"The meeting should be taking place at some point in the next few days. As for the people, I have some data slates, yes." He nods, having a servant bring them over. Reading through them, she gets some idea of who she's dealing with.
As Eanne suspected, the Duke is married, with several daughters. The language the dataslate uses to describe the man is neutral and non-judgemental, but his record speaks for itself. Born into the family of a mere planetary baron, Chernobog ruthlessly rose up through the ranks of the nobility, gaining money and power along the way. Undeniably talented, he's also entirely without scruples or beliefs. Even Eanne's brief read through about the man shows that he's been part of at least a dozen political factions, all of them diametrically opposed ideologically. It isn't hard to get the sense that Chernobog is the kind of man primarily driven by personal profit.
Aurelios seems, to Eanne's eyes, a strange pick to negotiate a trade deal. The man got his start as a common sailor aboard one of the grade Guild trade ships, and made his way up to the rank of captain, and then company owner, through his skill and willingness to do jobs so dangerous that no one else would even consider them. Boldness, however, is where his strengths lie, according to his record. Most of his wealth comes from risk, going to unexplored corners of the galaxy to find incredibly rare trade goods, and occasionally from plundering other ships. Where his record shows him performing common mercantile tasks such as trade negotiations and contract disputes, they're not his strength, especially since Eanne knows that the Trading Guild has economic geniuses who could be better placed for such actions.
A child of one of the Terran Empire's powerful noble families, Lysandra was sent to join the church at a young age due to an abundance of children in her family, and quickly gained entry into the priesthood upon becoming an adult, due to her family connections, as well as an innate charisma. Gaining a reputation for being easy to work with, and with record church attendance rates, her selection as a bishop was practically inevitable. Her record indicates that she has a record of being a peacemaker, not taking sides in the constant factionalism of the Holy Mother Church, and often mediating disputes, trusted because of her nonpartisan history. It isn't a stretch to imagine that if the church is sending someone like this, instead of a hardliner, they're willing to compromise and deal, at least to some extent.
Isabella's record is not as complete as the others, given the Research Institute's tendency towards secrecy, but she's known as an inventor of some renown. It's hard to guess why she was picked, but Eanne thinks it may be to show off her inventions as an example of why the Institute is valuable.
“Hmm, I see...” Eanne nodded to herself as she read and reread the information, giving the young Emperor time to speak to the other people there. When he got back to her she shared some of her thoughts. “Bishop Lysandra seems like she might be reasonable and willing to negotiate – she might turn out to be the easiest to deal with.” She's pretty. Under different circumstances I would have tried seducing her... “Baron Chernobog seems like he will support anything you suggest, as long as you can convince him that it will benefit him more than the other options. Do you know anything more about his family, his daughters in particular?” I wonder if any of them have any influence over him, or if he views them as nothing but tools to gain more profit? “I'm not sure what to make of the other two, however. Professor Isabella might be here to show off some of her inventions as proof that the Institute is valuable and should receive more resources for the advancement of science. Or there could be another reason she was sent that I can't guess.” I doubt it is just to show off her impressive bust... “Merchant Aurelios is the most confusing one. The Trading Guild is sure to have better negotiators available, so what could they be thinking sending him? Some sort of message? Some bold plan that I can't guess?” Something feels off here... hopefully I am just worrying too much... “Do you know if Aurelios has a family, or any close friends or associates? People who might have some idea why he was sent instead of someone better at negotiating?”
Not bothered by the sight of death, Vizelle follows Valleus outside. And seeing Jeryn, she motions for him to join his fellow disciples, sending a telepathic message to report later. Just as the inquisitor once again starts their own telepathic chat. Interesting. And here I was hoping to read it first. Well, we'll just have to see who gets to it first. Or did you have something else in mind? After all, why else would you bother to tell me. She grins as they chat directly to each other's minds, while they make their way to their vessel.
After some walking, Vizelle is led to a private starpad, where a sleek black vessel has been stored.
