Beleaguered Prince Quest

Rolled 2 (1d8)

Rolled 3 (1d8)

Rolled 8 (1d8)

Rolled 3 (1d8)

Set sail for fail

Right on the razor's edge.

Writing.

Please don't forget to keep the pastebin up to date.

Myrddin soon returns with a slight smirk on his face.

"It's done," he says. "My spies heard Prince Aled laughing at your fake bankruptcy. He's quite please that he's not the only one having problems."

"Time to pull the line then," you say. "I'll be back as soon as possible."

"Good luck," Olwen says.

You dishevel your hair a little to give yourself a haggard look, making sure not to go overboard. You need to look tired and bothered, not slovenly. After that, you calmly walk towards your uncle's quarters and make a show of casually walking by his office while the door's open.

"Nephew!" Your uncle calls out for you. "I was just thinking of paying you a visit. Please, come in. It's been too long since we talked. Tell me, how are things?"

You enter the office and give him a bitter smile. You can try to broach the topic of your uncle's land indirectly and hope he takes the bait. Alternatively, you can keep the charade going and "bluff" about your supposed losses to get to let your uncle think he has the initiative, or you can admit to your "financial difficulties" and see if he gets the hint.

>[Merchant/1d8] "Oh, just the usual. I'm trying to expand my assets a little to make up for some losses."
>[Intrigue/1d8] "I'm doing quite well, uncle."
>[Intrigue/1d12] "Not too well, I'm afraid."

>>[Merchant/1d8] "Oh, just the usual. I'm trying to expand my assets a little to make up for some losses."

>>[Intrigue/1d8] "I'm doing quite well, uncle."

>[Merchant/1d8] "Oh, just the usual. I'm trying to expand my assets a little to make up for some losses."

>[Merchant/1d8] "Oh, just the usual. I'm trying to expand my assets a little to make up for some losses."

"Oh, just the usual," you say. "I'm trying to expand my assets a little to make up for some losses."

"Is that right?" Your uncle raises an eyebrow and chortles. "Well, life is filled with ups and downs. All you can do is deal with it."

"Oh, I'm quite used to that sort of thing by now," you say. You can tell your uncle's almost ready to bite the hook. You just need to dangle it a little more. "It's just…"

"What is it?" Prince Aled asks.

"Most of my money and my collateral are tied up at the moment," you say. "It'll free up over the next few months, but by then, it might be too late. I need to find a low-cost, high-profit investment soon, or else the debts will pile up."

>Roll 1d8, best of three.

Putting my trip back on...

Rolled 6 (1d8)

Let's see if I can get another 8.

Rolled 1 (1d8)

Rolled 1 (1d8)

WELP

Don't worry I saved us.

Prince Aled mumbles to himself for a few seconds. "I think I can help with that," he says. "I own several forests for hunting trips and such, and I've been thinking of selling one of them. I won't make it too expensive, and you should at least be able to use it as collateral."

Of course he won't make it too expensive. He wants you to buy it, and he can't take the risk that you won't have enough money.

"Really, uncle?" You fake the happiest look you can manage. "That would be extremely helpful."

"Of course, nephew," Prince Aled says. "I have the deed somewhere around me. Just give me a moment…"

Prince Aled thumbs through his paper and ledgers and pulls out the deed to the forest you raided.

"There it is," he says.

You examine the deed and confirm that it's genuine. This is exactly what you were looking for. Even the price is quite reasonable. You're reluctant to give your uncle any kind of benefit, but in this case, it's enough of a steal that it won't bother you.

You quickly fill out the paperwork to have the forest transferred to your name and place the deed in your coat pocket.

"There you are, nephew," Prince Aled says. "I hope this will help you get back on your feet."

"Thank you, uncle," you say. "I won't forget this."

It'll go on your list of amusing stories about the capital that you can never tell anyone.

With the first part of the plan done, you return to your chambers to figure out the second half with Olwen, Myrddin, and Reagan, who came to join you for lunch.

"That's half the job done, but the deed is useless until we steal back the Haearnty seal," Myrddin says. "It should be in Prince Aled's house in the capital; he wouldn't let something that important out of his sight."

"The first thing we need to do is decide who we're going to send," Olwen says. "Should we hire someone, or would you rather that we do this ourselves?"

