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The Raiders – Part 33

It is not an ideal position.

Yzia, her size and power increased by an order of magnitude (or more) stands behinds you on her hind legs, her head level with you and the opening into the elven crèche. Her alien presence has blinded the elven ferals, and one of the defenders of the crèche; another has been stunned momentarily by the death of his eidolon, the abrupt and powerful severance of his connection as much affected by Yzia's new found power as by the death of the being. The leader of these has started negotiating for their safety, after you killed an elven priest and incapacitated a skulker who has offered you were-gild for her life and safety, and a handsome one at that. The wizard who is negotiating is receiving disbelieving reaction from the elven warrior who is with her; you suspect it's a play for time.

This suits your own purposes well, since Yzia's outrage at your minor injury earlier has left more than half your Cadre blinded as well; one of them can cope with the issue, but she's Yashi's protector, and Yashi herself is one of the blind. The pit that Yzia's breath has burned into the depths of the Home Tree is deep enough that a fall could kill, and with only two others of your cadre capable of unassisted combat, you're somewhat loathe to leave the others unattended.

It's a flaw you have, it's true.

So playing for time suits you as well as the elves, and if you are lucky your own warriors will recover before the sorceress, leaving you with three enemies to consider – not including those the summoner conjures of course. Of those three, the wizard seems to be in charge, but that doesn't actually mean anything among elvenkind. Their concept of leadership is more a case of who tolerates what by whom rather than skill and power. It makes them u unpredictable, which is fine by you.

Your injuries are healing quickly, they are mostly superficial and the Greater Infernal Healing is working well and quickly. You still have a fair selection of combat spells memorized, and you still have Displacement active, so it is entirely likely that a preemptive strike will go wild. You also have Yzia at your back, and that is far more than a mere equalizer. Siobhan sings a whispering, threatening song of death and pain and blood-lust, which does not help the elves in their nervous state.

The most important thing at this point is preventing the elves from slaying their ferals (though these may be childer – their growth seems near to complete). That they're even thinking of negotiating is interesting; apparently the fact that you were willing to negotiate with the skulker-elf was enough to give them hope that they could negotiate with you. It is also interesting that the wizard seems to believe that you are intent on ransom right from the start. Divination would be how she predicted that, and would explain why they're not all dead already.
>>
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It does not take long or much effort to determine how powerful these elven warriors are. The Arcane Sight reveals most, if not all of their defenses to you, though you're not so foolish as to think that the mages among them did not protect their magics from such easy understanding. Tactically it is in a githyanki's interest to be very open about such things, to deter duels and assassination, while it is more sound to hide such magics when one is at war. The wizard's magics are the most pervasive: Fire Resistance, Shield, Mage Armor, undoubtedly provided by the magical bracers she wears, Barkskin from an amulet, Deflection, clearly carried by a ring, Counterspelling Ring that has Greater Dispel Magic loaded – to prevent you from dispelling her protections, undoubtedly – as well as Stoneskin, Greater Heroism, Acid Immunity, Fickle Winds,, and Globe of Invulnerability from the Staff of Power that she carries, which means no spell of an order lower than Fourth is going to harm anyone near her while she can cast whatever she likes. Her headband increases her intellect and undoubtedly enhances her spells and thought processes, while her boots provide her with stealth and silence.

The warrior's armor and sword are potent with enchantments and power: Flight, Greater Fortification, and Heartening for the armor; Speed, Keenness, and Impact for the sword, which suggests that it is an ancient and named weapon, for it's power is as strong as Siobhan's despite the potency of the enchantments upon it. Like the others, Deflection and Barkskin seem to be standard, while he also as enhanced strength, agility, and fortitude from a belt; his gloves provide him with Tzanzi's talent for snatching missiles from the air, while he has a brooch to protect him from death magics of all sorts. His richly embroidered cape protects him from all sorts of deleterious effects, enhancing his ability to resist them, while one of his rings grants him Regeneration, making him potentially difficult to kill.

The Summoner is almost entirely outfitted similarly to the wizard, save that his armor is enchanted to grant him more stealth and silence, while he bears a Robe of Scintillating Colors, which could be much more valuable if he wasn't worried about causing his allies trouble with it. The rod he carries holds the power of Thunder and Lightning, and is much more potent than most you have seen, likely a named weapon as well. His headband enhances the force of his personality, however, and makes him far more alluring than he would be ordinarily. He also bears a powerful device in his belt pouch: a Cubic Gate. It's aura is nearly overwhelming, but you're talent for understanding magic is far beyond mortals.

And that's not even ego speaking, only a fact.
>>
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The sorceress shows no signs of any power at all, meaning she is quite possibly the most dangerous of all of them. Not one iota or spark of magic seeps from her, despite her glowing eyes and glimmering fingertips. You suspect it is Misdirection rather than an inversion of the Magic Aura spell; she just seethes of magical potential. You're rather pleased she's blind at the moment.

On the other hand, they have no idea what or who they are dealing with, but you'll make sure they never forget.

[] Explain the terms of the Raid that you have been given, and see how they react. Roll 1d20+20 Diplomacy.
[] Guarantee the safety and protection of the ferals and “give your word”. Roll 1d20+15 Bluff with circumstance bonus.
[] Tell them to make Yzia and yourself an offering to provide for the safety and protection of the ferals since you will have to protect them from others of your kind. Roll 1d20+24 Diplomacy with circumstance bonus.
[] They are not in a position to bargain; they will capitulate and then they may attempt to pay the ransom, or they may die and others must pay the ransom. Roll 1d20+31 intimidate with massive circumstance bonuses.
[] You will give no promise. But the ferals are valuable, and damaged goods are worth no ransom. But with one in ten becoming a slave, would they instead make an offering of their own to ensure all of the ferals are returned? Ready your Solar Dragon's Breath and angle it to take out the wizard, the warrior, and the summoner if any of them attack or cast a spell. No rolls required.
[] Write in?
Siobhan is curious as to why this elf is negotiating at all....perhaps something precious is there for her?
>>
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/XsQuestmistress

Pastebin: http://pastebin.com/5H8tWFRe

Previous Thread: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/1901398/

Akko, like all her kind, has a measure of psychic ability. She will simply use most of these powers without prompting, instinctively, when appropriate. Her spells are another matter.
>She is a high ranking Gish, and may give orders to low ranking Knights; mid-ranked Warriors; high ranking Spellcasters, Skulkers, and Murderers; and any Gish lower ranked than herself.
>True Silver Sword: Siobhan
Siobhan offers her opinions and advice on matters when a vote is called for, drawing on Akko's potent intellect and voicing subconscious thoughts for her to consider.
>Current Spell Selection
Slaver Set Enhanced (Marauder) – heavy subdual and mass combat, moderate utility, moderate defense/buffs + a few really destructive spells.