As they begin walking towards it, she feels Valleus respond. I have no interest in coming into conflict with a sorceress of your caliber. I believe we can come to some arrangement wherein you get what you seek. At the moment, though, I'm not quite sure what you have that I could want in return.
“Hmm, I see...” Eanne nodded to herself as she read and reread the information, giving the young Emperor time to speak to the other people there. When he got back to her she shared some of her thoughts. “Bishop Lysandra seems like she might be reasonable and willing to negotiate – she might turn out to be the easiest to deal with.” She's pretty. Under different circumstances I would have tried seducing her... “Baron Chernobog seems like he will support anything you suggest, as long as you can convince him that it will benefit him more than the other options. Do you know anything more about his family, his daughters in particular?” I wonder if any of them have any influence over him, or if he views them as nothing but tools to gain more profit? “I'm not sure what to make of the other two, however. Professor Isabella might be here to show off some of her inventions as proof that the Institute is valuable and should receive more resources for the advancement of science. Or there could be another reason she was sent that I can't guess.” I doubt it is just to show off her impressive bust... “Merchant Aurelios is the most confusing one. The Trading Guild is sure to have better negotiators available, so what could they be thinking sending him? Some sort of message? Some bold plan that I can't guess?” Something feels off here... hopefully I am just worrying too much... “Do you know if Aurelios has a family, or any close friends or associates? People who might have some idea why he was sent instead of someone better at negotiating?”
"I don't have the information on me, no." The emperor shakes his head. "I should be able to get you some data on the Duke's family without difficulty, they're public figures after all. As for Aurelios, he's unknown to me. You might be able to find some information from the crew of his ship, if I had to wager a guess. They're stuck in port until the negotiations conclude. Perhaps one might be bored enough to talk?" He shrugs.
As Eanne reads her data slates, Emperor Carius comes to sit with Elena. "Yes, a good idea. From what I understand, she was an important source of information for my father. Since his death though, she hasn't been reporting in at all. She's still active, managing her brothels, I'm told, but she hasn't made contact with any of our agents at the allotted times." Elena detects a hint of a blush as the young man mentions brothels. "I'll have a data slate brought to you." He signals a servant, who brings Elena one of the rectangular panels.
As the emperor said, Madame Dubernay was a key spy for Agamemnon II. Her origins are entirely shrouded in mystery, with some claiming that she originated as a common street prostitute, some claiming she's the heiress to a disgraced noble family, some saying she's secretly an alien, etc. Despite having been on the scene for years, she hasn't seemed to visibly age a day, though whether this is due to biomancy, technology, genetics or some sort of alien power is entirely up to speculation. What is known is that for the past five decades, Dubernay has served as Constantinopolis Secondus' 'queen of the night', owner of the most exclusive brothels and clubs on the planet, and has expanded her business to other planets as well. Her businesses give her access to massive amounts of information, and she's established herself as a dealer in that information, setting up networks in most major factions, and the other two human empires.
"I see." Elena read through the data. "I shall bring the woman into your fold, Emperor." She smiled warmly. "That, or should she be impossible to work for you, I shall neutralize her." She finished.
After some walking, Vizelle is led to a private starpad, where a sleek black vessel has been stored.
As they begin walking towards it, she feels Valleus respond. I have no interest in coming into conflict with a sorceress of your caliber. I believe we can come to some arrangement wherein you get what you seek. At the moment, though, I'm not quite sure what you have that I could want in return.
"Wonderful." Vizelle cooed as she saw the ship, and as they walked toward it. She couldn't help but giggle as she "heard" Valleus' reply. Fufu, a favor then? Or something more... intimate? She replied, sending an additional "image" of her bound, helpless, completely at his mercy as he fucks her senseless.
Vivian's robotic servant skitters away into the streets of the capital, loaded with her response to the offer. As Vivian crosses the canal separating the palace from the city, heading out to see and smell what the massive ecumenopolis has to offer, she passes by a group of drunk naval officers when she sees the servitor return, broadcasting a hologram. Vivian sees the form of Casca projected in front of her, the elf explorer even more technologically augmented than the last time Vivian was with her.
