her, the Fel will never be part of you. You won't accept her, but you won't push her away either.
A nightmare now ?

>>5846894
I don't think Malevus is the closest person but I do think she's the most innocent hence the fel animated evil uses her form as a mirror image of itself.

>>5846510
>>Decline her, the Fel will never be part of you. You won't accept her, but you won't push her away either.

>>5846911
I mean they know eachother for quite a while, and are quite connected. Of the women at least, Tari comes second. We developed strong relations with both of them, but Malevus is someone we can count on almost always and in any situations (like combat/war).
That could be a point why, even if I think it's more the importance of Malevus in Alric life. Loyal, pillar we can count on, someone you can talk with, not a paladin of the Silver Hand (sorry Raleigh but you will not enter important Alterac meetings like ever). She has lost some innocence from the battles and hard situations she helped us with.

If we include males then is different we have a lot of people near us that we know from quite a long time and have good relationships. Sir Gravis and the fellow based knights for example. Liutenant Cromwell. And so on.

To be fair Jaina and Monica are also good friends, but we see them less.

The greatest form of bravery is when you overcome your fears. It is healthy to fear, to be afraid. It is what keeps you alive. It is what keeps you from making bad decisions and allows you to take a step back when needed.

You had to be brave now, it would be so easy to just accept and be done with this.

You reached out with your hand. It was trembling, but you steeled yourself to stop it from shaking. Malevus Thing smiled faintly as your hand reached out for the heart, but the smile faded quickly as you grabbed her wrist instead.

You didn't have to use much force to hold her and you gently moved her hand and the heart away.

"I will never accept you. I will always decline you. Fel won't be part of me, not now and not tomorrow." You told her. "But I can't push you away either, we are here together."

Malevus Thing relented and pulled her arm back before taking several steps away.

"You said that I am you and you are me." You told her. "I am going to find a way to get rid of you, until then I will have to begrudgingly carry you around. And when I have managed to get rid of you, I am me and you are gone."

Malevus Thing hissed and let out a laugh as she shoved her heart back inside her ribcage and pushed it close. She cracked her neck and straightened her back.

"We will see how that will go." Malevus Thing said to you and slowly backed away. "Because I didn't lie to you, everything I told you was true."

You blinked and the baths around you had disappeared. The water was still there as was Malevus Thing.

"Because I am you and you are me." She said as she spread her arms.

Then she fell on her back on the water with a splash and disappeared beneath the red hue.

You blinked again and now only water existed. Clean of all the blood and muck.

And you blinked again, finding yourself sitting in your bed and gasping for air.

You were sweaty, the blanket had fallen on the floor. Your heart was racing and you had difficulty breathing. You looked around and found that it was very early morning by how the moonlight entered your room. You would wake up normally in an hour or two.

You lit a candle with a snap and reached for a mug that you filled with water. Carefully sipping it, you allowed yourself to calm down.

Putting the mug away, you sank your face into your hands. It feels like these nightmares are going to accompany you as long as you have the Fel inside you.

And the Malevus Thing… she wouldn't take advantage of you. Never that would happen.

…

It had been two days since the nightmare as Beric returned to Dawnholme. And following right behind him were merchant's from Tarren Mill, Durnholde and from Hillsbrad Fields.

The Market Fair was in the town.

And also with him were the profits from the market fairs held elsewhere and Beric immediately came to deposit them to your budget.

1/1

>>5847096


>2d3
>Best of three

QM: I have been saying that the spring meeting is nearly here. We are actually super close now. And for the sake of discussion regarding your nightmare, which was good, I have two very serious questions for you.

Malevus Thing is what?
>Write in

Malevus Thing is for?
>Write in

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23 KB JPG

>>5846525

I actually have no idea what you are referencing. No clue at all.

Rolled 3, 2 = 5 (2d3)

>>5847098
Malevus Thing is what?
> Alric's evil animated by the fel.
Malevus Thing is for?
> Going full schizo and conversing with the strange voice in our head.

>>5847098
>Write in
Likely a dark mirror of Alric either made entirely by or drawn out of the subconscious by the Fel.

>Write in
Internal self-analysis and critique. Also commenting on our choices, like a good mirror-personality.


>>5847100
Jekyll and Hyde musical song #34 - Confrontation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oECK1dNbuho

Rolled 1, 3 = 4 (2d3)

>>5847098

Rolled 1, 3 = 4 (2d3)

>>5847096
"everything I told you was true."
Nightmare/Dream threath or it has something for back it up... in some way i think its true. The fel definetly did something and does something. Not just in the mind but in reality, i don't believe Alric is just simply sweating a lot or his heart was beating a lot, nah the thing did this. This is definetly also connected to the Fel in our flames.

>>5847098
Good good (except for Alric Health)

Malevus Thing is what?
>Write in
The nightmare is bit of a mix, because its working with different things to use against Alric. I'll say why. Alric has been loved and taken care by Normand and Maura, but he has lost his home (that was burned, fire), his father and mother are dead, and the rest of his family is divided or against him like Aiden. I made the mistake to not consider this at first, but it definetly counts it is likely deeper though (i believe we will see them..... but just look at that what we have seen ? The ROYAL PALACE OF ALTERAC CITY). For the rest, evil emotions those were made through hard situations in Alric life. Mistrust/hate of the alliance (deserved), hate of gnolls (deserved), disgust of Blackmoore (deserved) etc..... ans lastly the Fel it self. Even in adapting, it remains somewhat alien on purpose.

Malevus Thing is for?
>Write in
See our evil, face it and become better. This said it also a first hand experience with more magic and Fel, it can help to learn to resist it, control it and fight it in the mind.
Or become more evil, let the Fel influence us and even attempt to fuse with us. Making our evil emotions stronger and more prominent, for the promise of making us whole, far better, more powerful and with stronger magic.

