rolled 3, 4, 6 = 13

>RECENT EVENTS<

(O) Ames, the healer from Grennet, has done what he can for Vasian, but there is a limit to his talents. He has agreed to stay for awhile to teach Jerith a bit of his magic.

(O) A reply has been received from the College of New Aarmour. You are welcome to visit when you have the time, and the headmaster is very interested to hear how a Frost Giant acquired so much knowledge, particularly about subjects considered incredibly advanced by Perin's most prestigious institiutions.

>NEWS<

(O) The 61st Engagement Division, 'Knights of Marathon', has been repulsed by a Forusian golem unit. Massive regional instability has caused their path of retreat to be cut off. Rumors of volcanic action in the area are unsubstantiated.

>CURRENT STATUS<

Your location: Merdis, city of iron. You have just gotten your gems appraised, at no great cost, and are standing just outside the jewelers' plaza. Roughly to your left are the main temples, and to your right is the residential area. Ahead, along a jagged path cutting through most of the market, is the school of geology, within spitting distance of Count Dorien's mansion. As this is a small metropolis, almost anything can be found here if you look hard enough.

Orders?

Fuck year, just took a power nap as not to fall asleep again

Let's go to school of geology, they could help us with our magic.... Maybe buy some books on that dubject

rolled 5, 5, 5 = 15

>>8820094
Very well then. How do you want to introduce yourself?

>Ames, the healer from Grennet, has done what he can for Vasian, but there is a limit to his talents.
I hope this won't interfere with Vasian's ability to da Vinci up a functional missile spamming power armor jetpack with gatling gun and flamethrower attachments.

rolled 2, 3, 5 = 10

>>8820170
Vasian has quite a lot of projects going. Some of the farmers are helping him, but he could use some more knowledgeable people.

>>8820117
Hmmm ... I'm not good with this.

Let's introduce ourselves as we are and point out our keen interest in earth magic and geology and that we would like to learn as much as we can from here.

Let Bem persuade if necessary

>>8820170
>>8820195

At least he would leave notes and manuscripts behind if anything happens

Also

Did we get any official certificate from the appraiser? That way we can prove anyone who wants to undercut us that the price is right (of course we should try to barter for better price ourselves, this is for those times if we fail at bluff )

rolled 2, 6, 4 = 12

>>8820210
Alrighty then.

>>8820267
You got a receipt stamped with the jeweler's seal. The gems will command different prices in different places, simply because of supply and demand or personal preference, but any licensed jeweler would make at least a token effort to respect the receipt.

>>8820323
You posted value in the other thread what did those numbers represent? Gold? Cows?

rolled 3, 1, 1 = 5

>>8820353
Cows and carts. About two hundred of each for the whole bag.

>>8820210

Agreed, Bem might even be able to convince them that we're just an unnaturally tall (and blue) human considering how good his bluff skill is.

rolled 6, 1, 2 = 9

You feel kind of like a kid in a museum. It's been a while since you've been to an actual city, and though this doesn't quite compare to your home on Earth, it's still nice to walk around a place this... crowded. It's comforting, in a way.

The next location on your 'list' is the school of geology. You follow the signs as best you can, winding through the packed city streets with all the grace you've come to expect from yourself. The mish-mash of structures thins out as you reach the center of Merdis, a place called 'Emperor's Hill'. At the very top, standing at an odd angle, is a gray obelisk, its surface covered with strange runes. On either side are the Count's mansion and the college, and you head for the latter, thankful that you don't have to step around as many people here.

A nice-looking man in the uniform of the Count's guard greets you as you step up to the college lawn. You let Bem do most of the talking, though you introduce yourself politely and try to look non-threatening. The guard summons an assistant, who hurries inside the main building. After a few moments, he returns with two others, both in robes. Neither seems at all surprised to see you.

One of them, a tall, lanky woman who wouldn't look out of place in a '50s schoolhouse, addresses you coolly. “You are the giant from the army, correct?”

>>8820482
"So you've heard of me."

>>8820482
"I WAS in the army. A few thing happened (me dying a bit mostly") so I'm not in the army now. But that aside, nice to meet you, I'm Maye Terrasdottir."

rolled 34 = 34

>>8820482
"Yes, nice to meet you. The word spreads quickly, huh?"

