Season 4 - A Windy Winter

[crazynuto]

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Year 10XX - Winter

This Winter would prove to be a frigid one. Whether it was cosmic justice for the injustices committed throughout the lands, or just a cruel twist of fate was unclear. Blaiddyd certainly did not smile warmly on us. Prince Casimir is gone, having fled the Capitol when his plot to steal the Queen's ring for himself was discovered. King Tyronius has initiated a Kingdom-wide manhunt for the pilfering prince, to no avail. The public are divided. Some cling to Prince Casimir, shouting his innocence from the rooftops, while others condemn him for attempting to ruin King and Country. Vanyara has elected to stay by the King's side, acting as a voice of reason amidst the caterwauling and clamor of advisors, nobles, and commonfolk beseeching our monarch for a solution to this madness.

Fear for the future of our Kingdom was at the forefront of all of our minds. Would we endure this harsh winter, and if so what would we find on the other side?

Rumors Spread across the Kingdom of a few nobles and their...interesting deeds.

Pope Clairmont has, partly due to their position and partly their tireless work ethic, has been seen as a voice rivaling the King's in Authority. They speak of doing right by Blaiddyd, and most have come to see them as a trusted figure to guide them. Stage 1 Completed.

High Priestess Mi Amore Cadenza has begun displaying a new relic in her chambers, inviting all to see. It's a bit weird, but most think it's cool. Stage 1 Completed.

Royal Chancellor Impervious Beargrasshatchway III works tirelessly to push a few well-needed replacements into the King's inner circle. Magimkam's expert Generals, Merchants, and Spymasters are a common sight whispering into the King's ear. Stage 1 Completed.

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 After a semi-prosperous Fall, comes everyone's favorite time of year, Tax Season! Each noble makes 500 Gold, while the Kingdom taxes 100 of their earned profits. Current Standings will be updated to reflect this (and remove Auction money) in the morning, before polls open.

The endless cold has seeped into the very walls of the Council Chamber, the sparse braziers and torches strewn about do little to keep the chill out. King Tyronius sits on his throne, the adjacent seat where Casimir sat devoid of all. Even Balthazar Tyronius IV looks sullen, now having digivolved into a LALAMON. It hides in the King's beard for warmth.

Nezaripped is strangely absent from the Council this month. Perhaps he is atoning for Azulongmon's untimely death? [Player is on vacation I believe]

Speaking of which, there are two small creatures swaddled in cloth by the window where Azulongmon used to peer in. What's that about?

Also Cactus Man has a new body or a new person in charge. It's hard to tell.

As is custom, each alliance proposes one issue to the Council, with the King proposing one affecting the entire Kingdom.

Each Noble gets one vote per Issue, with the King and the Prince each getting 1 vote they are allowed to allocate to any 1 Issue of their choice.

Here are the current issues up for discussion:

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Prismed Rim - Tithe Trouble

Dormor has been neglecting their tithes to Blaiddyd. The worst offender is Nezaripped, Final God of Gains himself. He hasn’t paid his tithe in years! Using the new printing press, journalists have been letting the entire kingdom know of this heresy. The masses are outraged. If Nezaripped doesn’t have to pay his tithes, why should they? What kind of a leader leads without the guidance of the country’s religion?

VOTE - Should Dormor be forced to pay their tithes at long last?

A) Order Dormor to pay their tithes in full.

(Defiance +1, Wealth -1000 [Dormor], Faith +1)

B) Toss Nezaripped in the dungeon to set an example.

(Stability +1, Wealth -500 [Dormor], Faith +1)

C) Declare that Dormor should be exempted from paying tithes.

(Defiance -1 [PR], Defiance +1 [USA, PS], Faith -1, Wealth +500 [Dormor], Authority -1, Stability -1)


D) Do nothing. What does it matter if Nezaripped and the citizens of Dormor burn in Zahras?

(Defiance -1, Stability -1, Authority -1)

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Provincia Smaragdina - A Powerful Storm

A terrible storm has struck the South. Unfortunately, many houses have been swept away in the floods and the roads are totally impassable in Ronpa Plains. Zi Hao struggles to keep his territory afloat, and seeks aid from the council. [Farming -1, Trade -1]

VOTE - What should be done about this crushing calamity?

A) Spare no expense in rebuilding what was lost.

(Treasury -60%, Defiance -1, Stability +1, Trade +1, Farming +1)

B) Send extra troops from North Ultima to clear the roads.

(Defiance +1 [PS], Defiance -1 [USA], Military -1 [North Ultima], Trade +1, Farming +1)

C) Ronpa Plains will have to fend for itself.

(Defiance +1, Stability -1)

D) Ask the church to lead relief efforts.

