All the King's Horses Quest
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The King is dead.
Having reigned over the lands of Ettra, Secomia, and Nostri, King Adalwolf Ironeye passed into legend. The first lord ever to rule over nearly ten thousand leagues, his absence is an echo that shoots around the world. The Old Empire in the west rots in its final death throes, but shudders to think of a renewed series of raids and conquests against it. The Dorlomi to the south sharpen their axes, anticipating the inner conflicts to come. To the northeast lies the tribalistic Foumekli. Each chief preparing their youth for the coming raids against the Kingdom's folk for their iron and cattle.
Now, despite what those foreign bastards may all think, the Folk are not going straight for each other's throats. Some may hold ambitions, but everyone agrees the wars of the past before Adalwolf left them weak. The realm has grown united, connected, and wealthy. No one wants to go back to the dark days where life was an uncertainty.
But who are you in this story?
>CHARACTER GENERATION
>PICK ONE OPTION
Culture:
Ettran
Inheritors of the Old Empire. When your people defeated the Empire's soldiers, you took more than just their land. Taking on their writing system, economic models, military organization, and engineering you gained much prestige among the folk. King Adalwolf was an Ettran, and your people are the most numerous in the realm. With a strong warrior tradition and new traditions, you have become eclectic masters of the world.
BONUSES: Literate, Well-Fed
Secomian
You hail from the homeland of the Folk. Secomia may be a swamp land, it breeds hardy people. The Ettrans may have roads and fields, but they didn't learn everything upon taking the Empire's cities. Secomia keeps a strong oral storytelling tradition with currently flourishing culture and close ties to the Nameless God. The King may have been Ettran, but he had many advisers from Secomia.
BONUSES: Hardy, Sharp
Nostri
You don't share a history with the Folk that doesn't involve your ancestors and their ancestors fighting over something dumb. Your people, according to legend, started the tradition of raiding. While the Folk practices it, your people live it. Treasure is only a first step however. The Nostri believe in wealth not spent is wealth wasted, and the greatest prestige of all is improving the society. A hunter who shares his deer is far more revered than the hunter who keeps three.
BONUSES: Heritage Weapons, Bilingual
>>62469
Ettran.
The king is dead but his people live on!
>>62516
Seconding, Ettran seems like the way to go.
>>62516
>>62528
Being an Ettran opens up more professions than most. First, you must decide on your beliefs and place in society.
Social Status
>Major Landowner
You command a great deal of Saeka(subjects). Your family probably feeds the many cities in the land. Or owns portions of them.
>Minor Landowner
You make enough for you and your Saeka(subjects). If it's a good harvest, you have a little extra to sell.
>Rider
A horse owning landless noble. Expected to take a martial profession, but not always.
>Merchant
You are one of the peddlers and tradesmen who stay in the cities during the Harvest and venture out with the Raiders. Your family are Freemen.
>Freeman
You have your freedom. Not much else. Probably sacrifice some of your looting rights in exchange to join a raid, or work on a farm with Saeka.
>Saeka
You are expected to obey your liege, to train in what way they see fit. A long time ago, your ancestor was part of the lord's family, but sold their rights to him in exchange for land. You can move freely between locations, but must have loyalty to your lord, and can only own personal possessions, not land or horses.
>Slave
You have some rights, but not many. You can one day obtain freedom. You cannot move freely. You can own personal possessions.
Ettran for sure. Can we have like a grandmother who is nostri though for shits and giggles
>>62591
I vote merchant
>>62591
So this is basically where we decide whether this will be more RPG or more Strategy, so to speak? I'd cast my vote for "minor landowner"; not too much of a bigwig, can still Rider it the fuck up when he needs or wants to, doesn't need to take too much shit from too many people.
>>62591
>minor landowner
>>62591
I vote for Freeman.
Might be fun to battle our way up to Nobleman.
