Thorns of War- Leopold

Leopold Romance Tips

Leopold already loves you when the game begins and it is very difficult to lose that affection, but it is possible.

Leopold’s character is very much focused upon his desire for revenge. If you get in the way of that, then he will begin to question whether you are suited to be together after all.

Game tips

In Leopold’s route, I wanted to have the feeling of assembling a team in Act 1 and earning points towards the throne, while Acts 2 and 3 involves using the team you’ve managed to assemble to help you.

For the throne, Leopold begins with 30 points and must have a score of over 54 to win. Most of these can be earned by garnering support at the beginning of the game.

In Acts 2 and 3, the focus moves to how ‘visible’ you are being while you work. Visibility points track this and should be kept as low as possible. When people start to notice what you are doing, it can have unfortunate consequences.

Below is a breakdown of the four main sub-plots in Act 1.


LaFouch

To solve LaFouch’s problem with the best outcome follow the route until you reach the part where you speak to Count De Montesque at the ball

+ “I suppose you will have to ask her.” ends the plot line there.

+ “Are we so sure she is guilty?” allows the plot to continue. From here speak to the maid and select an option that reflects your personality and skills to succeed (failure ends the plot line). You will then have two options, either will result in a successful conclusion to the route and +5 throne points.

Ending the plot line early will result in LaFouch being less helpful in the second half of the game.

To win the support of House De Montesque (throne points =+10) while you are working with LaFouch you need at least two points:

You can earn them below.

+ Do not point out he cheated on his wife (=+1)

+ Do not fish for gossip when speaking to him (=+1)

+ Point out it could not be a supporter of Auguste (=+1)

And, course, you need to find the culprit.


Francelli

There are four ways to finally deal with Francelli and the choice occurs at the ball.

“Francelli our arrangement is at an end.” ends the plot line with no points and ensures Francelli is unavailable in the second half of the game.

“As the Count said, I was about to take my leave.” Continues the plot with three options.

+ Do just what Francelli wants – Francelli available later, throne points =+10

+ Confront both – Francelli available later, throne points =+10

+ Abandon work and warn De Baudine – lose Francelli’s help, throne points =+15


Triste

When dealing with Baron Angalter his suspicion needs to be 1 or below:

Things that raise suspicion are:

+ Questioning him about his story at the tea party (=+1 per instance)

+ Telling his housekeeper who you are (=+1) or saying you are Lady Albertine (=+1)

+ Telling his housekeeper you will see him soon (=+1)

+ Threatening the mercenaries (=+1)

If your suspicion is too high, the General will dismiss you outright.

If your suspicion is low enough, the General will hear what you have to say.

+ “We both know that is not the case” fails the plot line.

+ “Of course” the plot line completes successfully

Failing to complete the plot line will result in Triste being absent from this point on. Success allows him to remain and earns +5 throne points.


Sofia Alloutti and the guilds

When dealing with the guilds:

+ condemn their involvement – no change

+ play up your role, but keep your distance – throne points +=5

+ accept their alliance – throne points +=5, can get help from guilds/Master Venitti later

If you ally with the guilds you can also get House Alloutti to support you (throne points +=10)

To do this:

+ At the ball, be sympathetic to her becoming a noble

+ At the ball, do not allow Francesca to accuse her of being an ally to House Stavizzi

+ When meeting with her father, be understanding and conciliatory.


Moving to Act 2, it is time to use the team you have built and try to keep your visibility points low.

When visiting the Silversmiths

Go alone =+3 visibility points (if you have both the Philanthropy and Bluff traits, 2 visibility points will be removed from your score)

Go with Countess LaFouch – if LaFouch is happy = 0 visibility points, if LaFouch is sad =+2 visibility points, though 1 point can be removed from your score if you have the Scholarly, Bluff, or Cunning traits.

go with Triste (if available) – he will just advise you to go with LaFouch

After meeting the Silversmiths

Ambassador Brovik =+2 visibility points (one will be removed if you have Scholarly, Bluff or Cunning.)

