Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
Welcome to rpgcodex.net, a site dedicated to discussing computer based role-playing games in a free and open fashion. We're less strict than other forums, but please refer to the rules.
"This message is awaiting moderator approval": All new users must pass through our moderation queue before they will be able to post normally. Until your account has "passed" your posts will only be visible to yourself (and moderators) until they are approved. Give us a week to get around to approving / deleting / ignoring your mundane opinion on crap before hassling us about it. Once you have passed the moderation period (think of it as a test), you will be able to post normally, just like all the other retards.
Dear gentlemen, the great disastrous danger which will cause great disaster is threatening our country with threat! Tien Chi barbarian hordes of barbarian people are coming to raid our lands with coming. Now we must choose between two foreign countries with choosing. Ulmish people of Ulm are well known as cruel for their cruelty and it said they are using blood magic to fight in battles with blood magic. Honored vikings of Midgard are honor vikings and our allied countries were always in ally. I suggest to choose Midgard with my suggestion.
Whoops. Just reread the whole thing. Missed key choice numero zwei;
Let's see how things pan out first (option 3).
After all, Caul Shivers is a cautions and prudent man first and foremost and opportunity might strike in the meantime. No need to shackle ourselves to our new masters just yet, though a bit of bdsm is always pleasant.
3) I'll stay neutral on whether to "ally" with Ulm or Midgard, at least for the moment.
4) I will also write to Mondblut and tell him of the events of the meeting.
I had to submit 13th turn before posting an update, coz it's kind of a prick move to ask for extension just because I can't post update in time. There will be no choices in turn 13 (it was proceeded by the server already).
The good news is I'll try to post two updates today, both turn 13 and turn 14. The first one is coming in 15 mins.
Grimgravy spent this month enduring self-flagellation, and waiting for Her Voice to come back. Nothing seemed to help. When his hand was too tired to whip, he asked one of his followers to do it instead. At some point he even nailed himself to the cross and walked around the province, with another Khlyst whipping his back. Others left him long ago, going back to Gorevo.
Then, one day, Her Voice returned. She said, “RUN”.
Grimgravy escaped from the Hand, laughing with happiness. He made it just in the nick of time before barbarians attacked.
* * *
The Avangard of new Bogarusian Voisko entered the province of Rimtooth Pass. Roughly fifty men led by one of the most experienced and capable military commander of the Tsardom, Veliky Knyaz Janvar Chetverti. Strangely enough, two alchemists from the capital accompanied this army as well.
Rimtooth Pass was free to claim, T’ien Ch’i failed to show any resistance. One of the Khlysts had to kill himself, because he made a vow to kill at least something this day.
After breaking camp, Mondblut and Janvar met in the War Tent to discuss the next step.
The enemy fell back to Trollhome, but a small group managed to slip through our ranks and raid the Hand.
Poor, poor Yuri. Seems like he won’t receive as much taxes this month.
T’ien Ch’i won’t get anything from this province as well. It’s too far from their territory. This barbarian group is trapped out there, but we need somebody to go and finish them off.
I heard a rumor that your brother gathered another warband recently. Just go ahead and ask him to help.
Janvar frowned. He hated the very thought of asking Iyul to help after what happened in Morassia, but there is no place for emotions during war. Somebody has to get rid of T’ien Ch’i presence in the Hand.
What about you?
Me? Reclaiming the Hand for your Tsar?
Mondblut chuckled, but then his face became dead serious for a moment.
You don't understand what's going on here, do you?
Bringing your men to Rimtooth Pass this was only a part of the bargain. You promised to support us until T’ien Ch’i goes extinct.
And I will. My loyal servant Grimgravy is gathering more forces as we speak. You will have them soon. And don’t forget I brought you two alchemists from the city.
Lizzurd and Ad Avis. Polkin told me they serve Rasputin.
Indeed. Grigori owed me a favor, and it was time for him to pay up. The alchemists are yours until the end of the war, but then they will return to Rasputin’s service.
More reinforcements and magic support, hm? All right. That will suffice.
"Suffice"? Allying with me is the greatest achievement of your Tsar so far. You would do well to appreciate it. Underrestimating Khlysty is a common mistake that backfires hard.
Mondblut was about to leave the tent.
Can't say I'm looking forward to see you again, Grand Prince. Farewell.
