A new dance, the tourdion, has seized Val Royeaux like the falling sickness. Some of the younger scions of Serault have succumbed, and are asking you to hold a ball.
"Maker knows I'm not one for fads or frolics, and I fail to see how hopping about in tight hose can do a thing for Serault's dignity. But youth is a gift, and a brief one. Let them enjoy it," says the Acerbic Dowager.
You had intended to hold a tourney, but apparently they're out of fashion at the imperial court. A quandary. Around your hall fresh faces hang on your answer.
Available actions[]
1.
Hold the tourney anyway A pox on fashion. A good old-fashioned tourney gets the blood pumping. You might even win!
Difficulty: Derring-Do*6/5
Success: A grand day out The tourney is a sound success. The smell of horses, sweat and oiled steel. The spray of mud from hooves. The cheers and lamentations of the crowd. The ring of blade on mail. And who doesn't like seeing knights knock one another into the dirt? Your performance in the lists and the melee wins you a wager with the Cheery Baron. The look on his face when he hands you his purse is worth every bruise.
+1 Bag of Royals, -10 Health
Failure: Playing at war Who cares what they think in Val Royeaux? A tourney never did anyone any harm! Except for the casualties. You earn bruises in the melee, a spill in the jousting, and a bull in the archery. Glorious! You lose as much coin as you win, but the experience is worth it. The tournament attracts young hopefuls from across Orlais, particularly the impoverished class of landless knight looking to turn sword-work to silver. Scandalous and indecent, they do little for Serault's safety, or her reputation.
-20 Health, +3 Peril, -2 Dignity
2.
Hold a ball and dance the tourdion Alright. Let's see what all the fuss is about.
Difficulty: Rulership*2
Success: It's got a good beat Fine lords and ladies form lines facing one another, and the lively music begins. It is a difficult dance to master. The arms are held stiffly at the sides, and the steps consist mostly of straight-legged hopping. It's not the most elegant of pastimes, but the younger guests are thrilled to be so contemporary.
+10 Dignity
Failure: 'Are you sure this is right?' The music is quick, the steps complex. Keep your arms stiffly at your sides, you are told. Straighten your legs. That's it. Now hop Hop? You endure, rather than excel, at it. Only the younger guests take the whole thing seriously, and soon the dance descends into a chaotic tangle of laughing lords and giggling ladies.
+5 Dignity, -5 Prosperity
3.
Do neither Spare the Marquisate's coffers.
Result: Prudence No dance and no tourney will make for a dull week. But you could always pass the hours by counting all the coins you saved.
+5 Prosperity
Notes[]
Even though Hold the tourney anyways claims Derring-Do will increase on a win or a loss, it doesn't always.
