[Scott Hebert]

Turn 2

Irma reclined on her throne made from the skulls of the Inquisition, and called for the report from Nan Bagor. Apparently, with the passing of the Malediction, the people of Cun Aral had reverted to barbarism, and 25 of them stood in the path of her armies. She dismissed him, and asked if the Fortuneteller she had requested had arrived or not.

Her chamberlain hesitated. "She... has arrived, Your Majesty. However..." He trailed off as she leaned forward intently.

"However..? Lord Chamberlain, I do not like my commands disobeyed. Where is sh..." Irma trailed off as a woman entered the throne room, looking somehow determinedly vacuous.

"Your majesty, may I introduce the Fortuneteller you requested?" The Chamberlain seemed eager to withdraw, and so Irma waved her hand dismissively.

"My dear, you must have been quite fatigued from the trip," Irma purred at the new arrival.

The Fortuneteller giggled, and replied, "The wolf does not know that the serpent hunts for it."

Starting to wonder at the girl's sanity, Irma continued, "What do you know that can help me in my mission to bring the Malediction to all?"

At that, the Fortuneteller laughed out loud. "A curse cannot be spread with a blessing," she said.

Irma's eyes narrowed in displeasure. "Are you having sport with me, woman? What is your name?"

The girl's eyes focused momentarily, and said hesitantly, "I do not remember. Once I started to See, I have been known as Coma."

Irma's anger changed abruptly to amusement. "You were well-named, child. Come, and help me in my studies."

And that is how Coma (2S) the Fortuneteller came into the service of Irma.

I got the Barbarians. Removing 3 Pikemen from Karl's formation (he started with 16), I put the 12 Rangers with him, put them off to the side, and along with Rexor's troops, have them go off into Fenatice. My reports had said that it had ~8000 pop, and so it would be a good province to Blood Hunt in. Also, I had seen bad Dominion to its NW, so I wanted to grab the province before someone else could. While Irma and Coma continue researching Alteration, Nan Bagor summons a couple of wolves. I pay 156 gold for another Fortuneteller, 3 Rangers, and 3 Morningstar Infantry (I greatly prefer these to Pikemen when using Rangers, because the shields help to cut down on friendly fire).

Summary:

Treasury: 8
Income: 180 (-2)
Upkeep: 29 (+13)
Gems: 2S6D2N
Gem Income: 1S3D1N
Research: Alteration 1 anticipated
Research Income: 25 of 25

As always, comments welcome.

Bayushi Tasogare