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E: in this CYOA you'll serve as a henchman for a powerful antagonist and have the chance to become a powerful villain in your own right, as a thread you'll guide a character to incredible riches and power by using various skills and doing important jobs, and eventually  hunt down some hopefully unsuspecting heroes from gbs, if you can catch up to them without getting killed or dealt with first. Normally you can pick your actions based on the lettered choices, but can write in for most situations and can vote to do other stuff that's not directly related to the situation at hand if you can get support from other players. Combat related situations will usually be like 1 or 2 votes on strategy, not really in depth fite sims. Your skills can synergize with each other and work in all situations if they make sense, for example someone who is intimidating and skilled with a club could rough up some informants, or an uncanny sorcerer could summon vermin to really freak people out instead of just sending them to bite. Currently the thread picked Eluned as your overlord, a noble matron of the North Kingdom. She's got her fingers in a lot of pies, is rich, and tends to micromanage and get quick to anger.  You're playing as Zlata her favorite niece and a young dragonfolk noblewoman. 
The prologue is over and the real thread starts here! Part 2 is here. ------- Origional OP: Day 0, Hall of the Overlord  Whelp you got called in. Either it's time to get bitched out, or you're going to be offered a promotion. Maybe capriciously executed. No use putting it off. You psych yourself up and open the door out of the waiting room and see your master: Choose your Overlord: Anka, Lord of Kegslamnr  The impatient prick has no tolerance for "irrelevant details," and only wants results. Still you have become fairly well off in his administration with several titles to your name. He wants worldly power, land, rulership. You also may have already obtained your own fiefs and vassals. Possible character pics if Anka is your overlord: Bairnhold Bonecrusher, human guard captain Inquisitrix Von, the elf battlemage Grivling Wormblood some kind of necromancer. Eluned, Dragonfolk Matron She's cunning and quick to anger, bit of a micromanager, but as one of nobility she's been able to set up a kind of shadow state hidden away from the watchful eye of Victor, the Northern King. She's incredibly rich, and you know she (and you) will be richer yet. Hanging out with criminals and conning marks is a small price to pay. Possible guys: "My dumbass niece Zlata" Howard the human spellsword Clara the ratfolk healer Ondreadan, Prince of Fear .jpg) From his unholy hall beneath the earth, he plots for true arcane power, power beyond the comprehension of the senseless masses. Unlike them, you have no such lack of vision. This is well, because failure would mean your destruction! There's only 3 henchmen altogether here! Plenty of skulls tho. Possible guys: Tamag, orc barbarian Ukma, human shaman Erlik, human summoner ------- This is a CYOA where you have a chance to get incredible riches and power: simply execute the will of your lord without fail! Rob innocent peasants! Try to summon a demon, whatever! Pick a boss, and you'll get your orders. Then you will be able to pick your character, grab some skills and gear, and get out there. Also, this is an adversarial thread. There's a GBS thread with a few player characters, no matter who you pick one of your orders will be to find and kill them. The rest is up to whatever your boss wants. Try not to let on to those guys that there's anyone hunting them, and if you try to cheat by reading their actions there may be a few curveballs. The timeframes of the two threads will not match up exactly unless you guys are able to catch up with them -- they have a head start.
SniperWoreConverse fucked around with this message at 09:24 on Mar 1, 2020 |
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Sep 15, 2019 05:18
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, to deploy smokescreen or dope people up
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B
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Sep 15, 2019 05:25
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3. Would prefer potential necromancer option, but #3 seems a more credible boss. Might even get that 'those tiny irrelevant details' can actually be important now and then.
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Sep 15, 2019 05:30
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2: Eluned, Dragonfolk Matron
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Sep 15, 2019 05:32
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Anka has people to handle details for him. As in he employs a large number of scribes and clerks and officials to keep the wheels turning. He's a big picture, executive summary kind of guy.
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Sep 15, 2019 05:34
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I like Anka for a guy who gets poo poo done competently but Eluned's just too novel to pass up.