>>62617
The minor landowner only tends to his land and subjects though, that's boring as fuck. With merchant you can haggle with other saeka's, which opens up possibilities for encounters like jewing people, fighting people you scammed and getting beaucoup bucks. Plus you get to explore the provinces with the raiders. It doesn't mention riding anywhere in minor landowner.
>>62667
Minor Landowners are expected to keep themselves trained for war, including their sons and a picked body of their youngest Saeka. You serve in what's called a Unit, and combine with other Units to form a Body in warfare. Also, Minor Landowners(Once we get to Profession) can be Raidmasters.
2 Votes for Minor Landowner.
1 Vote for Freeman
1 Vote for Merchant
You are a Minor Landowner!
Professions:
>Adalivan
You are part of Adalwolf's bloodline. It is impossible for you to inherit, by the way. But you do hold power in the Kingdom. You're expected to serve as a commander in the armies, to uphold yourself to the highest standard of conduct, and to serve the interests of the Kingdom at all times. The Adalivan lineage has kept the Kingdom together all these years through shared familial interest.
>Minister
The King couldn't rule everything, but he'd be damned if he set up minor realms that would fragment on his death. The Ministers are titles that can be taken away or given freely, positioned to command either minor parcels or large tracts of land. They do not own these territories and receive no compensation from them. The Minister title is not hereditary. You do however, hold much sway in terms of lawmaking.
>Lord
Others may take up positions of granduer, may leave tending to the lands to their sons or daughters while they take up other positions. You, you're uncomplicated. You tend to your lands, keep to them best you can. You've dedicated your life to the conquest your ancestors laid claim to when the Empire fell to Ettran swords. You command a Unit, a reservist force that is sent up in times of warfare made up of your family and Saeka.
>Raidmaster
You're self employed, and as of late business hasn't been good. King Adalwolf made peace with Emperor Bulyard. With his death, you can be sure new opportunities are about to open up. Merchants wait at the docks for you to arrive with fresh spoils. Lords send their sons for you to train. You employ a diverse pool of killers and thieves.
>King's Guard
Not some hallowed position with a long history and prestige attached. The King's Guard was a formation of hundreds who were the standing army for Adalwolf. While most use levies or the Empire tradition of reserves, you have been constantly training and are expected to fight at any time. Now, you guard Adalwolf's wife until an heir is declared.
>>62742
Raidmaster sounds badass. Count me in!
>>62742
>Adalivan
Is there another choice? Picking this one gives us half the others too
>>62742
>>Adalivan
>You are part of Adalwolf's bloodline. It is impossible for you to inherit, by the way. But you do hold power in the Kingdom. You're expected to serve as a commander in the armies, to uphold yourself to the highest standard of conduct, and to serve the interests of the Kingdom at all times. The Adalivan lineage has kept the Kingdom together all these years through shared familial interest.
>>62742
1 for raidmaster
>>62778
And triple the responsibilities.
>>62742
raidmaster son
>>62742
>Minister
The King couldn't rule everything, but he'd be damned if he set up minor realms that would fragment on his death. The Ministers are titles that can be taken away or given freely, positioned to command either minor parcels or large tracts of land. They do not own these territories and receive no compensation from them. The Minister title is not hereditary. You do however, hold much sway in terms of lawmaking.
You are a Minor Landowner, you takes the Raiding season to bring in wealth into the Kingdom at the cost of others. You employ a large assortment of varied individuals in your arsenal. You have the following Traits:
Nobility, Raider, Literate, Well-Fed, Saeka Owner.
Final choice.
Age and Personality:
>Young and Ambitious
>Young and Dutiful
>Adult and Experienced
>Adult and Jaded
>Old and Veteran
>Old and Wise
>>62898
>Young and Ambitious
We have years to build our legacy. Lets get to it boys
>>62898
Does /qst/ do dice rolls? I'm torn between "Young and Ambitious" and "Old and Wise". Trying this, if 1 the former, if 2 the latter.
>>62898
Adult and jaded would make for good storytelling.
>>62898
>Old and Veteran
Rolled 1 (1d2)
>>62938
Ahem.
