Gerhold 2014/01/11(Sat)23:22 No. 556810 ID: 988e10
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-will be needed to protect the house and the city from looters. Vardem, old friend, you should know how pigheaded I am by now.

God's Gears, Gerhold. The things I do at your beck and call. I don't know.

Just stay behind me, Little Red! I'll keep your muffins in order.

Fantastic.

You descend quickly to street level, dismissing your guards into the city to help as they can.

The streets are hazy with smoke and littered with debris. Nikkos takes you down roads as quiet and orderly as he can manage, but you can hear the crackling of flames and the occasional scream from far away.

You manage ten minutes of moving before a wrinkle. From a door hanging open on one hinge, a hooded man paces into the street and plants himself in front of you. You can see movement in the doorway. He has friends.

Bad night for a man as flash as you're dressed to walk the streets, friend.

A] Bad night for a tin can in a teacozy to pick fights he can't win.
B] I am Stadtgraf Gerhold Ergheis, your governor and ruler, and you are getting out of my way right now.
C] Easy, now. I have no quarrel with you. Let me by.
D] I'm going to give you a moment to look at our weapons, and at how tiny and stabbable you are, and reconsider what you just said.
E] If you don't get out of my way, I'm going to kill you where you stand.

>>556810
I like D.

yes D.

if he makes an aggressive move, show him that it is not just for show.

D.

Then ask him how the looting is going. Comment on the painting he has there and compliment him on his taste in art.

D, though he seems to be a rather close, so I half-expect him to try and stab us mid-sentence.

Gerhold 2014/01/11(Sat)23:52 No. 556821 ID: 988e10
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I'm going to give you a moment to look at our weapons, and at how tiny and stabbable you are, and reconsider what you just said.

The man's eyes widen, then narrow, and he starts to raise his dagger.

The point of your sword is pressed against his throat before it clears his waistline.

Oops.

Aaaaughgh. Oh my God.

A] Kill him.
B] Give me three very compelling reasons not to kill you.
C] Put the nice painting and the dagger on the ground, then put your hands on your head. You're under arrest.
E] Put the nice painting and the dagger on the ground, then put your hands on your head. We're leaving now.
F] Lower the sword. Ha! Just my little joke. Now I think we understand one another, yes?

B, but they don't actually need to be good. let him think he managed to argue his way out of death "lucky for you, i am in a hurry"

One of the not killing options. The people need to be led, not controlled or conquered.

Joking in the tone of F seems too playful for this guy. I think the tiny an stabbable comment is about as friendly as his sense of humor should get. (And weapon lowering is dumb).

E. We don't have time to drag an arrested prisoner anywhere, and hopefully he's learned his lesson. (If he hasn't, or he tries anything again, no more chances).

c
If WE don't enforce the laws who will

>>556821
C
You need to make an example of him. Don't kill him as that punishment does not fit the crime. Arrest him instead.

What is the punishment for looting in these circumstances? I'm guessing it isn't capital punishment so the right thing to do is arrest him.
I hope we can pass him off to our guards since taking an arrested looter with us is questionable at best.
Blah: C.

E

We don't have time for this chump.

B. Such a snappy line, it's impossible to resist.

Gerhold 2014/01/14(Tue)01:09 No. 557294 ID: 988e10
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Put the nice painting and the dagger on the ground, then put your hands on your head. You're under arrest.

Awww, friend. It was just my joke. Just my idea of a prank, yeah?

Nikkos?

On your knees, you dirty, loathsome, looting, puking scum! You make me weep bitter tears of bile for the sorry state of our nation!

Don't get too excited, Nikkos.

A commendable gesture, milord.

What the hell are we going to do with him, Vardem?

We're nearly to the stables, and we have to make speed. I'd think you have time for one or at most two stops, perhaps, on our way to Lyfberg.

A] We need to get this one to the guards. We could turn him it at Lyfberg, but making a journey with him in tow is too dangerous.
B] I suppose I should swallow my enmity for my father and check in on him in the asylum before I leave to take his job. It's the least I could do. Maybe he'll have some advice for me. Or drool.
C] I need to bring something for the Markgraf and the other nobles. We have to pick up some gesture along the way to ingratiate myself of the first day. Some wine, maybe.
D] We'll take a break on the road. We'll be riding hard and I don't want to walk in bowlegged and needing to piss, do I?
E] Two stops? We don't need that many. I want to be early.

A and C

A, obviously. We don't want to hang onto this idiot any longer than we have to.

C seems out of style for this guy. Why bother with gifts? I'd be more tempted to go with B and check on old man crazy (a lesson on what to avoid, if nothing else) or just cut to E and leave.

A and E seems like the best choice,

A works fine

A and B

>>557294
Get him to one of the guards, as quickly as possible.