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Sep 15, 2019 05:35
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B
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Sep 15, 2019 05:41
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Eluned. The death knight is tempting, but also way more deadly. Dragonfolk micromanager is much more interesting!
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Sep 15, 2019 06:12
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2
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Sep 15, 2019 06:22
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While Anka would be the one to give the most freedom to accomplish things on your terms -- as long as you're successful -- Eluned is going to be much more involved. Could be good if she gets where you're coming from, or bad if she doesn't. Ondreadan is different. Pretty hands on and regularly goes out and does poo poo personally. Yes, you have seen him kill his own followers, but... he's got a plan. Besides it's been almost a year since anyone was crucified.
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Sep 15, 2019 06:26
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Voting 1
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Sep 15, 2019 09:28
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Fun choices. B Eluned because the character seems intriguing and there's some versatility in the minions.
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Sep 15, 2019 10:23
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B
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Sep 15, 2019 15:01
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B. Maybe this Dragon Lady won't try to gently caress up our brain microchips.
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Sep 15, 2019 15:15
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1 - we’re gonna need a long leash
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Sep 15, 2019 15:56
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2. The dumbass niece would be the most fitting character. But it'd also be interesting to figure out how to be an evil minion with healing powers.
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Sep 15, 2019 16:36
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1
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Sep 15, 2019 16:48
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1
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Sep 15, 2019 18:51
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Anka rallied some, but Eluned still has like twice the votes so even if I waited longer I think she would win. Anka issues his orders and then summons his carriage to personally inspect his new road -- and the demon trapped in the area. He knows Von lied at least a little about her instrumentality in its capture, but doesn't care, it was just bragging. Briefly he wonders if Givling is literally some barrel of worm's blood poured into a robe. He considers it very likely -- the psychopath certainly has done something new to himself. In the subterranean basin, a pool of molten gold spontaneously forms, enough to buy a kingdom, more, hundreds, thousands of pounds. It begins to swirl and takes a shape like a person and cools to reveal the Prince of Fear. He whispers to his acolytes. That night they will ride across the steppe, each to a different direction. Perhaps they believe Ondreadan has already surpassed life and death. Perhaps he has. Perhaps they all have. ----------  *WHAM* "Impudent -- *SMASH* son of a -- *SHATTER* motherless -- *BLAM goat!" Auntie Ell, who no one would call her to her face except for her actual niece, is far more angry than normal. She's systematically and spectacularly destroying a priceless tea set and doesn't even notice her trusted servants enter. Howard coughs politely. Turning around, she begins to speak, but when she sees Zlata she stops, clamps her mouth shut, and closes her eyes. She drops the last teacup to the floor where it busts into infinite pieces. Through closed teeth she hisses: "What. Darling. Do. You think. You are wearing?" --------- Time to pick your hench: Zlata, dumbass niece  Last promotion was for: Being the best, most favorite niece! Why you work for Eluned: Honestly, because you really do owe her. She has given you everything and more, indulged you ridiculously, but it just seems like everything you do to get a real career falls flat. You've gotten a lot of experience on the way at least Guranteed skills: Strong & Tough Dragon Breath Perceptive Noble Scion If Zlata wins you can also pick from a wide variety of skills including some rare nobility ones --------- Howard, spellsword  Last promotion was for: Aunt Ell forgot some worthless trinkets at a party. In a secure, locked safe. You were able to retrieve them without the bother or indignity of Eluned having to ask for them back. Why you work for Eluned: Certain positions in His Majesty's government require certain skills. If you're jockeyed out of position and the job offer is withdrawn, these skills will not exactly be useful as a shopkeep or farmer. Guranteed skills: Alteration Spells Stealthy Security Skills Intimidation If Howard wins you can also pick from specific stronger spells or skills from his training or early work with Eluned. --------- Clara, healer  Last promotion was for: While it was tragic that you had absolutely no useful information about what caused the fire in Lord Pom's lumberyard, your medical skills were critical in saving the workers and your actions commendable. In a fortunate coincidence Eluned was already positioned with a large stock of imported lumber! Why you work for Eluned: You know how expensive magical training is? You know how expensive medical school is? You know how expensive BOTH are? Auntie Ell pays the bills now. Guranteed skills: Wide variety of simple magic spells Medical Knowledge Clairvoyance Persuasion If Clara wins you can pick skills with a more magic bent or your minor from med school, but also things you learned early on with this job. --------- Zlata is currently trying to explain something from an old book while Eluned makes a low rumbling noise. She still hasn't opened her eyes or mouth but the mammals in the room cover their faces, just in case she stops huffing and puffing and does the breath thing. If you have any questions about skills or whatever, shoot.
