Inactive [LP CYOA] Overlord

[Tigranes]

Can't imagine starting a fight in the middle of this freaking camp is a good idea.

But we viewed it as a perfectly fine way to gain entrance. What's the difference?

I don't think there is anything suspicious in Aria being Aria and Eileen being Eileen. The squire has a history of starting fights:

“Eileen, don’t do this!” her friends call out. You get the distinct feeling of an “Oh no, not again!” in their voices.

It's pretty natural, actually, given that they address each other as a bitch and a bumpkin. Friendship is in the air!

That said, I am coming around trading information gossip. A>C

If anything, it can serve as a practice before the big questioning.

I certainly didn't. I don't think Aria can beat anybody in the camp, and I think the only good outcome of picking a fight is potentially to be recruited into the adventurers and become a mole.

 

[Nevill]

I don't think Aria can beat anybody in the camp, and I think the only good outcome of picking a fight is potentially to be recruited into the adventurers and become a mole.

She could kill trained soldiers back when she only held the sword for the first time and had not a single inkling about magic, and she vastly improved since then, after receiving our training.

Hell, Arlin could take out Wist with proper encouragement in a non-lethal duel. I think you are underestimating the kids, they can't beat professional adventurers, but squires and soldiers shouldn't pose a problem. Perhaps even an unsuspecting knight would fall to them now, considering their special abilities.

It is less about whether she can win a fight, but about the benefits we may expect from winning, which are, I agree, debatable.

By the way, isn't being recruited into adventurers a desired outcome? If I remember correctly our motivation to enter the camp:

B. Talk her way in. She would offer information about a mysterious castle in the forest that may be of interest to the adventurers. This should gain her access to the camp as well as ensure she was well-positioned to guide the adventurers where her master wanted them.

I know we often get surprise outcomes we really had no idea about when we were planning something (like getting half of our named companions from the visit to Erise), but what else do you expect Aria can do here?

 

[Tigranes]

Nevill Yes, it is a desired outcome, so I don't think fighting is always bad. But I think it was more realistic in the last update - to announce ourselves by fighting and then get recruited. Coming in under guise of an informer and then starting a big brawl with another young squire, I think the results are more unpredictable and I think it's an unnecessary risk.

 

[TOME]

I think Aria could beat Eileen easily but that would just raise too many questions. Here's a from Legend:

“Even so, his style is fascinating. Do you know who he trained under? His moves seem to be extremely basic, but I know of no one self-taught who has that sort of power.” Bai Jiutian looks at you keenly as he asks his question.

You laugh. “I am merely an amateur in martial arts, Young Master Bai. I would not know how to differentiate one school from another. Why, I can barely tell Taishan and Kunlun apart! You are asking the wrong person, I fear. I do not see why a person could not train by themselves and attain that level of skill, however.”

“This is a youth tournament. It is improbable that anyone without a master can become that strong at such a young age,” he explains. “He would have to be a true prodigy.”

I believe these same points would be raised if Aria were to fight Eileen and that would hinder our efforts within the camp.

 

[Nevill]

Hmph. Two days with no votes and a tie between the knights and the overall expedition goals. Where have people gone off to?

Anyway, to change the topics... does anyone think we could perhaps try and subvert Blue Spinels to our side? An all-female adventuring party sounds like something Erdrick would approve of, and they have some rabid starstruck fans among the squires, which may come handy, too.

I would definitely like to have an unscrupulous and autonomous unit operating in the kingdom on our behalf. Knights sound like they have an affiliation with Methuss, so I doubt we can use any of them, but adventurers are motivated differently...

 

[treave]

Quick and regular updates promote vibrant discussion. Mostly because people keep getting new choices thrown at them while the plot progresses.

Long periods of silence... not so much. Unfortunate but that's how it is.

Anyway, amongst the three approaches Aria can think of, one gets a single question (the top voted) answered, one gets two questions answered, and another gets all three.

 

[Baltika9]

Where have people gone off to?

It's just not the same when we're not arguing and pandering at the last second to break a tie in our favor. Or, more seriously, I think everything has already been analysed to death and people have made their decisions, I don't think there's anything new to add.

 

[Nevill]

Or, more seriously, I think everything has already been analysed to death and people have made their decisions, I don't think there's anything new to add.

I am mostly wondering why there are only 12 votes for this update when usually there are about 17 of us at any given time.

And where have Esquilax and Lambchop disappeared to, again.

Anyway, amongst the three approaches Aria can think of, one gets a single question (the top voted) answered, one gets two questions answered, and another gets all three.

Hm. Come to think of it, I can't find many reasons why pleading wouldn't give her more than trading.

We would look pathetic, and Aria would probably traumatize her ego horribly , but as far as approaches go, it strikes me as one of the most efficient. Then again, C sounds like 'you promised to do whatever I tell you'. A knight's word is not broken lightly.

And A does sound a lot like a 1-for-1 trade. Anyone willing to consider this?

The question is, does this only affect the amount of information we get, or are there some other ramifications down the line.

 

[Baltika9]

I like the friendly rivalry Aria has with the girl, so I want to keep it going. It builds their relationship, which is good for us when we need to get info from the adventurers, or feed it to them. Like now.
And if she gets an opportunity to apprentice under one of the big adventuring groups, or 'join' a knightly order, then all the better for us.
Begging get isn't the way to do that, but if your position is the same as Tigranes':

Nevill Yes, it is a desired outcome, so I don't think fighting is always bad. But I think it was more realistic in the last update - to announce ourselves by fighting and then get recruited. Coming in under guise of an informer and then starting a big brawl with another young squire, I think the results are more unpredictable and I think it's an unnecessary risk.

Then I totally respect that.