>Current Cadre:
Yzia:Yzia: Ancient Mythic Solar Dragon, lover and companion. She may carry Akko and nine others, being gargantuan.
Falna: Mid-ranked Warrior (Unstable position); Class:Slayer, bound by Oath.
>Silver Sword: Malnae
Yashi: High-ranked Illusionist (Your Spellcaster); Class: Illusionist Wizard, Bound by Oath.
>notSilver Sword: Fehr Vaed
Tzanzi: High-ranked Murderer (First in Command); Class: Pureblade Slayer, Bound by Oath and Friendship.
Auena: Mid-ranked Gish (Yzia's new quarry); Class: Psychic Warrior, Bound by Oath.
Schechei:: Mid-ranked Gish (mated to Falna); Class: Magus, Bound by Oath
>Silver Sword: Tiagothe
Kteine: Mid-ranked Gish (your adoptive daughter and acolyte); Class: Psychic Warrior, bound by Oath
>Silver Sword: Achris

>Akko's Current Supreme Leader
Dunzamn, a Lord Knight with a True Silver Sword (Voorsi), leader of the Raid upon the Elven and Human Kingdoms of Iridaiya and Boggsteading, respectively.
>His dragon companion Jacinth, whose true name is an unknown, and is an ancient creature.

Character Sheet always In Progress: https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1009380

Spell Book: http://pastebin.com/WjH8UfyY
>>
Rolled 2 + 31 (1d20 + 31)

>>1924903
>[] They are not in a position to bargain; they will capitulate and then they may attempt to pay the ransom, or they may die and others must pay the ransom. Roll 1d20+31 intimidate with massive circumstance bonuses.

I want that Princess
>>
Rolled 7 + 20 (1d20 + 20)

>>1924903
>[] Explain the terms of the Raid that you have been given, and see how they react.
>>
Rolled 11, 19, 24, 8, 22, 5, 24, 5, 1, 11, 9, 7, 2, 11, 3, 27, 9, 29, 5, 18 = 250 (20d31)

>>1924903
>>1924910
>[] They are not in a position to bargain; they will capitulate and then they may attempt to pay the ransom, or they may die and others must pay the ransom.

Okay maybe I'll give this a shot instead to stop the deadlock.
>>
Rolled 1 + 31 (1d20 + 31)

>>1925004
And maybe this time I'll actually pay attention to what I'm putting in the dice field.
>>
>>1925006
God fucking damnit
>>
>>1925004
>>1925006
No worries, I've been writiing.,
>>
[X] Explain the terms of the Raid that you have been given, and see how they react. Roll 1d20+20 Diplomacy. 27
[X] They are not in a position to bargain; they will capitulate and then they may attempt to pay the ransom, or they may die and others must pay the ransom. Roll 1d20+31 intimidate with massive circumstance bonuses. 33

You hover before them, about two paces away – an easy movement to engage in full, if needed – but you think you might be able to gain more from this than you would normally be able to do so though standard procedure. True, it may cause issues for others, but they're not here right now, are they?

So, you have surmised that this is not a slaving raid, but a ransom? You are far more clever than your human neighbors. You are right, I am here to steal your young and ransom them back to you, but for every ten captured, one will be retained as a slave.” The malle warrior bristles and he tenses, though he doesn't threaten or brandish his weapon. That could be because the elven wizard is clutching at his wrist though. Oh, she's by no means strong enough to restrain him physically, but he seems quite loyal to her personally, which for these creatures is far more important.

You move slightly closer, and she tenses. The edge of the bubble is right before you; enter it and your spells could be cast through it and out of it, though the lesser spells would be suppressed inside of it. It also means that many of her defenses and protections simply aren't working at all right now. Your own would likely go down too, and that would be dangerous. “Unlike my kith, I prefer to keep my own slave pens; they would not be placed with the general populace. There is also the fact that I will accept one of your number as a slave in place of taking one of the young.” The hope that lights up the wizard's eyes is telling. “Mind you, I am not so stupid as to take one of you four as a slave. No, you will have to consider a more reasonable course of action to ensure the return of all of the youth I take.”

Yzia is laughing inside your mind, and Siobhan's songs turn to a low, threatening croon; neither of them believe for a second that you would hesitate to take what you want, being aware as they are that you are stalling for time.

What would satisfy your needs, monster?” The malle grips his sword tightly, the creak of leather and the shimmer of the blade increasing. His femme companion grips his arm more tightly, but he jerks away, and you bare your spurs in amused threat. “It cannot be so simple as wealth, you possess so much just as you are that it is clear you are wealthy beyond imagining.
>>
You flick your fingers and swipe that hand through the air, a first degree gesture of contempt and a third degree gesture of carelessness, which angers him further. “You would be correct; the things we require of you do not include monetary wealth, though I appreciate such tokens personally.” Swinging Siobhan wide, you gesture around you. “Wood, fibers, cloth, foodstuffs. These interest us greatly. They are not nearly so easily transported as your mewling young can be, and will sustain our own needs. What might cost you hundreds of weapon-weights in gold and silver is priceless to us.

(Akko. The acolytes, spellcaster, and Auena have recovered. We are ready to move on your command. I can take them down on the carpet.)

(Begin a descent, but slowly. I am in the middle of 'negotiations'.)

(I obey leader. And what exactly are you negotiating for?)

That's rather a good question.

Surely then, there is no need to take the childer, if we give you what you desire instead?” Dead Gods Blood, her hope is sickening.

Narrowing your eyes you bare your spurs in threat. “You seem confused. This negotiation does not include the youth remaining here. You will capitulate and allow me to take them, with promises of ransom to be delivered, or you will die, and others will take the place of yourself as negotiator. I am not unreasonable, but I am not an idiot.”” A pair of massive wings slide up on either side of you and Yzia's claws crash into the wood on either side of the opening, as she literally tears the tree open, sap and magic spilling over her three foot long talons. Her thundering hiss is a sound out of nightmare as she looms over you, framing you with her body. “Do not believe for one instant that you can hope to defeat me. Even among my own kind, I am even more of a monster than you perceive me to be.”

The malle tenses, ready to leap out to fight you; the spells of Flight suppressed by the Globe of Invulnerability will take effect once he leaves its area, and to do that he much leap out to meet you, or fall below.

[] Chains of Fire will bypass the spell and most likely slay all but the wizard and the warrior, and will still hurt them.
[] Let him come and show him what manner of monster you are. Roll 5d20.
[] Sidestep him and let Yzia deal with him. A Flight check at 1d20+22.
[] Drop the final Dragon's Breath on him, the Wizard and the Summoner, without hurting the elven childer – the sorceress is not in place for the assault. Roll 12d6.
[] Ego Whip will render him helpless before you – and the Globe of Invulnerability is useless against it. Roll 20d8 – this will probably stun and exhaust him as well./red]
[] Write in?
Siobhan thinks this pathetic elf is a waste of your time.
>>
Rolled 6, 4, 1, 10, 10 = 31 (5d20)

>>1925028
>[] Let him come and show him what manner of monster you are. Roll 5d20.
>>
Rolled 4, 6, 6, 7, 7, 3, 3, 8, 4, 4, 7, 7, 3, 4, 7, 7, 2, 7, 3, 5 = 104 (20d8)

>>1925028
>[] Ego Whip will render him helpless before you – and the Globe of Invulnerability is useless against it. Roll 20d8 – this will probably stun and exhaust him as well
>>
>>1925028
Correction:
[] Mind Thrust will render him helpless before you – and the Globe of Invulnerability is useless against it. Roll 20d8 – this will probably stun and exhaust him as well.