"Long time, no see, Viv. You're just in time, we were about to leave without you. We've found a pre-imperial site out on the fringes of human space, and it seems to be untouched. I'll tell you more when you get here. Come down to the spaceport. You'll know where we are. We're taking the Borealis." Vivian's familiar with the ship, part of the Institute's exploration fleet, a good mix between speed and firepower, and with ample research facilities and tech storage vaults. "Feel free to bring your power armour boys, as well." Casca's image dissipates.
As she had the thought to herself, she wondered about the expedition. A pre-imperial site...that might be something. If it was in any good condition, maybe there was at least something of cultural value left behind by some civilization. Not completely useless. The implication of bringing a whole squadron of Taurus Armors seemed like a little much. What were they expecting? Clearly, they were expecting the facility to be defended, from either local wildlife taking it over, rival empires, tribals or possibly....weapon defense systems still operational. Which...would be something. If they could still be functional after this much time and assumed damage without any maintenance or upkeep...that might equate to worthwhile findings.
Getting a little excited of her theories of what kind of treasures could be available, she had to take a detour first. First, to issue the order for about a third of the Taurus units to be dispatched....she didn't know how much firepower she'd actually need, and for now, the other two thirds would be better spent on alert in case of any attempts to break in or hostile plays against the Institute. She made the stop first, to retrieve her own armor.
Sleek, black and...it's been commented on by soldiers that it looks a little too form fitting, but that's just a byproduct of it's use. There was several distinctions behind Gemini Armor and Taurus that people wouldn't get. The interaction was more than just mechanical parts than people assumed. The energy and it's interaction with the body was designed to be more favorable to the wearer and condition the body better to use it. With Vivian's species that left their bluish skin with a slightly translucent glow and a tingling sensation across her nerves. It was odd. Definitely. Each little movement slightly tickled a little bit. While she wore a skintight bodysuit underneath to prevent too much friction against the metal it didn't really do much to prevent the warmth that built. Which shouldn't happen anyway. The heat causing a slight bit of sweat to run down her thighs as she adjusted the armor, letting her body and breasts breath while retrofitting the chest piece was a complicated mess. As better as the Gemini line was, it kind of was double-edged to the reason they were far from mass produced. The Terrans still didn't have the technology to catch up to what she actually needed to maintain it properly after all. The coolant and overheating problem didn't normal get in the way, but she weighed the pros and cons of having to test it's limits in any drawn out engagements before her suit would just end up more dangerous to the user than the enemy. But, regardless, the odds off her surviving a laser blast from any turrets while unarmored were rather low, so she'd have to work with what she had.
Finishing her adjustments, securing the body piece in place, she was ready to move in as she accessed the comm link to let the ship know she and her party would be arriving to board soon.
"I don't have the information on me, no." The emperor shakes his head. "I should be able to get you some data on the Duke's family without difficulty, they're public figures after all. As for Aurelios, he's unknown to me. You might be able to find some information from the crew of his ship, if I had to wager a guess. They're stuck in port until the negotiations conclude. Perhaps one might be bored enough to talk?" He shrugs.
“His crew? Yes, that might work...” Eanne nodded in agreement, already thinking about how she could approach a member of Aurelios' crew. “Well, that's all the questions that come to my mind right now. If there's nothing else I will take the rest of the day off, get a bit more familiar with the city, and wait for you to send me the information about the Duke's daughters.” She smiled at the young Emperor, waiting to be dismissed if there was nothing else.
Hersillia sees that her message is from one of her supporters, stating that one of Carius' uncles is trying to move against her and get her removed from the council. The man isn't particularly powerful, but he keeps bringing the idea up to various nobles. Hersillia's contact suggests:
- Assassinating the uncle
- Discrediting the uncle
- Blackmailing the uncle
- Persuading the uncle
- Doing nothing and not even dignifying the man's efforts with a response
or
- Write in
Do nothing save for continuing to observe for now, is the message she sends back, but pay particular attention to which nobles he approaches and the arguments he makes to them. I would like to know what he thinks of me out of my presence, and who he believes may be receptive to those thoughts, before I hear what he thinks of me in person.
