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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 diplomanced to hell and back. Right now you’re seeing a dragon out of your study.

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

>some housekeeping
1. Next thread is on August 2nd at 6:30pm EDT.
2. This thread will run for as long as necessary to finish the tournament.

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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>>33656980
Current Date and Time: Late night on November 6th, 1952PC

>You have 1 FR point

“Despite your apparent hesitancy, I would appreciate it if you would consider my proposal,” Sylvian says as she stands, obviously finished with you. “You may think better of whatever Fenix and Alyce have offered you but you don’t strike me as the type to only consider the short-term. There’s more to the world and Gauron than just their fracturing empires.”

“There’s other concerns I hold in regards to you. I’m not sure how welcoming you might be to some of those under me,” you say, careful not to reveal that you’re talking about Caitlyn.

Sylvian gives you a sideways look and ceases her movement to the exit. “If you’re talking about your bodyguard then don’t bother. If I had a problem with her I would have dealt with her years ago.”

“You know?”

“I keep close track of Lairos’ activities,” she answers with a sharp smile. “It was trivial to determine the cause of his actions at the time.”

You stand, wary despite her words. Most likely Sylvian wasn’t aware Lynn was here until today so she could just be bluffing.

“Given your history I have my doubts about that,” you say.

Sylvian shakes her head. “Enough damage was done to Gauron over feldragons once. I see no reason to do it again. Particularly not over a girl happy to serve rather than rule. If she were free, like her needlessly destructive father still is, then I might worry. There are other dragons I worry over more.”

You frown at that, processing it slowly as Sylvian gives you a short bow at her waist and begins to leave. Given Tylarne was supposedly the equivalent of a king you suppose that means her worries are alleviated by the fact Lynn is making no such claims. Or maybe there’s something else. That last line, though…

>continued
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>>33657003
Giving you an exasperated look, Sylvian deigns to answer your last question. “Let’s just say that the royal blood of the dragons is still active within some of them. It adds little value to them but it is detectable by other dragons and that fact means that any dragon with enough of it could potentially form a new kingdom. There are typically a few dragons alive at any time capable of this, though none have attempted as such.”

“Why would that worry you? Surely a new draconic kingdom is in your interests?”

“Not if it’s a short-lived kingdom. Amassing so many dragons, most young and weak, would be like sending lambs to the slaughter. There are too many people who would take advantage of an opportunity to slay so many dragons at once if they weren’t protected.”

And with that, Sylvian slips out of the door. Her overwhelming magical presence dims the second she opens the door and then vanishes within moments of her leaving the room. It’s considerably more complex a spell than any that you’ve seen before – most attempts to hide magic are usually very obvious. This was good enough that you weren’t even aware she was there until she wanted you to know. A necessity for her, as you would be able to tell if she was anywhere in the province otherwise – you sincerely hope that other similarly powerful dragons can’t use the same trick. The last thing you want is Lairos popping up in your study with no warning.

>continued
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>>33657038
After calming Karise and several of your knights, who burst into the study as soon as Sylvian left (a spell having warded them out), you decide that you want a bit of calm. In the library you find Caitlyn wearing her nightdress and doing some late night reading. You…

>1. Leave her be.
>2. Ask her what she’s reading.
>3. Talk to her about the tournament.
>4. Talk to her about Sylvian.
>5. Custom
>>
>>33657074
>2. Ask her what she’s reading.

Ah so that is where those Marnn Mountain Dragons got off to. Interesting.

Congratulations on 40+ threads man, glad to be along for the ride.
>>
>>33657074
>>2. Ask her what she’s reading.
>4. Talk to her about Sylvian.
>>
>>33657074
>>2. Ask her what she’s reading.
>>
>>33657074
>4 Talk about sylvian
the best stress relief would be some fluffy tails, but this will be okay
How's that FTB with Taira from last week coming btw?
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>>33657074
>2
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>2 & 4

“I don’t usually expect to find you here doing some reading, Lynn,” you say as you take a seat opposite your bodyguard.

Lynn jumps slightly, almost dropping the book. She wasn’t paying much attention to her surroundings. You catch the title of the book but figure it might not hurt to ask too.

“So, what are you reading?” you ask.

Ignoring the glare you receive in return for the question you wait patiently, your hands resting on top of one another on the desk. Eventually she sighs and puts the book under the table.

“Maloric collected some books on dragons and their sorcery when he was in Ahm,” she says. “I was just reading one of those.”

“That was book about sorcery?”

“No. It was a book about dragons.”

You hide a smile at the answer. You saw enough of the book to recognise that it was almost certainly a fiction book on dragons. It seems to embarrass her a bit that she’s reading it so you drop the topic for now.

“I received an interesting visit from Sylvian, the helldragon from the Mage Guard,” you say, changing the topic abruptly.

Lynn stares at you in shock. “What? When?”

“Just then. She’s apparently known about you since your village was destroyed and has done nothing,” you say.

There’s several long moments before Caitlyn appears to relax, looking surprised. You wait patiently for her to think over what you just said. Instead you busy yourself with the fact that Lynn’s wearing a rather sheer nightdress – not exactly the sort of thing you would expect her to wear around normally.

“So, she’s not concerned about me… or my father?” she asks.

>1. Honest response. Tell her about the servitude comments.
>2. Semi-honest response. Just tell her that she’s not worried about her, just her father.
>3. Lie. Tell her there’s nothing to worry about at all.
>4. Custom
>>
>>33657611
>1. Honest response. Tell her about the servitude comments.
"Literally every word that came out of her mouth made me want to punch her more."
>>
>>33657003
>Lairos
>>
>>33657611
>1. Honest response. Tell her about the servitude comments.

I'm actually super interested in Lynn's opinion on this.
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>>33657611
>>1. Honest response. Tell her about the servitude comments.
No reason we shouldn't trust our loyal bodyguard
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>>33657611
>2. Semi-honest response. Just tell her that she’s not worried about her, just her father.
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>>33657611
>1. Honest response. Tell her about the servitude comments.

Aka, be mine forever.
>>
>>33657611
>1
servitude, with a side of erection, comin' up
>>
>>33657611
In any case it might be wise to warn her that daddy dearest might come in unannounced. We'd better get ready as well..
>So I heard you've deflowered my daughter and you're building an empire..
gif slighty related.
>>
>>33657718
I prefer to think of it as "be informed of what will make you her enemy and be ready if/when you do".
I want her to be mine forever, but not because she is afraid of some threat
>>
>>33657611
1
>>
I suggest we tactfully reword the servitude bit. So rather than saying "She's not worried because you're content with servitude", we say "She's not worried because you haven't made any overt attempts towards establishing your own kingdom."
>>
>>33657611
Hey, I've got a random question: While I know the monk orders don't spread their spiritualist knowledge, could a fox teach a human spiritualist techniques, or are their methods incompatible?

Also, has anyone tried teaching the Darfir spiritualist techniques? I know they can't use sorcery, but spiritualism isn't sorcery.
>>
>>33657979
Nope.
>>
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>>33657687
Hmm? The use of Lairos in Sylvian's comment was intentional.

>1.

“Well, she’s not concerned about you right now,” you say, thinking carefully about how to say this. “She seemed unconcerned by you so long as you were in my service.”

“Oh,” Lynn says, tilting her head in confusion. “That seems strange.”

You shrug. “Judging by some of her other comments about not liking the regular dragons forming a new kingdom I think any concern she might have with you is over empire-building. If we swapped places she might change her opinion.”

“I don’t think we’ll be swapping places any time soon, Talon,” Lynn says with some amusement. “I think Finn would be better suited to lead an army and empire than I would.”

You frown at that. “That’s why I want you as grandmaster. You’ll learn and learn fast. Back to your question – she seems concerned about your father. I think she described him as ‘free and needlessly destructive’ in a rather negative manner.”

Lynn gives you a sharp look as you paraphrase Sylvian’s opinion of her father. There’s several seconds of awkward silence as Lynn seems to be trying to read something from your face that isn’t there. You merely return her inquisitive gaze with placid confusion.

“Um, that’s how she described daddy?” she asks you, her voice slightly nervous.

“That’s right,” you say. “It’s not that surprising given their history.”

“M-Maybe,” she says, shaking her head. “Anyway, it’s good that she’s not a worry for you. I don’t really have any interest in forming my own empire. It seems rather silly to butt heads with you, Talon. Though it might be fun I think I’ll keep that restricted to sparring.”

Lynn gives you a lopsided smile. You decide to move on to…

>1. Ask her for an opinion on Rayza.
>2. Talk to her about becoming grandmaster.
>3. Something about her draconic heritage. <write-in>
>4. Custom
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>>33658063
>1. Ask her for an opinion on Rayza.
>>
>>33658063
>2. Talk to her about becoming grandmaster.

>all that Finn support
Fucking aces, best squire ever.
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>>33658063
>Talk to her about becoming grandmaster.
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>>33658018
>Hey, I've got a random question: While I know the monk orders don't spread their spiritualist knowledge, could a fox teach a human spiritualist techniques, or are their methods incompatible?
The basic concepts of manipulating astral power via spiritual techniques are compatible (the foxes help the monks refine their techniques, for instance) but the foxes use arrays that can only be used with their tails as their techniques. Learning new spiritual techniques from the basic teachings of the foxes would take centuries.

>Also, has anyone tried teaching the Darfir spiritualist techniques? I know they can't use sorcery, but spiritualism isn't sorcery.
Generally, the more magical power they can use the less astral/spiritual power they can use and vice versa. The two don't play well together. For that reason, the fact that the Daerfir have huge reserves of magical energy within them prevent them from ever using spiritual techniques safely. Their body would actively reject any attempt to do so and if they somehow forced it they would probably explode the second they attempted to channel the astral power with a technique (once the power comes in content with the copious amounts of sorcerous energy in their body).
>>
>>33658063
>1 Ask about Rayza
huehue time to hear if finn done goof'd
>>
>>33658063
>1. Ask her for an opinion on Rayza.
>>
>>33658162
Darn. 0 for 2 then.
>>
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>1.

“You’ve got the main event for the next few days and, judging from the seed, the last battle is going to be between you and Rayza Starrn,” you say. “You saw her fighting the other night. What’s your opinion of her?”

Lynn makes a face at the mere mention of Rayza and you hide a look of surprise. You wonder if this relates to Finn in any way.

“I was hoping that the last fight would be between me and some excellent warrior,” she says grumpily. “Instead I have to fight a spellcaster pretending to be a warrior.”

“Spellblades are extremely dangerous, Lynn,” you say, worried that your bodyguard is going to enormously underestimate Rayza. “She’s not pretending to be a warrior – she is one. She’s fast, strong and exceedingly lethal with just her sword. It’s just that she can also throw fireballs and use other magic.”

“She’s not that dangerous with her sword – it’s not exactly very versatile with how thin it is. It’s like a staff in the shape of a sword,” she says.

“”It’s a khazite sword. The shape’s not hugely important as there’s nothing you can do to break it, Lynn,” you say. “I’m serious – I survived Rayza by luck when I fought her years ago and she’s much better now.”

Lynn harrumphs a bit, unhappy with the fact you’re praising her foe. “I know what she’s doing and how she fights. I won’t lose to something like her.”

You sigh. There’s some clear bad blood here. You’re not sure if you should say something more on the topic or just move on.

>Response?
>>
>>33658471
Sspie is the Fuck huge sword and shield combo the only way of fighting that Talon could do? Or is it the best for him?
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>>33658471
"Just don't underestimate her is all I'm saying." and then insert some affectionate and physically intimate gesture here, "I'd prefer you to win."
>>
>>33658582
Works for me
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>>33658471
Move off topic, let her bring out her frustration in battle
>>
>>33658471

>"Think of it this way, greater the foe, greater the victory. Just don't go in there thinking you've already won, remember the first time we met, I learned that first hand. You'll do win, I believe you will, just don't underestimate her."
>>
>>33658640

>*You will win

Words are hard.
>>
>>33658582
If we go with this I'd like to add a joke: "Should I give you some article of clothing to wear as proof of my favor as the noble ladies do with knights?"
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>>33658665
Hah, Talon shows up to the tournament wearing a freaking ascot. Everyone's confused until he gives it to Lynn.
>>
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>>33658526
Talon can use most weaponry with more-or-less equal skill. He sticks to sword-and-board as it's versatile and he's comfortable with it. Lynn is similar for slightly different reasons (natural talent against Talon's experience).

