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>>32464096
Current Date and Time: Mid-morning on September 18th, 1952PC

>You have 0 FR points

The last few days have been a lot of busywork, at least so far as you feel. Many issues simply aren’t resolvable in such a short timeframe – you’ve have to put off so many decisions due to the current chaos in Taour and your own lack of information it feels like every meeting is a farce. Some work gets done but it’s largely overwhelmed by the amount of arguments and debates that end with nothing more than simmering tempers. Not that people are getting too angry, but you’ve maintained a policy of letting your closest advisers speak their piece so things get heated from their passion nonetheless.

You slip a little lower into the hot spring, having retreated here this morning after cancelling a meeting about the possibility of setting up a ruling estate – you want to be careful about making any decisions that might give the appearance of a new royal line. You’ll make your final decision shortly as to whether to leave for Ahm tomorrow.

“Oh, so this is where you’re hiding,” comes Gnome’s voice from the entrance.

You glance over to her and see her two sisters, the three girls undressing to join you in the water. You wave to them but make no other motions. Sala’s the first one to be ready, hardly a surprise given how little she wears, and doesn’t waste any time in cuddling up to you in the water. Gnome and Undine take their time, adjusting to the heat that Sala finds so ordinary. It’s not long before the four of you are lounging around in the hot spring together.

>continued

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>>32464102
“I hear that King Fenix has put off the discussion again,” Gnome says. “And that you’re moving your meeting with Alyce forward as a result. Are you worried that Fenix is stalling you?”

Shrugging, you brush Sala’s wandering hand away, you want to be able to think right now, and answer, “I’m more worried that the instability in the RSK of late is growing. If Fenix wanted to crush me, he would have had Falwick do it when we were busy with Taour.”

“Given how he would have lacked a reason for such an invasion, I doubt that,” Undine’s voice murmurs from behind you from where she relaxes against your back.

“I doubt he’d care much – he’s a cunning and cruel bastard and he wouldn’t miss such an opportunity,” you say. “No, something else is brewing in the RSK that is keeping him busy.”

“And are you going to visit Alyce? Go straight into Ahm?” Gnome asks, locking eyes with you with a serious gaze.

You think on your answer. There’s plenty you could do in Ahm, but visiting Alyce herself may actually put the rest of the League offside – this is a meeting with the Archmage, not the head of the Magi League. Alyce is sounding you out personally, so you could, politically at least, accept a meeting with the Magi League council proper rather than just her. Given the state of the League, you don’t know where that will actually position you, though.

You answer with…

>1. Yes. You’ll leave for Ahm the day after tomorrow.
>2. No. You’ll wait for an official meeting with the League.
>3. No. You won’t meet with the League at all.
>4. Custom

>>32464134
>>1. Yes. You’ll leave for Ahm the day after tomorrow.
The larger question might be whether we should take Undine to try to claim the PoP or not.

>>32464134
>1. Yes. You’ll leave for Ahm the day after tomorrow.

>>32464134
>1. Yes. You’ll leave for Ahm the day after tomorrow.

>>32464134
>1. Yes. You’ll leave for Ahm the day after tomorrow.

>>32464134
>2

>>32464161

From the last thread:

>After the Ahm stuff - the main thing about Ahm is that I don't know if you guys are going to try for the PoP in the city while you're there or put it off for later so I'm hesitant to plan much in detail after Ahm right now.

>Basically, there's the catch: you'd need to bring Undine with you to Ahm to claim the PoP. Mind you, it's not going to be as easy as just walking in and claiming it but it's completely feasible for you to claim it while you're there without dying horribly.

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>1.

“Yes. We’re going to see Alyce,” you say after some thought. “I’ll contact her, or Merce really, and see if they’re able to hold whatever they want to hold these next few days.”

Gnome nods, a small smile on her face. “Good. I’d hoped you’d make that decision – it will be good to see Alyce again.”

Undine shifts slightly against your back and you frown. The biggest issue about going to Ahm is Undine – technically, she’s dead. Alyce and Mercenie know this, as do many other people in Ahm. You know she’d love to see them both, but you also know it would be a strong sign that you have a Source, or something similarly powerful backing you.

“Undine, your thoughts,” you say quietly and her two sisters fall silent, Sala even ceasing her incessant teasing of you.

“I think it’s good you’re seeing her. I don’t think it will be good for her to see me,” she says slowly.

“Hmm, what about the Place of Power – isn’t it in the labyrinth?” Sala says, and you frown at that. You knew about the PoP, but not the labyrinth.

Catching your look, Gnome shakes her head. “We don’t know for certain – most of Ahm has a massive magical labyrinth under it and it seems the most likely place for a Place of Power to be. Most likely the source of the magic powering the whole thing. If you want to claim it, you’ll need Undine but it might be wiser to wait.”

>continued

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>>32464513
“Wiser how?” you ask.

“Wiser in the sense that the labyrinth is dangerous. The longer we wait, the more help we might have and the stronger we’ll all be,” Gnome says.

“Except Undine. The longer we wait, the less help the Place of Power will be,” you say, frustrated. “Is it really so dangerous? Nobody explores it?”

“Taren closed down almost every entrance to it during his time as the Grand Magister of the Tower of Stars,” Gnome says, talking of her former master. “Short of making your own entrance, which might be possible with Mal’s help, you would need to enter through the Tower of Stars itself. Which means getting Alyce’s permission.”

“And revealing Undine even if we were to smuggle her in,” you say.

“I think we could manage it, Talon,” Undine says quietly. “The labyrinth was never so dangerous as to truly threaten most parties that explored it. Mostly it’s avoided as there’s little of value left in it – and nobody really know it’s layout.”

“I can solve that problem,” Gnome says. “I can determine the layout from the stone and Undine can tell us where the Place of Power is. That’s an advantage most others don’t have.”

You frown, indecisive.

>a brief bout of discussion time about this decision

Note that somebody brought up the idea last thread of teleporting Undine in after you arrive. This is possible, but teleporting into the labyrinth may not be.

>>32464534

Could we teleport in Undine after we meet with Alyce?

If there's only two ways of getting into the labryinth, I'd like to see what Alyce is like before we decide to crack open our own entrance or ask her for her assistance.

I'd definitely like to go after the Place of Power while we are in Ahm though. Undine could use the power-up and our party (Elementals, Mal, Lynn, Vad, maybe Felix) is pretty damn strong

Well then that's a decision.

The issue I'm having is we don't know who really controls the PoP itself. Could be unclaimed and used merely as a funnel of energy or Merce/Alyce is connected to it personal. The owner of it at present really determines what would be the diplomatically most intelligent decision to make.

And if we reveal our hand to Alyce/Merce with this I feel like we're going to end up going down the path of allying with them in a longer term. Which may or may not be a good thing. Better access to mages and magic(Battlemages, patterns, potential research locations) might be worth it though. Especially when the RSK might not offer as much as we can muster our own selves in terms of martial power.

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>>32464669
>The issue I'm having is we don't know who really controls the PoP itself.
Unless you get the information from the owner, the only way you can tell is by having Undine physically near the PoP and communing with it.

>>32464663
>Could we teleport in Undine after we meet with Alyce?
That's possible, yes.

>our party (Elementals, Mal, Lynn, Vad, maybe Felix)
This actually reminds me of another issue - neither Vad nor Felix know of what Lynn actually is. This limits what she can do, if you remember that she actually used some of her draconic abilities (wings) last PoP raid. Felix is probably of limited usefulness right now, so could be be left behind without issue - but Vad is a different matter.

>>32464733

Maybe it would be possible (though unlikely) to speak with Alyce and Merce and try to indirectly find out whether the PoP is controlled by Alyce or not.

If she seems fine with giving us permission to enter, she probably hasn't claimed the PoP herself.

I'd like to bring Vad for now, teleport Undine in after the meeting, and hopefully Lynn won't have to use her draconic abilities for this raid.

>>32464733
>Unless you get the information from the owner, the only way you can tell is by having Undine physically near the PoP and communing with it.

So even asking itself is an issue because it can inadvertently reveal our hand on a poorer roll or misstep.

So basically we're either going to steal the PoP from out under them or straight reveal our entire hand to Alyce in one fell swoop.

>regarding fluffytails

Would it be wise to utilize either one in this visit? My memory is vague on the issue but I feel like the Magi League might not have the best of feelings towards the Foxes. If I'm misremembering my bad.

>Felix

Poor guy, we need to figure out something for him soon. Requesting a scene with him before we leave again. Just because I want to talk to the guy and get his feelings now.

>>32464826
>Would it be wise to utilize either one in this visit? My memory is vague on the issue but I feel like the Magi League might not have the best of feelings towards the Foxes. If I'm misremembering my bad.

Oh, I didn't even think about this. If that's the case, then we won't bring Vad and Lynn won't have to worry about holding back

Question, what would claiming the pop do the labyrinth? Any chance that it is already claimed by someone?

The way I see it we have the following options
1. Show undine to everyone
- Bad idea imao. don't want this as public knowledge
2. Show undine to alyss/mercenie only
- It really depends on how the meeting with her goes. What we find out, etc. I say we meet her, talk to her, get gnome talking to her. then decide whether or not reveal undine to her specifically (on condition of her keeping it quiet)
Biggest risk I see here is that she figures out we have a source and goes on a quest to successfully claim one of the other two sources in this continent for herself.
3. Show undine to nobody.
-see 2.

We could explore the labyrinth in secret by making our own entrance or we could permission. I don't think it is a major decision at all, all that really depends on is whether or not we reveal undine (as she would be seen going in)... well, actually it might depend on whether or not having undine go with us provides an additional clue as to her being back due to source rather then "something else".