>>5847098
Malevus Thing is what?
>>Write in
The taint inside us given a form

Malevus Thing is for?
>Write in
to get us to embrace the taint.

>>5847098
>Malevus Thing is what?
Best case? Alric's subconscious taking on some corrupt form because of the fel - "I am you and you are me."
Worst case? An actual demon like a succubus or even a dreadlord that has managed to form a strong enough connection through the fel to fuck with Alric in his dreams.

>Malevus Thing is for?
Why Malevus' form?
Malevus is arguably the closest person to Alric, perhaps not the closest in each respect - passionate love (Jandice), romantic love (Calia/Taretha), platonic love (parents), friendship, commander/subordinate... but generally speaking she contends in most of these respects at once. She's someone that Alric can discuss his problems with non-judgmentally, whether those problems are personal, princely, military, romantic, etc., whereas others are more limited in regard to what help they can offer Alric or limited in understanding certain parts of Alric. Of course, it's also natural that Alric would have some subconscious romantic/lustful feelings for Malevus that he hasn't acknowledged quite so consciously like with other women in his life.

Why these dreams in the first place?
Both times Alric has dreamed of the Royal Palace in Alterac City, the throne room and the baths, cherished places in his childhood memories. This could all be the subconscious expression of his desires, corrupted and amplified by the fel: the desire for power through using fel, the desire to return home, the desire to restore his kingdom. Malevus Thing tried to kill Alric in the first dream (to forcibly get him to accept his subconscious desires), and it took a more diplomatic approach this time since that didn't work.

Something else to consider is that fel is basically the physical manifestation of chaos/disorder. So the fel corrupting the most grounding memories and relationships in Alric's life (in the form of a paladin at that, whose class generally considers law and order top priority) is probably the most effective way to disrupt order and symbolically represent chaos in Alric's mind.

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Gained:
>5 Wealth

Total Resources:
30 Wealth, +18 per season
20 Supplies, -5 per season
115 Peasants


Total Resources updated with your season incomes and deficits. This is what we are going to work with in the next few updates during the meeting.

Now have I forgotten anything? I have gone through my own notes and now I just need to do some pastebin magic, but I might have missed something. So if you have anything in mind that I might have forgotten or you just want to bring up something, today is the day to mention them. Also as usual I will take questions etc.

>>5847111

That is a surprisingly apt comparison. I hadn't thought about that connection.

Also you lot bring me absolute joy with your answer regarding Malevus Thing. Really good stuff! With some being really close to what I had in my mind.

>>5847098
Malevus Thing is what?
Evolving into a Shadow Alric, Felric, the embodiment of his darker emotions given life. I'll consider the first dream. If Alric himself had been sitting on the throne in his capital, and someone came and tried to take it? A very angry, violent, and impatient Alric might go in swinging like that and not be in a mindset for the nice calm Alterac Sword and Board. Certainly if he put his mind to cruelty he could probably consider using the form of the person closest to them.

This particular Malevus Thing I would say has embodied Alric's Pride. To recognize itself, to see itself in others, and others in itself. To offer its heart because it knows it represents a nature of him, but also power and magical might, and implies an inevitability and perhaps eternal struggle. The genie is out of the bottle and theres no putting it back now that is has formed. Even if we burn away the fel his body will be in need, or what if Alric's body will respond in a similar way to Nalice's mana ritual. What if Alric's body starts to change, to produce its own Fel similar to how it now produces mana, or tries to draw from the world around him to do so and fulfill his physical need to keep that heart strong. It could know something like that is in the future.

Malevus Thing is for?
Freaky nightmares and questions. Perhaps some realizations through dreams that make us question things or people. Offering power magical and physical in accepting his darker emotions rather than suppressing them. Waiting for his time of need to offer it, a burst of strength in the midst of battle to save an officer. Maybe some suggestions in waking moments like an ingenius but cruel suggestion to defeat or humble an enemy to achieve a great victory or political power play. Wouldn't be surprised if Lust theme for an eventual dream, which could lend itself to the Malevus romance arc if he recognizes Malevus more as a woman and less as his squire.

>>5847723
Alric's robe from Nalice soon? Oh and I never spent that Makegood gift from when I made that rather elaborate intrigue which was sadly inaccurate but I dunno if its still good to cash in on something. I was probably just going to use it to save an Alric ally at some point. Though I had considered using it to boost Alric in some ways I did want to see how strong Alric was once he recovers from the heart attack.

I was also wondering when Durnholde intended to launch their campaign against the gnolls, if it was at the same time as ours or next season, or even next year. If we could join it then we could perhaps strengthen the Darrowmere League.

Would we be able to use the Dark Irons for the Silver Deep Mine Complex as well? Otherwise I am thinking its probably time for the Town Hall. Also I guess the other consideration for manpower is how many troops or Town Guard level men we would need to secure the eventual Oil Facility and the land around it that needs patrols, if we do take the Katrana deal and do it ourselves.

OH, and I think we had wanted to learn from our merchant guy about an Alterac River Fleet? Possibility to transport the oil atleast down the river and to protect that and any trade ships we might eventually want. I forget if we actually did cover that in meeting with him, or just that Katrana would handle getting the oil from here to Stormwind. How much it would cost to actually get some river patrol ships and so on.

>>5847746

The mage clothes will be addressed later when Alric either has more time or when he continues his magic training proper. Alric has been doing some homework already.

Durnholde is planning their campaign for the summer. Darrowmere League's announcement/making it official should happen when in Tarren Mill.

Dark Irons are master miners so they could do it, it is something that maybe could be negotiated in a later date.

Transportation of the oil and the shipbuilding will be a part of the next update with Beric, but the ships you could acquire are already in the Quest Mechanisms pastebin that is also updated with mercenaries and the Total Resources. In Barovs deal they handle the transportation of the oil and in DIY/Katrana deal it would fall on you to handle it from the Oil Rig to Southshore.

