[Metaquest Post]

I’ve added more information regarding the teachings and doctrines of Velya to the worldbin, as requested. I hope this answers the questions raised at the end of the previous thread.

I apologise for causing a shitstorm in the previous thread, it was not my intention to anger or annoy anyone, I was asked a question about the setting, and I answered it. Perhaps that was the wrong decision.

I do not intend to force my views on anyone, nor do I intend to have any NPC (Velya or otherwise) act as my mouthpiece on what I think is right. I’m sorry if I came across as doing so.

The views of the characters in this game do not represent my personal views; I’m simply trying to portray them how I think they should behave.

If anyone has any OOC questions about anything, please leave it to the end of the thread, I will answer you then, or will check the archives and answer in the next thread.

Autism Anon, thanks for the power suggestion, I missed it because I use sup tg instead of foolz for my archive diving. If I’ve missed anything anyone else has posted at the end of a thread, please speak up.

Seraphic Dragon added to rules.

I’m using a new tripcode because I stupidly copy/pasted my previous one into the character sheet pastebin. Check my twitter for confirmation.

[End Metaquest Post]

>>34031254

>Go get Dravere his heart back, and see if you can repair his relationship with Ilveyen

>>34031254
>Go get Dravere his heart back, and see if you can repair his and Ilveyens relationship

>>34031254
>>Go get Dravere his heart back, and see if you can repair his and Ilveyens relationship

We are on a roll with relationship counseling

You visit Dravere, who’s still slumming it in his filthy room. Despite your advice, he decides not to shave or wash before visiting Ilveyen. He just throws on some dirty clothes and follows you.

The two of you go to the House of Flesh, and are shown into Mistress Ilveyens office.

She welcomes you warmly and says to Dravere “Wow, you look terrible.”

He glowers at her “And whose fault is that?”

“Yours” she responds with false sweetness, to you she says “I assume you want me to add another few pounds of flesh to this miserable lump?”

“You loved each other once, is there no chance at all that you can reconcile?” you ask

“With her?” says Dravere, “Are you kidding?”

“With him?” says Ilveyen at the same time “Not happening.”

They both seem against the idea.

>Fine, just the heart then
>Try to convince them anyway
>Other

>>34031376

Ask Ilveyen what she saw in him before she ripped his heart out. Er, don't say that last bit.

>>34031376
>Try to convince them anyway
>"You should, at the very least, discuss the reasons you broke up in the first place."
>"Listening to the each others interpretation of the events and their thoughts on the matter might change things, and if you don't get back together, at least discussing it would allow you both to move on properly."

>>34031376
>"Just know that I haven't given up yet. Your reason for breaking up was a stupid misunderstanding. Not knowing how love works is not a reason to resign to a life-time of unhappiness."

>"Turning your feelings around from love to hatred is also not healthy."

>>34031273
>I apologise for causing a shitstorm in the previous thread
Don't apologize for your setting. People have opinions, this holds true for fantasy people. It is not your fault if someone is angry at a god for having an opinion. Your world would be terribly bland if the only opinions allowed were those of the MC, and even then people would complain.

>>34031469

I agree with tripfag 100%. There will never be a story where nobody will find something to complain about.

Ok, roll 1d20+9 to talk them around.

And thank you for your support, means a lot to me

Rolled 13 + 9

>>34031512

Rolled 5 + 9

>>34031469
I agree that OP shouldn't change the world based off people's opinions, but given the nature of OP's diplomatic solution is just explaining Velya's policies in greater detail it's not really an issue.

>>34031512

Rolled 12 + 9

>>34031512

Of the mouth of babes or how did that go...

>>34031530
Hopefully enough for a partial success. Those DCs are becoming hard lately…

>>34031626
The write-ins were okay, so hopefully the DC is lowered to the point that we'll pass.
Most QMs lower DCs for good write-ins or tactics.

“Mistress Ilveyen” you say “Remember what you first saw in him, what first attracted you to him?”

She thinks about this and then answers “He was strong and confident, full of life and passion for his work, and for magic, I wish a little more of that passion could have been spared for me.”

“Dravere” you say “Remember what you first saw in her, what first attracted you to her?”

He snorts “She was mysterious and alluring, exotic and yet approachable. But now: she’s just annoying, let’s just get this done with.”

“I agree” says Ilveyen “The sooner you are out of here, the better.”

You give it one last try.

"You should, at the very least, discuss the reasons you broke up in the first place." You say "Listening to the each other’s interpretation of the events and their thoughts on the matter might change things, and if you don't get back together, at least discussing it would allow you both to move on properly."
"Your reason for breaking up was a stupid misunderstanding. Not knowing how love works is not a reason to resign to a life-time of unhappiness, and turning your feelings around from love to hatred is also not healthy."

The two of them give each other a long, considering look.

Simultaneously they both shake their heads “Nah” says Draevere, “Too much has happened” says Ilveyen.

Seems they’re not getting back together any time soon.

A short time later, Dravere’s heart is back in his chest, and he’s heading back to his apartment.

Mistress Ilveyen asks you about your body modifications but you postpone, saying you still need to think about it.

I intend to hold the vote today, but later, when more players are here, in about 9 hours or so.

It’s only mid-afternoon, so you have plenty of time to do something else.

>Try teleporting to the second Elemental Node
>Investigate your own Elemental Nodes powers (in the lab)
>Go speak to Gulkil Fernahcs
>Do something else (what?)

>>34031653
>Try teleporting to the second Elemental Node
Nodelust.

>>34031653
>Try teleporting to the second Elemental Node

>>34031653

>Try teleporting to the other node

If wards are interfering with the connection, maybe we should bring the node out of the city and experiment there.

>>34031653
>>Try teleporting to the second Elemental Node
I don't want to risk trying out new things with our current Node before we have spares.

Ok, roll 1d20+5 for teleporting

Unless requested otherwise, I'm assuming entire party goes with.

Rolled 18 + 5

>>34031707

Rolled 8 + 5

>>34031707

Rolled 4 + 5

>>34031707

You travel out of the city, no point in drawing attention down on Ellahi if you can avoid it.
You try casting your dimension door spell, but the destination you are trying to reach is too far away, seems you’ll need to develop a spell with a much greater range before you can reach the node. It seems it’s a very long way away.

You travel back to Ellahi’s house, somewhat disappointed. It’s evening by the time you get there. Ellahi is back and the two of you chat over dinner.

Ellahi suggests hiring a sorcerer who can teleport, but you’re not sure if you want to risk someone else knowing about the Nodes. You ask your sister if she could do it, but she doesn’t know how to teleport herself long distances either.

The next morning, what do you do?

>Try teleporting to the second Elemental Node (hire sorcerer)
>Investigate your own Elemental Nodes powers (in the lab)
>Go speak to Gulkil Fernahcs
>Do something else (what?)

>>34031800
Teleportation might be something assassins learn. Though maybe only short-range teleportation.

Can we somehow find out where the elemental node is? Our sister is very good at scrying from what she has told us, can she find out in which direction the thing is so that we can triangulate its position or something?

>>34031832
Good idea, yes this can be done.

>>34031800
>find out where the elemental node is

Okay then

>>34031845
Another question: Would our mere undisguised presence set of alarms? I ask because just flying there would be tempting.

>>34031867
Potentially, yes

Ok, roll 2d20 for scrying as both you and Ellahi give it a try.

Rolled 1, 20 = 21

>>34031887

Rolled 11, 1 = 12

>>34031887

>>34031887
Let's not risk it, then.

Rolled 6, 13 = 19

>>34031919

Can't we just use a fly spell ?

Rolled 10

>>34031919
Dice

>>34031929
We are not as fast with the spell. Only twice the land speed. A horse might be better.

>>34031931
…not quite what I had intended.

>>34031887
After some consideration, i've come to the conclusion that we should just bite the bullet and reabsorb the essence in the tube.

If we do, can we still choose what happens? If so, then an appearance hit is no big deal compared to power/xp loss.

If not, i still think it's worth it.

>>34031958
No, we only lost 16 XP worth of powers and we probably won't even get those powers back, we'd be getting some powers of Ellahi's instead.
Aside from that, there are better non-replicable uses for the power in the tube that don't involve eating demonic essence.

The power decrease isn't even that much, we'll likely be back to normal after the next time we get XP.

>>34031973
Its still a certain amount of loss, it would be better to make some use of that essence before we move on, I remember mentions of a magic tiem being possible.

Damn, so close to a Perils of the Arcane roll

You and Ellahi take it in turns scrying upon the Node, as well as the surrounding area.

After several hours you have found it. It’s almost three thousand miles away, in a cave at the other side of the empire.
Travelling their by airship would take 6-8 weeks, depending upon which routes you took, plus you’d need to tunnel through 20 yards of rock to get into the cave, or use a spell once you’re closer.

>Welp, looks like we’re going on a trip, pack your bags everyone
>Investigate your own Elemental Nodes powers (in the lab)
>Go speak to Gulkil Fernahcs
>Do something else (what?)

>>34031958
It would be randomised
>>34031973
You would get your powers back, you just might get extra stuff too

>>34031973
But i can't see the downside of demonic essence, meanwhile the upside is plenty obvious.