>>8820482

"How'd you know? Was it the blue skin? It's always the blue skin."

>>8820586

Let them think we are in the military still, that commands greater respect

rolled 6, 4, 6 = 16

I must warn you that I will have to leave the thread midway again. However, at least this time I know in advance. 18:30, by 4chan's clock. I hope to be back within 45-60 minutes. Once again, I apologize for this.

>>8820543
She laughs haughtily. “Yes. We've heard of you. So have most of our associates.”

Her companion, a shorter man with odd yellow eyes, speaks up, “It was quite impressive, what you pulled. Gutsy, I would say.”

“And extremely foolish,” the woman continues, “You really have no idea what you've done, do you?”

>“You really have no idea what you've done, do you?”

"What do you mean? I hope I didn't do anything bad." act surprised

>>8820604
"I've got an inkling, yes."

rolled 4, 5, 4 = 13

>>8820635
>>8820668
The woman coughs. “That demon you released-”

“Idiotically,” the man adds.

“-did so much damage to the underground we can hardly analyze it all. I mean, the incursions were bad enough, but this...”

The man contorts his expression into a strange amalgam of rage and sadness. “You've upset the balance! Nothing is how it's supposed to be!”

“You've changed all the currents!” the woman continues, “The entire system's out of wack! And there's nothing we can do to fix it!”

Well, that's just great. At least Bem looks like he's having a good time. Kel, however, has one hand behind his back, no doubt on the holstered crossbow he always carries.

>>8820604
"I unleashed an ancient bound demon that had been shouting at me to kill EVERYTHING IN THE WORLD every time I went to sleep, whose power had been seeping out from it's encasement to such an extent that it acted like an infinite battery of raw ice magic. I think I've played enough Call of Cthulhu to have a vague notion."

>>8820787

Try to explain that's why you're here. To right wrongs, etc, etc.

>>8820787

well, tell them that by removing the incursions the country of Perin doesn't have to fight on the front AND inside the country, every incursion was worse than the last and they could appear anywhere. And see now, the rides have greatly turned and we are winning the war. If that wasn't done we would have defiantly lost the fight.
After that we can deal with the Demon IF it poses a threat, we don't even know what it will do. So I think it was better than that.

Try to defend your case dammit, we went to the core with all the odds turned against us and completed the mission even if everyone died.

>>8820787
>>Nothing we can do to fix it!

Sure there is. We can kill the demon.

>>8820918
this

>>8820787
How many people in the room have two thumbs and have died to defend this country? Oh wait, that'd just be me. You want to complain about methods, let's see you put your lives on the line.

>>8820918
>>8820930
>>8820959

Of course we should say this as polite as possible

rolled 1, 3, 6 = 10

>>8820891
You try this, but are shouted down. Neither of them are at all interested in why you're here, because there is literally nothing you can do to help.

>>8820918
>>8820959
You make your case, as politely as possible:

“Yes, I released a demon. And by doing so, I saved the entire country from incursions that would have torn apart, and now, as a direct result of that, we're winning the war. Not to mention that I laid down my life to defend this nation, and everyone in it. Including you.”

For a moment, the two in front of you say nothing, glaring at you silently as Bem chuckles quietly. Then, the tall woman walks right up to you, staring directly into your face with an expression that could vaporize steel.

“Get the hell off our property.”

>>8820787
Say better messed up currents than dead country men right? Besides, with what Forus was doing to the core things would of gotten worse. It was a shitty situation but all things said and done, I think it turned out much better than it could have.

>>8821084
Well shit, so much for the self-righteous approach.

We have a capital to get to, which will probably have many more interesting things to buy, and a welcome we have not yet outworn.

>>8821084
Say "I guess you would of preferred dead country men rather than messing up your precious currents."

Then leave.

>>8821084
Note to self: when we get to Modern age, nuke this place.

>>8821167
Doubt its the whole place that feels that way, just this college.

>>8821154

Yup, I vote timeskip to next city/event. There isn't much left to do here if they aren't going to even try to help us.

Also, we should get lessons from Bem during our journey on the finer points of persuasion, bartering and diplomacy. We don't want to mess up our visit to the Lord

rolled 6, 3, 6 = 15

>>8821154
>>8821175
>>8821182
You can still visit the temples, or look around for anything else you might be interested in. You've spent less than an hour here altogether, but if you wish to leave now, you're free to do so.

