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You have always wanted to be an emperor. That ambition has burned dimly in the past, tempered by reality. Now the opportunity to realise your ambition has arrived and you are determined not to let it slip. Now is the time to build your empire and become an emperor.

Last Thread: You are the knight, Talon York, and you are an emperor, but not the emperor… yet. Last thread you did a lot of empire management.

Previous Threads: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Aspiring%20Emperor%20Quest
Userscript for Suptg with quote previews/backlinks (not my work):
https://greasyfork.org/scripts/2065-sup-tg-archive-quote-functions
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AspirationalQM
Master Pastebin (links to all pastebins for AEQ): http://pastebin.com/6Su7M3fh
>no changes. That means some of these are out-of-date.

>some housekeeping
1. Next thread tomorrow (June 7th) at 6pm EDT (assuming I can actually get up on time). I may also run a thread the day after.
2. This thread will finish up some Ahm politicking and start the dungeon dive (if you’re willing).
3. After next weekend, I’ll be taking a two week break due to work sending me overseas.

Rolls are d20 and the best of the first three posters. I may sometimes ask for more dice to be rolled by each player, but same rules apply otherwise. Please quote the post you are voting for or rolling against. Note there are hard-to-replace points that can be used to offset failures in rolls. Please see the General Pastebin, linked through the Master Bin above, for more info and detailed dice rules.

>Now, with further ado
>>
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>>32615889
Current Date and Time: Late afternoon on September 30th, 1952PC

>You have 0 FR points

“I found out where the store that made those profiteroles is,” Merce says as she leads you out into the city. “Maybe visiting it will take your mind off things for a moment.”

“You say that like you’re not just as interested,” you say and Merce puts on an exaggerated look of innocence.

The trip to the store involves winding through the backstreets nearby, and past a number of shady and interesting looking stores. You catch Finn staring wide-eyed at the many establishments selling sexual supplements – some of them probably work, too, though you’d need to pay somebody who knows the streets to work out which ones. Merce is trying to hide a big grin as you walk, and you’re certain she’s watching Finn out of the corner of her eye.

Busy with Finn, you barely catch Lynn before she wanders.

“But Talon, it said it was selling dragon eggs,” Lynn whines to you, pointing to a nearby store with a sign up the front.

“It’s not selling dragon eggs,” you say gruffly.

“Probably summons. Most likely he’ll ‘hatch’ them when you’re there,” Mal says.

“That’s pretty interesting,” Sala says brightly. “Can you do that, Master?”

You cock an eyebrow at the fact Sala is calling Mal ‘Master’ in the open, not missing the fact that Mal seems to puff up slightly. “I could. It’s trivial for me, of course, if not for the mage in the store.”

You try not to laugh, and Merce gives you an interruption that lets you keep your cool.

Looking at the sidelong as she walks, the Aefir asks, “I’ve been wondering – how exactly did you end up with both of them?”

>continued
>>
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>>32615895
‘Them’ obviously refers to the elementals. You say, “Salamander actually belongs to Mal, not me.”

“Tallie is the master of my Master, so I serve him too,” Sala says with a smile. “Sometimes I serve him in more interesting ways.”

Merce stops suddenly, and you nearly knock her down. She looks between you, Gnome and Sala with some bewilderment before shaking your head. “That’s… interesting. I knew Salamander served Magister Reegan – I was actually asking how the two of you wound up with pure elementals that don’t really match your affinities. It seems like you got them swapped.”

“They’re actually different on the inside,” Gnome says. “Though I suspect Maloric appeals to a different sideof my sister than most of her former masters.”

“And Talon brings out a very different side of you,” Sala adds, drawing a short glare from Gnome.

Merce looks between the sisters, muttering something under her breath about ‘dysfunctional sisters’, before moving on. You keep a close eye on the elf as you walk, while your companions ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ over the various stores. Or bicker, in the case of the two elementals.

When you step inside the nondescript store that Merce says is the bakery that made those wonderful profiteroles, you find yourself dreaming. There’s countless big, gold fluffy tails in front of you – more than you’ve ever seen in one place They’re all waving towards in greeting, looking awfully inviting. Then you blink and the illusion passes – kind of. In front of you, fiddling with some merchandise under the counter, is a six-tailed fox woman with golden hair and tails. Her ears prick slightly as she registers you entering and she stands up straight.

>continued
>>
>>32615923
Her eyes narrow in a mischievous way as she spots you, before she coos, “Oh, you look like a fun one. Before I let you buy or ask anything, answer a question?”

You’re startled by the way she immediately focuses on you and give an affirmative without even thinking. Gnome and Merce are giving the storekeep odd looks, but she ignores them with practiced ease.

“Do tell me – what do you do for fun when you have time off? The way you blow off steam when you decide to let all your worries just rest somewhere else for a few hours? Or years,” the fox woman asks, focusing intently on you with a smile.

How do you answer?

>Write-in response

This will matter to a limited extent. It’s basically a way for you guys to flesh out Talon’s personality when he’s not 100% focused on the ball (or maybe saying that he’s always focused).
>>
>>32615947

Let's see...

Talon has in the past:
>Meditated
>Hot Springs
>Trained/Sparred

There's also the dog breeding that people brought up as a random hobby Talon could pick up.

I'm fine with any of those.
>>
>>32615947
Maybe some studying, nothing specific but something that'd improve his knowledge since he's a farmer's son right?
At first he did that because he needed to get an edge, but now he do it just for fun.
>>
Rolled 20

>>32615947
Conquer
>>
>>32615947

Talon as a bookworm and student of history would be fun. It could contextualize his appetite for greatness
>>
>>32615947
>I have a harem for a reason
>>
>>32616186
heh
>>
Who is up for buying Lyn a dragon baby?
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>>32616200

He does know his military history exceptionally well. It would be appropriate. Could play that up further, I'd be behind it.
>>
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RELAXATION VOTE
>1. Studying, particularly military history
>2. Harem
>3. Training and Sparring
>4. Meditation
>5. Conquest (with the double entendre)
>>
>>32616284
1
>>
>>32616284
>1. Studying, particularly military history
>2. Harem
>5. Conquest (with the double entendre)
>>
>>32616284
2
>>
>>32616284
>>1. Studying, particularly military history

Harem isn't a hobby, it's a way of life. Harem is love. Harem is life.
>>
>>32616284
5
>>
>>32616284
>1. Studying, particularly military history

Followed by a quip of number 5. Man's got to have multiple hobbies.
>>
>>32616284
5
>>
>>32616284
1
This isn't final destinations voting, right?
>>
>>32616341
Please don't. If we do three steps to every minor vote we will never get anywhere.
>>
>>32616369

I was just clarifying, not requesting.
>>
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>1. With a quip about 5

You gather your wits and think on the answer for a moment, the fox’s green eyes fixed on yours. You hear some muttering from your compatriots, but block it out for a moment. This feels a little more serious than you’d expect.

“If I had to be definitive, it’d be studying,” you say, and you catch Merce cocking an eyebrow. “Military history is an interest of mine. It helps me with my other hobby of conquest, though the more personal side of that purely comes from experience.”

The fox breaks down into giggles at your last line, and you try not to let your pride get injured by her reaction. She waves a bit, indicating that she’s fine, you think. Her tails weave about as she laughs. You’re certain that you hear Vad, Finn and Mal discussing the chances of you bedding her before midnight – you’re really not that bad.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t think I’ve ever met a man so bold as to… tease me quite like that on our first meeting,” she says, her smile sticking to her face. “Most men find me intimidating. I’m Raita. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Talon York.”

“Does everybody in this city know me by sight?” you say glibly.

“Just the people that matter,” she answers. “So, how can I help you?”

>continued
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>>32616648
“I was going to ask if you’d like to come work for me in my empire as a chef,” you say, cutting right to the chase.

“She was our chef first,” Merce says, but before she can say anything else she is interrupted.

“I’d love to, but I’m rather enjoying my holiday here. It’s nice and relaxing,” Raita says, watching Vad as he steps up to the counter and peruses the few remaining pastries. “I’ll be happy to sell you anything you like to take back.”

You spend a short while looking and chatting, and you suddenly find yourself face-to-face with her again with the others busy considering some apple pastries in the corner. She gives you a wide smile and tips her head towards the others, possibly indicating something but you’re not sure.

>Anything you want to ask her? You could try harder to convince her to join you.

Next post will be the last before heading to your accommodation (and dealing with some more Finn stuff)
>>
>>32616669

Convince harder damn it, we need more fluffytails and fluffy pastries everyday.
>>
>>32616669
We need those pastries, and ask her what she is trying to insinuate.
>>
>>32616669
Tell her she'll always be welcome in your empire if she ever so desired, after all not all conquests can be military.
>>
She said she's on holiday, can we ask her where's she from? Why she would holiday in a place that may or may not have the best relations with Foxes?
>>
She is working for them as a cook as her vacation. Doubt we can offer a better vacation position at harrowmont. Don'y know what she is trying to suggest though. Let her know she is welcome to join us.
>>
>>32616917

Yes, we can also whether she wants a change of pace. Nice and relaxing is fine for a vacation, but if she wants more excitement in her life, she should join Talon.
>>
>>32616669
Most thought it would be the numerous women that would be his undoing. Numbering at what 56 now? No they were wrong it would be the fluffy tails that ended talon
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>>32617019

That needs to be a state somewhere. For reasons.

Also yay more Finn stuff, he's my favorite.
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>>32616947
This might work offer her a better vacation more excitement, more money, more talon.
Best vacation ever
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>>32617075
>more talon
The best of vacations. Hope the foxes never find out our weakness to the tails.
>>
>>32617147
why did we stop our last wedding agian?
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>>32617147

If they were organized as an actual nation the Empire would be doomed.
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>>32617170
IIRC it was something about not wanting to settle down. She would have kept him from striking out into the world.
>>
>>32617170

Details have been vague, Aspirational said that has done on purpose because it'll be a big reveal someday. Essentially it'll be hysterical.
>>
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>more convincing

“I’m not sure I catch your meaning,” you ask quietly.

She gives you a curious look, before stepping into the back room. You follow her, and catch Gnome giving you a nod. At least they know where you are, even if they’re too busy stuffing their faces to care.

As you step into the next room, you find yourself batted in the face by a few of Raita’s golden tails. Not intentionally, it seems – the room just isn’t that big. She places the tray she was preparing on a small table and kneels before it and you do the same on the opposite side, noting absently that her tails had been very fluffy when they’d struck you.

“I figured you might want to talk a little more privately, as you weren’t as interested in the food,” she says, picking up her tea cup. It’s filled with milk tea, which is a surprise – most foxes favour the imported green tea from Pharos, except Vad.

“I’m interested in the food but it’s more about having permanent access to it,” you say.

“Ah, so you’re not giving up,” she says with a smile, before taking a sip. Her eyes linger on you, and you realise that apart from a few brief moments she’s never paid much attention to anybody in the store but you. A little unnerving – particularly as both Vad and Tsucchi immediately twigged to what you were.

“I don’t understand the meaning of those words, so on,” you say. “You say you’re holidaying – is Ahm really the best place given the relations between the foxes and the League?”

She shrugs and puts her cup down. “I haven’t had much to do with the alliance for several decades so that’s not a worry for me. As I hinted earlier, some people do their relaxation for years.”

You blink a bit at that. “So you’re holidaying from work?” you ask and she gives you a quick nod and smile. “You know, I can make your holiday more exciting if you’d like. Harrowmont is a very interesting place.”

>continued
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>>32617241
Raita plays with her teacup for a bit before standing and getting some more. You take the chance to drink some of it, and are glad you did. You watch her carefully and notice that she’s weaving her tails in a… very strange pattern. Like there’s bits missing. You’d swear she’s casting a spell but you can’t sense anything – maybe it’s just practice or a mnemonic? You don’t really know how foxes practice their spells, even if it involves their tails. She places two cups down, even though you haven’t finished yours. Once again, her tails absently brush against you. You frown a bit at that, enjoying the feeling but finding it a bit odd for some reason.

“I doubt it’s Harrowmont that’s interesting so much as the people. Plus, Ahm is so very exciting, too. You should stay with me. We could have all sorts of fun. You can take a break from military conquest,” she says, emphasising the word ‘military’. Yeah, she caught your meaning earlier. It’s just that she’s playing hardball. You know exactly why most men find her intimidating – it’s not often that you run into a woman who immediately tries to turn the tables on you.

“I can’t really take such a long break now,” you say, feeling genuinely reluctant to say so. “Are you sure there’s nothing I can do to convince you? You’ll always be welcome in my lands and I would be glad to take you on as a chef and… more, if you’d like.”

Raita suddenly leans in and places one hand on your chest, staring deep into your eyes. Her tails are fluttering about behind her rapidly, but you find your attention caught by her. You tense slightly, but you don’t feel threatened. Still, something feels a bit odd.

[DC19 Perception]
>>
Rolled 10

>>32617271
>>
Rolled 17

>>32617271
>>
Rolled 6

>>32617271
>>
Rolled 10

>>32617271
pls
>>
Rolled 19

>>32617271
Is she casting something on us?
>>
>>32617271
Can we lower the dc if we guess whats she doing?
>>
Rolled 10

>>32617335

Oh come on
>>
Damn that's a high roll. Apparently we need more foxy training.
>>
>>32617335
Damn you best of three...
>>
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>>32617342
If you can literally guess it, sure. I'm writing the next post now but I'll modify it if you get it right.

>>32617368
As a six-tailed fox, she would have a few centuries on you.
>>
>>32617368
Oah god, not only are we weak to their tails but their magic too. Emprah save us.
>>
>>32617399
I think shes divining something?
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>>32617407
think of the things she is trying to do, we can beat it if we guess right.
>>
Rolled 10

>>
>>32617342

She isn't a real fox!

Didn't squeak or make note when she hit us with the the tails.
Patterns are incorrect or missing something.
Talon isn't falling over in love with the feeling of the tails on him, instead finding it odd.
And she isn't picking up on the latent astral energy from Talon.

IT'S A RUSE.
>>
>>32617399
Either she's trying to charm us/hypnotize or she keeps using her tails trying to figure out what the hell we are
>>
>>32617399
she is trying to do the same thing the our ex did to us.
>>
>>32617452
>They’re all waving towards in greeting, looking awfully inviting. Then you blink and the illusion passes – kind of
You're onto something anon. Theres some kind of illusion going on with all these drops.
>>
>>32617452

Well we've been told that foes are "made" and masquerade as natural creatures. Maybe she was a poorly made one or has a fault?
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>>32617452
>Fake Tails
Talon is going to be simmering with rage if thats true
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>>32617530
What are 'foes'?
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>>32617569

*foxes

Sorry x keep is being weird.
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>>32617399
She is trying to sift through our mind.
>>
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>>32617452
This isn't what the roll was about, but it's a valid reaction.

VOTE
>1. Confront her about how you believe she's not a real fox or is under an illusion.
>2. Don't confront her about that.
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>>32617592
>1. Confront her about how you believe she's not a real fox or is under an illusion.
She has more tails, and the illusion is to hide them.
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>>32617592
>1
It's those damn imported foxes. The fakes never taste like the real thing.
>>
>>32617603
That could very well be it. She has maybe 8 or even that one with 9 tails. I'd vote to add in an comment about this.
>>
Rolled 5

>>32617592
>1. Confront her about how you believe she's not a real fox or is under an illusion.

Imposter foxes must be exposed!
>>
>>32617592
>1. Confront her about how you believe she's not a real fox or is under an illusion.

Damn illusions will be the death of Talon someday.
>>
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>>32617603
Hmm, do you want to bring that theory up when you confront her? If you're thinking something more, feel free to add it (even if it's OOC to an extent).
>>
>>32617638

Alternatively could be the opposite. Maybe she has very few tails and the once we touched are the fakes. Since she doesn't know how to use those tails specifically they end up disjointed or doing odd gestures. And she just happens to be really good at one thing, charming.
>>
>>32617685

I have this mild hope we're wrong and Talon just ends up looking like a crazy person and throwing off whatever we just rolled against by sheer absurdity.
>>
>>32617685
>You watch her carefully and notice that she’s weaving her tails in a… very strange pattern. Like there’s bits missing.
Nope.
>>32617685
Go for it.
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>>32617685
Why not. Even if we're wrong we'll just end up looking like an idiot. Then again, looking like an idiot isn't very emperor like...
>>
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>special option overrides roll

You’re not sure what Raita is doing, but you’ve realised something else while she’s doing it. You snatch her hand from your chest and grip it tightly, fixing her with a hard gaze. She gives you a surprised look once you’ve done so, but takes no other action than to smile at you.

