rolled 2, 1, 4 = 7

>CURRENT STATUS<

Day two in New Aarmour. Against your better judgment, you decided to try your hand at alchemy again, successfully constructing a small, primitive generator. Taking it even farther, you managed to pull some silicon out of the ground, fashion a vacuum sphere, and string a filament within. You are now the inventor of the lightbulb.

It is dawn. Your fragile construction, well-protected inside a crude wooden box, wrapped in soft cloth, is prepared for demonstration. In a little while, the College staff will be getting up, to prepare for the arrival of the first students. You are free to do as you will.

>>9128795
Did we get any sleep? If we could use some more now would be a good time.

rolled 2, 5, 2 = 9

>>9128834
You had enough. You generally don't worry too much about things like that, but after your previous accomplishment, you could reward yourself with some extra nap time.

Fuck yeah I love this

LETS SHOW EVERYONE
THE POWER OF TESLA

rolled 3, 2, 4 = 9

>>9128913
No one except your escorts are up yet.

You know, you could always learn lightning magic for some extra 'oomph'.

by the way, we must learn lightning magic.
If there is no such thing, can we use telekinesis to move electrons ?

>>9128951
well let's wait for everyone to wake up then.
Meanwhile let's be agitated like a little girl on christmas.

rolled 6, 6, 4 = 16

>>9128952
It is within your capability to learn. Not only can that type of magic generate bolts of electricity, but it can also call forth a constant current, static charges, ball lightning, and electromagnetic fields, as you understand it.

>>9128951
We don't need to do everything ourselves. Have a professor good with lightning magic power the thing. Spend the morning practicing alchemy.

>>9129014
With the advent of technology, being able to magically generate EMP would be really useful. Besides, we could do electric shocks when we hit with our sword, adding even more damage to our hits.

>>9129030

Agreed, we seem to be really hit-and-miss with our alchemy skills. One day we rebuild a granary that will never be destroyed and the next we can't even pull apart copper wire.

>>9129030
All right let's go for alchemy then.

rolled 4, 3, 5 = 12

>>9128982
You are extremely excited, eager to show off your 'light machine'. The sergeant, after absorbing much of your 'science talk', is brimming with anticipation.

>>9129030
The domain of lightning is mostly unrepresented here. Since it can be difficult to control, and mages without proper training pose a significant, severe danger to everyone and everything around when using it, temples and places of study devoted to it are usually out-of-the-way.

>>9128795
Last night I thought attempting to build the thing again was a bad idea. It was really rewarding when it finally worked. Now let's show them the power that can be wielded by the common man: SCIENCE!

>>9129030

But we have a little generator and stuff, we don't need magic the lightbulb at all ...

rolled 1, 6, 3 = 10

>>9129030
>>9129066
To pass the time, you practice your alchemic talents, reading a bit and trying to focus on smaller scales. You're used to working big, which probably explains your success with the granary.

Email field: dice+1d20 for alchemy practice.

oh yeah we must make some longer wires so we can do a demonstration that electricity passes in wires.

>>9129131
>>9129136
passes in wires no matter their lenght, that is

rolled 14 = 14

>>9129131

Practicing alchemy away! On random pebbles, I guess.

>>9129149

I think after showing them the generator, they'd buy just about anything we'd tell them.

rolled 6, 1, 5 = 12

>>9129136
>>9129149
>>9129164
Deciding that you'd like to show how electricity can pass through wires of variable length, you use the analyzer band to find some copper, and see if you can get it into a useable form.

>14

It works. You press your hands to the dirt, drawing two long, thin threads of copper up out of the ground, making sure you have more than you think you need. With a little care, you should be able to splice them to the existing wires to lengthen them. Given the size of your hands, though, you might want someone else to try it.

>>9129222
Can we take a piece of carbon and use alchemy to squash it so strong that it becomes a diamond ?

rolled 2, 5, 6 = 13

>>9129222
Kel and Bem arrive soon after you begin. As always, both defer to you on plans for the day. They can stick around for your lectures, scout some more, or take care of whatever you need. It is early yet, and there is an entire city to see.

>>9129222
Success is good. Can we try making magnets next?

>>9129294
Let them search for cool and interesting artifacts.
Try to make them also find supplies for electrical stuff, like magnets, etc.

rolled 2, 1, 1 = 4

>>9129288
On a natural twenty, perhaps. You're not skilled enough to handle something like that yet, and gems are notoriously difficult to produce alchemically, as the books inform you.

>>9129315
You can. Any particular reason for this, or form you'd like them to take?

rolled 1, 4, 1 = 6

>>9129344
Done. I should remind you that the College has a considerable supply of magnetic rocks, hence Furvius's willingness to hand them off to you. Do you want Bem to bring information on artifacts back to you, or exercise his own discretion and purchase some useful ones?

>>9129402
His own discretion. He's a better merchant than we'll ever be.

>>9129351
Just practice. Alignment of small-scale features is required to make magnets.

rolled 6, 1, 4 = 11

>>9129423
Off they go then. The elder promises to do his best, which you assume means that he will return with an army of solid gold golems. Kel wishes you luck with the professors, and takes off in the opposite direction from Bem.

>>9129474
Roll 1d20+3 for magnet creation, glove bonus included. Success on 12.

>>9129523
Makin' magnets

rolled 7 + 3 = 10

>>9129523
VAIN GLORY

rolled 3, 3, 5 = 11

>>9129549
That's the subject field. It needs to be in the email field.

rolled 4 = 4

>>9129549
what the heck, trying again

>>9129572
You forgot the +3
aniways, we fail.
Can we timeskip to when the professors arrive ?
while we wait we keep on practicing.

rolled 1 = 1

>>9129559
oh well that didn't work. Are the profs up now or do we have enough time for another try?

rolled 1, 4, 6 = 11

>>9129559
Your first attempt yields a pool of steaming black goop. It smells of sulfur, hardening quickly into a solid, reflective mass, which cracks and shatters at your touch. Unfortunately, it is entirely non-magnetic.

>>9129596
>>9129610
You have about enough time for one more try. Same dice, same success number.