>>5847098
>Malevus Thing is what?
Well like the other anons said is probably our subconscious manifesting through the fel.

>Malevus Thing is for?
I don't think fighting it is the best way to go at it.
We should first understand it


On a completely unrelated note, will we ever fight yetis?

>>5847803

Yetis? They are in the mountains so Alric could bump into them either in the "Alric Goes Spelunking" storyline or finds them in Northrend in the "Alric Goes To North To Claim An Ancient Weapon To Defeat His Enemies" storyline.

>>5847723
i think we should be all good in theory. There was that other white lion but yeah nope no hunt this time.

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>King Varian is furious about you harboring Stonemason's
I just saw that in the pastebin. When did he find out?

>>5847849

Around your time in Durnholde or bit after that. So about four months ago. He has his own eyes and ears, people who find about things for him.

>>5847873
SI:7 I'm guessing? Anyway, that should be fun to deal with.

>>5847849
That was threads ago.
Also we did something very visible even if it started has a letter between us and stone masons, so the southern king didn't found more like had seen what we did.
Van Cleef sent us a letter for help his people, and since we had established a good working relationship with him and already had used Stonemasons for working we agreed. Now a lot of stonemasons families are coming here to Dawnholme, were we have offered them a new place to live and new work (we have plenty to do).

>>5847884
Yeah, this was an inevitability. I just figured we were still on neutral terms since we exchanged those letters some time back.

>>5847798
I would like to buy a couple of those healing scrolls. For the offensive. Since we won't be there it would be nice to limit the casualties as much as possible. Or an armor scroll I guess.

Can we also send some letters to Jaina, kaelthas, and malevus master?

I would like to ask about fel, fel taint, getting rid of fel. Also ask about nalice's real name to them. Just be like have you heard of this red dragon.

Also Rayleigh can he help purge us of fel? We haven't seen him in all of this and he is a paladin.

I'd also like to talk to the father in tarren mill.

Can we also be drinking our blessed vial everyday(whatever the cold down is)

Maybe even use the blessed vial on the hot rocks in the sauna.

Since valerian knows I say we add all the stonemasons as citizens of alterac and do what the usa did to immigrants. Change their names/family names.
Give them new identities. We can lie and say they're all from dalaran....

>>5847964

Alric hasn't had an access to healing scrolls since Kris Legace had to move to Stromgarde. And to his surprise, Southshore has a distinct lack of anything magical for sale. Dalaran would have them, but it is bit too late to go buy them now.

Letters are a possibility, I will take a note of that.

Raleigh has been mostly in Strahnbrad Hills, but he has returned to Dawnholme from time to time. You and the others have avoided him mostly due to paladins being very much against Fel in any shape or form. But he has learned about your poisoning and might come knocking on your door soon. Nalice has said that Raleigh won't be a problem, but you aren't that sure about it. You are fairly sure he acts as a spy for Silver Hand.

Father Hampton is someone who you can meet in Tarren Mill, noted as well.

The Blessed Vial of Water can be drank once a day. At the moment Malevus is holding it as it for some reason messed with your stomach and she has been using it while tending the sick amongst the migrants. Though the idea of blessed steam is rather wild, might use that as an idea at some point.

Whole Hillsbrad knows that there are Stonemasons in Dawnholme. Trying to hide them wouldn't work, but declaring them your citizens if someone angrily comes threatening them could be a way to go.

Beric stepped into your study carrying a small chest. The bald gnome looking man was grinning as he slammed the chest on your table.

"Hello Beric." You greeted him and put a quill away.

"Prince Alric…" Beric started to greet, but his grin and enthusiasm dropped when he saw your eyes. "Ermm… it is good to see you… up and well behind your desk."

Ahh, your eyes are the issue. You would need to get used to this, even amongst your officers. You took your glasses and put them on before looking back at Beric.

"Better?" You asked.

"Better… sorry Prince Alric, but they creeped me out a bit." Beric said back to you. The man who was normally ready with words seemed to take his time to find them. "Hello Miss Foxton."

"Hi Beric." Tari greeted him as well. Final preparations for the meeting were being done and you needed her help with some of them.

"So what is in the chest?" You asked Beric.

"Profits from the market fairs." He said and opened it. The chest was half-full of coin of different sorts.

"Good, any news?" You asked and took several coins from the chest.

"Not much, Tarren Mill is quiet, people there are waiting for you to arrive and the soldiers to then leave. They know that it is in their interest for you to succeed." Beric told you and continued. "Durnholde was a bit of a letdown, the locals were bloody poor, but at least the petty nobles had coin. Lady Imswit, whom you seem to know, sent her regards."

Beric gave you a knowing look which you disregarded now.

"What else?"

"They would be visiting during the summer." Beric said. "Hillsbrad Fields was a different case, they seemed a bit reserved there, but my talk with Magistrate Burnside felt warm."

"Warm?"

"Receptive, less reserved than the people there." Beric replied.

That was a good sign. If you could get Burnside to be part of the Darrowmere League or at least a closer trade partner, Hillsbrad and you could grow stronger. Though you aren't sure what he thinks about you and Barovs working together. After all, they are his largest competitor.

"You visited the shipyards?" You asked Beric.

"I did Prince Alric. It took a lot of haggling and a couple of dinners, but they are now ready to build us some ships." Beric said and continued. "Though they won't be cheap, plenty of craftsmanship and materials are needed."

"I somewhat expected that." You said and sighed. "Though the ships aren't exactly what we require right now. Maybe in the summer, maybe."

"We need a ship to carry the oil, that is if we handle the rig by ourselves." Beric said. "Or we have to use ox carts and that would be a gigantic fucking hassle."