“I don’t know what you’re trying to do to me, but if you’re going to attempt while under an illusion to hide your power and extra tails I am going to have no choice but to assume you’re being hostile,” you say coldly.

She gives you a broad grin suddenly, showing you her teeth. Then she withdraws, and you let her hand slip away. She sips at her tea a bit, watching you closely. Her gaze is much more intense now, to the point you’re not sure if she’s going to jump you.

“You’re sharper than I thought you’d be,” she admits. “I won’t tell you what I was trying to do – it failed anyway, as I expected given you’re not exactly normal yourself. I can promise I wasn’t trying to hurt you.”

She finishes her cup, and somehow you get the feeling she’s being genuine. Or maybe the fluffy tails are just marring your judgement.

“There’s an illusion on me but it’s for a very good reason,” she continues. “It wouldn’t do to reveal it now, given your company would immediately sense it. Come see me alone after you finish your business in the city, assuming we don’t meet… elsewhere.”

You make some more small talk but you’re shortly off, Raita’s words lingering in your mind. She refused to say much more on the topic and you were hesitant to push – if she was able to hide her power from you then she wasn’t someone to trifle with.

>Finn stuff next
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>>32617894
Good work team. Helps when Aspirational actually drops hints, unlike god knows how many DMs.
inb4 +1 INT;-;
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>>32617894

>tfw I was maybe maybe not right

I'll take it.
>>
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>>32617946
I'll be honest, I'm surprised nobody's outright guessed who/what she is. It's very difficult to tell if you're being too obvious when you know everything yourself.
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>>32617894
Welp, we met Aira guys.

That just leaves Ren and Saareg 'til we've met the whole set.
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>>32617963
A fox trying to seduce us? It's perfectly okay to be wrong.
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>>32617982
I suspected she was/is that one famous fox that was clan leader that Vad told us about, but I couldn't remember her name or find it in time to post it.
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>>32617982
She's a fucking dragon
Or some super important head honcho of this area forgot the name
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>>32617982

...

Is she the owner of the PoP? She's the owner of the PoP isn't she? All that time away from the SSA, heavy illusions.

Damn it.
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>>32617982
Is she Blackwater?
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>>32618014
What? Are you getting that from her suggesting we are going to meet elsewhere?
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>>32618032
Yes. Absolutely.

>>32618004
>>32617986
Yeah, basically. Her pseudonym is a very thin anagram. I'm not terribly worried about people guessing this as I literally thought I gave it away in some post-thread discussion (where people instead thought I was referring to Saareg, to my surprise).
>>
>>32618032

Well that was a jump.

Though I find the implication hysterical. Vampire Lich Overlord attempting to seduce Talon through his one weakness. This is his revenge.
>>
>>32618048
Ha, I actually was playing around with her name for a few seconds but didn't see anything. Probably just because I suck at those.
>>
>>32618048

We are a dense bunch sometimes. Forget simple things, get stuck on the ridiculous.

Forgot Undine can go invisible, instead have her ported in via magical fox.
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>>32618134
they can still sense her.
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>>32618032
>mfw he was attempting to infiltrate our council and preparing to surprise us when we least expect it. In bed.
>>
>>32618200

I really want this to be a thing now. On the basis of comical evil. And Aspirational having to write that scene as straight faced and serious as possible.
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>>32617894
remember that ex leader of the 6 star alliance? the one with the many tails? the one who the members here don't actually want dead?

Ahm is actually the perfect place to lay low
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>>32618097
Taira -> Raita

>>32618134
Undine's invisibility can be sensed and quite easily at her current strength.

>>32618232
That would be impossible.

>Finn scene

As you arrive at the hotel where your accommodation has been arranged, Finn drops back to talk with Merce. You’re pretty sure you know what this is about, so you drag your crew to your rooms. You let Gnome know what it’s about and enter the suite arranged for everybody. The room you enter is an enormous living area, complete with a professional kitchen. On the sides are what you believe to be several bedrooms and bathrooms. The accommodation in Ahm puts Vitria’s luxury to shame, though you suspect it would cost less for a random traveller to convince one of the Vitrian ruling families to let them stay overnight than it would to stay here.

The staff have only just dropped off your luggage when Merce bursts in the front door, looking furious. She’s dragging Finn along, whose clothes look a little loose.

“You knew about this?” Merce says to you angrily.

You straighten up and face her, crossing your arms. “I did. I thought it was in Tarfinn’s interests to make the decision to tell you himself.”

“If he hadn’t told me, I wouldn’t have been able to help him,” Merce says. “Is that really okay?”

“Part of being a man, and my squire, is being able to make your own decisions,” you say calmly, before choosing your next words carefully. Merce is a little upset, so the choice will affect her differently, you feel.

>1. “Will you help him?” Check how willing she is to help.
>2. “Can you help him?” Assume she’ll help if she can and just ask her ability.
>3. “Are you going to just stand there, heaving angrily, or are you going to talk to us about his problem?” Try to taunt her into helping you – she’s no stranger to this sort of back and forth so it might put her at ease.
>>
>>32618256
>>1. “Will you help him?” Check how willing she is to help.
>>
>>32618256
>3. “Are you going to just stand there, heaving angrily, or are you going to talk to us about his problem?” Try to taunt her into helping you – she’s no stranger to this sort of back and forth so it might put her at ease.
>>
>>32618256
>3. “Are you going to just stand there, heaving angrily, or are you going to talk to us about his problem?” Try to taunt her into helping you – she’s no stranger to this sort of back and forth so it might put her at ease.

>Finn getting his clothing ripped off by more women

God damn son.
>>
>>32618324
>Finn getting his clothing ripped off by more women
but not for the right reasons, yet
>>
>>32618339
>>32618324
We Should comment about this.
>>
>>32618256
>3. “Are you going to just stand there, heaving angrily, or are you going to talk to us about his problem?” Try to taunt her into helping you – she’s no stranger to this sort of back and forth so it might put her at ease.
Oah Finn. You got your courage up to show yourself to a woman and this is what happens...
>>
>>32618324
>>32618339
>>32618359
Talon ho!
>>
>>32618256
>That would be impossible.
So no silly Blackwater infiltration hyjinks? Damn.

>1. “Will you help him?” Check how willing she is to help
>>
>>32618256
>>3. “Are you going to just stand there, heaving angrily, or are you going to talk to us about his problem?” Try to taunt her into helping you – she’s no stranger to this sort of back and forth so it might put her at ease.
>>
This reminds me, mercie mentioned she avoids the rest of the elves.
>My people are such huge dicks
>So glad I left
>Being a familiar is so much better
>>
>>32618596

Conclusion: Elves are dicks no matter the setting.
>>
>>32618619
Assumption: Dwarfs are always better no matter the setting
>>
>>32618619
except the ones who are not.
I am thinking this is more of an inversion of "perfect ideal fantasy society" where they turn out to be just as big as assholes as other people. dwarves too probably.
no putting them on a pedestal

captcha: gayper have
>>
>>32618671

Well the one character Dwarf we've met in setting tried to use demonic magic on Talon. So...
>>
Ever wondered why Merce is still Alyce's familiar, when they should not really gain anything from that contract?

I mean, she's an elf as opposed to say an elemental, and thus doesn't (or shouldn't, by our current understanding) need a master to maintain her presence in the world.
She's loyal personally to Alyce, and from what I can tell the familiar contract is more of an honor system than an actual mental compulsion to obey.

I think there's something else going on, and I think it has something to do with Merce's whole 'last of the Aefir' shtick.
>>
>>32618697
Oh, but the magic was ONLY to force us to adhere to our deals, nothing more, nothing less.
We learned how the dwarven society is built on making deals, but is horribly corrupt and the leaders keep on abusing their power to break their side of their promises.
>>
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>3.

“Are you going to just stand there, heaving angrily, or are you going to talk to us about his problem?” you say, and several of your companions stare at you incredulously. “I mean, you’ve already stripped Finn you could at least repay him. You’re doing well, Finn, two times already.”

The room is silent for a long moment, as everybody stares at you in surprise. Then Merce gives you a wicked smile. She doesn’t look less angry, quite the contrary, but she looks more helpful in her own way.

‘You’re a real piece of work,” she says, releasing Finn and closing the door. “I’m not going to comment too much on the depravities of my kin, so I’ll keep this perfunctory. I can’t help Finn directly - the magic of the Aefir is different to that of the Caelfin who did this to him.”

You cock an eyebrow, not recognising the term ‘Caelfin’.

Merce elaborates, “There are five species of elves: the Aefir, who are largely powerless now save for myself. We were independent of the caste system but I don’t know anymore. The Caelfin are the… enchanters, so to speak. They create things. The Daerfir are the warrior caste, though that’s synonymous with slave caste. The Morfin are the working caste, with rare magical ability but are plentiful. The Lefir are the ruling caste and almost all have the magic that many people picture elves as having – power of nature and the like.

>continued
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>>32618747
Just wait until Talon gets there and starts breaking shit and teach the Dwarfs how to dwarf
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>>32618801
“A Caelfin did this to him. To undo it, you’ll need a Caelfin yourself. From the sounds of it, what has been done to Tarfinn is now common. That means it should be trivial to find an elf to help him. I’ll see if I can’t find more myself but that part will be up to you,” Merce finishes.

There’s a brief length of silence, broken only by Finn straightening out his clothes. Merce appears willing to help, which is good. She reacted to the taunt, though you’re not sure if it made her like you more or less, or just warped her a bit. She’s an odd one.

“How long do we have?’ you ask.

“Less than ten years to do something to counter the effects,” Merce says and you breathe a short sigh of relief at the length of time. “Any longer and there’ll be a permanent effect. Right now it’ll just slow parts of his physical growth down – he’s got more magical talent than any Daerfir I’ve met, save one, so he’s better off than most despite the volume of tattoos. You’d think they were trying to cripple him.”

Merce spits out the last line bitterly and hugs herself slightly, clearly disturbed by her kin. She doesn’t want to comment much, but it’s obvious what she thinks. Clearly Terrnaine Forest isn’t happiness and sunshine.

>Anything to ask Merce before she leaves?
>>
>>32618747
Still remember that gloryious moment.
"W-What are you? No man should be able to fight that magic"
"I'm no man, I'm imperator York."
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>>32618801
>five species of elves:
Oh great there's more
{Elf Intensifies}
>>
>>32618826

Poor Finn, he has a rough life. Other than attractive women trying to strip him all the time.

I actually think we can let her leave on that note. Give her a genuine thank you to even out the tone we took with her initially.
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>>32618826
>You’d think they were trying to cripple him.”
they probably were, they tattooed him three different times, adding more tattoos each time.
>>
>>32618861

That really was one of the better rolls we've ever had. Fuck your demon magic, we're the god damn Imperator.
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>>32618897
Seconded, also add to her that finn told us that he was special among his age group since he had gotten so many tattoos.
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>>32618861
I forgot, but thanks for reminding me :)

ooh, I wander if that demon has been spying on us since, studying us.
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>>32618826
I'm glad you could help my squire, i was hoping to reverse his tattoos as well.
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>>32618826

Damn that's fucked up. But Finn's side quest/story is getting really interesting. His presence really helped facilitate more scenes with Merce as well and that is also welcomed.
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>>32618921
Oh, I'm sure it has.
It's a girl demon.
The Talon never stops.
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>>32619044
oh god.
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>>32619043
better than a second dragon.
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>>32619088
I still want to take a look at those eggs.
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>>32619112

Anon it was a parlor trick.
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>>32619131
really?
I thought they were summoning eggs for real.
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>>32619131
yea, but a cool one
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>>32619154
>>32619161

Basically it worked like the summons we used in Vitria. They'd show up for probably an hour or so before the magic disappeared. Like getting a goldfish at the amusement park.

Though it's a neat trick it's just a carny trick, Mal could do it if he wanted to.
>>
>>32619207
then lets just have a baby dragon attuned to lyn.
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>>32619226
>Dragon girl
>Girlfriend
>Trigger her maternal instincts
sounds like a plan
>>
>>32619226
>Not a Griffin
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>>32619226

I mean assuming we could find one sure?

From the information gathered in setting dragons aren't as populace as they once were and likely breed slowly due to long life. If we somehow found a real genuine dragon egg sure?
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>>32619255
Thats half of it, the other half is having a dragon rider.
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>>32619292

Well she can kind of fly on her on. So...

>>32619259
>Not a Griffin

This guy gets it.
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>>32619292
Lewd...
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>>32619226
no no... to talon
https:images/1402038007029.gif
>talon feeds and cares for a tiny cute little baby dragon
>gets teased about what a standup father he is being
>>
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“Thank you, Mercenie,” you say gently. “I appreciate this and I’m sure Tarfinn does, too.”

Finn does a deep bow to her, saying, “Yes! Thank you so much, Lady Mercenie.”

Looknig a bit bashful, and much calmer than earlier, Merce leaves with some parting words, “Do try to give Alyce’s proposal some thought, in between Tarfinn’s problems and whatever that fox gave you to think about while you were playing with her in the back room.”

She shoots a wicked smile at you before slipping out the door, leaving you with some questioning looks from your comrades.

Vad breaks the short silence, “Does this mean you have to pay up, Mal?”

“Not yet,” Mal says bluntly. “Did you do anything with her, Talon?”

“Nothing sexual,” you say.

“Is she coming here tonight or are you going to her?” he asks. You give him a level gaze and he returns it. Trust Mal to be fearless when money and pride is on the line.

“No and no,” you say.

Mal immediately turns and grins at Vad. “Assuming nothing changes, you owe me in the morning. You should know better than to second guess me.”

Vad mutters a bit and wanders off into one of the rooms. You shake your head as it becomes apparent they’d made a wager about whether you would bed the fox tonight. Half an hour later, you’re joined in your opulent suite by Tsucchi and Undine. It takes Tsucchi all of ten seconds to decide she’s staying here for the time-being, and immediately lays claim to the best room (save yours, as Gnome already claimed it). You explain the situation to Undine and she looks very concerned about the situation.

“For Alyce to be so forthright about it,” Undine says worriedly. “The League really has gotten worse recently.”

>Anything in particular you want to ask your comrades or Undine about Alyce or what was discussed last thread? I’m typing up some general thoughts for him them now, in between preparing lunch, so that’ll be a little while.
>>
Just as an aside:

we can get round the reluctance Alyce has by having a Constitutional monarchy a la early British style, but retain a large portion of the power.
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>>32619380
Prehaps ask the three girls what they think of the offer. They have already told us Alyce is trustworthy, but she is no doubt tricky. Personally, I think the good bits outweigh the bad.
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>>32619380
I think we covered it all
I would like to point out that alyce would find out about undine eventually. And it will probably be soon too.
By being the one to make the reveal we are making a gesture of trust
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>>32619380

Well we never properly discerned her overall goals her and motives due to that mild fail.

Can we ask Undine and Gnome about Alyce the person and why she might be doing this?

Also one of the big questions is if we want to reveal Undine to Alyce or not. And that is all dependent on what we decide to do and if we want to do so in a show of solidarity since she revealed so much to us, an Empire on the raise at her doorstep.
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>>32619487
A constitutional monarch would actually upset her because we would be establishing our bloodline as a royal bloodline. This is the worst thing we could do for our relation with her.
Also, she is trusting us to be a good ruler based on gnome choosing us. Just don't prove her wrong by committing atrocities.
>>
I think the move towards helping sort out the Magi League and gaining territory through that(and thus Mages) would be better route this time. Last time we went Vitria then Taour, which resulted in a stronger army but lacking in magic. Might want to reverse that this time, since magic is really the powerhouse in the setting.
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>>32619551
we are going to establish it like that anyway most likely.
But a constitutional monarchy has the ability for the monarch's power to be reined in if they go overboard. Which is a happy medium.
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>>32619487

I think it kind of depends upon how we go about making a bloodline in the first place. Something that has been discussed briefly but mostly with jokes about the harem or Talon becoming the almighty god emperor forever.