I say it's worth it.

>>34032000
>Do something else (what?)

Reabsorb the essence. Even randomized, still worth it.

>>34031994
Yeah, I'd rather make it into a magical set of plate mail.
It's better in the long run since we can just get our powers back normally, but we might not get a chance for a powerful item for a long time.
Plus, it absorbed one of our magic boosting abilities and one of our fellowship boosting abilities, I really want to see what it'll do.

>>34032000
>You would get your powers back, you just might get extra stuff too
So, that means any artifact we make would actually be more powerful than just the essence we lost, since it's got some bits of Ellahi in it too?

>>34032013
The downside is that there isn't really any upside, since it's worse in the long run.

>>34032000
Let's do the same thing we did to find this node and hope there is one nearer to us.

If we bought the powers we had lost, what would happen upon re-absorption?

>>34032000
>Investigate your own Elemental Nodes powers (in the lab)


>>34032013
It did have some downsides with Ellahi clearly. And we don't know how it might clash with our celestial abilities.

>>34032000
>Don't absorb the essence
>Experiment with the node (try to find out how to see other nodes)

>>34032025
How is it worse?

I didn't see people complain about dragon powers sullying angel purity or something. How is demonic essence any different. It's just more options for powers.

>>34032013
We are not exactly starving for powers or things to invest exp in. The upside is rather minimal. On the other hand our sister is a clear example that mixing essences does carry some risk. I don't think demonic powers would grow well in our angelic body and our whole purity aspect might take a hit.

>>34032025
>It's better in the long run since we can just get our powers back normally

To be fair, itsd still 16xp flat lost. Wether or not that is worth it, depends on how good that artifact is or what kind of unique effects it can grant we could otherwise not get.

>>34032051
Dragons and Elementals are rather neutral to angels on the metaphysical level. Demons are diametrically opposed.

>>34032051
You need to re-read a few of the more recent threads, there was practically a shitstorm over the dragon powers and OP confirmed they aren't actually part of us.
It's not just options for more powers, we get a few powers that we can't grow.

Not to mention, angels are literally anti-demons, they get along even worse than mortals and demons when it comes to mixing blood.

>>34032062
The artifact will be equivalent in power to the amount of essence that goes into it, so 16+whatever Ellahi lost.
So pretty damn badass, especially since it'll likely have magic and fellowship boosting effects from our contribution.

>>34032051
People did actually.
I for one still dislike the dragon familiar thing. Both because I find it deludes her theme and because, well, when was the last time Ebonsong was mentioned in text, and when was the last time Ebonsong was actually relevant as charavter ?

I would actually have less of a problem with a small demonic aspect, since that actually has a fitting and compelling backstory to it, with willing to taint herself to save someone else.
I'm still in favor of a magic item, though. Unless its objectively worse than our lost abilities.

>>34032085
>The artifact will be equivalent in power to the amount of essence that goes into it

We don't know that until we know what we can actually get. It still might not be worth it, or it gives something that is effectively 16xp worth in effects, but isn't any effect we would really want to have that badly.

>>34032072
Opposed? That's getting into metaphysics isn't it?

Your view is (+Angel)+ (- Demonic) =Net loss.

My view is (+Angel)+ (+ Demonic) -Net gain.

So who's right? I have no idea.

You decide to spend some time with your Node in the lab, Ellahi and Bokin are there watching, your other companions are pursuing other interests: Gendric is training with his swords. Sofia and Jal are in Jals room. Talking.

Ebonsong is with you. She's grown a lot in the last few weeks and is too big to ride wrapped around your neck. She's now about 2ft long.

She's also started talking, her first word was your name, and all she can do is say single words at the moment.

"Node" she squeaks, as you tinker with it.

"Node. Bang."

>Discover more of the Nodes powers
>Connect to other Nodes
>Learn more about Huroni history
>Learn more about magical combat styles
>Learn other Knowledge

>>34032026
In character: You've no idea
OOC: Each of the powers would go up by 1 rank, to a maximum of 3. If you re-absorbed it with a power at rank 3, you'd gain an additional related power.

>>34032126
>Learn more about magical combat styles

>>34032087
Heh, your 'Martyr' justification is far better than anything i can come up with.

I was just thinking 'Angel+Succubus=Awesome!'

>>34032108
Angel essence and demonic essence usually try and destroy each other, it's the only reason the procedure worked, because the angel essence actually *weakened* Ellahi's demonic parts.

>>34032102
Well, I'd presume that it would have abilities related to the powers that went into the essence.
In our case, it was Angel's Magic 3 and Angel's Voice 1, 12 and 4 XP respectively, so it'd stand to reason that it would have powers related to those abilities.

>>34032126
>Connect to other nodes

>>34032108
Let's just make an awesome artifact out of it and call it a day. Then it is still useful and there is no risk.

My personal plan is to wait until the barrier is down and then sanctify it or purify it or something. Maybe ask our goddess to purify it. If we even want the essence back at that point.

>>34032126
>Learn more about magical combat styles

>>34032126
>>Learn more about Huroni history
I remember when I wanted to do this once per day. We really should do that. Afterwards:
>Connect to other Nodes

>>34032126
>Pet Ebonsong
>Connect to other nodes

>Sofia and Jal are in Jals room. Talking.
Plotting.

Ok, connect to other nodes it is, roll 1d20+5 for establishing a connection, and then scrying afterwards (single roll for both)

Rolled 1 + 5

>>34032212

Rolled 18 + 5

>>34032212

Rolled 14 + 5

>>34032212

Your Node connects to another and you can hear the noise of a howling wind emanating from the Node. Ebonsong runs around you in circles excitedly, chirping and babbling not-words.

As you scry upon this new node, you see it outside a ruined stone building, expanding the vision you see that it is some sort of temple, carved from the side of a mountain, there is a powerful blizzard raging around the place. It looks very high up, and the node is placed on an alter of some kind, exposed to the elements.

>Scry more upon this node to locate it on a map
>Discover more of the Nodes powers
>Connect to other Nodes
>Learn more about Huroni history
>Learn more about magical combat styles
>Learn other knowledge

>>34032265
>Scry more upon this node to locate it on a map

>>34032265
>Scry more upon this node to locate it on a map

>>34032265
Scry and teleport! Oh yeah, we Indiana Jones now!

>>34032293
We only have dimension door, and it's range is too short.

Ok, roll 2d20 for scrying, I'm assuming Ellahi and you are both trying

Rolled 11, 2 = 13

>>34032312

Rolled 7, 3 = 10

>>34032312

Rolled 4, 13 = 17

>>34032312

You and Ellahi take it in turns scrying upon the Node, as well as the surrounding area.

After an hour Ellahi has found it. It's about 900 miles away, in a mountain range know for fierce blizzards.
Travelling there by airship would take 2-3 weeks, depending upon which routes you took, plus you’d need to spend a week climbing through freezing cold mountain terrain, ideal territory for Bokin. Ebonsong seems excited as well, this close to you, she can see what you’re scrying.

>Discover more of the Nodes powers
>Connect to other Nodes
>Learn more about Huroni history
>Learn more about magical combat styles
>Learn other knowledge

>>34032353
>Connect to other nodes

>>34032353
>Connect to other Nodes

Rolled 5, 1 = 6

>>34032353
>Connect to other Nodes

Might as well find all we can.

Ok, roll 1d20+5 to find another connection

Rolled 12 + 5

>>34032411

>>34032353

Keep looking until we find them all or one that's within a week of travel.

We don't have a hard deadline unless we absolutely MUST be back with Jianxi as she sets out, but better spend less time than more.

>>34032428
I was thinking we'd just pinpoint them all now and pick them all up after we buy Teleport.

Rolled 8 + 5

>>34032411


>>34032428
I definitly want us to be back in around Jianxis departure.

>>34032431

Or that. But investigating one in person if convenient offers potential for arcane and mysterious loot, more means of fighting demons or planar trave and XP towards that teleport spell

Rolled 18, 13 = 31

>>34032411

Rolled 11 + 5

>>34032411

You connect to another node, but you can hear nothing from it. You scry upon it and you can also see nothing, you widen the vision until you can see...lava.

It seems this node is inside a volcano.

You and Ellahi search together and find it after several hours; it’s within the same mountain range as the previous node, perhaps 50 miles away from it. Getting there would take about the same amount of time, plus you’d need to figure out how to retrieve it from a beneath molten rock

It’s now mid-afternoon.

>Discover more of the Nodes powers
>Connect to other Nodes
>Learn more about Huroni history
>Learn more about magical combat styles
>Learn other knowledge

>>34032486
>Connect to other Nodes
Lets find all the nodes

Rolled 10 + 5

>>34032486
>Connect to all other Nodes until we find them
Lets not waste time on doing this case by case as long as we got time ?

>>34032486
>Connect to other nodes

>>34032486
Lunch, a small break. Then another connection.

You manage to connect to another 2 nodes.

One has a weird echoing quality to it. Widening the vision, you realise that it’s at the bottom of the ocean, somewhere.
The other is surrounded by animal noises, it’s in a thick jungle.