>>9129596
Agreed, timeskip past practice unless someone can think of something interesting to make.

rolled 15 + 3 = 18

>>9129632
Here we go, good luck!

rolled 1 + 3 = 4

>>9129632
WE'VE GOT THE PRIDE TO STRIKE A FOOL

>>9129673
>>9129663

phew that was close

rolled 4, 4, 6 = 14

>>9129663
Wielding the magical might of your runic gloves, you reach deep into the earth, pulling forth the minerals you know are there, fighting against the laws of nature itself.

>18

The earth yields. Two identical, smooth black stones form in your palms, shaping into small bars which immediately stick together.

You hear feverish clapping from the direction of Building Five. “Excellent! Supreme!” shouts Furvius, bounding over the grassy slope, parchment in hand. “You have not had breakfast, I trust? The good Professor wishes to dine with you this fine morning.”

The soldiers have their rations, and you the remains of your hunting excursions, wrapped in a leather ice-pack. You'd hate to impose, but it's been a while since you've had a true meal.

>>9129829
Sure, let's go. Ask for milk and a giant sized brioche.

>>9129829
It's polite to join them. It's not imposing. Lets go.

Let's go eat.

Take our creations with us and show them after/during the meal

>>9129829
Was Furvius the assistant professor whose ear we talked off yesterday while we were waiting for everyone else to show up?

>>9129992
yeah

>>9129893
Err, why wouldn't we bring the stuff we made? Anyway, of course lets do this.

rolled 6, 4, 4 = 14

>>9129860
>>9129867
>>9129893
Your request for milk and brioche is met with some confusion from the assistant, before he remembers that he's speaking to what amounts to a commoner, despite your knowledge. Obviously, you wouldn't eat like the professors do.

The group arrives some time after Furvius departs, carrying their chairs up the hill as they did before. They are accompanied this time by a few servants carrying several tables and pulling a covered cart. After setting up, they reveal their cargo to you.

For the scholars, a generous portion of wine, platters of breads and cheeses, and a fair amount of local fruits. For you, a barrel of chilled milk, and the chef's best approximation of french bread, in the form of five large, oddly-shaped loaves.

Reven sits, cup in hand. “If this is not sufficient, you need only ask, Maya. I'm afraid we don't host many of your stature, so... a guess was made.” A few of the others laugh. “We have some time before lectures begin. What would you like to discuss?”

Your demonstration machine is behind a tree at the moment, hidden from view. Action?

rolled 2, 2, 3 = 7

>>9129992
He is.

>>9130049
I was able create a few things to demonstrate this 'electricity' I've been speaking of, though with my meager skill at alchemy it took me half the night. Here, observe....

>>9130049
Drink and eat, discuss eating habits of our world

>>9130049

- Show device
- Blow minds
- ???
- Profit

>>9130097
Err, whoops, I take that back, polite meal conversation is a better idea for now. I stand by what we should say when the time comes though....

Ask them what they know about the power of Forus. Why do they have more common magical aptitude?

rolled 3, 5, 1 = 9

>>9130092
Carefully retrieving the generator from its hiding place, you remove the fragile bulb from its box, holding up in plain view while you turn the crank. Its faint glow is barely visible in the morning light, but there is still an audible murmur at your machine's work. With the sergeant's assistance, you lengthen the wires, and make the lightbulb glow again.

“Non-magical power transmission,” says Reven, softly. “Marvelous.” The others express similar sentiment. Furvius takes down the generator and bulb's design from several angles, filling numerous pages.

>>9130049
Ask them about common methods used in Perrin for food preservation. In response, discuss food canning and freeze-drying.

We should ask them if they are willing to give us a small team consisting of scientists, innovators, engineers, thinkers, etc... at some point.

>>9130151
show them the spark gap too while we're at it, it's far more impressive.

Okay.

Aluminum is really light, and can be found pretty much everywhere, it's like 25% of the composition of dirt.

We've already managed to build a battery back home, I think we could manage to pull some dissimilar metals out of the ground, get a small amount of acid, connect the battery components to a small amount of the copper wire (and a salt bridge, of course), and connect the wires to a coiled up length of wire and some rare earth magnets--you know, that one experiment every freshman who takes a physics class has to go through to demonstrate the relationship between a moving charge and a magnetic field, the one that teaches you how to make a primitive electric motor using a dynamo and a galvanic cell power source? Yeah, we can make the components, put them together to make a small engine that will rotate a thin aluminum cylinder. Then we can fashion more aluminum into propeller blades attached to the cylinder. Then we can fashion a smooth body behind the propeller, to which we will attach light, hollow aluminum wings shaped like a D rotated 90 degrees to the left.

Then we can introduce this world to the concept of model planes.

After they develop radios and shit for us, we will of course be able to use radio signals to change things like wing pitch, engine power, all of that, so we will then introduce radio controlled model planes.

HOBBIES!

>>9130188
We shouldn't phrase it as a request. At some point we should simply say that we would be willing to discuss all subjects at length with anyone while we travel, and that we would work with anyone who wanted to come to Dreamwood. It's more offering an opportunity instead of a demand on people's resources when we phrase it this way. Also, which of the professors are devotees of Illian?

rolled 3, 5, 3 = 11

>>9130097
Digging into breakfast, you begin a short talk about the usual dining etiquette of your society, in between questions and comments on your Faraday disk. No one seems all that interested in your chosen topic, but most listen politely anyway, and Furvius takes down everything you say, eager to preserve all the knowledge you can spare.

>>9130126
“Forus is an... odd place,” says Reven. “I had the privilege to visit it, once, many years ago. Within its borders, the very substance of the magical realm bleeds through the cracks, filling the air with power.”

As he sees it, the majority of Forus's territory intersects with a weak point in the division between the physical dimension and several others, allowing various magical 'currents' to affect the people and things on the other side. It is uncommon for a Forusian to be magically unattuned, and most have at least some meager skill, especially with fire.

>Continued

>>9130212
Except that beyond concepts like Bernoulli's principle, we probably don't know much about aerodynamics. It would probably be worthwhile, but it would be an extended trial-and-error process.

>>9130302

Yeah, I guess this is more of a "let' try this when we're practicing alchemy and/or we're on the road again" sort of thing.

>you begin a short talk about the usual dining etiquette of your society
>No one seems all that interested in your chosen topic,

Lemme act surprised, we just blew the minds of some of the smartest professors in this nation, and we're talking about which fork goes on the right?