I think our move towards giving Mages Nobility will help solidify her opinion of us, but anything else relating to royality etc. will need to be well thought out, likely later.
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>>32619578
The question is whether or not we call it royalty.
That talon is going to raise his children to take on positions of power is a given.
The question is whether or not it will come with the pomp and social trappings of nobility.
The conflict is 90% semantics
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>>32619578
Eh, I'd rather establish a meritocracy.
Talon's whole shtick has been that he made an empire through personal awesome, and not through nepotism.

I'm all for grooming our children to be successful under such conditions so that they would most likely attain a high position, but giving them a high position because they are our children seems kind of off.
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>>32619705
I agree with both

Remember that spoiled noble son who was calling us a commoner in our own kingdom and demanding we give him lynn? Do you really want our kids to end up like that?
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>>32619380
Can Alyce tell how many POP's Undine has binded to her? Because we might want to >imply that the one we used to get gnome was actually used to power up undine if we are revealing that to her.
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>>32619653

Well given the proper time we'll be well set up to give any children Talon has proper mentors. Squire under Finn. Apprentice of Mal/Vad. And I feel like given Talon's slapping around of pompous noble children in the quest I imagine he'll do well to avoid the trappings that are associated with it.

Half of them will probably end up like him anyway and want to travel about. A post game Finn/Talon child master/squire quest in the future sounds fun as fuck.
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>>32618747
Assuming he was telling the truth. I expect they are a bit more reasonable than the guy who was exiled for forcing infernal magic on him liked to pretend.
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>>32619763
or just not mention that pop at all
alyce didn't even know there is a pop under her own city
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>>32619818
I don't think he was intentionally lying.
He might have a skewed perspective though
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>>32619819
Good luck sneaking Undine into the place. Plus, she'll figure it out eventually, is whatever advantage we get from temporarily concealing from her worth it?
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>>32619832

Does it matter? Pretty much all of our council was absolutely appalled he was using infernal magic to bind contracts.

Clearly it is looked down upon.
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Sure do gotta love 4chan instability.

Still doing lunch, so my responses will be slow. I'll be calling a vote on revealing Undine after this.

>>32619520
>Can we ask Undine and Gnome about Alyce the person and why she might be doing this?

Gnome says, "It sounds like the politicking of the mage towers finally drove her over the edge. She was never a political animal and she tried to control the towers to an extent that Taren never attempted. He was good at playing the mages and monstering all opposition but he never tried to build a government from them. Sounds like her well of raw power and charisma has finally run dry.

"As for why she's trusting you," Gnome continues, "most likely that's a mixture of your reputation and faith in me. Which is foolish - she should know better about familiars. My services to you are different to Taren's but my loyalty is the same."

Undine frowns at her sister's words. "I agree with the earlier part - tower politics is difficult at the best of times, let alone in a war. I think she's seeing the right thing in Talon and is driven by an understanding that he can help her more than the mages can."

"I'm still building an empire that is practically antithetical to her cause, Undine," you say.

"Not necessarily - you gave some power to individual territories under you, right? Maybe she hopes you'll do more of that - maybe she already heard and told you more than she planned," Undine says.
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>>32619836
I am actually advocating we reveal undine to alyce.

He argued we should
1. Inform alyce of the pop in the mrnn mountains
2. inform her we claimed it
3. lie about what we are using it for, claiming that we are using it to empower undine instead of empowering gnome

I am saying that this is a terrible lie. why the fuck would you make such a lie?
if you don't want her to know what you are using a pop in a different place then just don't mention it
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>>32619875

Alright so because of her weakness when politicking she thinks it would be better to deal with someone who is a sheer force of personality that is able to handle the pressures of it, than allow it to fall to pieces and us, Ember and RSK pick up the pieces with her either surrendering entirely or dying.

She's offering support in hopes Talon's sheer strength of character bands together a crumbling nation and her power remains.
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>>32619875
>"Not necessarily - you gave some power to individual territories under you, right? Maybe she hopes you'll do more of that - maybe she already heard and told you more than she planned," Undine says.
wait, this confuse me
I thought alyce was saying that she likes about us is that we hoard our power and don't split it off willy nilly. Meaning that we can actually get shit done.
Since the empowered towers keep on undermining her and ruining all her work.
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>>32620019

I think the mixture of us allowing concessions like that but still holding everyone in line by simply being Talon is what she is admiring. So while there is a sense of personal power within the empire, Talon is still the head and no one disputes that, unlike her own crumbling nation.
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>>32620060
I think it is less admiration and more desperation.

Either she constructed an incredible lie. Or she is just honest. and her reactions suggest to me she was being truthful... or is a ridiculously good actor and manipulator (but if she was she wouldn't have her issue).

I can't find a fault in the reasons she gave us. She sees her life's work undone. she can't stop it. She is hoping that gnome choosing us means we are a good guy. She hates melatine, RSK, and mage guard and knows that they are going to carve up her lands when it splits up and her life's work will be undone. So she hopes talon, this rising star, this new emperor, is going to be different than those three assholes (based on gnome) and will continue to uphold her values.
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Okay, I'm back. Writing up the thoughts of your party in earnest. Expect a post within 15 minutes. I didn't catch any other questions, so I'll call a vote on revealing undine afterwards.
>>
Feeling like we should reveal her. Our reasoning before was that we shouldn't show our hand, but if we are going to side up with her as closely as suggested then it would be for the best.
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>>32620255

I haven't heard much descent against it honestly. Unless Alyce is lying to us, and fooling everyone involved, she knows we can just turn around and feed all of this information to the RSK and Mage Guard if she betrays us. So we're pretty solidly set. And we don't have to reveal the Source itself as well, just Undine, leaving how we managed that up to them (and thus giving Merce her requested "what makes you so special" information). The fact she has former relations with both Undine and Gnome I feel would make her less likely to do something foolish against us, as she seems relatively driven by emotions even if it shows her weakness.

It won't be an outright agreement to the terms she's wanting to set up, but more a sign of solidarity and that we are well along the lines of considering it to be the best course of action.
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>>32620381
I think we can promise to conquer any territory that breaks away from her.
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>>32620381
>It won't be an outright agreement to the terms she's wanting to set up
has she actually suggested ANY terms yet?
We actually pressed her with "what if I make myself royal bloodline" and she basically gritted her teeth and said she would not like it, but nothing she can do about it and hopes we would at least be a less evil royal bloodline
so far we have no terms.

>I think we can promise to conquer any territory that breaks away from her.
I think this is what she is actually hoping for. Because any territory we conquer is a territory denied to melatine, mage guard, and RSK. whom she is sure would conquer every territory that breaks away from her.

Actually if she was more of a political animal she would be leveraging that fact alone.

then again, she isn't hopeless politically, she still forged this alliance of mages in the first place
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>>32620435
On our borders, and even then only maybe. It would be a lot harder then just marching in with an army whenever someone gets uppity and breaks off. We would probably do a lot more flexing and showing off then actual troop movement.
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>>32620513
After we take over termina, we are sandwiched in, we can't expand unless we fight the RSK, league, or magi guard.
If her estimation are correct, the first territories to leave would be on our boder. Meaning they are ideal for conquest by us as they are the weakest target bordering us
>>
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You lean back in the plush lounge you’re sitting on, flanked by Lynn and Gnome. The comments by Gnome and Undine on Alyce’s state of mind are still sinking in so everybody is quiet as they think. Except Maloric, who is pouring some glasses of wine.

“I think it’s a good deal,” he says as he returns. “Alyce is trustworthy. She’s powerful. She’s desperate. Plenty of upsides for you. It might not be the best deal, though – I’d be as friendly and pleasant as possible but avoid signing on the dotted line until you know what everybody else will offer you. For all you know, the Mage Guard might take this as a sign of you not cooperating with them.”

Gnome nods. “That seems the wisest approach. Keep in mind that accepting this deal will potentially backfire on her, hastening the collapse of the League as some people see it as a betrayal of her ideals or that she’s actively moving against them. The RSK might not stay quiet either.”

“I don’t like the way we’re judging everything in such a one-sided way,” Undine says, looking a little uncomfortable. “I’ll follow through with whatever you decide, Talon, but I want you to see things from a more well-rounded view.”

“We don’t have a well-rounded view. None of us even know exactly what drives Alyce to want to overthrow royalty and she won’t tell us,” Gnome says.

“The archmage implied that Shropham had already worked against her, which tracks with our own information,” Tsucchi says, contributing to your discussion even though it doesn’t strictly involve her. “There’s no reason to believe that you can’t exploit this instability even if you don’t side with her. It would leave you with more freedom, if without her direct assistance. It’s unlikely she’d interfere with you given the alternatives there may be.”

>continued
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>>32620497

It wasn't terms so bunch as.
>consolidate her forces loyal and still under thumb
>allow us to deal with northern front with support from said consolidated forces
>alliance of larger TYE and Magi League when all is said and done

So as I said not so much terms but a heads up, hey this is likely to happen. I can't fix it, so I want to set up something with you while allowing concessions for the greater good of a future alliance without risking Mage Guard, Ember, Melatine or RSK to walk in during a time of fracturing and scoping up the pieces themselves.
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>>32620555
In other words, so long as you’re not sided with somebody she outright hates then Alyce might not act against you even if you’re not allied.

You move onto the next topic, “That leaves the question of whether we should let her see Undine. It will potentially reveal to her we have a Source, so we’ll need to decide on whether to tell her about that if she doesn’t realise.”

Undine stares at you wide-eyed, surprised you’re offering a chance to see Alyce and Merce. Gnome scowls and the others look curious. Tsucchi looks particularly interested.

“There’s no advantage to it,” Gnome says. “You’re giving away a major piece of information to no gain.”

“It will gain her trust,” you point out.

“Then bed her,” Gnome says bluntly, before wincing as Undine gives her a sharp look. “There are better ways of gaining her trust than letting her know something so important.”

“I’m not sure there are,” Mal says slowly. “Right now all of her trust is because of Gnome, but that’s a tenuous link. Revealing Undine, and in particular a major secret, would be a big step. I’ve never been a big fan of hiding the Source anyway – security through obscurity is unreliable at best and a major danger at worst. Who’s to say the archangels and infernals don’t already know?”

“Maloric has a point,” Tsucchi adds. “An active Source will slowly be noticed by powerful beings. Secrets between allies can be a sticking point and the Source is going to be revealed then it might be best to do so under the best circumstances.”

What is your decision?

>1. Reveal Undine to Alyce.
>2. Don’t reveal Undine to Alyce
>3. Custom
>>
>Just reposting from last thread for convenience.

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.

Cut out quite a bit. One more chunk coming.
>>
>>32620571
>2. Don’t reveal Undine to Alyce
>>
>>32620497
>I think this is what she is actually hoping for. Because any territory we conquer is a territory denied to melatine, mage guard, and RSK. whom she is sure would conquer every territory that breaks away from her.
Nah, she wants an object lesson. Shorphan breaks away, we crush it rapidly and completely. She gets to point out to the other malcontents that everyone else could do the same if they break away.
>>
>>32620571
>1
>>
>>32620571
>>1. Reveal Undine to Alyce.
>>
>>32620584
>Does she want to consolidate her loyal forces into a more organized League, while allowing us to deal with the Eastern front, and the Mage Guard the North?

"Preferably you would focus on the north, which is where I believe most of the trouble would start."

>Would this be done to close the front with Ember or would she maintain a fighting force there?
"That would be handled as the situation demands."

>Would we be allies in the strictest sense? Or perhaps form a union of nations?
"Allies for now, if close ones. I can't guarantee the level of support I could provide once the situation becomes truly fractious. I can merely say that I will work with you as necessary and reevaluate our relationship as the world situation changes."


“Tell me, Alyce, what exactly is your end-game in all of this? What have you been fighting to achieve and how do you think I can help you maintain it with my empire?”

Although the room doesn’t exactly freeze, it’s clear that all the occupants are paying close attention to the answer. Alyce appears to struggle for a moment, before turning back to the table and moving some crystals around.

“That’s… more complicated than I’d like to get into today, Talon,” she says, her back to you. “It’s not so simple as ‘depose all the royals.’ It’s safe to say that so long as you form an empire without the dogma of the Mage Guard or Malataine and without a royal line – an empire that can stand the test of time – then my dreams are achieved. At least more so than any other alternative.”
>>
>>32620571
1
It is only a question of time until she finds out.
>>
>>32620571
>1. Reveal Undine to Alyce.

With Mal a 100 percent on this one.
>>
>>32620571
>1. Reveal Undine to Alyce.
>>
>>32620587
I thought about it at first.
But then I realized that if shropan breaks away it is immediately crushed by the mage guard
If talon is the one who does it, it is less bothersome.
The mage guard entire shtick is suppression of mages. while talon has been known to actually grant certain mage towers noble status
>>
>>32620571
>>1. Reveal Undine to Alyce.
>>
>>32620571
>2. Don’t reveal Undine to Alyce
>>
>>32620634
right, but giving Talon more power is preferable to giving the Mage Guard the same power.
>>
Welp. This is weird. I feel like this decision suddenly threw us into the big leagues properly.
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>>32620571
>Gnome encouraging talon to seduce an excellent cook for the delicious pastries
>Gnome more vocally encouraging talon to seduce alyce
hahahaha
our familiar is pimping us out. that is what we get for being such a man whore
>>
>>32620634

I'd say it's a good mixture of both. If we crush them utterly and have the northern territories under thumb we suddenly become a world power, one allied with a now more focused Magi League. It benefits her immensely on all fronts and benefits us as well. So the overall whole is benefited and we can focus on all issues surrounding us as they come.
>>
>>32620571
>>1. Reveal Undine to Alyce.
"Just as importantly, I've learned that a duty and Loyalty are a two way street. Frankly, Undine deserves this anyway."
>>
Like fluffy tails said, the source is going to come out eventually, especially if Alyce decides to investigate the sources after we questioned her about them. Best to let it out in good circumstances. She isn't likely to tell anyone anyway. Who would she tell? And why?
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That's a pretty clear 1.

Is there anything that people want to discuss before I close for the night and move onto tomorrow's meeting with Alyce? Any detours to do in the city?

>>32620700
The second was actually showing that Gnome can and will be callous even towards people she cares about. My plan is for this visit to make clear the personal feelings and reactions of Gnome and Undine towards the League and decisions about them, without them explicitly telling you.
>>
>>32620749

Oh oh!

Maloric mentioned that a lot of the street peddlers sell stuff that is useful but the towers buy it, improve it, and then basically outsell the street guys. Can we go looking around for anything of interest? Maybe entice a few away to our Tower(that needs a name get on it Mal) or just see what is out there?
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>>32620749
>Is there anything that people want to discuss before I close for the night and move onto tomorrow's meeting with Alyce? Any detours to do in the city?
Just one request. Can Alyce have not learned her lesson and slept in again anyway? Just for maximum comedic value.
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>>32620716
My understanding is that our alliance is with alyce not the league, and is an under the table alliance because an OPEN alliance makes us enemies of RSK and mage guard prematurely.
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>>32620749
>Detours?
No business I can think of, no. Maybe we can go onto the street and get a feel for the mood or something.
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>>32620786
This seems like something we should have people for.
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>>32620807

I had meant that but misspoke you are correct in that understanding.

I assumed post Magi League consolidation and TYE conquering something more concrete might be worked out. Depending. But yes overall you are correct.
>>
Not sure why people feel the need to reveal more about ourselves for no gain. She could easily sell out that we have a source after that for a whole fuck load of things. Or go find her own source with her resources.
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>>32620786
>Maybe entice a few away to our Tower(that needs a name get on it Mal)
It does have a name. It's the 'Tower of Harrowmont'.

Otherwise, this is the sort of thing that would be dealt with by people that aren't you.
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>>32620839

>major trust gain to solidify personal alliance with Alyce
>impress Merce with the simple fact we own a Source and know how to use it

Also she didn't even know a PoP was under her city. And information on Sources is scarce at absolute best. I don't see her finding one on her own especially when surrounded by war and territory leaving her fold.
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>>32620871

Oh it is? That seems surprisingly understated for something Mal is heading up. Alright then.