The way I see it, we need to decide our position about Alyss and the league (which aren't the same thing). And we can't do it until we meet her and find out more info.

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AHM VOTE
>1. Reveal Undine to Alyce when you visit Ahm
>2. Teleport Undine into Ahm after you meet Alyce (and determine whether to raid the PoP)
>3. Don't use Undine for the PoP raid at all
>4. Custom

There'll be another choice as to whether to raid the PoP later in Ahm. Depending how things go with Alyce, there may be another vote as to whether to reveal Undine to her.

>>32464826
>Would it be wise to utilize either one in this visit? My memory is vague on the issue but I feel like the Magi League might not have the best of feelings towards the Foxes. If I'm misremembering my bad.

You're not misremembering - you were told the League betrayed the fox alliance at some stage. That's a decision coming up shortly.

>Felix
There'll be something brief with him, but nothing much has changed from when you talked to him before assaultin Taour. He doesn't feel strong enough to legitimately contribute.

>>32464826
>Poor guy, we need to figure out something for him soon.
we need to give him a castle and funds and have him start working on his order.

I think we should approach it with a
>I put you in my private guard to show you more of myself, to show you I am not a villain
>Do you think you have seen enough or do you need more convincing?
if seen enough
>Well then, your choice then. back to being a general... or funds and political support for rebuilding your knightly order?

>>32464921

>2

Time to punt the decision!

>>32464921
>2. Teleport Undine into Ahm after you meet Alyce (and determine whether to raid the PoP)

It is the most politically savvy at the present moment. Though the foxes could be an issue. We'll need to talk first and figure some stuff out.

>>32464826
>>32464860
IIRC the foxes worked with the league at first, but then the league backstabbed them so they escaped to the magi guard

>>32464875
With Alyss, we have mal saying she is a good person who is "in charge" of a bunch of power hungry pricks, and has limited authority over them. He doesn't like the league, not Alyss.
Gnome and Undine both like her personally, have a history where she is almost family, and think she is a very altruistic person.
Aside from not feeling comfortable killing the "good guys" so to speak. I am concerned with hurting our girls by killing someone they care about.
I think what the league needs is a good civil war.

>>32464921
>2
where is everyone tonight

>>32464921
>2

>>32464921
>2. Teleport Undine into Ahm after you meet Alyce (and determine whether to raid the PoP)

>>32464921
Decide on whether or not to reveal undine to alyce and mercenie only based on our meeting with Alyce
IF we decide to do it, do it via 2

>>32464930

Only issue I have with that is it really isn't his order, it's stolen history and he might not want to. The idea was put in his head awhile ago and really I think picking his brain and the character a bit more before we make such a large decision is necessary, hell he might be inclined to do something similar, or just join the Royal Knightly Order we're setting up to be in something legitimate.

>>32464921

>regarding Foxes

Ah yes that was it. Have to get their side of it as well before we make that call.

>>32465043
>Only issue I have with that is it really isn't his order, it's stolen history and he might not want to.
he explicitly told us his goals is to revive this dead order of knights which he idolizes
it is his order in the sense that he is the only one alive (and his few remaining living students) who claim the name. Even if what he builds is totally different then the original, it is based on the writings and CLAIMS of the original through an idealistic interpretation and it will be felix's order when rebuilt.

>>32464921
>and determine whether to raid the PoP
Actually, a slight change to >>32465040

I am determined to raid the pop regardless.
If we reveal her to alyce then we have her arrange access for us. If we don't reveal undine then we make our own enterance.

Actually, can we talk about alyce some more with our girls?
How close were they to her? how important is she to them?
I am assuming that she is "almost family" (in the positive sense) so far which basically means we can't kill her or let her be killed by our plots. But I don't want to operate under false assumptions

>>32464930
>back to being a general... or funds and political support for rebuilding your knightly order?
To clarify, he can do both eventually. question is what he wants to do first

>>32464985
>Though the foxes could be an issue. We'll need to talk first and figure some stuff out.
that is actually an important point. was Alyce personally involved in betraying the foxes?
What was the specifics of this betrayel? we need to talk to tsucchi and ask

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>2.

“I’ll make the call on whether to do something about the Place of Power later,” you say. “For now, I’d like you to remain behind, Undine. Tsucchi can teleport you in if we’re going to dungeon-dive.”

“Understood,” Undine says, her voice betraying no emotion.

You give Gnome a glance, who just shrugs, the movement creating a small splash as she lifts her chest a little too high in the motion. Sala giggles slightly as she sees the result, trying to reproduce it herself. Taking offense, you feel a slight thrum of power. Sala squeals and trips over, making a great big splash of hot water.

“Was that necessary?” you ask the very smug earth elemental.

“Very,” says Gnome, waiting for her sister to rise above the water and back into sight.

When nothing happens, you have a feeling as to what Sala’s doing. A moment later, there’s a scream from Gnome as she’s dragged underneath the water and there’s a short bout of thrashing and struggling by the sisters. As you sit and watch, you feel Undine creep onto you and nestle her head on your shoulder.

>continued

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>>32465463
“Do you ever get embarrassed watching them?” you ask.

“I’d say yes, but I unfortunately do the same thing sometimes,” she says, smiling slightly.

As Gnome and Salamander wrap up their little tiff, you brace yourself to ask a question you’ve held off on so far.

“Undine, if I was to go to war with Alyce, and Mercenie, would you have any problems with that?” you ask. “Even if she wasn’t the evil warmonger you and Gnome fear she may have become.”

There’s a brief moment of silence before you let out a hiss of surprise as Undine bites your neck slightly.

“Don’t be stupid, Talon,” she says. “I’m your Champion and Gnome’s your familiar. We’re with you to the end, no matter what. We’ll support whatever decisions you make.”

You sigh. That tells you what they’ll do, if not how they’ll feel about it. They’re good at dodging that particular question. As Gnome and Sala straighten themselves out, both breathing heavily, you consider what to ask next. You have a meeting with Tsucchi shortly where she’s going to help you guard your energy, so you don’t have that much more time.

>1. Ask Gnome about behaviour towards Sarah the other day.
>2. Ask Sala about her attempt to contact Malataine.
>3. Ask the girls their thoughts on your empire so far.
>4. Custom

Note that none of these will blow up just because you don’t ask it now. This is simply a matter of spreading it across a wider period of time.

>>32465485
>3. Ask the girls their thoughts on your empire so far.

>>32465485
>3. Ask the girls their thoughts on your empire so far.

What or who was Malataine again?

>>32465485
>>1. Ask Gnome about behaviour towards Sarah the other day.

>>32465485
>1

>>32465515
>What or who was Malataine again?
Nation on the other side of the continent. Have historically been able to hold off the Great Lords, and have been antagonistic towards the elves.

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>>32465515
Militant religious nation to the south-west. Sala contacted them a while ago (or more accurately, a contact she has there) because she remember an order of knights she felt were similar to you.

>>32465485
>>3. Ask the girls their thoughts on your empire so far.
>>1. Ask Gnome about behaviour towards Sarah the other day.
>>2. Ask Sala about her attempt to contact Malataine.
In that order

>>32465485
>>32465515
>>32465573

Welp, changing my vote to 2 then

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Rolled 1

Tie-breaker roll.

1 = Option 1
2 = Option 3

>>32465485
press the question about how she would feel about it. Our relationship goes both ways, we want her happy

>>32465485
>1. Ask Gnome about behaviour towards Sarah the other day.
not a vote but a question... what behavior? I don't remember anything special.

>>32465772
They were a bit catty.

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>1.

“Gnome, I don’t mean touch a nerve here but the other day I noticed you giving Sarah an odd look,” you say, and Gnome looks a little puzzled. “It was the morning where you and Salamander, err, ‘met’ Tarfinn.”

“Ah, that day,” Gnome says, looking slightly amused. “It’s nothing serious Talon. Just noting who you spend your time with.”

“That and Sarah doesn’t share,” Sala pipes up, much to Gnome’s chagrin.

“Yes she does,” Undine says from her position behind you.

“Only with you,” Sala says in return.

>continued

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>>32465980
“Enough,” you say, sensing another water fight coming on. “I don’t even know you’re arguing over. Not sure I want to. Is that really it, Gnome?”

“No. I don’t want to share with her, anyway,” Gnome says, looking obviously annoyed at Sala’s suggestion. “We just… don’t see eye to eye on many matters.”

“Youthful vigour versus ancient wisdom,” you say, grinning slightly.

Gnome gives you a cross look. “Something like that,” she says, before sighing. “We’d had an argument the previous day and it… annoyed me slightly that she went straight to you afterwards.”

“Actually, I went to her,” you say, realising that Gnome was misunderstanding things. “I hadn’t spent much time with her since leaving for Raupe so… She never mentioned anything about you or anybody else.”

Looking a bit embarrassed, Gnome quickly steers the topic away. You let her do so, willing to let whatever strange politics is taking place between the women around you take its own course… for now. It is interesting to note that Gnome is capable of being wrong with her judgements of others.

Later, you’re practicing guarding your power around Tsucchi while Finn eats his lunch nearby, watching with wide-eyed curiosity. Tsucchi is about to rapidly draw on power from her surroundings and you need to stop her from taking any of yours.

You feel Tsucchi begin to focus, that strange warping sensation of fox magic acting as your telltale sign, and prepare yourself.

[DC12 Focus]

Rolled 10

>>32466005

We are the best at focusing

Rolled 8

>>32466005

Rolled 12

>>32466005

Rolled 4

>>32466005

Rolled 20

>>32466057

By the skin of our teeth

>>32466017
>>32466028
>>32466057

Well at least someone has it together in here.