>>9130367
Small talk. Don't forget we're stupid-giddy about making the lightbulb work. We've got other interesting topics of discussion in the queue.

rolled 3, 5, 1 = 9

>>9130266
Forus is extremely volcanically active, but none of the bordering nations are (naturally, anyway). It is speculated that the source of the country's power is a single-minded fire entity, dwelling within the molten depths, causing frequent upheavals with the beat of its wings.

>>9130164
General practice in Perin is to use ice-caves, where they are available, and to smoke or salt meat for long-term storage. You discuss canning and freeze-drying, going back over refrigeration as well.

>>9130302

We don't really need to know the math to make a working model.

Presumably we've played with model planes before, this would be heavier and much larger than the plastic and wood toys we've got at home, it'd be giantess sized and all that, but we can compensate by using alchemy to make a battery that would be omgwtfexpensive on earth to drive an omgwtfexpensive rare earth metal magnet to give the engine waaay more thrust than our toys have back home, so we'd just need to get a decent approximation of the wing shape to work.

We don't need to do this here and now, but being able to demonstrate non-magical motor-powered flight would be really cool.

>>9130412

Ask, about the history of this war, how it came to be, who the original aggressor was, etc

>>9130453
Let's not ask professors about the history of the war. We should probably ask soldiers. We might offend the professors by asking. Instead, ask about Forus's forms of government and administration.

rolled 6, 4, 5 = 15

>>9130188
Reven questions your need for such a team. Your town is quite small, lacking the work-ready population and in-place supply lines of an established city like New Aarmour. In his mind, you would be much more likely to see advancement if you remained in the city, within the College. However, if you intend to build up your 'home' as much as you possibly can, he could see the merit in a group of experts. He will see what he can do.

>>9130200
Detaching the bulb as easily as you can, and placing it back in the box, you re-string the wires to create the spark gap, turning the crank again once you're finished. Everyone leans forward to try to catch a glimpse of the man-made (giant-made) lightning, and Furvius mentions that the spark gap is a primary component of simple radio transmitters, which it is. He seems very happy that he remembered it correctly.

>>9130525
No NO!! I said we should phrase it in the form of an offer! Hopefully we haven't blown it now.

>>9130525

Tell them that they can have our device for further study if they want to

>>9130525
Remind them that this is terribly inefficient and but a pathetic imitation of what is really possible.

>>9130525

Oh, and about the team, tell them that Varsius is stretched thin and overworked. It would be nice to have extra pairs of hands to help him.

rolled 2, 4, 6 = 12

>>9130212
I like this idea. Would you like to suggest this to your burgeoning scholars in Dreamwood?

>>9130248
You say as much, clarifying your intentions to Reven. He seems to be more open to the possibility now, since he has a few 'flight-minded wanderers' in his lectures, young people that want to travel to distant places where they can do some real good, instead of remaining in huge cities already over-stuffed with learned men.

Reven himself is an associate of Ilian, as are some of his fellows present, and large parts of the agricultural and smithing departments. There are other gods who appreciate knowledge, of course, but rare is the one that is so friendly and 'bro-like'.

>>9130625
No! No! Fixed wing aircraft and heavier-than-air flight must be kept secret until we can do it in Dreamwood.

>>9130580
An offer man! Not a request. The younger, less rooted professors especially would be willing to travel north just to have the opportunity to work with us. Just mention that we'd be willing to.

>>9130625

I assume he's acquainted with Hretmar ?

>>9130679
continued, d'oh!

We'd be willing to work with anyone who came up north, and discuss all topics with anyone on the road.

>>9130679
Yes, that should be an offer but we could mention that Versius has too much work. Maybe we'll get more people that way?

rolled 3, 2, 6 = 11

>>9130453
>>9130522
You already know some basic history of the war, which is more of a long-standing feud, punctuate by occasional violence. The original aggressor, as you know it, was Forus, but in the beginning, it was a barbarian nation, a far cry from the magical powerhouse it is at present.

Forus's government is run by an association of the most powerful mages, directed by an extremely powerful force that defies attempts by outsiders to learn of it. Since magical aptitude is so common there, it has become a measure of personal worth, and almost all Forusian citizens are assigned a grade which defines their magical ability, and their place in society. The non-magical, given the grade of X, are looked on as little more than slaves, and treated as such.

>Continued

>>9130625
Oh Ho! With this crowd we should mention Hretmar. Lobby lightly for Hretmar as a god allowed in the libraries.

Ask for Hretmar to be allowed in the libraries.

>>9130625

Let the Dreamwood labs work on their current, very very full devlist first. I want those flammenwerferen, and wing-and-propeller flight might just distract Vasian and/or lead him down too many dead ends in his Maya-class personal jetpack R&D.

We personally already have the concept of the model plane and the electric motor and the battery, so I think it'd be a good way to practice alchemy (transmutation and transformation and gathering materials from the surroundings and all that would all be involved in the process, it's a great way to advance SCIENCE! and our own magical skill at the same time).

rolled 3, 5, 6 = 14

>>9130727
All throughout Forusian society, there is the mark of magic. Advancement through social ranks depends heavily on an individual's strength in fire, with the best and brightest ascending to command high honors and lead their less lucky fellows. The nation supports a tiered, stratified population, an authoritarian caste system.

>>9130553
You haven't blown anything. Frankly, considering your mind, it would be very difficult.

>>9130564
>>9130569
Reven graciously accepts, confirming that the College is free to experiment with and duplicate it. With your recorded knowledge and schematics, they expect to make more rapid progress than the blindly-working scholars of your world.

>>9130727
Words are forming in my mind.
"Darwinian magical hierarchy'. Natural selection at it's finest.

Why am I reminded of Thay?

>>9130839
Because Forus is Thay.

>>9130727
>>9130835

So Forus is Bourbon France?

rolled 5, 3, 6 = 14

>>9130580
You remind them that Vasian is only one man, and, given the small bit of information you've given them, they should know how difficult it must be for him to work with it all. A few of the professors talk amongst themselves, and Reven says that he didn't intend to leave his esteemed colleague in such a state.