(% Chance based on region’s Faith x 10)

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United States of Azulongmon - Blizzard

A strange otherworldly cold has killed off all crops growing in North Ultima. This is the worst winter seen in decades, if not centuries. Most wildlife have gone into early hibernation, leaving the normally meat and game rich lands barren. [Farming -1]

VOTE - What should be done to combat these frigid frozen fields?

A) Attempt to coax the Giants of the Northern Wastes to trade food, supplies and blizzard survival techniques.

(% Chance based on region’s Trade x 10)

B) Water the crops with the blood of our enemies. Take what they have, we need it more! (Must declare war with the Northern Wastes) 

(% Chance based on region's Military x10)

C) Pray to the Blaiddyd for salvation.

(% Chance based on region’s Faith x 10)

D) Research magical solutions.

(North Ultima Wealth -500, Farming +1, Stability +1, Faith -2)

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And lastly...

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Capitol - The Smithy’s Fate

Cory Ryoma (I used a random blacksmith name generator and this was legit the first one that came up), the Chief Blacksmith, has been indicted for the crimes of Graverobbing, Grand Theft, and Desecration of a Corpse. (The corpse of a Queen no less!) Defiling a holy site such as the resting place of the Queen is punishable by death. He has been dragged to the Council Chamber to confess. He claims that he was nothing but a pawn, forced to do the Mastermind’s bidding over threat of death! He’s only met the mastermind through one of his many agents, who are working towards unknown ends.

VOTE - What should be done about this…blight of a blacksmith?

A) There shall be no mercy. Sentence him to death.

(+2 Authority / -1 Military Nationwide / +2 Faith Nationwide / -1 Defiance Nationwide)

B) Keep him locked up until his co-conspirators can be found.

(+1 Stability / -1 Trade Nationwide)

C) Release the poor man. He’s clearly been through enough.

(+1 Defiance Nationwide / -2 Faith Nationwide / +1 Military Nationwide)

D) Have a public mock execution, then have him exiled to the Frozen Wastes.

(+1 Authority / +1 Trade Nationwide / +1 Faith Nationwide / +1 Military (North Ultima)

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Polls will open at 3 PM EST and be open for the usual 48 hours.

Do we still want to do ranked choice voting? I rather liked it all things considered. Wish the actual USA could adopt it.

[verylukely]

Nobody speaks on the matter, but independently everyone dreads the incoming new cactus land representative. What could they possibly send next if The Cactus King was their elected representative? An even more childish cactus creature? A non-sentient cactus? An ambulatory avacado, perhaps?

You hear the doors open, as the room stands still for what feels like an eternity, finally they hear the click-clack of heels. Regular… human heels?

Lucy Amtrack sits down at the table with a great deal of professionality. She looks to be in her late thirties, is outfitted in a sleek business suit, wears glasses, and has an average height, looks, and build. There’s a tiny cactus pin on her lapel that reads “I’m With Him”. The only thing about her appearance that isn’t exceptionally average are the deep, deep bags under her eyes. She carries a clipboard with what looks like an entire manuscripts worth of paper attached to it, and slams down onto the table folders with even more.

“Hello, everyone. It is an honor to be here. As the lead advisor to the former The Cactus King, I am to act as the temporary representative until our country sorts out the chaos caused by the sudden and tragic demise of our beloved The Cactus King. May his overly trusting and carefree soul find peace in the next life.”

She does some kind of local gesture that you gather to be some sort of prayer. Her tone betrays her sincerity however, as she delivered her monologue in a very monotone and prepared voice. She gives a customer service smile and clicks a pen.

“Well then, Let’s get to work, shall we?”

[Sachi]

One of the little bundles of joy by the windowsill, a little feathery one, stirs in its sleep. It's watched over by a similarly sized blue thing in the shape of a ball or some such. Both look very puntable.

The little blue fellow clears his throat to make his presence known to the Council before speaking up.

"Put him in jail. Not just for the tithe. But on general principle. He did some real bad stuff!"

[⋆⋅ Sage ⋅⋆]

Hearing about all the problems the regions are having, Soy bursts into tears and buries his face into his husband’s chest.

This has been happening a lot. Pregnancy hormones are wild.

“I— *hic* I think everyone is being too mean to Nezaripped… I mean, I know he killed Azulongmon, and I hate him for that. But who says— *hic* everyone needs to have faith? If there was truly a god, he would have saved Azulongmon… Waaaaaahhhh…”

He pauses

“Wait, maybe… maybe paying all his money is a good way to pay for what he’s done… NEZARIPPED!!! WAHHHHH!!!”