>>32466057
Phew

>>32466078
almost anon, almost

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>Target met

You hold your astral power in you against Tsucchi’s draw like a candle before your chest in the wind. By concentrating you can feel the roar of the disruption that Tsucchi’s technique makes in the energy around you – the traces of astral power lingering in the air, useless to you for a reason you don’t quite understand, are ripped through the much denser sorcerous energy that makes up life. This is the source of the warping sensation you feel, but now it doesn’t disrupt your concentration. Your power remains constant and unwavering even as Tsucchi’s tails finish weaving their spell.

You open your eyes and look at the air, shimmering with rapidly dissipating heat that Tsucchi had conjured. This had been the test for the past few days – Tsucchi would heat up the air using her power, providing physical discomfort at the same time she attempts to gather energy. A crude way of replicating combat circumstances.

“Good,” she says with a smile. “You’ve learnt properly. That meditative technique Undine taught you was working for all the wrong reasons – now you know how and why it works.”

>continued

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>>32466322
>Focus Self I has now become Focus Power I
>By meditating for a brief time you focus your astral power within you more capably. This power remains with you for several hours until used. Your Magic and Resistance are raised by 1 for the next use (separately, so casting a spell doesn’t exhaust the resistance boost).

You relax, feeling the core of power still inside you and strengthening you. The power isn’t being actively used, but you know it’s there for rapid use. Merely having more power makes it harder for other magical power to affect you.

“The next step is to learn how to maintain it for a longer period of time – right now you’re just focusing once,” Tsucchi says, stepping over to where Finn is and stealing one of his honey-glazed carrots. “Once you learn the frame of mind necessary and can keep it, you’ll be much better off.”

You nod slightly. You have a different topic to talk to her about, but you’re not sure how to go about it.

>1. Ask her directly about the Magi League’s ‘betrayal’ of the fox alliance.
>2. Ask her what she would think of you taking Vad to Ahm.
>3. Talk to her about your visit to the Magi League in an attempt to get her to talk about the ‘betrayal’ in a roundabout fashion.
>4. Custom

>>32466346
>3
Then >2

>>32466346
>3. Talk to her about your visit to the Magi League in an attempt to get her to talk about the ‘betrayal’ in a roundabout fashion.

>>32466346
>1. Ask her directly about the Magi League’s ‘betrayal’ of the fox alliance.

>explanation of how our meditation works

Huh. That's a nice little bit of information, I liked that.

>>32466346
1
Direct and to the point. Also, specifically what role Alyce personally played in it, if any.

>>32466398
>Huh. That's a nice little bit of information, I liked that.
me too

>>32466346
>Focus Self I has now become Focus Power I

Oh that sounds like fun. Definitely something worth investing time in, with sufficient practice I'd imagine we'd be able to do it on the fly. Could very well be one of the ways we break the ability caps.

>>32466346
>3. Talk to her about your visit to the Magi League in an attempt to get her to talk about the ‘betrayal’ in a roundabout fashion.

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>3.

“Well, it’s practice that will have to wait, sadly, as I’m visiting Ahm for a few days to speak with the Archmage,” you say, rising from the ground.

“Oh, we’re all going to Ahm?” Finn says brightly, a piece of pork sausage dangling from his fork. You thank his innocent soul silently for making the connection for you.

“Not all of us,” Tsucchi says gently. “I’ll be remaining behind – I doubt my brother would appreciate my entering the League, let alone their capital. Even though it would be undoubtedly safe.”

“Really? I thought you mentioned past problems with them?” you say, a little surprised at her words.

Tsucchi shrugs. “There were. That doesn’t mean they’ll necessarily linger.”

That doesn’t answer your question, and you get the feeling you’ll need to push her if you want more details. As you mull your next question, you lean over and pick at Finn’s food. He squawks at you slightly and you flick him on the forehead lightly. The elf then pulls his plate into his lap to protect the food from you and Tsucchi. You…

>1. Push Tsucchi on the ‘betrayal’.
>2. Ask Tsucchi about bringing Vad to Ahm.
>3. Ask Tsucchi whether her brother being upset is really that big of an issue.
>4. Custom

>>32466637
>1

>>32466637
>1. Push Tsucchi on the ‘betrayal’.

>>32466637
1

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>1.

“What exactly happened, Tsucchi?” you ask. “I’m potentially going to be entering an alliance with the League, or at least cooperating with them. If I’m going to fulfil my side of the agreement I made with you and the foxes I need more information.”

“It’s in the past and it’s not something that will affect your negotiations,” Tsucchi says, crossing her arms and lowering her tails and ears again. You’re certain the posture she’s assuming is different to what you were taught by Arrisa, the fox you nearly married. You just don’t know what it really means.

“Any foxes who enter your empire will be under your sovereignty, so it’s not a matter as to the alliance’s problems with the League so much as yours,” she finishes.

Clearly Tsucchi won’t tell you without some more persuading. You’re going to have to push a little harder.

[DC15 Persuasion]

I’ll take any write-ins. Note that the write-in doesn’t need to be attached to a roll to count (e.g. you could roll first, then make a second post with a write-in. Very good write-ins may lower the DC or give better results if the DC is passed.

>>32466637
>I’ll be remaining behind
I had a feeling she might say this. this puts a damper on the plan to teleport in undine later.

Rolled 10

>>32466878

Rolled 14

>>32466878
I am not wrenloft.

Rolled 3

>>32466878

>>32466878
"And yet when i make decisions within the alliance i will need to know who it is, or what it is, that is pertinent to the fox's, or would you prefer a nasty surprise when we have to conduct something with a distasteful individual? I am only asking for the safety of those within my empire, but i understand if you do not wish to go into it, at least for now"

>>32466878
>Any foxes who enter your empire will be under your sovereignty
That is true, but to do right by them I have to make the right decisions.
Was it the archmage? The council? A power bloc within the council? Who can I trust... or rather, who can I distrust more than usual.
And what will the alliance view be on any such relationships. I don't want to sour my relationship with the alliance by making friends of their enemies. I am shooting in the dark here.

>>32466878

It may be in the past but the foxes clearly remember and I'm willing to bet the Magi League remembers as well.

If our empire is going to be home to foxes, they will be my people as well and I need to know where they are coming from.

The League is going to be our neighbors, and potential allies or enemies and I want the input of all my people, not just humans

>>32466878

>"Ask any of the Elementals. My knowledge of history outside of military affairs is lacking. If I truly wish to rule I must understand the conflicts of the past to avoid them in the future. Don't take this as me probing information of you, but of history so I do not fall into step with what once occurred."

>>32466878

Good call with the write-ins to help liven the place up a bit today. Surprisingly slow.

I wonder if she knows that we know about the potential pressure from across the sea. Is she worried we would chicken out?

also:
>Surely your people would benefit from informing me of which specific individuals are their enemies, and full disclosure about the nature of the betrayal will make the information more concrete and thus weigh more heavily on my thoughts when I deal with the magi league
>The league has multiple factions and they are barely held together, mainly through the threat of the RSK which is itself on the cusp of falling apart to rebellion.
>I am in here trying to decide whether my goal is to form an alliance with the league, or to sow discord and subversion within the league so it splits up.
>To decide who has to die, who I can ally with, who I can turn into a vassal.
>In essence, this is an opportunity for you to sway my course of action towards one that is more in line with the goals of the alliance.
>I am not going to hold it against you if you keep silent. But I will be making less informed decisions which could very well be the wrong ones in your people's eyes.

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>>32467177
Could be the change of day, maybe.

>target not met
>partial success due to write-in

“That may be true, Tsucchi, but it’s for that very reason I need to make sure I’m doing right by them and not bringing the fox into the henhouse,” you say. “Pardon the figure of speech.”

Tsucchi smiles slightly as she realises she meant the mystic foxes would be hens, before saying, “You’ll be doing right by them simply by being a good ruler, Talon.”

“Perhaps. But I could still do better with more information. Was it the archmage? The ruling council? One of the council’s power blocs? I don’t know who to trust and you can help me with your experience,” you continue.

Tsucchi hesitates, and your words clearly struck a chord within her. Finn watches the two of you with a mixture of amazement and anxiety. You hope he’s watching and learning – he needs to learn charisma as part of being your squire, and not just the art of being the cute little elf he is.
“I don’t like to tread over history, so I’ll be brief. The archmage helped orchestrate our original agreement and, to my knowledge, never broke it or sought to break it herself,” Tsucchi says. “Neither did the ruling council, technically. You need to understand, Talon, that the League is a disparate set of organisations – even more so than the RSK. Each mage tower is a member of the League but are free to take their own actions within that framework.”

“And that framework includes breaching agreements the League made?” you ask, incredulous.

“No, but then the agreement with the foxes wasn’t public knowledge so any sanction would be difficult to enforce,” Tsucchi says bitterly. “Corruption thrives in that environment.”

You frown and think. Finn watches you closely, waiting for your next move. The message is clear – the archmage is trustworthy but her power is far from absolute. It’s certainly useful information going forward. Still…

>continued

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>>32467417
“What would be the Six-Star Alliance’s view of any cooperation I have with the League at large? Not just the archmage, but potentially the conspirators you talk of,” you say, crossing your arms to make it clear the answer is non-optional.

“I doubt you’ll be dealing with any of the old conspirators. The mages responsible are dead or crippled and the Pharos actors already know of the relations between us – any cooperation with them is in contravention to the agreement,” Tsucchi says. “Overall, the alliance will show the same opinion towards your negotiations with the League as I do – the relations affect your empire, and us through that, not the other way around. Your set-up concentrates power within you and your immediate advisors, avoiding the issues the League has – that’s the reason they’re so eager to work with you. Maintain that and your external relations are beyond our consideration.”

