DM Brainiac's War for the Crown: Table 2 (COMPLETE!) (Inactive)

Game Master Brainiac

You step through the door again to find Beldam once more pondering the six goblets. "Good wine rarely makes for good prudence, but I genuinely believed I’d found the exception. Oh bother. I’d really rather not poison his wife," he says once more. It seems that the emperor's legend is stuck playing out this scene over and over.

This time, you resolve to end Beldam's legend in more brutal fashion. Amelia sneaks over to one of the marble busts, hefts it, then brings it crashing down on the back of the emperor's skull! He collapses to the ground, blood pooling from the fatal injury. With his death, the whispering shadows in the council chamber grow less sinister and more defined, eventually transforming into nervous-looking men and women. When you leave the mindscape, the whispering door crumbles behind you.

Only two doors remain, and enough of Carrius has been restored to flesh that the boy is able to manage a tired smile. "What's this? My sister's friends... in my head. But are you my friends, I wonder? Or my foes? Cyricas and Taldaris... They cry for your blood. I think... I think it would be best to listen to them... Right?"

"No, your highness. We are here to help you, and free you from their influence. You will be yourself again!" Katria assures the prince.

She turns to her companions. "It appears we have more to do still. Cyricas next?"

Liam regards the Prince with kindness and concern. "We do wish to help you - for your sake, for your sister's, and for Taldor's sake."

"Yes, let us go see Cyricas."

"I have no desire to give up my blood to anyone. Especially not now."

Hearing that they want blood, Amelia pre-emptively casts a spell on herself.

Mirror Image: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

When you are ready, you open the harbor door. A dense jungle stretches out beyond the door. Trees loom overhead, draped with brilliant green, while stifling humidity and buzzing insects fill the air. The cries of tropical birds echo in the distance. The drone of insects forms a constant backdrop, and bright-colored flowers peek through the foliage.

A deep, raspy voice seems to come from everywhere. “So... you come to hunt the hunter, eh? Damn good time! Find me, then, and I shall grant you the kindness of a swift death.”

The PCs must track Cyricas through the jungle. Cyricas leaves a difficult trail to find, requiring three successful DC 30 Perception or Survival checks in a row. There are consequences for failure.

Amelia's ears perk up at the threat and she gets down to one knee.

"Stay with me." Her hands move to the floor and she then looks toward the trees, judging the how the branches feel. Some were missing their leaves. It was subtle but her quarry left some telltale signs.

Survival (to Track): 1d20 + 23 + 6 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 23 + 6 + 9 = 57

Getting up, her eyes fixate on a small flower that seemed bent out of shape. He was good, but she was better.

"This should be no problem at all."

Liam follows Amelia, confident that the ranger can lead the way through the jungle.

With Amelia leading the way, you travel swiftly through the jungle, managing to keep track of the faint trail the emperor has left behind. After several miles, you hear a chuckle from nearby. Cyricas rasps, “Ah! Worthy opponents,” and steps clear of the foliage 20 feet away. A spiritual ape looms large beside him. ”Mordal! Attack!” the emperor orders, and both of them rush toward you!

Cyricas charges in with his fisticuffs raised, unleashing a flurry of pummeling strikes on Amelia!

Pummeling Charge: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (2) + 29 = 311d20 + 29 ⇒ (2) + 29 = 311d20 + 24 ⇒ (7) + 24 = 311d20 + 24 ⇒ (17) + 24 = 411d20 + 19 ⇒ (16) + 19 = 351d20 + 19 ⇒ (13) + 19 = 321d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
Damage: 2d8 + 19 ⇒ (3, 2) + 19 = 242d8 + 19 ⇒ (5, 1) + 19 = 252d8 + 19 ⇒ (6, 2) + 19 = 272d8 + 19 ⇒ (2, 7) + 19 = 282d8 + 19 ⇒ (5, 5) + 19 = 29

Mordal the ape follows Cyricas and grabs a hold of Amelia.

Grapple: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (18) + 22 = 40

133 bludgeoning damage to Amelia.

Katria gasps at the sudden attack, still feeling a bit out of her element. But she's had to deal with seemingly endless bullies to get to this point, and at the end of it, it's easy to think of the former Grand Prince as just one more.