>>62923
Yeah, just put dice+(numberofdice)d(number of sides) in options field
>>62898
>>Young and Ambitious
>>62983
Well I give up. Let's just lock Young and Ambitious for my vote.
Rolled 81 (1d100)
>>62983
>>62898
Young and Ambitious
>>62983
Thats weird, is dice the same here as on other boards?
>>63018
Should be.
Watch out for spaces though, it has to be dice+1d20 or whatever
>>63018
Yes.
Your father taught you the ways of extracting money from those who can't live without it. Who would be the best slave to sell. How to keep the men in line when on campaign. He worked hard, for you, for your family. You've lived an uncomplicated life so far all things considered. During the Harvest you made sure the Saeka were working and not slacking off. When the snow started to form, you set out on the longship for southern shores. They'd be waiting, but you had steel on your side. Your father once fought for the King's armies when the Nostri were brought into the fold. That was nearly thirty years ago. Your father isn't capable of leading the raids anymore. And he's not capable of coming to the moot either.
Ships from across the Kingdom are present, all crowding into the city of Skaerling. It's said the Empire stopped its advance out east here, after butchering the original occupants. Something inhuman, you can't remember, but they're dead and gone. Why care? Your sights are more on the future. There is to be a new heir agreed upon. The King's brother, his sons, maybe even his daughter if she's able to get the others to back her. There is a slight air of tension as you step off the ship, and onto the dock.
"Well, what's the choice boss?" Marki asks. Marki is a Saeka, but he's been your tutor from when you were a babe and he's practically family. He's getting up there in age, but he's still your strongest shieldbearer.
>1. Just thinking about why I was summoned.
>2. Admiring the seat of the known world, of course!
>3. Considering how many people are going to die soon. And who's going to be left when it's over.
>>63130
>3. Considering how many people are going to die soon. And who's going to be left when it's over.
>>63130
"There's a tension in the air, Marki. Not sure yet which way the log will split."
>>63130
Number 3, with a bit of pondering how we can end up on top from it
>>63130
Number 2
>>63139
>>63155
>>63162
The cold breeze flows past chilling you to the bone. You're too used to calmer places during this season, why did that old bastard have to die at the start of the season? You're going to be getting everyone else's scraps. You see a few Folk walk by staring at yet another armed arrival. They quickly huddle into a street corner. "There's a tension in the air, Marki. Not sure yet which way the log will split." You say. There's too many ships docked in harbor for this time of year. It's just not natural.
Marki's brow furrows as he looks around. "A sunny day in this frozen hell and all you can think about is how the blood's gonna spill?"
You stare him down replying with, "I am my father's son am I not?"
The old man shakes his head. "You're too ruthless to be this young," He says with a chuckle, before moving some wares off the boat. It was a good harvest this year, you've saved up some extra beats and wheat for market. It'll make the trip up here worth it. Might cover the costs of those you brought with you.
>1. You've gathered up all your warriors.
>2. You've only gathered up your best warriors.
>3. You've taken a handful of warriors.
>4. You've only brought Marki and one other.
>>63227
Only the best. It's all we ever need.
>>63227
2
Just our best and most loyal for this trip.
>>63258
>>63269
Most Raiders are simply men down on their luck. Those taken on for multiple seasons prove their worth in battle and in finance. A good Raider is a man who can own his own haulberk, helmet, shield, and at least two weapons. Sometimes even three. He should be well versed in all of them as well, ready to use them at a moment's notice. You figure if the Kingdom hired out Raiders rather than require on this system of Units in reserve, it would have conquered the world by now.
But then who would be left to raid?
Dependable men move off the ship, forming up around you. One or two would normally stay in the harbor, but here in Skaerling you have the benefit of the King's Guard watching the ships. With your men huddled around you for defense, you'll be safe from any robbers or luckless Freemen hoping to earn a quick coin off this crisis.
>1. Let's head up to the King's House, see why I was summoned.