I still want to know where are you going. Back to Gorevo?
Although it doesn’t concern you one bit, I'm going to Trollhome.
Aren’t you worried about barbarian forces patrolling the province?
My old companion Jagreen Lern is waiting for me there. Barbarians weren’t able to discover him for several months now. Khlysty can be very discreet when we want to, Janvar.
* * *
The crowd of gawkers filled the Grand Cathedral, and even more people were standing outside, listening to the Patriarch’s flaming speech.
THE SOLE REASON FOR THIS IS YOUR INDIFFERENCE! YOUR HERESY! YOUR SIN!!!
His zealous screams didn’t stop since morning. He blamed people and the Court for everything that happened to Bogarus during past months.
YOU BELIEVED IN ELIZABETH BATHORY AS IF SHE WAS YOUR GODDESS! YOU TRUSTED SCUM LIKE AMBASSADOR BORIS AND GRIGORI RASPUTIN TO RULE THIS CITY AND THIS TSARDOM!
Among the crowd, Boris and Rasputin were standing, watching this performance without a sign of concern.
What did you do to piss off our Patriarch like that, Boris? Aren’t you afraid of endless torment in the afterlife?
Boris smirked. Or maybe just sniffed.
I came back from Midgard yesterday, after I spoke to Jarl Tul Duru Thunderhead. I had to make a tough decision, but Alexej’s massive failure in the east didn’t leave me any real choice.
The Patriarch was surrounded by a horde of Eparchs and Exarchs. They had terrified and somewhat confused looks on their faces.
NO MORE! NO MORE!!! I WILL PERSONALLY CONDEMN YOU TO ETERNAL DAMNATION IF YOU WON’T REPENT! DO IT HERE AND NOW! COME BACK TO THE BOSOM OF THE TSERKOV AND ASK FOR MY GUIDANCE!
Rasputin ignored the Patriarch, but Ambassador’s negotiations with Midgard caught his attention.
Care to explain?
Look.
Boris passed a scrap of paper to Grigori. It was a piece of map.
Atlantis claimed Karghad Hills. Curses.
Katrina told me it was a mess.
Some sort of sacred warriors in bone armor…
Arssartuts.
Doesn’t matter – they just came there and killed every human who tried to resist. No explanation or reasoning.
Who was leading them?
Two priests. They were referred to as Sesi and Kilalurak and used magic slime in battle. Mostly hitting their own units or missing entirely.
Tungaliks. Interesting.
BE GRATEFUL FOR THE CHANCE THAT KROVOSLAVNAYA TSERKOV GRANTS YOU THIS DAY! WE SHALL ACCEPT ANYBODY WHO IS READY TO ATONE FOR HIS SINS! AND YOU AAAAAALL MUST SEEK REDEMPTION! GAMBLERS, TRAITORS, RAPERS AND WHOOOOOORES!!!
The Patriarch was red and sweaty, but showed no sign of exhaustion.
Why did you negotiate with Midgard then? You were supposed to meet with Atlantis representatives. Discuss their aggressive advance towards Bogarus and conquering our former territory.
No need for that. I told Jarl Tul Duru that Bogarus allows Midgard to cross King’s Cut to the south, claiming Ulanth and Misty Murk. Harding Grim, the Jarl’s brother, will lead the southern campaign personally.
We did so much to ensure that Midgard never crosses King’s Cut. But I can see why you did it.
So that we won’t have to negotiate with these creatures. Alexej and his “glorious” general Hoverdogoff failed to expand our eastern borders, so what was I supposed to do? Try to convince Atlantis to go back, before they face the fury of the Patriarch?
AND WHEN YOUR FINAL JUDGEMENT COMES, YOU WILL TELL THE JUDGES ABOVE THAT IT WAS I – YOUR PATRIARCH – WHO GRANTED YOU ABSOLUTION! YOU WANT THIS! BUT YOU MUST EARN MY FORGIVENESS FIRST!
The people were mumbling prayers and performing religious gestures rapidly.
Still, you gifted Midgard too much. Their military presence in the area threatens our safety.
You don’t say. In fact, I met Jarl Tul Duru in Bannerwood, which he conquered recently. I saw his personal army with my own eyes.
He conquered Bannerwood?
And he can conquer Bogarus just as easily.
The Patriarch went on with "preaching", not even noticing that Rasputin and Ambassador are here, among the crowd.