Well alright then, just making note of it because it seemed interesting.
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>>32620871
hi
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>>32620885
Also, don't you need specific resources to use one? Like a large team of magi, or astral power?
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>>32620974
>Large team of magi
>The leader of the magi league
I don't think that is going to be a problem.

Also, remember the vitrian mages tapped into the source summoned undine before we got there. she just refused to serve them because they were unworthy
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>>32620885
>Lock ourselves into one route before finding the others
>Trust a chick we met a day ago even after she gave us time to decide.

It's pretty much revealing our top secret in the nation while she doesn't tell us anything other then offer a informal alliance then refusing to talk about what she plans. We step on a landmine and break off then we are fucked.
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>>32621006
If she uses her magi then everyone would know about the sources.
Hold on, how does everyone not already know? Wasn't the source in Harrowmont being excavated by a good number of people? How did that not get out?
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>>32621068
Death threats or being dead. Also, the major powers haven't had much time to infiltrate us yet.
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>>32621068
Ooln tried keeping it under wraps.
And the mages doing the summoning there were killed by us (IIRC, or maybe captured?)
However, a large amount of people DO know already. Ooln had allies which might know too.

It isn't a clandestine secret, its just something we are trying not to advertise too much, yet.
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>>32621051
It's even more hilarious if the other nations offer a better deal. Since even if we don't align it's pretty likely she will let us take parts of the place to get it out of her hair.

Once we bring that up there is no going back on the Alyce route.
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>>32621051
We aren't locking ourselves into anything, It's an under the table agreement to help eachother for mutual gain. Locking ourselves in with her would be making a formal announcement of an alliance with her/the magi. Which of course would lead to us sharing her wars. Also, I'd say our top secret would be our power over astral energy.
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>>32621051

We actually aren't locking ourselves in though. Since the alliance is with simply Alyce and not the Magi League proper this is a secret among higher levels. We don't even need to abide strictly by what she would like us to do still, so long as we don't step on her toes too much it's fine. And to be honest I think you are under estimating how much information and concession she is giving us in said informal alliance.

Regardless decision was made, overwhelmingly, without a contentious vote even. We'll make it work.
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>>32621123
wait, I just realized, ooln was trying to conquer it from someone else was he not?

IIRC it was sarah who dug it up, then we conquered it, then ooln tried to conquer it and failed. Then she came to cut a deal with him and ended up with us instead.
To begin with, there was a security leak by the people who actually excavated it which allowed ooln to find out via his spies and then attack it in the first place.
So all the spies involved also know (since i doubt we got his spies when we took him down) and when they found new employment, they probably gave the info to their respective masters
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>>32621051
>>32621149
see
>>32621157
>>32621173
>>
>>32621123
It is pretty secretive considering the RSK hasn't kicked down the doors yet. Could easily just send a army of 20K men then steal it.
>>
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>1.

After making the decision to reveal Undine to Alyce, to Gnome’s chagrin, you put the important business to rest. The rest of the night is just some peaceful discussion. You catch the women, save Tsucchi, bickering over who spends time in your bedroom. Vad and Maloric are playing poker over some drinks and Tsucchi appears to be teasing Finn over something. You squire has a very strange effect on women, you decide. When they start recognising him as a man, it’ll likely be an effect truly worthy of your squire.

As you wrap up to get an early night, Undine throws Salamander and Lynn out of your room, claiming that being absent from you gives her more priority. As you step in yourself, you notice that Gnome is still lurking nearby. It’s probably a good thing you didn’t organise a midnight rendezvous with Raita.

In the early morning, your party is getting ready in the main room when Finn is led out of his room by Tsucchi. Your squire is completely red and you notice that Tsucchi is wearing some extravagant clothing that clearly needed assistance to be put on.

“Coming with us, today?” you ask as Finn shuffles to your side.

“I figure it’s a good idea to talk with Alyce, as she’s openly admitted that Shropham acted on her own against the alliance,” she says with a small smile. “Not to reopen discussions but merely to… be there.”

Basically, Tsucchi was engaging in some politicking. Not your problem, as Alyce knowing of your association with the foxes was pretty obvious when you turned up with Vad behind you. If your liaison is revealing it then it merely means the Six-Star Alliance has no problems with your relations with them.

>continued
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>>32621221
>It is pretty secretive considering the RSK hasn't kicked down the doors yet.
Possibly because the person responsible for running the local spy operations against us is actually our top spy.
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>>32621254
Before anything else can happen, the door opens and Merce steps in, much earlier than you expected.

“Sorry for the early interruption but an early start would be best,” she starts, eyes scanning the room as she enters. “Alyce is-“

Then she freezes on Undine. You hadn’t planned on hiding your Champion so hadn’t taken any precautions against unexpected visitors. Still, revealing her to Merce early can only be a good thing. There is a brief moment of uncertainty on both their faces, before Undine smiles.

“Hi Merce,” she says simply. “It’s good to see you again.”

There’s a blur of movement as Merce crash-tackles Undine with a hug. You stay out of the reunion, instead composing yourself for the inevitable need to explain precisely what is happening. After a few minutes, the elf breaks away with a brief kiss on Undine’s lips, before turning to you.

She sizes you up, glances at Mal before frowning and turns back to you.

“Explain.”

>1. Keep it short – Undine is alive and well and serving you. If she can’t work it out then it’s not your problem.
>2. Explain that Undine is your Champion, bound to you via a Source.
>3. Lie that Undine never died, she was instead unbound from her master. This is technically possibly, but you don’t know how believable it will be.
>4. Custom
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>>32621123

It is a secret in all terms that people are simply too ignorant to know otherwise.

People don't know Undine is dead.
No idea there's a Source even over here, let along active.
Most assume all Sources have been sealed away and remain that way.
Petty wars are more important.

It has in all honesty just worked out that it's a secret by the circumstances surrounding it to mortal races. Infernals and Archangels possibly know, hell I'd wager they do.

As another Anon stated I think the real secret of state is Talon himself. The Source is just our bargaining chip secret.
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>>32621149
>It's even more hilarious if the other nations offer a better deal.
Remember that talon has a moral compass

>RSK
not happy with them, genocide and squabbling nobles
>Mage guard
suppress tech. will come down on us for performing innovative research anyways.

While they might offer us better deals, any alliance with them is gonna be temporary at best and unpaletable.

Heck, there is a great chance that the RSK emperor is going to try to get us to marry his daughter and inherit his throne eventually. And we could totally do it. Its just not very paletable, morally.

Although, we did get along with the guy in the past. I keep on second guessing myself and wondering if he actually has a legitimate reason for the genocide (like us with vampires)
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>>32621221
>Could easily just send a army of 20K men then steal it.
Don't underestimate the power of a stronghold with 6k experienced defenders anon.
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>>32621198
Why would she bring up any more though? She gains just to hear this say thank you for telling me then not mention anything more.

Then afterwards she can easily hold it over us if she has to. Hell technically the moment she realizes the POP is downstairs she could damage us. There really is no reason not to do that actually. If she has any skill with politics that is. It works better when we actually have enough POPs to matter on some scale.
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>>32621157
>Also, I'd say our top secret would be our power over astral energy.
that is a good point.
And our stance on that is "use it, just don't advertise it". There are already rumors of talon resurrecting the dead mid battle.
>>
>4. Custom
"Magic bullshit more or less."
I've read the archives and the whole PoP and champion thing still flies over my head.
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>>32621279
>1. Keep it short – Undine is alive and well and serving you. If she can’t work it out then it’s not your problem.

Short quip calling back to wear she asked for a secret from us. There it is.
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>>32621279
"I suppose I could do you a favor and tell you..."
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>>32621279
>1. Keep it short – Undine is alive and well and serving you. If she can’t work it out then it’s not your problem.
I would be happy with this or 2
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>>32621282
And the magi league is full of people wanting a mage dominated world. She is also willing to let some random emperor she has never met take control of parts of the land and we don't really know exactly what she wants really.

>Mage guard

And stop rogue mages from doing damage.

>>32621305
>Guy who can fight Lairos with 20K men vs 6000.

I know who I would bet on.
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>>32621279
>1. Keep it short – Undine is alive and well and serving you. If she can’t work it out then it’s not your problem.

"What's there to explain? She is alive that's all.|
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>>32621419
>And the magi league is full of people wanting a mage dominated world.
which is why our plan is to make a personal alliance with individuals we know to be just and CONQUER and SUBJUGATE the rest of it as it breaks up.
we are NOT making a formal alliance with the magi league because we dislike the leage. we are making an under the table deal with a nice mage from there to conquer them and be a decent king
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>>32621419
>I know who I would bet on.
Assuming they have 20k troops to and their best general to spare right now.
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>>32621320
That's how goodwill and mutual trust works anon. Personally I'm seeing this as a 'she will find out eventually so why not now' sort of thing since we lose nothing but an element of surprise in fights. And it doesn't seem likely we are going to fight her. As for as her rushing to take the POP before us, goodwill and trust. We already mentioned out interest and she already mentioned her lack of interest.
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>>32621279
>1. Keep it short – Undine is alive and well and serving you. If she can’t work it out then it’s not your problem.
Of course I could give you hint, for a price~
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>>32621279
1. but try to be "mysterious"

also, an issue is that she might thing she "found out" by accident. We should make it clear that we decided to reveal undine on purpose based on the result of our last meeting with alyce
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>>32621474

In fact the only guy they really have to spare is a man chomping at the bit to fight us. He'd be headstrong and stupid likely and Harrowmont is an absolutely monster of a fortress, easy as fuck to defend and absolutely destroy armies.

And I doubt the RSK would want to throw him at us seeing as it would incite war and the Magi League would immediately set upon the opening in the southern front.
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>>32621481
>Personally I'm seeing this as a 'she will find out eventually so why not now'
same here
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>>32621464
After like a day of talking with a chick who we have no idea what she plans. She could be lying for all we know.

>>32621474
500K troops with a 1 percent recruitment rate. Would take like 2 weeks to take all of harrowmont. I don't see too many issues with manpower here.

>>32621481
Meanwhile I imagine anyone who heard "Hey these fonts of Godhood are active again." Would rush off to find a font because Godhood seems a useful thing to have.

I can see the logic here but I think it's premature with us as we are. We already did it though so at this point I'm just mentioning the possible issues we may have to work around.
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>>32621643
>After like a day of talking with a chick who we have no idea what she plans. She could be lying for all we know.
if she was that good an actor and manipulator her league wouldn't be falling apart. everyone who knows her personally tells us she is awful at that stuff.

>I can see the logic here but I think it's premature with us as we are. We already did it though so at this point I'm just mentioning the possible issues we may have to work around.
Remember a bunch of people already know. and I don't mean our inner circle. I mean ex ooln spies, and the like.
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>>32621279
>>1. Keep it short – Undine is alive and well and serving you. If she can’t work it out then it’s not your problem.
>>
>>32621643
>500K troops with a 1 percent recruitment rate. Would take like 2 weeks to take all of harrowmont. I don't see too many issues with manpower here.
Oh, getting 20K troops isn't the issue, its getting enough Mage Knights, and Mages without critically weakening:
1. The the fight against the internal rebellion he's dealing with.
2. The front with the league.
3. the various untrusworthy nobles, bandits, and other neerdowells he has to keep an eye on.
4. Keeping an eye on Malintine, the Dwarves, the elves.
His military is already overstreached and overcommitted.
>Meanwhile I imagine anyone who heard "Hey these fonts of Godhood are active again." Would rush off to find a font because Godhood seems a useful thing to have.
Its not that good.
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>>32621572
Yeah, Personally I would like to have Sourced Talon or Undine before that point though. Just because I would like to get use of it before revealing it.
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>>32621729
front with the league is current in cease fire as the league had to move their own troops to deal with ember
but yea, they got a lot of problems demanding troops
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>>32621748
>I would like to have Sourced Talon or Undine before that point though. Just because I would like to get use of it before revealing it.
I have no idea what this means
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>>32621643

It's just that a lot of those points have been refuted endlessly above. I actually think we have a fairly good grasp on the general issues each state is dealing with to the point where we can make these decisions with minor backlash.

Also it has been stated repeatedly that very few know about Source locations, let along PoPs apparently. And I highly doubt Alyce would be stupid enough to leave the Magi League at present to invade a foreign state in an attempt to seize a possibly inactive Source. That is absolutely ridiculous, and if she tried it on us? Guess we'll ally with the RSK and Mage Guard and smash her to pieces.
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>>32621768
>front with the league is current in cease fire as the league had to move their own troops to deal with ember
Right, but if they pull the troops away from say Arrece a certain Elf will hand them their head. Trying to get cute this close to Ahm is a terrible idea.
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>>32621729
>It's not that good

It has the possibly of letting us fight an archangel. That is pretty damn good. I don't care if it is range based that creates a nigh-unbreakable bulwark.

>>32621279
"An imperator has to have secrets you know?"
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>1.

“Undine is alive and well,” you say. “And she’s serving me. I can give you more hints… for a price.”

You give her a wicked smile, to imitate her own. She stares at you with narrowed eyes before they suddenly widen and she laughs.

“Sadly, I don’t have any safe passage to offer you,” she says, referring to her offer to you many weeks ago. “Still, if you’re here and happy, that’s what matters. Not like you can’t jump ship anyway.”

“I wouldn’t do that,” Undine says, pouting at Merce’s smile.

The elf’s smile doesn’t slip and you realise that she is in a very good mood. There’s a closeness between these two that wasn’t shared by Merce and Gnome, you think. You don’t mean to exploit it but you still file it away.

“I hope you know how big a step it is to show you Undine, Mercenie,” you say quietly, catching her attention again.

She looks you up and down again, and her gaze shifts to Tsucchi in her elegant robes. Then she gives you a serious nod, ruined only by her bright smile. She gestures towards the door.

>continued
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>>32621863
>o
“As I was saying, Alyce is still asleep. I figure that we should get an early start despite that,” Merce says.

“What time does she normally awaken?” you ask as you gather everybody up.

“9am on a good day. On a bad day… well, you got here at eleven yesterday,” she says, leading the way.

It’s a short trip, and Merce makes it in one of your carriages so as to be near Undine. The two of them chatter away while you concentrate on how to explain this to Alyce. In the tower, you’re greeted by Magister Corrett alone, whose eyes widen at the sight of Undine.

“Lady Undine, I had thought…” he says, before gathering himself and giving her a pleasant greeting.

“It is good to see you, too, Jace,” Undine says.

Jace gives you a sidelong glance after the pleasantries and falls into step with you. “It’s just me, in case you’re worried about things. The archmage has asked me to sit in and talk a bit about the issues ahead.”

Once inside the archmage’s suite, with its main occupant nowhere to be seen, Merce disappears for a moment. There’s some loud noises from a nearby room before she reappears, hair and clothes looking a little frazzled.

“Alyce will be out here shortly,” she says with a smirk. “Try not to comment too much on her appearance.”

“By which you mean we should comment as exaggeratedly as possible,” Undine says, frowning. “Is it really necessary to tease her this much.”

“Yes,” Merce says as she straightens herself out. “Also, Talon, I think she mentioned something last night about wanting to have a private talk with you. Now might be a good time to step in and talk to her.”

Giving her a suspicious gaze, you consider the option. It could work – or it could just frazzle Alyce more. You’re not sure if this is a trap by Merce or repaying the favour.

>1. Step into Alyce’s room to have a quick private talk now.
>2. Wait out here for now.
>3. Custom
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>>32621812
>And I highly doubt Alyce would be stupid enough to leave the Magi League at present to invade a foreign state in an attempt to seize a possibly inactive Source

Not talking about that. If too much gets out while we are weak the nation might become a battleground pretty fast. I would have rather we take termina at least before mentioning it.

>>32621793
Having Undine with at least two POPs or Talon with at least 2. By that point it's harder to take us down.
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>>32621886
>1. Step into Alyce’s room to have a quick private talk now.

Missed the boat the first time. It is only proper.
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>>32621886
>1. Step into Alyce’s room to have a quick private talk now.