>"We'll hire someone. Leave this to the professionals."
>"We can't trust anyone else. We'll have to take care of it ourselves."

>"We'll hire someone. Leave this to the professionals."

>>"We'll hire someone. Leave this to the professionals."

>"We'll hire someone. Leave this to the professionals."

>"We'll hire someone. Leave this to the professionals."
Make sure they don't know who we are.

"We'll hire someone," you say. "Leave this to the professionals."

"Which means we'll need to come up with an alibi," Myrddin says. "Or a distraction."

"Or both," Olwen says.

"This sounds like a good opportunity for a night out in the city," Reagan says. "I'm afraid I'll be leaving soon, and I'd like to enjoy myself while I still can."

It's not a bad idea, especially since the only alternative you can think of would be dinner with your family. Your uncle would automatically attend a family dinner, but if you choose to go out instead, you can arrange for him to receive an invitation to the same party.

>"I'm afraid I'll have to arrange a family dinner."
>[Dilettante/1d10] "Let's go out. I'll try to make sure my uncle joins us."

>[Dilettante/1d10] "Let's go out. I'll try to make sure my uncle joins us."

>>[Dilettante/1d10] "Let's go out. I'll try to make sure my uncle joins us."

>>[Dilettante/1d10] "Let's go out. I'll try to make sure my uncle joins us."
Might as well.

>"I'm afraid I'll have to arrange a family dinner."

>[Dilettante/1d10] "Let's go out. I'll try to make sure my uncle joins us."
may as well make uncle think we're head over heels for Reagan and distract him.

He might even try to assassinate us and blame it on the Widow Princess.

>[Dilettante/1d10] "Let's go out. I'll try to make sure my uncle joins us."
finally caught this live
YES!

"Let's go out," you say. "I'll try to make sure my uncle joins us. There should be a party going on somewhere, right?"

"There is always is," Myrddin says. "You know, you could just have dinner with -"

"Nope."

"But -"

"Not happening."

"Are you -"

"I said no." You glare at Myrddin with a look of finality. "Just bring me some paper so I can write an invitation for my uncle."

"Fine then," Myrddin says.

"I suppose her highness will have a look at my dresses to see if we can find something suitable," Olwen says. "Is this another masked ball?"

"No, people need to see us," you say. "So this needs to be very public."

You write a letter to your uncle informing him that you'll be going to a party, and that you'd like for him to attend. Since he sold you that forest, you have the perfect excuse to invite him.

>Roll 1d10, best of three.

Rolled 8 (1d10)

Rolled 4 (1d10)

I'll save you all yet again

And I need to stop forgetting my trip.

Rolled 5 (1d10)

Boobs

One of your uncle's servants sends a letter back informing you that he'll be happy to join you. You're not naïve enough to think he's just being polite, but if he wants to pick a fight with you tonight, you'll be more than happy to add to his losses.

The ladies leave to prepare themselves, which gives you and Myrddin time to finalize your plans.

"Have you got people lined up for the robbery?" You ask.

"A few," Myrddin says. "It depends on how exactly you want this done."

"We're looking for a seal, or a lockbox that looks like it could hold a seal," you say. "They also need to take a few other valuables to make it look like a normal robbery. Anything else?"

"If I can find high-end specialists, they might be able to pick through Prince Aled's personal documents," Myrddin says. "Some of it might be useful."

>[Intrigue/1d10] "Make it a standard robbery."
>[Intrigue/1d8] "Find someone who can look through my uncle's papers."

>[Intrigue/1d8] "Find someone who can look through my uncle's papers."

>[Intrigue/1d8] "Find someone who can look through my uncle's papers."

>>[Intrigue/1d10] "Make it a standard robbery."

>[Intrigue/1d8] "Find someone who can look through my uncle's papers."

"Find someone who can look through my uncle's papers," you say. "I'm going to need all the leverage I can get for this."

"Yes, your highness," Myrddin says. "I'll have everything ready by the time we're ready."

"Thank you, Myrddin."

You return to your room and change into one of your nicer sets of clothes. Sure, all your clothes are nice, but your party clothes are made from more expensive fabric, and they don't handle wear and tear as well as your standard clothes, so you do your best to use them whenever the opportunity shows itself.

Myrddin and the ladies - including, once again, Nimue - are waiting for you in a carriage on the palace grounds.