CAN YOU SEE IT NOW? CAN YOU SEE THE TRUTH?! DO YOU UNDERSTAND HOW WRONG YOUR WERE BEFORE?! WHAT A CRIMINAL MISTAKE WAS TO TRUST THE COURT INFIDELS TO RULE OUR WEAKENED NATION! COME TO ME, CHILDREN! JOIN THE HOLY ARMY!
Even considering that, letting Midgard overtake our former territory to use it as footing against Atlantis was the only effective course of action. Now we can forget about frog creatures and fully focus on the west.
Rasputin was silent for several minutes.
THIS LAND NEEDS YOUR PROTECTION! THE TSERKOV NEEDS YOU! YOUR PATRIARCH NEEDS YOU!!!
I have to agree with your decision, Boris. Although I don’t believe that Midgard-Atlantis conflict will last for long. And when they come to some sort of peaceful agreement, what will Harding Grim do next?
Probably invade us. Probably set sails to another direction. Time will tell.
You don’t sound very optimistic. I can see what triggered Alexej so much.
WE SHALL GO EAST AND STAND OUR GROUND, LETTING NOBODY TAKE WHAT IS RIGHTFULLY OURS! WE SHALL KILL EVERY MIDGARDEAN AND ATLANTEAN INVADER THAT DARES TO SHOW HIS HERETIC FACE TO US! ARE YOU WITH ME, WARRIORS OF FAITH?!
The crowd suddenly became silent and still. Nobody murmured prayers anymore. Nobody even moved.
The Patriarch was still raging on, though.
I can’t stand it his shouting anymore. If you excuse me, Grigori, I have other business to attend to.
Wait. Look.
Rasputin pointed towards Alexej, with a smile. Boris glanced at screaming Patriarch, but didn’t notice anything.
What?
Look closer, Boris. Behind his back.
Wh… Oh. What the hell?
Eparchs that stood behind Alexej were all dead. Their sights were staring into nothing; blood-red stains were slowly soaking their golden cassocks. Some unnatural force kept them standing on their feet.
That… explains the sudden silence in the crowd. Was it your doing, Grigori?
Rasputin didn’t answer. He was watching Alexej.
YOU WILL FIGHT FOR ME, FOR THE TSERKOV, FOR KROVOSLAVIE! *I* WILL PURIFY YOUR BLOOD, AND NOT SOME MYTHICAL COUNTESS! REMEMBER THIS ONCE AND FOR ALL – ELIZABETH BATHORY DOESN’T EXIST!!!
A woman’s laughter echoed throughout the Grand Hall. This echo was so loud and unnaturally cold, that even Alexej had to stop his monologue. An iron smell of blood filled the air instantly.
Who… WHO’S THERE?!
Nobody answered. Grigori's voice pierced the silence like a sharp knife.
Turn around and see for yourself.
Alexej gulped nervously and slowly turned around. He saw that every Eparch and Exarch of the Tserkov was dead. Their bodies that were standing by pure miracle, finally fell down simultaneously.
Only one figure was still on her feet. Her cold eyes were looking directly at the Patriarch.
ON YOUR KNEES, MORTALS! BEHOLD YOUR GODDESS, ELIZABETH BATHORY!
With these words, Rasputin fell on his knees himself. Every man, woman and child followed his example, even Ambassador Boris, who was never a religious man. Everybody, except for Patriarch Alexej.
I… I am not afraid of you.
You should be.
Elizabeth tore the heart out of Alexej’s chest in a single swift move. He was looking at it beating in Elizabeth's hand for some moments. Alexej's eyes expressed nothing but confusion when his body fell before the Countess.
You should point both Midgard and Atlantis to this LP, saying they should leave you alone for the time being if they want to read it 'till the end. T' Ien Chi is a lost cause I think...
Then they'll see your horribru teasing tactics and steamroll you, where's muh update?
You should point both Midgard and Atlantis to this LP, saying they should leave you alone for the time being if they want to read it 'till the end. T' Ien Chi is a lost cause I think...
Then they'll see your horribru teasing tactics and steamroll you, where's muh update?
The barbarian general of T’ien Ch’i didn’t try to escape, or hide, not even to recruit some locals. He spent the whole month doing nothing. He was awaiting inevitable death just like a pig waiting to be slaughtered. His waiting was not in vain - the butcher has finally come.