Confirm departure?

>>8821242
look around some more.
what time is it in game btw?

>>8821175
Well, tiny nuke then.

>>8821165
This works for me.

Perhaps with a mention that if everyone's dead, the state of their esteemed currents isn't going to matter to anyone. They might think themselves safe because others are willing to die for them, but if that defense fails they're just as dead as everyone else.

rolled 3, 3, 3 = 9

>>8821257
Mid-afternoon, about 2:00 or so.

>>8821242
Maybe we could check out with the Mayor office, see if their are any short quests to be had (wolves are eating our chikinz please kill five; bandits stealing our radishes; etc; etc)

Or we could get on our way again. We are sure to see some other inserting stuff on out way.

I bet these people wait at the places where the soldiers come back from battle with signs calling them baby spider killers, too. Assholes.

I vote for looking around at some of the temples and then probably continuing on our way.

Who is that woman anyway? The head of the college? If not, say her to fuck herself and see someone higher, maybe that person would be more understanding.

>>8821344

Also, show her that her stupid stare does not intimidate anyone. WE FOUGHT HORDES OF DEMONS AND THAT SCARY DUDE IN THE CORE.. ALSO AN OVERGOD WANTED TO KILL US. She must try way harder than that.

>>8821167
>>8821175
>>8821260

Note to self: make Tesla earth quake machine. I'm sure that would make them happy.

rolled 3, 6, 5 = 14

“I suppose if you prefer those currents to human lives, that's your choice,” you say, resisting the urge to commence with the smashing. With a brief motion to Kel, you depart, taking your entourage with you.

As you leave, you shout over your shoulder, “There won't always be people like me around to die for you, you know!”

The two do not respond, only stepping up the pace a bit as they head back inside the college. The guardsman, at least, gives you a warm smile and a short wave before he goes back to his post.

Bem gives your armored leg a nudge. “Nice job. You could have turned her into paste, you know.”

The sergeant of your escort agrees, in a raspy, disgusted tone. “But,” he adds, “We would have been glad to do it for you, Maya.”

You start heading for the temples, absently wondering exactly how much damage a rogue Frost Giant could do here when severely pissed and covered in Magma Steel.

rolled 6, 4, 1 = 11

In the temple district, pretty much every conceivable sphere (except fire) has a place. There are houses of alchemy, healing clinics, and at least one shop with Ilian's name on the front sign.

Preference?

>>8821516
Stop by and say hello to those at llian's shop, also drop by the alchemy place and see if we can learn a little bit more, and perhaps pick up a book or two to read on our journey.

>>8821465
Woah woah there, is that some latent frost giant rage? I'd prefer not to lose control and start cannibalizing our fellow citizens.

In other news: what are the negative consequences of the currents being messed up? What ARE the currents? (magma I assume?)

>>8821516

Can we boost our proficiency with alchemy and healing? Then we should go there and do that (no preference)
Also go to Iliams place and say hi

>>8821516
Also say hi to Hretmar as well. Don't forget the original.

>>8821563
Technically it's not cannibalizing if they're not frost giants...

rolled 5, 2, 1 = 8

>>8821560
You'll see what you can do.

>>8821563
You've got everything under control. You're in no danger of flipping out at the moment.

You have no idea what the currents are. None of the books you've read have mentioned anything as important as they seem to think those are, though you haven't done an in-depth study.

>>8821578
You could pick up some tips, but you'd need to stay here for a day or two if you wanted to really learn something.

>>8821580
He's a Frost Giant god, so he doesn't have a temple or followers here. You can still shoot him a line regularly, though.

>>8821516

Go to Ilian's and give a giant bro-fist to the priest there.

>>8821661

Okay we could timeskip those days to learn important stuff. It's not like we are in a hurry.
Also give your soldiers some money so that they can enjoy themselves while we study.

>>8821661
By currents they probably mean the shifts of the tectonic plates. With enough damage and shaking, they could theoretically collapse, taking out the entire continent.

rolled 2, 2, 3 = 7

The first place you visit is the one connected to the 'bro network'. The sign out front says 'Ilian's Food and Tools', though the building itself doesn't look much different from a regular apartment house. You stoop down, and knock carefully on the heavy front door, hoping you don't accidentally break it. A moment passes, and the door creaks open, allowing a tiny old man with a dirty face to poke his head out.