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Sep 15, 2019 22:15
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Howard
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Sep 15, 2019 22:18
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A
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Sep 15, 2019 22:32
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I love Zlata already. If she's the beloved bumbling henchman, she needs to be inserted into the heroes' questline as early as possible for maximum party familiarity. A. Zlata
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Sep 15, 2019 22:38
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A
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Sep 16, 2019 00:08
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B
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Sep 16, 2019 00:34
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B. Magic, swordplay and more than a hint of roguery? Discretion and allusion? Sold!
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Sep 16, 2019 00:43
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A Nepotism!
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Sep 16, 2019 02:14
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B
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Sep 16, 2019 02:46
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B. A life of swords and sorcery for us!
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Sep 16, 2019 02:59
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Poor Clara, no one respects an education these days.
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Sep 16, 2019 03:07
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Another way to compare the three would be to make them fight. Eluned would never throw away assets like that but has considered it as a thought experiment. In real knock down, drag out combat Zlata would easily kill the other two, even if they were teamed against her. She'd be smart enough to try and force this scenario. Howard would need to try and debilitate or gain the element of surprise. Clara could potentially out endure the others while zapping them. She's a tricky one sometimes.
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Sep 16, 2019 03:17
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A. Zlata's the most interesting character here, Clara isn't bad either but I think everyone who likes Clara likes Zlata even more.
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Sep 16, 2019 06:44
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C, Clara. Being the favored niece is great and all, but I enjoy the "insurance swindling" vibe of a healer that rescues people from the accidents she causes that end up profiting the crazed Salamander lady.
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Sep 16, 2019 06:53
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Another good thing about Clara is of course she still has connections in and is a bonded practicing member of the Academy of Chirurgeons, so has access to certain kinds of restricted materials and technical information. She's the only hench who's part of a guild. One who absolutely cannot have suspicious or non-credible members. So Clara is obviously credible. While not noble, she's part of a highly respected professional class. E: there will be people who hate Zlata for her nobility, or Howard for being a commoner, but Clara will probably not have to worry about either. Who hates a doctor? Not like she's a lawyer. Of course Eluned is not stupid enough to shove her guys into situations they couldn't have a hope of resolving. There will almost always be a way to succeed unless poo poo starts hitting the fan, no matter who ultimately gets picked. SniperWoreConverse fucked around with this message at 07:38 on Sep 16, 2019 |
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Sep 16, 2019 07:31
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Zlata.. Let's get our Harkonen on.