>Quick dragon recap
As it's been ages since dragons have come up I'm going to do a quick recap for those who don't remember the huge lorebin (or never read it).

There's three races of sentient dragon: normal dragons (from whom the royalty is derived), helldragons (Sylvian is one of only two alive) and feldragons (dragons who used magic to modify themselves and make themselves more powerful).

Tylarne was supposedly like a feldragon king and involved in a civil war between feldragons and the dragon royalty that nearly destroyed the race. He was a blue dragon. Lairos is a crazy black feldragon who goes around wrecking shit now. Caitlyn has black wings/tail and claims to be the daughter of Tylarne and a human woman which appears to have resulted in a half-feldragon hybrid rather than a full-blooded dragon (which is what usually happens when dragons mate with humans).

RESPONSE VOTE
>1. Change topic. Let Lynn fight her own battle. You just want her to destress now.
>2. Gentle reminder not to underestimate her before showing some minor physical affection and making a joke about giving her some clothing to show your support.
>3. More emphatic speech about how Lynn can win but musn't underestimate Rayza.
>4. Custom
>>
>>33658727
>2. Gentle reminder not to underestimate her before showing some minor physical affection and making a joke about giving her some clothing to show your support.
>>
>>33658707

Talon rocking a day ascot sounds hysterical.

Watch it catch on and become a popular fashion statement.
>>
>>33658727
2.
>>
>>33658727
>2. Gentle reminder not to underestimate her before showing some minor physical affection and making a joke about giving her some clothing to show your support.
>>
>>33658727
>2. Gentle reminder not to underestimate her before showing some minor physical affection and making a joke about giving her some clothing to show your support.
Who is more stronk a helldragon or a feldragon
>>
>>33658727
>2. Gentle reminder not to underestimate her before showing some minor physical affection and making a joke about giving her some clothing to show your support.
>>
>>33658727

>colors
>Sylvian telling us, "like her needlessly destructive father still is"

Jesus H Christ are we all dense. Tylarne isn't her father is he?
>>
>>33658727
>>2. Gentle reminder not to underestimate her before showing some minor physical affection and making a joke about giving her some clothing to show your support.
>>
>>33658825
You mean Larous. Possibly.
>>
>>33658727
>>33658825
>being spoonfed this much by aspie

Sorry man, you must be tearing your hair out by now
>>
With that attitude, losing here might be good for her.

than again, at the power level these fights have I worry about a loss being fatal
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>>33658750
>Never heard of an ascot
>Googles it
>Comes across this

Thanks for the new headcanon on what Talon looks like
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>>33658825

I think that was a type as Lynn is half black feldragon. Tylarne was a blue feldragon and Larios is a Black feldragon...

Larios is her Dad, not Tylarne....

we said 'Larios' and she said 'Daddy'...
>>
>>33658864
Tylarne was supposedly like a feldragon king and involved in a civil war between feldragons and the dragon royalty that nearly destroyed the race. He was a blue dragon.
>Blue Dragon

Lairos is a crazy black feldragon who goes around wrecking shit now.
>Black Dragon

Caitlyn has black wings/tail and claims to be the daughter of Tylarne
>black features

No I didn't.
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Option 2 has won but...

>>33658825
>Tylarne isn't her father is he?

NEW VOTE
>1. Raise your suspicion about Tylarne not being Lynn's father with her.
>2. Don't bring up your suspicion now. Just stick to the tournament.
>3. Custom

>>33658899
>we said 'Larios' and she said 'Daddy'...
No she didn't. You were mentioning how Sylvian described her father - Sylvian never stated who she believed the father to be.
>>
>>33658825
It was pretty obvious given how the helldragon flat out said "I'm watching Larios closely."

I had a feeling something like that was up when he said to look at the colors of the dragons but I don't think I've ever seen Tylane explained as blue before now.
>>
>>33658945
>2. Don't bring up your suspicion now. Just stick to the tournament.
>>
>>33658945
Still do the original option 2 (ascot), but then come to the realization and
>1
>>
>>33658945
>2. Don't bring up your suspicion now. Just stick to the tournament.

Yeah let's not give her that burden right now.

Great, so now we have to worry about the Black Feldragon of doom and destruction showing up on his daughter's birthday.
>>
>>33658945
>>2. Don't bring up your suspicion now. Just stick to the tournament.

Lets not.
>>
>>33658968
>Tylane explained as blue before now.

That was the only reason I hadn't thought of it before as well.
>>
>>33658968

It actually mentions it in the Lorebin. But it's been such a long time since I've gone in there that it must have slipped my mind.
>>
>>33658945
>2. Don't bring up your suspicion now. Just stick to the tournament.
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>>33659017
Yeah reading the pastebin I always assumed he was a black feldragon. If he is blue and given the other is black it's pretty obvious.
>>
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>>33658968
You already knew that Lairos had destroyed Caitlyn's village. It was brought up in thread 3, IIRC.

And yeah, thread 3. Part of the issue with this subplot is that it's been thirty threads since anything relating to it has been touched. If I'd been smarter I'd have put some more descriptions etc of the actors into the prose earlier.

>Tylane explained as blue before now.
It's been mentioned in the lorebin and a couple of times before around when Lynn brought up her ancestry IIRC (thread 4)

>She looks put out at that and ‘ums’ and ‘ahs’ for a little while before continuing. “Um, he was the first feldragon – the blue dragon who discovered the process in the first place. He’s the only one other than Lairos to still be alive.”
>>
>>33659038
Ah, I get why I didn't notice. The old bins didn't mention it so I never checked when it was updated.
>>
>>33659076
Yeah I done forgot half of the early threads by this point. It is rather interesting though. I had an idea that is what you meant when you said that he color of the dragon is important but when I checked the bin at the time it didn't mention any colors being different and there is no way I'm reading all the threads again for this.
>>
>>33659076

CHARACTER PROGRESSION

It's okay Aspirational, we're all too fixated on Fluffytails and lamenting on our awful rolls to remember that much.
>>
>>33659184
Eh, I remember most of the old threads. reading last time, I was surprised that Talon was attracted to Fenix's scheme. Some of his comments in earlier threads would incline me to believe that he would be rather annoyed by Fenis's explanation.
>>
>>33659233

Out of curiosity, why is that?
>>
>>33659233
Talon likes his Ego being pampered. I play Fenix's charisma.
>>
>>33659233

Actually agreed. I was surprised people actually went for it.

Reading some of the old threads is interesting though. I was reminded of our desire to contact dwarves and get our own MMK design from that earlier this week.
>>
>>33659299
It honestly isn't that bad of a deal and since we already have ties to Alyce we can funnel both. The bigger issue is the culture war it will lead to.
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>>33659153
Well, the only lorebin with Tylarne in it (#3) does mention he is blue...

>2. & 2.

You’re about to give Caitlyn some reassurance when something about her earlier behaviour strikes you. She’d been acting awfully oddly in reaction to Sylvian’s description of her father – you’d initially thought it was a description of Tylarne. Sylvian likely blamed him for the destruction of her race. Lynn’s reaction makes you wonder if that description was of a different dragon.

There was also the colour issue. Caitlyn’s wings and tail were black but Tylarne was a blue dragon according to her. Lairos, on the other hand, was infamously black in colour. You didn’t know if there was any connection between the parent’s colour and the child’s but it was a possible link.

None of this explained why Lairos would have destroyed Lynn’s home village, however. If she was his daughter why would he attempt to kill her? If she were Tylarne’s there was at least the possibility of a grudge between the two dragons.

As Caitlyn looks at you oddly you decide not to bring this suspicion up. Accusing her of lying to you may not be a good idea at this juncture. Especially when you weren’t certain yourself.

You give her a smile, having fallen silent for some time. “Just don’t underestimate her, Caitlyn.”

You reach across the table and give Caitlyn’s shoulder a squeeze and she returns the smile, slight traces of bashfulness in her expression.

“So, do you want me to give you a piece of clothing to show my support for you? Do a slight reversal of the usual approach of the noble lady supporting the knight?” you ask her teasingly.

She gives you a mild glower. “I’m not sure I’d trust you to give me something that wouldn’t be embarrassing.”

“I’m hurt,” you say. “When have I ever given you that idea?”

>continued
>>
>>33659260
Talon, when asked why he was ambitious said that one of the main drivers for his ambition is to give his men something worth dying for. Which, makes sense, given his background as a mercenary general who sent people to die for causes he might have considered stupid. Quote:

>“But I am a man of the earth. My aim is to be an emperor. As for why," you say with a shrug, "a mix of ambition, a desire for a challenge, for the perks, to genuinely help those under my rule and to see that my men die for a decent cause. I've seen far too many die for nothing - almost done it myself on quite a few occasions. I've had entirely enough of that."
Then later he expressed scorn at the idea of conquering shitloads of territory only for it to collapse quickly:

>"To build. I have no desire to only conquer and burn. Those who topple empires only to replace it with a foundation of sand have nothing but my eternal scorn. History may call them great, but I never will.”

The idea that Fenix deliberately sent his men off to die for a lie (IE, royalty), and had no intention of building a solid foundation of his kingdom, that he intended all their sacrifices to be in vain from their perspective, would really, really piss Talon off. Especially since Talon himself sent men, sent friends, off to die in the name of an empire who's king intended for it to come to naught.
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>>33659371
Caitlyn doesn’t rise to the bait and instead rises and heads out. You follow her, particularly as she’s going in the wrong path if she wants to head to her room rather than yours. This is one way to raise her spirits, you guess.

Cleaning up in the morning, and receiving your intelligence report from Karise (much to Caitlyn’s annoyance when the two of you are interrupted), you need to decide where to go for now.

The main event is running over several days. Due to the high use of magic it’s frowned upon to require fighters to fight more than once a day – the last thing you want is for a battle to be decided based on how capable their last opponent was. Far too vulnerable to match rigging and poor seeding. That means the fights today will likely be quite boring. It might still be a good idea to stick around past the opening speech, though.

Alternatively, the summoner event starts today. You initially intended on catching up with Alyce over the combat magic event in two days but this could work, too. Or you could just watch the summons battle.

>1. Watch the main tourney event today.
>2. Watch the summoner event with Alyce.
>3. Watch the summoner event without Alyce.
>4. Custom
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>>33659233
We are attracted to all of the schemes, the major players all seem to have a silver tongue, understandable because how else would they get into power... also because aspir is writing all of them
>>
Well.

We could:
Get the mage and the helldragon to thrash out an agreement, with the hell dragon explaining ex-damn-actly her point and worries.
IF we allied those two to our north, and concentrated on the RISK, we could leave the more stable northern front alone while we conquored south, then when thats done turn right around and march through the mage guard lands. This is of course after we finish with termina. The key would be getting the hell dragon onboard.
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>>33659389
>3. Watch the summoner event without Alyce.
I'm tempted to try to visit the Genedarms actually. Though that's probably mean of me.
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>>33659389
>2
>>
>>33659389
>>2. Watch the summoner event with Alyce.

Just need to watch the finals. And maybe the semi-finals.
>>
>>33659426
I kinda want to kill her though. I disagree with everything she says, and consider her a bit of a bitch.
>>
>>33659389
Watch Caitlyn's fight the the rest of the summoners with Alyce if possible
>>
>>33659451
And?

we have bigger problems than philosophical differences. If we don't bash the continent together sharpish, when the angel comes knocking shit will go south fast.
>>
>>33659389
2. Maybe we could mention off hand that her and Fenix might have some more in common then assumed.
>>
>>33659497
>we have bigger problems than philosophical differences
When the price of her agreement is adopting a philosophy I find abhorrent I'm gonna say no.
>>
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>>33659380
Fenix appeals to Talon's raw desire to be an emperor and hold power. Hence the comments about him appealing to Talon's base desires. He appeals at a fundamental level rather than an intellectual level (which is also why Talon comments about Fenix being a monster).

>The idea that Fenix deliberately sent his men off to die for a lie (IE, royalty), and had no intention of building a solid foundation of his kingdom
This isn't what Fenix said. If anything, what was said appeals to Talon as it's a reflection of his own thoughts at times - the existing nobility are weak and Fenix was actively worknig around that while maknig use of them.

Fenix is a representation of raw power and callousness in his rule and lust for power. That's not completely unappealing to Talon.

>>33659451
That's certainly a visceral reaction.
>>
>>33659380
You realize that Talon is also a very prideful man who when he says "Worth dying for" He pretty much means "Me."