>>1925032
This roll is still correct, for the Mind Thrust.
>>
Rolled 18, 2 = 20 (2d20)

>>1925030
>>1925032
I'll take both - one for the readied action adn the other (the attacks) for after the Mind Thrust.

Saving Throw(s) for the elven warrior.
>>
Rolled 7, 3 + 19 = 29 (2d8 + 19)

Yzia AoO
>>
Rolled 7 (1d20)

And an attack.
>>
>>1925038
That's actually a pretty good saving throw, though I'm not sure it matters with the modifiers we have.
>>
Rolled 7, 2, 3, 8, 6, 8, 5, 1, 7, 3, 2, 8, 4, 7, 7, 7 + 238 = 323 (16d8 + 238)

>>1925030
Well, even the 4 hits....sooo....
>>
>>1925057
Ouch.
>>
[X] Mind Thrust will render him helpless before you – and the Globe of Invulnerability is useless against it. Roll 20d8 – this will probably stun and exhaust him as well. 104 base damage.
[X] Let him come and show him what manner of monster you are. Roll 5d20.

You reach into the elven warrior's mind and pour psychic energy into it. The soft tissues and ancient mind resist the overload, but the agonizing pain it causes him is enough to make him hesitate; he falls, rather than leaps at you. Yzia slap him with her tail, impressed by his mental fortitude and despite his magical defenses he is hammered against the wall by the brutal assault.

You watch with some amusement as he manages to halt his slide down the wall and launches himself at you, his blade shimmering death. You are on guard, however; you are not underestimating him at all. You take the sword against your bracer, sparks of golden light and jets of silvery fire erupting from his blade. He hits like a knight, and you pitch with the blow, turning upside down and slashing at his leg, confusing the hell out of him as you ignore the effect of gravity for the advantage the movement affords you.

You crush his armor, bruising his leg badly and causing him a measure of pain; whipping Siobhan around your two-handed grip allows you to batter his hip. You tuck and spin , butt he slips back, just in time to avoid a chest hit. No matter; you follow him, driving him back towards the wall and bringing Siobhan down on his shoulder, crushing his armor there too; his arm drops collarbone and shoulder-blade shattered. He tries to retreat further but with Siobhan lowered, the thrust you make into his ribs, under the heavy cuirass he wears proves devastating.

Blood spatters across your face and he floats to the ground, no longer breathing and more than a little dead after you crushed his internal organs to a pulp. You look up at the wizard, and Siobhan informs you that you Cadre is arriving above you. The wizard looks down at you, despair and hate mingling into an expression of nihilistic fury as she raises the staff in both hands above her head. Only the merest hesitance she has as she glances at one of the femme-childer – The princess! Yzia gleefully calls in your mind – grants you the opportunity to stop her at all.
>>
You call out a telepathic warning to everyone – yes even the sorceress and the summoner – and give a sharp crack of noise, from your basal throat, your species equivalent of a shout of alarm. Your warning is little more than an image of her and the staff exploding, but it galvanizes every one.

[] Treacherous Teleport herself and yourself elsewhere – you might even survive since you can place her at a distance from you. Getting back might be harder.
[] Retreat to Yzia, putting what distance you can between yourself and the explosion.
[] Move to her and have Siobhan seal you and she in an adamatine shell – it's suicide, perhaps, but everyone else will live.
[] Fly up and hit the Carpet of Comfort and teleport yourself and your Cadre away, including Yzia.
[] Fly past her and hit the gathering of elven youths and Treacherously Teleport them and yourself to the Lair.
[] Write in?
Well, Siobhan isn't typically into the romance of glorious suicide, but for you....of course she will help you.
>>
>>1925069
To answer the question of why Siobhan can't use her power to create the adamantine shell from where Akko is, her power isn't of a sufficient level to work outside the Globe of Invulnerability - she has to be inside the globe.
>>
>>1925069
>>1925068
Well shit, we definitely fucked up that whole encounter.
So it's
>Probably kill ourselves
>Kill the childer maybe our cadre as well
>Definitely kill ourselves
>Kill the childer
>Kill our Cadre
>>
>>1925069
>[] Treacherous Teleport herself and yourself elsewhere – you might even survive since you can place her at a distance from you. Getting back might be harder.
Nothing ventured nothing gained
>>
>>1925069
With the treacherous teleport option, is there any way to chain that spell with putting the shell just around Akko and Siobhan?
>>
Feel free to ask question or explore other options that Akko may have. Her character sheet is up to date.
>>
>>1925078
No, but she can attempt to use Arcane Shield or Mental Barrier to mitigate some of the damage she could potentially take, or burn off a batch of her Arcane power to instantly memorize Wall of Force and then use Quicken Spell to try and cast it before the explosion hits.
>>
>>1925069
>[x] Fly up and hit the Carpet of Comfort and teleport yourself and your Cadre away, including Yzia.
Safe and sound, but lacking spoils, for now.

>>1925081
I dunno much about DnD but none of the spells or abilities look very useful for this, especially with the short moments we have to cast them.
We really should have started off more aggressively since we knew from before the raid that their #1 priority was killing the kids before we could get to them.
>>
>>1925083
And about how far can we place her from us, with the treacherous teleport, and how difficult is it to carry along an unwilling target?

>>1925085
It seems like the sticking point was killing that warrior that was either close family or a lover, which we only did because he managed to pass his saving throw. But yeah, really sorry for messing everything up, this is actually kind of my greatest fear for this quest.
>>
>>1925069
>[] Treacherous Teleport herself and yourself elsewhere – you might even survive since you can place her at a distance from you. Getting back might be harder.
Might survive is better than suicide.
>>
>>1925083
Is this the only home-tree we're targetting and the primary childer stash?
>>
>>1925088
She would receive a saving throw, but she might not resist for the sake of killing Akko. Akko could also attempt a Plane Shift rather than teleport, but that won't let her be far away.

The distance treacherous teleport can place her away is randomly determined - anywhere from 10 to 100 feet.
>>
>>1925090
No, and no. This one certainly seems like a valuable group though!
>>
>>1925088
It's not that big a deal, if we'd launched an instant assault on the wizard, the warrior or summoner might have gotten to them instead and we couldn't be certain to stop all of them entirely. It's less 'we could have prevented this' and more that diplomacy before we beat all of them up was a pretty long shot to do anything at all.
>>
I'm still sticking with the top one, can't throw away our loot. And if we were to die from it that would be kinda funny too.