Who knows what this band tried to achieve by coming to the Hand?
This time Iyul Chetverti managed to obtain several Druzhinas.
The fight was over quickly. The General died from the first strike of Druzhina.
* * *
Long ago, when Patrokrator was still undisputable God and Elizabeth Bathory was an honorable member of Tsardom’s Royal Court, she used to live in rich estate not far from the capital city. After her disappearance, the Tsar refused to give away the Bathory Estate, hoping that she will come back eventually. Thus it became abandoned and neglected, slowly devoured by the hungry earth it stood upon.
After the scene in the Grand Cathedral, Elizabeth came home and spent an entire day in the bath that Grigori Rasputin prepared beforehand. It wasn’t filled with water.
Grigori himself was sitting on a stool beside the blood bath, retelling the events of the last year. She didn’t interrupt him until he finished.
… Enraged by Ambassador’s decision to let Midgard take over our former territory, Alexej attempted to denounce the Royal Court, and force people into military service of the Tserkov. This is it. You know what happened next.
“I happened”, - was written on Elizabeth’s smiling face.
Bogarus failed to reclaim eastern provinces. It is engaged in defensive war against T’ien Ch’i. My champion is imprisoned in the dungeon of rebellious Grand Prince. And to add to the insult, the first thing I saw upon coming to this realm is the Patriarch himself preaching that I don’t exist. You have disappointed me, Grigori.
I am sorry, Countess.
Elizabeth waved at Grigori, showing that she doesn’t care about excuses.
Since you are not competent enough, I will have to solve all problems personally, like I did with Alexej. Show me the map.
As you wish.
Elizabeth examined the map for several minutes in silence.
Send messages to Ulm and Pythium. Tell them that Bogarus offers a reward for conquering provinces of Sleeper’s Embrace and River Orn. Tell Ambassador and Kaznachei to sign these messages.
Do you think it’s…
You will carry out my orders without questions, Grigori. If I need your opinion, I will let you know.
Yes, Countess.
Did you take the Royal Seal from Alexej’s chambers?
Of course. It is secured in the Hall of Elders.
From now on, consider yourself the Keeper of the Seal. An Edict has to be signed by your hand in order to be legit. Cancel Alexej’s Edicts. Make sure this information spreads Tsardom-wide.
I can tell Azira to make a note in the next newsflesh.
Do it.
He won’t receive as much sinner’s skin for his publishing house, now that the Patriarch is gone.
Arrest the families of Eparchs and Exarchs which I executed yesterday. Parents, children, brothers, sisters – all the relatives they had. Make a public statement that their blood was corrupted by Alexej’s influence, thus they are sentenced to eighty years of imprisonment, during which they will be purified. Then use their skin for publishing next Tissue.
It should be enough for one Tissue, I suppose.
I will solve this problem in due time. How many Edicts did Alexej sign?
A lot of them, actually. Mostly Tserkov-related: new tithes, different privileges of Eparchs, and minor law changes, concerning the safety of Tserkov’s servants. However, there were two important Edicts. One grants the title of Knyaz and the province of Morassia to Azira the Master of Propaganda. He is loyal to me and to you, Countess. I insisted on that Edict.
Then make a new one with your own signature.
As you say. The other one grants the title of Knyaz and the province of Deerhome to commander Hoverdogoff.
Alexej’s personal lackey?
Yes. He conquered three eastern provinces for the Tsardom. Although Morassian defenders were crushed by Knyaz Iyul Chetverti before Hoverdogoff even got there. And the Great Wood was a massive failure - a truly shameful battle, which he escaped from, and lost two months before coming there again and finally claiming it. It wasn’t an achievement. But all that is nothing, compared to his actions in Deerhome. What he did there was outright treason!
Tell me everything.
There used to be a squire in Sviatoslav’s voisko. A man who was known as Dreaad. Not the bravest of the lot, and hardly a decent fighter. Back when Sviatoslav was holding Rimtooth Pass against countless T’ien Ch’i raidings, he sent Dreaad to the city. Dreaad’s orders were clear: to gather reinforcements and bring them to Rimtooth Pass. Instead, both Dreaad and reinforcements ended up in Deerhome, fighting alongside with Hoverdogoff. I am sure that Dreaad was indoctrinated by Alexej, and murdered by Hoverdogoff in order to hide the evidence. Right after that, Alexej awarded Hoverdogoff with Deerhome and title, clearly to buy his silence.