“Who's there?” he asks, squinting at you.

You introduce yourself as a fellow associate of Ilian's, and the old man immediately invites you in. You politely decline, telling him it would be difficult for you to fit. He opens the door a bit wider, hobbling out onto the front steps to look you over.

“Demonslayer Maya!” he exclaims excitedly, his staff tapping on the stone porch as he comes forward, extending a hand. “I never thought I'd see someone like you here. How've you been?”

Anything you want to ask him/talk about, or should I skip to the alchemy place?

>>8821815
Ask him what he does. Is this a store? What does it sell?

>>8821815
Well have a mall talk, it would be unpolite otherwise. Say hi to Iliam. If there's nothing more of interest there go to alchemy and healings.

>>8821848
>>mall talk

Was going to correct you, but then I realized a mall talk would be more broly than a small talk.

>>8821815
Ask him about any news, tell him any stories he might wanna hear. Ask him about his business too: people love talking about themselves, so let him do that.

When we talk with Illian, tell him about the professors outrage about the 'currents'. Tell him we'll be looking into it but others should too.

>>8821815
Speak him a bit, maybe there's a way to have word about Hretmar spread around, since he became Illian's partner of sorts now.

rolled 4, 3, 2 = 9

>>8821847
The old man scratches his beard. “Well, it's not a proper store, but we do sell some things. The name is just... Well, it's a description of what we do. It's Ilian's specialty, so it's ours as well.”

>>8821848
You tell the old man about your recent travels, and your attempts to build your village up into a paragon of technological sophistication. In return, he tells you about what he and his compatriots do in the city. Not much farming is done in Merdis, so the 'food' aspect is mostly left out, but the priests of Ilian do find a lot of work enchanting mining tools and support struts. That kind of thing.

>>8821915
Not much has gone on in Merdis recently. The Count, in particular, has been a bit withdrawn, and he's usually a very social person. Thankfully, the city escaped being targeted by incursions, and has been mostly untouched by the war.

You put in a call to Ilian, running through the incantation that's been firmly ingrained in your mind. His face appears in your vision as you step away from the house.

“Maya. 'Sup. What's goin' on, man?”

After hearing a brief overview of what just happened at the college, the god laughs heartily. “Yeah, these guys can get a little wacky. The mantle's got a lot of heat going through it, I guess, and that heat tends to form currents. You know, like in the ocean. And if those get messed up, well... I don't really know. Bad things, probably.”

rolled 3, 5, 2 = 10

>>8822048
The old man already knows a bit about Hretmar. The god's been introduced or mentioned to a lot of the people Ilian knows, as it happens.

Alchemy time, unless there's more to do here.

rolled 39 = 39

>>8822064
>The Count, in particular, has been a bit withdrawn, and he's usually a very social person

Ha, sounds like a personal problem a PC should solve!

rolled 32 = 32

>>8822145
yes, alchemy

>>8822152
*facepalm*

I say we head for the Alchemy place.

>>8822064
I would think that all that thing with filaments would have messed the current much more than the ice demon coming through.

Also we should tell the old man a bit about mining technologies Earth, he would probably be fascinated by it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azEvfD4C6ow -video related.

Alchemy time, look to get a pocket watch that enhances our alchemical powers.

>>8822064
>the world's convection currents are out of whack
Oh shit, we're going to have to make a Magma Steel drill vessel and a Tsar Bomba and reenact one of the shittiest disaster movies ever.

>>8822251

Oh man, that means we need to draft a token black guy so that he can die.

>>8822288

This is a medieval-esque fantasy world.
In medieval times, blacks were called "blue men," which is why you get all kinds of references to "blue Arabs" and "blue Africans." It was assumed that their skins were just really dark blue.
So we'd need to draft a blue... oh shit, guess who the bluest member of our group is?

rolled 4, 5, 5 = 14

Before you leave, you have a little discussion with Ilian's man about mining technology, casually mentioning some items from Earth, like insane digging machines that tear up the ground with 'waterwheels with teeth'. He's... impressed with the scale, if nothing else. He commends you for 'thinking big', just like his favorite god.