You nod. It’s not the full story but it tells you enough to let you know how to act towards the Magi League.

“So I assume it’s okay to take Vad along?” you ask, finally.

“Of course. In fact, he’ll likely spend ages moping about if you don’t,” she answers, smiling.

“It might be a good opportunity for him to spend time with Nate,” you say offhand.

“Oh? He has a girlfriend now? I could have sworn he was gunning for you?” she says, smiling devilishly.

Finn gasps and you scowl. This woman…

>Ahm composition votes shortly

>>32467439
>Finn gasps and you scowl. This woman…

I love having Finn around he provides me with many laughs.

Also it's adorable that Nate and Vad are dating.

>>32467439
ahem ahm, quick question.
she isn't supposed to go there herself, would that be an issue with teleporting undine there and then leaving?

Also, thank her for explaining, this is really all you needed to know and helps tremendously.

Two random little thoughts.

I'd be in favor of giving Sala a little push to properly act like Mal's familiar for the visit. Just because it really is a point of pride for him and he's our bro.

And we should keep Gnome on our arm because really Talon is just as much of an egotist.

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>>32467520
No. She can teleport Undine in and then just teleport out without issue.

AHM TRIP

>Recommended party:
Talon [REQUIRED]
Maloric [STRONGLY RECOMMENDED]
Gnome
Salamander
Caitlyn
Vadoric
Tarfinn

>Optional
Sarah

>Not recommended
Felix

>Felix scene

“Felix, I’m heading to Ahm shortly,” you say. “Lynn will be coming with me, as my personal guard, but the question is whether you want to come? There may be some more fighting after the official meetings.”

“The labyrinth, I take it?” Felix answers from where he’s standing, watching several soldiers spar. “I think I’ll be better placed to help organise the upcoming tourney, Imperator. I doubt I’ll be able to lend you the assistance you’ll truly need – the fights with the daywalkers made that crystal clear.”

“You’re not useless Felix,” you say. “I wouldn’t have you in my guard if you were.”

“No, but I’m close to it in the fights you engage in,” he says, glancing at you. “I appreciate your intentions, Imperator, but I would rather not be reminded of my inadequacies. I will overcome them, and then I will be proud to act on my wishes.”

And what wishes might those be, you think but don’t say. You remember that discussion with Felix on the balcony and know that he is deeply conflicted. Shaming him, in his eyes, may not be the best way to remove that conflict.

>Any changes to your party?
>Any last things to take care of?

>>32467177
>Good call with the write-ins to help liven the place up a bit today. Surprisingly slow.
I think its because most of our decisions thus far have been low impact (what to banter with the sisters about in hotspring) which usually draws in fewer votes.
Or outright hivemind cases where further voting serves little purpose.

I am sure a more contentious issue would have drawn many more votes.

>>32467610

Party sounds good to me. I'd be inclined to bring Sarah if we were meeting with the council of the Magi League, this seems borderline informal.

>Felix trying to figure out a way to find his own personal power

I'd be interested in Talon taking an active interest in this pursuit. A Talon/Felix mini adventure would be fun.

>>32467610
"Make sure to watch Sarah's back while she's running things. Once the Vitrian nobles and remaining lose vampires realize I'm out of the country they might try something stupid."

>>32467610
>Sarah
does sarah want to come?
we might find her insight useful for any politicking we make. She doesn't have to go into the labyrinth with us afterwards if safety is a concern.

Probably won't be too happy if we plan on flirting with Alyce

>Felix
We keep on leaving him behind... we originally wanted him with us for convincing rather than actual protection.

And he said before "he would never be general again". this isn't (necessarily) true either. He was a fairly competent general (until he left his post to try and kill us) and we are set to grow a lot and have a lot more territory to cover. Plus there is his order...
Really we put him in our guard to get to know him better and get a better bond with him.

>>32467823
PS. that being said, it would be useful for him to help organize the tourney.

>>32467823
she has arch duke duty's.
Not an option with the country as unstable as it is.
We need a capable administrator in charge while were out.

>>32467823
>we might find her insight useful for any politicking we make. She doesn't have to go into the labyrinth with us afterwards if safety is a concern.
If we take her who would be running the empire while we're gone? She's basically our regent.

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>>32467823
>does sarah want to come?
Not especially. It was an option as she might help with politicking but she is also your best administrator.

>I'm going to go ahead and assume you're leaving Felix and Sarah behind unless there's a sudden change of opinion

>>32467739

>Talon/Felix mini adventure

Talon and Felix going out to just beat the hell out of some random monster? Sounds like fun.

>>32467871
>>32467873
fair points. country is too unstable right now

you know, I am worried that using that super awesome armor we found might stunt the growth rate of our endurance since we will be taking fewer injuries...
or at least, i was until our last fight. we still got injured :)
And we have all those companions and soldiers to think about who need us at our best to keep them alive.

>>32467898
Nah, lets ask Felizx to watch Sarah's back while we're gone. If the Vitrian Nobles realize that we and our elite are out of the country at the same time as most of the army is at Taour and Darlesia they might try to assassinate her and revolt. It would end terribly for them, but it would probably be their best bet in the short to mid term for revolt.

>>32467898
Have her give Mal a list of books to get or whatever. Don't want to stunt her growth.

>>32467610
Oooh, can we ask tsucchi if she knows anything about flight techniques using astral power?

>>32468005
I think she is protected by the knightly orders at the moment. As well as the mage towers. Who are both on our side, its the nobles we have been cutting out.

>>32468034
I think she has access to those already. And her primary growth is in the field of administration, where we are sorely lacking.

>>32468058
>I think she is protected by the knightly orders at the moment. As well as the mage towers. Who are both on our side, its the nobles we have been cutting out.
also by the fact that she is "just" a vassal. its talon who is in charge.

>>32468058
>I think she has access to those already. And her primary growth is in the field of administration, where we are sorely lacking.
I meant in magic

>>32468005

I'm sure she'll be fine. Surrounded by our guys as it is.

That said I doubt the Nobles at present would be in any position to start a revolt. The smallfolk love Talon, and they've been depowered a good degree. And after hearing about Talon going and beating the ever living fuck out of that one Daywalker in single combat they probably know better than to start an uprising.

Captcha: Lord Ddfromo

Whoever that is.

>>32468151
I know you meant magic books.
She has all the magic books she can want, think of her position.
Aside from that, with us introducing those mage towers into politics they have an interest in influencing her too, so she isn't short on teachers either

>>32468153
nobody actually saw talon do that, sadly

>>32468274

Stories spread through an army regardless of what was seen or not.

I have no doubt there is some bard in our army that has weaved up a tale to tell in the bars and brothels. And I'd be willing to bet many of them claim to "have seen the fight from a distance". Because soldiers do as soldiers do.

The trip to Ahm was uneventful, if longer than you had hoped it to be. It had taken ten days to travel from Harrowmont to Ahm using Mal’s summoned horses pulling the carriages at a truly inhuman pace. The request from Mercenie had been odd – make a formal appearance that is as showy as possible without appearing heavily guarded. It was either a trap, which made little sense given how easily Merce could have killed you in earlier meetings, or some bizarre politicking was taking place.

Nevertheless you rode into Ahm, fully bedecked in your armour, astride a flaming, metallic horse at the head of your carraiges with the griffin painted proudly onto your armour. You’d be lying if you said you didn’t enjoy the attention. Even as you travelled down some of the busiest streets of this massive, sprawling city of magic, all of the traffic seemed to dissipate. Nobody wanted to get in the way of the Griffon of the East, it seemed. You smiled slightly at the name – another display of your ego, perhaps, but by building a strong reputation for yourself, and using Neir’s network to spread it, you could hopefully make your empire seem much grander than it currently is.

Ahm itself was as magnificent as ever – countless towers dot the skyline, sometimes weaving powerful magic in the air or between each other. Squads of flying mage-knights soar overhead every few minutes, no doubt keeping an eye on your progress. The market stalls you pass display a range of wares that vary from the useless, figurines of important figures in the League, to the arcane, balls of magical power contained within glass vessels. Wealth mixes with poverty as hedge-wizards sell their own strange creations to the incredibly wealthy nobles – you can almost hear Maloric making a comment about how the best of these creations will then be reproduced by said noble’s tower and sold for massive profit. And not a single cent, save the original sale, will make it to the original mage.

>continued

>>32468311
the thing is, talon went forward with his personal retinue, then they came back with the corpse. How do they know talon fought alone instead of it being the group vs the vamp?

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>>32468372
As the palace that stands in the centre of the city, a sprawling complex almost as large as many towns, comes into sight you feel a slight tinge of regret that your path to it was so well-travelled. It’s only when one wanders into the backstreets of the city that they see all the wonders of Ahm. If there was ever a city you would have retired to with your wealth, should you have ever abandoned your dreams, it surely would have been Ahm.

From the palace rises two enormous towers, taller than every other building in the city. The Towers of Moon and Stars stand at the apex of the city and it is here that you will meet the archmage. A squad of mages, flanked by knights and led by Mercenie greets you outside the palace, as an enormous crowd of onlookers builds all around you in the plaza.

“You certainly don’t fail to live up to expectations, Talon,” Merce says in greeting as you walk up to her. “I’ve been told to introduce you to the magisters of the towers while Alyce pretends she hasn’t slept in but it’s up to you if you want to bother.”

You quirk an eyebrow at the bluntness. It was almost noon – so it certainly struck you as odd that the archmage wouldn’t be ready. You…

>1. Take Alyce’s diversion at face value and waste some time with the magisters. Mal will probably enjoy showing off Sala, at least.
>2. Live up to Merce’s expectations and go straight to see Alyce.
>3. Custom

>>32468390
>>1. Take Alyce’s diversion at face value and waste some time with the magisters. Mal will probably enjoy showing off Sala, at least.