Cancel this Edict. When Hoverdogoff returns to the city, throw him into the dungeon.
Torture?
Only if he resists the arrest. I want a proper trial before deciding what to do with him.
As you wish, Countess.
hoverdog, you heard troubling rumors about the Patriarch’s execution. This can’t be good. Make your move.
1. I’ll hide in the woods. Gather a band of brigands or something. They can’t get me here!
2. I’ll return to the city and figure out something. I did nothing wrong, right? Right?
3. I’ll go to Deerhome, build a small house and live like a fucking Tsar! I *own* this province, woohoo!
Elizabeth leaned back in the bath. The blood was cold, but pleasant for her skin. She took a moment to enjoy the sensation.
… I hate to interrupt, but our time is short, Countess.
She sighed.
In these Edicts, I must point out who gives the orders. Your name has to be there, but I am not sure about the title. You will remain our Countess forever, but others won’t understand.
How do the people refer to me?
… Differently.
What is this?
Azira’s work. Many peasants nowadays believe that back in the past, when Bogarus was a struggling and divided Tsardom, all its troubles and strife were caused by demons. But then you came here, banished the demons, and led this land to prosperity, thus making you the Tamer of Demons. Then you had left to the better world, the world that accepts only the pure and righteous ones. The same world where Pantokrator had gone to. There you could spend an eternity in blissfulness, but thoughts about poor people of Bogarus were tormenting your mind, thus you returned here, to this damnable land, to show us all the right way. Which makes you the Princess of Suffering for the peasants. Goddess of Hierarchs is a title that several Eparchs tried to include in doctrines. To avoid proclaiming you as the one and only Goddess, but rather *just* a Goddess. A Goddess of *something*, you see.
What about “Eater of Children”?
… That’s how you have been called for a long time. Azira does his best, but some rumors are impossible to root out. I am sorry, my Countess.
She closed her eyes for a moment.
Queen. In these Edicts, refer to me simply as Queen.
Proclaiming you the Queen of Bogarus requires a proper ceremony…
Later, Grigori. We have other topics to discuss. There was a battle in the Hand this month.
Yes. Knyaz Iyul Chetverti has beaten T’ien Ch’i forces.
Who gave him the order?
Nobody did. This man refuses to serve anybody, but rather leads his men in battles when he has a reason to do it. This time he had some sort of agreement with his brother Janvar and Alexander Nevsky.
I suppose he intends to pass the Hand to the rebels.
Elizabeth smiled, as if she came up with solution to the situation.
Award Knyaz Iyul with the Hand.
... Countess?
And invite him to the Royal Palace.
Joined on the 4th of July , you received a suspicious invitation signed by Grigori Rasputin. It says that you are awarded with the Hand, and invited to the Royal Palace. At the same time, Alexander Nevsky is waiting for you in the Ivory Keep. His Black Hoods are watching your every step, you can’t go to the city without him knowing about it.
1. I’ll go to the Royal Palace and see what they want from me. Maybe there will be another way to release Artemy and Sviatoslav later. Maybe.
2. I’ll go to the Ivory Keep to settle down the agreement. I promised them the Hand. They promised to release my friends. But since now I am the Knyaz of the Hand, Alexander will take *me* prisoner instead. He can’t just let me go, while this Edict is valid. Proklyatie.
I want my own Patriarch to lead the Tserkov.
It isn’t easy to find a man of Faith that is both loyal, famous and respected. We had one, previously. Batushka Artemy.
Where is he now?
Katrina couldn’t locate him. He vanished in the middle of the battle against T’ien Ch’i. Katrina’s best guess is that he is currently held prisoner by Alexander Nevsky, along with Sviatoslav.
Make preparations for his inauguration. Find Eparchs that were excommunicated by Alexej and invite them back in the Tserkov on behalf of the new Patriarch. As long as they worship me as Goddess, of couse. Tell them to write the necessary clarifications in doctrines of Krovoslavie.
Ivory Keep is well-defended, Countess. We cannot just go there and fight our way to the dungeon.
This is my problem, Grigori. Patriarch Artemy will be the voice of my Tserkov now.
Elizabeth, you cannot go to the Ivory Keep alone.
I don’t intend to.