>>9130653
Heavier-than-air flight is already known of, though the ornithopters are as close as they've gotten to fixed-wing. Restriction confirmed.

>>9130682
He is, but only barely. Hretmar is a recent addition to the network, after all.

>>9130955
>Reven says that he didn't intend to leave his esteemed colleague in such a state.
How tragic! He's working on the most revolutionary things ever happened on this world. Truly, what a sad destiny.

rolled 3, 5, 5 = 13

>>9130679
>>9130706
You convey this. One professor, a Lady Nyl, immediately offers to come with you, but she is compelled to sit down by two others near her. She has responsibilities, after all.

>>9130758
>>9130776
You mention Hretmar, touting his good qualities and slyly suggesting that he be allowed access to the College libraries. Reven promises to bring it up with Ilian, but is understandably averse to allowing a Frost Giant god into the institution's massive archives. No offense to yourself, of course, but sharing with you and sharing with a deity are different matters.

>>9130955

Let's ask what would happen if, say, hypothetically, everything within a four mile radius of the center of the Forusian capitol were to just vanish, poof, gone, in a puff of smoke. Would the war likely continue, would the bloodshed instantly stop, how many people would be gone, etc.

>>9131084
NO

NO, NO, NO, NO.

>>9131149

Let's put it like "what if god did it" or something.

Instead of tipping our radioactive hand.

>>9131149
I agree. Don't even hint at nukes. Once we start down that road it won't end until hell's gates are open (figuratively, of course).

>>9130955
Ornithopters fly because of magic, right?

Also we should explain that one (but not only one) of reason you want to establish scientific facilities in Dramwood is because you want to crate great university and library to honor of Hretmar, god who greatly helped you as well as rest of Perin during a difficult times.

rolled 6, 4, 4 = 14

>>9130839
>>9130905
>>9130940
Forus is Forus. It, like many nations, shares much in common with concepts and real countries from your own world. I would have compared it to India or China.

>>9131008
He is also the only true scholar involved in this pursuit. Not only is he involved in research and development, but also in training the next generation to take up his yoke after his end, starting with teaching the general population how to read and write.

>>9131084
The Forusian capitol sits in concentric rings around an active volcano. Were you to destroy it, you would probably also blast open the largest magma vent in the area. There would be widespread devastation, possibly extending to other nations. If an actual eruption followed, great clouds of ash could block out the sun in a wide radius, to say nothing of the rivers of lava, ejected meteors of red-hot rock, etc. This is all assuming that the destruction of the capitol and the volcano did not anger Forus's magical guardian enough to cause it to emerge.

>Continued

>>9131149
>>9131207

Maybe we should just ask about the Forusian capitol, instead of "what if everything there died." Like, how centralized their government is, how important their capitol is, how many people live there, what are things like there, all of that.

>>9131294

Or maybe we shouldn't even bother, considering by the time we had constructed a bomb the war would be over.

>>9131260
We should totally do this. I mean, we already released the ever powerful Ice Demon, if we release a Fire Demon it will even out, right?

If we want doom-weapons too keep in reserve for later development, anthrax and dirty radiological bombs are much easier.

>>9131353
Bad idea. Not to mention that it's in the middle of a land completely filled with fire mages. And fire is bad for us.

rolled 6, 1, 1 = 8

>>9131260
Assuming that the volcano did not erupt, and destruction was confined to a relatively small area, the very top of Forus's central power structure would be obliterated. There would be widespread chaos as the collapse of the command chain caused the remaining higher-class mages to vie for control of the nation. At the very least, there would be internal conflict between several warlords. At the most, widespread civil war, destroying much of what remains, and killing a sizable portion of the population.

>>9131196
>>9131207
No weapons are mentioned. You make it clear that this is a hypothetical scenario.

>>9131240
Ornithopters fly by wing motion, as birds do. You know that they are magically lightened, but the finer points of their design elude you. Would you like to ask the professors?

You elaborate on your plans, mentioning that you'd like to honor Hretmar with a great university and library. This is taken well, and seen as a reasonable, if ambitious, future project.

>>9131430
ask them about ornithopers
also, ask them about what is possible with the most advanced magic\technology\whatever present

>>9131260
>The Forusian capitol sits in concentric rings around an active volcano. Were you to destroy it, you would probably also blast open the largest magma vent in the area. There would be widespread devastation, possibly extending to other nations. If an actual eruption followed, great clouds of ash could block out the sun in a wide radius, to say nothing of the rivers of lava, ejected meteors of red-hot rock, etc. This is all assuming that the destruction of the capitol and the volcano did not anger Forus's magical guardian enough to cause it to emerge.

Sounds like an internal revolution is the only way Forus' government CAN be put down for good.
Scientific advancement drastically shortens the gap between the opressed lower castes and the powerful magic users.
Glorious socialist revolution.

Stay the course, I guess.

>>9131330
The war has been going on intermittently across generations. Perin has a temporary upper hand. Since we don't have to dick around with lots of different designs and we know the least complicated way to go, it's just a matter of getting the materials. It might not take even a year to go from here to Hiroshima, depending on our progress with alchemy. Hell, we might even be able to find and extract U-234 from the soil with our alchemical detector, if we get adept enough with it to see the differences between isotopes.

>>9131430

I think that if we wanted to, anyone who wished to join us could do so on the march back from the capital. That could give them enough time to put things in order and get packed and whatnot.

>>9131562
Agreed

rolled 1, 3, 6 = 10

>>9131294
Their government is extremely centralized. Every order flows from central control on down, beginning with the highest mages. There is no single king or lord, like there is in Perin, because it is unusual for one person to be so powerful as to be able to dominate the rest. A conclave, united by common interests, is generally in power.

The capitol, as the top of the chain, is the most important location as far as government is concerned. Conservative estimates place its population in the hundreds of thousands, approaching three quarters of a million. It is said to be full of temples, all lit by magical torchlight, all glowing with an ethereal power. On the rare occasion that the capitol has been bombarded, the projectiles were intercepted and destroyed by bolts of fire from the central spire, before they reached their targets.

After the public lecture we should pull Reven aside and discuss our effort to be granted a title of nobility. Ask for tips and hints. Also ask for a letter of recommendation.