I've always wondered, having onky played RPGs in gmae form where it's, well, more gameified rather than role-playing, doesnt the existence of raise and resurrection spells and powers kinda neuter the dramatic stakes in fights barring a TPK? Obviously not an issue at low levels but beyond that.
>>
>>1925094
>>1925091
>>1925083
I guess teleporting into the sky around where we surveyed the land when we first got her could help minimize the distance even further, but I really don't want to be the one who ruined/ended the quest for everyone.

But I also don't really want to force a tie. Damnit, I kind of wish I just went to bed early
>>
>>1925102
>I've always wondered, having onky played RPGs in gmae form where it's, well, more gameified rather than role-playing, doesnt the existence of raise and resurrection spells and powers kinda neuter the dramatic stakes in fights barring a TPK?
When I GM I always cut any ressurection or alignment-related spells from the spellbook for that reason.
>>
>>1925102
Depends on the GM. I make diamonds hard to find, so they're still really high stakes.

>>1925103
FYI, this GM makes very clear actual death possibilities. Only one of those was an actual suicide option and it is clearly stated to be such.

But what kind of GM would I be to leave it at just that?
>>
Rolled 10 (1d20)

Saving Throw for the Elf Wizardess.
>>
>>1925107
Alright, I guess I'll gamble on the teleport.

Like I assume that it's very unlikely we'd be able to one-hit-kill her/render her harmless long enough for us to kill her with a psychic attack, and we probably can't disintegrate her staff before it explodes.
>>
>>1925107
I figured the suicide option would still allow for some sort of future play, but I felt choosing it would be too meta-gamey.
>>
Rolled 3 + 1 (1d8 + 1)

Mythic Power use.
>>
>>1925108
Damnit, I have no idea how good she needs to be.

>>1925111
But that doesn't really seem good enough at all.
>>
>>1925069
[] Move to her and have Siobhan seal you and she in an adamatine shell – it's suicide, perhaps, but everyone else will live.
Mystery box is best box.
>>
Rolled 28 (1d100)

And finally....distance.
>>
>>1925115
Fuck.
>>
>>1925107
Oh, I trust you to have serious consequences. But it seems strange to me to have these kinds of powers readily available in the ruleset even if not all GMs use them. Beyond the sense of danger being gone, it also ruins so many potential stories just from existing I'd think. Good to hear it's often house-ruled away.

>>1925115
I mean...that's not great.
>>
>>1925115
I guess this means we can't surprise the elf again and potentially earn their loyalty, this gaining a large block of semi loyal elves for our stronghold?
>>
Rolled 52 (1d100)

....and one final check.
>>
>>1925115
Is that meant to mean she's twenty eight feet away from us, if the range was from ten feet to one hundred feet?

I mean that's certainly not great, so hopefully we do okay on defensive casting.
>>
>>1925121
that's about as mediocre as you can get. Damn.
>>
Rolled 10 (1d20)

All Akko has to do is not roll a 1.
>>
>>1925131
Well there's a 1 in it, but I think we're okay.

Granted here 'okay' presumably means 'not dead' which could still leave us in trouble finishing this fight...but we can trust Yzia to handle that I think. Actually, we probably can't trust her to not torch everything after this, so that might be a problem.
>>
Wonder if the wizard survived

I'm guessing not
>>
[X] Treacherous Teleport herself and yourself elsewhere; you might even survive since you can place her at a distance from you.

Siobhan squeals in glee as you dart up and at the wizard, even as Yzia commands you to stop and Falna causes the carpet to rise as fast as it can go. You're in the wizard's face even as you hear the staff splintering and cracking, the first wash of power starting to erupt from the breaking staff.

An ordinary gish would be forced to use her spell-scars as if they were a scroll, painstakingly casting the inscribed spell from their flesh in the ordinary manner. You just happen to be even less ordinary now than you were before, and that is an advantage you are going to take.

You left behind ordinary when you decided you would never allow yourself to be bored.

The Elder Power rips through your flesh, the scars burning white hot and the spell almost exploding from your lips even as you grab the wizard by the throat. Her obsidian eyes are tinged blue-green, and the hate in them is almost palpable. You sneer, an expression that your people do especially well, between the spurs and an unusual facial bone structure, and she grits her teeth in hate. Then you are flying, miles in the air where you Plane Shifted into this existence, and her shock and horror at the sudden transition is terribly amusing.

The fact that you are a mere ten paces from her is not so amusing.

The staff crackles and searing light erupts from it, and you hear her wind-torn shout. “HORNED GOD'S DOOM UPON YOU, MONSTER!” The explosion is massive, and you see her disintegrated in the flash of shattered rainbow light that erupts from the broken stave. It engulfs you as well, though you are on the periphery of the explosion, and the Arcane Shield you conjure using one of your most powerful spells takes the brunt of the explosion.

It still hurts, of course, the arcane energies searing your flesh and burning your hair, blasting you with the alien power of whatever forces she used to craft the device. Not even your kind's innate resistance to magic has much effect, but despite it all, you are still alive. Shaken, burned, injured, and not feeling very well at all, but alive.

Yashi's Fehr Vaed is seeking our whereabouts and livelihood, my beloved. Shall I confirm our existence and safety? The elf was annihilated – the staff failed to send her away to another existence.

Safety is relative, my love.

[] Confirm it, but tell her to keep the knowledge to herself for now.
[] Confirm, but tell her you will have to meet them at the Lair.
[] Deny it to her, and see if they're collecting their slaves.
[] Have Siobhan refuse to answer for now, and go rest and heal.
[] Have Siobhan remain quiet and go to Schechei's temple to explore a bit.
[] Write in?
Siobhan is quite sure Falna will try and take command if you do not respond in some manner, despite Tzanzi being your second.
>>
>>1925146
Now this is an interesting decision. It's tempting to see how this might go without Akko's confirmed survival...I'm not sure it's ideal, however. Should we really leave our cute cadre agonizing over our potential death?
>[x] Confirm, but tell her you will have to meet them at the Lair.
>>
>>1925149
>Now this is an interesting decision.
Indeed. What would they do without their dear leader?

>>1925146
I assume we're far too wounded to resume combat duties?
>>
>>1925151
119/179 HP, but more importantly, your short term spells - 80% of your best defenses - are not goign to last the time it takes you to get back, and you don't have nearly enough arcane pool left to reactive all of them.