Let Mal have a win

>>32468390
>1. Take Alyce’s diversion at face value and waste some time with the magisters. Mal will probably enjoy showing off Sala, at least.

Mal never gets to play the egotist, I'd like to see that.

>>32468372
>Nobody wanted to get in the way of the Griffon of the East, it seemed. You smiled slightly at the name – another display of your ego, perhaps, but by building a strong reputation for yourself, and using Neir’s network to spread it, you could hopefully make your empire seem much grander than it currently is.
>the Griffon in the East name being used

Yes, fucks yes.

>>32468390
>First decision in ahm
>Already I am wracked with indecision

>>32468390
>I’ve been told
by Alyce?
if so, then her trying to convince us to go directly to Alyce sounds like her teasing/trolling her master :).

>>32468390
>1

>>32468485
Quick, do a custom option I can support, as I am undecided as well!

>>32468390
Ok, at first I was undecided, and the thought of going straight for alyce because she is the only one who invited us is big.
But then I remembered that each archmage is basically his own mini-king, ruler of their tower which is an independent mini state. So we absolutely have to meet them and get to know them.

so
>1. Take Alyce’s diversion at face value and waste some time with the magisters. Mal will probably enjoy showing off Sala, at least.

but then it occured to me we can intrude on Alyce like Merce wants and then ask Alyce to introduce us to the archmages

>>32468390
>1. Take Alyce’s diversion at face value and waste some time with the magisters. Mal will probably enjoy showing off Sala, at least.

"So long as you kick her out of bed, i don't want to be bored to death"

>>32468647
>only one who invited us is big.
I don't know where "is big" came from. ignore it

>>32468390
>Offer to see the magisters after the meeting.

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>>32468647
You're not meeting the rulers of towers, you're meeting the members of her two towers.

>Anyway, that's a stronger 1 than I expected. WRiting it up now.

>>32468714
she has a tower full of archmages?

>>32468881
>introduce you to the magisters of the towers

Gotta use that reading comprehension bro.

>>32468881
She's the only archmage around basically. She probably has a Grand Magister or two in the city besides her.

>>32468910
The leader of the tower of the Moon is probably a Grand Magister, and Heir Apparent.

>>32468906
oh, it does say that. how the heck did i get archmages from this?

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>>32468910
There's plenty of grand magisters in Ahm. There's probably a couple dozen, in fact. They're just not under her directly.

>1.

“The initial meeting was in her suite, if I remember correctly,” you say, after some hard thought. “I’m not sure running into her fresh out of the shower would be conducive to negotiations.”

Merce snorts. “If there was any risk of you seeing her naked, I’d be steering you well away. I just wanted to see her squirm a bit being caught offguard. If you’re going to take up the diversion, well, I’ll just have to let her know how grateful she should be to you for accepting her diversion anyway.”

Merce turns and begins to lead you into the palace proper and you follow with your own entourage. Gnome takes your side, pulling Tarfinn along with her, and Maloric and Sala are right behind you. Vad and Lynn are in turn behind them. You outer halls of the palace are clearly built for defense, you notice, having been hollowed out and lines with buttresses and chokepoints for cover. It would be trivial to erect defences and even hold off attackers as they make their way through the maze of gateways.

>continued

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>>32469049
“Do you always seek to taunt your master like that?” you ask, getting a smirk from Gnome in the process.

“It’s sometimes a good idea to humble them. If she’s foolish enough to sleep in on the day she’s meant to meet with you, she should have some consequences,” Merce says, flicking her wrist as she uses some magic to open a particularly large portal. Inside is a large round disc in an empty space. She and her escort enter, and you quickly follow.

“Why didn’t you just wake her up?” Finn asks.

Merce turns to him, mouth open for a likely pithy reply before she pauses. She looks between you and Finn, noticing the recent embroidery on Finn’s armour.

“You kidnapped an elf? Really?” Merce says, surprised.

“I figured he’d be your type. Good for distracting you while Alyce and I nut out the adult’s work,” you say pithily.

Merce gives you a sharp smile laced with amusement. “Interesting tactic but I prefer my Daerfir old enough to actually wear a tattoo.”

You blink, surprised, and notice Finn looks very embarrassed by that comment. Odd…

>Write-in response

>>32469075
>"What do you mean by that?"

>>32469049
>If there was any risk of you seeing her naked, I’d be steering you well away.
heh
jealous of her mistress, eh?

>>32469075
Oh? And how old would that typically be?

>>32469075
>kidnapped
what kind of guy does she think we are?

>>32469075
"Don't worry Finn she's just playing hard to get. Watch her claws"

Then ask about what she means.

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Picking when to do write-ins or prompts is a pain, sometimes.

“And how old is that?” you ask blandly.

Merce looks a little confused by the question but answers nonetheless. “A half century, typically. It takes them that long to get to adulthood – much taller and lither than your pubescent friend here.”

Finn is only in his twenties. If they’re not supposed to get any tattoos until they’re adults, it’s odd that he has them now. Mal had said they speed up aging, but Finn also appears much younger, or at least physically smaller, than he should be for his race according to Merce.

You…

>1. Drop the topic.
>2. Mention that Finn has plenty of tattoos.
>3. Ask in a roundabout fashion why they don’t get their tattoos earlier.
>4. Custom

>>32469460
>3. Ask in a roundabout fashion why they don’t get their tattoos earlier.

>>32469460
3

>>32469460
>>3. Ask in a roundabout fashion why they don’t get their tattoos earlier.

Fishing for information to help our squire

My little elf squire can't be this cute

>>32469460
>1

Mal can probably give us a rundown on this, no need to draw more attention to Finn.

>>32469460
>3. Ask in a roundabout fashion why they don’t get their tattoos earlier.

Well then looks like Finn is a little special. Also I got a small chuckle out of the thought of him strutting about with a recent Griffon embroiled on his armor back in Harrowmont and being all proud of that little thing.

>>32469460
its obvious not the tattoos but the age she cares about (at least, I THINK it is).
So 2 is right out.

>You said you prefer your Daefir to be that old, so you have a different age requirement for each elf race?

Also, I thought the daefir tattoos are worn under their clothes.

You know, she is probably THE person for finn to get more info about his tattoos from.

But it would be awkward for talon to instigate it. Maybe we should get finn to question her about it while we talk to Alyce

>>32469460

"I've never really thought to ask much about elven customs. Why not earlier? It would seem they are far more useful the sooner they can get their tattoos."

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>3.

“I was of the understanding that they got their tattoos earlier,” you say slowly, as the platform underneath you begins to rise slowly. “Any particular reason they don’t?”

Merce cocks an eyebrow, clearly thinking on whether to answer. Then she glances at Finn and sighs. “I normally don’t speak of my kin at all, but given this one’s age I’m willing to make an exception so that he might actually learn more of his race.

“The tattoos draw on the magic that Daerfir have in spades,” she continues. “Except that same magic is what fuels their growth as it does in all life. They require more power to grow to their peak than other elves because that is what their body expects. Add a drain to it and it retards it, with even more dire consequences. The… development of the tattoos took place in my youth and restrictions were placed on the use of them on those who hadn’t reached adulthood due to the… observations made.”

>continued

>>32469711
if you don't know about elf customs, how do we know about daefir tattoos?

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>>32469816
Judging from those pauses, and the complete lack of emotion on Merce’s face, there’s clearly something more to the story. Mal had brought up long ago his surprise that the last true Aefir had separated herself from the elves like she had. Perhaps there’s something to that here.

“Is there any reason why they would want to use children?” you ask.

Merce’s façade breaks slightly, with a look of disgust, before she hides it. “Better results. If you use the tattoos on adults, you don’t get the same potency of power.”

“How long ago was this, if you don’t mind me asking?” you ask finally, expecting her to stonewall.

“About two centuries,” Merce answers, before smiling wolfishly. “Am I little too old for you?”

“You do remember I am his familiar, don’t you, Mercenie?” Gnome asks.

You drum your fingers on your armour for a moment. You don’t like what you’ve heard at all.

“This is all a bit of an odd line of questioning, to be honest,” Merce says. “I mean, you clearly already knew of the tattoos – why don’t you know about this?”

[DC15 Obfuscation]

Alternatively, you can deliberately fail and just tell her about Finn's tattoos. I'll call a vote on that if there's any real interest.

Rolled 11

>>32469839

Rolled 19

>>32469836
All we would have to say to that is we heard it mentioned but we really haven't asked much. But this made us curious.

>>32469839
Nat 1

Rolled 8

>>32469839

Rolled 17

>>32469839

Rolled 1

>>32469839

>>32469839
supporting deliberate failure, let's not try and wiggle around this, i don't like our odds

>>32469839
>>32469878
>>32469912

Disagree, I like our odds. I don't like revealing things without our elf squire's consent

Rolled 12

>>32469912

>>32469839

I like our odds.

>>32469878

Well since we nailed it I'd say we roll with it.

Finn will of course have the option to speak up about it with Merce if he wishes, she seems partial to him because he's obviously young.

>>32469912
>>32469939
clearly i'm outclassed here, and >>32469878
nailed it, so i bow out

>>32469839
She clearly is appalled by the practice of tattooing the underaged (like finn). And he clearly got his tattoos too young. Considering her age, position, being a transmuter... If anyone can help him its her.

But I figure we deflect the question now, then get a moment with Finn and suggest he bring it up with her as she sounds like the ideal person to help him

>Am I little too old for you?
Didn't you just say that you like your partners at least 50?