After saying your goodbyes, you head for the next temple, reassured that the two people from the college are the exception, not the rule. Most seem to like you, nowadays.

The sign out front says 'Reconstructive Specialists', and a brief chat with the girl out front confirms that the mages here mainly do repair work, like omni-mechanics of sorts. You introduce yourself to the proprietors as an aspiring alchemist, and ask for any tips they could give you, or books, if they have them.

They ask what you're looking to accomplish, exactly, since alchemy is a massive field and most people focus on one particular aspect of it.

It's time for me to go. Back in 45-60 minutes.

>>8822382

Transmutation of elements, for UNLIMITED ENRICHED-URANIUM WORKS purposes and enough dynamite to make a Call of Cthulhu investigator jizz himself.
Also shaping materials, because we're unlikely to get modern factory precision with the primitive tools we have on hand here.

>>8822382
Transmutation of elements and manipulation of structure. I think those two spheres would supplement any weakness in our use of ice magic.

>>8822382
I remember some other people wanted to make some U-235. We wanted to become good at the chemistry part of alchemy to create explosives. I personally wanted to alchemize up spare bodies/ body parts for ourselves and others- focusing on healing and life creation.

My personal opinion is forget about making a nuclear bomb for now (forget about elemental transmutation, that is) and go for the other two. With our theoretical knowledge of chemistry and life sciences, we're likely to go further and cause fewer problems.

( I personally have a pathological fear of nuclear weapons. If there is a sudden loud noise or bright flash at night I'll duck and cover in no time flat. .

>>8822700
I understand your fear, but at the same time it would give us unrivaled power in this setting.

And if we are going to die again, it would allow us to go out with a REALLY big FUCK YOU to whatever is going to kill us.

>>8822700
With our knowledge from earth I think we could have unparalleled success with transmutation. And I wouldn't worry about the nuke thing, as we don't have nearly any of the required knowledge to build a nuclear device from nothing.

>>8822700
>Forget about transmutation
>focus on chemistry
ican'tusethesethingstogether.jpg
Easy transmutation gives us an endless supply of solid-state batteries, rocket fuel, coltan, any and all materials we may need to do decent electronics and/or chemistry with.
We can't make an electric guitar without the materials required to make electronics. Sure, we need to shape it all properly too, but the harder part, the part we CAN'T do right now, is get sufficient high-quality materials cheaply enough to just experiment with the proper way to form the right resistors and transistors and batteries to transduce acoustic energy to electrical energy and back again.

You want to do life-aiding chemistry? Okay, hydrogen peroxide helps sanitize surgical equipment and cleans up real good. You want hydrogen peroxide? We can make it with a battery. You want battery? Transmute up some base metals.

Nukes are a natural and super-cool outgrowth, but far from the only application.

>>8822493
Are you seriously thinking about nukes? That's nightmare-mode difficult. Explosives first- that means structure manipulation. That might give Perrin the edge it needs soon.


Also, I just remembered the eruption of Eldfell. They were able to halt the lava flow by pumping seawater. We should suggest rain be diverted onto the volcanic areas if the lava flow is bad. If they're explosive eruptions there isn't much that could do to help.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eldfell

>>8822782
Slam ball-bearings of weapons-grade uranium together using explosives. Or;

http://science.howstuffworks.com/nuclear-bomb5.htm

>>8822782

Maybe you don't, man, maybe YOU don't.
We can't make an IMPLOSION bomb, of course, that would take too much fine tuning. We can't make a HYDROGEN bomb either. But a simple gun assembly with sufficient plutonium and sufficient dynamite, it's not nearly as hard as you think. It would be an inefficient bomb, probably far less powerful than anything tested at White Sands despite probably being far larger, but the hard part is and always has been refining and enriching and arranging the materials. There's no voodoo to it, and if we can use magic to overcome the problem of getting enough fissionable mass, well, this world would be in for one hell of a rude awakening.

>>8822864
With MAGIC, we could conceivably just pop neutrons right into a small uranium ball, assuming we had enough practice. No difficult tech needed.

>>8822898
And its a lot more complicated to do it correctly and to get a chain reaction, rather than just blowing your materials apart in a non nuclear explosion.

>>8822864
>>8822898
I love how we've apparently memorized Wikipedia, and can recall all of this despite not being exposed to it for over a year and a half.