She unleashes one of her most powerful spells, letting lightning leap from her fingers to Cyricas and then the ape.

Cast chain lightning; DC 23 for Cyricas, 21 for Mordal
Electricity damage: 18d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 2, 6, 5, 6, 2, 1, 6, 4, 4, 5, 2, 2, 5, 6, 1, 4) = 67

Liam finds this Grand Prince less bothersome than the others.
He seems to find it a game, and us worthy adversaries. He may not even realize that we can truly die, thinking we are but astral legends as he is.
"A sport, is it? Very well, let's be on with it."

He casts Heal on Amelia, closing all of her wounds, and begins Inspire Heroics as a move action, giving Katria and Amelia a +4 morale bonus on saves and a +4 dodge bonus to AC. As a swift action, he casts Liberating Command, giving Amelia a chance to make an Escape Artist check as her own immediate action with an extra +20.

Pretty sure the ape beat Amelia's flat-footed CMD, but Liberating Command should do the trick. And I adjusted Liam's AC and saves for Frightful Aspect and Good Hope wearing off.

Escape Artist: 1d20 + 5 + 20 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 20 - 1 = 35

The wounds around her close and she feels her bones mending after the huge blow.

Assuming I escape with a 35

She grips her weapon and tries to slice through the adversary next to her.

Attack: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (17) + 25 = 42
Damage: 1d8 + 32 ⇒ (2) + 32 = 34

Attack -5: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (9) + 20 = 29
Damage: 1d8 + 32 ⇒ (8) + 32 = 40

Attack -10: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25
Damage: 1d8 + 32 ⇒ (2) + 32 = 34

Attack -15: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
Damage: 1d8 + 32 ⇒ (6) + 32 = 38

Critical: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (1) + 25 = 26
Damage: 1d8 + 32 ⇒ (6) + 32 = 38

Critical -15: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 32 ⇒ (1) + 32 = 33

---

If she doesn't escape artist she will spend her Standard to try to reverse the grapple and break free.

Grapple: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (3) + 26 = 29

If either Grapple break fails I will add +4 Luck to it.

Reflex: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 301d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

Cyricas twists aside and avoids some of the lightning, but Mordal takes the full blast. Amelia escapes from the ape's grasp and lays into Cyricas, but the emperor's legend weathers the attacks. He grunts angrily. "Enough of this jiggery-pokery! Have at you, madam!"

Flurry: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (13) + 29 = 421d20 + 29 ⇒ (12) + 29 = 411d20 + 24 ⇒ (10) + 24 = 341d20 + 24 ⇒ (18) + 24 = 421d20 + 19 ⇒ (20) + 19 = 391d20 + 19 ⇒ (10) + 19 = 291d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14
Crit?: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (19) + 29 = 48
Damage: 2d8 + 19 ⇒ (1, 1) + 19 = 212d8 + 19 ⇒ (2, 4) + 19 = 254d8 + 38 ⇒ (6, 7, 4, 6) + 38 = 61

Cyricas delivers another devastating flurry of punches to Amelia. Mordal tries to grab her again, but this time she is ready and avoids the attempt.

Grapple: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (9) + 22 = 31

107 bludgeoning damage to Amelia.

Can't post right now due to work but I will use Defiant Luck to force him to reroll the Critical Confirm.

Crit Reroll: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (11) + 19 = 30

No crit, 29 less damage.

Amelia feels like she's on death's door before some of the dirt she's on manages to miraculously get into Cyricas' eye and stop what would be nearly lethal.

"If you want to duel, all you had to do was say so before you sent your ape at me."

The spell Liam has on her immediately goes off and washes her with positive energy.

Reversion: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

I actually went for Mordal last time, didn't include Favoured Nation in the attack and damage bonus, but now I'll go for Cyricas.

