>>5512480“Might you also lend your magic to securing our borders?” you ask.
“Well uh… the way magic works. I’m not really sure there’s much I could do on such a grand scale,” she said sheepishly.
“I beg your pardon Lady Rythvane,” interjected Malchus “, but does not your house have knowledge of the arts of enchantment? During my time in Rythholm I beheld such things as way stones which automatically alerted the watchmen to trespassers.”
Eliza seemed visibly annoyed at this, shooting the mage a quick glare before regaining her composure.
“Such arts are the secret knowledge of the Rythvane Magus Circle. I am not at liberty to teach them to outsiders. Exactly who are you anyway? I thought I was the head mage here?”
Well, that was rich coming from her.
“I apologise for Edwin’s lack of decorum,” you say, quickly jumping in to smooth over the situation. “This is Edwin Malchus, my former head mage. While I don’t doubt your superior magical knowledge, you will need a guide to navigate our internal affairs. Thus, Malchus shall retain his position on this council as your advisor.”
“Ah, t-thank you my Duke. My apologies Ser Malchus, I shall be in your care.”
It was obvious Eliza was annoyed by this but forced herself to play along. You allowed yourself a small smirk.
[Diplomancer]: “Expertly done. Malchus will be your second opinion, but by framing it as him being an advisor to Eliza it’ll be a lot harder for her to keep him out of the loop without it being seen as a slight against you.”
[Hackerman]: “About this trade situation, can we not open another trade route through Rythvane territory?”
[(Muh)Autism]: “Rythvane’s roads are rough and prone to monster attacks from the forest. It’s as much a deterrent to invaders as their army is. Even without tariffs’ the cost of securing the routes would not make it a viable alternative to Kireon.”
[Diplomancer]: “Might we negotiate a new trade deal with Nigel Kireon? At the end of the day he’s a merchant. Regardless of past insults he should be amicable to a new deal if we frame it properly.”
[Stonks]: “We have nothing he wants. Our protection was the only bargaining chip we had, aside from that there’s nothing we can trade. The market for monster parts is too small and I doubt we could keep up with demand if it was, especially if we’re going to cull them along our borders.”
>What do about trade situation?>There seem to be no obvious solutions at this point, the good news is the decision can be set aside for now. In the meantime, I am open to write ins.>Extra decision.>[Diplomancer]: Pressure Eliza to share Rythvane’s magical knowledge to help secure the border. Gain +2 to the border security action if successful. Difficulty 10 (+3 from Diplomancer)>[Hackerman]: Have Eliza work with your craftsmen to find solutions to the materials shortage. Difficulty 8 (+3 from Hackerman) 