1/4

>>5848132

He was right, with a ship capable of traversing Darrowmere River up and down, you could very easily transport the oil to Southshore to be then loaded into ships operated by the people of Katrana Prestor. But if you were to chose the deal with Barovs, then this would be one less thing to worry about.

"Alright, tomorrow we will have the meeting. You have everything ready then?" You asked him.

"I have everything ready." Beric said to you and prepared to leave. "I will see how the market fairs goes and I'll be there tomorrow."

"Good, great work Beric."

"Thank you Prince Alric, I hope it is worth it as it took me a bloody long time to get everything done." Beric huffed and puffed while leaving the study.

"Is he always like that?" Tari asked you.

"Yep, that is Beric. You should ask Normand for some stories from his time in the Royal Guards and his previous dealings with him." You said back to her.

"Maybe I will." Tari said with a laugh.


Southshore shipyards:

-Trade Cog
Small ship for coastal and riverine trade. Good for moving goods and men around, but are poor fighting ships.

-Arrow Cog
Small ship for coastal and riverine warfare. Raised forecastle gives arches a good line of fire and the trained sailors can defend their ship as well.

-Trade Carrack
Small ocean worthy trade ship. Good at moving large amounts of goods for long distances. Can defend itself, but aren't suitable for true warfare.

Ship costs:

>Trade Cog, 10 Wealth, 10 Peasants, Upkeep 5 Supply per Season
>Arrow Cog, 15 Wealth, 20 Peasants, Upkeep 7 Supply per Season
>Trade Carrack, 30 Wealth, 40 Peasants, Upkeep 10 Supply per Season

…

"Thank you to everyone for coming here, it has been a while." You said to the people gathered around the dining table. Fixing your glasses, you continued. "And the unfortunate circumstances around me had pushed this meeting even further away from the original schedule."

Captain Normand, Lieutenant Cromwell, Lieutenant Beckston, Sir Gravis, Sir Radan, Arthur and Alfred Rover, Beric, Eligius and as invited Master Mason Erefor Pelija had joined you around the table.

2/4

>>5848133

"Tomorrow our soldiers will march to Tarren Mill and then in a couple of days they will leave till Strahnbrad Hills. Before that we have things to settle and decisions to make." You told the officers and your advisors. "First though, to allow him to leave and us to continue with the rest of our business, Master Pelija, I presume you have something to present to us?"

"Yes Prince Alric." Pelija said and stood up. "As we all know, my brethren and coworkers are going to be arriving here in a couple of weeks and months. They will be in hundreds and with them come women and children. Add in the migrants from Underbelly and we are going to have a large homeless population living in tents come summer."

Pelija spread a large drawing of the layout of Dawnholme on the table with the help of others.

"Prince Alric asked me to prepare the street and infrastructure plans for Dawnholme's growth during the winter and I have three plans to present to you right now." Pelija explained.

You leaned forward and studied the map of Dawnholme. It was well made and you could see the street planning Pelija and his men had already done during the winter. Your officers smartly opted out of this discussion. This was a civil matter, not a military one. Though Cromwell had reminded you that our military needs to grow if we are to challenge Gallow’s Corner and the Syndicate properly, so please don't spend everything before the military gets their share.

"First plan and also the cheapest plan is for us to make the road layout, prepare the locations for the wells and leave rest for the citizens to handle. They will build their own houses with materials provided." Pelija explained. "No sewers, no proper drainage, no central manure pit or anything. Dawnholme will grow by need and not by a plan."

"Second plan is more expensive, but we have our hand in building houses for the people and having the streets made from cobblestone. There will be a more uniform look and we can provide the citizens with some sanitation with drainage channels." Erefor continued and pointed out the main streets and locations reserved for the Town Hall and potentially the Church. "We see this as a bare minimum for a town that would bring us on par with Tarren Mill, but behind the rest of Hillsbrad. Dawnholme would have a plan behind its growth after this."

"Finally the third and most expensive plan. We will build sewers underneath the streets, cellars for the houses that require them. We will construct the houses in the style we rebuilt Stormwind City, Dawnholme will be a shining example of the quality of our work, an object of renown and a sign of your growing strength." Erefor proudly explained. It was clear that this was the plan he preferred as a professional. "Sanitation would be taken care of, plans for future expansion ready to be applied. We would have enough houses for everyone before the winter comes. Dawnholme would become a clean, tidy town fitting for you and your people."

3/4

>>5848135

All three plans had their advantages and negatives. First was clearly the bare minimum of work, leaving everything for the Alteracis and newcomers to build on their own. You could imagine that the Stonemasons would put in the work for their own houses, while leaving rest to build their loghouses and hovels. It would also be the cheapest, leaving your budget mostly untouched. Second was in the middle. Somewhat more expensive, but with it you would be getting the infrastructure capable of handling Dawnholme currently and in near future. Dawnholme's growth needs to be handled, housing provided to the people and so this could be the answer.

Though the third and the most expensive option intrigued you. You had seen Stormwind City and even in the poorest quarters the houses had been well built. If that was the quality Dawnholme would receive, not even Southshore could compete with it. But maybe most importantly Dawnholme would have sewers and proper streets. You knew enough from your studies that sanitation can be a major problem in larger cities and if Dawnholme was to grow, the town would need sewers and other facilities.

What this comes down to was how well developed infrastructure would you want the town to have. How well planned the town would be and what kind of a growth you were expecting it to have? Though the idea of showing your neighbours your home interested you, like Pelija had said, it would be a sign of renown. It would be expensive, but maybe you could think of it as a deposit for the future?