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If I’ve stated Tarfinn’s age differently elsewhere, let me know. I didn’t have it down in my notes (apart from ‘mid-twenties’ and couldn’t find a previous mention).

>Target met

“Finn’s young and he’s been outside of Terrnaine for years now, so he knows about tattoos but not much else,” you say, keeping your voice level.

Merce nods, looking slightly concerned. “How old are you… Tarfinn or Sarfinn? If I remember my Daerfir well enough.”

“Tarfinn, my lady,” Finn says, voice wavering a bit as he looks up at her, slightly distressed. “I’m twenty-four. I… left Terrnaine Forest three years ago. I’m now Imperator Talon’s squire.”

Merce’s look of concern doesn’t waver, and she instead reaches out and ruffles his hair. “Well, if you’re his squire there might be something to you.”

She gives you an odd look, and you can tell your obfuscation only partially worked – she knows something’s up but hasn’t twigged to exactly what.

Suddenly the elevator comes to a juddering halt and Merce opens the door. The main hall of the Tower of Stars is the size of your inner courtyard in Harrowmont and filled with people and furniture. Tables of refreshments, waiters bedecked in clothes that could probably buy a house, enormous magical displays of talent and power – all surround a dozen elegantly dressed mages. Merce waves off her escort as she enters, and you follow without the battlemages and knights following you.

“Confident in your own power, are you, General,” comes a quiet voice from the closest mage. He wears the simplest clothes of all the magisters, but the magic within them makes it clear their appearance is vastly different to their function.

“I see you’re still the tower’s chief enforcer, Jace,” Gnome says from beside you before Merce can respond. “Your age still hasn’t caught up to you?”

>continued

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>>32470605
The mage, Jace, puts on a gentle smile for Gnome and bows deeply to her. “No, though I think I may retire after this war. My talents may not fade, but my conviction does. It is a pleasure to see you once again, my dearest lady. And where are my manners – it is an honour to meet you once again, Imperator Talon. We’ve met once before, but you no doubt don’t remember me.”

“I know your name, Magister Corrett,” you say cautiously. Jace Corrett was the Magi League’s chief assassin. A combat magister whose abilities are largely focused on taking down single targets – if you’ve met him, then it’s a miracle you’re still alive today given your prior allegiances. “I struggle to think when we may have met.”

“I am not surprised. I used a fake name at the time and actually fought against mage rebellions as part of my mission at the time. I think it was nineteen thirty-seven? You and Magister Reegan here were amongst the few survivors of the battle of Sorchard Pass. It amazes to think that the cynical young soldier back then stands before me as the head of a nation.”

You stare at the old man as he smiles at you. It frightens you to think that this man knew you when you were just nineteen and a stupid soldier. Judging from matters, everybody else is surprised.

Merce speaks first, “You’re from northern Torryus?”

Torryus was the north-western most region under the Magi League. It was no doubt a front against Ember. Curious that Jace knew but not Merce… does that mean Alyce doesn’t know?

“Western Udanovsk, if I remember correctly. Back then, the kingdom of Carrthrus straddled the two regions, before the half west of Sorchard Pass joined us and the eastern half joined the Mage Guard,” Jace fills in helpfully.

>continued

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>>32470631
You nod and make some small talk before Jace bows out and you find yourself with just Merce and Gnome near you. Maloric has already peeled off with Sala at his side and is preening to half the assembly – so is Sala for that matter. You think you have a good idea of why she responded to his summons.

The remaining magisters are currently badgering Bad, who appears to be handling the attention well enough. You suppose if he’d been involved with Ren at all he would be used to politics and the sort, even if he didn’t enjoy it. Lynn stands nearby, looking largely bemused as she picks at her food.

>1. Make small talk with Gnome and Merce as you grab some food.
>2. Join Mal and Sala with the other magisters
>3. Talk to the other magisters who are currently badgering Vad while Lynn watches on bemusedly.
>4. Custom

>>32470666
>1

>>32470666
>1. Make small talk with Gnome and Merce as you grab some food.

>>32470666
>1. Make small talk with Gnome and Merce as you grab some food.

>>32470666
>1

>>32470666
3

>>32470666
>2. Join Mal and Sala with the other magisters

Either way we get something. But getting to know some magisters sounds useful.

Rolled 15

>>32470666
>1. Make small talk with Gnome and Merce as you grab some food.

>>32470666
>3

>>32470666
>1. Make small talk with Gnome and Merce as you grab some food.

They are being surprisingly civil.

[spoiler[Based on the way Mal and Sala are acting I suddenly got it in my head that a summoning is basically like online dating. And the summon circle is just an elaborate way of saying, "Ey yo gurl wnt sum fck?"[/spoiler]

Remember when vad told tarfinn he needs to bulk up and grow taller?
Since he should still be growing for the next 25-ish years, if he removes the tatts now he might actually do that.

>>32470816
>"Ey yo gurl wnt sum fck?"

I hear this in Mals voice now and it's killing me.

>>32470816

Also known as the Talon school of romance and gentlemanly courting

>>32470816
aren't most familiars ... lacking in the equipment for sex?
Take Bartom the earth elemental. I get the feeling that this is the norm

>>32471048

I think it was mentioned somewhere that some lesser Elementals are also more humanoid in appearance.

Though really this all begs the question as to why any Elemental has sexual organs.

>>32471126
Fairly sure only the Pure Elementals are humanoid, it's just that there's (slightly) more of them than just the big four.

>>32471126
the obvious answer is "so we can fuck it"

>scruples o'frances

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>1.

“I’m going straight for the food if you want to join me,” you say, and make your way over to the closest table of refreshments. Finn, Gnome and Merce tag along as you weave your armoured bulk way past some of the decorations – you’d think with a hall this big they would be able to space things apart more. You start piling up snacks on a plate, including a small pile of mini-profiteroles.

“You’ll ruin your lunch,” Gnome says, and you give her a glare. She smirks in reply, stealing one of your profiteroles and popping it into her mouth. Her eyes light up in delight as chews on it.

“It’s so rich,” she says. Or at least you think she does, given her mouth is full of profiterole.

“Don’t talk with your mouth full,” Merce says, before taking one herself from the table and reacting in exactly the same way.

“Why do I feel like the oldest person here?” Finn says suddenly, sounding confused as a pair of women many times his age react to a nice dessert like little girls.

“Because the older you get, you more you realise how little it matters how you act,” you say, munching on one of the ice-cream filled profiteroles. You can’t exactly blame Merce and Gnome for their reaction, given its taste. You’ll need to steal Alyce’s chef, clearly. Maybe see if they have anybody here able to make coffee, too – it’s a pain to always have to make your own because nobody else can make something that’s not just a warm cup of milk.

>continued

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>>32471048
Humans can and will fuck anything anon. That is the one constant across all times, places, or settings.

Anything.

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>>32471185
“He speaks the truth,” Merce says. “If you can learn everything he can teach you, save the egotism, then you’ll be set for life, Tarfinn.”

“That almost sounded like a compliment,” you say, giving her a raised eyebrow as Gnome grabs some desserts from other tables. You have a bad feeling your group just become the glutton group.

“You are a very strong case of the sum of the parts being less than the whole,” Merce says, not missing a beat. “Tarfinn won’t have that issue.”

“Because he’s an elf?”

“Because he’s not you.”

You snort. You’re still completely uncertain of Merce’s attitude towards you, given her otherwise civil and pleasant behaviour. The constant insults just make you wonder.

>Write-in question/conversation topic

>>32471151
There are some lesser elementals that are humanoid. The reason is probably something along the lines of 'to build rapport with the major races'.

>>32471220
>There are some lesser elementals that are humanoid
I did not realize that..
Are any of the humanoid ones male?

>>32471220
do gnome, undine, and sala have belly buttons?

>>32471220
"...So, how much do you pay your chief?"

And the small aside quest for a royal chef begins. If we don't leave with one I'll be disappointed.

>>32471220

>"If you are so aware of what parts I am made up of. Then please elaborate, I'm sure Gnome can make any corrections."

>>32471220

Whether Tarfinn has any questions to ask of the nice old grandmas

Name of the chef who prepared this

I'd have a good laugh if we ended up stealing Alyce's chef.

I assumed we already got some really good chefs from vitria...

OOH! We should have an iron chef competition added to the tourney. :P

>>32471220
>Ask about meeting the chef and maybe getting a cup of coffee.

>>32471220
Hey, minor question about something that happened in thread 26. You had this description of the Darlesian Royal Palce

>Inside her room, which apparently once belonged to one of the royal princesses, Tsucchi has wasted no time in decorating it to her tastes. Or just filling it with clutter, if your time with Mal is any judge. Lots of books and clothes strewn about. The fox herself is sitting at a small table, reading a book in a language you don’t recognise.
I thought there were no royal princesses, that the queen was the last of the family and all. Was this a misquote or something?

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>>32471249
Yes.

>>32471275
Yes.

>>32471520
The queen was the last as she survived. The princesses died during the war (Taour wasn't above assassination, after all). That, and the queen was a princess at the onset of the war - she became the queen after the death of her parents.

>>32471404
You did. Doesn't mean you couldn't get more.

Update very shortly.

>>32471220
"I imagine Alyce finds your insults endearing."

>>32471404

This is Talon we're talking about, if he wants the best chef in existence he'll get it damn it.

Also Iron Chef competition sounds like it would be hysterically awesome.

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"If you are so aware of what parts I am made up of. Then please elaborate, I'm sure Gnome can make any corrections,” you say.

Merce stares at you flatly for several seconds, munching on an apple pastry. Then she turns to Gnome and asks, “That makes me wonder. You never did anything with Taren, but have you…”

Gnome looks away, turning faintly red. Merce laughs lightly at the reaction, turning to you with a grin. “Well, if you’ve got her reacting like that then you must be doing something right. You’ll just have to pass it on to Finn so he can put it to good use.”