Mind you,. Akko is very powerful and doesn't actually need all the defenses she puts up, but she hasn't survived this long by being incautious.
>>
>>1925146
>[] Confirm, but tell her you will have to meet them at the Lair.
>But since we're up here, scout out Schechei's temple for fun
I mean, yeah it might be informative to see what our Cadre does, but I'd rather not put Yzia through that due to potential destruction she could cause in her grief. That doesn't mean we can't see how they handle themselves when the cat's away though.
>>
>>1925146
>[] Have Siobhan remain quiet and go to Schechei's temple to explore a bit.
If Falna tries to take command will the others actually bother giving her the time of day? Either way as long as there's no deadly fight and they capture the elves like they're supposed to it's all good, we can sort it out when we return.
>>
>>1925146
>[] Confirm it, but tell her to keep the knowledge to herself untill either Yzia or Falna starts acting out.
I guess we've got to get back to the lair and prepare to claim Yashi for Yzia.
>>
>>1925146
>Confirm it, but tell her to keep the knowledge to herself for now and that you will meet them at the Lair.
>>
>>1925146
>>[x] Confirm, but tell her you will have to meet them at the Lair.
>>
>>1925163
This seems fun and not boring.

changing>>1925170
to it please XS.
>>
>>1925172
>>1925163
I mean, I feel like the only way Yzia won't start acting out immediately is if she chooses to (somewhat irrationally) believe we're alive.

Even if we may have made it possible for her to get a princess, she'll be very cross with us.
>>
Could we have it so only Yzia would know somehow? Would also let her control the situation with the others well.
>>
>>1925178
I guess we could ask Yashi to tell Yzia and the others different things, she'd probably find that fun.
>>
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[X] Write in? No reason not to take a look while we are unable to return to the fight....and let the Cadre grow in its own way for the moment; if Falna or Yzia act out, Yashi can inform them of your life..

Tell her and her mistress we are alive and well, and to inform Yzia as well. Whether or not she tells the others I do not care, unless Falna decides that Tzanzi is incompetent or Yzia decided genocide might be an appropriate response, in which case have Yzia remind them who is in charge.

Which would be Yzia?

....well, technically she has always been in ch-

I can sense that you are alive, my treasure.

....and apparently able to communicate at much vaster distances than is normal. I suspect that we have gone far beyond the terms of the compact, my lovely one, and I cannot say that it displeases me. You consider and then tease gently. Shall I presume that your lack of panic has suggested that we live to the others?

You may, though only Yashi and Tzanzi presumed it; the others are undecided on the matter; Kteine seems almost worried, while Auena seems to have some kind of faith complex about you at the moment. Tzanzi is directing the Cadre, and they have collected a pretty number of elven spawn. Fourteen to be exact. Easily transported between Yzia's growth and Falna's carpet.

I cannot return to the battle – even the lair is a distance beyond my means at this very moment, so I am going to investigate Schechei's temple and see what I may learn there. Also, I'm afraid my hair has become short again, though not as much so as the acolytes' or Yashi's. Have them collect that pretty skulker, as she owes me a were-gild. If you can take five more elven slaves or captures to keep, that should help. Otherwise....let them act as they will, and I will suggest Yashi do the same.

You may rely upon me, my lovely one, and do not risk your life – that belongs to me. You let her feel the warmth of your affection and she reciprocates mightily.

Siobhan relays your existence to Yashi and suggests she keep that knowledge to herself for now. Yashi is deeply impressed by your self-sacrificial act. She is wondering if it is a trait of all leaders, or just you.

[] Only me; I was fairly certain of my survival, and I am unique.
[] Only those Leaders worthy of being followed.
[] She would have to ask other Leaders, but I have my doubts.
[] It is only enlightened self interest – I want that princess.
[] She may think whatever she likes.
[] Write in?
Siobhan thinks no sane person would have done what you did, and doubts there are any capable of it in any case.
>>
>>1925188
>[x] It is only enlightened self interest – I want that princess.
Well, I do hope Siobhan wasn't harboring the impression of sanity in our dear protagonist.
>>
>>1925188
>[] Only me; I was fairly certain of my survival, and I am unique.
>>
>>1925188
>[] She would have to ask other Leaders, but I have my doubts.
>[] It is only enlightened self interest – I want that princess.
>>
>>1925188
this with
>[X] She would have to ask other Leaders, but I have my doubts.
a little of this
>[X] It is only enlightened self interest – I want that princess.
we are gith after all.
>>
>>1925188
>[] Only those Leaders worthy of being followed.
This is just how Akko establishes dominance!
>>
>>1925198
add a little of
>[X] Only those Leaders worthy of being followed.
>>
>>1925199
Yashi will have to get in line, maybe after Yzia gets her Akko time. Well, I suppose they could team up.
>>
Man, I missed so much.

It's sad that elf mom had to die, I liked her a lot.

>>1925188

>she would have to ask other Leaders

>"Putting yourself in harm's way to protect your Cadre and your loot is simply being smart, as long as you know you can survive it. On the other hand, many leaders think their own well-being is worth way more than their subordinates' and their loot's."

>"That elf was a leader, and she was ready to destroy everyone, herself included, to deny us Githyanki our prizes. It takes guts, but she should have used her smarts for survival rather than spite. She could have saved her daughter, if she did."

>Tell your Cadre to not forget the Skulker we captured earlier
>>
>>1925213
Unfortunately elf mom was a big fan of suicidal magical blasts, she will be missed
>>
Oh, maybe we'll meet that air nymph sorceress we missed last time we were that high.

I really hope we meet her.
>>
>>1925219

Though we have to go back at the Lair and take care of our urges.
>>
>>1925219
I dunno if she'd still be sticking around, but hopefully we'll come across something interesting at least.
>>
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[X] It is only enlightened self interest – I want that princess.
[X] Write in? And perhaps a touch of other things as well.

You don't hide you thoughts from Yzia, in this instance, framing the thoughts around the words so that the dragon has context to work with. You may tell her it is a form of enlightened self interest. While there may be others who would do such a thing, it would be for the sake of the cause, or perhaps they might be worthy of the title of Leader in some way. Siobhan expresses faint disbelief at your explanation. In my case it is quite simple: I want that princess; if she and my Cadre are dead, I will not be able to take her, will I?

That reassures Siobhan and she informs Fehr Vaed of your reply, which seems to soothe Yashi's mind in some manner. The elf wizard was a good leader – up to a point. If she had been as intelligent as she believed she was, she could have used her power and skill to make a better series of bargains, rather than try and eliminate all of the childer and her companions. They would certainly have died in the blast, while most of us would have survived it. Spite is a waste of power, unless it costs you none. You smile wickedly. She only needs look to Falna to see how much such acts can cost one in dignity as well as power when you act in spite and out of complete self interest rather than that of our Cadre and companions as well as oneself.

Your sense of 'justice' is a finely tuned and cruel as your desire for power, my treasure, Yzia remarks, amused by your logics.

In the mean time, the temple beckons, and you have the opportunity.