It takes you and Ellahi the rest of the day to locate them.

The first is about 1,800 miles away, and about a mile and a half underwater.
The second is about 2,000 miles away, in the middle of an unexplored jungle.

You try again several times, but cannot connect to any other nodes.

The next day

>Discover more of the Nodes powers
>Plot a route to go find all 5 nodes
>Learn more about Huroni history
>Learn more about magical combat styles
>Learn other knowledge
>Do something else

>>34032572

Investigate knowledge the node has to offer - focus on history and the anti-demon macguffin

If there's any notion of teleportation and planar shenanigans though, that might help too.

>>34032572
So the closest node is a 2-3 weeks away without teleport.

>Learn more about Huroni history

Rolled 18 + 5

>>34032572
>Learn more about magical combat styles
Would be good to get some more magic combat ability which we can actually use here.

>>34032632
You do remember that we still need to actually invest the XP in the magical combat styles, right?
We don't even have the first rank, there's no point in learning more about it at this juncture.

>>34032572
>Plot a route to go find all 5 nodes

4-way tie, I rolled a die

You focus on trying to gain knowledge from the Node. The familiar lightning bolt hits you in the head, you’re ready for it now.
You try and search for plans, ways to build this anti-demon weapon.

Images unfold in your head, and you see plans....of how to build some sort of magical battle armour that allows its wearer to fly, survive harsh environments, boost your magical powers, has integrated weapons and lots of other functions.

Useful, but not what you’re looking for.

>Discover more of the Nodes powers
>Learn more about Huroni history
>Learn more about magical combat styles
>Learn other knowledge
>Do something else

>>34032765
Actually that sounds pretty interesting
>Try to write these plans down and find out if you can build that

>>34032800
dis
Also thank you for running paladin, this is my favorite quest and i look forward to reading what happens when i get back.

>>34032800
If the plans are not automatically committed to memory, do this. Otherwise:
>Learn other knowledge

>>34032765
>survive harsh environments
Like underwater, or in a volcano

You spend several hours sketching out the plans for armour and discussing it with Ellahi, it seems like it would work, but you don’t know much about making magical items. You do notice that much of the design seems...modular, as if it was designed to be easy to swap in different attachments or sections designed to do specific things. You realise that what you have now is only the most basic design.

It's now midday, of the second day you've spent investigating the node.

>Discover more of the Nodes powers
>Learn more about Huroni history
>Learn more about magical combat styles
>Learn other knowledge
>Do something else

>>34032826
Thanks for playing, quest is due to run for another 9 hours, and same start time again tomorrow.

>>34032765
>Learn more about magical combat styles

>>34032890
The writing down is mainly so we can find out with Ellahis help how to get the material

>>34032914
>Do something else
Let's talk to our companions. Specifically mention the idea of a retractable fully functional penis to Jal and Sophia.

>>34032914
>Learn more about Huroni history

>>34032914
>Do something else
>Ask Ellahi if she knows someone trustworthy who understands something of magic item making

>>34032929
Only if your plan is to see if one of them would be interested in getting it.

>>34032914
Okay changing >>34032939
to
>Learn more about Huroni history

Just so to not risk the conversation option wins through a roll of dice

>>34032914
>Learn more about Huroni history

>>34032765
Are we able to build this armor in a cave, with a box of scraps?

You focus on learning about Huroni history. Before their civilisation declined they researched many different uses for magic.
They had a noble caste based around ones magical strength – non-mages served, and mages ruled.

It was rare, but not unheard of, for a non-mage to be granted magical powers as a reward for some great service.

The Huroni knew how to travel to other planes, but were largely uninterested in doing so; those that did so treated it as a leisure activity.

At one point in their history they dissolved an area the size of a country into chaos using raw magic, just to see what would happen. It was 30 years before they reclaimed the area from the twisted monsters that arose from that.

They built magnificent castles and cities that channelled magical power to various effects.

The Huroni mage-lords lived for hundreds, sometimes thousands of years, stealing life from their mundane subjects using vast magical designs that spanned entire cities – each person in such a place would lose a few years off their lifespan, and the lord of the city would gain perhaps a month of life for each year taken.

They used their magic to build vast war machines, from suits of armour to flying fortresses, the largest of which was almost a mile across and called Unending Light of the Sun.

They modified their non-magical subjects, creating species of winged humans, as well as those suited to living underwater, or underground. Sometimes their altered them into stranger forms.

>Discover more of the Nodes powers
>Focus on specific area of Huroni history (what?)
>Learn more about magical combat styles
>Learn other knowledge
>Do something else

>>34033130
>Focus on specific area of Huroni history (what?)
>Ways of planar travel

>>34033130
>Focus on specific area of Huroni history (what?)
>Ways of planar travel

>>34033152
>>34033162
agree

>>34033130
>Focus on specific area of Huroni history (what?)
>Ways of planar travel

This Plane's history is just every kind os fucked up, isn't it?

You focus on finding out more about the Huroni’s methods for planar travel.

They used spells that are similar to those in use today, but using the Elemental Nodes and suitable power sources they were able to transport hundreds, sometimes thousands of people across planes at once.

Other than this mass-transit modification they had no special talent for planar travel.

>Discover more of the Nodes powers
>Focus on specific area of Huroni history (what?)
>Learn more about magical combat styles
>Learn other knowledge
>Do something else

>>34033227
>Discover more of the Nodes powers

>>34033227
>Learn more about magical combat styles

>>34033227
>Discover more of the Nodes powers

ok, roll 1d20+5 to not screw up activating a new power

Rolled 20 + 5

>>34033339

Rolled 1 + 5

>>34033339

>>34033360
>>34033364

Dicegods, c'mon.

Rolled 17 + 5

>>34033339
I want a 10 now.

You hold the Node in your hands, concentrating. You begin to feel yourself sink into the flows of magic as you did back in the forest when the Crimson Guard came after you.

You see...all of the magic around you, the items you are wearing, the magical items Ellahi has stashed around the workshop, the wards of the workshop themselves.

The wards prevent you from seeing what’s outside the place, you real out mentally and touch the wards. You realise you could disrupt them, or reinforce them, or change them to another purpose.

[Magic Control Unlocked]
[Magic Control: By spending 4 Divine or Arcane Energy you can dispel a spell close by, or enhance it to make it stronger, or change its target or other variable effects. If you are prepared you can also re-direct instant spells, such as teleport, but only if you are waiting and expecting such a spell. Elemental Node power.]

As you come out of your trance, you realise Ellahi is talking to you.

“Sireyi, Sireyi?” she says, “come on, it’s time for dinner”

“Oh, sorry” you say “I got caught up in-”

“Yeah I know” she says, as the two of you go to the dining room for your evening meal “You’ve been playing with that thing for 2 days, don’t you ever get bored?”

She’s not mentioned the last task you promised to do for her, but maybe that’s what’s on her mind.

The next day....what would you like to do next?

>Discover more of the Nodes powers
>Focus on specific area of Huroni history (what?)
>Learn more about magical combat styles
>Learn other knowledge
>Go speak to Gulkil Fernahcs
>Do something else

>>34033491
>Go speak to Gulkil Fernahcs

>>34033491
>Reinforce the wards.
Great and useful way to test out that power. Only do it one spell at a time, so that one failure isn't catastrophic.
Her plans will proceed with or without us. We should spend some time with our companions, though. How about half the day is spent with companions, the other with the node? And I really want to mention the possible way out of a forced marriage we found for Sophia to Sophia and Jal. That's something they need to think on before deciding, so the earlier they know about the possibility the better.

>>34033582
By companions I also mean our sister. We haven't talked much with her and now that death isn't looming over her she might have a different outlook on life. Might even try to get that Venya cult going.

>>34033491
>Go speak to Gulkil Fernahcs

Yeah, time to continue the quest.

>>34033491
>Speak with Gulkil
I just want to get this out of the way so we don't need to worry so much about time constraints.

>>34033582
Its already too late to get a baby the normal way anyway. The time limit on that was until Sofias birthday, and we are well past the point were we could meet that. So by now its only a matter of wanting an heir if she intends to continue her rule, for which we already got fertility superpowers to take care of that.

“I’d like to help you with Gulkil Fernahcs” you say to Ellahi, the next morning.

“Excellent” she replies “I can provide a letter of introduction for you, as the Lady Victoria Sammi.”

You take a steam carriage to a large house in a wealthy district of Arrowgate. Your letter of introduction is presented and you are ushered into a sitting room.

A few minutes later, an older Demon-blood enters the room, he’s dressed in fine, expensive clothes and has a short beard and a face lined by age and stress, old before his time
“I wasn’t expecting another envoy from Lady Valyenya” he says quietly “Please, tell her my answer has not changed.”

>Introduce self (as Lady Victoria Sammi)
>What answer
>I’m here to talk about your wife
>Other

>>34033734
>Introduce self (as Lady Victoria Sammi)
>What answer

>>34033734
>Introduce self (as Lady Victoria Sammi)
>What answer

>>34031254
>http://pastebin.com/yKvP3AiP

Man, Sanctuary and Heaven's Rebirth are damn cool. Can we try to get these two skill trees, anon?