He'd probably be more pissed about it being Fenix who did it and so wastefully in the long term.
>>
>>33659426
>Get the mage and the helldragon to thrash out an agreement, with the hell dragon explaining ex-damn-actly her point and worries.
She is intentionally vague
The agreement basically boils down to giving her the power to veto certain avenues of research and make them banned empire wide. and to leash and contain dangerous powers.
We want vampires? fine to as long they are on a short leash, unacceptable if we let them roam completely free.
Also, as long as we are persuasive enough, and we earned enough of her trust, we could probably convince her to allow an otherwise banned avenue of research.
>>
>>33659514
The mage wants no royal line, the dragon wants limits on high end magic, and the king wants us to conquer his empire.

We placate the mage with a democratic system of some form, placate the dragon with mage collages or university or such, something that is independent of the towers were we can spread the information to be damn cautious and influence future generations of mages and we placate the king by conquering his land.

Everyone wants it their own way, and we all know that is not happening, but it dosent rule out a reasonable compromise.
>>
>>33659522
>You realize that Talon is also a very prideful man who when he says "Worth dying for" He pretty much means "Me."
He means a lot more than that. Or at least, I meant a lot more than that when I typed in the write in initially. Among other things, I meant victory, that his mean could die knowing that their deaths accomplished something more than a meatgrinder stalemate.
>>
>>33659426
>Get the mage and the helldragon to thrash out an agreement, with the hell dragon explaining ex-damn-actly her point and worries.
>Get the mage and helldragon

Fuck son do you know anything about the characters? Alyce (and Fenix) HATE Sylyvian. And absolutely none of the workings and goals of the League and Guard match up, as they seemingly act against one another.
>>
>>33659380
>who's king intended for it to come to naught.
But that isn't true. we didn't know it at the time but fenix's goal wasn't conquest, but social engineering to create a stronger warrior society

Talon thought he was just wasting his men's lives conquering lands he cannot hold. when in fact he was smashing his men against the other nation's men to make both stronger.
>>
>>33659589
They all hat each other yes, but were not going to be able to play everyone and get away with it.
Not without it becoming a super long bloody war on two fronts.
>>
>>33659426
>Get those more powerful than us which we seek to subsume to work out all their problems
Isn't this against our goal of conquering them all?
>>
>>33659635
They admit their way is fractured, failed, and falling apart.

They made the offers because we are the best solution available. Its work with us or go and build from fuck all again.
>>
>>33659389
>>2. Watch the summoner event with Alyce.
>>
>>33659628
>but were not going to be able to play everyone and get away with it.

I honestly disagree with this approach entirely.
>>
>>33659587
>I meant victory, that his mean could die knowing that their deaths accomplished something more than a meatgrinder stalemate.

For him. Which is pretty much the same thing. His ideals.

>>33659426
Too much bad blood here and she would want to limit too much of the league and the likes. Honestly we shouldn't ever really ally with anybody since in the end we plan on taking them over.
>>
>>33659681
Completely opposing interests and the fact now we are a national power and thus have a reputation to deal with means we need to make public announcements, or be judged, either way, every move we make will be known, allying with both and then subsuming at the same time is going to look really damn dodgy from the prospective of those were subsuming, unless we flat out admit to just conquer then,
>>
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>2.

You wish Caitlyn luck, not that she’ll need it, and give the opening speech for the main event. Most of the fights today are rather boring – most of the qualifying thirty-two are average fighters so the seed was simple enough. The more interesting battles will be over the coming days so you feel no regret over instead attending the summoner event.

The frosty look from Alyce when you step into the special stand you invited her to makes you wonder if you’ll regret this invitation. Merce looks unconcerned so you wonder exactly what you’ve done to annoy Alyce. Maybe she found out you looked at her elemental book?

“Did you enjoy your meeting with the bitch-dragon?” Alyce asks, her voice as frosty as her expression.

You raise an eyebrow as you approach, wondering if her mood is in response to the mere presence of Sylvian rather than yourself.

“That’s surprisingly harsh of you,” you say. “I guess I’m right in assuming that everybody in the province felt her.”

“She has a talent at making herself known when she wants to,” Alyce says. “Was she here to threaten you or bribe you?”

>1. Threaten.
>2. Bribe.
>3. Neither.
>4. Custom
>>
>>33659582
>democratic system

Never. Also we honestly don't really know what the archmage really plans.

If anything the only one who has been mostly to the point is fucking Fenix.
>>
>>33659768
"Both."
>>
>>33659768
If you consider 'offering to join in to my empire once i've conquered all her lands 'bribing', then that's what happened in there.
>>
>>33659668
Not exactly
Alyce - her method of having basically a wizard republic is failing as everyone is splitting up their own way now that they are secure enough in their power or undermining her. So she is giving that up in favor of a strong totalitarian government, but retaining her hate for the religious zealots (melathaine), the nobles (RSK), and the luddite inquisitors (Mage Guard).

Fenix's - His plan is working as intended. He was sacrificing people to make the poplace more warlike and stronger. And he views talon as the successor he sought ever since his son was killed. That this plan involves some rebellions and fragmenting is fine since a lot of the changes he wants to make involves stamping those out with the death toll including the undesirables (nobles who view blood purity as more important than purity of character).

Sylvian - She founded the mage guard, but never sought to rule it despite ample opportunity. She does not WANT to be queen, instead setting herself up as chief inquisitor; she views herself as providing a service to the world.
Talon's handling of the vampires has inspired confidence in her, confidence she doesn't have in the current rulers of the mage guard. And she wants to throw in with talon, becoming his chief inquisitor and working together to safeguard the world.
>>
>>33659768
"Both really. She wanted me to become the new mage guard."
>>
>>33659768
>4. Custom

>"Felt like a little bit of both to be honest with you."
>>
>>33659768
Both
>>
>>33659925

Thank you based Anon, I'm so glad someone else wrote this up.
>>
>>33659925
>She does not WANT to be queen
In retrospect, she explained why.
A dragon queen would serve as a beacon for young, impressionable, weak and vulnerable dragons to congregate in one place where they would be easily slaughtered by those who view all dragonkind as enemies
>>
>>33659925
Close, but a few corrections:
>the religious zealots (melathaine), the royalty (RSK), and the luddite inquisitors (Mage Guard).
She's nobility


>And she wants to throw in with talon, becoming his chief inquisitor and working together to safeguard the world.
Deserves noting that she wants us to safeguard the world how she wants it safeguarded, according to her philosophy.
>>
>>33659925
A nice run down. Thank you.
The south will be a controlled fracture, the north will be messy as all hell, but is slower to get there.
As such, the north is the more liable to wait while we deal with the other side. But it'll be a damn hard march once we finish up. The proposal is not to give in, but to deal with the proposals in a piece meal fashion and attempt to keep some faith on which to build.
>>
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>>33659925
Fucckan Based
>>
>>33659991
>She's nobility
So? she was born to noble blood, but her biggest crusade has been to abolish the authoritative power of bloodlines

Also, its worth noting that she is basically the elected president of a republic... one she is ALSO the founder of.
>>
>>33660065
>So? she was born to noble blood, but her biggest crusade has been to abolish the authoritative power of bloodlines
Nope. Nobility is still very much A THING in her empire
>>
>>33660084

Well it's in our Empire as well.

Mage Tower's petitioned to be granted Nobility status in line with Knight Orders, and we granted such.

I think Nobility is a "thing" everywhere. Just how it is defined and used is entirely different.
>>
>>33659925
>That this plan involves some rebellions and fragmenting is fine
Now that I think about he. In his conspiring with talon he explicitly outlined how, if talon joins him, they will intentionally spark some rebellions for the sole purpose of crushing them and destroying the factions involved.
He is a xanathos and he is literally planning out those rebellions in advance. Some of which won't even happen for years to come
>>
>>33660119
Yeah, but it was mentioned specifically that she didn't challenge the power of the noble bloodlines, just the royal ones (most of which she supposedly didn't kill off incidentally.)
>>
>>33660084
>Nobility is still very much A THING in her empire
Actually, it has been explicitly stated that she ran them out of the league.
Any survivors like her, are there on their own merit as powerful mages. (which incidentally, tends to go hand in hand with being born into nobility)

The key is that the right to rule comes not from an inborn noble title, but from achievements as a wizard.
>>
>>33660190
Sorry, but that's just flat out wrong.
>>
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>>33660190
She dethroned the royals. She hardly touched the nobles.

>4. Both

“Both, really. Join with me to protect the world together or I will kill you one day,” you say as you take a seat next to Alyce.

In response to your words, Alyce simply stares at you dumbly for several seconds. It’s a rather cute expression. It’s a shame that you can’t just leave it there but you dispel the likely cause of her confusion.

“Not together like that,” you say. “More of a working relationship.”

Alyce nods at that, her expression turning to normal. “The way you initially said it made me wonder if she made a marriage proposal. So she’s jumping ship, or trying to. I’m not too surprised – her slippage in power in the Mage Guard has been mostly related to its slow descent into a quibbling mass of witch-hunters rather than any loss of face on her part. Sidling up to somebody capable of actual rule, rather than a grouping of zealots, and simply enforcing her own zealotry through him seems more effective.”

“I don’t think you’re a fan of her,” you say.

“She’s literally anti-progress. You can’t just say ‘magic is a tool’ and constrain it to its current uses,” Alyce says, her voice laced with something between passion and disgust. “Active research into new and sometimes dangerous fields is what magic is about. Her approach will cause magic to wither and die and we’ll be left with nothing but magitech that nobody can recreate.”

>continued
>>
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>>33660258
You hide a frown at that. Nothing Sylvian said indicated that her opinion on mages was this harsh. Either Alyce knows more than you or the ideological differences runs very deep. Or both, really. You doubt that a dragon like Sylvian would limit magic to such a degree but to a mage, all but the strictest limits may look like a straitjacket.

“In any case, I didn’t give her a response,” you say, trying to shift away from this topic. “It’s just one of many things to think about.”

“Think hard about it. There’s few people in the world who will work with her,” Alyce says, providing a poorly veiled threat.

>1. Continue on this topic with <write-in>
>2. Shift the topic to the summoner event.
>3. Shift the topic to the possibility of Alyce working with Fenix. She may be alerted by this.
>4. Custom
>>
>>33660258
>She dethroned the royals. She hardly touched the nobles.
what is the difference?
>>
>>33660274
>3. Shift the topic to the possibility of Alyce working with Fenix. She may be alerted by this.
>>
>>33660274
>>2. Shift the topic to the summoner event.

>>33660282
Whats the difference between the kings family and baron bugfuck no where?
>>
>>33660274
not a vote, question.
>3
>She may be alerted by this.
who? what?
>>
>>33660282

Royals are nobles, but most nobles aren't Royals.
>>
>>33660258
>and we’ll be left with nothing but magitech that nobody can recreate.
I can picture it now, an Imperium of ten thousand years 'ruled' by an Emperor long-dead, where progress is a lie, Inquisitors have the authority to obliterate cities and an insane church blares their anti-knowledge philosophy at full-blast.
Magical races are, of course, to be exterminated.
>>
Rolled 14

>>33660274
>>3. Shift the topic to the possibility of Alyce working with Fenix. She may be alerted by this.

Be cool Alyce. We're not hopping through the looking glass yet, just taking a peek.
>>
>>33660274
>2. Shift the topic to the summoner event.

Fuck son I just want some info on those mage's down there. Need to recruit as many as possible.
>>
>>33660327
Not that hard. It's pretty much saying "Hey will you work with the man you've been trying to kill for the past couple of years." She is probably going to be a little alerted by that.
>>
>>33660274
>2. Shift the topic to the summoner event.
>>
>>33660325
>Whats the difference between the kings family and baron bugfuck no where?
the baron of buttfuck nowhere is the 8th son of the third baster of the cousin to the king from 10 generations ago and is currently 267th in line to the throne.
they are all notoriously inbred.
>>
>>33660356
>She is probably going to be a little alerted by that.
I had to look up a dictionary. Apparently "alarmed" is one of the possible (but less often used) definitions of alerted.
>>
>>33660274
>3. Shift the topic to the possibility of Alyce working with Fenix. She may be alerted by this.
>>
>>33660274
How private is this box? I would hate to discuss something as critical and private as #3 where someone can overhear it.

(I am not sure I am even in favor of number 3 at all, but if we do, it needs to be the strictest of secretes)
>>
>>33660274
Maybe we should congratulate her on the success of her anti royalist crusade. We don't think there's a single monarch left who actually gives a damn about their royal bloodline's royalness.
>>
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>>33660380
>Apparently "alarmed" is one of the possible (but less often used) definitions of alerted.
There's slightly different connotations though. Alarmed comes across as more severe than alerted - the former implies she's actively worried, the latter that she'll be merely be more aware and prepared to take action but isn't actively wary.