>>9131588
>the projectiles were intercepted and destroyed by bolts of fire from the central spire, before they reached their targets.
This is interesting.
This indicates that Perin is using projectiles that aren't basically fire-immune, like solid stone or iron balls.
Are they using explosive ordinance, or magical artilliary, or what?
Or is it that Forus' fire is so firey, it lights things that don't light on fire on fire so hot that instead of burning they just stop existing?

>>9131661
Y'know what I'm thinking? Tungsten rods dropped from orbit.

rolled 1, 2, 6 = 9

>>9131485
Reven directs you to Professor Hadliy, of the mechanical department. He explains the basic principles of ornithopter operation, giving you a nice picture of their design. Fundamentally, they follow the structure of birds, with articulated, cloth-covered wings that approximate the animal style of motion. They are indeed magically lightened, and most are shielded as well, because of their fragile construction. Their wings are powered by the pilot's arms and legs, or by a copilot, in the case of the larger models.

With enough mages, and the involvement of the gods, practically anything is possible. The greatest magical operation in memory was orchestrated by the Conclave of old, generations ago. In essence, they terraformed a vast swathe of land, turning much of what is now Perin territory into a lush, heavily forested place, sweeping away the tundra.

>>9131713
>RODS FROM GOD YEAHHHHHHHHHHHH
Tungsten rod orbital bombardment is the most over-wanked weapon ever, and everyone always brings them up in every WMD scenario no matter how poorly suited they are to the task at hand.
Especially in this case.
It will give you the EXACT SAME terrible volcanic and demonic and deity-based fallout as a nuke.

>>9131748

Tell them about helicopters if we haven't already.

>>9131790
Don't! Modern aircraft must remain a secret!

rolled 6, 4, 5 = 15

>>9131748
As for technology, the height of it is represented by the ornithopters and siege engines. Though both are enhanced by magic, they can still operate unassisted.

>>9131562
>>9131583
You relay this, and Reven says this would be the best plan. Since you're about 21 days away from the capitol, he would have around two months to prepare for your return, assuming you stayed in the capitol a little while.

>>9131787
>It will give you the EXACT SAME terrible volcanic and demonic and deity-based fallout as a nuke.
And is a few thousand orders of magnitude harder to develop and deploy.
Seriously, we can build a nuke about a thousand times more quickly with at-hand materials and knowledge than we could build a fucking SPACE PROGRAM with ADVANCED COMPUTER TARGETTING SYSTEMS and LASER IMAGING.

Ask if anyone's got any question
then let's go

>>9131850

we should colonize the moon

rolled 6, 2, 5 = 13

>>9131627
Very well. Remind me if I don't bring it up.

>>9131661
The last attempt was made with trebuchets loaded with stone projectiles. The interceptor bolts caused them to detonate, spraying molten shrapnel back into the artillery lines. This shrapnel seemed to be aimed in some manner, because all of it was directed at the siege engines, despite the projectiles being over the city at that point.

rolled 4, 3, 3 = 10

>>9131885
Go where, exactly?

>>9131966
The next (last?) thing we should discuss is the periodic table of elements, if we haven't already.

>>9132006

not yet, we have to see what the city has to offer. Magick trinkets, books, and stuff

>>9131627
>>9132002
>>9131980
do these lets see what trinkets we've got and then let's go get the nobility of course

>>9132002

"And the reason it's shaped like this is because of the orbitals of the valence electrons! S orbitals are spherical, P orbitals look like THIS, D orbitals look like THIS, and F orbitals... y'know what, let's ignore F orbitals for now, you guys aren't ready for the trans-uranics. In fact, stay far, far away from anything past, say, Lead."

>>9132076
Lol. I was thinking more like just the properties associated with each column, followed by a little theory. Also asking them which elements they were familiar with.

As far as orbitals go, we've already discussed what we know about atomic theory (I think)

>>9132146

As far as elements go, they would have to at least have some knowledge considering how advanced some of their magic doodads are. Look at our trinket that can tell us whether an element is present or not, as an example.

>>9132192
It still might be a useful theoretical framework for them.

>>9132146

SPDM ruled out telling these guys about how valence electrons flow freely through metals, which made me sadface.jpg a bit, because it meant that we can't explain why allows work, how metals conduct electrons so well, why things ionize, how Carbon hardens and strengthens iron by creating a lattice structure within it and why too much carbon makes it too brittle and fragile, why silicon and carbon as elements with 4 valence electrons are ideal nonmetals for strengthening alloys, how ferromagnets work, how to make resistors and semiconductors, and all that.

rolled 6, 4, 4 = 14

>>9132002
>>9132044
>>9132060
You bring your lecture to a close by outlining the periodic table. Obviously, you can't remember all of the elements, but no one has thought of cataloging materials by atomic properties before, because the atomic model didn't exist. At least this 'novel idea' will be of great use when chemisty and physics catch up.

As the professors scurry off to their lecture halls, you take Reven aside for a moment and have a brief discussion about your noble aims, and how best to accomplish them. As you have been told before, you are informed that the Lord is under a great deal of stress, and anything you can do to keep yourself on his good side will do wonders. Be respectful, phrase everything as politely as possible, and demand nothing. Understate your accomplishments and use popular opinion of you to your advantage. Of course, he will be happy to provide you with a letter of introduction and recommendation, but he has no time at the moment. He'll have it for you by the end of the day.

>>9132285
>why allows work
I meant alloys.
How did that even happen, "w" and "y" aren't even near each other on my keyboard.

>>9132285
wow we didn't know this stuff ?
what are we, like 5th graders or something ?

>>9132285
Well, we haven't memorized wikipedia, we just know a lot. And we're not a practicing chemical engineer or something similarly useful.

rolled 6, 1, 5 = 12

>>9132076
>>9132146
>>9132192
>>9132268
>>9132285
At this point, they know about as much about atomic structure as you do. Obviously, you don't remember everything, but you're glad you carried so much this far.

Would you like to skip to Bem and Kel's arrival?

>>9132355

Yes.

>>9132325
Thank him a lot and while everyone is busy doing lectures, let's go to our friends and see what they've found

>>9132355
Sure.

At this point, I suppose we sit back and let them lecture. Or maybe they need to go teach classes and work now. Either way, let's do this time skip.