"How did it go?" You ask Myrddin.

>Roll 1d8, best of three.

Third time's got to be the last one, right?

Rolled 3 (1d8)

Rolled 2 (1d8)

Rolled 1 (1d8)

Saving you all again

Rolled 2 (1d8)

Rolled 4 (1d8)

rekt

So this is going to be interesting.

>most important roll in the thread
>we fail

Really saved us there, chief

"No problem," Myrddin says. "All we need to do is enjoy ourselves and they'll have the merchandise at our place by morning."

"Your enthusiasm is downright infection," you say.

You climb into the carriage. Olwen is wearing an elaborate red and white dress, while Reagan is in a simpler white dress that displays her prominent bust without showing much cleavage. It's strangely enticing, in the sense that you know it's there, but you can't have it.

"I'm quite looking forward to this," Reagan says. "I'm afraid I don't have many opportunities to go out back home."

"Since we pulled you along for our work, this is the least we can do, your highness," Olwen says. "I'm sure the prince will provide you with suitable entertainment."

Tonight's celebration is hosted by a mid-level noble, so there is a bit of a crowd. You step out of the carriage and help Olwen and Reagan down.

"What should we do first?" Reagan asks.

>"I suppose I should greet my uncle."
>"I've been quite successful at dancing."
>"I'd like to see who the other guests are."

>Make it a standard robbery.-
damnit

>>"I suppose I should greet my uncle."
>>"I've been quite successful at dancing."
Greet uncle, then have Reagan ask that we all dance. Look a little tired, then double down on bravado and "challenge" uncle. Lose.

>"I suppose I should greet my uncle."
>"I've been quite successful at dancing."

>"I've been quite successful at dancing."
Dance with Olwen

"I'll greet my uncle first to let him know I'm here," you say. "I'll visit the dance floor after that."

You very deliberately ignore the gleam in Olwen and Reagan's eyes. Instead, you scan the room and look for your uncle. Given his girth and general appearance, he isn't that difficult to find. He's drinking wine and talking with some other nobles.

"Uncle!" You call out to him and wave. "I'm pleased you could make it."

"Ah, nephew, thank you for telling me about this evening," your uncle says. "I've been tense lately, and this kind of relaxation is quite helpful."

"No need to mention it," you say. "It's the least I could do to repay you."

"We're family," Prince Aled says. "We look out for each other like this."

"Well, I won't bother you any longer," you say. "Have a pleasant evening, and let me know if I can help you with something."

"Likewise, nephew."

With the formalities out of the way, you're free to display your skills on the dance floor and impress the crowd once more. It may be nothing more than a hobby to you, but it is the royal family's duty to nurture the kingdom's arts and culture.

>[Dilettante/1d8] Dance with Olwen.
>[Dilettante/1d8] Dance with Reagan.
>[Dilettante/1d6] You can dance with both in a row.
>[Dilettante/1d10] Find a random partner.

>[Dilettante/1d6] You can dance with both in a row.

>[Dilettante/1d6] You can dance with both in a row.

>[Dilettante/1d8] Dance with Reagan
We do not need our uncle to know that we have any relationship beyond practical with Olwen.

>[Dilettante/1d6] You can dance with both in a row.
failure in this case isn't ENTIRELY bad

>[Dilettante/1d6] You can dance with both in a row.

You poor, poor fools.

You can handle two women in a row, right?

…

You immediately decide not to share that thought with anyone.

Reagan and Olwen are both waiting by the dance floor. You gently take Reagan's arm first; she is royalty, so it's customary for her to have priority.

"Would you care to join me, your highness?" You ask.

Reagan smiles brightly. "Of course, your highness."

"Excellent." You smile at her. "Olwen, I'll be with you once I'm done."

"You better."

Cold sweat pours down your back. You're glad you didn't snub her. Now you just need to hope your stamina can endure two dances in a row.

>Roll 1d6, best of three.

Rolled 1 (1d6)

Rolled 2 (1d6)

Rolled 5 (1d6)

FAILFAILFAIL

Rolled 4 (1d6)

Rolled 4 (1d6)

ALLAHU AKBAR

Rolled 2 (1d6)

rolling

nope, thanks

Nice save

Fortunately, the dance is a slow waltz. It still requires effort, but it's not as physically demanding as some other dances. Reagan presses herself against you a little closer than would be normal, but it doesn't affect the balance of your hold. You slide across the dance floor in elegant circles.