By the time you arrive, clothed in a thin but warm cloak of dull grey fabric provided by Siobhan, most of your combat magics have long worn off. The Greater Infernal Healing has restored most of your vitality and reduced the burns and lacerations to mere red marks and bruises. It too has faded but you have spell-scar for it as well; you will conserve those for the moment, as well as the Teleportation your ankle cuffs are capable of (although the chances of arriving off the mark are somewhat high, though unlikely to be dangerous).
>>
You land at the edge of the upper temple, a large round-edged construction that is supported by arches and hangs out over the mountainside by some distance. As Schechei surmised, it is indeed of more recent construction, but it is well made, beautifully detailed in line and thought. You slowly make your way towards the doorways in the cliff, each leading to the same chamber, only their proximity to staircases carved into the mountainside making their placement as separate doors make any sense.

A quick fly out and down, provided by your ankle cuffs as well, shows that the staircases travel around and then into the mountainside at differing heights, and only one reappears further down. A quick return to the platform and a study of the symbols leads you to think it is a temple to the glory of the Elder Ones, but those of neither human nor elven sorts. The power flowing through the temple and shining from the place is not from the exterior areas or th stelai there, but from inside the temple.

You can see two figures within, one chained to a dais inside, the other sitting on an altar or standing stone, head bowed and contemplating the unknown, their back to you. Well, they are contemplating an unknown to you at least.

[] Sheathe Siobhan and enter silently and apparently peacefully.
[] Recast your Mythic Transformation spell using your Arcane Force; it will give you the best edges.
[] Keep Siobhan out and enter boldly. You have power as well, after all.
[] Explore another section first; perhaps the entry below, or even the base of the stairs? Please chose one: Lesser temple Entrance; base of the Great stair; or the Hidden Altar in the platform.
[] Call out to the figure on the altar telepathically, and see how they react.
[] Write in?
Siobhan is firmly on the side of recasting the Mythic Transformation, loss of power be damned.
>>
>>1925231
>[] Sheathe Siobhan and enter silently and apparently peacefully.
>[] Recast your Mythic Transformation spell using your Arcane Force; it will give you the best edges.
We don't want a fight, but that doesn't mean we're not ready for one.
>>
>>1925231
>[x] Sheathe Siobhan and enter silently and apparently peacefully.
>[x] Recast your Mythic Transformation spell using your Arcane Force; it will give you the best edges.
Sounds good.
>>
>>1925231
>[] Sheathe Siobhan and enter silently and apparently peacefully.
>[] Recast your Mythic Transformation spell using your Arcane Force; it will give you the best edges.
Hopefully we won't need to fight. What an interesting place
>>
>>1925231
>[] Recast your Mythic Transformation spell using your Arcane Force; it will give you the best edges.
>>
>>1925235
On the other hand, I wonder if having that spell would be an implicit threat to anyone who can sense it.
>>
>>1925231

>Examine the two figures' nature, and their equipment. You'd rather not be suprised by fiends or servants of abberations
>>
Why do I have the impression our Leng knowledge will be very relevant soon.
>>
>>1925246
It's gotta come in use at some point, right?
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>>1925244

Pretty sure a breathing Githyanki is already implicitly threatening

>>1925253

Well, it already did once.
>>
>>1925231
>[X] Sheathe Siobhan and enter silently and apparently peacefully.
betting on its our cousin.
>>
>>1925266

Who, the Githzerai Monk?

Not likely, she's supposed to be acting as bodyguard in the human kingdom.
>>
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[X] Recast your Mythic Transformation spell using your Arcane Force; it will give you the best edges.
[X] Sheathe Siobhan and enter silently and apparently peacefully.

While there is no such thing as a peaceful githyanki – even one at rest is likely thinking about violence, planning violence, or recovering from violence – you can at least make yourself slightly less threatening. Calling upon the arcane force you preserved so carefully, you not only manage to leave enough for several of your most powerful spells, you cat both the Mythic Transformation and the Blade tutor's Spirit. That gives you as much battle preparedness as you can manage without using too much more power, though you also prepare but do not actually use use some of the Elder Power to reactivate your sense of combat magics.

You sheathe Siobhan and slowly enter the temple, your ability to see in the darkness invaluable. It quickly becomes clear that this is a place where strange things are going on....or are about to go on.

There are three large, wide brass basins on tall tripods in the room, one past either doorway and one between them. Each is emblazoned with strange hieroglyphics, a pictographic language that you cannot read, and may be meaningless, as it follows no linguistic pattern that you know (and you know some strange ones). The supports are bound to the wall, not merely standing free, which is odd. The floor is deeply carved with a labyrinth, a circular maze-like construction that is not a true maze but a path to be followed. The opening of it is near the middle basin's stand, and the end, naturally, is at the altar or standing stone the cloaked and hooded figure sits upon. The roof is carved with a copy of a starry sky, but not one from this world – the constellations are not just wrong, but likely impossible unless the start of this world follow no patterns at all.

Which is possible, but extremely unlikely.

Behind the altar-stone being sat upon is a ten foot wide shimmering disc of liquefied temporal essence, quintessence. You've encountered it before, being used to preserve things from all forces and damage by the most powerful psychic you ever met. You killed it immediately after as it was one of the enemy, but you manged to take some of the quintessence for your own to study. It faded eventually, unused, but this is a collection that would have taken centuries to collect in such quantities and unlike by a single individual; a finger-weight would cover an entire githyanki body and require the most potent magics you could cast.. The mirror-like surface reflects nothing, only vague shapes that move out of tune with the things in the room, and the surface and edges vibrate constantly in response to the movement of time in this world.
>>
Finally, there is the empty void beyond that, though it is only empty because your distance of vision is limited; the far wall is further than you can see. However, there are stones, bricks, and extensions, pieces of construction rising from the depths of what is presumably a cavern. The largest, some three paces or so across, as a pair of manacles reaching to the ceiling, and there is what appears to be an actual tiefling chained to it. At least, she seems like a tiefling; she has horns, and you don't know of many species that aren't tiefling that possess them. She is 'guarded' by several stone dragons, dedicated carvings in stone of the various kinds, though you can't make out the details at this distance. Her eyes gleam – she can at least see in the dark. It is interesting that she is chained facing away from the altar and the mirror behind it; she is craning her neck to try and see you.

You can see them flow of magic along the lines of the labyrinth; walking across the lines would trigger some exceedingly unpleasant spells, walls of vicious and deadly conjured diamonds that would put anything that walked through them at risk of flaying. While you idly consider them as the basis of a spell to research later, the labyrinth itself is potent magic as well: it positively seethes with the power of the elders, perhaps not githyanki, but some Elder Power. It pools in various places along the path, suggesting things happen along the length that cannot be avoided, only endured.

The figure on the stone shifts slightly, and pulls it's hood back. The figure is delicate, androgynous, but the voice is high and feminine sounded. Also, much younger than you had expected. They pull their long red hair from out of the cloak, watching you with an expression of challenge and amusement, one you're know to wear yourself. Spells? Dead Gods, this thing is wreathed in magic, nearly exudes the stuff. Conflicting auras and spells that are layered one atop the other. It could be a spell to mask other spells, but you suspect the truth is far more complex.