>>33660422
Nobody outside the box can hear you as they're warded against sound escaping. You have to step up to the very front or outside in order for those outside to hear you.
>>
>>33660274
>3. Shift the topic to the possibility of Alyce working with Fenix. She may be alerted by this.
>>
>>33660456
what about lip reading?

who is currently in the box?
>>
>>33660274
>>2. Shift the topic to the summoner event.
>>
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Contentious vote in a few minutes to decide between options 2 and 3.

>>33660483
>what about lip reading?
No. Plus you're higher up than everybody else.

>who is currently in the box?
You, Undine, Alyce and Mercenie.
>>
Actually why do people want the two powers at war that could crush us easily to get along?
>>
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CONTENTIOUS VOTE

OPTION 1
Talk to Alyce about the possibility of her working together with Fenix. She may be alerted to your possible interest in playing both sides. You will not be overheard by most mundane or magical means (just like the other serious conversations).

OPTION 2
Shift the topic to the summoner event.


Rules for voting are to make a post with a link to this post and the number you are voting for. No other text, no greentexting the number. All informal votes will be discarded. Voting window will be five minutes after the first vote.
>>
>>33660568
We don't need them to get along, just not become our foes when we absorb one.
>>
>>33660602
1
>>
>>33660602
2
>>
>>33660602
1
>>
>>33660602
2
>>
>>33660602
2
>>
>>33660568
We don't, we want Alyce to get along with Fenix.
Their factions apparently won't be obeying them much longer.
>>
>>33660602
2
>>
>>33660602
2

I think we already know the answer. The key thing is making sure we can maintain an outward alliance if we choose to exploit one at a time.
>>
>>33660602
2
>>
>>33660602
1
>>
>>33660602
2
>>
>>33660602
2
>>
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>2.

The political topics seem a little taboo to you after that so you decide to focus more on the actual event you’re ostensibly here to watch.

“You know, I’m surprised that you actually did a summoner event,” Alyce says as the two of you watch a number of relatively mundane summons battle it out below.

“Because it’s looked down upon?” you ask.

“That and most participants wouldn’t be serious researchers,” she says. “Summons and constructs are something that many mages look into in their spare time. A guilty pleasure for some and an amusement for others. Serious summoners are rare and most also have a broader focus, such as your friend, Magister Reegan.”

“There’s a dedicated tower for summoners here in Vitria,” you say.

“And none in Ahm,” she says, giving you a smile. “That should say enough.”

“It says that mages are no less prone to irrational prejudice than others,” you respond, taking a sip of your wine. “Summons have always seemed enormously underutilised.”

Alyce shrugs, not taking your retort personally. “It draws on the same talents as enchantment. Which is also to say that it’s tremendously difficult. Enchantment has been historically considered more useful so disrespect for summoning has been encouraged as a way of directing mages to more useful endeavours.”

“Considered more useful by whom? The rulers?” you say, giving her an inquisitive look.

>continued
>>
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>>33660943
“Mages, too,” Alyce says. “To be honest, I suspect it’s mostly jealousy. Enchantment is a way for specifically talented mages to lend great assistance to others, including other mages. Summoning strengthens only that mage in particular. Constructs and patterns are broader but are so difficult to not be a consideration.”

“In other words, mages with no talent in enchantment want to encourage enchanters to empower them, rather than letting the mages gain their own power from summons,” you sum up.

“That’s my pet theory,” Alyce says. “I’m rather independent of the entire concern as I’m less reliant on enchanted objects than other non-enchanters. My magic is powerful enough that most channeller’s staves and equipment has minimal benefit and my own protective spells are an order of magnitude better than protective equipment.”

You shake your head at the whole mess. You wonder if encouraging summoners might be bothering some other mages. On the other hand, you don’t particularly care – nobody’s going to challenge Maloric over the topic, you feel. There’s no mage in your territory that can hold a candle to him in any of his disciplines, his magister rank notwithstanding.

Speaking of Mal, it’s his turn. His opponent appears to be a grand magister from… the Tower of the Moon.

“Really?” you ask Alyce, who returns a sweet smile.

“As I said, for some mages it’s a guilty pleasure,” she says. You wonder if she brought along the grand magister as a way of testing you and Maloric.

[DC11/16 Opening Summons]

Next post may be slightly delayed.
>>
Rolled 10

>>33660959
>>
Rolled 13

>>33660959
>>
Rolled 6

>>33660959
Come on Mal.
>>
Rolled 13

>>33660959

Come on.
>>
Rolled 5

>>33660959
here we come mal, nat ones on their way
>>
Rolled 2

>>33660959
>>
>>33660972
>>33660990
>>33660995
well, mediocre is better than failing.
>>
>>33660959

I'm incredibly interested in seeing what kind of crazy stuff Mal thinks up. His Hellhorses are fun.

That said, BEAT HIS ASS MAL.
>>
>>33660959
>On the other hand, you don’t particularly care –

Literally fuck those guys. We's got magics to do.

It's so interesting hearing the what the "old guard" thinks and doesn't do. The fact no one has ever gone in depth with Vampire research as we have is incredible on its own. The whole prejudice against summoners even more so. No wonder patterns and constructs are a lost art.
>>
>>33661122
That's one of the nice things about Talon, he's like Genghis Khan in this respect. Does whatever is the most brutally effective thing to do, tradition and established orders be damned.
>>
>>33661122
The real issue with constructs and patterns is lead time. Basically, it takes years to remake, and a certain heldragon will nuke your lab 12 months in. Its one of two things she doesn't like.
>>
>>33661122
>Literally fuck those guys.
lets not, i don't want them as waifus
>>
>>33661178

Mongol horde equivalent when?

We still need to figure out how to make mounted combat relevant dammit.
>>
>>33661281
Patterns or jetbikes, that's how.
We just can't make them yet.
>>
>>33661281
All we gottah do is find them griffons dammit

Either way we win
>>
>>33661281
Mage-Barding. Give them speed, strenght and durability enhacements, and a Massive lance with enough cutting enhancements to make LMK look like tanks.
>>
>>33661307
>jetbikes,

Anon pls, it was ridiculous then, it's ridiculous now.
>>
>>33661329
No, that was the normal bikes.
Jetbikes were a perfectly valid option.
>>
>>33661313
Or we can create them via patterns
>>
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>>33661355
>Normal bikes were ridiculous
>Jetbikes aren't
>My fucking face when
>>
>>33661329
>>33661355
it was neither
it was magictech hover bikes with weapons
>>
>>33661408
Seriously, go back and read the threads, more specifically Aspie's comments.
Bikes were kind of shit, Jetbikes were just hard to make.
>>
>>33661404
Nah mang want mah griffons au naturel

We gon find dat griffon and raise it to be the emperor of all griffons

So it hurts more when the dice kill it
>>
>>33661426

I literally can never see a vote going through to support pouring money into that venture.

Patterns, yes. Whateverbikes, not so much.
>>
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>lower target met

As you watch Maloric and Grand Magister Torphane prepare their initial summons you reflect on the difficulties you and Mal had in designing this event. You had initially wanted to conduct it like the archery tournament with different events for different styles. The problem was that summons were so varied, not just in what the summons were but in terms of the summoner himself.

Focusing on speed meant that most summoners would be using a small number of weaker summons. Except then you’d have somebody like Maloric who could summon a single powerful summon pretty fast and would win without contest. Or you’d end up with the event focusing on powerful summons swamped with hordes of weaker ones.

Essentially, the problem was that breaking down into categories didn’t actually solve the problem of unequal match-ups. There was no good way of determining a summoner’s talent through such a simplistic approach. Instead Mal proposed that each duel would have three phases and the summoner himself would not be involved. What mattered was which summons won.

This first phase was limited to one summon spell that couldn’t take more than a minute to cast. It was intended to avoid battles where the first quarter-hour was nothing but drawing ritual circles and chanting.

No issues with that this round, however. Mal summoned what appeared to be seven plate-armoured scorpions, each the size of a large dog, in about forty seconds. Torphane summoned a rock golem approximately your size in roughly the same time. Not that the appearance mattered much – such short summon times meant they were relatively weak despite their appearances. You remember the fact that Mal’s horses have fire that doesn’t actually exist – it’s possible the appearance is completely wrong.

Mal directs his summons to…

>1. Encircle and assault their opponent from all sides.
>2. Attempt some form of long-range attack.
>3. Charge the golem enmasse.
>4. Custom
>>
>>33661433
I vaguely remeber that still funny
>>
>>33661426
I would love to see this
>>
>>33661447

I keep trying to think of ways we can find them. I thought about asking the Heldragon but given the context of the conversation it seemed inappropriate.

I know Aspirational has said he's still thinking on it but I want it in my life regardless.
>>
Rolled 4

>>33661463
>>1. Encircle and assault their opponent from all sides.
>>
>>33661463
>1. Encircle and assault their opponent from all sides.
>>
>>33661463
>4. Custom

Fly?
>>
>>33661526
Second

I can get behind this
>>
>>33661463
>1. Encircle and assault their opponent from all sides.

Quick strikes and movements. A presumably lower tier summon like that is more strength than finesse and could be tripped up with an ever circling barrage of attacks, that while harmless distract. Once balance is lost a hording charge to take it down would likely finish the job.
>>
>>33661463
>1. Encircle and assault their opponent from all sides.
>>33661526
Plate-armoured scorpions where does that hint at the ability to fly?
>>
>>33661604
"You remember the fact that Mal’s horses have fire that doesn’t actually exist – it’s possible the appearance is completely wrong." That part
>>
>>33661447
remember that elves, fluffy tails, helldragons, felldragons, lynn, and many other creatures are the descendants of artificial magical creations. And that our elemental waifus are all naturally occurring patterns (as far as everyone knows)

I don't think there exists such a thing as a natural gryphon
>>
>>33661639
In that case, might as well make custom be "Do what ever plays to the strength of what you actually created because I don't know what it is you made"
>>
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>>33661604
The plate armor was a ruse
also
>You remember the fact that Mal’s horses have fire that doesn’t actually exist – it’s possible the appearance is completely wrong.

Led me to believe that you can trick someone with the appearance of your summon quite easily
>>
>>33661463
2
>>
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To an extent, your choices will shape the ability of the summon. I was trying to imply that with the choice of a long-range attack when they wouldn't necessarily have one. SO yes, fly was a possible option.

>1.

The little beasts skitter across the field, shredding the grass and dirt beneath them as they move faster than a sprinting mage-knight. Based on your past experiences with Mal’s summons and his philosophy in designing them, the scorpions can probably do three things – move very fast in a straight line with minimal turning ability, withstand top-down blows with their armour and hit hard and fast with their stinger. Mal had once explained to you that the biggest failing of most summoners was that they often included superfluous things in their summons.

A summon didn’t need to breathe. It didn’t need to make sound or communicate in any way. It didn’t need organs or even proper muscle. You weren’t creating a living, breathing creature – you were creating a manifestation of your will. It should do whatever you needed it to do and nothing more. Every extra thing it needed was more time and energy wasted.

Mal had privately confided to you once that it was this thinking that meant he could never create constructs, which were the exact opposite. He had chosen the path of cruel, calculating efficiency in his summons. That led to the path of patterns. The opposite led to constructs.

As the summons surround the rock golem, which stands still and silent, Mal gives the order to attack. You’ll find out shortly which school of thought Torphane sits under.

[DC14/19 Attack]
>>
>>33661659

Well Aspirational has stated that "mythical creatures" exist but are rare or gone.

It could very well exist, we're not quite sure how that works with the more bestial things.
>>
Rolled 1

>>33661797
Here we go scorpimals, time to get smushed
>>
Rolled 12

>>33661797
Poor Mal...
>>
Rolled 4

>>33661797
>>
Rolled 2, 7 = 9

>>33661797
>>
Rolled 10

>>33661845
what have i done
>>
>>33661845
>>33661846
>>33661850

Hysterical.