>>34033805
They are cool, but I think there is far more useful stuff we need to get first.
Especially the tree up to Root of all Life.
Not to mention all the awesome storm magic

>>34033805
Sanctuary, yes, but since we've already healed our sister there's not a huge amount of utility to HR. So maybe, but it's not a top priority.

>>34033829
Storm magic is angelic, so how we spend our paladin XP is irrelevant to it.

“I am Lady Victoria Sammi” you say “I’m a friend of Lady Valyenya, but I am not her envoy.”

He just gives you a blank look, as if wondering what you’ll do next.

“What answer did you give to Lady Valyenya?” you ask.

“She wants to get that foolish bill out of committee” he says “I suppose she wants to do it help the poor and needy, allow smaller, human-run businesses to access finance, lending to charities and social programs. But what she doesn’t know is that the current restrictions act as a guard against money laundering and financial crime – by undoing these she’d be giving a lot of money to criminals and” his face twists in disgust “rebels”.

He seems quite anti-rebel, it might be a sore topic for him.

>Try to convince him the rebels are right
>Ask him why he hates rebels
>I'm here to talk about your wife
>Other

>>34033688
She still has to get pregnant somehow for our superpowers to work. And that goes quite fast under the right circumstances, if my biology teacher is to be believed.

>>34033734
If someone could remind me what his issue was, that would be nice. Was he the guy whose wife was vanished? Otherwise I'll just search the threads for him.

>>34033905
Let him explain how the bill would help money laundering. Then either convince him that it's not a huge problem or look for a compromise.

>>34033907
>Was he the guy whose wife was vanished?

Yes

>>34033907
Then your biology teacher lied to you, some people spend years trying to get pregnant.

Besides the point though, Seiryi can simply use Root of all Life to make herself pregnant with Sofias child and accelerate the birth with Blessed health, in case Sofia really wants a heir that badly.

>>34033905
>Find out why he thinks the possible money laundering is so terrible that it outweights the benefits (try to find out why he hates the rebells so much)

>>34033956
>Root of All Life

I was going to argue that RoAL is useless, but after reading it properly, I think I could support it.

I'm so glad we have separate exprience pools for each area of skills.

>>34034027
It's still mostly useless, not to mention pricy.
Buying a skill to take care of one specific situation feels a bit wasteful, especially given the total XP cost to get it is 24.

“How would the bill help money-laundering?” you ask.

“Amongst other things it removes restrictions over which business the money-houses can lend to, and who they can take deposits from” he says “allowing many businesses that look the other way when someone wants to sell something illegal, to borrow money and maintain accounts with the house. Over time the source of funds are disguised enough that it looks legitimate.”

“It will open the gates of our banking industry to illegal funds, and will help in avoiding taxes, supporting crime and funding rebellion” he says.

“Is that such a high price to pay to help some people?” you ask.

He stares at you “Young lady, if you don’t think protecting the Empire from chaos is enough for you, I suggest you leave.”

How do you respond?

>>34034086
I was going to say it could still be useful in the future, but I realize thats as much of a slippery slope as making Jal a futa.
What we really need to do is help Sofia to learn it, so she can do it herself. If we can get Korn powers, surely Sofia an learn some tricks from us.

>>34034115
OP, can we have a brief reminder on the specifics of the bill so I can formulate an actual argument against him?

>>34034125
We might be able to ask a boon from our goddess to help with that or solve the issue outright, after we've taken down the barrier, of course.

>>34034115
Huh, quiet isn't it?

I suppose we should appeal to utility and general well being to the common citizen...which would be us thrown out.

>>34033956
>make herself pregnant with Sofia's child
Yeah, not gonna happen. Also "right circumstances" meaning that we have magic powers and perhaps even divine powers to assist.

>>34034115
>"You think the empire that frail? In that case we do need to change the proposed bill. Do you see any way for it allow more people, while still maintaining security?"
I also feel tempted to mention that the current system is not quite free from rebellious elements either. They already make money in the current system. Conceding more rights to lower classes might even take the wind out of their sails as their support relies on inequality.

>>34034214
There isn't much of an argument here, the only appeal we have short of"but the rebells are ok" would be appealing to the common good outweighting the risk, which we did, and her made it clear he doesn't give a shit.

The first level of sanctuary is useful enough. Redeeming touch for demons fits with Sereyi, even is situational.

I'd like to get both, if possible. Converting demons into angels would be fuckawesome, but 35 Willpower makes it seem something more plot related than anything else. Besides converting demons into angels.

>>34034240
>Yeah, not gonna happen.
I see no reason why not. Allowing a couple that can't have a childe together to get exactly that in a way that doesn't require them to sleep with someone they don't want to seems like exactly the kind of thing a follower of Veyla would do.
Its not something to be done just because, but I see no reason against it per se.

>>34034248
So we make an argument true to our character and get thrown out or lie. Which is out of character.

Rock and a hard place.

>>34034240
>meaning that we have magic powers and perhaps even divine powers to assist.

We don't actually. None of our powers can make pregnancie more likely in others.

>>34034297

Also, sorry fortalking about powers when out of time, but I need to leave and wanted to put a reminder for later.

>>34034297
Sanctuary is useful, nobody's debating that; we don't actually rely on Redeeming touch to redeem people, however.
Heaven's Rebirth is *not* a gift to be given out lightly, our goddess made such a thing clear to us before, so converting demons into angels at random shouldn't be a thing.

>>34034319
We've lied before, it's not against our code unless done with malicious intentions.

>>34034305
Let's not rush into any kind of decision as to whether or not we want to do that, especially when there are alternatives.
Plus, again, reactionary buying to deal with one specific situation, not very good.

>>34034328
There's a spell for that.

>>34034208
The bill:
- Removes restrictions that prevent the money-houses from doing business with human-majority owned business.
- Removes restrictions that prevent the money-houses from doing business with business in industries at high risk of money-laundering or dealing in illegal goods (i.e. pawn-brokers, unlicensed apothecaries etc).
- Removes requirements for money-houses to report on the finances of individuals that live or do business in certain parts of the empire.

Those are the parts intended to help the rebels. The social parts are:

- Require money-houses to lend to charities at commercial rates
- Prevent money-lenders taking those who can't pay to the courts for small amounts, the debts must be written off

And similar provisions

>>34034357
>There's a spell for that.

No there isn't at least as far as I could see, all our abilities only allow us to make pregnancy more likely for Seiryi, not to do the same for others.

And I don't suggest we buy it right now and get on with it. We still need a down time of a month to go through with that. Its something for when Sofia wants a heir at some point, since the wards are down now anyway, there isn't any urgency to it anymore and we got all the time we need to find a way to make it happen.

>>34034115
>Argue that the poor economic situation for the human-majority businesses and the increasing desperation of the poor (relating to the charities) creates fertile ground for rebells and recruiters of malcontents. While it may help money laundering, that just means rebells could be easier exposed during normal investigations into corruption, and if we can't trust the state to root out corruption like that, then we would be in truly dire straits. Improving the social situation of the poor and humans will make it harder for rebells to find people willing to rebell.

>>34034424
I didn't mean the spell was in our spell purchasing list, just that there is a spell for that.
We don't know every spell in the world, but there are books on spells related to that and they likely contain the spell you're looking for.

>>34034496
There might just as well be a spell allowing us to make Sofia pregnant with Jals child, so thats not really a argument for anything. Sure if we are lucky such a spell exists somewhere we can get it and we can solve this entire problem.
But we don't know so we can only speculate with stuff we do know.

Ok, appeal to his compassion for the less fortunate + mention how the existing protections are still strong enough to deter criminals.

Please roll 1d20+9

Rolled 15 + 9

>>34034531

Rolled 1 + 9

>>34034531

Rolled 11 + 9

>>34034531

>>34034517
I was merely worried that people had forgotten of the possibility of such spells existing.
It's best to explore every possible solution before committing to any particular course of action.

>>34034643
I hope that, since Root of all Life exists, we might be able to convince Veyla to impregnate Sofia with Jals child. Assuming Jal wants one.

“What about the common citizen?” you say “this bill will help them, is security a good enough reason for oppression?”

“An unavoidable consequence” he replies

“The current situation is created by the restrictions the bill seeks to remove” you say “the increasing desperation of the poor creates fertile ground for rebels and recruiters of malcontents. While it may help money laundering, that just means rebels could be easier exposed during normal investigations into corruption, and if we can't trust the state to root out corruption like that, then we would be in truly dire straits. Improving the social situation of the poor and humans will make it harder for rebels to find people willing to join them.”

“An argument I’ve heard before” he says “And an incorrect one.”

"You think the empire that frail? In that case we do need to change the proposed bill. Do you see any way for it allow more for people, while still maintaining security?"

“There are many changes that should be made” he concedes “But few, if any of them, are in this bill.”

“In any case” he says “I’ve heard these arguments before, unless you have something new to say, I suggest you leave.”

He turns to leave the room.

>Leave (go back to Ellahi)
>About your wife
>Try another argument (what?)

>>34034666
>About your wife

>>34034666
>What changes did you suggest?
If there are things he suggested that won't compromise the parts of the bill that aid the rebels, maybe we can manipulate him onto our side.