>2. I want to see some of the other Raidmasters around here. Perhaps we can leave here soon and take on some place big.
>3. I want to meet up with some of the merchants and sell these wares before anything else.
>>63327
1. Business first, then we can see what the other guys are up to.
>>63327
>>1. Let's head up to the King's House, see why I was summoned.
>>63327
>1. Let's head up to the King's House, see why I was summoned.
>>63327
>1
>>63356
>>63357
>>63363
>>63410
The King's House is a wooden structure, as Adalwolf as a modest ruler. He didn't believe in the great projects of the Empire, and as a new generation of the Folk grew up they resented that. They wanted the grander of the old days before the Ettra invaded this part of the world. The stone wall around the House was lined with King's Guard in force. A small army of Lords waiting around the entrance with banners and colors evident. With spears and axes present for all to see. The gates seemed closed shut. This was odd. The air here was entirely different, as if everyone was waiting for something. A few of your Raiders mutter between themselves all sorts of mad theories of what's transpired. For the time being, you've not a clue what's going on.
"You know, you may not be off the mark lad..." Marki comments thrumming his fingers on the top of his shield
>1. Ask what's going on.
>2. Stay silent and wait.
>3. March up to the gate and demand to know what's going on.
>>63439
>3. March up to the gate and demand to know what's going on.
>>63439
Stay silent. If we act like we know what we're doing, eventually people will start to think we do.
>>63439
2
We're young and ambitious, but not dumb enough to march up there first with no name and no respect.
>>63483
>>63497
Your father, he taught you the smartest man is often the most silent. You decide to stay out here in the field waiting like the rest of the crowd. It doesn't make you feel good, being here with the rest of the rabble. How many of these people have never even seen blood? Can they truly call themselves Ettra? After about an hour the doorway opened up. A woman steps through with hair of a golden blond, the same as all the Adalivan. Next to her are two Kings Guard. As if on cue, the Lords begin filing in. You feel moved by the rest of the group into compliance, either standing here and being brushed aside or forced into the House.
People seem largely upset, tired, and grouchy. It seems it was a good choice not asking questions. These people don't seem in the mood for answers. As you're ushered in, the doorway into the structure of the House itself opens. While the King was not one for frivolous spending, the interior of the structure is lavish in size if not in history. War victories remain etched into the walls. Every foe faced crushed. His brother, slain by his hand the day before his ascension. The Secomian Princes each relinquishing their right to rule. The Kings of the Nostri bowing before him. The Empire's hosts humbled on the plains of Taska.
At the throne, there is the King still lies. As is tradition. The Lords begin taking their places in some sort of odd ritual. Sitting down at the long tables, preparing for food and drink. The smell is overbearing but you don't let anyone know that on your face. Even in death, the King must be treated with reverence.
"We are gathered this day to discuss the future of the Kingdom," Comes a voice. The High Minister, the King's closest confidant, stands solemnly next to the throne. "We are gathered this day, to mourn the loss of a great man. Who brought our people together, in war and in peace. Who made three people one, and saw us prosper unlike ever before." The crowd speaks out in agreement. "We must decide upon a path, for that will be the foundation future generations shall take up. What we do here, will codify the rules for the future. That is why, we have decided, an heir shall be voted in by the Lords of this land."
Madness ensues. From heir and lord alike. No one wants to have a body decide who votes. Ettra is obviously favored in that, yes? But they are divided among the heirs. The Secomians complain that they have more land held by lords, and thus do not have a great deal of them.
>1. Start picking a side. Choose one of the possible heirs.
>2. Walk out, this isn't worth your time.
>3. Stay silent, watch.
You may also ask me questions on the situation.
>>63681
>3. Stay silent, watch.
>>3. Stay silent, watch.
>>63705
>>63708
Things seem to not be calming down at all. A hand comes down on your shoulder. Your men don't seem to notice him. "Boy," He calls you, shoving your side in. "Pick a side or leave. We don't need a freeloader like you around." He seems to be backed up by a couple of heavily armed warriors himself. A hundred different minor feuds are continuing and starting at the grand meeting. It seems the Minister's effort to bring the Kingdom together has spectacularly backfired. Though no one has drawn weapons yet.