Welp two rounds to go Mal.
>>
>>33661845
Whelp, round one goes to the competition...
>>
>>33661845
>Golems Confirmed for Master Race
>>
>>33661867
You made Mal look weak (and perhaps slightly incompetent) in public. Not sure how deep Aspirational's political system is but there will probably be some consequences if his performance continues at this level.
>>
>>33661824
>Well Aspirational has stated that "mythical creatures" exist but are rare or gone.
But I am saying that those mythical creatures were never "natural".
>>
>>33661913
As long as we do well in the next rounds it'll seem like this was all a ruse... r-right?
>>
>>33661797
>That led to the path of patterns. The opposite led to constructs.
I am confused now, what is the difference between a pattern and a construct?
>>
>>33661930

And I'm saying we don't actually know if that's true or not, never been confirmed one way or another. I'd offer the theory natural creatures were the basis for the constructs and created races before such a thing was common.
>>
>>33661935
Less ruse as an underestimation of the competition or a failed gambit. It's certainly still salvageable, but this sequence is going to affect Mal's professional reputation...
>>
>>33661992

Talon has taken more blows that has left him borderline dead, hell recently Taira pretty much dismantled him in front of everyone. They didn't stop calling him Imperator. Mal will be fine.
>>
Rolled 20

>>33661797
Rollin' anyway
>>
>>33662052
Meant to quote; >>33662006
>>
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>>33662063
Man I fucking hate this quest sometimes I need liquor
>>
>>33661970
Sounds like the difference is that constructs are fully realized, they have bones and organs and simulate life if not actually havinging something like it. Patterns are essentially holograms, shells of projected power lacking the same level of...structure that you see in constructs.

Make sense?
>>
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>>33661970
I'll see if I can dig up an old post I made about the two. Constructs are detailed creations, animated by magic. Patterns merely have a physical shape that is inhabited by a magical pattern (which determine what it can do).

>Dramatic failure

The scorpions attack with brilliant synchronicity. As all but one charges in you can see how they’ve paired off, each pair slightly lagging behind the other. It will be a series of consecutive blows, fast and numerous enough to overwhelm whatever defences the golem can muster. Most likely the last scorpion is for clean-up.

The first pair whirl around the golem, each taking one side of their immobile foe. Their stingers lash out at the golem as they pass, gouging huge holes deep into their foe. You can see the rock ripple off the golem as it takes damage yet Torphane keeps it stationary and unmoving. The other scorpions move in to take more action as the first two begin to wheel around behind them.

You almost missed it, you think, and you’re certain Mal did. Rock doesn’t ripple.

>continued
>>
>>33662085

I'm busting out the gin now.
>>
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>>33662189
As the last pair of scorpions pulls away, the golem appearing to sag from the damage sustained, it’s clear to the murmuring crowd that something is awry. Torphane’s golem has done nothing and is nearing destruction.

You notice that none of the rock that should have been broken away isn’t on the ground.

Then the golem seems to… flex, almost. It stands slightly taller, stretching its arms and legs out. As it does so, the scorpions appear to respond in sympathy, their stingers cracking under the strain of their own muscles. Then they shatter, the chitin scattering all over the ground. The image of the summon, weakly constructed, shatters as well. Motes of magic rise into the air before vanishing, leaving behind just a thin film of grey slime that the scorpions had picked up from the golem when they attacked. The seventh scorpion, summoned at the same time with the same spell, also vanishes with the others as the binding breaks.

The golem wasn’t made of rock but of some form of jelly. It probably was incapable of serious movement but once attacked it could manipulate the jelly that was spread around.

Mal’s lost the first round but he looks more contemplative than frustrated. He learned something about his opponent then. Plus, he needs to worry about the next two rounds which are the really serious ones.

[DC11/16 Mass Summons]
>>
Rolled 17

>>33662208
First roll of the quest
>>
Rolled 8

>>33662208
16692
>>
Rolled 1

>>33662208
Bad Mal!
>>
Rolled 19

>>33662208

Saving roll
>>
Rolled 3

>>33662208

Go Mal go.
>>
>>33662224
Damn captcha
>>
Rolled 14

>>33662208
time to redeem myself i hope
>>
>>33662215
Welcome friend, please stay so we can milk your rolls until-- >>33662231 happens.
This quest seriously... about to join you >>33662085
>>
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>>33662231
>>33662232
>>
Rolled 10

>>33662231

anon y
>>
Rolled 18

>>33662208
>>
>>33662231
Typical. And I'm pretty sure this is putting us behind schedule with all the rolls anyway.
>>
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>>33662215
Did I do good coach?

>>33662231
...
I quit
>>
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>Patterns v Summons v Constructs

As my lorebin is pretty vague and a tad confusing, I'll see if I can do a very quick summary here (by which I mean a long summary).

Summons are basically creating magical beasts with magic. They use a ton of magical power, usually need a ritual to summon and only last for so long. Simple but effective.

Constructs are essentially building physical parts then imbuing them with magic to create an automaton. They can be upgraded and maintained on the fly as the magic is in their individual parts, not the whole thing.

Patterns are permanent summons. A pattern is basically a blueprint that shows where the logic centre is, how it shovels around magical power, where and what the enchantments are and where the junction points that go into the shell are. A shell is just the physical representation of the pattern, but it also needs to sort of match the pattern itself - if the shell is a suit of armour, you'll want the pattern to have junction points for the strength enchantments on its arms and legs. You then basically build the shell physically before binding a copy of the pattern to the shell (which is why it's called a pattern - it's reproduced en masse). Because the shell is a permanent object, the magic in the pattern is bound to it permanently as part of the ritual (like good barriers in walls).

They're complicated as the only way you can easily work out how to build all of this is via trial and error or somebody else's work. Plus, the pattern bound to the shell can become unstable if the shell changes too much (excessive damage, upgrades etc) - this would vary depending on how good the base pattern's design is. Plus, patterns can technically be unbound from the shell but Mal, an expert on enchantment and disrupting magical flow, doesn't have the slightest clue how you'd do that.
>>
>>33662280
Well, hopefully we'll deal with the Genedarms after the match or something.
>>
>>33662375
I'm looking forward to Sarah's interaction with them the most.
>>
>>33662280

Given the three rounds of Summons was expected, we can assume it was already planned for the night.

>>33662375

You know I never really understood why people wanted to meet them so much, I'm pretty impartial.
>>
>>33662375
>Genedarms

Ok, I'm pretty sure I'm caught up with the quest, but who the hell are these people again?
>>
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>Target not met

The second event is the one with the longest preparation time. Having lost the previous round, Mal has to create his summons before Torphane. He has a half-hour himself to cast no more than three summon spells. The idea is that this is the event where most summoners will summon large numbers of weaker summons. Normally that wouldn’t be a problem for Mal but it appears Torphane’s easy victory has thrown him off.

He spends ten minutes thinking and muttering, obviously trying to invent a new summon to use. That costs him, as only gets two of his spells off and only barely. If he’d been thirty seconds later with his second ritual he would have lost his second batch of summons.

Or summon, in this case. Completely contrary to expectation, Mal has instead summoned individual summons with each spell. Two armoured shells stand as tall as the Archangel Raphael at almost twice your own height. They appear to be suits of armour but nothing connects the pieces of plate apart from air. One holds a spear twice his height and the other a shield as big and broad as himself.

Torphane instead responds with dozens of flying imp-like creatures, their hands glowing in an array of colours. Clearly he’s decided that the way to deal with obviously land-bound summons is to use flyers with ranged attacks.

Mal keeps his summons immobile this time and its Torphane that launches the first assault.

[DC14/19 Defense]
>>
Rolled 7

>>33662474
>>
>>33662291
are any of those involved in the creation of artificial races like helldragons and feldragons? I was under the impression a pattern is
>>
Rolled 12

>>33662474
>>
Rolled 4

>>33662474
>>
>>33662422
>You know I never really understood why people wanted to meet them so much, I'm pretty impartial.
I think its because they seemed pretty interesting, we don't really have any admin people at all, and OP keeps putting them just out of our reach.
>>
Rolled 15

>>33662474
>>
>>33662484

Evoking the name of the Fated One won't help you, anon.
>>
>>33662484
>>33662496
>>33662506

Mal I am so sorry we are failing you.
>>
Rolled 2

>>33662474
Good roll plox
>>
Rolled 2

>>33662474
rollin' just because
>>
>>33662472
Neir's family.
>>33662422
Eh, they're a touchstone to Talon's past. Also, sarah's reaction to another female noble after talon, this one with a history with him, will be... fun.
>>
>>33662507
>we don't really have any admin people at all,

I don't specifically remember any of them being mentioned as "admin people" themselves. Also Aspirational has mentioned that they've been put off because they are 'boring' and he's trying to figure out a way to make them not so. I just don't get it, I'd be fine with never meeting them.
>>
>>33662484
>>33662496
>>33662506

Well, Mal's out of the competition. Might as well congratulate Alyce on her victory.
>>
>>33662601
>I don't specifically remember any of them being mentioned as "admin people" themselves.
They do rule territory.
>>
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Rolled 16

>>33662474
demrolls
>>
>>33662601
It's been mentioned a few times that they do administer various fiefs.
>>
>>33662528
>wrenloft
>fated one
I get it!
>>
So I'm wondering, both our squire and Mal are showing themselves to be much less impressive than expected in this tournament... Is anyone else concerned that our nation's supposed strength is being re-evaluated for the worse? I'm thinking we're losing bargaining strength with some of our neighbors.
>>
>>33662714

What? Our squire kicked ass in the grand melee and placed in the top 4 for the archery competition. That's damn impressive.
>>
>>33662714

>Finn
>less impressive

How fucking high are you Anon?
>>
>>33662601
>I just don't get it, I'd be fine with never meeting them.
I'd personally be pretty unhappy, if only because I stayed up till 5 am last time so I didn't miss them.
>>
>>33662655
So, they would be branded traitors if we poached them from RSK..?
>>
>>33662714
Russia lost a hockey match to Canada in 1972. Doesn't mean any of Europe's hockey teams ever stopped shitting themselves every time they were on the other side of Russians in the rink.
>>
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>Target not met

As you’d expected, Torphane’s imps fly high into the air and unleash a multi-coloured barrage of simple magical missiles. Probably to keep Mal guessing, Torphane has instead gone for the painfully obvious route. You’d been thinking that this was likely to keep Mal out of the game – clearly his recent concentration on enchantment has thrown his game on summons. Particularly because he doesn’t often use them for snap battles like this.

You’re pleasantly surprised by the fact that his constructs appear to still be standing afterwards. Or kneeling. The one with the shield guarded both, though it appears the multi-directional nature of the attack meant that the spear-wielder had taken severe damage. The glow of the imps had vanished, meaning they either needed to recharge or they had lost their ranged ability.

Either way, that means it’s Mal’s turn. Though you don’t know how he’ll fend the imps off.

Mal raises his hand and commands his two summons to…

>1. Respond with their own ranged attacks.
>2. Split up and attempt to sweep up the imps.
>3. Engage in aerial combat.
>4. Custom
>>
>>33662785
Possibly, depends on how we handled it with Fenix.
>>
>>33662714
Probably a little since a tourney is supposed to be a show of strength as well as a gathering etc. At this rate we should probably think of something to give to the foreigner who wins the main event in place of the Grandmaster position. Critstorms and Botchquakes's the death knell of any preplanning.
>>
>>33662827
>3. Engage in aerial combat.
>>
>>33662827
>>1. Respond with their own ranged attacks.

I've got a good feeling about this one.
>>
>>33662737
High? Not so much? Slept in the last two days? Also not so much.

>>33662728
Somehow I'd completely forgotten about the grand melee. Feeling much better about this mess now. Thank you.
>>
>>33662827
>1. Respond with their own ranged attacks.

Seems a good compliment to a solid defense.
>>
>>33662827
>4. Gattai, then engage in aerial combat firing lasers from the shield/pile bunker their weapons fused into.
>>
>>33662827
>3. Engage in aerial combat.

We Gundams now.
>>
>>33662785
Nobility tends to be more complicated than that
>>
>>33662728

Actually 3/4 of our guys were in the Archery competition, and Nier's sister just barely beat our guy.

And technically, Vad and Finn were top 4 in the Grand Melee, even though Vad was all but out by the time Finn was done with that Knight.

All things considered we aren't doing horribly. If anything the crowd might be getting a bit bored, but the main Tourney filled with our guys will fix that right up.
>>
>>33662827
>4. Custom

Combine

I'm just going for Rule of Cool now and trying to have fun with this
>>
>>33662979
Now that sounds like fun.
>>
>>33662979

Yep. Going to have to support this.
>>
>>33662902
>>33662979
For reference, Gattai effectively means combine.
>>
>>33662979
>>33662902
GATTAI?!
>>
>>33663012
>>33662827
Going with this
>>
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>>33663012
I know didn't see that post

its time
>>
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>>33662827
>>33663012
This is either going to go very bad, or very good. I really don't want to find out which it's gonna be.
>>
>>33663165
Clearly it's a high risk, high reward, possibly rule violating gambit.