Oh what the hell
>>
>>32621886
>1. Step into Alyce’s room to have a quick private talk now.
>>
>>32621886
>1. Step into Alyce’s room to have a quick private talk now.
What could go wrong?
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>>32621913

Information only passes so far as our lips. It isn't an issue.

Also the phrase you were looking for was bond to PoPs. But if we were to do what you suggested that's a lot of time spent on wandering through foreign nations while war is on our fronts and we still need to deal with things within our own borders.

Simply this is a once in a present moment opportunity and it was taken.
>>
>>32621886
>1. Step into Alyce’s room to have a quick private talk now.
>>
>>32621913
>Having Undine with at least two POPs or Talon with at least 2. By that point it's harder to take us down.
That is more clear.
But I still don't know what "sourced talon" means or what you meant by "use it more". use what more?
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>>32621886
>Jace recognized undine
ah dammit. I only wanted alyce and mercie to notice.
We should really get her a disguise or something.
think we should ask alyce to ask jace to keep it a secret for now?
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>>32622006
Oh, Yes I understand the logic and kind of agree with it. Just bringing up that it may go wrong in the long term so we should watch out for that. Not going to say it's the wrong decision or anything.
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>>32622067
Pretty much just make use of the source more. Right now we mainly use it for Gnome and to keep Undine. We are starting to POP hunt at least though so it isn't a resource that is being wasted at least.
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>>32622100
I think we can trust Jace pretty well right now. Gnome does anyway. Be more worried if a random grand magister saw her.
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>>32622006
Speaking of opportunity. the pop in the RSK is only a little out of the way for us when we go to visit their emperor.
We could probably stop by there without people suspecting if we take a boat from vitria to guelburg, then to capital. instead of going through worremburg to capital.
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>>32622183
>We could probably stop by there without people suspecting if we take a boat from vitria to guelburg, then to capital. instead of going through worremburg to capital.
We're going to be communicating by sending.
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>>32622181
but does jace even know it is a secret?

Also, if we TELL him to keep it a secret it will sound suspecious and might very well backfire
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>>32622183

Old King Fenix is a mildly paranoid old man, I believe the meeting is by sending.

That one PoP might actually evade us for a bit simply because of the relations we have with certain RSK members.
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>>32622202
we have been invited to meet the emperor in person.

>>32622183
and if/when we visit the elves/dwarves we can get a pop there too
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>>32622239
we met fenix in person before
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>>32622183

It wouldn't be to hard to just walk into the RSK incognito. The hard part is how long it would take to get there.
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>>32622224

Alyce and Merce are likely to make it clear how hush it should be kept. I'm not overtly worried about Jace knowing, but I'd expect a mild favor in return for him knowing without our express permission or intention.
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>>32622283
He himself most likely knows given his first reaction was "It's only me here."

That and he is an old man thinking about retiring he probably isn't thinking too much about messing with national affairs.
>>
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>>32622249
>>32622239
The meeting, as arranged, was communication by sending. it's been indefinitely delayed, however.

>1.

You decide to take Merce up on her offer and step into Alyce’s room, closing the door behind you. It’s very well decorated, filled with well-crafted furniture and a few priceless artworks. Also, there’s a half-naked archmage in it staring at you in disbelief. Your first impressions of her being a beautiful young woman were right, though if you had to be specific you’d say she froze her aging a few years before you and Mal. Not bad for a woman likely in her sixties.

Alyce stares at you, red in the face, for several long moments. Then she says, “Merce put you up to this, didn’t she?”

“Yes,” you say, not really bothering to hide your interest. You have a reputation to uphold after all.

Cursing, Alyce slips out of her underwear, drawing surprise from you. You’d assumed she was dressing, not undressing. She doesn’t pay too much attention directly to you as she flits about, gathering up clothing and brushing her hair out. You catch a few spells from her, likely to save her from needing to bathe.

“That stupid woman,” she says as she does her work. “She has some ridiculous ideas about you. Convinced herself that you sleep with everything that moves.”

“That’s not completely wrong, though I’d narrow things down to everything that moves and is pretty,” you say.

Alyce shoots you a dark look, before returning to dressing herself. “Yes, but in a way that would result in you, say, acting very bestial right about now. Instead of simply taking a gentlemanly look. In any case, I wanted to quickly ask you whether you’ve had any contact with the rulers of the RSK or the Mage Guard? Since declaring yourself Imperator, I mean.”

>1. Be truthful. Admit to the message from the Mage Guard and the upcoming meetings.
>2. Half-truth. Simply mention the upcoming meetings.
>3. Custom
>>
>>32622283
>Accidentally reveal something to someone
>want them to keep quiet
>demand he do you a favor in exchange for finding out
what?
>>
>>32622334
>1. Be truthful. Admit to the message from the Mage Guard and the upcoming meetings.
>>
>>32622334
>1. Be truthful. Admit to the message from the Mage Guard and the upcoming meetings.

In fact, I want to be open that our dealing with her is under the table, because while we have moral issues with both the mage guard and the RSK, we are not willing to provoke either to war yet.
>>
>>32622334
>>1. Be truthful. Admit to the message from the Mage Guard and the upcoming meetings.

There's no way she doesn't already know
>>
>>32622334
>1. Be truthful. Admit to the message from the Mage Guard and the upcoming meetings.
>>
>>32622334
>1. Be truthful. Admit to the message from the Mage Guard and the upcoming meetings.

Though neither have yielded results equal to this. Mage Guard told us to have at the Independents and the RSK keeps putting us off.
>>
>>32622334
1
>>
>>32622402
was it actually the mage guard officially or just their dragon on her own though?
also mage guard was happy for us dealing with vampires
>>
>>32622380
>In fact, I want to be open that our dealing with her is under the table, because while we have moral issues with both the mage guard and the RSK, we are not willing to provoke either to war yet.
Especially since we DO have friends in the League.
>>
>>32622334
1. Also, maybe a jibe about what she means by "bestial".
>>
>>32622380
>moral issues

I think it's also we kind of want their land. Just Talon knows he can't win right now. They could be jesus incarnate and we would still want their land though.
>>
>>32622334
>mfw mercie has this false impression about talon because she has read some of the romance novels featuring him ... purely for "reseach" of course
...
>mfw talon becoming a world power means those books are now required reading for many young diplomats and spies
>>
>>32622491
We should tell her this. Maybe Alyce can find some of Mercie's books and tease her about it.
>>
>>32622488
as an immortal (unless killed), we have the benefit of being able to wait 40 years for a good king to die and his rotton son to step into power.
also, we established that part of our desire to rule comes from frustration with how things are and thinking "we can do better"

Also, alyce is a famed altruist so probably will react more positively to finding out talon actually does consider those things
>>
This will make it harder to play both sides at least. Though we could let her know we plan on lying to the other sides to get what we want.

It could help us with the seeming effect of upholding a royal line in Termina by getting that one king to join us. Which would buy points with the RSK.
>>
>>32622334
>Yes, but in a way that would result in you, say, acting very bestial right about now
really? and she still set this up?... what an odd relationship those two has...
unless... maybe alyce is secretly into that and mercie helps her with that?
>>
>>32622491

>every diplomat is either a scantily clad young woman or accompanied by one
>mfw they find out about Talon's weakness to foxes

It's like Putin always having his dog around when dealing with that french diplomat who has a fear of dogs. I'd laugh.
>>
>>32622589
>Diplomat entourage includes attractive young women
oh hahahaha

>Putin always having his dog around when dealing with that french diplomat who has a fear of dogs
ha, that is hilarious. I had no idea
>>
>>32622334
>and a few priceless artworks
Priceless artworks?

3. Comment on them.
>>
>>32622536
Yeah. I just mean in general Talon is pretty much "I can do things better then them so let me rule you!" It's not like he is a paragon of morality with the logic there and being a conqueror and all. Don't want to wind up locking ourselves into a route where we can't go all out.
>>
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>1.

“I have a meeting, which has been continuously delayed, with King Fenix,” you say, splitting your attention between your words and Alyce’s body before she covers it up. “The Mage Guard also wishes to do an investigation into the activities of the Taouran mage towers. I also received a message from Witch-Hunter General Sylvian that indicated they wouldn’t interfere with my activities in Termina so long as I cooperate with them.”

Alyce makes a noise of curiosity when you mention Sylvian but remains quiet for a few moments as she fastens her bra. Her outfit appears a little more ordinary today, with blue on the outside and red on the inside.

“So Sylvian is interested in you,” she says finally. “I can’t say I’m surprised – she is the sort. You have a close friendship with Fenix, I take it?”

“I have a friendship,” you say, stepping forth and helping Alyce fasten part of her outfit. She gives you a grateful look as you continue, “I’m not sure what you’d call it now, since I did refuse his offer to become a magister general.”

Alyce’s eyes widen and she focuses on you for a moment. “That’s news to me. I knew you refused an offer, but I’d assumed it was a marriage proposal.” She pauses, and you don’t take the bait. “You’re much different than I expected. Most of the books about you have gotten it wrong – even the more historical ones place you as a reckless conqueror rather than as calm and measured as you have been.”

“The problem with historians writing about me is that I’m not yet history,” you say dryly. “They try to reinterpret me but fail due to that obvious stumbling block.”

“True enough. One last topic – has Merce threatened you in any of your meetings?” she asks you, now fully dressed.

>1. Be truthful. “Every meeting.”
>2. Half-truhful. “Maybe. Nothing too serious, though.”
>3. Lie. “No.”
>>
>>32622651
>1. Be truthful. “Every meeting.”
>>
>>32622651
>2. Half-truhful. “Maybe. Nothing too serious, though.”

There are books about Talon?
>>
>>32622651
1. Then prepare to act surprised when she betrays us with the information.
>>
>>32622695
>There are books about Talon?
Bodice Rippers mostly.
>>
>>32622651
>1. Be truthful. “Every meeting.”
>>
>>32622651

>2
I'd honestly place a little bit more importance on just not caring. It happened. We should have expected it. It hasn't hampered any relations. In fact I kind of enjoyed it.

>history authors talking trash on the griffon of the east

Fuck those guys.
>>
>>32622651
I don't remember. what kind of threats was she making?
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>>32622743
"I'll make sure you're the one fucked by girls for eternity."
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>>32622618
Its the German Chancellor who's terrified of dogs; deathly terrified of them.
>>
>>32622651
>>32622752
oops
>2. Half-truhful. “Maybe. Nothing too serious, though.”
>>
>>32622651
>1
"lol yeah every single one"
>>
>>32622736
just some harmless teasing?
oh, oh
>Oh yes, every time, it is adorable.
>I had to tease her in return a bit
>>
>>32622651
>1
Eh, shes just playing hard to get.
>>
>>32622796
>Eh, shes just playing hard to get.
oh god, i almost snorted milk
>>
>>32622779
"Haha, every last one of them. It's gotten pretty humorous now."
>>
>>32622766

There we go, I don't know where I got France, but thank you.
>>
>All this back and forth
>imagine being the QM and trying to figure out what people are actually voting for
I am so sorry. I am guilty of it myself
>>
>>32622651
>>2. Half-truthful. “Maybe. Nothing too serious, though.”
>>
>>32622796

This has to be said. Please god go with this.
>>
>>32622651
I don't actually remember her threatening us
>>
>>32622840
Well it honestly seems like people want a combination of 1 and 2. To truthfully say that it was every meeting, but as well to say that we didn't consider it a big deal.
>>
>>32622851
if we do, do we play it off as a joke soon after?
>>
>>32622895
Yeah I want to tell the truth but, honestly I never took her threats as anything but fierce protectiveness of Alyce.
>>
>>32622895
>>32622943

Basically this. I don't think anyone actually gave a fuck.
>>
>>32622943
Oooh, they were basically
>Like an over protective parent telling me not to hurt their little girl.
talon is so used to those by now :)
>>
>>32622895
Oh I think she would've if given the chance. Just we knew she wouldn't so we found the constant death threats hilarious after the 3rd time.
>>
>>32622984
Yeah exactly. She never understood why Alyce liked us or what she saw in us and wanted us to prove our worthiness.
>>
>>32622984
>:)

>>>/out/
>>
>>32622695
>Poking about you discover you were right in your suspicion. You find a false wall leading into a small room between the study and the bedroom. Inside are the sorts of things you expect a teenage girl to have. The bookcase full of trashy romance novels is the least of them. You even manage to pick out the handful of books written about you, though they’re not all romance books.

>“Somehow I don’t think the woman who wrote this ever met me,” you mutter aloud as you leaf through one of the books. “Or understands male anatomy very well.”
>>
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>>32622873
She literally threatened to kill you a couple of times in the first meeting, which was also the only time they were taken seriously.

>1. Mixed with 2

“Every meeting,” you say. “It mellowed out a bit after the first meeting. She’s been downright pleasant in all of the others by comparison.”

“She was supposed to be nice to you,” Alyce says, exasperated. “And how many meetings have you had?”

“A few. Some just by sending,” you say. “And I think she was being nice, by her own standards. It almost became like an odd dance.”

There’s a few moments of silence as Alyce seems to judge you on that statement. Then she shakes her head, looking surprised and is about to leave her room before you stop her.

“Theres somebody out there that would like to see you,” you say gently. “And I think you’ll want to see her, too.”

Alyce looks up at you, making the height difference clearer than earlier, before nodding and stepping out. Then she vanishes from sight and you don’t quite catch the moment where she hugs Undine. Merce actually looks a little annoyed at you when you step out, for some reason, but her annoyance vanishes as she watches her master’s happy reunion with Undine. Undine briefly explains to her, once they’ve separated, that she’s serving you.

>continued
>>
>>32623032

So we are now aware of poorly written smut and history books about Talon.

Clearly we need to hire a publicist. Or start writing our own lewd history.
>>
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>>32623059
Giving you an odd look, Alyce says, “So there was something to Harrowmont after all. I had thought it very strange the way you started there, combined with some other information. I guess this explains it.”

“Wait, you know what’s happening here?” Merce asks, surprised.

“I believe so,” Alyce says. “I suppose he didn’t explain? I can’t blame you, Talon – it’s a big secret. I only know because… Hmm, that reminds me – have you heard anything from the guardians of the Barrier?”

“No,” you say slowly, wondering at that jump. “Why would the archangels want to speak to me?”

“Large enough nations need to supply them with a levy of troops – we’ve refused them due to the war, but they’ll likely talk to you shortly. It’s your call as to what you do,” she says. “In any case, you have my promise that I won’t share this secret. You can still use the labyrinth too, assuming it’s connected in some way.”

That went… more simply than you’d expected. Almost as if Alyce already knew what was coming. It seems you’re not the only person surprised, as even Merce and Jace have odd looks on their face. Unfortunately, it’s time for business now.

>Any questions for Alyce, Jace or Merce before they talk about some more concrete details?
>>
>>32623059
>Undine
Flashbacks to monster girl quest all over.
>>
>>32623080

Were there any consequences for refusing to supply these archangels with troops?
>>
>>32623030
:P
>>
>>32623080

What other information?

Otherwise I got nothing. The Archangels thing is interesting though. I wonder how they'll feel about our AAs.
>>
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>>32623141
"Not particularly," Alyce answers. "They were a little annoying and liked to make some veiled threats about the shadow beasts getting through, but I'm not convinced such a barrier would fall so quickly. Oh, don't look at me like that, Gnome."

Gnome is glowering at Alyce and says, "You know full well why they want a levy of troops. You can clearly spare some if you're able to be at war."

"I also know that the barrier has survived dry spells of troops before," Alyce says tartly. "This isn't open for discussion - I'll leave you to decide for yourself, Talon."

>>32623196
"Hmm? Oh, a mage of the tower is at the Last Retreat. He mentioned that there had been some interest in you ever since you seized Harrowmont - long before you really registered on my radar as up to something serious. That's also why I wanted to know whether they'd spoken to you, yet."
>>
>>32623196
>Otherwise I got nothing. The Archangels thing is interesting though. I wonder how they'll feel about our AAs.
Speaking of, I wonder what sort of proposals the Weapons development board will have for us when we get back. AAs would probably like an increase in protection to help them out in archery duels.
>>
>>32623080
considering the last owner of harrowmont source had it project a dominion, and the angels still kicked his ass. and they will figure we control it as soon as they send a rep. we should obviously try to get them on our side. Also they can help us study our powers.