Full Round: 1d20 + 25 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 25 + 6 = 33
Damage: 1d8 + 32 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 32 + 6 = 44

-5: 1d20 + 20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 20 + 6 = 31
Damage: 1d8 + 32 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 32 + 6 = 41

-10: 1d20 + 15 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 15 + 6 = 26
Damage: 1d8 + 32 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 32 + 6 = 39

-15: 1d20 + 10 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 10 + 6 = 35
Damage: 1d8 + 32 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 32 + 6 = 46

Critical -15?: 1d20 + 10 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 10 + 6 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 32 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 32 + 6 = 40

Dazed from the attacks, she doesn't fight to the best of her ability.

"To be fair, Amelia, I think Katria and I bring more to the combat than the gorilla."

Liam switches to INSPIRE COURAGE +4 and hammers at Cyricas with his morningstar.

Primary, IC, PA: 1d20 + 23 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 23 + 4 - 4 = 37
Damage: 1d8 + 12 + 4 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 + 4 + 12 = 31

Secondary: 1d20 + 18 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 18 + 4 - 4 = 27
Damage: 1d8 + 12 + 4 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 + 4 + 12 = 34

Tertiary: 1d20 + 13 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 13 + 4 - 4 = 31
Damage: 1d8 + 12 + 4 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 + 4 + 12 = 32

Good Hope not in effect, nor Frightful Aspect. So not as powerful as before, but not too bad.

"I hope so, Liam," Katria says, against sending bolts of lightning toward the enemies, before realizing her next bolts will have to be from Dignity's Barb.

Cast chain lightning; DC 23 for Cyricas, 21 for Mordal
Electricity damage: 18d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 4, 1, 6, 6, 2, 3, 3, 1, 6, 1, 5, 1, 3, 2, 6, 2) = 61

Retconning to have Amelia attack Mordal

Amelia's furious assault takes down Mordal! The spiritual ape dissolves into a glowing will-o'-wisp, and Cyricas snarls in anger. "My stalwart companion! You'll pay for that, you hooligan!"

***

Reflex: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (16) + 18 = 34

Cyricas dodges some of the lightning again as Liam lands a blow. Thanks to his inspiring courage, Amelia is able to land three hits on the bloodied emperor! With the final blow, Cyricas dissolves into a will-o'-wisp as well. Both wisps dart off through the jungle, leading you out of the undergrowth.

The jungle ends at the edge of a vast, stinking swamp. The night sky is hidden by clouds of marsh gas, which glow with a faint green luminescence. The ground is sticky and murky, with hillocks protruding drunkenly from the muck.

Crossing the swamp requires a successful DC 30 Acrobatics, Swim, or Survival check, or else a flight speed. A failed check exposes the character to bloodsucking leeches, inflicting 1d3 Constitution damage.

Liam will cast his second Heal on Amelia.

He still has two Miracles if additional Heals are needed.

Then he casts Communal Air Walk on the party.
Not quite a flight speed, but enough to avoid the leeches, maybe?

Liam can't make any of those checks on his own, so needs a Fly speed. If Communal Air Walk won't do it, then he either needs spells from others or else to use one of his two Miracles.

Air walk is good enough.

With Liam's magic, you walk safely through the air over the swamp. The wisp form of Mordal peels off while Cyricas’s mote of light continues to fly through thick, primeval forest, which eventually opens up into the throne room of Taldor’s Imperial Palace. Cyricas transforms back into a human and stands before the dais, crestfallen. After a moment, he turns to face you, and in a heavy tone says “I miss it dearly, you know—travel, adventure, the comforts of home. Life. And it’s simply not in my nature to give up on the things I want.” He turns back to look longingly at the throne once again.

Liam will respond to the astral legend with sympathy and compassion.

"I understand. Life is wondrous. But I would ask you to consider three things:

I like your speech so I'll just add on here for the +2 Aid Another bonus

"What journey could be greater than the great beyond? Isn't that an adventure in its own right?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 29 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 29 + 6 = 50

Cyricas sighs and lowers his eyes. "Perhaps... perhaps it's not about what I want. It's about what is right." He nods brusquely, then squares his shoulders. "Very well. I relinquish my claim on the boy. His legend shall be his own to forge. Who knows? He might even one day find himself among the stars as well..."