>>9132341
>we're not a practicing chemical engineer or something similarly useful.
Can't we at least have the chemistry background of the average whale biologist?

>>9132424
IWe were college age. I don't think we've determined what we were studying. Maybe we were a slacker with no major decided on.

By the way, we should write a book about microbiology, since apparently very little is known about it.

rolled 3, 5, 1 = 9

>>9132386
>>9132391
>>9132398
You thank Reven for all his help, and for listening to you. He bows, graciously telling you he would be glad to speak with you any time. After that, he departs, taking Furvius with him, and leaving you alone on the hill with your escorts.

“This has gone well,” the sergeant remarks.

Thankfully, you only have to wait about ten minutes before Bem struts back onto the college grounds, twirling a silver coin in his fingers. Kel tags along behind, hefting a large, heavy sack over his shoulder. Looks like they made off with quite a haul.

>Continued

>>9132285

Also this means we're probably unaware of what "pulverize" actually means.

It's when you polarize a ferromagnetic metal by hitting it repeatedly, which causes the electrons to tend to go to one end, leaving the metal with local positive and negative charges despite it's lack of a net ionic charge.

MacGyver did it right in several episodes, at least one time he pulverized a piece of iron rebar to get his keys out of a sewage grate.
So now we can never be a medieval alchemical MacGyver.

>>9132543
oh boy oh boy, let's see what we got!

>Looks like they made off with quite a haul.

Oh god, it's like I'm a kid on Christmas.

rolled 1, 6, 4 = 11

>>9132424
>>9132457
You were college age, an average student with no particular aims. Some of your knowledge stuck with you, but not all of it has. At least your death didn't seem to take any of it out of you.

>>9132543
>INVENTORY ADDITIONS<

(O) Electrical Supplies: A whole bunch of magnetic rocks, all stuck together, some copper and iron rods, a small wooden wheel and axle, a cloth-wrapped glass jar, shaped like a bulb, and a sealed ceramic jar, full of acid.

(O) Books: One of maps, one on Forus, one on war history, a general science text, three relating to lightning magic, and a tome on transmutation.

(O) Magical Items: A small leather band imprinted with a runic circle, used to enhance 'constructive' alchemy. A matching set of daggers enchanted with lightning magic, enabling them to throw electric bolts (Kel says he can attach them to a glove for you).

>Continued

>>9132829
>A matching set of daggers enchanted with lightning magic, enabling them to throw electric bolts (Kel says he can attach them to a glove for you).
I AM DAGGERFIST THUNDERPUNCHER, WRECKER OF SHIT.

>>9132829
>A matching set of daggers enchanted with lightning magic, enabling them to throw electric bolts (Kel says he can attach them to a glove for you).

That mean we don't have to trow daggers for their effect to take place? Sweet.... how many dagger? 2?

>A small leather band imprinted with a runic circle, used to enhance 'constructive' alchemy.

Does that stack with the bonus from our alchemy gloves?

>A matching set of daggers enchanted with lightning magic, enabling them to throw electric bolts (Kel says he can attach them to a glove for you).

BADASS.

rolled 2, 3, 1 = 6

>>9132829
A small dictation charm, which burns spoken word onto parchment.

(O) Mundane Items: Parchment, for use with the dictation charm. Miscellaneous utensils, bowls, and jars of various materials, for use in electrical experiments. Charcoal and a large, crude pen-like device, to enable you to write more easily.

Bem refuses to tell you exactly how much it all cost, but suggests you would be appalled at how he has broken the city's economy. According to Kel, your Mountain Giant friend is up and about again, in the markets near here.

>>9132863

NUKE VON THUNDERFIST, ALCHEMIST OF THE EVERLASTING ICE.

rolled 1, 3, 5 = 9

>>9132912
Two. The effect is a bit short-ranged, and takes time to recharge after a few uses, but it still allows you to throw lightning around.

>>9132946
When you're constructing things, yes.

>Bem refuses to tell you exactly how much it all cost, but suggests you would be appalled at how he has broken the city's economy.

Get Stuff
>advicebem.jpg
For Free

With all that shit we can exercise our alchemy, chemistry and conduct some experiments during the travels

rolled 18 = 18

>>9132981
>According to Kel, your Mountain Giant friend is up and about again, in the markets near here.
Rolling sense motive. If Kel's jealous, this trip could get fairly unpleasant for us pretty quickly.

rolled 4, 3, 3 = 10

>>9133086
Indeed you can. If you want that letter of recommendation, you'll have to stay in the city 'till evening, though. Plans?

>>9133151

There must be more useful stuff in the city, let's search for more

rolled 1, 1, 5 = 7

>>9133124
He doesn't appear to be jealous. Now, if you want to bring the giant home with you, that will probably change.

>>9133196
You exit the College, selecting a path that will take you into some unexplored areas. If there is something specific you are looking for, please say so. Otherwise, timeskipping.

>>9133277

Let's search for more high quality magic stuff to boost our abilities.

>>9132981

Bem requires sainthood. Or at least a slang phrase to develop in the regions he has left economically startled "By the gods I just pulled a BEM!".

Also VERY cool in having the dictation charm. Hopefully it can scale the text depending on if we want it easily read by Giants or the usual humanoids.

Meeting the Mountain giant again might prove fruitful. Hopefully just as a courtesy between giant and exchange of information and traval stories.

>>9133151
Ahh, let's go swap stories with the mountain giant. Then practice. How long has it been since we've practiced melee combat? Otherwise, practice alchemy and healing magic, do a little practice of ice magic.

Pick up the letter of recommendation. When we do so, ask Reven what he thinks about the ice giant situation.

rolled 1, 5, 5 = 11

>>9133277
Companions in tow, you head out, ready to scour the city for anything you could possibly use. You pass through the market district, filled with expensive junk and pretty (but useless) jewelry, spiraling toward the center of the city, where four bright towers extend skyward, their peaks hosting swarms of ornithopters.

>>9133301
Your first targets are wizarding shops. This close to the rich opulence of the city's center, there's sure to be something good here.