I would bet the pop they have is connected to the wall in some manner.

Anyways, rather then a regular levy. I would want to cut a more serious deal with them.
Express a desire to conquer this entire continent, then push past the wall and exterminate the shadow beasts to reclaim that land
Instead of a regular troop levy, have talon personally, along with his top hitters, rotate into the front with some of his troops. Do fighting for a period of time (exact period to be negotiated), then rotate out.

I think we MIGHT be in a better position with them if we first bound a pop to talon to get dominion, as it would make it too costly to unseat him.
On the other hand i worry that if their pop is used to fuel the wall it might cause instability in it which will raise their ire.
>>
>>32623234
>"Hmm? Oh, a mage of the tower is at the Last Retreat. He mentioned that there had been some interest in you ever since you seized Harrowmont
ohoho.
I wonder if they heard the rumors of talon resurrecting the dead already
>>
>>32623234
Asp, is it possible for us to become the Embodiment of Evil, Melkor/Giygas style? I know that probably won't happen but the possibility of it occurring is bitching.
>>
>>32623080
The alliance is under the table correct? So we can play the other powers.
>>
>>32623234

Sounds good, let's get on with it
>>
>>32623272
I wonder how the AA will affect combat with shadow beasts. especially with them charging against walls constantly. This could be revolutionary for the defense against them. We could score a really sweet deal with the angels, supplying them with AA equipment
>>
>>32623080
"I'm curious on something. What would you say about Sylvian's personality? It would be rather bad to make her angry this early."
>>
>>32623341
Yes. Yes it is. Talon doesn't need to be reminded of the terms he made.
>>
>>32623234
>"Hmm? Oh, a mage of the tower is at the Last Retreat. He mentioned that there had been some interest in you ever since you seized Harrowmont

Well. Okay then. Apparently we are really bad at staying off the radar. I mean it's interesting but we suddenly got a large change in perception of the world, we aren't as small time as we thought, apparently people are interested.
>>
Hey Aspie where you getting sent for work? If your by Fresno I'll buy you a drink.
>>
>>32623350
go with what? she didn't offer anything in that post
>>
>>32623351
AAs instead of troops. At least at first, until we have enough troops that the AA bows are more valuable then troops. That being said, we don't know if we want to accept their deal yet, or even what their deal is. Just an idea.
>>
>>32623372

>Any questions for Alyce, Jace or Merce before they talk about some more concrete details?

Presumably the more concrete details rather than waiting for a Q&A?
>>
>>32623276
>and the angels still kicked his ass

They had to cheat. We are pretty sure they never entered the dominions.

Also we are a little early to talk about doing anything to the shadow beasts.
>>
>>32623372
"Maybe she offered us more than you could possibly imagine."
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>>32623366
Jakarta. I'm not sure anybody playing in this quest would be there.

>>32623323
Technically, yes.

>>32623354
"I don't know her too well, aside from the fact she's had some difficulties with the Mage Guard recently. You'd fit the bill of somebody who could potentially help her - powerful, ambitious and with no other allegiances. Gnome would know more about her."
>>
>>32623427
Why do the shadow beasts exist?
>>
>>32623439
moving on.
>>
>>32623439
If you ever visit Tallahassee mention it on twitter.
>>
>>32623474
Someone decided to be an asshole
>>
>>32623498
Why would they do that?
>>
>>32623523
Read: Asshole
>>
>>32623439
Would we become a shadow beast thing or be controlling them or what?

Also, move on please.
>>
>>32623527
Yeah, but why would they be that?
>>
>>32623561
I'm going with "Breakout of Kushan's old lab."
>>
>>32623561

Some people are just assholes, man
>>
>>32623558
It probably has a lot to deal with what we do with our astral. Plus that one race of raw elemental evil he was talking about.

The shadow beasts seem too mindless to be evil.

>>32623498
They may not even have been created. Could just be something like other planar creatures that can self replicate or worse.
>>
inb4 shadow beasts are the opposite of astral energy, the wall is made of astral energy, and by unlocking the sources we debuff the wall, all leading to an invasion that kills everyone.
>>
>>32623590
>>32623585
"Essentially, the question on everyone's lips is: Why would they do THAT?"
>>
>>32623439
Dang first I've even heard of that place. But offers still open, I won't even roofie your drink and force you to write all the other versions of Talon classes for the rest of your life or anything.
>>
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“Do you have any more concrete details on this proposal of yours?” you ask Alyce and she shrugs in return.

“Judging from what you said earlier, I have my doubts you’ll agree even if I did so I’d rather hold off on bedding things down,” she says, giving you a small smile. “Instead, let’s talk a bit about what you’d need to worry about if you did help me.”

“Shropham,” Jace says without missing a beat, “isn’t a huge threat right now. However, should they declare independence from the League they will surely withdraw their soldiers. That will leave them with approximately fifty thousand soldiers, plus whatever equipment they’ll have at the time. Their defences are largely derelict, especially those facing towards the Mage Guard – but they do have defences that could be used to effective ends by you. The main issue you would likely have would be defeating their likely superior numbers.”

>continued
>>
>>32623474
I bet someone created them to be a warrior race under his control, and lost control of them
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>>32623654
“What does the magitech foundry there produce?” you ask.

“Medium mage-knight plate. It also has a template for light plate, but it’s currently inactive as I understand it. We have a better template in Ahm and they’re too proud to use it,” Jace explains. “There are three towers, each governed by a grand magister, plus three other grand magisters picked from the other towers that act as a ruling council for the region beneath the League itself. The seventh member and chair of the council is the grandmaster of Shropham’s Order of the Horned Giant, though he is currently still being chosen.”

You spend a short while going over the information Alyce is providing you on her war table – though it’s not current but is instead a number of assumptions about what the situation would look like should you need to war with Shropham. The main thing that is clear is that you would likely not be able to match their raw military might, especially if Albanon assisted them. You would either need to rely on your ingenuity and ability or need powerful assistance. You understand what Alyce is trying to show you – you might not be able to take over Shropham by yourself without assistance from the League or Guard.

“Okay, so what exactly would you offer us in taking Shropham – magitech templates at bargain prices? Machinists? Intelligence?” you ask.

“All of them, preferably,” Alyce says. “I consulted with Jace last night and we determined that we would be able to provide you with two machinists on permanent loan. This is probably the most concrete detail we can provide and one I am confident won’t be matched.”

Well… that’s certainly a big sweetener. You’re discussing details, this is probably the best time to make any requests – it’s possible she might throw in something now to sway you a little further.

>This is the time to ask for anything specific either for now or to see if Alyce will add it to the alliance deal.
>>
>>32623609
>leading to an invasion that forces everyone to flock to us for protection.
FTFY
>>
>>32623671

Any and all information on patterns.
>>
>>32623671
What's the timeline? If we can get Termina in our pocket first we'd have a lot better shot.
>>
>>32623609
we didn't unblock the source. the claim that it was blocked at all was a myth all along.
also, it was the mages we killed that did the ritual at the source. we just took it from them afterwards
>>
>>32623654
>I’d rather hold off on bedding things down
heh
>>
>>32623671
>Two

She most likely knows how many nations we have with factories then. That or it's just a coincidence.
>>
>>32623671
A magitech foundry? Machinists?

What about... nukes?
>>
>>32623734

This is a really good point. Termina can be dealt with quickly by us but we'll need some concrete timeline or as close as possible so we can figure out if we need to just bring them in through peace or war and then consolidate our new forces.
>>
I now wish we recruited the max amount
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>>32623735
What happens if the source is attached to a pipe, and accidentally aimed at the wall?
>>
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>>32623769
She would know, yes.

>>32623719
"I'll be more than willing to make our libraries available to you, starting from now," Alyce says.

>>32623734
"If things go well, I think I can keep matters under control for the better part of a year. It's possible I can manage for longer but things could also fall apart much faster. We're dealing too much with the theoretical right now," Alyce says.
>>
>>32623735
>The claim it was blocked was a myth

We have no idea about this. Something may have happened with the archangel and caused it to start flowing again for all we know so far. It's why I want to see another source to see if it's working.

>>32623671
>you with two machinists

This is useful yet dangerous in it's own way. Arcane Archer tech might go though the national barriers. Could be useful to have them build our mage plate templates though. That or research light mage plate.
>>
>>32623671

She mentioned that she could fast favorable trade agreements and that we could acquire Magitech through that route.

Could we start hammering out some of the details or get some Magitech information up front for an understanding that this deal is going to happen?

Could she cement a connection between our mage towers and her Ahm?

Does she have any way to get us more battlemages in a hurry? Maybe mercenaries or hired help that she could plausibly deny?
>>
>>32623812
;_; don't remind me. We are outnumbered I said. We should have as many units as possible to even it out I said.
>>
>>32623830
Does that image subtly indicate that it's a trap?
>>
>>32623671
Ask her to be sure to give us advance warning before they leave the League. If we are bogged down taking Termina when we need to move on them, it won't be pretty.
Also, we would need her to do her best to prevent or at least delay Albanon leaving and assisting them. Since she isn't too good at subterfuge, we might want to leave it to our own spymaster mixing things up (I don't even know if she can do that).
>>
>>32623671
Could we secure some mages from her? I understand that our alliance is a personal and informal one, but I'm sure she has personal contacts and people that owe her favours, could she convince them to move to Harrowmont or to swell the ranks of our combat magisters?

Oh also, I completely think that we're going to establish a royal lineage, so she's going to be disappointed in us at the long run. We might want to talk to Mal about this at some point, as a mage and one of our oldest friends, I'm sure he'd have an interesting POV.
>>
>>32623831
>We have no idea about this.
undine said as such. and the mages who tapped it found it unsealed.
it is possible that they just didn't notice whatever was on there, and that it was frail, delicate, and undetectable by them
>>
>>32623850

If we can quickly absorb Termina, which I think we will, that should help us overcome the difference in numbers.
>>
>>32623838
the magitech will actually not help us, as our current issue is lack of funds. our factories are NOT running at 100% because we can't afford to do so
>>
>>32623830
>Better part of a year
That is more then enough time. After this trip we need to move on Termina.
>>
>>32623894

Presumably the trade agreements will help us boost our funds as well so it's killing two birds with one stone
>>
>>32623838
>She mentioned that she could fast favorable trade agreements and that we could acquire Magitech through that route.
This is an excellent idea. Upgrading trade relations is something she can do easily, rouses no real suspicions, doesn't tie us to any formal alliance, and helps improve the economy and stability of our Empire.
>>
>>32623883
Suddenly hidden blood cults in Termina take to a guerrilla rebellion, destroying army logistics at range.
>>
The biggest thing I want from this is to claim as much of shropam territory as possible
she was intimating cooperating with the league on retaking them. this would suggest a split on who gets what of the land

also, where are their troops currently. if their troops are located far from home we can conquer them before most troops can return

heck, sending some shropam troops as a levi to the wall might make things work out better for all of us
>>
>>32623830

A year is a good amount of time, we'll have to get our own shit together ASAP though. Deal with the vampires, get all of the Foundries working at top performance and rebuild rebuild rebuild. Termina will need to come under our fold though so we can properly match the numbers game and have more immediate open fronts.

Also a piece of art. Harrowmont could use some priceless artwork.
>>
>>32623865
>asking a foreign power for her top military men
>>
>>32623920

If we absorb two of the three kingdoms peacefully, I don't think occupation is going to be a huge challenge.

If I remember my map correctly, the lone hostile kingdom was significantly outnumbered by the two kingdoms which could be really receptive to our "protection"
>>
The constant rebellions tearing apart those great powers are really making me worry about who we let keep power. and about the need to consolidate our authority over local areas before moving on
>>
>>32623948
She could always join us. We're really good at sex, too.
>>
>>32623883
Need time to recruit though given training.

>>32623855
We need to do this.

>>32623925
>Split

Hahah.

>>32623870
I find it highly unlikely no one would use it for over 300 years.
>>
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I'll probably move on shortly. Any final requests for her?

>>32623838
>Could we start hammering out some of the details or get some Magitech information up front for an understanding that this deal is going to happen?
"I'd rather wait for the two of us to be finalising details of the alliance before we go into that level of detail. I don't want to give too many things away this early, before I know exactly what you're being offered elsewhere."

That sounds pretty ordinary - Alyce is likely wary of the RSK actively trying to outbid her, given their heavy research into the area.

>Could she cement a connection between our mage towers and her Ahm?
"That would be a major part of the deal. I can't provide mages directly, but I could use this to 'encourage' mages to join you. You would need to offer them something to make the move, but it wouldn't be as arduous as it otherwise would."
>>
>>32623925

I feel like no matter what we're going to end up sharing the province for a bit. It wouldn't look good for her from a political standpoint with this under the table alliance to just idly sit by while we gobble up the territory.

That said. I'd request we get the capital/larger town, as part of the deal.
>>
>>32623957
>If we absorb two of the three kingdoms peacefully
there is a problem with the peaceful absorption of 2 of them though
one has an upstart king who wants to reconquer the area and return his family name to glory
the other has merchants who will happily join us, but sarah said that if we didn't conquer them it would be bad for vitria. which will both upset her and make unrest in it worse than it already is (we left too much power to nobles and they are unhappy with us already)
>>
>>32623988
>You would need to offer them something to make the move
Speaking of, do we have any unique mystical features or techniques of note?
>>
>>32623971

Well, we picked the most centralized government option last time so that should help.

I also kind of want an excuse to purge the Vitrian nobles who are unhappy with us and replace them with nobles who would be more amendable to Sarah's rule.
>>
>>32623985
>I find it highly unlikely no one would use it for over 300 years.
it was buried under a literal mountain, and the last guy who used it got killed my an army of angels. who then told people they magically sealed it against use
>>
>>32623988
I don't get it. Why would she encourage her own mages to join us? Is this somke kind of long term thing where she wants us to take over the world?
>>
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>>32624030
The Harrowmont Source was buried and never excavated before the other Sources were sealed.
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>>32624029
I would admit such an excuse would be nice.
>>
>>32624049
How does Detect Magic work, if at all?
>>
>>32624009
The upstart king is easy to deal with, he'll be arrogant and probably try something - giving us the pretext to purge his royal line. The rest of the country should fold easily enough.

Adding the merchant republic while appeasing Vitria is going to be much harder...
>>
>>32623985

I assumed that we would simply absorb two of the armies and recruit the remnants of whichever nation was foolish enough to oppose us.
>>
>>32624030
Yeah 300 years ago. Given that timeframe someone would get the idea to use it and it isn't like each and every single one was buried. So something had to in the long term be stopping someone from using it.
>>
>>32624097
>Rocks.
>>
>>32624029
>Well, we picked the most centralized government option last time so that should help.
No we didn't. The options were:
1. Federalism
2. Devolution
3. Centralized government
We chose option 2
>>
>>32624086

It's funny how that worked out. Upstart is us just smashing him out. Old King is us just bringing him in the fold but figuring out a way to curtail the "Royal bloodline" issue.

But those damn merchants. They are going to be an issue.
>>
>>32624086
>Adding the merchant republic while appeasing Vitria is going to be much harder...

Yeah, I wonder if there's a way to placate both. I'm fine with subordinating Vitria to some extent to add the merchant republic, but it seems like a delicate balance.

We could definitely use creative problem solving there
>>
>>32624092
You know thinking on it in the long term this archmage deal is going to make it a bitch to take the entire world. Mainly because we will have had a comfy relationship. Which makes it harder to take the last bit of land.
>>
>>32624029
We could always use our spy and inquisitor network to instigate a rebellion on purpose... One small enough to be out down easily though. That'd remove the nobles most opposed to our rule.
>>
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>>32624044
"My battle-mages can't actually engage in battle if they're in the League whereas if they're helping you they can. I won't be lending you any of my combat magisters, for obvious reasons, but the more common battle-mages will be made available for the move."

>>32624068
It is largely instinctive - everybody has a sixth sense for sorcery, though some people's is better than others (every time I use stuff like 'the snap of sorcery' is this sense). You can also attempt to focus the sense by focusing your magic (but not actually spell-casting, unless you're attempting to breach a spell that may be hiding the magic).