Cyricas smiles and gives you all a smart salute before fading away. The throne room shifts and twists into a child’s bedroom filled with books, flowers, and medical supplies. When you exit through the bedroom door, you find yourselves back in Carrius's mindscape. The harbor door crumbles to rubble behind you.

Only one door remains--the lion door, realm of Taldaris. The image of Prince Carrius is almost completely restored to flesh. "Cyricas's voice has quieted. But I can still hear Taldaris calling to me,"[/b] the boy says. "I am almost free. Just one more..."

"To the final door, then."

Liam casts his second prepared Frightful Aspect and his second prepared Good Hope. He will also cast Moment of Greatness on the party, so everyone can double the +2 from Good Hope to a +4 for one check.

Should it become relevant, Liam's Initiative is a +16 with Eaglesoul and Good Hope. Updated the stat line.

How buff are we getting here? I have some spells but not too much.

Sure seems like it's going to be the final fight, but who knows. I'd say buff 'em while you got 'em.

Katria comes back from her moment of reverie. How amazing to meet Cyricas, who in the end was everything legend made of him. Unlike some of the others, she felt that was almost really him. Now, Taldaris. They've met him before, almost in the flesh, but what will the corrupted legend be like?

Before entering, she recasts mirror image 8 images, defensive shock and greater false life on herself, then communal stoneskin on herself and her allies. Stoneskin gives us each DR/10 up to 150 hp; it will last 1 hour

1d4 ⇒ 3

Not wanting to be held up again Amelia casts Freedom of Movement on herself as well as Mirror Image.

Mirror Image: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Not much else that lasts long, I do have a single 2nd that I'm going to hold for Reinvigorating Wind and a single 4th for Primal Scream on the off-chance I get enchanted and need a quick Break Enchantment.

You step through the lion door and into a pastoral scene. Golden fields of wheat, rippled by the wind into ocean-like waves, extend as far as the eye can see, until they meet majestic mountains at the horizon. Bone-white ruins jut haphazardly from the landscape. A heroic figure stands atop a broken column, stark against the endless sunset. This must be Taldaris's legend.

As you approach, he broods aloud. “In a single lifetime, I forged squabbling children into an empire of men. And this is what you’ve done with my legacy. Entitled, foppish, soft little children once again, squabbling and sniping. Taldor needs me now even more than she did before her birth. And I intend to remain, no matter the cost.” It is clear this is not the older and wiser man you met in Axis. As he finishes speaking, an elephant-sized lion stalks from behind the ruins, its six eyes and golden mane glowing in the sunlight—the legendary grogrisant!

Taldaris draws his greatsword, which is limned with glowing golden flames...

You can engage in combat or try to best Taldaris in a verbal duel.

We can always go back to fighting if we lose the verbal duel, I suppose, so let's try peace first.

"You are trying to place the sins of the past on us, but we support a new path forward for Taldor. One you helped us achieve! Never before has a woman sat on the throne, but Eutropia will be a legend of her own, like you were in your day. Perhaps your empire crumbled and fell because you weren't there to continue to keep it in line, but Eutropia plans a united empire that will live past her day. She doesn't need violence to achieve her goals, though she can offer that if she must." Katria looks to her two companions to make a point. "But we have fought her enemies and brought them in line to support her. Making Taldor stronger instead of taking out its history!"

Not sure what my options are with verbal duel at this point. Hopefully I can apply some Knowledge skills...

Rhetoric: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10 Wawa. Maybe just concede this first exchange? Up to you guys.

You gain extra edges in this duel, one for each of the following actions: brought Eutropia back to life, met the true Taldaris in Axis, and investigated the damaged legend of Taldaris on the Astral Plane.

"You wish to make Taldor stronger," Taldaris says. "That is a noble goal. From what I have observed through Carrius's eyes, the empire needs that strength now more than ever. I have seen how the mighty realm that I forged through my own blood, sweat, and tears now languishes as a shadow of its former self. I weep for her. I weep for her people. If you wish to make Taldor stronger, than you will need me! You cannot do it on your own."

Emotional Appeal: 1d20 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 16 + 2 = 27

Ante up to 3

Liam responds to the astral legend of Taldaris.