Total Resources:
30 Wealth, +18 per season
20 Supplies, -5 per season
115 Peasants

>Roads, wells, mark individual plots for houses. Stonemasons leave the effort to construct houses for the locals. Dawnholme grows like it has done before. 2 Wealth
>Cobblestone streets, drainage channels, houses built in numbers for the masses. Plans for the future growth. Stonemasons see this as a bare minimum for a town. 5 Wealth
>Sewers, cellars, houses built in quality that rivals the greater cities. Infrastructure fitting for a city, for future growth and for the renown of its ruler. Stonemasons prefer this plan as they could provide the best for the citizens. 10 Wealth

QM: Choose one. Rather rigid options, but all three resemble different qualities of infrastructure. Ship costs are presented only as an info, not as an option to vote right now.

>>5848139
>>Sewers, cellars, houses built in quality that rivals the greater cities. Infrastructure fitting for a city, for future growth and for the renown of its ruler. Stonemasons prefer this plan as they could provide the best for the citizens. 10 Wealth
Expensive, but needed. Then spend remaining 20 Wealth with Town Hall. We need that building and why not to spend all our money now? Probably we can find some Wealth elsewhere and hire mercs then if needed.

>>5848139
>Sewers, cellars, houses built in quality that rivals the greater cities. Infrastructure fitting for a city, for future growth and for the renown of its ruler. Stonemasons prefer this plan as they could provide the best for the citizens. 10 Wealth
>>5848014
Thanks for the chance to add our thoughts! Awesome quest my dude.

Damn that looks good .... also those ships. I think we will really do secret raids in Alterac time to time beside our expansion to the east.... yes wealth....

>>5848139
>Sewers, cellars, houses built in quality that rivals the greater cities. Infrastructure fitting for a city, for future growth and for the renown of its ruler. Stonemasons prefer this plan as they could provide the best for the citizens. 10 Wealth
would be a pain in the ass to add such things LATER no? but the whole enough houses for everyone is basically a must.

>>5848139
>>Sewers, cellars, houses built in quality that rivals the greater cities. Infrastructure fitting for a city, for future growth and for the renown of its ruler. Stonemasons prefer this plan as they could provide the best for the citizens. 10 Wealth
I want a great Dawnholme. I want it to be great and that is a massive punch in the eye to our enemies and detractors.

This said after that.... idk the townhall i really really really want it and it would really really really help, but those 20 could be used for boost the military and make something with Wilkish. We have half of the hills at the moment and with our vassal, Chief Ragis, locals that know the land ..... but that gnoll warband might return, trolls haven't been fought yet and the Syndicate might prepare a new offensive. Not counting what ogres or orcs might do. And those Hills are ours, our ancestors never fully conquered them but their legacy will be finally achieved. The white falcon on the orange field, will fly above there, with the corpses of our foes in his claws.

>>5848190
Hmmm getting the town hall as well means we would have to push Wiklishs inventions back again though. Unless we sell something. Then again the oil would probably have his attention for a little while so he might not be too bothered.

>>5848139

>>Sewers, cellars, houses built in quality that rivals the greater cities. Infrastructure fitting for a city, for future growth and for the renown of its ruler. Stonemasons prefer this plan as they could provide the best for the citizens. 10 Wealth

How much would Alric's old armor and sword be worth? How much wealth could we get from Blackmoores favor? Any smaller loan potential nearby?

>>5848139
>>Sewers, cellars, houses built in quality that rivals the greater cities. Infrastructure fitting for a city, for future growth and for the renown of its ruler. Stonemasons prefer this plan as they could provide the best for the citizens. 10 Wealth
cap:WATR2

>>5848139
Wonder how much seething there will be over any budding naval power.

>>Sewers, cellars, houses built in quality that rivals the greater cities. Infrastructure fitting for a city, for future growth and for the renown of its ruler. Stonemasons prefer this plan as they could provide the best for the citizens. 10 Wealth

Hopefully our enemies fought eachother during winter and autumn, that would be a blessing.
There was trace of a fight between Syndicate and Gnolls.


>>5848349
I am not sure but it wouldn't be much wealth probably, it was a mixed standard armor. Though i would like to keep it, for see how far we have gone from the first days.

I wonder that too.
He had offered us another small "gift" last time (wealth bribe) we didn't take it though.
Asking money around.... uhm depends if we want to. So far we didn't but, we could ask aid from Tarren Mill for example.
Beyond that well we could ask money from Katrana maybe....it would be fast if Nalice did go in the night. Still i am not sure I want to ask our allies for money, Blackmoore possibly if we don't want to use the favor for politics. Katrana i wouldn't mind, but we have already a favor to pay with her. Even if I think we more than capable to pay that and another. Beside we have a good relation with her.

>>5848349
>>5848375

Old armour basically nothing, one rare case of QM veto. Alric wouldn't sell his old mismatched half-plate because of personal reasons. Too big of a connection with it.

Asking Wealth in exchange of the favour with Blackmoore is doable. Small loans that you can get quickly can be found amongst your neighbours, but most if not all would want something non-monetary in return.

There is the alternative of accepting the deal with Barovs, they are willing to pay a lump sum of 10 Wealth when the contract is signed with them.

So Alric has options and seems like this vote was a rather unanimous one. I don't expect the result to change through the night, but the voting and discussion can continue. Next update will come tomorrow.

>>5848435
Makes sense. Ye i didn't have desire to see it gone anyway.

Good.
Yeah i imagined that, not sure we can achieve those even if they aren't likely too difficult. Thats why I am a bit reluctanct in asking, you usually don't aspect someone like Alric to ask for money around....it would also affect our image even if we keep it a secret (asking for money always makes it seem a bit there are some financial problems in your home, doesn't matter the reason but the impression).
So i might just consider no townhall (even if i want it from so many threads ago), for now and we make sure the military campaign has more chances.
Not being there in the hills changes things a lot, no improved morale, no help in battle direction and no help in combat.