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Sep 16, 2019 12:34
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Well, you don't know what catastrophe made her apoplectic this time, but there's no way you're going to talk through this one. Maybe if she has started off calm... but you'll need to scrap this style. Now that she hates it it's over. She's so mad you can taste the air becoming poisonous. You set down These Are Our Ancient Traditions, and stride over to the huge windows of your aunt's office, cast aside the drapes, and throw them open.  Bad omen. The cursed mountain, Dur, at times appears magically near or far, but you've never seen it seem this close before. There will be deaths. Normally it's far on the horizon or doesn't show itself to the city. It's a month or more away. "Ah, morning. Some fresh air. Auntie, what was it you needed again?" "Yes. Yes." She takes a breath and calms herself. Cupping your face in her hands, she begins to ask questions. "Zlata, do you remember that time you joined wizard school, went two days, and then dropped out without officially canceling and I graciously paid your tuition?" Auntie, I'm -- "And do you remember the time you decided you wanted to be an arena fighter, of all things, and I paid for your very expensive armors?" Yes, and -- "And do you remember all those poetry classes, and archery classes, and equestrian sports, and that ridiculous guru, and a certain gathering involving your friends and my rare wine collection? And how I generously took care of all those things, for you, my favorite niece?" "...Yes, Auntie Ell, I do remember all of those things." "Well, something serious has happened, and I need you to take care of a few things for me. And the first thing will be that you'll remember it's not Ancestors' Day and you'll need to set aside this ludicrous 'tribal herbalist' getup, because now is not the time to get in touch with your roots." Howard is barely unable to stifle a laugh, but if anything Eluned seems pleased. "Good to see that even such a sober and reserved man as yourself can at least enjoy a pun now and again. Please go to the aviary and dispatch a messenger pigeon to our import house. I'll need a new tea set." With a nod he leaves. "Zlata, this is what you must do: First, clean yourself up and change into something appropriate. Then, meet with our legal retainer, who will give you every detail of a particularly serious legal case we have become involved in. After you do this, you will confirm the facts and completely and thoroughly obtain every scrap of information about these people. And then you will report to me. And you will do all this quickly because this afternoon you're leaving the capital to go find out why they haven't delivered my drat tea set yet!!" "Clara, how would you like to take a scenic, rustic vacation?" "Oh god, ma'am, please--" "No, no, dear, this will be nothing like last time, I promise. And perhaps five weeks at most." "Five weeks!?" "Even then mostly travel! Now, you recall our mine..." You head to your chambers and sigh. As you begin washing off the traditional inks, you consider what you'll need to pull off this job. Time to pick skills: What you pick now will be locked in for the rest of the game, maybe you can get more. You'll be considered competent in the skill's use and have a quality item related to it. Eluned will be fine with whatever you use, even something gouache like wearing armor in the city is much better than what you tried to pull earlier, from your Aunt's point of view. First, what breath attack does Zlata have? Poison runs in the family but it could be almost anything. For example certain very gallant officer blinded a giant vampire bat recently, because he can exhale rays of light.
As usual any questions or anything, shoot. And this was a pretty close one. If you guys decide you don't like playing as her and vote to switch to someone else I'll allow it.
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Sep 16, 2019 14:47
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Breath: Neurotoxin B C E F J I M Toughy fucked around with this message at 00:07 on Sep 17, 2019 |
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Sep 16, 2019 15:02
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Breath attack: Neurotoxin
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Sep 16, 2019 15:12
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Breath Attack Marijuana gas. Incapacitate people by making them high / sleepy, and build up a cult of people who are literally addicted to our breath. Skills [*]Medium armor: used mostly by warlords, soldiers, some clerics. Ring, scale, chain, it's not considered particularly high class here. [*]Sword: Unlike Howard's, yours is a true noblewoman's weapon. The penalties for commoners using this type are severe. And you're an excellent duelist. [*]Martial Arts: After studying with a mystic, you've learned to do things that seem nearly supernatural to the uninitiated. Most of the time they even work. [*]Horsewoman: Another thing well respected by everyone throughout the kingdom is to be a skilled rider. You are skilled and have your own lovely roan. [*]Goon Squad: you've drawn together a mix of junior family members and hangers-on, and already have your own retinue. They're not exactly the best of the best, but they're loyal. [*]Criminal Connections: you know how to interact with seedier elements from previous work with Eluned. You can call upon favors in any city or town in the region, up to a point. [*]Well Read: You've read huge amounts of books on every variety of subject, and do actually know a little about almost anything, if not expert knowledge.
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Sep 16, 2019 15:39
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Breath: +1 to JosephWongKS's choice A F G H I K N
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Sep 16, 2019 18:17
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Breath: Charming breath. Makes people friendly and willing to help us. Minty fresh! B E H J K L M
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Sep 16, 2019 18:34
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