“I've been waiting,” it says it your native tongue. “It's a simple question, really. Will you walk the entire path and accept immortality, or will you go on as you are, and hope to encounter one of us again, in some other time and place? I may stay long enough to answer a few more, but I will warn you now: your nature is clear to me, and you will not find me a creature any more easily killed than yourself.”

Well, it's definitely bold, whatever it is.

[] Not until I know more.
[] Perhaps – if there is anythign of value at the end.
[] Obviously you were waitign for me: how? Why?
[] Red hair, blue eyes, strange magic....if there was a guess, it would be 'elan'.
[] And what price immortality? It always has a price.
[] Write in?
Siobhan assumes it's a trap of some sort; why place something so valuable so easily accessible otherwise.

>Last Vote.
>>
>>1925286
>[] Perhaps – if there is anythign of value at the end.
>[] And what price immortality? It always has a price.
That's quite the offer to end things on, I can tell next thread will be exciting as well
>>
>>1925286
>[] And what price immortality? It always has a price.
>[] Obviously you were waitign for me: how? Why?
>>
>>1925286
>[X] Obviously you were waiting for me: how? Why?
Thanks for running XS
>>
>>1925298
Not done quite yet.
>>
>>1925286
>[x] Red hair, blue eyes, strange magic....if there was a guess, it would be 'elan'.
>[x] Obviously you were waitign for me: how? Why?
>[x] And what price immortality? It always has a price.
A young-looking Elan, hmmm? Question is, does that date the quest...or does it date her? Perhaps her method of attaining immortality is at least superficially plausible.
>>
>>1925286

>Immortality is simply trading the burden of mortality for a different one -and I've seen what existing for too long can do to someone. One would need some pretty solid arguments and complete explanations to even make me consider that kind of enterprise, and there are people and texts I would need to consult with before taking such a big decision. Assuming I trusted the one who's offering it. Only a fool does that kind of bargain without knowing the consequences."

>"Now, concerning this horned chained woman, who is she? Sacrifice? Someone who found this place when she shouldn't have? The last person who answered your question?"
>>
Who's Elan?
>>
>>1925312
http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Elan here you go anon!
>>
>>1925312
An elan is a being that has been subjected to a ritual that convert it from whatever race and person it used to be into an ageless and very difficult to kill immortal. They do not age, they do not die of natural cause, and they are very hardy. they don't sleep, can go without food and water indefinitely, and they tend to be adventurers to the fullest and extreme extent of the word.
>>
[X] Obviously you were waiting for me: how? Why?
[X] And what price immortality? It always has a price.

You slowly stalk from one side of the room to the other, passing before the labyrinth and making your way to the other entryway into this temple. It watches you calmly, still seated, still smiling, those blue eyes studying you no less intently than your bright red eyes study them. “Waiting for a very short time – this temple was not here more than a few sidereal months before my arrival. Clearly you know about my power and nature, but that is not very surprising. What does interest me is that you were waiting specifically for me. Surely there is more to this than a simple offer of immortality, so why? And how?” You tap your cheek. “'This is not a simple thing, and it functions to foil divinations and scrying spells equally well.”

The figure considers and then manipulates the cloak it wears and pulls out a shard of crystal, a simple piece of rainbow tourmaline, much like those you use for spells of True seeing. This one is almost six inches long, and carefully carved into a slender and pointed wand-like shape. A dorje, if you recall correctly. A psychic's tool,much like wands or rods are for spellcasters.

“You haven't worn it forever, and while the spells you used previous to bearing the Rune are potent, there are ways around those. Most of them involve enhancing the mind to insanity inducing levels of awareness, and there are no spells that will protect you from that.” They lookup and you catch a glimpse of curves – slender curves, but curves. She, then. “Why is simple enough – to make you the offer. Walk the labyrinth, be Remade, and become immortal.”

Siobhan's suspicions just shot up several notches. “And the price of becoming an elan – that is what you are is it not?”

She frowns faintly. “That is a difficult question, especially in your case. This path was made for you, and you alone. You are what we are, just in different flesh. There are three things which are unbreakable bonds for you – your bond with your weapon, your bond with the dragon Yzidriava, and your link to the Power of the Ancients cannot be broken. These are simply facts, and not even worthy of discussion or debate.” You're pacing back slowly, pausing as you reach the pathway that leads into the labyrinth. “What is lost is all the power and understanding you have trained for. You will retain your memories – all of them – and you native intellect, but the power you possess you lose, the skills, replaced by a blank slate.”

A soft hiss escapes your lips. “Why would I wish to do something that stupid?”
>>
The elan looks amused. “Anonymity and opportunity.” You narrow your eyes and bare you spurs at her, and she looks offended. “I know what that means, and you needn't bother. The process removes the muscle memory and physical training of your current skills. You would have to relearn them all, from scratch. However, your mind, body, and every essences are changed. You will be utterly alien to everything that you are, and as a result, untraceable even through the power I described before. Your True Name changes, and so you cease to exist as you are now.” Her expression becomes ingenuous. “And you have very good cause for that, do you not?”

….that's unnerving. Accurate, but unnerving.

“I would be unable to defend myself against the army Her Majesty would send after me.”

“You wouldn't need to. Even ass you are transformed, so would the blade that is your lover. Her True Name would change as well. She would cease to exist in the same manner as you – you both would be safe. And you would not lose Yzia either, because that bond is just as unbreakable.” She picks up the dorje and tosses it up, and it vanishes. It appears before you, a puff of Astral dust glittering into nothingness. You can see it is nothing more than a container for a psychic power, and only then do you snatch it as it falls.

“It is a Solipsism I crafted just for you. It contains engrams that would duplicate yourr blade and your dragon-companion as best as I could understand them.” She smiles faintly. “Which is better than you could possibly imagine, even with your fantastic intellect.”

You hold the jewel high and touch it with your mind. It contains, as she said, a single instance of a mental power designed to entrap your mind within your body. “And the purpose is....”

She looks at you with those glittering blue eyes, no more blind in this darkness than you are, a testament to her alien nature. “It is an opportunity to see what you would become if you accept the offer, Akatmosoko of the Gith Yaan Kheigh. A moment in this world, and a possible lifetime in another. But it would show you as you would be immediately after, not as you might eventually become. So...if you wish it, you may taste the possibility laid before you without risk.”

The crystal shimmers in your sight, and you find yourself at least curious....you notice her smile and it only broadens when you glare at her.

“If you weren't, we wouldn't have made this place, this offer. We bear no children, Gish Akko. This is how we [i[Make them.”

….That's not just the creepiest thing you've heard in the past three days. But then, you kissed a lich, so....

>To Be Continued....
>>
Thank you for reading and playing.

Feel free to ask questions.
>>
>>1925344
If we accepted we wouldn't have to call her mom, right?