“It’s put to plenty good use as is,” you say, and she smirks in return. You sigh. “Who’s the chef who made these, by the way?”

“Most of the pastries were made by the regular chefs but the profiteroles were purchased, I believe,” Merce says. “I saw some servants bring in the trays this morning.”

You nod. That’s not much help, really. You then say, “Tarfinn, do you have any questions for the grandmas?”

Merce and Gnome glare at you momentarily before refocusing on Finn. He cowers slightly under their gaze, before repeating the earlier question: “Lady Mercenie, why didn’t you just wake up the archmage?”

>continued

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>>32471713
Merce shrugs and looks to Gnome, who rolls her eyes. The two then say, in concert, “Only a fool dares to poke a sleeping dragon.”

You rub the bridge of your nose, already picturing the many times the duo have used that line. It’s clear now that despite the animosity Gnome and Merce have shown towards each other in earlier meetings the two are obviously close in their own way. If you were to let the sentimentality of your elementals guide your path then Alyce and Merce certainly stand out – but you also don’t doubt the word of them that they’ll accept your decisions above all else. Gnome is likely no stranger to such necessity but you don’t know about Undine.

It’s a short time later when Merce cocks her head and then indicates that Alyce is ready to receive you. You school your expression and join her on the trip up to the archmage’s suite. Your intended behaviour will be…

>1. Friendly. There’s potentially much to gain here with closeness, if possible.
>2. Polite and civil. You don’t know enough yet to pick a side.
>3. Distant. You’ll meet her but you’re wary of getting drawn into Alyce’s schemes.
>4. Custom

>>32471745
>>2. Polite and civil. You don’t know enough yet to pick a side.

>>32471745
>2

>>32471745
>1. Friendly. There’s potentially much to gain here with closeness, if possible.

>>32471745
>2

>>32471745
2

I'd like to be friendly, but I just don't know enough about the RSK to make a decision.

>>32471745
>2. Polite and civil. You don’t know enough yet to pick a side.

>but the profiteroles were purchased,
Well Talon did lament that one needed to travel off the beaten path to find all of Ahm's wonders. Our search begins.

>>32471745
a mix of 1 and 2.
Really we need to let her make the opening salvo and react accordingly.

>>32471839
supporting mix of 1 and 2, emphasis on 1

>>32471745
1

as far as option 2 goes, If we don't know enough to pick a side then we can be friendly to both sides until we make our choice.

Also, try to get a moment with finn alone and suggest to him that merc sounds like she is both very knowledgable about the tattoo issue as well as sympathic to his situation. If you were in his shoes, you would reveal it to her and ask her input on the issue. (I am wondering if he is keeping quiet because he doesn't want to mess up important diplomatic negotiations, he is our squire after all and that comes with duty)

>>32471834
This is actually a good thing. We wont be stealing Alyce's chef

>>32471745
I feel tempted to fuck with her by saying. "I hope you had a nice nap."

>>32472222
pls anon
"Sleeping late eh? Who kept you up all night?"

>>32472246
hah. subtle 'do you have a boyfriend' probing. I like it.

>>32472246
Nah, we don't know her well enough yet

>>32472246
not who...
"Did mercie here keep you up all night?"

>>32472257
actually I was just meaning for it to be vulgar teasing. not probing to find out if she has a boyfriend

>>32472246

No teasing, let's be professional and not condescending to the leader of a nation which could squash us like a fly

>>32472246
No

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>2.

The trip up to the very top of the tower is considerably more subdued. After ascending to a slightly higher level using a large spiral staircase, you then ascend in another, smaller, lift. This trip is longer and on the way up you take a moment to speak quietly with Finn while Gnome and Sala keep Merce occupied.

“Tarfinn, if you want to talk to Mercenie about your tattoos you can do so,” you say, and he nods repeatedly in return as he listens like a bobblehead. A very serious looking bobblehead. “To be honest, I think she’ll help you and I can say that I would reveal it if I were you – but I’m not you, so the choice is yours.”

You give him a final nod, and catch his head with your hand. It takes him a second to realise that you want him to speak his affirmation rather than continue nodding.

“I understand, Sir Talon,” he says.

“Just call me Talon,” you say reflexively, as you return to Merce’s side. She gives you a suspicious look but shakes it off.

Then you’re at the top of the tower and Merce once again open the door for you with her magic – clearly there’s some form of magical locking on all the doors to prevent unwanted intruders. Then the portal opens to show you an enormous open suite – floor to ceiling windows frame the outside and nearly invisible runes seem to run along the glass signifying the magical transformation present, as you know there is no glass on the outside of the towers to prevent structural issues. The floor and ceiling is tiled marble, and again you can see the faintest signs of magical sigils and runes ingrained into the stone. Building this level is no doubt the combined efforts of the many grand magisters to occupy this suite as they each add their own contribution.

>continued

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>>32472378
There’s a large table in the centre of the room, a twin of the table in your war room in Harrowmont, and magical figures hang in the air above it. A beautiful young brunette, looking no older than yourself or Maloric, stands on the other side of it from you, poring over countless crystals – truly a sign of the magical capability present that she has mages who can spare the time to inscribe their notes in sending crystals rather than just paper. She looks up as you enter, and a bright smile crosses her face.

“You must be Talon York,” she says brightly as she crosses the room to where you and your party enter. “I am Alyce. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

She holds her hand out to greet you as Merce crosses to stand by her side, but Gnome interrupts her with a deep hug. The archmage looks a little surprised by the affection, but returns the hug nonetheless.

“It’s good to see you, too, Gnome,” she says, as Gnome breaks away and returns the greeting. You then take the proffered hand in a handshake and she guides you to the table.

“I have to admit, you manage to be every bit as impressive as I’d figured you would be,” she says on the short walk back to the table.

“You hear much of me?” you ask.

“Some days, these last years, I’ve heard little that isn’t of you,” she says, a brittle smile on her face. “Before we continue, this is Mercenie, who you’ve already met. And these are?”

You introduce your companions, and there’s a formal greeting between Alyce and Maloric as well as a great deal of surprise at meeting Salamander.

“I have a question before we start, Talon – you don’t mind if I call you Talon?” she asks, but continues before you can respond. “Why do you think I’ve asked you to meet with me personally?”

>Write-in response

>>32472246
Nah, Don't want to go too far there. Talon lacks a read on her.

>>32472410
Shagging? :)

>>32472410
Because the Magi League is collapsing around your ears and you need someone that can off your political opponents while maintaining plausible deniablitiy.

>>32472410
A wry smile "To use me in some fashion of course."
>>32472460
>>32472464
No

>>32472410
You need help holding the league and all it's disparate powers together. You called me to offer some sort of preliminary alliance.

>>32472410

A capable ally to help stabilize the region while the Magi League deals with the turbulent times we live in?

>>32472514

This works too

Let's be professional here

>>32472485
>to use me in some fashion
HUEUHUEHUE
supporting this or
"you wanted to test the strength...OF MY TALON"

>"My diplomats and retainers back home would have a long winded response containing but not limited to; political alignment, national security, borders, treaties, NAPs, etc. I'll cut that down significantly, because there is a way we can help one another, and you might just need me."

>>32472410
>Why do you think I’ve asked you to meet with me personally?
From my understanding of the league's political structure. You are not a queen, your word is not absolute. You politic with the other powers within the leagues, and each tower has a lot of independence.
You have political opponents and political allies who are yours individually. And probably wish me to be ally of Alyce specifically rather than the league as a whole.

>>32472552

Atrocious

>>32472410
"I can think of a few reasons. One of which is possibility of desiring to not let what you say leave the room."

>>32472591
actually, change that to
>Probably for the same reason I am meeting you, to get a better grasp of my character.
>You can hardly judge someone by rumors and second hand accounts.

>>32472668
actually the "many reasons" is an excellent thing to include.
I can think of many reasons and its probably a combination of all of them

>>32472460
:)

>>>/out/

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RESPONSE VOTE
>1. Short and sweet but with blatant cynicism. "To use me in some fashion, of course." Like >>32472485
>2. Bring up the fragility of the League and how she wants you to help her specifically. Like >>32472464 and >>32472591
>3. Say that she wants an alliance for mutual gain. Like >>32472514 and >>32472575
>4. Custom

>>32472707
2

>>32472707
>3

>>32472707
4
"I can think of many reasons, most are not even mutually exclusive. Most likely the combination of all those reasons is what motivated your decision".

>>32472707

>3

>>32472707
>1

>>32472707

3 but anything but 1

>>32472707
>2

>>32472707
>1
Let's not give away how much or how little we know with something like 2

>>32472707
A few other possibilities...
To see gnome again...

>>32472707
I honestly think it would go something like.

He thinks 1.

He says 2.

But he mentions there could be a lot of other reasons that combine.

>>32472681
>Judge my character
Anyone else thinks this is the reason?
After all, this is the reason why WE decided to meet her.

>>32472707
>3
Lol rev up them sense motive checks.

>>32472707
3

>>32472847

Well, yeah, it's ideal to know your partner's personality and motivation in any long-term business dealings

Another possible reason is to sour our relationship with the RSK

If she knew about undine... then I don't see why she would ask to meet like that without first telling us she knows

Did OP died?

>>32473355
it's a long update.

>>32473403

That's a fucking huge update man.

Don't worry we appreciate you.

>>32473403
I like the sound of that.

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Sorry for the huge infodump but this seemed quicker than spacing it out with lots of small and meaningless prompts.

>3.