Mother =+1 visibility point

Triste (if available) =0 visibility points

(Asking where the Duke lives in any of the conversations =+1 visibility point)

**In the coach with Frederique, telling him everything about Leopold’s plans might have consequences later.**

When talking to the merchants

Talk about the silversmiths =+2 visibility points

Talk about the amount = +1 visibility point

Remain silent = 0 visibility points

No = 0 visibility points

Yes = +1 visibility points

**At the beginning of the next day (Day 11), if you visited the Silversmiths’ alone (without Bluff and Philanthropy) or went with an unhappy LaFouch, Leopold will get a letter informing you they are investigating matter. Leopold instructs you to go to the bank. You can do as he asks or lie to him. Both might have consequences later.**

When looking for the ship name

Silversmiths =+3 visibility points (will only work if you allied with the guilds. Can’t use this option if they are already investigating the bonds)

Garllucio Naval Register =+2 visibility points

Mariners Charities =+1 visibility points

Visiting the warehouse

Go with Triste (if available) – if Scholarly, Cunning or Roguish = 0 visibility points, if Commanding =+1 visibility point, else =+2 visibility points

Go with Frederique –

Runaways =+3 visibility points

Looking for cargo =+1 visibility point

Treasure hunt =+2 visibility points

At the end of the Act 2 you decide how to pursue the information you have gathered so far – these three options will determine what happens in Act 3.

Purchase the goods (if Francelli available) =0 visibility points

Steal the goods =0 visibility points

Report goods as smuggled =+3 visibility points

At the beginning of day14, if you previously received notice that the Silversmiths were looking into your visit and your visibility points are above 7, a message will arrive stating the Silversmiths have begun an official investigation. If you have allied with the guilds, you can visit Master Venitti now to have the Silversmiths halt the investigation. If you do/can not, there may be consequences.


Purchase route

In the meeting with Ozol, the Duke’s suspicion will determine the outcome.

Good evening, Duke Ozol – ends the meeting

Good evening, Master Avalio =+1 suspicion point

Remain silent = 0 suspicion points

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Remain silent =+1 suspicion point

You told me the warehouse was to the north = 0 suspicion points

Just admit you did not have time to inspect them =+2 suspicion points

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Wait, where is the silver cabinet? – ends the meeting

Remain silent = 0 suspicion points

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You do have it, don’t you? =+2 suspicion points

My father was always very particular about that = 0 suspicion points

Surely we need not press for it =+1 suspicion point

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Is that usual? =+1 suspicion point

This Borst must be quite the size! = 0 suspicion points

Tell me more about the Borst =+2 suspicion points

If Ozol’s suspicion is below 5, he will continue the conversation – this will lead to the best Ozol outcome (though the game’s ending will still depend upon your throne score)


Stealing Route

During the meeting with Sir Aurele:

“If we stop now, Auguste will win and all will suffer!” – this will lead to the best Ozol outcome (though the game’s ending will still depend upon your throne score)

“We would be willing to pay for your co-operation.” Then

“Coin is something we have in abundance.” – this will lead to the best Ozol outcome

“We could get you a royal position.” He refuses to help. Now visibility points must be 9 or below to get the best Ozol outcome

“By refusing, you risk standing against the future King.” He refuses to help. Now visibility points must be 9 or below to get the best Ozol outcome


Smuggled Route

During the first meeting with Sir Aurele both options will lead to him helping you, but if you lie then he will dismiss you during the second meeting. Now visibility points must be 9 or below to get the best Ozol outcome.

Otherwise-

“If we stop now, Auguste will win and all will suffer!” – this will lead to the best Ozol outcome (though the game’s ending will still depend upon your throne score)

“We would be willing to pay for your co-operation.” Then

“Coin is something we have in abundance.” – this will lead to the best Ozol outcome

“We could get you a royal position.” He refuses to help. Now visibility points must be 9 or below to get the best Ozol outcome

“What if the watch were to learn of your previous dealings with us?” He refuses to help. Now visibility points must be 9 or below to get the best Ozol outcome.


Princess Francesca

At a point in the route, however you have treated her before, Francesca will ask for an alliance.

No = no change

Yes = Fran becomes your spy.

During your scenes with Francesca after this point, if you are rude to her she will change her mind and betray you.

Her points must be three or below by the end of the game.

Or did you forget you’re my servant now? (=+1)

As you say. Just don’t mess this up. (=+1)

Land is likely an asset we will be able to spare. (=+1)

Revenge will have to suffice. (=+3)

Tease her (=+3)

Keeping her on your side will earn +10 throne points, but if she betrays you, -10 points will be removed from your score.