A.

seriously, the city is burning, the throne is empty, and the shit is about as real as it gets. I say luxuries like fine wine and gestures of goodwill are not exactly a priority right now.

C

Gerhold 2014/01/28(Tue)00:12 No. 559824 ID: a8b169
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I don't need two stops. We turn this man in to the guard and then we speed to Lyfberg like the devil was on our tail.

All this fire and smoke? You could be forgiven to think he is.

It's clogging my plasm intakes! Let's get on. Move, laggabout!

Ow.

You heard the young lord. Trot.

After a hasty handoff to your harried guardsmen, Nikkos commandeers transportation. An ornate hovering carriage, the most handsome in the fleet, albeit with its left rear gyroscope a bit temperamental.

The way is long and odiously winding, but you can't help but feel some relief as the smoke-haze of Luffbridge fades in the distance. You sit with Vardem, as the hovering carriage whirs and tilts across country Lyfberg.

Gerhold 2014/01/28(Tue)00:12 No. 559825 ID: a8b169
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The moment the carriage pulls up before the gold-leaf gates of the Lyfberg Grafhouse, you swing yourself out of the door, and, with a hasty farewell to your comrades, stride into the foyer.

You are aware you're disheveled, and that you smell of axel grease and of the road, but you're quite early. The only occupants of the foyer are a few underfoot servitors, apologetically dusting, and a slight, greenclad Stadtgraf, overlooking their efforts.

Last time he saw you, you were very small, and he won't recognize you, but you know of him. His name is Fustus.

Godruf. Make sure you get the fringes, boy. That carpet is worth twenty times your scrap metal.

And what's that smell?

He turns around.

Oh, dear. I wasn't aware the Markgraf allows his stableboys to tramp around his main hall. Unless you're going to tell me you're a lord.

A] No, milord. You're right, milord. Sorry, milord. The Stadtgraf of Luffbridge will be here soon, milord.
B] Careful, Fustus.
C] My apologies, Stadtgraf Fustus. You were mistaken. I'm Stadtgraf Gerhold Ergheis, of Luffbridge. Pleased to make your acquaintance.
D] I have neither the time nor the patience to suffer the Markgraf's bootlicks. Which way to the Meeting Hall?

C
we will be the bigger man in this. and we do smell a little. but we will not cow tow to him.

B.

No sense in getting him off-side, but you should reprimand him a little. Remind him what's going on outside. You're here nice and early, so get him to point you somewhere you can clean up.

B.

>out of character
...that guy's face kind of looks like a butt.

C)
"Please forgive my lack of decorum but my city is currently burning. Perhaps I might make use of your facilities to restore my presentability before the others arrive?"

whatever the choice, make sure you call him a dickcheese.

C. Let's not pick a fight as soon as we walk through the door.

Gerhold 2014/01/30(Thu)01:07 No. 560085 ID: 2af121
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My apologies, Stadtgraf Fustus. You were mistaken. I'm Stadtgraf Gerhold Ergheis, of Luffbridge. Pleased to make your acquaintance.

Hmmm. And I yours, young Gerhold, although you smell like you rode in under your carriage, rather than inside it.

Please forgive my lack of decorum, Stadtgraf, but my city is currently burning. Perhaps I might make use of your facilities to freshen up a little before the others arrive?

A maid coughs quietly near your elbow. She's a slight, skittish thing.

Pardon your lordships, but the platters are polished. May the kitchen staff eat now?

If I see one tiny patch of plate that doesn't reflect my face perfectly, I'll have you on the streets. Am I understood?

Yes, your lordship.

Then go. Be quick.

She scurries away.

Interruptions are the olives in the salad that is my life.

Because I hate them.

The facilities, Lord Fustus?

Up the staircase, three doors to the left on the balcony. Now if you please, I have a reception to prepare and abysmal help to prepare it.

A] Thank you. I'll just go freshen up.
B] I think I'd like to speak to the Markgraf before all the other lords arrive. He'll be too busy at the meeting to see me face-to-face.
C] Actually, Stadtgraf Fustus, why don't you tell me about yourself in the time we have before everyone arrives? I could help you with preparations.
D] Thank you. I'll just go freshen up. Go upstairs, then snoop around the castle to find any useful or clandestine information. The Markgraf's office must be somewhere, and he has almost certainly has eyes and ears in every Stadtgraf's manor.
E] __________

A then C.

Fustus seems quite fussy, so he'll probably insist on A, but if he handles receptions a lot, then he probably knows a lot about the other lords.

A: we do need to clean up, a smell would leave a poor impression.
then let's try for B

A, then B.

Gerhold 2014/01/30(Thu)10:21 No. 560126 ID: 2af121
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You find the bathroom, and hurriedly relieve yourself. There's no time to bathe, but you find several bottles of perfumed oils that will have to do. You sprinkle yourself with some, stopping just short of overpowering to mask the smell.