Grimgravy, you SUDDENLY hear Her Voice in your head, and it was never that clear and beautiful! She tells you that you must join her this week, along with reinforcements that you’ve gathered recently. Whip yourself hard, and make your decision
1. Mondblut’s order was clear: I must bring these reinforcements to Rimtooth Pass. These men are needed to fight T’ien Ch’i. They say that bad things happen to people who disobey Mondblut. I’d better go to Rimtooth Pass. FORGIVE ME, GODDESS, FOR I AM AN UNWORTHY SINNER! *whip*
2. THE GODDESS TOLD ME TO JOIN HER! JOIN HER!!! OF COURSE I WILL JOIN! Ohhh, I am SO UNWORTHY OF SUCH HONOR! *whip* *whip* *whip*
Now tell me about these alchemists that you’ve sent to serve the rebels.
Rasputin’s face changed for a moment, and Elizabeth noticed it. It was foolish of him to think that she won’t find out.
I owed a favor to a certain man. The alchemists will be back in the city right after this war is over. I assure you.
How naïve of you to think that the rebels will honor their word.
Not the rebels, Countess. Mondblut, the leader of Khlysty. He is currently allied with Nevsky, to wage war against T'ien Ch'i more effectively. I thought that contributing for this mutual effort will be a right thing to do. Ad Avis and Lizzurd are both expendable, but they can make a difference on the battlefield, since we were rather successful with our magical research so far.
I don’t want any harm done to any of them. Who leads them in battle?
Veliky Knyaz Janvar Chetverti. Rather experienced military commander, my Countess.
Send him a message. Tell him that if any of my alchemists die, he will suffer the same fate as Alexej.
Of course.
Now tell me about Khlysty and Mondblut. The man who manipulated Grigori Rasputin himself.
* * *
Jagreen Lern received Mondblut’s invitation, and met him in a small secluded village of Chigizmuk. He knew this place well, for his group visited it several times during past few months. People of Trollhome are easily convinced to reject the faith in Bu-Ti and the rule of T’ien Ch’i, and the villagers of Chigizmuk were no exception. No wonder they provided shelter for Khlysty. One of the families abandoned their own house, so that Fivefold Angels could live there whenever they want.
What a nice place. Such a warm welcome. I see you can still be convincing, Jagreen.
I am sure Chigizmuk will become the next Gorevo in time. It is good to see you, Mondblut.
Likewise. Does the rest of Trollhome support our cause like that?
People here don’t believe in Bu-Ti anymore, and most of them refuse to pay taxes and tributes to barbarians. They wait for Bogarus to come and liberate this land, believing that the Tsardom will take good care of the population. When should we expect the voisko?
Janvar will lead his men here as soon as the time comes. Meanwhile, you and I will split up, take several Khlysts with us, and visit all Trollhome villages once again. I think that these people need some more… convincing.
It is always a pleasure to enlighten other people. Speaking of which, several fully enlightened young women followed me here from Rimtooth Pass. Their families died during series of unfortunate events, and now they barely ever speak because of such traumatic experience. But their smiles speak for themselves – the girls will be happy to accompany our righteous groups.
Virgins, I presume? Then it is my duty to take good care of them, and make sure their blood remains pure. By any means necessary.
Both Angels smiled understandingly.
Let us discuss the recent events, shall we? Starting from this letter you’ve sent me before.
Ah, yes. The secret gathering a few months ago.
How did you end up in this group anyway? And why? You never mentioned it before. A fact that makes me wonder…
You know me, Mondblut. People tend to trust me a lot of different things, and I have one irresistible weakness.
Jagreen’s eyes sparkled for a moment.
Curiosity. So I joined this group some time ago, providing some minor services every now and then. Mostly helping Katrina with her spying network.
Your Khlysts report to the Royal Spy now?
They report to me. And after that, I pass selective information to the Royal Spy.
I would prefer to have a report about that earlier.
There are many things I don't tell you, Mondblut. But rest assured, my every decision is ultimately aimed for the benefit of Khlysty. You, of all people, should trust me more. After all, both of us are Fivefold Angels.
You said that this man, Caul Shivers, was supposed to set a trap for Bathory?
Yes, an interesting case indeed. He was tasked this mission by the conspirators, and surely had enough skill to pull it out successfully, but he never intended to.
Are you sure?