Expect someone to roll a 1.
>>
>>33663244
Only some*one*?
>>
>>33663244
It ain't failling if you got Style
>>
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>4. GATTAI

You honestly wonder what the hell Mal has been reading lately.

No, seriously, what on Gauron gave him this idea?

You’d thought Mal had gone bonkers when the shield summon punched his arm into the other summon. Then you’d thought maybe they were going to self-destruct when they seemed to both glow with magic.

Then, when the dust settled and there was one four-armed armored summon standing, carrying both the giant shield and spear, you wondered if maybe Mal needed to lay off the books from Pharos. Somehow you knew those would cause trouble.

The crowd, on the other hand, loved it. The damage the imps had done was gone now, completely invalidating Torphane’s initiative. Combined with the lightshow and the never before seen combination ability it appeared the watchers were in love.

As the imps massed and charged the single summon, their ranged attack gone, it instead reared back and hurled its spear directly at the largest mass. As the spear came near them it glowed and, rather than combining with something, actually did explode. That still left half the imps remaining but it became clear that their claws simply lacked the ability to scratch the armor of such a strong summon. If summons didn’t evaporate into magic after death there’d be a rather nasty mess to clean off the ground and the summon’s shield.

Mal and Torphane stand at one victory each and the final round remains. It didn't look good, though - Mal had won from ingenuity and Torphane's dedication to making summons one-trick ponies. His actual performance had been... lacklustre. That wouldn't cut it for the last round.

[DC11/16 Power Summon]
>>
Rolled 13

>>33663347
>>
Rolled 20

>>33663347
>>
Rolled 3

>>33663347
....roll.
>>
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Rolled 8

>>33663347
>>
Rolled 4

>>33663347
>>
Rolled 11

>>33663347
Mal you asshole loving it

cant wait to use a unit of these guys in the next war
>>
>>33663386
we back niggas
>>
>>33663386

FUCK YEAH MAL BRING IT HOME SON

Also that whole update had me in stitches Aspirational, I was laughing so damn hard.
>>
>>33663386
Ok then.
>>
Rolled 9

>>33663347
Rollin' anyway. So what's a dramatic failure? 2?
>>
>>33663386
Beautiful just beautiful
>>
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>>33663386
>>
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Rolled 11

>>33663386
Good motherfucking roll!
>>
>>33663347
>It worked.
>It worked so well we didn't even need a fucking roll.
All of my yes.
>>
>>33663386

>Anon worried about our guys "under performing"

O, Y OF LITTLE FAITH BE GONE.
>>
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>>33663386
Glorious! Well done sir!
"All according to plan, folks love the come from behind win" -Mal his face pic related
>>
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Rolled 1

>>33663386
>>
FUCK YEAH, MAL! PULLING IT TOGETHER WHEN IT FUCKN' COUNTS!
>>
>>33663347
>>33663386

Mal bringing Summoning back

1 Gattai at a time

Shit man imagine it a medium sized group of mages focused on summoning just sending these guys or other summons that instead of dying just gattai.

Fund it

Also he's probably going to get some hot sex later from Neir becuase that was an SSS
>>
>>33663449
I was more happy about this than the 20 myself. 1's and 20's come and go, but a player write in overriding the need to roll is more satisfying in my book.
>>
>>33663564

>we literally just found a way to make summons about overall power not singular

Well isn't that some shit.
>>
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>>33663534
>Dat roll
>mfw
>>
>>33663594
... Shit, you're right. Let's point this out to Alyce to... Rub her nose in it isn't the right phrase. Brag a bit about how we just solved her branding problem.
>>
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Rolled 15

>>33663534
KASHAN WO KOROSE
KASHAN WO KURAE
>>
>>33663594

Our Tower of dedicated summoners are all rock hard right now. Punch combining is the future.
>>
>>33663594
Inb4 groups of mages summon powerfull animals they can ride in to combine together into a bigger summon that they all control, thus becoming power rangers.
>>
>>33663766
>Animals
>Not a trio of vehicles that can combine in different orders to create different summons.
>>
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>>33663696
They are literally on the edge of climax
>>
>long update on a 20

Aw shit son, get ready for over the top insanity.
>>
Rolled 14

That's a rules of nature moment right there.
>>
>>33663766
This will be how we fight dragosn and other big bosses, Mal and a bunch of summon mages make a big suit for us to pilot.
>>
>>33663921

>Talon is able to slap his own abilities onto it
>Iron Body Super Summon

Fucking. Fund. It.
>>
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This actually took a while to determine what to write.

>Exceptional success

The third round was easily the most interesting one. Simultaneous summoning. Thirty minutes for one ritual summoning. This was where the mages showed their ingenuity and talent at creation, rather than their speed or battlefield capability.

Mal has been doing a lot of research lately. You have a feeling that whatever he has planned here is going to be big.

Torphane has his own big plans, as well. He launched into a ritual without hesitation, spreading countless magical catalysts about his magic circle as he spares no expense to best a mere magister. Summoning may be a guilty pleasure for him but a grand magister losing to a magister in any contest is a bad image for them. Fantastic news for the magister, though.

Roaring louder than the crowd’s shouts and cheers is a small red dragon. It’s twice the size of your average wagon and looks almost like the real deal, if you knew what a normal one looked like. Whatever Mal has is going to fall short of that feat.

Except…

Your breath catches in your throat as you see the creature that Mal has reproduced. It seems to glow in the midday sun, like it is covered in gold. Sharp crystal blue eyes, a magnificent fur coat, rear claws extend from its paws and glow with magic. A tail that flickers with lightning. Front feet made of hardened steel and a beak to match, magical fire flickering from its nostrils. Its wings of glowing golden feathers stretch out above it as it rears upwards in a fighting pose just like your banner.

>continued
>>
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>>33663947
A griffin. Mal’s new summon is a damnable griffin. Crazy bastard.

You honestly wonder whether the dragon or the griffin will have more punch.

As the griffin stands on all fours once more, the crowd falls dead silent. This mythical creature hasn’t been seen or heard of in centuries. Mal may not have created the real deal but a summon was still amazingly impressive.

Then the timer rings and the battle starts. Neither the dragon nor the griffin hesitate as their summoners direct them into battle. The griffin…

>1. Grapples directly with the dragon. Its sharp beak will give it the penetrative power over the dragon’s scales.
>2. Engage in aerial hit-and-run tactics. The griffin is most likely faster so it can continually cut down the dragon with its beak and claws.
>3. Have a fire-breathing contest – griffins may not breathe fire but that doesn’t mean the summon can’t.
>4. Custom
>>
>>33663977
>3. Have a fire-breathing contest – griffins may not breathe fire but that doesn’t mean the summon can’t.

My hype levels are so damn high.
>>
>>33663977
>2
>>
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>>33663947
>>33663977
And for posterity.
>>
>>33663977

Talon's dick is incredibly hard right now. Like adamantium mixed with diamons hard

>4. Custom

Explodes into a swarm of Griffons
>>
>>33663977
I'm thinking breathing lightning.
>>
>>33664020

WELP.

Supported.
>>
>>33663977
>3. Have a fire-breathing contest – griffins may not breathe fire but that doesn’t mean the summon can’t.
>>
>>33663977
>>2. Engage in aerial hit-and-run tactics. The griffin is most likely faster so it can continually cut down the dragon with its beak and claws
>>
>>33664020
Accidentally reposted deleting this now
>>
>>33663977
2
>>
>>33664020
>>33664046
That can inhale projected magical energy and exhale it in a concentrated beam.
>>
Mal is best Mage in all of land.

God damn that is cool as shit.
>>
Rolled 16

>>33663977
>>2. Engage in aerial hit-and-run tactics. The griffin is most likely faster so it can continually cut down the dragon with its beak and claws.
>>
>>33663977
2

both summoned flying creatures. aerial battle would be awesome
>>
>>33664020
>>33664046

Flight of the Valkyries immediately came to mind when I read that. Make it happen.
>>
>>33663977
>4 bursts into a swarm of griffons that shoot a combined energy beam a la >>33664046
and >>33664098
oh lawdy we are stylish
>>
>>33663977
>2. Engage in aerial hit-and-run tactics. The griffin is most likely faster so it can continually cut down the dragon with its beak and claws.

As awesome as the split up idea is, Mal has the advantage in single summons so far and besides, it'd be even more impressive if the griffin wrecks the dragon's shit without any unexpected powers.

>>33664098
...though that and the lightning breath sound bad ass too.
>>
>>33663977
>2. Engage in aerial hit-and-run tactics. The griffin is most likely faster so it can continually cut down the dragon with its beak and claws.
>>
Combine 2 with the Multi-Griffon.

Aerial combat, any time a feather is lost it becomes its own mini griffon to support the main.
>>
>>33664219
That does this. >>33664098
>>
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Harrowmont face after this battle
>>
>>33664219
That's an interesting idea. Feathers not only act as ablative armor in that case but also act as a force multiplier. Sounds sufficiently Mal worthy. Combining it with >>33664098
and instead of just coming off with damage we have the feathers absorb magical energy from attacks to make the smaller griffins. Basically the feathers are dormant patterns that upon absorbing enough energy create a "new" summon and can fire out the totality of their magical energy in a beam attack.
>>
>>33664303
Vitria m80 we in vitria also thank god its only 3 rou ds we would've fucked this city a new one... again
>>
>all this crazy rule of cool

We need more magic all the time.
>>
>>33664375
There's a reason why I want to turn Sarah into a combat summoner.
>>
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Summons splitting out into smaller summons is a little too complicated for Mal right now.

>2.

The two summoned magical creatures soar high into the air. The dragon appears a mote faster and projects a blast of blue fire in the griffin’s path as it soars. The air shimmers and wavers around the jet of flame, the sheer heat of it producing sweat on your head even at this distance. Fire hot enough to melt steal, imbued with powerful magic. One jet of that could ruin an entire mass of mage-knights – it’s an indirect demonstration of the sort of power that mages can wield in a battle. Just as you once saw Salamander destroy an entire company of heavy mage-knights so too can you imagine this dragon incinerating foes as it swoops down on them in a strafing run.

Yet the power of the dragon was denied this day as the griffin soars through the fire untouched. The fire flickers harmlessly off the griffin as it soars through the flames. Lightning seems to flicker across its bulk for a moment, gathering in its tail. There’s clearly much more to this griffin than mere muscle and majesty.

The griffin snaps its wings outwards, all four limbs outstretched in a fighting pose as its wings beat strong and consistently behind it. The dragon hangs before it, its wings beating a similar rhythm as it holds itself low and protects its stomach, its hard scales glittering in the sun.

There’s a long pause as the two mages consider the other summon from their ground vantage points. You’re honestly not certain to what extent these two mythical beasts are being controlled by their summoners and how much of it is a raw bestial intelligence. With just one summoner you doubt that they’re not controlling them but to summon such strong summons so quickly… It’s very possible that what will truly decide this battle is how well they can control their summon, not just how powerful it is.

[DC13/18 Combat; DC13/16 Combat]

Roll 2d20 each please.
>>
Rolled 16, 6 = 22

>>33664407
>>
Rolled 6, 10 = 16

>>33664407
>>
Rolled 9, 16 = 25

>>33664407
>>
Rolled 5, 10 = 15

>>33664407
Ahhhhhhh!
>>
>>33664425
>>33664433

Not bad at all
>>
Rolled 17, 5 = 22

>>33664407
>>
>>33664425
>>33664433

Lower, Upper. I'll take it.

>Summons splitting out into smaller summons is a little too complicated for Mal right now.

Dang it. Well get on that Mal.
>>
>>33664400
Imagine if we chose the mage in thread 1 shit would be fucking ridiculous.

Never give us the ability to get creative we probably would've had leveled the continent
>>
>>33664572

We'd be Sylvian's Public Enemy No. 1 by now probably
>>
>>33664596

We'd be invading the fuck out of the Mage Guard by now with our glorious punch summons.
>>
Rolled 17, 16 = 33

>>33664407
Late, but who cares if the rolls are bad...
>>
>>33664572
It would have and I think we'd have a better idea of what we are as well (since it was hinting that the Mage's magic was as close to Astral Power as you can get I wouldn't be surprised if he and the monk were the same as Talon viewed through a different lens.

