Greetings readers, and welcome to the first official reader driven storyline vote!

This vote is available for all readers (except those who are taking part in the accompanying D&D adventure over on Telegram). Looking for more info on this? Check out the story world info here:

https://www.furaffinity.net/gallery.....e-Guilded-Cage

Each reader is able to vote on their choice of storyline point of view for Chapter 1. Take a look at the options and decide which YOU support, and then provide a vote, either here or over on SF (if you vote on both sides your vote will not count).

As you may know, this story runs parallel to activities undertaken by players of the online D&D game I am running with the same name. A story will be presented here which shall be affected by the successes and failures of the players and, likewise, the events that take place within St. Almar as part of this story will change the game world in which they play. As readers, you get a little extra information as to what effects your choices make on the setting. To begin, a little peek behind the curtain:

There are a multitude of directions this story can go and, likewise, just as many (if not more) paths for the accompanying game. As the story and game progress, the future of St. Almar will be shaped by a combination of activities undertaken by those in power as well as those seeking power. The path of St Almar will be determined by several "behind the scene" traits, which are as follows:

Peace -- a measure of calm and law-abiding goodwill exhibited by the general populace. Peace means stability, and also consistency for the status quo. More peace means the people tend to be more content (though not necessarily happy) and leaves the current regime less challenged. Current rating: 88%

Harmony -- an indicator of how 'settled' everyone is into their particular caste or social strata. Harmony suggests a lack of growing pains, or at least an acknowledgement of the 'glass ceiling' with few (or no) individuals pushing against the status quo. Everyone has a place in St. Almar, and a higher the Harmony mans less people trying and change their lot in life. Current rating: 70%

Outreach -- provides a numeric value to the effort the "have" give towards providing to the "have nots". This is also a general understanding of the good-will the upper class and ruling class have for the lower class and destitute. A higher score indicates a greater sense of selflessness or altruism on the part of those able to help those in need. Current Rating: 53%

Might -- offers a measure of how much control the Elves have over St Almar from a purely military/policing angle. While it would be nice for peace and prosperity to remain the norm, in the event of a power struggle or, in the worst case, an out-and-out rebellion/revolt, this indicates how likely Elven forces are to emerge victorious in an unmitigated victory. Current Rating: 91%

Uprising -- suggests how willing the populace is to reject the rule of the Elves. Despite how well cared for the population or how peaceful the city, there are still elements within St. Almar who feel that languishing under the oppression of the Holy Empire is an affront to the populace. If this number gets high enough, an overt rebellion may come into being. Current Rating: 21%

Alert -- serves as one of the most important factors for the players of the D&D campaign as it represents the interest that the law enforcement of St. Almar has in the activities of The Assembly, the group to which the players are currently affiliated. If this number gets too high then the Assembly may be targeted as an enemy of the state. Current Rating: 51%

Knowing that every decision made by readers for the storyline can affect these traits almost as much as what the players themselves do mean that readers here should take these choices into consideration. Will readers be benevolent custodians of the city in which players area trying to make a positive difference, or are readers more interested in making things "eventful"? Perhaps they are less interested in statistics and would rather follow storylines they find interesting? There is no wrong way to vote and, with that in mind, here are the options for the next post:

A) Jace joins Torque and Billy on another hunt-down mission, although it isn't of the usual variety. (+1 Peace, +1 Outreach, +1 Might,)

B) Commander Blackpaw reviews a report regarding the death of one of her guardsmen at the hands of the Pik-Zagn. She resolves to address their 'flexing'. (-1 Peace, -1 Harmony, -1 Might)

C) Dorias is brought to a safe place by a well-meaning patron and, despite losing his place at the library, is given an opportunity to prosper. (+1 Peace, +1 Outreach, -1 Alert)

D) Ciral's position as a Gladiator Champion is at risk due to a bureaucratic oversight; he gets some help navigating the problem. (-1 Peace, +1 Uprising, +1 Alert)

E) Erithil further explores the rumors of an assassination attempt of a guard captain and why someone might want the fellow dead. (+1 Peace, -1 Uprising, +1 Alert)

Voting is now open, and will end as of 11:59pm on Saturday, Jan 30th.