You find many alchemy and ice-related items, but lightning magic seems to be under tighter control than you thought. There are skill enhancers and enchanted charms aplenty, but you are warned by one person that you might want to be careful of the interactions between all those items. Of particular interest are another set of runic gloves, which assist with general alchemy, instead of being specialized for reconstruction, and a divining rod that contains small samples of many different materials, enabling it to seek specific concentrations of one or several.

>Continued

>>9133454
WHOOPS. I meant ice demon. Like as in the one we released. And ask him about the currents that have the geologists so worried.

>>9132981
>>9132829
Thank Bem profusely, all this stuff is great.

Don't you think its time to stop this shit already Subprocessor DM?

>>9133615

What?
We haven't even burned a city off the map with nuclear fire yet.

rolled 2, 5, 6 = 13

>>9133534
As for ice, there is a wand that can flash-freeze objects on contact, a pendant that enhances casting skill in the ice sphere, and a box of crossbow bolts enchanted with a cold aura, giving them the ability to shatter what they strike. For lightning, you find only one object of real interest, a crystalline magelock containing a powerful reserve of electric magic. Not only can it serve as a magical battery when your stamina is low, but it can electrify metallic objects within a short radius on command. Among other things, this could electrocute anyone wearing metal armor.

>>9133691

>a crystalline magelock containing a powerful reserve of electric magic.
Last time we had a locked enchanted source of magical power, it held a superdemon that ate our face.
Just sayin'.

We should get the pendant, electric magelock and alchemy skill enchanters as much as we can before it gets dangerous

rolled 2, 1, 2 = 5

>>9133317
Bem is perfectly content with remaining mostly anonymous. It's difficult to swindle people who are on their guard.

The dictation charm is capable of changing 'font size', as well as translating different languages, though only to print.

ignore me wil you

rolled 1, 3, 2 = 6

>>9133454
>>9133317
>>9133536
You'll swing back around to the markets and see if you can spot Tyris. When the lectures are over, you will ask Reven what he thinks about the frost demon, if he knows anything about the mantle currents, and pick up the letter.

>>9133585
The elder swears he deserves no thanks. This is what he does, and he's all too happy to use his talents to your advantage. As long as you're exchanging thanks, though, he praises you for doing as much as you have for Dreamwood, and continuing to serve the town, even when you could easily find a place in a big city like this, lavished with riches for your great knowledge.

sage

I'll join you once or twice.

rolled 3, 1, 3 = 7

>>9133615
Why? Do you think it's gone on too long?

>>9133743
True, but then again, you already have a reserve of alchemic power, and it doesn't whisper murder thoughts in your ear every night. Practically anything could contain a sealed spirit, really.

rolled 6, 2, 6 = 14

>>9133746
Email field: dice+1d20 for Bem's haggle. Failure on 4 or less.

rolled 17 = 17

>>9133918

rolled 9 = 9

>>9133918

rolled 6 = 6

Let's get them things!

>>9133904

No, we don't stop till make this place technological utopia!

>>9133946
"Bem" is Polish for "rolls high"

>>9133946
Do we even need to roll for Bems haggle? Or maybe we should roll 15+1d5, it would get us same results.

rolled 1, 1, 6 = 8

>>9133946
Pendant, magelock, and two skill-enhancing charms acquired. As usual, Bem is confident enough to slay an ox at a thousand paces with his stare alone. You're considering letting him talk to the Lord and insisting that you're mute.

>17

If you could get him into Forus he'd stop the war. By buying it. The price for everything, all together, was twelve thousand crowns. After Bem, it was five thousand, and he got a nice leather purse to carry the magelock, on top of it all.

rolled 3, 4, 6 = 13

>>9134026
You don't really need to, since he does fine on his own. But this makes it more fun.

On to see the giant?

>>9134153

Go for it.

>>9134106
>and he got a nice leather purse to carry the magelock

:D I like Bem's priorities.

>>9134153
Yes, let's go see him.

>>9133904

YES!

Do something new, stop this already. Its fucking old!

>>9134216
This sounds suspiciously like a reflexive sagefag. I'm not sure if I trust it.

>>9134269
Maybe he's tired that we spent so long in one city? idunno

rolled 2, 1, 4 = 7

>>9134171
>>9134175
You head back toward the College, keeping a lookout. Of course, you don't really need to, since Tyris is fairly hard to miss. You spot him in the market district, perusing a vegetable cart while the owner watches warily, clearly wondering if the giant possesses the manual dexterity to not destroy everything.

Companions at your sides, you greet him, finding that he takes his helmet off immediately upon seeing you again.

“Ah. Frost Giant. Back again.” He offers you his hand with a grin. “You must have more questions.”

It occurs to you that your dictation charm can translate his language into English. Obviously, he understands you well enough, but that isn't mutual.

>>9134216
I would be willing to put this quest on hiatus for a weekend or two, if there is a consensus.

>>9134365

No, don't. When it was on hiatus last weekend I was disappointed.

rolled 3 = 3

>>9133615
Problem?

>>9134365
Individuals of a sour and disagreeable nature will inevitably dissent. Keep it going SubDM. It's going places I like.

>>9134365
Let him know we're a polymorphed human. Ask him about his homeland and what things are like there. Other than that I'm not very curious about him.

>>9134365
No, don't stop.


Talk about stuff... I'm not sure why we came here

Dont stop believing!!!!!!!!!

>>9134529
>>9134573
Silly sagefag. You can't derail it with dishonesty either.

>>9134638

>>9134529

I'm also not entirely sure why we came back, he told us pretty much anything I cared about the last time around (specifically, who he was and what he was doing).

rolled 4, 1, 6 = 11

>>9134520
You inform him that you're naturally a human, but you're in this form due to magic. He seems less surprised than you'd expect, and says that you don't act like a Frost Giant, or at least, not one that he's seen.

Tyris tells you of the land he hails from, the blessed nation known as Lokar, to the Southeast of Perin. His clan, less than two hundred altogether, live at the top of a mountain chain at the Northern edge of the country. As a scout, he knows a bit about the nation proper, but not a whole lot. It is currently exporting war material to Perin, and has good relations with it and the buffer state of Sillasull. Popular opinion in Lokar is that Forus should be destroyed outright.