Otherwise, she has remained quiet for the meeting, letting Carius handle the rest of the meeting and seeing how much this girl understood the politics of taxes.
"I've heard something here and there about your accomplishments, Lady Vizelle." The Emperor nods. "I'm glad to have a sorcerer of your calibre here.
Carius chuckles at Vivian's words."I'm sure I will. I'll make sure you have what you need to make your experiments go better."
Carius nods, looking a little less chipper as he sees Eanne. "The same goes to you, my lady." He inclines his head slightly. "I researched your family, back when I was training to become a scholar, and know about the way my predecessors treated yours. I intend to end that chapter of our history, and start a better one for us both."
"Thank you, ma'am." He nods. "I look forward to hearing your advice."
Having known her for most of his life, Carius doesn't particularly need an introduction with the dowager, and so he just gives her a smile.
Carius looks at Yannika with appreciation for her beauty, and a sense of genuine kindness in response to her own cheery demeanor, but there's no sign of recognition in his eyes. Clearly, he has no idea of who she really is.
The young emperor tries not to stare at the chests of his councilors, but he's still a hormonal young man, and each woman there sees him looking, if only for a moment. "I'm glad to meet all of you. I'm sure that working together will be a fantastic." He smiles. "Well, I suppose we should get to business. This is the state of the Terran Empire as we know it today." He presses a button, and a galactic map appears, cast in one of the rare devices known in human space as 'holograms', with the Terran Empire's borders marked and data streams rising and falling off to the side.
Terran Empire - Statistics:
Inhabited Planets: 752 Population: Unknown, somewhere between a few hundred billion and a trillion people. National Morale: Low Imperial Economy: Stable, but poor. Government Treasury: Low Emperor's Popularity: Mediocre Army Size: Middling Army Loyalty: Low Navy Size: Middling Navy Loyalty: Low
Carius lets his council get used to the state of the Empire, before continuing to lay out some crises that the councilors can help with:
The bread and butter of the game, missions are how your character gains power and influence. Mission success is based upon dice rolls. Unless stated otherwise, multiple players can undertake the same mission. Some missions are also competitive, for example campaigning for a particular office, in which case the player with the higher dice roll wins. How exactly you deal with a mission is up to you, and you can accomplish them with diplomacy, sorcery, military strength etc, whatever you think is best.
Soon, there will also be intrigue and personal missions to undertake, as well.
Missions (Pick one):
- The Invasion of Ietra: The Eternal Empire to the galactic north of the Terrans is a truly massive, Kafkaesque blob of systems. It's imperial family is no different, with thousands of squabbling minor princes, all with titles but few with actual power. One of these princes has seemingly had enough of being a nobody, and has launched a campaign to conquer the 6 inhabited planets of the Ietra system, part of the Terran Empire, for himself, seeing Carius as too weak to defend his territory. The Terran armies and fleets in the region fight against the invaders, but are being battered and request additional help
- The Gates of the Warp: Seeing the previous emperor's death as an opportunity, a demon worshiping cult has opened a gate to the warp on an important agri world, threatening to overwhelm the region in a demon invasion. The Inquisition requests aid in closing the gates.
- The Twins: Formerly of the Order of Sorcerers, two mage siblings, one male and one female, have gone rogue and conquered a small planet on the galactic rim. The planet itself is a minor loss, being strategically unimportant, but there have been rumors that they have found some sort of ancient book describing powerful rituals.
- Corruption on Constantinopolis: The recent murder of a government figure in the capital has exposed the existence of a government corruption ring. One or more high powered officials have been embezzling large sums of money, and they're clearly willing to kill to evade justice. These criminals must be exposed and brought to justice.