>1. Draw your weapon.
>2. Try to reason with him.
>3. Leave before this gets worse.
>>63776
"Hold now, friend. I've led a raid now and again - it never pays to lose your head before the battle. Better to lose someone else's, eh?"
This is presumably what passes for humor amongst the raiders.
>>63776
Don't draw any weapons, but stand to face him. Let him know we're not going to be intimidated.
"We need mindless shouting less.. I'll take part in this when it can be done civilly."
>>63977
I'll change mine to stand firm to keep things moving
>>63911
voting for this
>>64075
You're a good man, anon. I don't care what they say about you.
>>63911
The bench creaks as you rise up to the occasion, meeting the wizened fighter face to face. Even though he's wearing his helmet, and you're not, he backs down an inch. "We need mindless shouting less," You say with a resolute voice. "I'll take part in this when it can be done civilly." Though you may be young, the old man seems to be impressed.
"You're less of a spineless sprout than I thought! I like you." He slaps you across the shoulder, then offers his hand. Taking it as is custom, you see the air around you at least change. Some more folks are starting to bring things to a crawl, an the High Minister beats a hammer into steel.
"Attention! Attention all. Votes will be filed with the signets of each Lord. That is how they shall be tallied. Wax will be provided and you shall hand in your seals into several boxes." A man you can only assume is Adalwolf's son takes up the stage. He looks around, before shouting his own declaration.
"Due to the air today, we shall host the vote in one day's time. Till then, Lords, rest, take heart. This is Raiding season, and I will be damned if we will not make the Empire cower under our new ruler whoever they may be!" This act of solidarity may be a political move, but it benefits the Raiders, and they heartily agree with the sentiment.
>1. Okay, now start picking a side. [Choose between: Adalwolf's Brother, his eldest or youngest son, or daughter].
>2. Find a place for you and your men to rest. No point politicking now.
>3. See if anyone brought a daughter for you to court. What? It's part of politics.
>4. Ask Marki his opinion.
>>64155
I assume >ask marki is the 'find out who's who' option?
So that.
>>64155
>2. Find a place for you and your men to rest. No point politicking now.
>>64180
Will back this. Can Marki give us the lowdown on everyone?
>>64155
>3
>im tryna fugg
>>64180
>>64200
All of the symbols, emblems, standards, sigils, it's a mess that attacks your brain. Your father told you how to raid, not the various lords. You recognize the big names. Stosfenhol, Cratmag, Lorrenmarck. Names that contributed hundred of Saeka to Adalwolf's cause when the last King died, and his realm divided evenly as was tradition. A tradition that hopefully will not start again, for a civil war of this scale would be the undoing of an era never before seen in progress.
"Marki, assist me. These Lords, their Folk, I do not know them."
Marki seems to have never been more pleased than to hear your humble words. "Why of course young master. Why of course. You see you can bring the Lords into certain groups. There are the Sworn, those dedicated to the great Families who already have their own large families. None larger than the Adalivan, of course, but getting close there. Now they all seem to be keeping things quiet. The Lords not sworn in Ettra are divided in loyalty in three parts. You see Adalwolf's daughter, Griselda improved the livelihood of many Folk. Especially merchants. Lords who do raiding in the north love her for this. But her brother, Trelki is known by the southern lords as their defender against invasion because it was his men at the thick of the fighting ten years ago. But the youngest son, Adalwolfson is beloved by the cities and the Lords in the country. He's long worked on their behalf. Adalwolf's brother, Namenir has attraction from the great Families but they haven't supported him yet. I don't know anyone else who likes him, other than perhaps the Ministers because he acted closely to aid in their lawmaking. "
"What about the Nostri and the Secomians?"
"Hell if I know boy. Damned foreigners."
>1. Alright, now I can put my weight behind someone. [Choose an Heir.]