This quest really tends to slow down in the middle, doesn't it?

>>34034666

>>34034815
Actually that sounds reasonable changing >>34034705
to
>What changes did you suggest?

I think its more this particular exchange is rather unengaging to some and so there isn't much interest in voting. We seem kinda stuck.

“What changes did you suggest?” you ask

“To this bill?” he says “Nothing. To others, I requested, well, that doesn’t matter, good day.”

He leaves the room and one of his servants escorts you out.

You leave and make your way back to Ellahi. She’s stretched out face-down on a table by the side of the baths as Angelique gives her a massage.

“How’d it go?” she asks

“Not great” you admit “He doesn’t want to change his mind at all.”

“Well” says Ellahi “No great surprise there, still, since you convinced Dravere to work with us, that gives us another solution.”

“I’m not sure I can agree to that” you say “And how would it help?”

“Simple” says Ellahi “Oh yes, just there Angelique, yes, gooood. If he dies, his seat is decided by special election, but his position on any committees must be filled quickly, I can probably negotiate with his successor on the committee.”

>Try dealing with Hanandrirac
>Let Ellahi have Gulkil Fernahcs killed (risks falling)
>Don’t choose yet
>Try to convince him some other way (how?)

>>34034666
>About your wife

Ok, politicing is hard. Stick to relationships.

>>34034878
>>Let Ellahi have Gulkil Fernahcs killed (risks falling)
NOT VOTING FOR THIS!

But I would like to know how letting someone die is risking falling ? We aren't responsible for our sisters actions, otherwise we would have fallen for saving her life and becoming responsible for hypothetical people she kills in the future.

>>34034934
I'm sorry, I guess I phrased it wrong, it should be more like

>Tell Ellahi she has your permission to have Gulkil Fernhahcs killed.

Although you're not wielding the blade, you'll be more or less ordering someone killed for the sake of convenience.

>>34034934
Even if we aren't casting the spell to kill him we're deciding his fate, not just "letting" him die.

>>34034934
I don't even know why that is being made our choice except to make the "risk falling" a incentive to deal with Hanandrirac.
Ellahi has no reason at all to not just do it on her own.

>>34034878
>Don’t choose yet
If she wants to kill him in the meantime she will, its none of our business anyway, he is clearly no innocent in need of our protection.

>>34034878
>Admits he asked for no changes on the bill
>After saying he wanted changes to the bill as a defense
Oh, I see, he isn't actually opposed to the bill, he's worried about his wife being held hostage and is just trying to seem like he's being reasonable.
As loathe as I am to visit Lord Route-lock, we might at least want to go see what his terms would be...
Just remember to be insanely cautious and accept absolutely nothing from him without discussing it with Ellahi first if we do visit him.
This isn't actually a vote, by the way. I'm abstaining from this one for the moment.

Wait.
I feel like I'm forgetting something...
Shit, we didn't forget to have a party for Sofia on her birthday, did we?

>>34035100
>Shit, we didn't forget to have a party for Sofia on her birthday, did we?

Sofia's 18th birthday is about 5 weeks away

>>34034878
>Try dealing with Hanandrirac

Frown heavily whenever she mentions murder as a political tool.

>>34035100
He said he wanted changes, he never said he wanted changes that apply to this specific bill.
And did I get that wrong, as far as I understood it his wife is pretty much lost and we could only maybe get her back. So it doesn't seem like a hostage fear is likely.
I think he just hates rebells more than he cares about the common good.
and Paladin wants us to seek out the "bad-shit-is-going-to-happen" demon

“I’ll need to think about this before I decide” you say.

“Ok” says Ellahi “Let me know, if you need anything.”

It’s not even midday yet, what are you going to do next?

>Study the Elemental Node some more
>Research the Demon Lords defences, since you plan to eventually ambush them
>Do something else (what?)

>>34035246
>Research the Demon Lords defences, since you plan to eventually ambush them

>>34035134
Okay, good.
I really didn't want to forget that.

>>34035163
IIRC, it was stated that his wife's soul/fate is being held hostage by Hanandrirac and most people can't remember her existence due to that.
Thinking back on it, we really should've mentioned his wife, it's possible that even he forgot her.

His wife's fate might've also been manipulated so she was retroactively killed by rebels years ago, and that's what we would want Hanandrirac to change back.

>>34035246
>Research the Demon Lords defenses.
Your British English holds no power here!

>>34035246

>Research the Demon Lords defences, since you plan to eventually ambush them

You spend the rest of the day reading what Ellahi has on the defences of the Demon Lords.

The Warrior is a powerful fighter, as you would expect, but he never travels alone. At all times he has a bodyguard of 40 demon fighters that meet his high standards. He is also accompanied by 8 sorcerers that shield him from magical attacks, ward any place he’s staying and in a fight, cast spells to improve his considerable martial abilities.

He’s constantly on the move and often travels with the army, leading them on new conquests. He’s a skilled tactician, but is also reckless – he won’t back away from a fight unless facing overwhelming odds.

The Ruler has less individual power and skill, but makes up for it with guile. Any place he spends much time in is a fortress of magical wards and traps, and his bodyguards number in the hundreds.

On the occasions he meets someone, or appears in public, those he is meeting and the area he is visiting are checked out a week in advance by his bodyguards and sorcerers. Anyone who gets near him will have been thoroughly scrutinised and examined, and will have no weapons or magical items on their person.

The Ruler will immediately retreat from any fight he does not have an overwhelming advantage in.

Both stay in places heavily warded against teleportation and scrying.

Ellahi has researched both of them thoroughly but the information reveals no obvious weaknesses in their defences.

The next day...

>Study the Elemental Node some more
>Discuss how to deal with Gulkil, with Ellahi or someone else (who?)
>Do something else (what?)

>>34035428
>Discuss how to deal with Gulkil, with Ellahi or someone else (who?) Sofia, we are going to need her help against a Demon most anyway, and she has some political savy of her own.

Ugh, this subplot seems to need resolving if we want to get anywhere with the main plot.

>>34035428
>Discuss how to deal with Gulkil: Ellahi and Sofia.

>>34035428
So how many days are we going to have to go through?

>Study the Elemental Node some more

Spamming the study button is getting old. Some plot advancement would be nice.

>>34035479
Yeah, that's what the other option is.
You don't get to complain about a lack of plot advancement when you deliberately choose to not advance the plot.

>>34035479
>So how many days are we going to have to go through?

I'm actually not sure anymore. We don't really have to help this whole thing. We only need enough power to break through the Barrier and leave this place. So ultimately we don't have to do anything except get the XP needed to get a planar travel spell.

>>34035428
>study the elemental node

>>34035544
Do we really want to spend the thread spamming the "research" button ?

>>34035520
It's not about advancing days until the plot seeks us out, it's about pursuing the plot hooks we have.
The only one's left are finding out about the super-weapon and finishing off Ellahi's last task.

We can't just leave, either, unless you mean hopping out of the plane to break the barrier and then coming back.

>>34035479

Well, stop voting for it then. Go discuss how to advance the plot with Ellahi.

>Discuss how to deal with Gulkil.

>>34035579
Sorry anon but I'm a bit of a lore whore I could literally spend and enjoy whole threads tinkering with the node. And right now the plot hook I'm most interested in is the one where we travel around gathering the maguffins
Feel more than free to vote against me though. I totally understand its not everyone's thing.

>>34035653
My point was, we don't actually need to pursue Ellahis last task. Its helpful, but not really needed.
We could also concentrate on getting the super-weapon, break the planar barrier and kick the Demon Lords asses with that and we won't need all this rebellion business.

You gather Ellahi and Sofia together and talk about how to deal with Gulkil.

“Simple” says Ellahi “If you can’t convince him, and if you’re too wary of going near Hanandrirac, let me deal with it, you did most of what I needed, I can take this one off your hands.”

“Gulkils wife was taken, wasn’t she?” asks Sofia

“Right” you say.

“So didn’t he try to get her back, I mean, when you spoke to him, what did he say about his wife?”

“Nothing” you say “He didn’t mention his wife at all.”

“And you didn’t ask?” says Sofia

“It didn’t seem like the right time” you say “I was mostly trying to convince him on political grounds.”

“Yes I tried that too” says Ellahi “It didn’t work. And I don’t blame you for not going near Hanandrirac.”

“You prayed to Velya about him, didn’t you?” asks Sofia “What did she say?”

“That Hanandrirac wouldn’t try and kill me” you say “But that he’d try and trap me in a bargain.”

“The way I see it” says Sofia “You can either talk Gulkil into helping us because it will end up hurting Hanandrirac, or ask Hanandrirac what he wants in exchange for Gulkils wife, if indeed he can return her.”

“Nah” says Ellahi dismissively “Let me deal with it.”

>Ok Ellahi, give Dravere the go ahead (risk of falling)
>I guess I should go talk to Gulkil about how we can hurt Hanandrirac
>I’m going to talk to Hanandrirac
>Other

>>34035668
I fully understand the sentiment, but I want to see at least if there is any way left to deal with Gulkil or if we should just move on. We are a bit on a time liomit of six weeks to catch up with Jiraxi and I don't want to leave this pleace behind half finished.
Otherwise I would be voting to go treasure hunting.