- White Noise: Explorers from the Research Institute recently reported the discovery of a previously undiscovered planet. The planet is an enigma, scan after scan revealing that it has well maintained infrastructure and manufacturing centers, enough to support a population of billions. The scans, however, show no sign of a single living person on the planet. Soon after sending their report, the explorers went missing without a trace. This has alarmed many, but the planet is simply too valuable to just ignore. The Research Institute has asked for aid in sending a larger expedition to the planet.
- Death and Taxes: The Empire's financial system is currently a mess. It's not the most exciting job, but helping the emperor set the new tax rate could be very useful to the Empire.
- The Mutiny of Haephestus: One of the largest and most productive planets in the Terran Empire, Haephestus has declared itself to be an autonomous and independent republic. No violence has occurred as of yet, but each passing moment brings the rebels and the Empire closer towards a clash. The rebellion must be persuaded to lay down their arms, or crushed, before their treacherous beliefs can spread to other systems.
- Heresy on Lave V: On a well populated world, not far from Terra, the population have cut all ties with the Holy Mother Church, and declared their leader, a mage and former priestess of the church, to be the avatar of the love godess. The new government has pledged its allegiance to the Terran Empire, and claims to want to simply go about its new religion in peace, though they've already sent missionaries to other systems to try and convert them. The church, has requested aid in either convincing the heretics to abandon their false beliefs, or purging them.
- Madame Dubernay's Parlor: To most, Madame Dubernay is the stunningly beautiful owner of many of the capital's most luxurious brothels. Behind the scenes, though, she's a renowned spymaster, and was a massive asset to the last emperor. It's unclear, however, where her loyalties lie now. Gaining her loyalty would be a massive boon for the new emperor.
-The Automatons: In the fringes of galactic space, an army has begun to attack human space, an army made up not of humans, or even of aliens, but of a group of ancient and powerful AI. The military and the Research Institute could use assistance in dealing with this threat.
- Stay Quiet for now: It might be beneficial to not take any mission for now, and merely focus on familiarising yourself with the Imperial Court, it's people and its pleasures.
Yannika waited patiently as the other women inquired about the various tasks. She pondered the quests placed before her too, but her eyes and thoughts were constantly drawn to the young emperor. He was engaged and intelligent and that brought a smile, tinged with sadness, to her face. She was pleased that the other women seemed genuinely interested in helping their liege, but she was left wondering as to their motives. Some of the others departed and she endeavored to focus on the possible assignments.
She had no military knowledge and doubted that she would be of much help in the Invasion of Ietra. But if her family was attending court, and were willing to speak with her, she could conceivably ask them for help. But if she had currency with them she didn't want to spend it yet. The Gates of the Warp seemed dire and as a woman of faith expelling a demonic invasion seemed perhaps the most important. But as with the previous mission her limitations made her question how she could help. Her skills were in negotiation and one did not negotiate with demons or the fools who summoned them. No matter how powerful they may be.
Yannika regarded the Emperor fondly again and felt a near overwhelming desire to stay in the capital. The Corruption of Constantiopolis would allow her to do so. If she brought corrupt officials to justice it could bolster public support for the new monarch, but she was no inspector. Her eyes were drawn to the Heresy on Lave V. It seemed tailor made for her skills and experience, she was still a shepherd after all and someone was trying to cull from her herd.
"Your Majesty," she finally spoke up. "I believe I may be of assistance on Lave V, as I have some... experience with these matters. I would like to ask if you have any more information on this matter."
"I see." Elena read through the data. "I shall bring the woman into your fold, Emperor." She smiled warmly. "That, or should she be impossible to work for you, I shall neutralize her." She finished.
"Thank you." He nods. "Her location should be in the data slate. I...just..." He looks embarrassed, but genuinely concerned. "Are you going to be okay? A holy woman in a den of sin like a brothel?"
"Wonderful." Vizelle cooed as she saw the ship, and as they walked toward it. She couldn't help but giggle as she "heard" Valleus' reply. Fufu, a favor then? Or something more... intimate? She replied, sending an additional "image" of her bound, helpless, completely at his mercy as he fucks her senseless.