(I haven’t actually decided on an option I just thought this post was funny)

[Ktoasty]

G'Ontagnon has one hand hugging Soy's back and another hand tending to a cracked egg in front of them. He refrains from using exclamation in his speech to not alarm either.

"Lead advisor to the former The Cactus King, it's a pleasure to have you at this season's meeting. The Cactus Man The Cactus Man was a good ally to me, gifting miniature cacti out of the goodness of his heart. I hope his pure soul casts a blessing to restore peace to the Cactus Land."

"Dragon Lord Chicomon, I'm glad you made it to this council safely. Our trip back to the Domain of The Holy Beast was a long one, but incredibly worthwhile. I hadn't seen my husband smile that sincerely for many moons, so you have my thanks for allowing us to accompany you on that journey."

Then he looks up to the King and his beard currently being used as a home.

"My King, and Balthazar Tyronius IV, I offer my congratulations on your evolution. The young Botamon of just three seasons prior has blossomed into a magnificent Lalamon, and it is a sign that the kingdom of Ronpa will recover from these arduous times."

[crazynuto]

Jul 8, 2024 8:08:32 GMT -6 Ktoasty said:

"My King, and Balthazar Tyronius IV, I offer my congratulations on your evolution. The young Botamon of just three seasons prior has blossomed into a magnificent Lalamon, and it is a sign that the kingdom of Ronpa will recover from these arduous times."

Balthazar Tyronius's leaf tickles the King's nose. He supresses a sneeze.

"In Casimir's absence I have found myself in the company of my pet more often. It is a playful sort, and often attempts to wear my crown.

But that's besides the point.

We need to act. The land is devastated by this unending cold. I've heard tale of frost growing on some of the oldest cacti in Cactus Land. While I do not believe those Giants in the North to be trustoworthy, it would be unwise to balk at their traditions. Clearly they can survive it, so perhaps we can learn from them. Or take their survival methods by force."

As King Ty speaks, an armor-bound blacksmith is dragged into the Chamber. He is bound and gagged, and is slumped over, barely acknowledging the others in the room. It does seem like he's been through a lot these past few months.


The man in question. Seems he enjoys his job.

"I've brought Cody Ryoma, the Chief Blacksmith in for questioning. While he hasn't been...uncooperative per se, his breadth of knowledge of the scheme he was embroiled in leaves much to be desired. Do with him as you wish until his judgement is passed.

[Shogun Zi Hao]

*I look over the prisoner.*

"I'm told you only know parts of the scheme, Ryoma? I'd almost believe you were covering for someone..."

*I give him a very intimidating glare.*

[crazynuto]

Jul 8, 2024 11:09:35 GMT -6 Shogun Zi Hao said:

"I'm told you only know parts of the scheme, Ryoma? I'd almost believe you were covering for someone..."

Ryoma stays silent for a moment, sizing Zi Hao up. After a pause, he speaks in a deep, gravely voice, it betraying his age.

"My...family was threatened, milord. I was told to cooperate by...mending the ring they had so carelessly cut from the late Queen's finger. I worked on the rings originally, and only I and those of my lineage know how to properly imbue them with the correct runes so that they seem official."

He lets out a long sigh.

"It is not something I am proud of, and I am willing to face the consequences."

[⋆⋅ Sage ⋅⋆]

“Your lineage?” repeats Soy. “Do you have any children? Who else in your family knows?”

[crazynuto]

Jul 8, 2024 12:37:24 GMT -6 ⋆⋅ Sage ⋅⋆ said:

“Your lineage?” repeats Soy. “Do you have any children? Who else in your family knows?”

Ryoma visibly tenses up. Perhaps muttering under his breath isn't the best idea.

"My Father knew, yet he passed last Spring. I've taught the family trade to my two sons, who are both 18. They have taken to it well enough that I'd gladly relinquish my duties to them if the need arises."

He seems to not realize the extent of his crimes, nor the potential sentence he could await.

"My wife knows of my skill, but not of the proper techniques. Aside from her...I've written little else down. Most of my techniques have been passed down orally, as is tradition."

[Ktoasty]

G’Ontagnan speaks up on a separate vote.

”My noble comrades, I would like to give my own input on the blizzard matter at hand. We mustn’t try to go to war with the Northern Wastes. Treating our neighbors with kindness is fundamental to restoring our kingdom to a nation at peace.”

“Since we are using the ranked voting system, I implore everyone to select 3B as your last option.”

He takes out a soft blanket and wraps it around the cracked egg.

[verylukely]

Prismed Rim - Tithe Trouble

"Sorry, my copy says "Nezaripped"? That's clearly a typo. It's not? Oh, my bad. What the hell..."

She multi-tasks by speaking while writing something down.