 

[Nevill]

I am on a fence.

I did not want to consider B because that's not how I imagine Aria and Eileen interacting, but this comment got me thinking. So far they have been rivaling for the top dog position, and Aria came on top. Maybe it's time to let Eileen her time in the limelight? Then again, would she accept something that is given to her (as a bait), if she doesn't take it by force?

Originally I was going for C, and then I started worrying and doubting as I usually do when I don't have a dog in a fight. So you can say I am searching for a reason to flop back.

Tally

Nevill B III V
Baltika9 C II III V
Kipeci C III IV VI
Gobblecock B I III V
Azira B II III IV
lightbane A>B>C II III IV
archaen C>A II III IV
Kz3r0 C III IV V
Grimgravy A>B II III IV
TOME A II III IV
Storyfag A II III V
Tigranes A>B>C
Lambchop B I II VI
wjw B I II IV
Jester B I II IV
ScubaV B II IV VI

A - 5 [p6] (6)
B - 7 [p10]
C - 4 [p4] (3) archaen -> A

I - 4
II - 11
III - 11
IV - 10
V - 5
VI - 3

 

[a cut of domestic sheep prime]

B
I
II
VI

 

[Baltika9]

I am on a fence.

I did not want to consider B because that's not how I imagine Aria and Eileen interacting, but this comment got me thinking. So far they have been rivaling for the top dog position, and Aria came on top. Maybe it's time to let Eileen her time in the limelight? Then again, would she accept something that is given to her (as a bait), if she doesn't take it by force?

Originally I was going for C, and then I started worrying and doubting as I usually do when I don't have a dog in a fight. So you can say I am searching for a reason to flop back.

Because fighting for the top dog position is what their relationship is built on?
On the other hand, asking hey politely may be as simple as cashing in in the respect we've built up.

 

[lightbane]

Well, it's been said already. It's been very quiet lately because there's not much to DISCUSS! or anything, just wait for the catastrophic results. By the way, what was the current tally again? I forgot.

 

[treave]

The question is, does this only affect the amount of information we get, or are there some other ramifications down the line.

Of course.

 

[wjw]

B. Swallow her pride and plead with her for help.

The stark girl is quickly developing a psychological knack. There is a difference between pleading and pleading; when you know it's the most effective strategy.
Anyway. A girl seems to be a promising spy. Amazing. Doesn't mean this mission will be successful though.

Information

I. The current situation in the camp in terms of morale and camaraderie.
II. The Prince that has accompanied the expedition.
IV. The more notable knights in the expedition.

These three topics seem to cover what Mira knows. Shouldn't be too suspicious either. This information does not give us what we want, but it might open up some possibilities in the immediate future. In order to get any 'real' information, we'll have to get closer to the knights/prince anyway. Camp situation might help.

 

[Nevill]

Alternatively, we are fleshing out a lie by iterating on the details. Eileen gets the gist of it, while Mira gets a more convincing Enhanced Edition. They don't have to be contradictory.

I am not certain that it's relevant, though, since Aria admitted to never being there anyway:

“I’m Lieutenant Edair. I run some things around here,” said the lieutenant, just as flatly. “What castle are you talking about? What’s inside? Who lives there?”

Aria shrugged. “I don’t know.” That, too was the truth. She didn’t know what manner of devious traps her master had laid out within. “I only know where it is, and it looks suspicious. Thought you people might want to take a look at it, since you are here for some reason, right?”

She does not know who lives there or what's inside, so it's not like we have too much of a story to invent.

 

[Jester]

B

I
II
IV

 

[Nevill]

That's more like it! But at least 2 bros are still missing somewhere.

Alright, let's see where whining gets us. I somewhat agree with wjw, and am fairly impressed with Aria's flexibility so far. I am interested in how far can we push her in that direction. How good of an actress can she be?

Hmmm, I wonder if we can get Eileen to open up if we pretend to be Mira's number 1 fan and say we need her help to join our first adventure with the big guys. Screw that, I wonder if Aria can say that with a straight face.

Flopping to B III V. I also dropped the prince vote, because I think the adventurers are a bit more important. Ah, if only more bros were willing to ask about the expedition goals.

 

[Kipeci]

I'm so disappointed. What was the point in training our disciple if we aren't going to hurl her into a thicket of swords? At least let her retain some dignity before she gets tossed to the interrogation chamber!

 

[Nevill]

Dignity is for the weak! The Master has suffered the scorn and mockery of Nostrus to turn it against him and hit on Wisteria in the end, and so she shall suffer to bring ruin upon His enemies and Mira to His doorstep! Her massa wills it!

 

[lightbane]

Heh, I didn't expect B to get so many votes at the end. Let's see how it will work, because it won't be easy at all for Aria to disregard her pride like that.

 

[Kipeci]

They are all useless aside from Zayan. Maybe not if she sneaks in a bunch of level-ups, but I doubt that will happen.

I don't really care about what information she picks up since only gossip actions are winning and I plan on converting everyone present into smoke with Gigadyne. The only thing that she can salvage out of this is some XP from the doomed adventurers and knights to become less worthless.

 

[ScubaV]

B
VI
II
IV

 

[TOME]

Looks like I have accidentally messed my vote. Should be A II III IV.

 

[treave]

Locking the votes. Before that, a quick note:

One of the advantages of A is that we'll be able to talk and gather information on Mira before the adventurer remembers what was it that she was supposed to do and starts looking for us.

She does remember. In fact, despite her pretenses Mira is keeping an eye and an ear on Aria at this very moment, waiting to see what the girl will do the moment she thinks she has a chance to slip her leash. It's unfortunate that Aria, being Aria, didn't notice and was a bit hasty in digging for information. Sly adults and all that.