As they begin to walk up the ship's ramp, she sees the inquisitor twitch slightly as she broadcasts the mental image. "Be careful what you wish for. A favor will do." Vizelle gets the sense that if she'd rather use sex as a bargaining chip than owe a favor, she could try to seduce the man. Inside the craft, she sees that it's sleek and clean, the walls grey and black metal. Vallleus' acolyte hops into the cockpit and the ship begins to rise into the air.
As she had the thought to herself, she wondered about the expedition. A pre-imperial site...that might be something. If it was in any good condition, maybe there was at least something of cultural value left behind by some civilization. Not completely useless. The implication of bringing a whole squadron of Taurus Armors seemed like a little much. What were they expecting? Clearly, they were expecting the facility to be defended, from either local wildlife taking it over, rival empires, tribals or possibly....weapon defense systems still operational. Which...would be something. If they could still be functional after this much time and assumed damage without any maintenance or upkeep...that might equate to worthwhile findings.
Getting a little excited of her theories of what kind of treasures could be available, she had to take a detour first. First, to issue the order for about a third of the Taurus units to be dispatched....she didn't know how much firepower she'd actually need, and for now, the other two thirds would be better spent on alert in case of any attempts to break in or hostile plays against the Institute. She made the stop first, to retrieve her own armor.
Sleek, black and...it's been commented on by soldiers that it looks a little too form fitting, but that's just a byproduct of it's use. There was several distinctions behind Gemini Armor and Taurus that people wouldn't get. The interaction was more than just mechanical parts than people assumed. The energy and it's interaction with the body was designed to be more favorable to the wearer and condition the body better to use it. With Vivian's species that left their bluish skin with a slightly translucent glow and a tingling sensation across her nerves. It was odd. Definitely. Each little movement slightly tickled a little bit. While she wore a skintight bodysuit underneath to prevent too much friction against the metal it didn't really do much to prevent the warmth that built. Which shouldn't happen anyway. The heat causing a slight bit of sweat to run down her thighs as she adjusted the armor, letting her body and breasts breath while retrofitting the chest piece was a complicated mess. As better as the Gemini line was, it kind of was double-edged to the reason they were far from mass produced. The Terrans still didn't have the technology to catch up to what she actually needed to maintain it properly after all. The coolant and overheating problem didn't normal get in the way, but she weighed the pros and cons of having to test it's limits in any drawn out engagements before her suit would just end up more dangerous to the user than the enemy. But, regardless, the odds off her surviving a laser blast from any turrets while unarmored were rather low, so she'd have to work with what she had.
Finishing her adjustments, securing the body piece in place, she was ready to move in as she accessed the comm link to let the ship know she and her party would be arriving to board soon.
Wearing the unusually skintight armour, Vivian receives many looks as she walks through the streets, both of confusion and lust. On the way, she's greeted by Logan, a sergeant in her power armored squad, with a third of the troops behind him. Unlike Vivian and the rest, Logan wears a set of obsolete power armour that he rarely, if ever, takes off.
"Ma'am. We're ready to depart on your leave." Falling in line behind her, the soldiers follow. Finally, they reach the spaceport, where Vivian spots the the Borealis, and Casca in front of it, supervising as men and equipment are loaded onto the craft.
As they begin to walk up the ship's ramp, she sees the inquisitor twitch slightly as she broadcasts the mental image. "Be careful what you wish for. A favor will do." Vizelle gets the sense that if she'd rather use sex as a bargaining chip than owe a favor, she could try to seduce the man. Inside the craft, she sees that it's sleek and clean, the walls grey and black metal. Vallleus' acolyte hops into the cockpit and the ship begins to rise into the air.
"Fufu." Vizelle chuckles, seeing the effects of her teasing. But for now, working with the inquisitor might prove fruitful. And once the ship took off, she activates a sound-proofing magic around her, and her disciples. Facing Jeryn, "What did you find out?" She asked, already a bit excited to see what the ancient book will hold.