>>34035709
>I guess I should go talk to Gulkil about how we can hurt Hanandrirac

PLOT TIME!

>>34035668
I'd really prefer waiting until we get Teleport to hunt the nodes, since that spell would make the difference between taking months to get all of them or less than a week.

>>34035698
Except we *do* need the rebellion.
We were told by our goddess that if we don't secure some kind of group to take over the government, or at least parts of it, the world will devolve into another 100 kingdoms.
This time one run by actual demons, so even worse than Gorim.

Rebellion, then superweapon, then kill the demon lords.

>>34035709
>I guess I should go talk to Gulkil about how we can hurt Hanandrirac

>>34035709
>I guess I should go talk to Gulkil about how we can hurt Hanandrirac
Looks like the only option.

>>34035709
>talk to gulkil.
Worth a try

>>34035736
>the world will devolve into another 100 kingdoms.
I fail to see anything bad with that. In fact, allowing the "new goverment" to try continue to rule this multi-ethnic state brought together by violence and tyranny, is probably fare worse than allowing the different parts of it to determine their own fate.
As long as we deal witrh the Barrier, divine intervention can make sure to take care of the demon business.

>>34035764
>Nothing wrong with 100 kingdoms
>Wherein every country is run by petty, insane dictators and war is the only universal constant.
Even if letting a new government manage the whole of Drache is wrong, it probably wouldn't wind up like that.
It'd be more likely that New Drache or whatever they call it is a significantly larger and more powerful nation than others who emerge after the fall of the demon lords.
A stabilizing influence is necessary to prevent the deaths of millions.

Divine Intervention requires a medium of some sort, and the people of this world lost faith in the gods long ago.
Saying 'Oh, don't worry, the gods will fix everything.' is an incredibly lazy argument.

You return to see Gulkil Fernahcs, he agrees to see you but keeps you waiting a half-hour, to prove a point perhaps.

When you are finally shown into his study he snaps at you “What do you want now?”

“I believe I have a way to get at Hanandrirac” you say “But I’ll need your help.”

“I have no interest in your foolish notions!” he says.

“Don’t you want to get back at the demon who took your wife?” you ask "The wife no one else believes exists."

He flinches as if struck and says in a hoarse voice “My wife was taken from me by a whimsical and cruel monster, she was real, no matter what anyone else says, I will never forget her.”

“I believe she is real” you say gently “I heard she was taken by the Eater of Fate, what can you tell me about what happened?”

He looks away, clearly this is a painful memory for him, then he starts talking “Demons rule Drache, that’s never been questioned. But some of them are so powerful they are literally above the law – beholden only to the Ruler and the Warrior, who have no interest in reigning in errant demons unless they are upsetting their own plans.”

“After seeing one excess too many, my wife persuaded me to bring a bill before the Commons that would have made no one, demon, blood or human, above the law. It was contentious, and probably wouldn’t have passed a vote. Even if it had the law would have been vetoed, either way I made enemies doing that. The Eater of Fate claimed to support the law and wanted to meet my wife and I to discuss it, and that’s....that’s when...”

He breaks off, tears rolling down his face, a fist pressed to his mouth. A few minutes later he continues, in a voice drained of emotion “By trying to restrict his power, I had offended him, and when my wife revealed it was her idea, he took her. I begged, I pleaded, I bargained, I offered my life in her place, I threatened. He laughed.”

1/2

>>34035847
“I went to the guard, but they said they had no record of my wife existing, and that even if she had, what the Eater of Fate did – killing a non-demon, as not a crime they felt was worth their time.”

“Eventually I lost hope, and I just...went back to work. So now you know my story, I think it’s time for you to go.”

>There are those who also believe that powerful demons should not be above the law (hint at rebellion)
>This bill will hurt Hanandrirac in the long run
>I think I can convince Hanandrirac to give you your wife back
>If I could get your wife back via non-specific means would you support Lady Valyenya’s efforts and get the bill out of committee?
>Other

>>34035829
Do you not realize how self-contradicting your statements are ?
If you assume the hundred kingdoms will all be dominated by demons, then those same demons will just as likely either continue the brutal regime they already have and nothing at all changes, or they will fight the rebellion and we will have a giant civil war across the empire not only rebell-gopverment against demons, but also against all the individual cultures that want to be free of the Drachen tyranny.

>>34035865
>There are those who also believe that powerful demons should not be above the law (hint at rebellion)
>This bill will hurt Hanandrirac in the long run

>>34035865
>hint at rebellion
>this will hurt hanandrirac in the long run

Ok, roll 1d20+9 to convince him

>>34035880
So, you're assuming every single demon is going to be working together against the significantly larger kingdom?
All at once, in spite of demons having a penchant to backstab and be paranoid about each other?
And them not really having anywhere near as much infrastructure or preparation for this sudden change?
When the demon lords die, the chain of command will suddenly be cut off and individual large towns will become the centers of new kingdoms, likely run by whoever is the strongest warlord.
Those will, in most circumstances, be demons, but the point is that they'll require a few months, at least, to establish a new order, while the center of the new kingdom is already prepared for a massive change by rebel agents.

Ellahi has only the best of intentions, any cultures that break free of the influence of Drache will likely be okay with her, so war would be unnecessary between them.

It doesn't really matter if they're demons or not, the humans that run the actual 100 kingdoms are just as capable of running a tyrannical state that's perpetually at war.

Rolled 18 + 9

>>34036031

Rolled 19 + 9

>>34036031

Rolled 4 + 9

>>34034305
Oh, I'm not personally against it much. It's just not something I see being chosen in this quest.

>>34034878
>To others, I requested, well, that doesn’t matter, good day.
But it does matter. Politics is a give and take. He wants to get certain changes through, we want certain other changes. One hand washing the other etc. Given that part of his plan is to lessen illicit dealings, we might come to an understanding.

>His wife
My theory is that he is for the Empire, his wife was more compassionate and maybe even sympathized with the rebels. Now that she is removed from the world, the influence she had on him vanished.

>>34035428
So our best bet is to use our surprise attack on the Ruler.

>>34036035
>It doesn't really matter if they're demons or not, the humans that run the actual 100 kingdoms are just as capable of running a tyrannical state that's perpetually at war.

Exactly, so are the people who run the Drachen empire. There is no reason to keep it together if its individual parts don't want that. Thats all there is to it.
Ellahi is not the new goverment, nor does she posess the individuall power to reign in the entire rest of the empire. If others want to seceed, there is no reason to believe the new goverment wil let them, nor is there reason to believe Ellahi would let them.

That the demons won't work together is exactly the point I was makiing, I'm not sure if you lack reading comprehension or are just willfully ignorant, the point is that in any case the empire will fall apart or have a massive civil war. With or without demons. Keeping it together makes no difference to that.

>>34036069
>So our best bet is to use our surprise attack on the Ruler.
Actually I think our best bet is to get the Warrior into a fight with us and blow the horn to overwhelm him.

>>34036128
Given that the Warrior is known not to back off even if he should, we can do this after having dealt with the Ruler. The Ruler on the other hand is known not to engage dangerous fools and would probably hunker down in a giant trapped and warded fortress that we would have much trouble penetrating. Another plan would of course be to find have a city destroyer (like what the historical game had) hidden away and use that on the fortress.

>>34036177
>to find have a city destroyer
A was under the impression that is why we wanted more knowledge of magic superweapons, no ?

“There are those who also believe that powerful demons should not be above the law” you say carefully.

“True” he concedes “A few of the other Members hold similar views.”

“Not just in the Parliament” you say “But ordinary people from all walks of life, who want to see things change.”

He pauses “You’re talking of the rebels” he says quietly.

“And if I was?” you ask

“Then I’d say it would be foolish to help them” he says, a bit of emotion, passion possibly, entering his voice “putting aside the illegality of such a thing, the rebels want to tear the whole system down because some parts of it are broken, that’s the wrong way to go about things.”

“This will hurt Hanandrirac in the long run” you say “Do you imagine he’d be allowed in a world not ruled by demons?”

“No” he says “No, I suppose not, alright, tell Lady Valyenya I’ll support her bill.”

You return to Ellahi and tell her the good news “mission accomplished” you say “You’ll soon have your bill.”

She’s in her study and looks worried, poring over some papers “Good” she says distractedly “But I’ve got bad news”

“What is it?” you ask.

“The military is building an invasion force to attack the Island of Storms” she says.

You call Sofia into the room “What’s wrong?” she says. You tell her what Ellahi has told you.

Sofia gasps and goes pale.

“How did you find out?” you ask Ellahi

“Troops movements, supply requests, gossip from soldiers” she says, indicating the documents “It’s all here if you know where to look, they’re trying not to make it obvious, but they’re planning on a major attack."

“I have to get back!” insists Sofia “I need to be there for my people!”