"We know very well who you are, and what you offer to Taldor, but perhaps you do not know us. We have done impossible deeds in the service of Taldor. We have uncovered conspiracies to tamper with the River of Souls; slain an immortal mastermind; and defeated the Herald of Norgorber. We have dispensed mercy where it was advantageous, and justice where it was needed.
I am Liam of Kozan, priest of Milani, and I and my comrades have done these things in the service of Taldor."

Presence: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29

Ante up to 4.

Is it one person per exchange? Does that mean I'm next after Taldaris responds?

"In a team duel, when a duelist wins an exchange, that character takes a –2 penalty on skill checks associated with all of her tactics instead. Hearing many different voices, even if they have similar opinions, lends credibility to a team’s arguments."

Anybody can take the next exchange, but Amelia is the only one who wouldn't have a penalty since she hasn't gone yet.

"Your deeds seem mighty, indeed," Taldaris counters. "And they make you valuable assets to the empire. But are you, Liam of Kozan, the would-be emperor? Or either of your companions? You are Princess Eutropia's champions, but what mighty deeds can Princess Eutropia claim as her own? If not for you, would she even be in the position that she is in now? When the time comes for her to stand alone as the bulwark against those who would destroy Taldor, will she be up to the task, or will she falter?"

Logic: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35

Ante up to 5.

Katria responds, head swiveling back and forth as Taldaris and Liam and Amelia exchange verbal thrusts and parries. Despite her hopes for the Senate, she can barely keep up and knows this isn't her forte. You have this, Amelia.

Amelia heard Taldaris' replies but knew that deep down there was more than duty for his nation, there was love.

"Does it matter? Are you not going to give one of your own the same chances for strength? The same chances for a future? I'm sure if we went back further enough, some would say the same about you. What deeds did you have before you became the legend that you were? Don't you owe it to the love of your country? How can you call yourself a leader if you cannot follow the beating heart of the nation... A nation that calls for Eutropia and those that believe in her?"

She goes for the stab, "I love this nation. I have done much, even brave death for this nation and far worse. I implore you, take a step back and realize a nation is its people... And sometimes such things don't follow logic and reason. They just are"

Emotional Appeal: 1d20 + 25 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 25 + 2 = 45

This increases the Ante by an extra +1 according to the rules. So it should be at 7 now.

Taldaris cedes the points you have made, taking a moment to regroup.

Taldaris Determination: 23/30

"The world has changed since my time, but not for the better. I have seen the bloody conflict that the nation has been swept up in, this War for the Crown. Well, the crown will be back where it belongs now. On the head of a boy with me in his mind, guiding him to greatness."

Rhetoric: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (5) + 17 = 22

Ante 1.

I think I'm the worst at this game, so generally makes sense for me to go first.

"A boy that, I'm sad to say, much of the nation has forgotten. Eutropia has been there, leading the war for her -- for your! -- country. Simply sweeping her aside will leave the country even more divided than it has been!"

Her words fail to make much of an impression.

Emotional Appeal (Sense Motive): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

Concede and start over? I'm going out of town, but if you want me to start it off, you can bot me with Presence: Knowledge (nobility) +13

Sure, we can concede and start over. We lose 1 determination (and taking the best from all of us, that would be Liam's 21, so we are at 20/21).

Amelia is at -2 to all checks since she has won an exchange, so Liam is the best "closer" at this moment I think; but he can also open and maybe we'll go a few rounds.

Liam will step in after Katria falters.

New exchange.

He will open with Flattery in an attempt to get Taldaris off-guard. There will, however, be a veiled insult - that Taldaris's time has long since passed.

"We do not doubt the great deeds that you accomplished in forging Taldor. Indeed, that was in the Age of Destiny, even before Aroden ascended to godhood. Truly, it is a wonder that your name is remembered with reverence after all this time and after all the changes the world has seen."

Flattery (Bluff): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18

Taldaris scoffs at Liam's attempt at flattery. "It is no wonder, for my deeds and name are legendary! They have endured for millenia. What of you? Will any even remember your name when you are dead and gone, or will it rot in the ground like your body, worth nothing more than a feast for worms?"