>>5848014
In regards to letters uh.... maybe Van Cleef. He seemed quite convinced to go down his road, but perhaps he could rethink it ? We are making sure their families here will live good lifes, new projects have been made already. Changing identities here could be a possible good idea, start again and we have no desire for treat them wrongly like those nobles of Stormwind. Of course we still have many enemies to deal with, our homeland is far from reconquered and the Alliance does everything for be a pain. But at least, its a fresh new beginning.

Ah i forgot
>>5848435
Maybe we could sell the stonemasons here, terrain in Dawnholme (and give them the approval) for building a minor guild hall. Its something they would ask anyway sooner or later, and we have good relationships with them already. Those money would also help us.

>>5848535
That's smart. Just have them rename the guild too. Is all I would say. Like Alteric Stonemason Guild. Or The Masons.

We just need slight deniability. I mean we did already kick out our. Alliance garrison.

I say we order a trade ship and arrow ship. I'd get arrow first to clear the water ways. Then trade later since it'll take us a bit to build the oil we'll. (Maybe even 2 arrow ships if we can convince southshore/tarrenmill/hillsbrad/durnholde/andorhal. To send tradehips up and down. (If the others don't have river trade ships ask them to invest or pay us for its use)

As far as I understand there isn't any river trade at the moment. Right QM?

>>5848535

Letter to Van Cleef, I have noted that down. The Stonemasons are going to build their own guild hall here, the land here is for all purpose free so they are just going to choose a spot and build their office there.

>>5848605

Correct, there is no trade on the river right now for couple of reasons. You will hear more in the coming updates.

>Sewers, cellars, houses built in quality that rivals the greater cities. Infrastructure fitting for a city, for future growth and for the renown of its ruler. Stonemasons prefer this plan as they could provide the best for the citizens. 10 Wealth


"When can you start?" You asked Pelija and raised your head off the table and the map.

"I would inform my colleagues today and the work would start tomorrow." Pelija said back to you. "Everything is already planned and waiting for the order to go."

"Good, because you got the coin you want." You told him and he understood your intent. "Do not disappoint me Master Pelija, I wish to see the best work there is."

Master Mason Erefor Pelija gave you a bow and started to pack his papers away. Having done that he turned to face you.

"Stonemason's Guild won't disappoint you Prince Alric. Dawnholme will become the greatest town in all of Lordaeron." Pelija said to you and bowed deeply.

"Good, if we make any other decisions regarding buildings now, we will inform you so that you can add them to your plans." You told him.

Pelija bowed again before excusing himself and leaving your home.

"It is a big investment, but Dawnholme needs it." You said to your officers. "Now though we need to find a balance between remaining budget and what we require."

The idea of spending and emptying your coffers for the Town Hall was in your mind. But then you wouldn't have any coin remaining for the military or for Wiklish. Maybe you could find a source for some quick profits or would you need to take a loan from your neighbours? Or just agree with the Barovs and choose their deal, the coin they promised would see some good use.

"But before that, Eligius if you could?" You said and nodded to him.

"Yes Prince Alric." Your squire said back. Neither of you hadn't really spoken about it, but the majority in the room had realised that Eligius was more than just a scribe. He knows too much to be just that, but his position wasn't questioned either.

"Hillsbrad has been mostly calm. Tarren Mill has prepared themselves to support your campaign, in Southshore the council chose a burgher named Jacobsen to be the new Magistrate. A well known trader, but the talk is that he will mostly be a figurehead for the burghers and wields a little of own power. Colonel Garithos has been getting his Regional Defenders up and running, but the previous Marshal of Southshore quit. Marcus Redpath and former militia members have left for mercenary work."

That was a loss for both sides. Garithos lost a skilled officer and a bunch of men and Southshore lost someone who cared for the city.

"Hillsbrad Fields have arrested and tried three more smugglers, but we don't know if they are connected to the previous ones."

"We should use our part in uprooting the smuggling ring for our benefit." Sir Gravis interrupted Eligius. "Tell everyone that it was us who made it happen."

"I agree with Sir Gravis." You said and allowed Eligius to continue.

1/2

>>5849038

"Durnholde is planning their campaign against the gnolls to happen in the summer. They have been stockpiling supplies and drilling their men." Eligius said and finished. "Rather uneventful past few weeks thankfully."

"Calm before the storm?" Normand mused aloud.

"Could be… nothing about the Syndicate?" You asked.

"No, nothing this time." Eligius said back.

"Rumours?" You asked and had your expectations.

"Mostly surrounding you. People are talking about your sickness and now your poisoning in both Tarren Mill and Southshore." Eligius said and put his papers together. Soon the news would spread elsewhere as well. "If I may say, those kinds of rumours and talks are way better than the ones that preceded them."

"And which were?" You said and chuckled.

"That you were cooped inside your home with your many lovers or that you had left your kingdom without your care while chasing one." Eligius told you.

"Sadly the reality was way more boring and dull than that." You said and laughed. Your officers joined you, even Normand chuckled a bit.

Oh well, maybe that reputation as an alleged lady killer is going to follow you for a long time.

"Thank you Eligius. Now though back to the business, where should we start?" You asked your officers.

No one dared to say anything so the decision fell on your hands.


Total Resources:
20 Wealth, +18 per season
20 Supplies, -5 per season
115 Peasants

>Wiklish, Mercenaries and Mages
>Military, Strahnbrad Hills and Security
>Economy, Buildings and Trade

QM: Choose one.

>>5849040
>Wiklish, Mercenaries and Mages
the whole oil rig thing is a economic investment in on itself so might boost military and give something to wiklish.
Im particularily interested in seeying if redpath is available.

>>5849040
>Military, Strahnbrad Hills and Security

>>5849040
>Wiklish, Mercenaries and Mages

Yeah I dont think we are gettin the Town Hall lads. Unless we really wanna call in the Blackmoore favor and get some loans. Or just ask Katrana but she will ask for something I imagine.

Heres how I see the Budget this season going.