“His crew? Yes, that might work...” Eanne nodded in agreement, already thinking about how she could approach a member of Aurelios' crew. “Well, that's all the questions that come to my mind right now. If there's nothing else I will take the rest of the day off, get a bit more familiar with the city, and wait for you to send me the information about the Duke's daughters.” She smiled at the young Emperor, waiting to be dismissed if there was nothing else.
The emperor returns the smile, giving her leave to go. As she heads out into the city, Eanne observes that it's seperated into multiple districts, based on class and also on function. There's a religious district filled with churches and convents, a pleasure district with brothels, clubs and arcades, a shopping district that caters to the poor and the wealthy at different points down an extended thoroughfare, a small social district with clubs for the city's elite, etc.
As she wanders the streets, a robotic servitor crawls along a wall towards her, before a mechanical arm reaches out, unoiled hinges squeaking, and hands her a data slate.
Looking through the dataslate, most of the duke's children are on their home planet, and thus out of reach, but two of them are here on the capital.
Amara:
Through her family name and genuine skill, Amara has been able to quickly rise through the ranks of the Terran Navy and become captain of her vessel. From the record, she seems to be something of a disciplinarian, but a fair one. She spends most of her time in the admiralty building, officer's clubs, or on board her ship, a small patrol frigate.
Sitra:
Unlike her sister, Sitra avoided a life of service and combat, deciding instead to marry her childhood sweetheart, causing quite a scandal since the man was several steps beneath her socially. Nonetheless, they married, and enjoyed several years together, before an accident rendered her husband comatose. She now lives her life as a socialite, absentmindedly going to the parties and events expected of her, though according to other attendees, her attendance is dutiful at best.
Do nothing save for continuing to observe for now, is the message she sends back, but pay particular attention to which nobles he approaches and the arguments he makes to them. I would like to know what he thinks of me out of my presence, and who he believes may be receptive to those thoughts, before I hear what he thinks of me in person.
Otherwise, she has remained quiet for the meeting, letting Carius handle the rest of the meeting and seeing how much this girl understood the politics of taxes.
Her contact sends back an affirmative reply. As she watches Carius and the young noble, he sees her being given leave to go, and she exits the room.
D100 - Roll: 28 (Fail)
Looking around, she fails to notice the way Yannika, the blonde priestess, keeps looking at Carius, with a longing expression that surpasses mere interest.
Yannika waited patiently as the other women inquired about the various tasks. She pondered the quests placed before her too, but her eyes and thoughts were constantly drawn to the young emperor. He was engaged and intelligent and that brought a smile, tinged with sadness, to her face. She was pleased that the other women seemed genuinely interested in helping their liege, but she was left wondering as to their motives. Some of the others departed and she endeavored to focus on the possible assignments.
She had no military knowledge and doubted that she would be of much help in the Invasion of Ietra. But if her family was attending court, and were willing to speak with her, she could conceivably ask them for help. But if she had currency with them she didn't want to spend it yet. The Gates of the Warp seemed dire and as a woman of faith expelling a demonic invasion seemed perhaps the most important. But as with the previous mission her limitations made her question how she could help. Her skills were in negotiation and one did not negotiate with demons or the fools who summoned them. No matter how powerful they may be.
Yannika regarded the Emperor fondly again and felt a near overwhelming desire to stay in the capital. The Corruption of Constantiopolis would allow her to do so. If she brought corrupt officials to justice it could bolster public support for the new monarch, but she was no inspector. Her eyes were drawn to the Heresy on Lave V. It seemed tailor made for her skills and experience, she was still a shepherd after all and someone was trying to cull from her herd.
"Your Majesty," she finally spoke up. "I believe I may be of assistance on Lave V, as I have some... experience with these matters. I would like to ask if you have any more information on this matter."