>2. I want to talk to one of these families, see what they can offer me.
>3. All of this politics is making your head spin. Go find a place to lodge. Hopefully raiding will be done soon.
>>64207
Tryna Fugg is a high class Ettra woman who doesn't need no Raidmaster.
>>64264
Gonna support the daughter. She seems like our ticket to the top. Let's talk to her before committing though
>>64333
agreed
>>64333
>>64383
Griselda is unlike her brothers, swarmed by sycophants and powerful allies alike. Rather a collection of retainers sworn to her keep a watchful gaze over the proceedings. People may be calming down, but you know that this could all still devolve into infighting at a moment's notice. Everyone does. This is a historic event if there ever was one, and by God do you want it to end already. Speaking of the divine, a Priest blocks your path. He holds no symbols, unlike the Nostri pantheon. Rather he has dedicated himself to a entity both formless and empty, with cryptic advice for humanity and a confusing prophecy of the world's end. Just like mother taught you growing up.
"Let him pass, I can't very well have every lord blocked off by you." It seems the two know each other. The Priest grumbles, but makes way for you. Your men stay behind, as is customary for a man approaching Royalty. While in the Empire men may prostrate before their Emperor and his sons, here there is an almost informal atmosphere with little ritual to the affair.
She seems to smile, radiating some feminine warmth. "Well, go on. I'm waiting."
>1. Introduce yourself only.
>2. I want to support you, but convince me.
>3. I want to support you, but bribe me.
>4. Attempt to flirt with her.
>>64448
Flirtan.
I'm going to leave it off here. People can still vote and we'll pick up tomorrow, hopefully.
>2. I want to support you, but convince me.
-- Make a loud speech to gather the attention of other likeminded raiders (the young and ambitious ones)
"Princess, I am Raidmaster Ragnar the Wild. I - like many other lords present here - want just two things: Raiding to make me and my men rich in gold - and have the bards sing about my deeds for ages to come.
Why should we vote for you?"
>>64872
I'm gonna go with this one too.
>>64448
A combination of 2 and flirting if possible? Maybe marriage is our ticket to power but we need to feel her out a bit too. Would the lords object to a woman in power? Is this a patriarchy or have women ruled in the past? How Lordly is the Lady exactly, could she pick up an axe and be a shieldmaiden?
>>64448
I want to support you, but convince me.
If she's surrounded by sycophants and a half decent ruler, she'll appreciate the independent thought. And for christs sake, don't flirt. We'really literally no one, and this woman had a legitimate chance of being the next Queen.
Is it too late to join? If not I also choose 2.
>>65462
QM's getting some shuteye. Said we'd pick up when he was awake
>>65466
ugh...damn alright
>>65471
Feel free to vote still though
>>65462
This isn't an RP, so anyone can join anytime.
>>64448
Gotta go with 2. Also completely against flirting unless it's clear it's part of our personality (unlikely) and also clearly not serious. Nobility of this echelon are often contracted to another from birth and we do not wanna offend anyone with prior claim, since we are noone as yet. We do NOT wanna come off as a social climber or sycophant with someone who clearly has no use for them. Leave the politicking (ahem-bootlicking) to the courtiers
>>65925
Agreed.
We are a MINOR nobleman. I don't think the King's Daughter is going to give us the time of day.
Combine that and the very tense atmosphere in the hall and any attempt of flirtation is going to fall very flat indeed. This lady is trying to prevent a civil war, she doesn't want to hear a nobody's best lines right now.
Is this going to start up again today?
>2. I want to support you, but convince me.
We should explore all options.
I'd go with the older brother, if push comes to shove, the army will likely back him, and in times of strife, giving an order and having the force to back it up makes the differences between order or civil war.
This is neat, I also support 2 with minor joke(for now) flirting.
>>64448
>2
Leave flirting to when you are sure she won't behead you for doing so.
bemp
>>86800
When you get back, post your new thread here.
bump in case we're not autosaging yet