Wiklish 5 Gold to finish his invention
Jon Boyd, Pyromancer. Hiring Cost 1 Wealth, Upkeep 2 Wealth per Season
Luke Williams, Arcanist Bodyguard, Hiring Cost 1 Wealth, Upkeep 1 Wealth and 1 Supply per Season.
Redpath Mercs ??? Probably 1 wealth hiring cost, and 1 Supply per season?


-Windmill, 5 Wealth, -5 Peasants, Requires Farms
-Windmill, 5 Wealth, -5 Peasants, Requires Farms
OR
-Improved Farms, 5 Wealth, -10 Peasants, Requires plains or farmlands
-Improved Farms, 5 Wealth, -10 Peasants, Requires plains or farmlands

Which would atleast put some more peasants to work if thats a thing to consider

This would keep the supply situation as is, which is 4 more seasons worth of supplies, and 2 gold left unless Redpath mercs cost more, or we give that to Wiklish so he can work on his weapon.

>>5849107
Oh right but if we do decide to take the Barov deal then thats 10 more gold in hand for whatever. So that would be two more windmills to help get supply under control. Also not having to hire a lot of guards and make boats just for it.

>>5849075
>>5849107

I have already updated the available mercenaries into the Quest Mechanisms pastebin, so I will post them here as well for sake of clarity for you lot. No need to speculate about their prices when they are already available.


Available Mercenaries:

-Carlsson's Cavaliers, 10 Regular Mounted Sergeants, 6 Wealth, Upkeep 5 Supply Per Season
-Farsteel Steppe Clan, 20 Regular Steppe Cavalry, 6 Wealth, Upkeep 2 Supply Per Season
-Redpath's Regulars, 10 Regular Footmen, 10 Green Footmen, 10 Regular Archers, 10 Green Archers, 4 Wealth, Upkeep 4 Supply Per Season
-Vance's Venators, 10 Veteran Archers, 4 Wealth, No Upkeep

>>5849040
>Wiklish, Mercenaries and Mages

>>5849040
>>Wiklish, Mercenaries and Mages

>>5849107
>support.
My only suggestion
>Durnholde have them give us money. And have them hire us out for their war in the summer. We should be finished with our campaign.

>hire redpath and his boys.
Can we trade "training" for some of the costs? Get their green boys to regular?

>Can we offer training to Tarrenmill and hillsbrad? For supply or wealth?

>Ask durnholde to hold a tournament. And we setup the trade fair at the same time. And send criers to dalaran, silvermoon (malevus master), lorderon, hillsbrad, southshore, the dwarves, everyone far and wide,(even our cousin in gileas). Have title, and ? wealth and maybe a dwarf armor set as reward. Ask for .5 wealth from all entrants. (Look at the supply/demand) invite garithos too kek.

Try to set it up so one of our people wins the pot for extra loots. Split the proceeds with durnholde.
>>5849040

>>5849275
Bonus as predatory practice don't tell the entrants about the fee until they're there. Come all this way do not fight? Aight kek.

We should setup a bank too. Give them all loans. Oh sure we'll give .5 for .75 kek.

Or services rendered ( aka fight the debt off)
We got a lot of fighting to do soon.

>>5849130
Nice

>>5848957
Okay

"First we will touch on mercenaries and the mages." You said to them. "Does anyone have anything about the mercenaries?"

"I have Prince Alric." Sir Gravis said to you and you allowed him to continue.

"Redpath and forty of his men are camped near Darrowmere River, I presume they are angling for a contract from Durnholde for their summer campaign. Then there are some archers and cavalry from the north, supposedly from battles against gnolls and other forest creatures and just a couple of days ago, riders arrived from the east. Supposedly they are from the same clan as the escorts Dark Irons had with them." Sir Gravis explained.

"Cavalry won't be of much use in the hills and swamps." Normand said. "If we hire mercenaries, they should be infantry."

"Redpath is the best choice, but we know that his men are green militiamen." Cromwell replied.

"Fit for garrison duty?" You suggested. "We could train them?"

"Could be and we could if they stayed in Dawnholme, but he was also from Southshore. Good officer, but he might blame you for Maleb's death along with his men." Cromwell continued.

"That is true. Then there are the mages." You continued. "Any opinions?"

"We should hire this Madam… Martin." Beckston told you as he read his own notes. "A skilled surgeon is vital in the battlefield."

"I do agree." Normand said. "All three have their skills and arguments why we should hire them. But they are a bit…"

"Sketchy? I agree, yet we need their magic." You said back to him and Normand shrugged.

"They are expensive." Sir Radan opened his mouth. The rat looking man had stayed mostly silent till this point.

"We agree. Let them stay here for a while, before we hire them." Arthur Rover said back.

"See if they behave, get to know them better." Alfred continued.

"Anything else?" You asked and as there were no replies, you moved to another topic. "Krix Wiklish, the goblin mechanic, needs investments. I have told him to work on something that could be both used in the hills and then also against Gallow’s Corner and the palisades there."

"Sounds impossible, no warmachine can get through the hills and swamps." Beckston said back.

"Apparently the goblin has an idea. They can be rather crafty." You said.

"Prince Alric, I wouldn't build our plans on whatever he ends up inventing." Cromwell replied and received a chorus of agreeing nods.

Huh, we're they really that against giving Wiklish more coin as investments? The goblin would be unhappy if you didn't give him anything, especially if the Geared Speed Regulator wasn't finished. Or if you don't finish it, should you give him something then? Or would he be happy working with the oil rig if you chose to go with that option.

1/2

>>5849610

One thing you knew was that you could very easily spend a lot of your coin now. Your actual military needs to grow as well, you can't rely on inventions and mercenaries forever. Not forgetting your economy. The oil rig would provide profits in the future, but you needed more coin if you wanted to get more done now. You thought about loans and quite literally cashing in your favour with Blackmoore, but you wanted to save those ideas for later. So many things you need, just so little coin.