“For an alliance, or some level of cooperation, for our mutual gain,” you say, keeping your cynicism and knowledge largely to yourself. “You’re a large power locked in a great war and I’m a rapidly growing power with no limit to my freedom.”

Alyce smiles, looking amused. “That’s more or less it, though you describe it with a complete lack of character. I see you’re keeping things to yourself but that’s fine. We still have plenty of time to work things out and judge each other better. We know little of each other beyond our reputations and we’ve formerly been on the opposing sides of a war – but the past is the past and we benefit nobody by dwelling on it.”

“I’m not sure the past is so easily jettisoned,” you say cautiously.

“Perhaps not, but I, personally, have little to gain by holding onto it. I’ve lost countless friends in this war, and countless more before it for other reasons,” she says, her face serious. “What you’re doing right now has little to do with your actions as a general for the Seraphs and what I hope that you see that what I’m doing right now has little to do with my actions against you when you were a general.”

“You took action against me?” you say, cocking an eyebrow.

“I tried very hard to see you dead after you sacked half of Blacktaffe,” Alyce says bluntly. “The fact you’re not is part of the reason I’m confident in your ability to help me despite your position as a minor power.”

>continued

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>>32473462
You nod and Alyce spends a short while explaining the basic situation of the war and the League. It’s nothing new to you – the League tried, and failed, to stop Ember and has a large army in Torryus near his territory as well as large armies on the fronts with the RSK. The two have a temporary ceasefire – ‘a regrettable situation for both sides’ according to Mercenie, as each has good reason to attack the other and exploit a weakness. The RSK is largely distracted by Darvui’s rebellion, an empire-building Farloun mage and general dissatisfaction with the royals. The League has much of its army and strength sitting on the opposite side of their territory to watch a madman.

“To be blunt, Talon, I don’t want you to help me fight the RSK. Not right now, at least,” she says. “We have that under control and the war might even end on its own with the current issues they face.”

“Ending your campaign against the royals early, are we?” you ask.

“I have no choice. I can’t maintain it and there’s more pressing issues at hand,” Alyce says, and then plays her hand very openly. “The League is fracturing. The northern towers feel unthreatened by the RSK and don’t like the constraints the council places on their activities, as well as the fact we require them to contribute troops. The eastern towers don’t think we pay them enough attention, particularly given Blacktaffe is only rebuilding and the RSK has been independently suing for peace with them due to the actions by the remaining Farloun.

>continued

>>32473462
>Sorry for the huge infodump but this seemed quicker than spacing it out with lots of small and meaningless prompts.
Good idea. keeps the quest flowing

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>>32473475
“The League is dead, as far as its current form goes. Every that comes after might be doomed, too, if I can’t salvage it. The Mage Guard will subdue the northern towers the moment they declare independence and attempt to assume their rule. The Lords or Malataine will, over time, subsume the eastern towers. The rest will collapse over time as they pick and choose sides and nothing will have changed. I will never have the political influence to convince the mage towers to war with their brethren.”

There’s a lengthy pause as you consider what’s being said. Alyce is being startlingly forthright and you’re struggling to see where you’ll come in for this. You say as much.

She smiles bitterly. “Because, for all I struggle over the idea, you’ve formed an empire based purely on your own power. You answer to no one and hold all the power in yourself. You don’t rule because it’s in your blood or because you inherited the land – you took it with your will and that of others. You can destroy any separatists and I can support you to the best of my ability. Your empire grows and I prevent the certain doom of everything I’ve fought for these past few years. It’s win-win.”

“What if I form a royal line? Wouldn’t that be no different?” you ask, playing devil’s advocate.

She grimaces and doesn’t answer for a short while. Merce has had a hard expression on her face for the last few minutes as the rest of your entourage looks on it shock. Many of them had known this was likely but certainly hadn’t expected the meeting to open with this.

Alyce then says, “That’s a risk I’ll have to take. The fact that Gnome supports you as your familiar is what allows me to make the leap of faith and hope that you’ll do something better with whatever you create. Everything else… well, if it all goes sour I’ll just have to hope I still have enough power myself to salvage it and not lose everything.”

>continued

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>>32473488
The room goes silent and you meet Alyce’s hard gaze. Gnome had worried there had been a transformation in the woman, and you suspect it’s quite apparent here. Whatever altruism and ideals had driven Alyce originally have been worn away by reality to such a degree that she’ll favour the rule of some emperor she knows little of over everything she has control over.

“I won’t ask you to make a decision today, or even while you are here, but given how rapidly I think the situation will collapse I saw no reason to delay this,” she says. “I’ll take any questions you have right now and then we can adjourn for the day. I may not be able to answer all of them.”

>Q&A time

So this will be different to usual. Basically, post questions and I’ll answer them using Alyce, if she’ll answer them. Depending on how long this goes for, I may end the thread after this or do another short bit.

>>32473511
Well, shit. This is heavy stuff.

"I have eyes on dealing with the Mage Guard in the near future, in some form or another, but I would first have to find a route to their lands. Would knowing this influence your actions in any way?"

>>32473581
No we don't. We want to Conquer Termina, which will give them a border with the land anyway.

Um. Wow. She really just put that all out there. I mean we kind of knew it was happening but damn. She's showing us her belly and hoping we don't tear it apart.

Something somewhat related, "On an unrelated note. I have Gnome and Salamander with me. You know I know about the PoP below the city. Who's using it?"

>>32473511
This is excellent news for us. Pretty much all we could hope for.
And while she is very cynical now, she seems to still be altruistic, just choosing the lesser evil.
I say we bring in undine and let them meet.

>>32473611
incidentally, if the mage guard goes after those towers, we could provide safety to them and relief from the guard.

>>32473611
We're paying attention to them because they're going to be running about our lands soon, and the dragon lady is making eyes at us about political union. Making a path through termina is just the simplest way to get up there.

>>32473621

>I’ve lost countless friends in this war, and countless more before it for other reasons

With all she just told us I honestly think we could bring Undine into this and be perfectly fine.

>>32473621
It could definitely be something to help soften her up. She's clearly feeling the stress of it all, and she's letting it all go right now. If we show her this secret now, we could get her as a more solid ally and a clear path to the PoP without skullduggery.

>>32473511
I would like to sit back for a bit and let gnome ask her questions.

Also:
1. Any idea what sparked Ember's madness?
2. >nothing will have changed
what are those things she has been trying to change, what is her end goal, what she envisions?

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One thing I will note is that you shouldn't assume that you won't get something similarly serious from the RSK, or even the Guard. I'm offering some pretty flagrant paths forward (and given the nature of this quest, you don't have to take any of them), if not all at once.

>>32473581
"I would be very wary of the Mage Guard - they're far more dangerous than many mages tend to think. Even putting aside the dangers of Sylvian, their draconic elder, they have some effective ways of dealing with mages.

"As for it influencing my actions, not particularly. I dislike the mage-hunter actions of the Guard, as much as I appreciate their containment and prevention of disasters and rogue mages. I have no doubt that even if the Guard proper were put down there would be another faction to take its place, such as Malataine."

>>32473620
Not asking this just yet, because I'm not sure what you mean by:
>I have Gnome and Salamander with me. You know I know about the PoP below the city.
Why does having both of them mean she knows you know of the PoP?

>>32473668
this could end up really awkward since one of her friends we killed in blackstaff (and resulted in her attempting, and failing, to have us assassinated) was undines former master. But yea, I am for showing undine.

>>32473759
>Why does having both of them mean she knows you know of the PoP?

More on the basis that Gnome is incredibly knowledgeable and Sala could fill in any holes. We have two Pure Elementals, safe to assume we know a bit.

>>32473511
>>32473759


I'm having trouble understanding what Alyce's end-game goal.

Does she intend to cut the malcontents and have us deal with them and create a more consolidated, centralized form of the league?

What information does she have about the Malataine?

What actions does she envision us taking on our behalf in the near future? In which direction?

>>32473759
>One thing I will note is that you shouldn't assume that you won't get something similarly serious from the RSK, or even the Guard.
I do think we will since both have suggested they have similar issues. The thing is, we are NOT actually committing to an alliance with the league yet. We are talking about closer and better relationship with alyce herself and whatever mini league she tries to build after this one collapses.
The dragoness from the mage guard hinted at similar loss of power, and the RSK has rebellions and attempted coups going on. So, I am expecting a lot of shifting powers in the nearby future.

>>32473759
I think he's saying 'I've already found two people bound to PoPs. who's bound to this one?'

>>32473810
from what she said it sounds like she is hoping gnome serves us because we are a decent guy and our empire is going to be a nicer place then the average kingdom.
And her end goal sounds like general altruism (the "nothing would have changed" and her war against the principle of noble bloodlines).
Her league is collapsing and she can't stop it.

>>32473759
>Why does having both of them mean she knows you know of the PoP?
I think he meant it in the colloquial "you know" as in "just so you know" as in "I am now informing you".

>>32473759

Would it be safe to assume that this alliance would be kept discrete? If the Magi League is fracturing, then it seems likely that not all factions would support an alliance with us.

I guess the question tl;dr version is "Are we allying with the Magi League or are we allying with you?"

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>>32473733
>1. Any idea what sparked Ember's madness?
"I haven't a clue and neither does the Mage Guard from our communications with them. All I know is that he is a threat to all life and frighteningly unpredictable right now."

>what are those things she has been trying to change, what is her end goal, what she envisions?
>>32473810

[DC16 Persuasion]

This is to convince her to openly talk about her goals and true ambitions.

Rolled 19

>>32473897

>>32473889
It seems pretty clear we are allying with her.

On that note, can we have mages pls?
because that is one thing we severely lack.

Rolled 10

>>32473897

Rolled 1

>>32473897