>>8822960
*shrug*
Riding a bike.

>>8822960

My older brother is a nuclear engineer who studied at Berkeley and worked at Livermore Labs for a while; one of his favorite passtimes was describing, in detail, exactly how easy it would be for some sufficiently educated pisshole nation like North Korea to bring about the apocalypse and how little actual heavy lifting there is engineering-wise to the simpler kinds of low-yield nukes, so maybe I'm a bit more knowledgeable than most people in this particular area. I'm pretty sure that after seeing those diagrams and schematics in my nightmares for years I could stitch together a functioning bomb from memory, but if the rest of the questers don't wanna, I won't push the issue anymore.

>>8823084
Don't mess with football.

>>8823084

I think dropping in nukes is maybe a step too far, introducing the concept of an outhouse and basic sanitation was probably a bit of a mindfuck for the town already.

So, Sub DM is gonna come back to a thread filled with people arguing building nukes. What the shit guys. Lets just focus on right now, what parts of Alchemy do we wanna study, so far a few people have mentioned transmuting materials and structure manipulation. Another person mentioned biological based Alchemy and healing to be able to replace limbs and I am guessing it will allow us to do other crazy stuff.

Also, are we gonna focus just on Alchemy, or are we going to be relearning some of our cold magic as well.

Personally, I think learning some Ice magic and some Alchemy would be the best option.

As far as Alchemy goes, structure manipulation would allow us to build a lot of stuff for the town, and help us greatly with advancing technology. Additionally it would give us a lot of flexibility to "make things on the fly."

Transmutation of materials will be good too, allowing us to fuel our technological advancements, as well as giving us some nifty tricks we could pull off in combat, as well as giving us more flexibility.

>As far as Alchemy goes, structure manipulation would allow us to build a lot of stuff for the town, and help us greatly with advancing technology. Additionally it would give us a lot of flexibility to "make things on the fly."

^Agree. Basic transmutation (biological and otherwise) would definitely be the first step towards anything that we wish to pursue later.

>>8823160
By default we're working on ice magic because we've got aptitude. That's our primary offense and defense.

>>8823160
We already ARE learning ice magic. We've gotten almost as good as we were before we died. But since we're in a place with lots of Alchemists, we're going to concentrate on Alchemy now.

>>8823213
I think transmutation is supposed to refer to elemental transmutation. I think what you're talking about is structural manipulation (cheating at chemistry).

>>8823160
I don't think we are arguing, just discussing possibilities. And anyway, nukes are far of goal.

Your suggestion with alchemy seems nice.

>>8823241
Alright, there is definitely some confusion going on, lets first try to define some of these concepts we have been talking about.

I would define transmutation of materials / elements as magically altering once substance into another, such as lead to gold, stone into water, trees into oil, things like that.

Structure manipulation I would define as magically altering the shape of a material. For example, taking iron and shaping it into super hard steel, taking a rock and shaping it into a statue, creating arrows on the fly from a piece of wood.

>>8823358

Structure manipulation then, I'm used to calling that kind of stuff transmutation from Full Metal Alchemist.

rolled 4, 5, 2 = 11

Back.

>>8823358
That's what I though.

We could focus on both.

>>8823241
Well that still leaves us at wanting transmutation for some chemical applications and structure manipulation for the other chemical applications.
O-Chem was a favorite subject of mine back in the day, but I don't know how much of it I can call to memory anymore, it's been a while.

Still, the best medicines that a modern 4channer is likely to know of, aspirin and most antibiotics, are essentially herbal remedies. Sure, salacetacylic acid can be synthesised pretty easily, but it's not like a 4channer's knowledge of practical medicine is really going to be a huge leap above what this world of magic and herbological wisdom can do already, so I suggest moving in directions where our own practical knowledge would be a huge leap ahead of what can already be done, because we can just bring along other people to cover our weaknesses and take better advantage of our strengths that way.

I therefore suggest building an airplane. Use alchemy for the fuel and materials and shaping of the craft, I think the shape of airplane wings and propellers is fairly common and we and Vasian ought to be able to put our heads together to make a decent internal combustion engine.

rolled 3, 3, 5 = 11

So, you have decided that your immediate goal is structural manipulation? Altering objects on a broad level? Proficiency in this would give you the ability to seal wounds, re-form limbs, repair tools and buildings, and generally shape matter, depending on what exactly you focus on.