>How long until they attack?
>We need to discuss this before leaving
>We need leave immediately

>>34036211
>>How long until they attack?
>>We need to discuss this before leaving
Its not like she will make a difference there on her own

>>34036211
>How long until they attack?
>We need to discuss this before leaving

>>34036211
They know that the barrier will be weakened soon. That's what spies are for. Not a surprising development at all. Only solution is for her to become pregnant or make another pregnant.
>Talk to her about artificial fully functional penile attachments, accelerated pregnancies and whether she and Jal want to have a child.
Really now, this has been coming since we left the island, why are they surprised?

>>34036113
I think we got off track somewhere.
First, I never stated Ellahi should forcefully keep the entire empire together, and her goal is to create a country more similar to a republic of city-states anyway.
My only real goal in aiding the rebellion is to prevent balkanization, nothing more or less.
If you don't know what balkanization is, then google it, it's a pretty bad thing and if it happens to Drache it'll be just as bad, if not worse, than the current regime.

>>34036211
>How long until they attack?
>We need to discuss this before leaving

>>34036275
We've still got five weeks before her birthday, IIRC, so she doesn't need to choose immediately.
Getting her back to the IoS would solve this problem in the short-term, and there might not be a long-term if we don't make her return public and they launch an attack right into the now-restored barriers.

And the defenses don't go down until every member of the Jalwayen bloodline is dead, they're just weakened due to no members of that house being present on the island at the moment.

>>34036279
>If you don't know what balkanization is
I know exactly what it is, you don't seem to know what it is, because the balkan became such a shit hole exactly because of tyrannic wanna be empires forcing people of different cultures to live together.
First the Ottomans later Austira and Yugoslavia and the Serbs, and the attrocities of the last balkan war where the result of the Yugoslavian military (mainly serbs) trying to prevent other ethnities from secceeding. Maybe you should actually read up what you are talking about.

>>34036316
>No members of that house being present on the island
No members under the age of 18, I mean.
That's how the defenses work.

>>34036279
>If you don't know what balkanization is, then google it, it's a pretty bad thing and if it happens to Drache it'll be just as bad, if not worse, than the current regime.
Despite agreeing with wanting to help the rebllion. Are you literally retarded that you don't know the balkan is a terrible place exactly because people tried to keep together all its ethnities with violence ?

>>34036325
>>34036355
>Tyrannical wannabe empires forcing different cultures to live together
You mean exactly like what each of those little Draches run by the most powerful demon in the area are going to do?
I also don't know if there are even different cultures in Drache anymore, not really.
They've been living under the tyranny of the demon lords so long, it might've erased any kind of cultural identity.

“Let’s not act rashly” you say to Sofia, putting a hand on her shoulder, as she looks like she’s about to start panicking.

“How long until they attack?” you ask Ellahi

“They should have sufficient forces in place to threaten the islands defences in about 4 months” she says “and enough to overwhelm it in 6 months.”

“That long?” you ask

“Yeah” she nods “They’re pulling a few units out here and there, trying not to weaken a particular garrison or battlefront too much, the forces will be trickling in for months – some of them are coming from far away.”

“See” you say to Sofia “You don’t need to worry, we’ll have plenty of time to solve this.”

“It’ll take a month by airship to get there” she frets “We should still start now!”

“And, ah” says Ellahi, pulling a report out “It seems that the warrior is summoning one of his top generals to see him, but this general has done nothing wrong...hmm, it seems he’s wanting his right-hand demon to replace him as general on a tough front, I think the Warrior plans to lead the attack on the Island of Storms personally.”

What are you going to do?

>We need info on that Huroni superweapon now
>I need to push my sorcerer powers to the point where I can plane shift and break the barrier
>We need to get to the Island of Storms
>We need to get everyone together to form a plan
>Other (what?)

>>34036368
We already know the different former kingdoms are trying to become independent, thats those hundreds of kingdoms that are being talked about. And all those little Drache have far less opportunity for mayhem than the giant super empire Drachen. Because again, the same people in charge in the little Drache would be in charge in the big unified one. The different human cultures will want to be free. Exactly the same as the balkan situation, were you don't have a problem as long as they stay in each their own country, and it only goes to shit if you force them to live together.

>>34036381
>I need to push my sorcerer powers to the point where I can plane shift and break the barrier
That way we can kill the Warrior and while the Ruler holes himself up in a fortress, we can search for the superweapon and nuke him. If we use the weapon against the Warrior the ruler can prepare against it.

>>34036381
>We need to get to the Island of Storms

We need to kill teh Sorcerer and learn Sanctuary ASAP.

Man, redeeming the Sorcerer would also be fucking awesome, but impossible.

>>34036316
>she doesn't need to choose immediately
Yes, but she needs to be informed immediately. And weakened defences will be enough for Drache to decide attacking is worth it. Seriously, this in an option that we have no reason to withhold from Sophia, why are people against simply telling her that it exists?

>>34036381
>I need to push my sorcerer powers to the point where I can plane shift and break the barrier
This would be the preferred outcome. Can we also send someone to retrieve the lightning artifacts? And don't those also increase our sorcerous power? I'd say we can combine the two.

>>34036381
>I need to push my sorcerer powers to the point where I can plane shift and break the barrier
Time to blow the horn. Would be good for Sofias reputation too if she saves her kingdom by summoning a army of heroes.

>>34036429
Sounds like a good plan. Seconding.

>>34036403
>We already know the different former kingdoms are trying to become independent, thats those hundreds of kingdoms that are being talked about.
The hundred kingdoms aren't even in this plane of existence, anon.
The only place that's still free is the remnants of Hanse, and there are no rebels other than the ones we're aiding. As far as we know.

>And all those little Drache have far less opportunity for mayhem than the giant super empire Drachen.
Actually, it's the inverse.
In spite of Drache's policies, it's still a mostly-stable government, whereas all the little demon-run Draches would be declaring war on everyone around them and each other, far more death and chaos.

> Exactly the same as the balkan situation, were you don't have a problem as long as they stay in each their own country, and it only goes to shit if you force them to live together.
That's what's going to happen if we kill of the demon lords, demon warlords will just expand as rapidly and violently as possible and force every group to live together under their iron rule.

>>34036316
>>34036472

Lets not forget that, currently, we can speed up gestation only to a minimum of 13 weeks. After she got pregnant, which we can't guarantee.
The only way we currently have to make a guaranteed pregnancie happen in time would be Root of all Life. As far as I can see, most of us are not happy with that option, so we have to destroy the threats the wards are needed against.

>>34036467
>Kill the sorcerer
That requires Sofia's death, anon.

>>34036505
Why do you keep believing that the demons, who make up most of the economic and military force, will just agree to this goverment that curtails their power ? They will take all the elements of the army they control and start carving out their own kingdoms out of the Drachen territory. At the same time, people with completly legitimate seccession desires will try to become free too. In this chaos Drache will have to fight both.
If we allow it to fraction, we can have the new legitimite independence movements help in curtailing the demons.

>>34036538
Dude, there have been non-magical fertility enhancers for ages. Granted, of questionable effectiveness. There are likely more than enough ways to ensure someone becomes pregnant fast. But this is not an issue we can solve with arguing.

Pal, do fertility enhancers exist?

>>34036562
Or figure out the plan her father and uncle had and which killed them instead of working.

>>34036562

Didn't her father's death happen because they planned poorly and botched the attempt? Turning the pillar of flames off doesn't ask for their death, as far as I remember.

>>34036627
>Granted, of questionable effectiveness
Thats the issue right there. Even a working fertility enhancer doesn't guarantee pregnancie, it only makes it more likely. Thats why I said, the only way to guarantee it would be RoaL, we can of course take the risk and give Jal her penis and have her go town on Sofia for as long as it takes. I'm sure at least Jal would not be unhappy with that.

>>34036693
>>34036627
Are we all forgetting that its prophesied that Sofia dies if she gets pregnant ? That was the whole plot back in her kingdom!

>>34036693
We don't have the exp to spare for something of so little usefulness as RoaL has. Not to mention that I still doubt that option will ever gain enough support. Actually, we don't have any exp to spare right now and don't know how fast we will gain them. It is not unlikely that giving Sophia a penis is the fastest option as well as the least costly and the most in character.

>>34036729
It is not. She previously refrained from it because she dreamed that an assassin would come. That was back when she was alone on the island. Also, she can simply get Jal pregnant.

“I need to push my sorcerer powers to the point where I can plane shift and break the barrier” you say “We need the power of the heroes of the horn to defeat the demon lords.”

“Possible” says Ellahi, looking up from her spy reports “but to do that you’d need to absorb a lot of power, and one consistent with your powers would be best, where are your powers focused anyway?”

“Storms, black dragons, angels and the domain of my goddess” you say

“And what are those?” asks Ellahi

“Joy, Life, and Peace” you reply

“Well I’d suggest a lot of *life-affirming* activity” says Ellahi, with a leer, which at least gets a smile from Sofia “but I doubt you’d agree, and since we don’t have any angels, and since bargaining with dragons is problematic at best, that leaves storms.”

“I have storm stored in the Node” you say “But it might not be big enough.”

“The province of Galthame gets a lot of storms at this time of year” says Ellahi “But it would take you 3 weeks to get there by airship. It’s sort of on the way to the Island of Storms too – the next leg of your trip should only take 3 more weeks from there to the Island.”