Total Resources:
20 Wealth, +18 per season
20 Supplies, -5 per season
115 Peasants

Available Mercenaries:
>Carlsson's Cavaliers, 10 Regular Mounted Sergeants, 6 Wealth, Upkeep 5 Supply Per Season
>Farsteel Steppe Clan, 20 Regular Steppe Cavalry, 6 Wealth, Upkeep 2 Supply Per Season
>Redpath's Regulars, 10 Regular Footmen, 10 Green Footmen, 10 Regular Archers, 10 Green Archers, 4 Wealth, Upkeep 4 Supply Per Season
>Vance's Venators, 10 Veteran Archers, 4 Wealth, No Upkeep
>None

Mages for hire:
>Jon Boyd, Pyromancer. Hiring Cost 1 Wealth, Upkeep 2 Wealth per Season
>Madam Judy Martin, Naturalist. Hiring Cost 3 Supplies, Upkeep 3 Supplies per Season
>Luke Williams, Arcanist Bodyguard, Hiring Cost 1 Wealth, Upkeep 1 Wealth and 1 Supply per Season.
>None

Krix Wiklish investments and inventory:
Krix Wiklish can build you the things and gadgets you require, but first he needs some investment. With the goblin attention span being short, you don’t exactly know what you will get when you invest in their work. By giving more Wealth to Krix Wiklish, more potential items and weapons can be purchased.

Investments: 2 Wealth
>5 Wealth to finish development of Geared Speed Regulator.
>None

New Investments:
>1 Wealth
>2 Wealth
>3 Wealth
>4 Wealth
>5 Wealth
>None

QM: With Mercenaries and Mages, please choose those who you want to hire or choose none if you want none. With Wiklish, choose GSR if you want him to finish it or none if you don't want. And choose how much Wealth you invest on his project. More Wealth means a better chance of success and maybe more options available. Not enough Wealth might mean no finished products available.

>>5849612

I wouldn't mind hearing about this Vance and his Venators, some kind of rangers I would guess by their veteran archers status, 4 wealth upfront, and no supply asked. Hunting up their own rations.

Cav is no good. Redpath would be nice but taking him on would cost us half our supply stock to field him for the season so we would have to drop him next turn or burn through the other half by summer's end. The gold needs to go into keeping the supply situation under control. Getting it down to -4 will take 10 gold if we buy Luke's services.

We hire Jon Boyd for the fire magic against the trolls who would fear it countering their regeneration. Luke Williams to help guard the Command staff and Jon Boyd. 2 wealth upfront, and 3 per season but we can afford it. Madam's 3 supply upfront and 3 per season would bleed us dry.

5 Wealth to finish the Geared Speed Regulator so we can get it put into the mines and mills for better production.

Mercs
>None

>Jon Boyd, Pyromancer. Hiring Cost 1 Wealth, Upkeep 2 Wealth per Season
>Luke Williams, Arcanist Bodyguard, Hiring Cost 1 Wealth, Upkeep 1 Wealth and 1 Supply per Season.

>5 Wealth to finish development of Geared Speed Regulator.

>3 Wealth

Budget A
10 for the Farm Estates or Mills to improve the supply situation to -4 per season.
5 for Wiklish Regulator.
2 for upfront mage hires
3 for Wiklish to start on his Weapon idea.

Though we could also only spend 5 wealth on a single Farm Estate or Mill to balance against Luke's supply cost for a budget like this

Budget B
5 for the Farm Estates or Mills to balance the supply situation as is at -5 per season.
5 for Wiklish Regulator.
2 for upfront mage hires
5 for Wiklish to start on his Weapon idea.
3 Gold left for ???, and next turn we would have 18 wealth not counting what we might make in bonus gold from spoils or something else. Or reduce Wiklish's weapon budget to 3, then we could have 20 next turn for a Town Hall, barring other expenses.

Third budget if we really must have some mercs.

Budget C
5 for the Farm Estates or Mills to balance the supply situation as is at -5 per season.
5 for Wiklish Regulator.
2 for upfront mage hires
4 for Wiklish to start on his Weapon idea.
4 for Vance's Venators which cost nothing after the upfront

>>5849612
Mercs
>Vance's Venators, 10 Veteran Archers, 4 Wealth, No Upkeep
Mages
>Jon Boyd, Pyromancer. Hiring Cost 1 Wealth, Upkeep 2 Wealth per Season
>Madam Judy Martin, Naturalist. Hiring Cost 3 Supplies, Upkeep 3 Supplies per Season
>Luke Williams, Arcanist Bodyguard, Hiring Cost 1 Wealth, Upkeep 1 Wealth and 1 Supply per Season.
Invetions
>5 Wealth to finish development of Geared Speed Regulator.
New investments
>5 Wealth

Can we scrounge up one gold or give one the new hires an IOU? So we can have five gold for more supply buildings. Plus renegotiate with the Madam about the damned supply cost.

>>5849927
+1

>>5849927
Scrounge up an entire Wealth or an IOU? I think you may want to just reduce the investment of the weapon to 4. More importantly if you hire Judy Martin we will be BURNING through our supplies and the upfront 3 supplies.
Shes a doctor so I imagine all that supply is going into quite a few potions, bandages, burning wood to make boiling water to clean tools etc.

We would only have enough wealth to buy 1 supply building, which means our Supply per season would go down to -8. I mean I guess we could, but then we would have to let her go immediately. We'd have 9 supply in summer, then 1 in fall if we keep her for helping out at Durnholde.

Dropping her in summer would put it back to -5 but with 9 supply we would need to just absolutely pump supply with everything next season. So I guess we could but lordy will that be riding a line and pumping 15 and 10 into supply for the next two season respectively, barring any additions.