The Mountain Giant informs you that he knows of the frost demon, and of its destination. Some of the eldest members of his clan visited Kharok, the city it is heading for, when the Frost Giants still possessed a civilization. If the demon gains control of the wall beneath, it could become more powerful than the Frost Giant gods, and he doesn't understand why they won't oppose it.

rolled 6 = 6

>>9134365
Honestly we're just glad to meet someone our own size.

So, what's mountain giant society like?

rolled 1, 2, 2 = 5

>>9134529
>>9134735
Well, then there's really no need to stick around. You can head back to the College and practice magic for a few hours, then talk to Reven again and get that letter. Or you could wander a bit more. Anything you want to do.

>Frost Giant gods, and he doesn't understand why they won't oppose it.

Tell him that we even tried to tell them to stop it through one of their siblings. They are just an arrogant bunch

>>9134799
Arrogant? How the hell did you come to that conclusion?

>>9134835

They thought Ice Demon was funny, they don't see it as a problem even if it subjugates their followers

rolled 4, 6, 2 = 12

>>9134747
They live like monks, contemplating the great questions of the universe, communing with higher beings, and generally staying out of the way. They are quiet, philosophically-minded people, growing just enough to survive and trade, committed to non-aggression when it's practical, and to self-defense when it is not. The polar opposites of the now barbaric Frost Giants.

>>9134799
You tell him that you attempted to get them to stop the demon through a god acquaintance, but they wouldn't listen. He replies that he can't fathom the reason. Pettiness and rage, even taken to their extremes, should not stand in the way of self-preservation.

>>9134897

They sound like people who might enjoy Hretimar, especially considering you're about the only Frost Giant that pays attention to him...is there a comparable Mountain Giant god that he knows that might be interested in meeting or helping us?

rolled 3, 6, 3 = 12

>>9134941
The Mountain Giant gods are normally as isolationist as the giants themselves. They serve much the same purpose as village pantheons, underpowered deities confined and bound to a certain area. They are very much unlike Hretmar or Ilian, who have free reign of large areas. As a scout, Tryis must accept that he might be out of contact with his gods for a very long time, since contact is very difficult over ranges like this. Perhaps if you visited his clan, or another, you might find help, or at least an audience. Otherwise, probably not.

Ask him why mountain giants think that Feros should be destroyed all together ?

rolled 1, 3, 6 = 10

>>9135207
Not the Mountain Giants, the general population of Lokar. Most of the information the nation receives about Forus is filtered through Perin and Sillasull, which both border the aggressor country. Most of what they know about Forus consists of the various atrocities it has committed, and Lokar once, many many years ago, survived a coup attempt instigated by Forusians. It was extremely bloody, and has stuck in their collective minds.

>>9135207
Forus, I mean

>>9135325
Ohh, maybe not just Perrinese propoganda then eh? Forus has been naughty.

>>9135325

Well, I really don't know what else to talk about.

rolled 3, 1, 6 = 10

>>9135459
Indeed. It appears that the deeper you dig, the more dirt you will find on that particular nation.

Back to the College, or are there further questions?

>>9135492

That should be it, lets head back and if we've got some time...let's practice some magic.

We could hang around this town for like ever.

If there's nothing very interesting here maybe we should finish our business and head to capitol?

rolled 5, 4, 5 = 14

>>9135515
You return, at long last, to the College gates, right on time. With an impressive stock of magical items and experiment materials, you're about ready to hit the road. You could probably spend several weeks here talking to the professors, but you've got goals to fulfill.

Once Reven comes back around, you strike up a short conversation on two rather important topics. You find that he believes the frost demon to be a future threat, to be dealt with after Forus. At the moment, Perin needs every ounce of strength it can muster to finally finish the war. Once that's over with, the Conclave will be free to concentrate on removing the next menace.

As far as he knows, the mantle currents do exist, and they were altered considerably as a result of the demon's release. He's not a geology man, so he doesn't know exactly what that effected, but there has been a substantial decrease in volcanic activity throughout Perin. Whether that's really good or bad, no one seems to know.

rolled 5, 1, 5 = 11

>>9135729
The Professor presents you with a roll of parchment, encircled by a red band and embossed with a bronze seal.

"I think this will serve you well. Feel free to contact myself or Furvius if you have need of anything. We hope you will see us again, and we look forward to working with you further." He gives you a nice, broad smile, and Furvius shouts 'good luck' from the window.

Maybe it's time to hit the road early in the morning?

Tell Reven that he could contact you through Iliam during the travels/when we get home if he gets any new questions.

>>9135814

Sounds good, lets get to the capital!

rolled 1, 4, 5 = 10

>>9135814
At the moment, it's early evening, so you could get a fair ways outside of the city before setting up camp. You are welcome to stay on the hill until morning again, if you think that's a better idea.

Reven prefers not to use Ilian as a telegraph service, despite the fact that the god practically lives to network.

rolled 2, 6, 2 = 10

>>9135847
Very well. The next story post will be the last one this session. If there is anything that remains to be done here, please speak up. Otherwise, timeskipping.

>>9135943

I'm out of ideas... so time skip

Oh, and tell Reven that it was pleasure to talk with them ...

>>9136006
And thank him for the recommendation.

rolled 4, 6, 1 = 11

>>9135998
>>9136006
>>9136114
Leaving the professor with words of thanks, telling him you enjoyed speaking with him, you depart the College, waving back as you move through the sunlight streets again, heading for the gates.

You settle into a patch of forest some distance from the city just after sunset, taking a look back at the twinkling lights of the huge metropolis. In the two days you spent there, you accomplished quite a lot, establishing a repertoire with the professors of an enormous institution, securing their aid in advancing the technology of the whole nation. You wanted to spark an industrial revolution, and you're well on your way to making that happen.

In less than a month, you'll be in the capitol, seeking an audience with the Lord of the land, hoping to get yourself recognized as a noble. A daunting task, but only a step on the road to modernity. Railroads, submarines, computers, and rockets. You will bring this country from the medieval depths to the Information Age, and farther. Now, more than ever, you are sure that you are here for a purpose. You're going to change the world.

>>9136150
Thanks SubDM. See you next week!

>>9136150
...timeskip a month?

rolled 5, 1, 3 = 9

>>9136224
See you.

That's last for today?

Alright, see you next time.

>>9136274
Another excellent thread sub dm, thanks for doing these.