Of course. I could see it in his eyes, smell in his blood and hear in the echo of his thoughts. You know that I am never wrong about people.
What are his motives then?
It could probably be simple cowardness, but my instincts tell me there is more to it. The man himself smells very… foreign.
Keep an eye on him for me. What we have here is extremely powerful information that opens a lot of opportunities. A plot against the Tsardom itself, with so many influential and high-standing people leading it. But this knowledge is worthless without proof. I simply cannot use it in any way. Do you think you can acquire some evidence for me?
1. Ask Iyul Chetverti to betray the group and witness against it when the time comes. He doesn’t risk anything quitting it like that, because he is too valuable for the Tsardom to be executed for nothing. And you have this feeling that Iyul Chetverti might want to quit the group anyway.
1. Agree to witness against the group and wait for further notice. Fuck vassalage, Bogarus can survive on its own. Maybe.
2. Go with this information to your dear friend Katrina and finally get rid of Jagreen Lern. He creeps you out.
2. Blackmail Caul Shivers. Let him know that you will expose his treachery to the group, and who knows what will happen next? Promise him a safe place among the ranks of Khlysty if he joins you. All he has to do is witness against the group when the time comes. And remove the fruits of sin, of course.
1. Agree to witness against the group and wait for further notice. Also, cut your balls and find a fashionable whip for future usage.
2. Don’t answer anything, and stay away from the Tsardom for a while. Just hide in foreign territory, without sending reports or exposing yourself in any other way. Wait for the situation to resolve itself.
3. Send a message with explanations to Katrina. (write an actual message, with reasons about your actions – be it cowardness or smth else, or maybe outright lie that you’ve tried but failed, etc). Tell her that Jagreen Lern has to be dealt with. (choosing this option might lead to different consequences, depending on your message)
3. Send an anonymous letter to Azira for publishing in the newsflesh. This could be a dangerous step, for you cannot provide the names and too much details of this group of conspirators. If you do, he will just pass this information to the authorities; the members of the group will be arrested and most likely executed. Along with you. On the other hand, if you write something too vague and uninteresting, this information will never be published. The goal is to give just barely enough hints for the material to be interesting, but not enough to expose the members of the group. This will grant you and Mondblut an opportunity to manipulate the group, threatening to expose them in case they won’t obey. Or maybe use this to sell the rest of the details to a third party. It depends on how it goes. (write an actual message if you chose this option. Can lead to different consequences if published).
4. Wait for a better opportunity. Maybe when they start correspondence with some other nation, or gather another meeting. No need to take risks right now.
5. SUDDENLY betray Mondblut and expose this group to Rasputin or Azira, in exchange for your own safety. Offer your services to Elizabeth Bathory.
It is time we discuss the main topic. I suppose you heard the news from the capital already.
My friends are very informative when it comes to the news. Poor Alexej.
Now I regret I didn’t end his misery myself when I had the chance. What a pleasant surprise would it be for Elizabeth. I could become the new Patriarch right now, instead of wasting my breath converting Trollhome peasants.
Do you think she considers us her enemies? You have allied with Alexander Nevsky, after all.
Only to aid our poor Tsardom in its struggle against the barbarians. Surely she understands.
Somehow, I doubt it will be easy to convince her about your altruistic intentions.
We have nothing to worry about right now. I contribute to this war effort, and it’s not like she has several armies to choose from.
True. Yet we must think about the future.
mondblut, share your thoughts with Jagreen Lern. Just thoughts, no actual decisions. Yet.
1. Khlysty should stick with Alexander Nevsky for now. He owes you, and he needs your aid. It is quite possible that he will overtake the Tron in the end, after the barbarian problem is dealt with. This will make you the Patriarch. But even if not, he can repay you in other ways.
2. Maybe it will be better to switch sides, if the situation becomes dire. It is unlikely that Elizabeth Bathory thinks of you as an enemy, and you would rather prefer to join her side than to confront such a being.
3. Actually, why not give that group of dirty plotters a chance? There is nothing wrong in Bogarus accepting vassalage. Besides, you can milk some profits from them while they try to be discreet. When the right time comes, Jagreen Lern will make sure that you will become the Patriarch.
* * *
Several new Edicts were issued by the Keeper of the Seal this month:
with all your choices. Also, updated op-post with factions.
)
I'm starting to get worried...