"I must say, you're quite good at this," Reagan says. "I didn't expect the Victorious Prince to be so refined."

"Royalty requires a broad skillset," you say. "Unlike some other members of the family, I like to provide an inspiring example in as many fields as possible."

The dance comes to an end and you gracefully let go of Reagan. After some polite applause from the crowd, Olwen steps onto the dance floor to take her place.

"I hope you're not too tired," Olwen says. "Then again, you do look appealing when you're panting."

"Hahaha." You laugh dryly. "This isn't a spar. I won't get worn out by such little effort."

"I would be very disappointed if you were."

Olwen leans back entrusts most of her weight to your hold. She's just barely keeping herself up in order to maintain your balance. It's the sort of thing very few dancers could manage. If you hadn't known each other for so long, you probably would have slipped and fallen after the third step.

This time, you stay near the edge of the dance floor to show off your talents, and Olwen certainly seems glad for the additional attention, and for the fact that she's dancing with you.

As the song winds down, Olwen straightens out and you let her go.

"This was nice," she says. "I'm glad we were able to do this again."

"So am I," you say. You're tired, covered in sweat, and out of breath, but dancing as an exercise is both fun and challenging. You could probably keep going if you really wanted to.

As you step back into the crowd, you hear a woman call out to you.

"Your dancing form is quite impressive. I was wondering if you would like to join me for one more?"

>"That would depend on who's asking."
>"I'm afraid I'm too tired at the moment."
>[Dilettante/1d6] "One more dance wouldn't hurt, miss…"

>>[Dilettante/1d6] "One more dance wouldn't hurt, miss…"

>>"I'm afraid I'm too tired at the moment."

>[Dilettante/1d6] "One more dance wouldn't hurt, miss…"

>>"I'm afraid I'm too tired at the moment."
But talking would t hurt.

>[Dilettante/1d6] "One more dance wouldn't hurt, miss…"
Keep a bit of a guard up.

>[Dilettante/1d6] "One more dance wouldn't hurt, miss…"

"One more dance wouldn't hurt, miss…"

You turn around and see a somewhat familiar brown-haired woman wearing a blue dress.

"My name is Eleri," she says as she curtseys. "Eleri Lloyd."

That would explain why she looks so familiar. This must be the one-time dance partner you met at that masked ball you attended some time ago.

Olwen snickers and gives you a push in her direction. "You should dance with your friend," she says. "It'll make Myrddin happy."

You bite back your reply and hold out your hand for Eleri, who gladly takes it.

"Shall we dance?"

>Roll 1d6, best of three.

Rolled 2 (1d6)

Rolled 6 (1d6)

Are we the dancing king?

Rolled 3 (1d6)

wew 3 girls, I hope we don't bungle this

KING OF THE DANCE

We must be really impressing this girl since we can keep up.

I get the feeling Meirion would have been a major playboy if not for the fact that he is busy keeping the kingdom together 24/7.

Myrddin agrees with you.

He's a classic example of someone married to his work. I wonder if he's still a virgin...

Eleri's form is, once again, impeccable. Her weight doesn't put any strain on you, she carefully adjust hers hips to maintain your balance, and she smoothly follows her lead. Her smile doesn't waver in the least as you move across the dance floor.

"I thought you looked familiar," she says. "I wasn't sure if I'd ever have the chance to dance with you again."

"Isn't it rude to pry about masked balls?" You ask.

"I'm sorry. I'm just sentimental about the Rose Garden Waltz. My parents met when they were practicing it, so…"

She suddenly blushes and averts her eyes. You very deliberately avoid further prying and focus on your steps.

The songs and you walk Eleri off the floor. The fact that she's helping you steady your aching legs is just an added bonus.

"You could be a professional, you know," she says. "You certainly have the talent."

"Unfortunately, I have more pressing responsibilities," you say. "Although if I did dance professionally, I assume the whole thing would turn into a disaster for me somehow."

"Ah." Eleri sounds genuinely disappointed. "I suppose dancing isn't a very respectable profession for most people."

"Oh, no, I wouldn't say that. It's just that -"

"YOU!"