“We had a storm on the way here” says Sofia “We might run into one again.”

>I’ve never done anything like this before Ellahi, what are the risks?
>I’m going to try absorbing the storm in the node
>We’ll go to Galthame
>We’ll go to the Island of Storms by airship and hope we find one on the way
>I’ll find another power source (what?)
>This is too risky, we’ll try something else

>>34036627
>Pal, do fertility enhancers exist?
Yes, both mundane and magical

>>34036609
Why do you keep assuming I want Drache to all stay in one piece, despite the fact that I've never said that and said several things against it?
My only goal was to prevent this world from becoming a new 100 kingdoms, which is pretty much fantasy Balkans.
They'll take their armies and start carving out pieces of former Drache territory either way.
A stable though much smaller New Drache run under a less tyrannical set of rules keeping the demons from fighting each other until the world dies is a better solution than any you've proposed.

>If we allow it to fraction, we can have the new legitimite independence movements help in curtailing the demons.
From who?
Who would be rising against the demons that isn't themselves a demon?
You've listed nobody, and there is no evidence that such a thing would happen.
These rebels are the only ones confirmed to exist.

>>34036791
>I’ve never done anything like this before Ellahi, what are the risks?
>We’ll go to Galthame

>>34036791
>I’ll find another power source (what?)
Try to find out about gaining more power from the Node. (Research witht he Node)

>>34036791
>...y'know what? Let's try the life-affirming activity. *Call our party into the main bedroom.*

>>34036863
Veto.

>>34036791
>Yes, both mundane and magical
How effective are they.

And we should really really talk to Sophia and Jal about this. Even if it is not chosen in the end.

>>34036791
>I’ve never done anything like this before Ellahi, what are the risks?
>I’m going to try absorbing the storm in the node, just to see if it works.
>We’ll go to Galthame

>>34036791
>We’ll go to Galthame
You know what, I give up.
>Talk to Jal and Sofia about the option of giving either of them the means to impregnate the other so Sofia can have a child if that is what she wants.

>>34036791
>ellahi, what are the risks?
>I'm going to try absorbing the storm in the node
>we'll go to Galthame
>I'll find another power source ( more node research while we pursue this power source)

Breaking the barrier and using the Horn seems so much of a mood breaker. We spent this whole time trying to do things differently, summoning an army and go to war feels like a cheap solution. Not to mention it would make a lot of things we did meaningless.

>>34036919
>We spent this whole time trying to do things differently
The plan from the beginning was to use the horn to take out a demon lord.
Read the archives.

>>34036919
It wouldn't make any of the things we did meaningless. Killing the warrior will not solve the problems of this world. All the other things we did helped bringing that about.

>>34036870
Why? It is a more convenient form of energy that is easily reachable and all it requires is to marry at least one member of our party.

While we're on the topic,
>Who is Sireyi going to spread her wings for first?
>Gendric the Half-Demon Bounty Hunter
>Queen Sofia and her lover Jallaria the Thief
>Bokin the Frost Giant
>Ellahi!?

>>34036958
>Queen Sofia and her lover Jallaria the Thief
>Ellahi!?
Thats not even a conquest. The one has the mind of a child and Bokin is a actuall child.

>We’ll go to Galthame

>>34036985
Bokin is not a child. He is a capable warrior, and of marriagable age.

>>34037008
No, he is actually a child.

>>34036958
Stop it.
She isn't a slut, she's never even had sex and anyone who wants her as a partner would need to romance her first.
The fact that you keep trying to not only jam a relationship into this quest that *immediately* leaps to sex without any buildup is essentially the narrative equivalent of a premature ejaculation.
Fitting, I suppose, that even on 4chan you're still impotent.

Also, just in case you forgot or never knew due to being so new, OP said he would never write smut in one of the early threads.

>>34037008
>Capable
Not really.
>Marriageable age
Not at all.

>>34037015
He's fourteen years old.

>>34036791
>>I’m going to try absorbing the storm in the node
>>We’ll go to Galthame
Let's try some dirastic measures. We are gonna need to call in a ringer.

>>34036958
Please don't troll. Others: please ignore the troll.

“I’ve never done anything like this before Ellahi, what are the risks?” you ask

“If you succeed” she says “You’ll probably spew magical energy and lightning bolts everywhere for a few minutes, until you get it under control – so make sure you have no one near you.”

“If you fail...you could burn out your powers, or even die.”

“Right” you say “No one near me, ok, we’ll go to Gelthame first.”

“Well I’m sorry to see you go” says Ellahi “Hopefully I’ll see you again before you leave, is there anything you want to do before you go?”

>No, we leave as soon as possible
>Absorb storm from Node
>Draw power from Node (may damage it)
>Gain knowledge from Node (what?)
>Visit Ilveyen to sort out body mods (triggers vote)
>Do something else before going

>>34037022
I am fine with fade to blacks. The buildup to sex is usually better than the sex itself in literature.

>>34037076
Then why are you trying to skip the build-up?

>>34037074
>Talk about the possibility of a impregnation enabling body mod for either Jal or Sofia.
>Visit Ilveyen to sort out body mods (triggers vote)
Last chance.

>>34037074
>Hug Ellahi, say that the time we shared with her was inappropriate and short, but we still enjoyed the company of a sister we never knew.
>Gotta get those body mods worked out!
>Ask party which ones you should get

>>34037074
>Visit Ilveyen to sort out body mods (triggers vote)
>Absorb storm from Node

>>34037074
>Hug Ellahi, a genuine hug, nothing lewd.
>Talk about the possibility of a impregnation enabling body mod for either Jal or Sofia.
I suppose we should at least discuss it with them, see if they're even interested.
>Body mods need to be sorted
>Absorb the storm

>>34037074
>Visit Ilveyen to sort out body mods (triggers vote)

Gotta git that regeneration now or never, also hug sister

>>34037074
>>Absorb storm from Node
Start small. We should also use the node to absorb part of the storm, eat that, then absorb the next part.

>>34037074
>>34037074
>body mod vote
>absorb storm from node

Before you leave, you decide that absorbing the small storm in the Node is a good start; you head down the Ellahi’s workshop again, alone.

You take a deep breath, and then try to draw the storm out of the node, and into you.

Roll Willpower 1d20+5

Rolled 16 + 5

>>34037279

Rolled 13 + 5

>>34037074
>>34037130
Oh right. Those as well.

Just caught up, gonna give my 2 cents

>About the Empire
Ideal case I would see is smooth replacement of the demon lords (Warrior and Ruler) by agents of the rebellion that would reform the system without destroying it first. That would require replacement to Ruler to be sufficently shrewd (Ellahi should be able of fitting that role) and power vacuum left by Warrior to be filled by someone fearsome enough. Hopefully rebellion could find someone of the sorts.
Barring that, and if the empire was to fall apart, we would need to preserve its nucleus strong enough to impose order and act as 'world police' at least for a transitional period before stable political system forms.

>About Fateeater
I'm worried this one will flee to hell either after the planar barrier breaks and gods are let in, or after Ruler falls. I personally wish we had opportunity to kill him and restore his stolen fates, but I'll understand if that's not a priority or considered too risky.

>About Sofia's kingdom
What a DELIGHTFUL opportunity to destroy Warrior out in the field. We need to get there before the invasion starts, dispose of that lord whatshisname and have a lengthy chat with the court wizard if he's still alive about Heartfire's capabilities.

We could pray for Sofia to fall in love on first sight with some guy along the way, but I guess that's too much to ask.

Rolled 13 + 5

>>34037279

>>34037307
Can't kill Hanandrirac, he doesn't actually exist in this plane properly.

Sofia and Jal are in a relationship with each other, so she's too emotionally satisfied for any 'love at first sight' antics.
I also don't believe in 'love at first sight', so there's that.

Lightning and stormclouds spill out of the box and fill the room, with an effort of will you drain the power of the storm and swallow it into yourself

[10XP gained; this XP can only be spent upon: Sorcery, spells, Willpower or Elemental powers. This XP can be saved until later. Reminder: Plane Shift requires Sorcery 4]

>>34037307
>We could pray for Sofia to fall in love on first sight with some guy
Or give her a retractable penis.

>>34037456
I think Jal would enjoy it more.

>>34037452
Put it all into Sorcery level 4, that'll take it down to just 2 XP to unlock that level.

Rolled 6 + 5

>>34037456
We are already going to ask, you can give it a rest with your futa fetish.
I don't even dislike futa, I just hope this doesn't end up breaking the dams for all the other smut stuff we barely keep at bay now that /qtg/ as infested this quest

Hey OP, what happened to letting us see the DC of our rolls?

>>34037480
That ended in the second or third thread.
I like it better this way, anyway.

>>34037452

Let's save the exp for later. I want some more Willpower foir now.

>>34037490
He's still gonna bring DCs back for machine gun debates, right?

>>34037532
>More willpower
Why.
How on earth is willpower more useful to us now than almost being able to get Sorc 4?

>>34037535
Machine gun debates are also gone, so no.
Read more than the first thread the next time you try archive binging.