Anyway, moving on to the dungeon now unless there's any requests for detours. I'll be finishing up in 2-3 hours, most likely.
>>
>>32624086
>The upstart king is easy to deal with, he'll be arrogant and probably try something - giving us the pretext to purge his royal line.
EH, I kinda like what I've read of him.
>>
>>32624121

I'd kind of want to meet the upstart Noble that thought he could over throw our rule. He would be an interesting fella.
>>
>>32624110

Oh right, centralized wasn't the word I should have been using.

It was a nice balance between control and autonomy for our purpose though.
>>
>>32624086
Just wait, there is going to be some do-gooder that wants to keep him alive for no reason at all.
>>
>>32624140
>dungeon
Are there prisoners being held in prison?
>>
>>32624118
Not like it really matter either way. Just hire a lot of Vitria businesses for things in harrowmont and the likes. The merchant republic is far enough away that we should be able to just let them trade about.
>>
>>32624156

>>32624144
>>32624149

Called it, just a bit late.
>>
>>32624178

I was talking about the Vitrian noble uprising idea, check the quotes.

That said. We'll end up meeting the upstart in Termina regardless. Unless we said our Generals to deal with it.
>>
>>32624144

I'm trying to reserve my opinion for when we meet him. My first impression wasn't great based on the information we got.

Kingly ambition isn't exactly what we want in the kingdom. Competent administrators are what we need right now.
>>
>>32624086
How is that a peaceful absorption?
>>
>>32624149
Oh I'm sure we could have a great chat, just before we execute him for treason.
>>
>>32624217
"The same way one may peacefully eat an apple by chewing, my dear."
>>
>>32624140

Oh damn we're going into the dungeon tonight? I figured we'd end up doing that tomorrow. Huh. I guess let's go for it.
>>
>>32624156
we already discussed that, we don't know him
and ambition isn't evil

so he falls squarely into the "maybe kill" category. we just don't know
>>
>>32624156
Dude. I've seen votes for the moral thing being giving powers to a fucking demon who tried to kill the protagonist because they said the protag was evil and votes for helping a bandit up who almost stabbed us in the gut. Who then Immediately stabbed us in the gut because he was a fucking bandit. People are going to make some amazing votes no matter the quest.
>>
For the merchant republic, I don't see too much difficulty myself. We maintain that they will submit to our rule and will accept our laws and rules as well as changes and what Sarah wanted. No appeasement or favors, if they don't like it we invade.
>>
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>>32624242
I wanted to get it started now as it will likely take a bit longer than the last PoP dive. I'm hoping to get through the first major hurdle tonight.
>>
>>32624251
>if they don't like it we invade
What if they pay seven hundred mercenary assassins for Talon's body?
>>
>>32624267
Huh, and here I was hoping it would be shorter.
>>
>>32624217
We take away the ambitious head, the body is just following orders.

I'd wager that the common peasant or merchant doesn't care too much about 'reclaiming their lost kingdom.' By removing their king, we avoid a war and many many pointless deaths.

Or at least that's how we should use propagandists to sell it.
>>
>>32624279
I was hoping it would be longer. And finished today.
>>
>>32624251
That's kind of fighting against the purpose of using them as a money bin.
>>
>>32624251

It's more or less the issue that regardless of what checks we place on it the merchant city can quickly take over Vitria's current hold on our trade relations and seriously hurt a city that isn't exactly pleased with us still.

That and a peaceful take over might result in us giving some concession which is an issue with Vitria solely because of the manner of which they were brought in.

It's actually one of the more delicate things we're working with. Sure we can smash them out, then we'll ruin a perfectly good trade network. But if we bring them in, it could hurt the economy of the city that Sarah wanted to be for all intents and purposes a pride of the Empire and a sister city of Harrowmont.
>>
>>32624244
Holding judgement till the vote of course.

>>32624275
We warp reality till it gives us the money used to pay them and raise the dead spirits of battles long past to begin our ascension to Lichdom.
>>
>>32624251

That's an option of very last recourse.

If we subjugate a merchant republic and don't give them good trade opportunities (what Vitria doesn't want to happen), then their usefulness to us drops. The merchants leave the country and take their money with them, leaving us nothing but civil unrest.

If we fuck this up, the merchant republic is going to be a net loss in both the short and long run.
>>
>>32624120
Well, if we don't undermine the RSK too much they will apply pressure, also remember a lot of other parts stand to fall. when she is reduced to only ahm we can have her become a vassal of talon as an archduchess of ahm
>>
>>32624356
Really though, she'll just join us willingly due to our sexual prowess.
>>
>>32624350

Or they could finance our enemies and undermine our rule from abroad.

Don't fuck with bankers.
>>
>>32624267
I like the idea of starting tonight and finishing tomorrow
>>
>>32624356
I don't think she has that much loss of control. It's mainly the east and the North. So she won't lose everything in the civil war.
>>
>>32624407
that is also an option
in fact that is exactly what gnome advocated
that talon get her to serve "under" him
>>
>>32624428

We also don't know her true intentions yet. We flubbed that roll pretty hard
>>
>>32624267

Sounds great to me. Need to stretch those fighting muscles a bit, I always forget how much I enjoy combat in this quest.

>inb4 its another damn puzzle that wrecks our shit with 1s everywhere
>>
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>>32624300
You want me to run for anotehr 12 hours with just pure action and dungeon-diving, anon?

>>32624428
> It's mainly the east and the North.
You know, I only just now realised I said the eastern towers instead of the western towers. Dammit. She'll basically keep Torryus, Norsborough and Ahm but lose the others.
>>
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>>32624410
Ahh, Imperator York? Yes, I've met him. Horrible barbarian of a man who refused to acknowledge the 200 million. The goy must fall. Summon Blackwater.
>>
>>32624481
>You want me to run for anotehr 12 hours with just pure action and dungeon-diving, anon?

Do you even need to ask. Break out the heavy shit tonight, we got monsters to kill.
>>
>>32624481
>You want me to run for anotehr 12 hours with just pure action and dungeon-diving, anon?
I am totally down with that
>>
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Having exhausted discussions, you take a brief lunch with Alyce, Merce and Jace. You find out during Alyce’s reprimanding of Merce that the elf had expected Alyce to be more dressed, which explains her annoyance when you stepped out. You’re also certain that Gnome is telling them stories about how many women you’ve slept with, though you don’t bother to empower your hearing.

Your suspicions are further cemented when, as you are leaving to prepare to enter the labyrinth, Alyce gives you a long hard look up and down before saying, “I can see it. I really can see it.”

You regroup a few hours later, less Tsucchi and now equipped for battle. Merce alone waits for you and leads you to the entrance to the labyrinth. She looks dressed for battle.

“I’m not joining you, just so you know,” she explains as she walks. “I just need to be prepared for any nasty surprises. The labyrinth is sealed for a reason.”

“There’s nothing so dangerous near the entrance,” Gnome says. “In fact, it’ll likely be an hour or two of walking before we find anything troublesome.”

>continued
>>
>>32624493

>Summon Blackwater

I fucking lost it. Perfectly okay with him becoming the de facto comedic villain to our insane asides.
>>
>>32624456
Well Gnome is from the Safaru Ruins in Safina, so a culture advocating willing sexual servitude is to be expected.
>>
>>32624481
>Only now just realized.

That is an amazing derp moment.
>>
>>32624410
Yeeeeah...that would be bad.

Basically we want to peacefully convince them to join our Empire, without giving them any concessions other than military protection.

You know what might work actually. We get our spies to infiltrate the ambitious King's realm and stir up nationalism against the Merchant Republic; while we personally ally with the old King. Therefore, the ambitious king attacks the merchants, they come to us asking for protection and nothing else - then we also have a pretext to slap down the ambitious king.

2/3 countries peacefully absorbed is probably the best scenario here.
>>
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>>32624532
Even so, Merce stands guard after she unlocks the way into the labyrinth and you descend with her keeping a careful eye on your backs. Gnome leads the way, having been down this part of the labyrinth before.

“I’ve travelled much of the upper reaches of the labyrinth over the past few centuries,” she explains as you eye the shifting architecture of your journey – it’s evident that this place has been built and rebuilt a few times over the past several hundred years. “Unfortunately, my knowledge runs dry quite quickly compared to where Undine claims the Place of Power is. There’s only one path to it from here, before I’ll get lost, and it won’t be an easy path.”

“Nothing ever is,” you mutter.

The trip down isn’t as easy-going as Gnome said it would be, as numerous summons and trivial traps slow you down. Your watch tells you it’s been four hours since setting out by the time you’ve descended four levels and are near where Gnome says the first real challenge is. You decide to make camp.

>1. Talk to Gnome and Undine
>2. Talk to Mal, Vad and Finn
>3. Talk to Lynn and Sala
>4. Custom
>>
>>32624481
>You want me to run for anotehr 12 hours with just pure action and dungeon-diving, anon?
Basically, the idea is perhaps to get the QM to just that right point of deprived insanity where cool things happen purely by accident.
>>
>>32624564
>>1. Talk to Gnome and Undine

Should be interesting

I keep wanting to talk with Lynn but more interesting options come up
>>
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>>32624493
>>
>>32624564
>2. Talk to Mal, Vad and Finn

BRO TIME.

And calming down Finn likely time.
>>
>Talons to conquer list
>Alyce (league)
>Slyvan (guard)
>Princess (RKS)
>>
>>32624564
>3. Talk to Lynn and Sala
>>
>>32624560

I think the ambitious king is actually attacking the merchant-republic right now if I remember correctly.

I might not
>>
>>32624560

That's probably one of the better plans. Good for us we have enough of a navy to provide support to the old king in the north without having to travel through the Merchants or Ambitious.

His hurdled still exists though. The careful dealing of the royality thing.
>>
>>32624564
Gnome and Undine may have a rough and probably quite inaccurate description of what they expect, now that they've seen the place.

They also probably make suggestive sounds as they sit.
>>
>>32624564
>3. Talk to Lynn and Sala
>>
>>32624624
this actually might give us the opportunity we need. We let the merchants take some beating, then come to their rescue in a deal that favors us. we appear as heroes to their people for saving them, but we don't upset vitria.

Also, we could just say "surrender peacefully or we conquer you" to merchants with no wheeling and dealing. this would stop any vitria (and sarah) upsetting deal from occuring. although we would certainly be less popular there at first.

Oh, speaking of troop levi. what about the local vitrian nobles and their armies?
>>
>>32624564
Lynn and Sala. Dragon Waifu has been a bit neglected as of late.
>>
>>32624560
I like this plan
>>
>>32624691
>Also, we could just say "surrender peacefully or we conquer you" to merchants with no wheeling and dealing. this would stop any vitria (and sarah) upsetting deal from occuring. although we would certainly be less popular there at first.

See:

>>32624410
>>32624350
>>
>>32624564
>2. Talk to Mal, Vad and Finn

Need to talk to our bros.
>>
>>32624714
>has been a bit neglected as of late

Any chance for forging a magic artifact drawing power from lots of sex?
>>
>>32624564
> 1 Talk to Gnome and Undine
>>
>>32624560
He wants to invade but he doesn't have the power to risk it all.
>>
>>32624564
>3. Talk to Lynn and Sala
undine did kick them out last night.

>>32624735
I think gaining new waifus is a way for talon to replenish his FR pool
>>
>>32624758
"Fucking Romance" pool?
>>
>>32624564
>3. Talk to Lynn and Sala
>>
>>32624560
stirring up nationalism in the public and then conquering them is actually going to work against us.
its better to focus on the top nobles instead
>>
>>32624747
>>32624624
Yeah, I'm not 100% sure what the situation is currently. If he is already attacking / raiding them, our job is easier. If not, then we need to prompt him in that direction by influencing his closest advisers and generals.

Blackmail, bribes, whatever it takes. If his top people are saying he should attack the merchants, it's fairly likely he will.
>>
>>32624769
Nah still Fuck Reality. He just gains points by giving reality shattering orgasms.
>>
>>32624493
>summon blackwater

I lost it. Dear god that was great.
>>
>>32624769
>Fuck reality points
>Talon literally makes love to reality

>>32624350
>The merchants leave the country and take their money with them
this reminds me, the idea did come about of enticing some of the merchants to relocate to vitria.
>>
>>32624606
>Slyvan
>Princess
>No merce.
>>
>>32624815

The problem is that weakens the economic standing of the merchant-republic, which will also be a part of the empire.
>>
>>32624815
>>32624800

Oh, well then mindbreaking orgasm artifacts should be easy.
>>
>>32624815
>Fuck reality points
>Fucking reality

Now we know how to get more points back at least. We need to gently molest reality until it gives in.
>>
>>32624861

>>32624564
4: Softly rub fingers over wall, and tweak protrusions.
>>
>>32624903
You make sweet, sweet love to the wall. Nothing happens apart from your party suddenly thinking you're crazy and some chafing. You will be extremely uncomfortable for the upcoming fights.

Post is almost done.
>>
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>>32624933
>>
>>32624933
We bask in their fear and adoration of our supple sanity, and revel in the delicious feeling of shame we have whipped up.
>>
>>32624933

God damn this thread is making me laugh so hard tonight.

>Blame all of the voices in your head talking about fucking reality and how best to deal with Termina.
>>
>>32624933
>-2 to all future stat and save rolls
+1 to all astral power rolls
>>
>>32624933
"Behold my friends! I am Talon bane of walls and destroyer of pipes. I no longer need such old worn out women such as you."
>>
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>3.

“You know, the two of you should mingle more with the others,” you say.

“They’re talking about boring things,” Lynn says. “Gnome wouldn’t even say what’s in the next room.”

“So, Tallie, are you going to be doing an event where familiars fight in your tourney?” Sala asks.

“One is currently planned,” you say cautiously.

“Oooh, so that means I’ll get to fight Gnomey? Right? And maybe Undi? Right?” she asks, a sharp smile on her face.

Lynn pouts. “That means I don’t get to fight them. Gnome always holds back when I duel her – like I’m made of glass.”

“Do you ever beat her?” you ask.

“No,” Lynn says petulantly.

“That’s probably why she’s holding back.”

“So, are you looking forward to being a grandmaster, Lynn?” you ask her.

“I get the feeling it’s going to be a lot of work. Should be fun to fight so many people, though – undine thinks that I’ll be regularly challenged by knights who think they can beat me even after I win the tourney,” she says, a bright smile on her face.

You’d make a comment about that not being a good thing, but you suspect it’d be wasted effort to convince Lynn a fight against a potentially strong opponent is a bad thing.

>Anything in particular to say or ask lynn while I finish up the next scene.
>>
>>32625051

Well it's going to technically be her order. Has she thought of a name?
>>
The order of the wing
The order of the griffin
The Talon order (get it?)
The order of the wall
>>
>>32625051
Ask her which is her favourite hole to get fucked in, what she thinks of kitsunes and then ask her has she had any ideas about how she's going to organize it/arrange it blah blah. Just, see what she plans for her Order once she takes command.
>>
>>32625051
Tempted to ask her what she rates as the odds of a dragon showing up. Just to be sure.
>>
>>32625150

I'd laugh if her father showed up.

Actually. Can she invite him? Assuming he has an unassuming human form. Just to watch his little girl beat the hell out of people.
>>
>>32625051
>“I get the feeling it’s going to be a lot of work. Should be fun to fight so many people, though – undine thinks that I’ll be regularly challenged by knights who think they can beat me even after I win the tourney,” she says, a bright smile on her face.
this sounds awesome actually. fun, hilarious, puts those guys in their place... probably gets her a LOT of suitors too (those very same knights). they are gonna be so jealous of talon.
plus its good for her in terms of practice and getting stronger
>>
>>32625150
she is a dragon
>>
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>>32625122
One of these is not like the others.

>what she thinks of kitsunes
"Their tails are really fluffy," she says, not sure what you're really asking her about.

>see what she plans for her Order once she takes command
"Um, not much, I guess. I'll have to make sure they're all excellent warriors so they can help you in battle - there's no point to a royal order of knights that can't fight alongside their ruler."

>>32625082
"Not really. I'm not good with names."