I'm happy with Talon though, because Leadership and Charisma, aw yeah.
>>
>>33664623
Where were you earlier!?
>>
>>33664657
True. I sorta like how Talon's promiscuity has become a running gag.
>>
>>33664657

The mage was a Transmutation specialist. Finn has limited knowledge of the magic, and it is a rare field with a LOT of power.
>>
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Having a bit of a case of writer's block. Hoping to put the next post out ASAP to finish this event but not sure exactly how soon.
>>
>>33664757
It's okay take as much time as you need man!
>>
Rolled 8, 18 = 26

>>33664757
Take your time! Your long, action packed posts are why you're best QM! That, and the smut.
>>
>>33664757
>inb4 Taira squishes them both and declares Foxes the superior legendary beast.
>>
>>33664757
This has been a badass thread aspie, like >>33664775
said, we'll wait for ya
>>
>>33664757
Maybe a snarky quip about Mal "beating Alice's time" to grand magister?
>>
>>33664806

That actually brings up an interesting point. I wonder what the Griffin's power level is, dat 20.
>>
>>33664806
Forgot to add the part where she picks up Talon as her prize and runs off, otherwise I like it.
>>
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>>33664757
Don't worry about it you write at light speeds as it is anyway

At this point I'd be okay with a simplified version of it anyways
>>
>>33664710
Finn doesn't have it at all
Mercenie is a transmuter
and the guy who invented enchantment sorcery (humanity's main magic discipline and what mal is using) was a transmuter himself and that guy is probably the most powerful being in the setting's history. way stronger than the arch angels or the three lords
>>
>>33664862
Must. Resist. Horrible. Joke.. .ITS ITS GAH! ITS level 20!
>>
>>33664862
Maybe a bit higher than Cornafax? (Or however you spell our Chimera guard's name). I imagine it's up there but it'd probably fall to one of our heavier hitters. Hopefully not without a fight though.
>>
>>33664883
>http://pastebin.com/whVL5VjQ
>Improvised Transmutation I

From his Character Sheet. He technically does.
>>
>>33664883
Most powerful that we know of.
I'm certain there's stronger somewhere.
>>
>>33664800
I do like the smut....Still waiting for the fluffy tails to be done...
>>
>>33664931

Corrfax.

And maybe a bit more, bit since the Griffin is just a summon it would still be limited at best and eventually fall once it (and Mal) are spent.
>>
Fuck, just realized, summoners can beat anything with preptime right?
They're batman
>>
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Okay, I think I've sorted my writer's block. Turns out I suck at combat writing where I'm not writing stream of consciousness style. Post in 15 minutes.

>>33664931
Corrfax is considerably more powerful than this summon. This is an excellent summon but Corrfax is a pretty damned powerful (strong enough to probably match Gnome or Undine currently).

>>33664987
Finn's comes first. Should be done tomorrow, I hope. Then I'll work on Taira's.

>>33664883
Never compare Kushan to any other mage, period.
>>
So while we wait, I've been thinking about the whole Felix situation. I was wondering, if he's as skilled as the masters of the Knightly orders, as I recall being mentioned before, does he have the equipment to match? I also like the idea of having Felix power up through his own efforts if possible, since I think a handout will only backfire if it's anything more than helping him get better gear. Maybe we can send him and his comrades on a quest? We're the Emperor now, gotta give the adventuring parties things to defeat in the name of the Empire and all that. It would also appeal to his ideals as a Knight I think. He wants to be like the knights of old, questing to fell evil and carve his name in history so he be enthusiastic about the idea if we can get a worthwhile target to point him towards.
>>
>>33665016
Wouldn't Batman rely on magitech instead of summons? A summoner could always summon him though, assuming OP let's us break into an unrelated mythos.
>>
>>33665116

We bought some fancy equipment for him in the Magi League City.

Didn't we?
>>
>>33665108
>(strong enough to probably match Gnome or Undine currently).

Oh damn son. Though this is restricted by his need to be within range of a PoP or the Source I'd assume?
>>
>>33665108
Man we really hit pay dirt with that PoP. Got two straight up imba characters in one delve. I hope we get to see Corrfax wreck some enemies one day.

>>33665153
I recall getting the swords for all of our Royal Guard but I don't think we got armor or anything like that for him. May be wrong.
>>
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>>33665116
>Felix after a couple of years adventuring
>>
>>33664936
well that is new. damn impressive too. little finny is full of surprises
>>
>>33665116
That is a good point. Ramp up his power-levels independent of ours. If he's stuck as our tagalong, he's going to either die or never level up because we're just too OP.
>>
>>33665353

He's had in since the beginning his first combat experience with us in maze in Ahm he used it on his arrows constantly. Also where his fire and lightning come from.
>>
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>Combat 1: Lower target met; 16, 6, 9

Your wings beat in the air behind you, your claws outstretched as you consider your foe. The dragon glares at you, a mixture of bestial intelligence and the cold callousness of its summoner reflected in its eyes. It seems to have a permanent snarl on its face, further warped by the shimmering of the air around it from the heat it exudes. It hangs below you, carefully guarding its more vulnerable underbelly. Trying to strike at the vulnerable area will invite a quick riposte from those razor sharp claws.

There’s no victory for slackers in this battle so you snap your arms and legs backwards in rhythm with a hard beat of your wings. Twin forces, magical and physical, propel you forwards as trails of fire and lightning echo in your wake. The air ruffles your feathers as you close the distance between you and your scaly opponent faster than he can blink. As the dragon attempts to roll to one side and swipe you with his claws you beat your wings and defeat his efforts with your own roll.

Your beak glows with a visceral orange fire which blends with the blood red scales as you shred the dragon’s neck. A bestial roar echoes in your ears as the dragon reacts to your harsh blow. Another beat of your wings pushes you downwards, spinning around so that your claws and slash at the dragon. It kicks away from you with a beat of its own wings, its head rearing back to send another jet of flame your way. Perhaps it feels its lured you into a trap.

Such a foolish thought.

>continued
>>
>>33665406
Yeah, if he can get up to Vad or early Lyn levels of strength then we can power level him at a PoP or in other major sorties. We could also consider legitimizing his Order if we haven't done so already and just make an order of questing knights to go out and reign in dangers to the realm and people.

>>33665353
Now we just need to teach him how to avoid getting shorn in twain every time he enters melee and he'll be a right proper monster.
>>
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>>33665529
>Combat 2: Higher target met; 6, 10, 16

Fire so hot that it should turn you into a pile of ash and liquid steel fills your world. Yet the magic within you keeps it at bay, lightning arcing around you as it redirects the magic around you harmlessly. Such is the fate of magically imbued fire – the magic leaves it vulnerable to control by another source and the power of your master in channelling magic will not be denied, not even through a puppet such as yourself.

You burst out from the jet of flame, the cheers of the crowd greeting you as you return to reality. You catch the slight widening of the dragon’s eyes as it realises that you’re on a direct collision course. Yet you’re moving too fast for it to react – a mere lizard cannot match the might of a great griffin.

Fire turns to lightning as your master activates your true power, drawing on your reserves to the limit. Your beak snaps into the dragon’s neck and before it can roar in pain your own power rolls forward into this world. Lightning roars from your beak as your entire body stands on end, form your tail to your glowing steel beak. The dragon lets out a strangled scream of pain as lightning arcs throughout its body. The very air around it glows white from the sheer power being emitted.

>continued
>>
>>33665497
He's only weakness would probably be his maturity sans life draining tattos
>>
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>>33665545
Or at least, that’s what you think the griffin was thinking. You watch as the dragon vanishes into nothingness, Mal’s summon having obliterated it with that last blast. The griffin, too, vanishes into nothing seconds later. The gap is long enough for Mal to be declared the winner but it’s apparent to all that this was more of a draw. It’s a great boon for Mal’s reputation to win like this but it saves face for Torphane.

And for Alyce, you realise as you look at her slightly pained face. From her expression it’s clear she intended for Torphane to put you and Mal in your place a bit. Perhaps a reminder that her mages were superior to yours? A small bit of pride from the greatest mage. It warmed your heart a bit to know that mage had performed beyond her expectations. You just had to hope that she didn’t try to poach him.

>What to say to Alyce, if anything?
>>
>>33665579
"Is Mal awesome or awesome?"
>>
>>33665579
"I can say with no ego: Mal is as great at magic as I am at conquering."
>>
>>33665579
"To bad about Trophane but Mal always has been a very talented summoner."
>>
>>33665579
Disappointed?
>>
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>>33665579
Just give her the old JestStream smile

use a little astral power to make our teeth shine
>>
>>33665579
"This reminds me of when I took Vitra, those troops never stood a chance against his summons."
>>
>>33665579

>"I expect to hear about the construction of a summoner Tower in Ahm within a fortnight."
>>
>>33665668
True. I immagine Mal's currently tied for second in terms of raw talent/potential of every mage Talon has ever met.
>>
>>33665579
"Well fought, I honestly hadn't expected Mal to meet such a formidable opponent in this event. The mages of the League- no your mages Alyce, certainly live up to their reputation. I'm lucky to have a man as capable as Mal at my side... don't ever tell him I said that though. His frail body couldn't stand the weight of his swelled head."
>>
>>33665579
>You just had to hope that she didn’t try to poach him.
No concerns there, we spoke with mal about her and the magi league before.
>>
Rolled 15

>>33665752
>>33665579

This guys seems to know what he's doing. Supportan'.
>>
Can we NOT say something cheesy or insulting?

I really don't think that there is anything that needs saying here
I go with >>33665700 idea of a shit eating grin.
>>
>>33665579
Damn, we really should have put a small side bet on this match.
>>
>>33665800
Implying a shit eating grin isn't super cheesy.
>>
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VOTE
>1. Compliment the League's mages while still supporting Mal's victory.
>2. Give Alyce a shit-eating grin but say nothing.
>3. Openly compliment Mal and his performance.
>4. Custom
>>
>>33665865
>>1. Compliment the League's mages while still supporting Mal's victory.

2 and 3 are tempting though
>>
>>33665865
>1. Compliment the League's mages while still supporting Mal's victory.
>>
>>33665579
Mutter something to the effect of "Well, Mal's going to be insufferable now. More insufferable than usual at least." Then change the subject. Maybe send a basket of Taira's pastries as a consolation praise to the guy Mal defeated later.
>>
>>33665865
>3. Openly compliment Mal and his performance.
>>
>>33665865
1
>>
>>33665865
>\>1. Compliment the League's mages while still supporting Mal's victory.
>>
>>33665865
>3. Openly compliment Mal and his performance.
>>
>>33665865
>2. Give Alyce a shit-eating grin but say nothing.
>>
>>33665865
2
>>
>>33665865
>4. Custom

Sticking with my grumbling about Mal being insufferable as a result of his victory. Then express our amazement at the skill of both participants, especially given that one was a hobbyist.
>>
>>33665950
I don't think it's possible for Talon to /not/ grumble about Mal when complementing him. It's part of their appended Bro Code to constantly take shots at the others ego while supporting them when it counts.
>>
>>33665865
> 2
No words only grins
>>
>>33665865
2
>>
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>1.

“I will admit that I didn’t expect any mage to come close to Mal in this event,” you say, resisting the urge to rub the victory in Alyce’s face. “Given Torphane only practices his summoning on the side it’s amazing that he was able to so easily match Mal. He’s an impressive mage, to be sure.”

Alyce gives you an odd look at that. “I’m not sure if you’re serious about that. It’s still a poor showing for Eric even if he is only a summoner on the side. You-“

Mercenie suddenly interrupts her master, a broad grin on her face. “She’s lying, by the way. Eric Torphane loves his summoning. It’s certainly not something he does on the side.”

Alyce turns bright red, anger glittering in her eyes as she turns on her familiar. “Merce! Is embarrassing me in front of other rulers your new hobby?”

“No, just Talon.”

“What on Gauron has possessed you to do this then?”

“The fact he’s provided great amusement so far. You’re completely terrible at handling his type.”

Alyce glowers at her familiar for several long moments before you clear your throat, drawing her attention back.

“Is that true?” you ask.

Alyce looks rather bashful and refuses to meet your eyes as she answers, “Eric does spend a large amount of his time practicing his summoning. He is, first and foremost, a channeller but…”

“So Maloric just defeated a Grand Magister summoner?” you ask, trying to get Alyce to admit it.