You look into the mirror and take a deep breath.

Control, Gerhold. Control. Conceal. You're a courtier now.

You've been trained for this. Keep your poise. Keep your watch.

Never say a word without the knowledge of exactly who will hear and what they'll think. Know who's listening. Someone is always listening.

Give nothing. Betray nothing. Be vigilant. For God's sake.

Gerhold 2014/01/30(Thu)10:21 No. 560127 ID: 2af121
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You leave the bathroom to see if you can find Markgraf Volker before the crowds arrive.

It doesn't prove difficult.

He apprehends you in a secluded

Is that the man I think it is? Is that Gerhold Ergheis?

By Cruthadair's balls, you've grown! What did your loony old father feed you? Come here, dear boy!

A] Be professional. Greet him courteously and formally.
B] Be polite, but aloof and taciturn. Show him you aren't a boy anymore. You're a Stadtgraf.
C] Offer a warm embrace. This is old Volker, after all.
D] Get right to business. Your city's burning and you don't have much time.

Hmm. Judging by the smile we're wearing, b wouldn't be appropriate.

I'd say a or c, and then move on to d after we've allowed for pleasantries.

I'd say somewhere between A and C. Maybe something mostly A, but with an added mention of how it is good to see an old friend in times like these.

Shake of the hand and pat on the shoulder kind of deal. I'm not sure if 'the city is burning' qualifies as betraying anything, but I still think we should be the one to break the news, sooner or later.

start off with C, but quickly fall back into D.

>>560196
sounds right, he's an old friend but our city is on fire right now.

Gerhold 2014/01/31(Fri)01:39 No. 560233 ID: 2af121
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Markgraf Volker. It's been far too long.

Uncle Kiro, Gerhold. Save Markgraf Stuffed-Shirt for the assembly.

It's for the assembly I've come. I'm Stadtgraf of Luffbridge, now.

You are? My boy! Come here!

He folds you in a copious embrace.

What happened to Grisvald?

He's fled the city. The sylabites are being ousted.

I've heard of that. Well! Found a religion treating your women like chattel and when a virgin queen takes the throne, who can be surprised what happens? No offense, my boy.

None taken. I left the faith when I was very young. Others weren't so lucky. Luffbridge is aflame.

Aflame! God's bodkins. I've heard reports already. Don't worry, my boy. We'll be dispatching peacekeepers before the hour is out.

Thank you, Uncle Kiro.

Walk with me, Gerhold. The assembly's due to begin soon.

He steers you down the hallway. The two of you talk at length. He asks of your father, your many half-siblings, and laughs his deep-barrel laugh.
You smile and keep pace with him.

You are proud of how little of your hatred shows on the surface.
Markgraf Kiro Volker must not know that your greatest wish is to ruin him completely and wrest his title from his fat, stubby fingers.

Why?

A] For his title. You've started moving your way up. You can't stop here, in a backwater like Lyfberg.
B] For what he did to your family. How he professed his love to your father and silently lined the pockets of the dissenters and the revolutionaries.
C] For no reason but to see if you can. You have a peculiar love of seeing the rich brought to their knees.
D] For Anya. For the sapphire blue eyes you looked into as his carriage took her away. He took her, he married her, he raped her, and he killed her. He will answer for it.

D and A.
you could try for anyone's title, but kiro has a personal interest to you.

C and A both leave a bad taste in my mouth. I vote not those two.

D- What could have been was beautiful, but instead...Was pain and despair.
Vengeance shall be ours.

B

D is touching but the stolen love angle is pretty overdone imo.

>>560246
Yeah, but B is kind worded like loyalty to that father we didn't want to stop and visit on the way out of town. It could still be shoe-horned in, but all these character motivations start getting complicated. Maybe that's not a bad thing. Didn't want to visit now-insane dad because it is too painful. Means Volker is probably also secretly ready to play political chess. I dunno. I am changing my mind as I type. B could be an okay option.

B.

>>560255
No, it still works. We can not like our father for what or who he is- but that's our right. He's our family. It's not some outsider's place to come in and use him for their gain, and our city's suffering.

And we can sort of lump the hates together- we dislike both of them for the way they abused their positions, or sullied the name of our family (more loyalty to the line and what it stands for than our father in particular).

because he's obviously not a nice person if he supports violent revolutionaries and/or rapes people. and nice people like you should be in charge. and all these rich nobles are dicks, so a Markgraf who will put them all in their place is needed.

uh. I guess... all of the above?

seriously, I say we just go ahead and behead everyone who couldn't care enough about the little people to even be informed about the fact that an entire city is going down shit creek just a few days away.

>>560257
I like this angle, with Volker and the father on opposing sides but only truly working for themselves.