>>32625150
"If I don't tell him, probably none. I don't think he pays any attention to what's normally happening. Do you, uh, want me to tell him? I'm not sure that would be a good idea, though."
>>
>>32625051

Ask her whether she's still comfortable revealing her dragon nature to Vad and now Finn. She might have to tap in those powers before we claim the PoP
>>
>>32625051
>I’ll be regularly challenged by knights who think they can beat me even after I win the tourney,” she says, a bright smile on her face.

muh heart, Lyn is so adorable!
>>
>>32625235
>"Not really. I'm not good with names."

Damn it Lynn don't put this evil on us, we're running dry on good ones.
>>
>>32625051
Ask em what their favorite food is.
>>
>>32625249

Actually, is there a reason why we didn't reveal her dragon nature to Vad?

She said earlier that she was comfortable with it and Vad's been a pretty stand up guy so far. He likes Lynn so he wouldn't do anything to endanger her
>>
>>32625235
>"Their tails are really fluffy," she says
That's it, that's her weakness. We need to rub a fluffy tail in her face during sex so we can get some more FR points back.
>>
>>32625275

"Talon's Super Strong Knights"

Our egotism only grows...
>>
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>>32625249
"Um, I'm willing to if it's necessary. I'm pretty comfortable with Vad and you trust Tarfinn so I trust him, too."
>>
>>32625051
OH, ask her to start thinking of enchantments and a style of armor she would like. So we can start looking into it.

Royal guard needs good armor
>>
Names?
>The Order of Knights
>The Knights
>Knights
>Nights
I got a good feeling about that last one guys.
>>
>>32625235
>I don't think he pays any attention to what's normally happening.

I imagined this giant ass dragon just sleeping on his mountain only occasionally getting up to wreck some shit and when it's his daughters birthday. Otherwise fuck the world I'm a dragon I don't give a fuck.
>>
>>32625326

Oh yeah that's a good one. She might not even know we're going to do that for her.
>>
>>32625253
i know, right
>>
>>32625322
"The Talons"

>>32625327
no wait!
Night Talons!
>>
>>32625322

I mean if we really want to be egotistical jackass we called it The Order of the (Adjective) Dragon. Pretty much saying the Dragon serves the Griffon.
>>
>>32625235
>I'm not sure that would be a good idea, though
probably not the best idea, would be funny though
>>
>>32625235
Ask her if she'd cheat on us.
>>
>>32625442

Anon, pls
>>
>>32625410
"The Dragon's Talon" perhaps?
>>
>>32625235
>I'm not sure that would be a good idea, though.

>Aspirational thinly hiding his fear we'll diplomacy the fuck out of him the first time we meet him

You can't run from it forever.
>>
>>32625482

>Nat 1

ohgodeverythingsonfirepleasemakeitstop
>>
>>32625482
>>32625492
Yeah... we need to get busy with reality before that happens.
>>
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>>32625326
She nods vigorously. "Okay, I will. This should be fun."

>First hurdle

Gnome leads all of you into the next room and you find yourself on a large platform overlooking an enormous multi-level room – your platform stretches along the edges of the room to allow you to view the entire room. Numerous platforms, with runes inscribed on them or the walls nearby, stand in the room. At the very bottom is a rune-encrusted door that is glowing with red light. In the centre of that floor, inside an alcove surrounded by wide arches, is a small crystal in some sort of mechanism. In front of it stands an immobile suit of armour, legs spread as it holds its sword point-down towards the floor. You’re certain it’s not a mere decoration but cannot sense any magic at all emanating from it.

The path to the bottom is clear – you would need to drop to a platform or two, then drop to the floor to get to the door or that strange mechanism. The runes appear to form crude circles and you sense magic lingering in them. The bricks also look slightly odd at times, breaking from regular intervals and laying at seemingly random points, and occasionally holes can be seen in the walls. Most likely the path to the bottom is more a gauntlet than a jaunt, lined with magical and mechanical traps.

“This used to be a sport for mages, when it was first constructed. The runes generate summons once somebody enters the room, the floors and walls and lined with mechanical traps and the door can only be opened by removing the crystal at the bottom from the alcove it sits in. The alcove itself is a deadzone for magic – all magical energy that attempts to pass its threshold gets pulled into a huge battery underneath the room which powers the runes. The guard is a pattern which generates its own energy and can reconstruct itself in seconds.”

>continued
>>
>>32625442
>>32625453

What if she cheats on you because you asked her just to show that she can and then you get a big NTR scene where you leave depressed?
>>
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>>32625507
You stare at Gnome as she finishes, before latching onto something, “Sport, right? That means they wouldn’t try to kill the competitors?”

“That’s right,” she says and you grin. “Except a century or so later a rogue magister came down here and appropriated it for himself – now everything is exceedingly lethal.”

Well, shit, you think. There goes that idea. So you need to get to the bottom, while dozens of summons are being created all around you, walk into an area that cannot be affected by magic and remove a crystal from it while an ancient, unkillable guardian tries to kill you. Oh, and there’s tons of mundane traps that can’t be sensed with magic, too.

“Do you have any ideas of how we can handle it?” you ask, hoping she has some silver bullet.\

She shrugs. “The only thing I can think of is that you and Vad don’t use sorcery so the deadzone shouldn’t affect you. Getting the crystal out will be hard though – mages used to heavily enchant a hammer to break it free as it’s gripped too tightly to be removed normally.”

“And there’s no way around,” you say, remembering her earlier statement.

“Not to where we’re going, unless you want me to spend a day or so excavating – which might be more dangerous,” Gnome says, giving you a grimace. “It used to take five magisters to beat this, though they were oriented around time. Now that it’s lethal, we’ll need to be careful and have a plan of some sort.”

>Discussion time

Ask any questions and take advice from people if necessary.

The idea is to build a basic plan of attack. Good plans lower DCs or remove dice rolls and vice versa. The plan doesn’t need to be excessively detailed but detail where it’s useful will make things easier.
>>
>>32625508
this is the most plausible result of such a question
>>
>>32625530

Well we can obviously smash the fuck out of the magical barriers with Astral Barrier Break. Kind of like how we came through the roof of the towers in Hiien.

The mundane traps are a different sort though. Got nothing for those.
>>
>>32625530
Well, can we utilize some sort of looking glass to study for mechanical traps, discern the most expedient path, then like have someone hold off the guard and maybe use some rope to swing a rock into the crystal.
>>
>>32625530

Can't we just astral arrow snipe the crystal out of the mechanism?
>>
>>32625570
>>32625575

Or a regular arrow, or the rope rock swing. We better have brought a ton of rope adventuring.
>>
>>32625530
>unless you want me to spend a day or so excavating

>stopping tunnel guy immediately

I laughed.

The fact that the armor is a pattern though is interesting. Can Mal disrupt its self repeating processes if we break the magic dead zone around it?
>>
>>32625530
Any ideas what the mechanical traps are?
>>
>>32625570
>>32625575
>>32625587

Why don't we just build a small wooden catapult and shoot astral rocks at the crystal?

Fuck fighting, we are going to engineer a solution to this
>>
>>32625598
>Magic dead zone into a battery.

Well, that leaves disconnecting the battery or draining it.

Does Gnome know how long it might take of triggering traps with decoys to drain the battery?
Or if she can just tunnel into it.
>>
>>32625530
that battery undeaneath. can we start by sabotaging it? that would stop power from the other traps, and prevent it sucking us dry in the null zone. also, we have a LOT of power between us and being sucked dry would empower a concerning amount of summons.
Not to mention talon gets enfeebled when sucked dry. and I don't even want to think what it does to familiars
>>
Rolled 13

>>32625598
Being tunnel bro is truly suffering, he didn't even get a chance this time.
Going to sleep. Don't fuck up. Roll included.
>>
>>32625634

Talon and Vad do not use common magic, both Astral as mentioned above, they wouldn't be effected by the dead zone at all.
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>>32625630
>>32625634

Yeah, the battery is a top priority. If we take that out, everything should be a lot easier.

She mentioned that the alcove drains magic, does being underneath the alcove drain magic as well?

inb4tunnelbro
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>>32625618
Depending on where the crystal is, we could try a simple cave-in on it. Might not even have to sacrifice a dwarf.
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>>32625618
We want accuracy anon. We want one of these. Have Mal create magic bolts.
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>>32625543
>>32625508
She might think she also has a harem
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>>32625668
Well to be honest
>magic dead zone
maybe we should try to use regular bolts. Or a fucking sling.
>>
Are the mundane traps in the walls?

Because if we're talking wall darts have Gnome disable the walls without weakening the overall structure would be useful and then we would only have to deal with magical barriers, which Talon has broken with easy before.

Then the dead zone issue.
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>>32625530
>She shrugs. “The only thing I can think of is that you and Vad don’t use sorcery so the deadzone shouldn’t affect you. Getting the crystal out will be hard though – mages used to heavily enchant a hammer to break it free as it’s gripped too tightly to be removed normally.”
Astral arrow the crystal with barrier break?
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>>32625685
How about we just shoot our self in a sling shot and barrier break midflight?
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>>32625685

Can't we enchant the bolts with astral magic? Astral magic should work in there and should take out any protection around the crystal.

Finn and Talon are both excellent archers so accuracy shouldn't be a problem.
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>>32625575
"The mechanism is made of khazunite, if I remember correctly, and the crystal is a modified version of khazit," Gnome explains, mentioning the name of two of the nigh-indestructible metals in the world. "It will withstand anything you throw at it unless you can leverage it properly. I mean, it's theoretically possibly you could break it or the crystal but I wouldn't base a plan around it. Plus, if you break the crystal it's possible that you might need to remove every piece of it from the alcove."

"How did the magisters get it out - it's the size of my head?" you ask, looking closely at it.

"The hammers increased their force when they struck, and they hit it at the bottom to make it pop out the top so they could catch it and move it quickly. Basically, you'll need to apply a lot of force directly to the top or bottom to remove it."

>>32625630
>Does Gnome know how long it might take of triggering traps with decoys to drain the battery?
"If you can destroy the battery without triggering the traps, they'll activate once before running dry. The pattern will still be active and the door will remain sealed as they have different power sources.

"If you trigger the traps, they'll be able to activate a few dozen times - which takes an hour, if I remember right."

>Or if she can just tunnel into it.
"That would be ill-advised. I don't know what magic might be laid into the stone or dirt around us."
>>
>>32625708

We could potentially have Vad sling us using his own Astral abilities and cling onto us with that bubble thing he does.

Aim right at the crystal and smash it to bits. If we miss we'll have broken through all the tough bits and be able to take on the patterns with mundane aid. i.e. Arrows, thrown rocks, thrown ice, etc.
>>
>>32625720

Decoys seem like a fairly conservative way to do this. It would also highlight where the traps are at the very least. Would the decoys generate summons? And would the summons be able to attack us while we stand out of the room?

Slingshotting us seems like maximum risk but it could be a really quick way of getting this done as well.
>>
>>32625649
>>32625630
what if we locate the battery, then repeatedly shoot astral arrows to blow up anything between us and it until we finally reach it and take it out?
>>
>>32625720

Lots of force to the top?

What's the feasibility of rope-to-roof, then dropping a rock and/or rappelling down past the traps?
>>
>>32625331
Pretty much. I can just see Talon shaking his head no no no when she said "Should I tell him."
>>
>>32625720

Alright well it is known Talon is trained in using multiple weapons and Undine and summon up mundane items for us.

Can we have her make a mundane hammer and we'll just have to use or astral empowerment to serve as the enchantments?
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>>32625681
i am ok with it as long as they are all female.
>>
>>32625816
What if they slowly turn into futas, warped by her craving for the D?
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>>32625720
>"The hammers increased their force when they struck, and they hit it at the bottom to make it pop out the top so they could catch it and move it quickly. Basically, you'll need to apply a lot of force directly to the top or bottom to remove it."
blunt astral arrow?
shaped charge astral arrow aimed to not strike it directly but explode underneath it?
>>
>>32625785

Isn't the battery underground? Is there a way we can locate the battery through our astral magic?
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>>32625720
We could get mal to run a distraction for us. He just needs to run around in circles dodging traps while we rush it.
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>>32625751
Sounds good.

>>32625720
Can vad "charge" us up with astral power?
Like could we start charging astral power with his help then do like a Hyper Charging star?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=b3eqpcl2jwQ#t=28 \

Vid related.
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>>32625844
hey, it USED To be non lethal until a previous archmage hacked it to be lethal... any chance we can hack it again to make it non lethal again?
IIRC mal does specialize in enchanting
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>>32625720

We are on page 10 by the way, might want to archive and move on to a new thread if possible.
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>>32625865

>making the prototypical squishy mage the distraction
>not the heavily armored and flight enabled dragongirl

Do you want our best friend to die?
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>>32625866
remember that interacting with other people's astral power is exceeding bad for you.
However, we are pefectly able to take regular power that is just lying there and claim it.
>>
>>32625873
Probably requires maintenance access, would would make this very easy anyway.

Unless there's some remote magic hacking powered by delicious orgasms.
>>
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Blargh, don't know why I was using alcove. Can't think of a better word. The place where the crystal is kept is better thought of as a big stone gazebo in the middle of everything. You've barely got sight of the crystal from where you are, let alone a good angle on it.

Making a new thread shortly.

>>32625701
"All of the mundane traps are lain in the floors and wall. I could likely disable all of those outside the alcove without triggering the runes over the course of an hour."

>>32625634
>that battery undeaneath. can we start by sabotaging it?
"Without getting through? I doubt it. If you could get to the battery, you wouldn't need to solve the puzzle, save for finishing off those stray summons chasing you. That might be possible - it's reinforced stone with magic but Mal and I may be able to work through it. I'm not sure if we could do so at such a distance, however."

>and I don't even want to think what it does to familiars
"Neither myself, Undine, Caitlyn or Salamander should step into that alcove."

>>32625790
>What's the feasibility of rope-to-roof, then dropping a rock and/or rappelling down past the traps?
"The traps will trigger once you leave this platform, including if you hit the roof. It's space-based.

"As for dropping a rock, you would need to breach the roof and that might make the deadzone worse. Or it might remove it entirely. I'm not sure exactly how it works."

>>32625808
That's feasible.
>>
Well here's a thought, can the battery be overcharged?

Sala is proficient in huge burst of magic at once, having her hurl enough fire to overcharge the battery and thus creating a meltdown essentially could be possible.
>>
>>32625908
>You've barely got sight of the crystal from where you are, let alone a good angle on it.
we already know we curve our arrows though, this is a good opportunity to abuse it
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>>32625892
The dragon girl is useful at guarding us. I'm sure the squishy mage could run pretty fast with a dozen traps behind him and he isn't all the useful here so we need to find some use after all.

We should totally say this as a joke before we start our real plan.

>"All of the mundane traps are lain in the floors and wall. I could likely disable all of those outside the alcove without triggering the runes over the course of an hour."

We should do this to be serious.
>>
>>32625894
Oh yeah thats right I forgot. Wonder if he could just channel it around us so we could draw it in or something. Just trying to make sure we bust thru all the traps and the crystal.
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>>32625908
>"Neither myself, Undine, Caitlyn or Salamander should step into that alcove."
>Caitlyn

Since when did Sylph switch places with a league of legends character?!
>>
>>32625918
that would spawn a fuckton of summons before it overcharges though
and assumes it isn't grounded to just disperse the extra energy it can't handle
and will leave sala drained
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>>32625908

Is this plan plausible?

(1) Familars use decoys to disable all the mundane trips
(2) Undine summons a hammer that Talon will empower.
(3) Vad and Talon can run the gaunlet back to back while the familiars and Mal summon decoys to keep the summons off our backs.
(4) Finn and Lynn provide covering fire with arrows
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NEW THREAD
>>32625972

>>32625973
Lynn is a magical being, too, being a dragon.
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>>32625908
>"All of the mundane traps are lain in the floors and wall. I could likely disable all of those outside the alcove without triggering the runes over the course of an hour."

Well I'm all for this occurring then. It'll take a little time but will allow the rest of the group to be on the ground with us should the patterns spill over the dead zone.

Mal can break barriers pretty easily, as can Talon, I assume Vad can punch holes in them if his powers line up with ours.

Also I'm all for the Undine making us a hammer idea. Because different combat flavor and the clear use.
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>>32625963
>channel

Just fucking flood the place. It is now fully dwarf fortress time.
>>
Hasn't Vad been practicing force pushes? That could prove useful here.



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