“Effectively,” she says, sighing. “Even if it is a draw in practice it is still a large loss of face. I let Eric participate as I assumed he would win in any contest with Magister Reegan. If two mages who both practiced summoning on the side fought I assumed that the more experienced one would be victorious. It’s usually harder to overcome decades of extra experience.

>continued
>>
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>>33666319
“Mal doesn’t practice summoning on the side, Alyce,” you say. “It was has main discipline. He only started learning enchantment when he became a magister.”

Alyce stares at you, wide-eyed. “I was under the impression that he became a magister because of his talents at channelling.”

“Technically true. Supposedly the Tower of Sacrament did that because they were afraid of formally recognising him as a summoner so instead they recognised his talent at anti-magic,” you say, drawing on old grumblings from Mal about politics in his tower.

“That… explains a fair bit. It doesn’t make my life easier but at least makes me feel a little better about Eric,” she says.

The rest of the summoning tournament passes by relatively quickly, Maloric winning effortlessly. Between him, Torphane and several of the Kassick mages you believe you’ve built a lot more interest in summoning. Now it’s just a matter of advertising your towers’ open support of summoners and you should find yourself with many more mages.

>Main tourney next

I’m running a bit short on time so I’m going to skip to the fight between Rayza and Lynn. I may do some retrospective social stuff in the tournament in the next thread or two instead.

Expect this thread to run for a bit, just like the grand melee one.
>>
>>33666339
No complaints here!
>>
>>33666339
>I’m going to skip to the fight between Rayza and Lynn

Time to sacrifice a quest for the Dice Gods
>>
Rolled 44

>>33666339
Rolling for the dice gods for things to favor us.
>>
>>33666339
While I'd have like to see a few of the notable matches myself that's fine. Looking forward to Lynn showing her stuff.
>>
>>33666339
Fair. As long as it includes a certain noble family.
>>
>>33666414
Oh shit if you're asian.

Oh Shit
>>
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>Rayza v Lynn set-up

The rest of the tournament passes in a bit of a blur. Before you know it it’s time for the final showdown to determine who will, technically, be your grandmaster. Both Caitlyn and Rayza had effortlessly pushed their way to the final battle. Caitlyn had at least put on a nice show when fighting Phrace to make him look good, though. It was impressive to see how far your heavy mage-knight captain had come even if Lynn had to hold back to let him show it off.

Rayza had not been so kind to any of the knights she’d fought, with only Grandmaster Toren being able to force her to be mildly serious. The head of the Golden Bears had managed to break the spellblade’s nose in the fight with a hard punch to the face. It had been the highlight of all the fights and had probably drawn him no small number of recruits, as well as interest in your order once it was announced that he’d accepted the honourary position of being a Master in the Order of the Griffin.

Despite her lack of apparent nerves you still worry about Lynn when you meet briefly with her before the battle.

>What to say to Lynn?
>>
>>33666437
You know, it would be interesting if Perin Blackwater had forcibly turned one of them into a vamp or something. Give them a nice subplot, and give us more reasons to hate the prick.

Not sure why he'd do it though, maybe in response to us spreading how his immortality works? Or because his nose has literally never healed?
>>
>>33666499
"Don't be afraid to go all out. I'll handle the fallout."
>>
>>33666499
Give her an ascot and a shit-eating grin. Bright blue with a golden griffin embroidered on the corner of it.
>>
Rolled 11

>>33666499
>>33666547
>>33666631

Combine! Form of: best response!
>>
>>33666499
Put a hand on her shoulder, look her square in the eyes and simply tell her,"I believe in you, go have fun."
>>
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>>33666547
This is actually something worthy of a vote.

DRAGON VOTE
>1. Tell Lynn that she's free to use her draconic abilities to her fullest if she feels it necessary.
>2. Tell Lynn not to use her draconic abilities no matter what.
>3. Custom
>>
>>33666696
>1. Tell Lynn that she's free to use her draconic abilities to her fullest if she feels it necessary.
>>
>>33666696
>>1. Tell Lynn that she's free to use her draconic abilities to her fullest if she feels it necessary.

Someone tell me if this is dumb
>>
Rolled 15

>>33666696
>>1. Tell Lynn that she's free to use her draconic abilities to her fullest if she feels it necessary.
>>
>>33666696
>1
If Sylvian already knows, I see no reason to not unleash the Curbstomp.
>>
>>33666696
1
>>
>>33666696
>1. Tell Lynn that she's free to use her draconic abilities to her fullest if she feels it necessary.
>>
>>33666696
>2. Tell Lynn not to use her draconic abilities no matter what.
>>
>>33666696
>1. Tell Lynn that she's free to use her draconic abilities to her fullest if she feels it necessary.
>>
>>33666724
People might try to assassinate her. Primarily the Astral Adapts.
>>
>>33666750
They'd be idiots to try. Let them come.
>>
>>33666724
It's dumb
But I never said we were smart!
>>
>>33666724
Her father, the dragon of destruction might come for her.
>>
>>33666724
>Dumb?

Depends on how soon you want to fight her real dad.
>>
>>33666796
Could also freak people out, that we have said spawn of dragon of destruction.
>>
>>33666797
We need more FR points anyways
>>
>>33666696
>>1. Tell Lynn that she's free to use her draconic abilities to her fullest if she feels it necessary.
>>
>>33666796
Why?
>>
>>33666900
Who knows, he destroyed her village. Maybe hes out to kill her since she might threaten his rule or some shit.
>>
>>33666832
let them freak out

finn was afraid we won't openly accept elves, we accepted him openly
foxes were afraid we won't openly accept foxes, we accepted them openly

fuck, we even are going to integrate vampires.
The biggest concern with lynn was sylvanis and she said she doesn't mind.
>>
>>33666949
>Who knows, he destroyed her village. Maybe hes out to kill her since she might threaten his rule or some shit.
Rule of What? He's basically a murder hobo
>>
>>33666696
>1. Tell Lynn that she's free to use her draconic abilities to her fullest if she feels it necessary.
>>
>>33666796
We only suspect that he is maybe her father (meaning she lied about her claim to be the daughter of the fountain of eternity)
And meh, let him come. We have an absurd amount of power localized here and the last feldragon we fought was crippled.
>>
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>1.

You look Caitlyn in the eye, inwardly glad that she hasn’t put on her helmet yet. There’s only one thing you truly need to tell her now and the rest is up to her.

“Caitlyn,” you say seriously, and she returns your gaze, looking uncertain. “This fight isn’t a battle to the death. It’s not even a true determination of who will be my grandmaster – I doubt that Rayza is really interested. This battle only matters to your and her so it is up to you how far you will go.”

Caitlyn is looking at you with even more uncertainty now, unsure of where you’re going with this. You take the opportunity to put your hand on her hand and ruffle her hair slightly, to her annoyance. You much prefer mild frustration on her face than her earlier expression.

“To be frank, Caitlyn, I’m talking about your draconic abilities,” you say, getting to the point. “I suspect you’re hiding their true depth but that’s your choice. What I’m telling you is that if you feel the need to reveal what you are to win this fight then it’s up to you. I will help you deal with whatever comes afterwards.”

>continued
>>
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>>33667001
Caitlyn gives you a nervous smile. “I don’t think it’ll get that bad, Talon. And even if it does, you just said it’s not that serious. I’ll be fine.”

You give her a smile and a short kiss, which turns into a longer one at her insistence. Then you wish her good luck and head back up to your private box. Inside is just your immediate comrades. You had the other rulers go to a different box so that you wouldn’t have to monitor your own conversation. Finn and Taira sit next to you, with Karise and Gnome leaning over the top of your chair. Your other companions have their viewing positions but they’re all here, ready to watch the true final event of the tournament.

This is what it’s all been about.

You step out onto the speaking platform while Rayza and Caitlyn stand at opposite sides of the stadium grounds below you. You keep it short and sweet. What really matters is those two, not you. Your time will come afterwards.

As the battle starts there’s little more than both combatants staring at each other across the dirt grounds. One of them will start this fight, but you don’t know which.

[DC16 Lynn Initiative]
>>
Rolled 4

>>33667016

Lynn strong
>>
Rolled 12

>>33667016
>>
Rolled 8

>>33667016
>>
Rolled 14

>>33667016
>>
Rolled 8

>>33667016
>>
>>33666900
Because her existence in itself is heretical and probably offensive to him since he's all about destruction and in her he created something new? Dunno, dragons seem a little obsessive in this setting, I'm guessing his OCD is what makes him want to take her out.
>>
Rolled 1

>>33667016
>>
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>>33667025
>>33667030
>>33667039
>>
>>33667025
Apparently not.
>>
>>33667045
>dragons seem a little obsessive in this setting, I'm guessing his OCD
oh hahaha
it would be kinda funny if dragons are innately OCD
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>>33667030
Not nearly enough...
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>>33667059
its only an initiative roll, not even actual fighting yet.

Besides, lynn is way too scornful of her opponent's powers, she needs to eat some humble pie
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Remind me, aside from her ties to Alyce, the fact she nearly killed us before and, you know, Go Lynn!, are there any good reasons we wouldn't want Rayza to win the prize?
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>>33667287
She might actually accept the position.
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>>33667287
I keep mixing the two spellblades up.
But I think she is the one from pharos who is on a "student exchange" / "on loan" to the magi league. And might have loyalties there (or maybe that is the other one?). And from an order that hunts "monsters" with some loose definitions of a monster

that being said, if she is serious about joining us she could be tremendously useful. If she loses she probably won't join. If she wins and joins than we still got lynn AND we also have her. So there is some benefit in her winning.
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>>33667287

We also lose face
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>>33667329
No that one was the one who was fighting Vad and forfeited after Finn was defeated. She used a samurai sword.

This is the spellblade that uses a rapier and fought Talon before when he was doing his merc general thing in the RSK.
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>>33667287
Not really. It is just that we wouldn't want someone loyal to another ruler in that position.
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>>33667329
That's moonblade, and she presumably hunts Youkai, which is the weeabese term for literally every supernatural creature (so any magical creature, like elves, foxes, dragons etc...).
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>>33667312
Yeah, aside from her further corrupting our squire I'm trying to figure out if keeping her around in a useful position would actually be a problem.
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>>33667393
Funny thing. I remember it being said that elves are an artificial race.

This reminds me, with all those artificial races around, what is the name for the branch of magic that deals with modifying a race to create a new one?
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So I’m going to do a PoV switch mostly because I learnt earlier that I suck at writing third-person combat otherwise. I find it much easier to write with thoughts than just simple description.

>Target not met

You let out a shuddering breath, the sound echoing in your ears as it’s enhanced in volume and sound by your helmet’s enchantments. You’re not as confident in your victory as you were telling Talon – something had annoyed you about Rayza from the start, more than just her style of fighting. The last few days had worried you more – there was something more about her. Finn and Talon had agreed that there was something off about her magic but both had said she otherwise seemed to be a mage. You wondered what that ‘off’ part was then?

You paid no attention to Talon as he spoke and missed the starting horn. Or you think you missed it. It was hard to tell whether you missed something you didn’t know had or hadn’t happened. You instead just moderated your magic within you, keeping your body tense and your strength at its peak. Rayza was taking as little action as you but you knew from your spars with Talon and Gnome that a powerful opponent could swap from passive to active fast enough to catch you off-guard.

It was likely only that experience that kept you from losing the battle before it truly started. Rayza had been fast before but this was something different. She crossed the stadium in the blink of an eye, so fast that even her magical signature appeared to still be on the other side of the stadium.

That seemed off somehow.

>continued
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>>33667427
Iirc, the only artificial Elves are Daerfir, but I might be wrong.
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>>33667439
Still, you caught her sword on your shield, shifting to your right as her sword glanced off the metal. You’d expected her typical blast of magical to fire off from her sword but instead she merely snapped back and raised her guard. You felt the echoes of magic where she’d struck though. Maybe she’d used an armor-piercing blow of some sort? Your shield was dwarven-made however, which meant such blows were useless.

As Rayza sized you up, her guard raised several metres away, you considered your options quickly. You…

>1. Stay defensive. You’re more heavily armored and her superior speed makes her more able to counter your blows than you are able to land them.
>2. Charge her. She’s light on her feet but a hard blow from your shield charge might take her by surprise.
>3. Engage her in regular combat with your sword. You might not gain any special advantages but this should leave you less open than the other choices while letting you stay on the offensive.
>4. Custom
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NEW THREAD:
>>33667462
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>>33667045
Shit man even dragons got a itch they need scratch I'd thank the giant asshole for Lynn though

Right before we shove a astral arrow right up his ass



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