Mockery: 1d20 + 17 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 17 + 2 = 29

Ante 2, but if he wins this exchange with this tactic, the ante will increase to 3 because he has a bias against flattery.

"Let's be honest Taldaris, we have dealt with five other legends. Your mockery is nothing but a child's tactic to deflect from the real issue; that the three of us and Eutropia are becoming legends in our own right. You want to throw a tantrum? Do it, but know that we will not back down.That is not the noble spirit of Taldor."

Presence: 1d20 + 25 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 25 + 2 - 2 = 41

If we win, we get a +1 Determination, which will offset that concession from before.

Ante 3

Taldaris seems taken by Amelia's presence and takes a moment to regroup.

Taldaris Determination: 20/30

Taldaris takes a different tack as he regards Amelia. ”You remind me of a stubborn queen I once knew, who refused to bend the knee to me for years. Her city-state suffered while the others around it flourished. At last, she acknowledged that my rulership was superior, and when she finally conceded, her city-state flourished as a part of the Taldan empire. So, you see? The wisest thing to do would be to simply bend the knee.”

Allegory: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

Ante 1. If you choose to end the exchange rather than attempt to counter the allegory, increase the exchange’s current ante by 2 (before your determination is reduced).

"Yeah, I think I recall the tale of Atlantiata," Katria quickly replies, "but wasn't its suffering because of your actions? If you'd just left it alone, perhaps the city would have thrived. There seems to be a lesson in there, no?"

Wit (Linguistics): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16

"No. Perhaps I will need to teach you a lesson before all is said and done," Taldaris says menacingly.

You lose 2 Determination. Any of you can open up the next exchange.

Liam will open the next one with an Allegory. There is a -2 for it being the last tactic used against us, but that's fine for an opener.

"Many an empire has been laid low by hubris and over-reach, and indeed even gods can fall prey to such a fate. The Demon Lord Deskari, dreaming to rule in Golarion until he was defeated by Aroden and then again by the heroes of Mendev. Dread Asmodeus, so arrogant and so certain of his cleverness, outwitted by the bestial Baphomet. And even the righteous can make errors in judgment, as was the case for Last Azlanti in his battles with Tar-Baphon. So the course of wisdom is to proceed with humility, to acknowledge where you may be mistaken, to question your assumptions, and to be willing to learn."

Allegory: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 11 - 2 = 25

Katria begins again with rhetoric.

"Coming back may seem like the way to make the nation stronger, but it's not, Taldaris! Like a grogisant that watches its cubs at all times, they never learn to fend for themselves. Your country needs to move on if it's to grow again."

Diplomacy (rhetoric): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Fine with letting Katria's opener take precedence, especially with her getting a 20 after all those 1's!

"I agree. I will not be the emperor, but merely a voice in this boy's head, guiding him and our empire to greatness. That is your ultimate goal as well, is it not? To restore Taldor's glory? Instead of fighting, why not join me and help achieve our goals together?"

Emotional Appeal: 1d20 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 16 + 2 = 31

Successfully countering with an emotional appeal increases the exchange’s ante by an additional 1. Ante at 3.

"There is a difference between your voice and one that he consents to. How hard would it have been if it was your forefathers in your head telling you who to be and how to be it? Can you really say that a legacy forced upon you would have made you who you are now?"

She knows where to twist the knife, "Again I ask you, you would deny this boy a chance to become like you of his own accord?"

Emotional Appeal: 1d20 + 25 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 25 - 2 - 2 = 34

Ante at 5.

"And who's to say my forefathers were not in my head?" Taldaris asks. "Or the gods, at least, guiding me towards greatness? No one man can achieve such glory on his own..."

Baiting: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (11) + 20 = 31
Edge: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (10) + 20 = 30

Fortunately, you don't fall for the baiting he is attempting, and the emperor is forced to regroup and change tactics once more.

Taldaris loses 6 Determination. Now at 14/30.

Taldaris puffs out his chest and rises to his full height. "But look upon me! Gaze upon the legend of Taldaris! Any would-be emperor would be lucky to have a fraction of my glory reflected upon them!"

Presence: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (3) + 20 = 23

Ante at 1.