"In the Cactus Land, have a wide variety of religious sects that are... well, mostly peaceful, with eachother. Blaiddydism is the most plentiful of course, at over 40%, but there is a significant subset of atheists as well. Not to mention the extremely small yet very vocal subset of people who believed the Cactus King to be the one true god- of course, they seem to be dwindling in numbers these days. I'm sure if he comes back, they'll be very insufferable about it. I think they're going to be waiting for quite a while... Ah, my apologies for the digression."

She puts down her pen to put her full attention into speaking.

"What I mean to say is, the Cactus Land has a strong belief in the separation of church from state. While I cannot abide by flagrant rule breaking and I believe reparations may be a future discussion, as a representative of Cactus Land I must encourage allowing Dormor their religious independence, if they so wish. I would prefer C, but I would also not oppose D."

Provincia Smaragdina - A Powerful Storm

"I implore everyone to tackle this issue from a perspective of empathy. Imagine your country was in this position, what would you want the council to decide on? We do not know what the future holds, you too may be in a position such as this one day."

She pauses for dramatic effect, to let her point get across.

"Now, that said, this relief plan is, I must admit, a bit excessive. We can't break the bank on one disaster, as the next disaster could be right around the corner."

"One of the Cactus Land's core tenants is a belief that less military nationwide leads to less conflict. A belief that has... not exactly proven correct in history, but it is a position I am obligated to stand by. For now. Therefore, option B seems quite appealing to me, but I am open to other options."

United States of Azulongmon - Blizzard

"Ah. This puts me in quite a difficult position. You would this A would line up with our core values. And you'd be correct, unfortunately after the bone festival fiasco the Cactus King made a very, er, ill-advised statement that Giants are, and I quote "Stinky poo-poo heads". I do not agree with this of course, but over half the council believe in strictly still honoring the cactus, and therefore my hands are somewhat tied. I do not think that hoping to find a magical solution is a reasonable course of action, but it does seem the most appealing out of the remaining options."

She grimaces, it seems like this cactus really put her through the wringer. If there wasn't an actual witness to his death, you would have easily believed that it was her that snapped and did him in.

Capitol - The Smithy’s Fate

"I don't understand. Is this one not obvious? If we do not have his co-conspirators, first we isolate and break him until he's willing to speak. You can't interrogate a corpse, after all. Then, I suppose you can dispose of him however you wish. I mean, offer freedom to get him to cooperate of course, but that doesn't mean you have to follow through."

There is an unexpected venom to her words. It dawns on you, speaking to a representative of the Cactus Land who is actually lucid, that these may not be very moral people. They posture about providing aid, religious freedom and anti-war sentiment, yet only to the end that it protects themselves. You get the impression that if everybody but them suddenly dropped dead one day, they would just continue living uninterrupted without a care in the world.

[verylukely]

Jul 8, 2024 8:08:32 GMT -6 Ktoasty said:

"Lead advisor to the former The Cactus King, it's a pleasure to have you at this season's meeting. The Cactus Man The Cactus Man was a good ally to me, gifting miniature cacti out of the goodness of his heart. I hope his pure soul casts a blessing to restore peace to the Cactus Land."

"Ah yes his... gifts. I have a greenhouse full of his miniature cacti at this point. I believe he thought me akin to a teacher that you would give an apple. He... wouldn't leave until I ate them at first... It took a month to finally figure out a convincing way to pretend to eat them... Perhaps I ought to... pass on his goodness, as you put it. I can bring a few to our next meeting."

She fakes a smile, but is clearly in immense pain.

[peterparker]

Baroness Achlys Sable stands in a big fur coat that makes her look about three times as wide as usual. She must have arrived from North Ultima recently; there is still frost on her eyebrows. 

Addressing King Tyronius and G'Ontagnan, she says, 

"You both are correct. This is no time to go to war. Nor will any magic or religion save us. It is time for North Ultima to work for our survival. That means cooperating with the giants. It is the only choice."

"That being said, we would be happy to take the blacksmith off your hands whenever you are done with any interrogations you feel are necessary. The Frozen Wastes are where many a man has gone to find himself, or to die trying."

"As for Provincia Smaragdina, my old alliance. While I wish I were in a situation to extend an olive branch, that is not the case. We are in too dire a predicament to offer our military at this time. I suggest you rally your people and hope that calamity makes them stronger."

[Nekomaru]

For some reason, someone completely unrecognizable is in Lady Diana Proudmoore's usual spot. She doesn't bother introducing herself.

"Just a pawn, huh? Under the threat of death?"

"I get it completely. If Lady Diana asked me to do anything, I'd do it for her. If the consequences were death, I'd be happy to! Since he's willing to frame the prince for his master, this guy must be the same. Let's reward him, give him death."

"It just makes sense, right?"