As she looks at Carius, the young emperor meets her eyes several times, and he blushes, perhaps mistaking her interest for something else. He quickly walks towards her, sitting close by, and Yannika notes that they're closer than they've been in decades, though he obviously has no idea. "Indeed, that makes sense." He nods. "I can tell you as much as I've been briefed." He answers. "As far as I'm aware, the residents of Lave V deposed the bishop there after the man was exposed as corrupt. They tried to replace him with a far more beloved priestess, only for the bishop to try and assassinate her. What happened next is hard to say, but the story goes that this priestess was killed, and brought back to life by the gods. Afterwards, a man, a powerful psionic who supports the priestess, led a mob into the bishop's palace, killed the man, and declared his lady's divinity."
Carius' expression changes, growing concerned. "I worry, though, that if they're willing to kill members of the church, you might be in danger if you go there."
"Fufu." Vizelle chuckles, seeing the effects of her teasing. But for now, working with the inquisitor might prove fruitful. And once the ship took off, she activates a sound-proofing magic around her, and her disciples. Facing Jeryn, "What did you find out?" She asked, already a bit excited to see what the ancient book will hold.
As Valleus moves away to his private quarters, Jeryn approaches, and gives the customary bow. "The area is filled with various illegal businesses, like gambling, drug dens and prostitution rings. They're divided up among three gang bosses, a human and two aliens. There are gang wars pretty frequently, but they tend to be low scale, so they don't hurt business." He gives his report in more detail about the various criminal enterprises of the area she had him scout. He reports that many people are out of work there, and engaged in gang activities, making them a possible source of recruits.
As Valleus moves away to his private quarters, Jeryn approaches, and gives the customary bow. "The area is filled with various illegal businesses, like gambling, drug dens and prostitution rings. They're divided up among three gang bosses, a human and two aliens. There are gang wars pretty frequently, but they tend to be low scale, so they don't hurt business." He gives his report in more detail about the various criminal enterprises of the area she had him scout. He reports that many people are out of work there, and engaged in gang activities, making them a possible source of recruits.
Hearing the repost, Vizelle couldn't help but let her devilish smile out. "Interesting. Once we return, I think it's time for these gang bosses to rally under me, don't you think?" She said with a grin, "Ah, but a job well done should be rewarded." Vizelle then moves to an empty quarter, beckoning Jeryn to follow. And once she finds one, she sits down, and stretches her leg towards him, "You may worship me, until we arrive at our destination." She said in a sultry tone.
Hearing the repost, Vizelle couldn't help but let her devilish smile out. "Interesting. Once we return, I think it's time for these gang bosses to rally under me, don't you think?" She said with a grin, "Ah, but a job well done should be rewarded." Vizelle then moves to an empty quarter, beckoning Jeryn to follow. And once she finds one, she sits down, and stretches her leg towards him, "You may worship me, until we arrive at our destination." She said in a sultry tone.
Jeryn beams, smiling as though he's won a great prize, as the once dominant lady killer sinks to his knees to kiss and lick his mistress's feet.
Jeryn sees to her every need for hours, as an ancient warp gate sends the ship hurtling through space, until Velleus' voice sounds out in the cabin. "Vizelle, we're nearing our destination. I'm in the command room, if you'd like to discuss our strategy." Jeryn gives an angry look at the interruption.
Jeryn beams, smiling as though he's won a great prize, as the once dominant lady killer sinks to his knees to kiss and lick his mistress's feet.
Jeryn sees to her every need for hours, as an ancient warp gate sends the ship hurtling through space, until Velleus' voice sounds out in the cabin. "Vizelle, we're nearing our destination. I'm in the command room, if you'd like to discuss our strategy." Jeryn gives an angry look at the interruption.
"Mmh. Enjoy your reward." Vizelle let out a coaxing moan as he licks her, "Continue to produce great results, and I may let you fuck me." She teased, sending him an image of her being "conquered" by him to motivate him further. And just as Valleus called her, Vizelle cooed. "Times up for today." She said, gently pushing him away from her stocking-clad legs. "Fufu. Do look forward to your next reward." She whispered, before standing up and heading to the command room to meet with the inquisitor.