Ignoring our Gith associates, wouldn't Her Majesty be able to track Yzia - perhaps through her dragon allies - either way? I'm having a bit of trouble imagining our new identity fooling anyone with Yzia hanging off our side like usual...
>>
>>1925349
Oh, and thanks for running!
I feel like a glimpse at our potential future would be fun regardless of our decision.
>>
>>1925356
That is a good question, but chances are slim - dragons have left the compact before, and it isn't unusual for them to do so when they have become as powerful as Yzia is. Remember, Yzia is drastically changed from when she left the Stronghold. Also, the mask Akko made still retains it's effect on her - Nondetection regardless of what form she takes.
>>
>>1925360
That is true enough. I suppose it should be fairly safe.
>>
Thanks for running
What would the implications be for our raid if we went through with this?
>>
>>1925369
If you went through the process? Effectively, you would be someone else, and would lose out on all the power you have as a gish of the githyanki. You would effectively exile yourself from the githyanki, and thee raid would continue without you.

On the other hand, you could possibly reinstate yourself when you gained enough power by becoming a slave in your own culture and then rising up through the ranks. Yzia would find this enthralling. The loss of your skills and powers as a gish (as a magus) would make it difficult....it would quite literally be an aadventure.
>>
>>1925373
Huh, that certainly sounds like a fascinating experience. I'm having trouble imagining Akko tolerating being treated as a slave!
>>
Thanks for running!

>>1925359

No, I say we refuse her offer completely, including that glimpse.


Akko knows very well that one can get mad trying to find the answer to what-ifs and but-if-I-do-this-insteads. It's simply a subject too vast for anyone, even the gods.

At best, this glimpse would be what the elan WANT US to think would happen, and we have no reason to trust her version to be objective. She's trying to sell us the transformation, after all.

In fact, that crystal just SCREAMS "free drug sample to get them them hooked". It's 100% bad news, and should be avoided.

Futhermore, Akko knows who she is perfectly, and she is not some kind of gifted immortal child thing. She is Akko.

As a matter of fact, last time Akko was given to experience a phantasm of another life, she broke out of it in minutes, because even if it was a life of power and of pleasure, it was not *her*.


And for all the rhetoric the elan is trying to push on us, it's all bullshit.

If Akko changed who she is, then she would not keep the bond with her weapon and her lover. Someone else who was created from Akko would have an heavily altered, twisted version of the bonds.

Yzia and our sword loves us for who we are, just like we love them for who they are. To say nothing of Tzanzi, who Akko also loves and who would be left behind.

Finally, something that should NOT be ignored: this immortal she-child is keeping a fiendish-looking being chained in that temple.

Now, there are plenty of wholesome reasons to keep a fiendish being chained -.like "they attacked and we imprisoned them" or "it's a fetish for the two of us" - but given what we've seen so far, and also what the elan said about not being able to reproduce, and what QM said last time about using the Clone spell to host outsiders, I think it's safe to say this creepy girl is not up to anything wholesome.

And I would certainly not trust her with Akko's body while the gith is experiencing another life. It's just asking for troubles.

So, basically, what I'm saying is: even if it's tempting, do not accept anything from the creepy immortal girl who lives in an eldritch temple built specifically to deal with us.
>>
>>1925394
>And I would certainly not trust her with Akko's body while the gith is experiencing another life.
It behooves me to point out that the last time someone disturbed Akko's body while she was merely sleeping, Siobhan possessed Akko's body and nearly killed them - and that was only Kteine.
>>
>>1925408

Siobhan's powerful, but I doubt she is a match for an eldritch psychic, who has explicitly said she was waiting for us, on her own domain.

Fighting a spellcaster on their own terrain is already tough enough, but if they had the time to prepare beforehand...

And somehow, given how the elan was talking of our sword, I think it's pretty clear she given a lot of thought on how to handle her (even if we want to go with the hypothesis it's only to transform her).

All in all, we should refuse, and ask what's up with the horny chained girl.
>>
>>1925394
I dunno, a lof of this is sensible worries, but it IS true that this is, well, their only way to 'procreate'. There could be ulterior motives here, but it's not impossible that there aren't really any or at least not any malicious ones.

I do want to ask about the chained Tiefling or whatever.
>>
>>1925429
Maybe she's just a fan of chaining up horny women, a hobby Akko surely shares, nothing suspicious here at all
>>
>>1925440

I'm not saying she's lying about wanting to transform us and that it's their ways to "procreate", I'm just saying the circumstances are way too sketchy to trust her intent, let alone attempting it.

Also the annihilation of Akko and being replaced by blank-mind not!Akko is not a desirable fate by any standard. Death of self is no playing matter.

Not to mention losing everything that makes Akko Akko, including Githyanki-hood.
>>
>>1925465
Certainly, it wouldn't be the same Akko as she is now. And I'm not sure we'd be privy to her adventures in regaining training and strength either, as that seems like it would be a monumentally large subject for this quest.
>>
I mean, on the other hand, we are at best a month or two away from being eaten whole by an immortal god-queen
>>
>>1925344
We've been looking for a way out, but I don't feel too good about this one.
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>>1925394
I agree, I'm not keen on this Elan thing
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>>1925489

I doubt suicide is a good solution.
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>>1925344
I don't know, I'm pretty sure the Elan is being completely honest with us, and in many ways it would be a safe option.

The problem is that we would no longer be Githyanki, and despite being a heretical monster and having a transcended view of their society, being a Githyanki is what Akko is all about.
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>>1925550
>>1925465
>“What is lost is all the power and understanding you have trained for. You will retain your memories – all of them – and you native intellect, but the power you possess you lose, the skills, replaced by a blank slate.”

I think you misunderstood what the Elan meant by blank slate. The stuff we're losing is our class levels, probably most of stuff, our form and standing as a Githyanki, and all but our two strongest bonds. Akko's memories will remain and her personality will be preserved though likely change to suit her new nature.

It is important everyone properly understands what's on the table here.
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>>1926173
She also stated you will retain your mythic power, though not in so many words.
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>>1926466
This isn't really related, but how do the Githyanki get along with the Duergar? I read that one of the common reasons the Duergar exist is due to Illithid meddling, though Pathfinder gave them a different origin (due to not having the rights to mind flayers?)
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Well, i'm all for becoming an immortal being.

Sure, we'll temporarily loose something, but we'll gain so many new opportunitues to do interesting things, which is what i see Akko is all about.
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>>1926607
Deurgar are craftsmen and miners, and unlike many races they are resistant to illithid meddling. Since they are also slavers yet extremely lawful, the githyanki do a brisk trade with them.

Foodstuffs and manufactured goods, especially thicker textiles and cabinetry and woodwork, along with indentured slaves, make for a fairly good trade business. The dour, stoic nature of the deurgar helps mitigate the githyanki tendency towards violence by not offering opportunities for insults and misunderstandings.




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