>>8823358
I'd define transmutation as making one element into another, strictly.

>>8823581
Would we be able to study both structural manipulation and transmutation, or possibly study how to use those two in combination with each other?

>>8823581
Well, that and 'cheating at chemistry'. It'd be nice to be able to make TNT from random organic matter and air.

rolled 6, 1, 4 = 11

>>8823639
You can study whatever you want, but it is implied that you'll have the best chance of success if you narrow your focus a bit. According to the alchemists, their books and manuals usually describe how to attempt and master a certain exact process. Since alchemy deals with all matter, it is not as well-defined as the elemental spheres are. Hence, there is much more you can do with it, but it's much harder to become a master of all things alchemic than all things of water.

>>8823421
Or, maybe a giant zeppelin. Not us huge a leap, since these guys already have hot air balloons, but cool nonetheless, and I think with things like flight, it's best to proceed with baby steps.

>>8823670
>It'd be nice to be able to make TNT from random organic matter

Yep that would be nice.

>>8823705
>but it's much harder to become a master of all things alchemic than all things of water.

250 years of natural lifespan
We'll get there

>>8823762
I agree. Lets start our journey of becoming the full metal frost giantess alchemist.

rolled 4, 4, 3 = 11

>>8823670
Very well. With these goals in mind, you talk to the alchemists about what they might have for you. They have some advice, which is free, but if you want more than whatever old pieces of parchment they can dig out of the waste pit, money would be helpful.

Thankfully, Bem never goes anywhere without a sizable wallet. Using the gems would be extreme overkill in this situation.

>>8823826
Yes, let's get best knowledge money can buy but be sure not to get ripped off

rolled 3, 5, 4 = 12

>>8823826
Here's the offer: two dozen books and two gloves with runic circles printed on them (human-size, of course) for what Bem calls 'a paltry sum'.

If you want them, roll 1d20 for haggle. Failure on four or less.

rolled 13 = 13

>>8823873

>>8823873
I just had a vision of a blue-tinted Armstrong....

>>8823789
Metal limbs and all?

rolled 6 = 6

>>8823873
Lets see if he can get some of the alchemists to expand them to giant sized gloves with alchemy.

>>8823873
> gloves with runic circles printed on them (human-size, of course)

We will spend few days there anyway, can they remake them to fit us?

>>8823936
We are close, just need someone to surgically implant our armor beneath our skin. We might want to consider that after we get our title.

>>8823976
Or when we get to capitol.

I remember DM said the procedure is free for those serving in the military but now that we aren't in the army anymore, I don't know.

There's still a dispute about the implanted armor. We can wait on it.

rolled 1, 5, 2 = 8

>>8823900
Once again, Bem works the diplomacy magic. He asks to inspect the wares, looks the gloves over, thumbs through a few of the books, and makes an offer, less than half of what was asked. In less than a minute, he's launched himself into an epic shouting session with the head alchemist, yammering on about prices, justifications for them, and why you deserve an army discount.

>13

The alchemist is more savvy than you'd expected, but that's what happens when you have to deal with tourists all day. Bem gets his half-price, but he nearly wears his voice out in the process. He just can't let a good deal go.

>>8823946
>>8823973
The head alchemist mutters something about 'distorting the circles' and says he can have the gloves upsized in an hour or two. Acceptable?

>>8824079
>something about 'distorting the circles'

If it doesn't decrease the magic potency then go for it

>>8824079
Very acceptable.

>>8824020
We can always become a dog of the military again.

rolled 3, 6, 4 = 13

>>8824118
Done. You'll just have to head back there before you leave.

On to the temple clinic, I'm assuming?

>>8824155

Unless there is something else interesting in here.

>>8824133
>dog of the military
I don't know what that is and how it differs from being a soldier.

>>8824155
To learn healing magic, yes? The go for it if there's nothing else left to gain from alchemists (I think we should prioritize alchemy)

>>8824155
Yes. I'm anxious to see what gods have temples here.

>>8824191
>how that differs from being a soldier
The movies are worse.

rolled 20 = 20

>>8824218
You have a problem with dog soldiers?

rolled 3, 1, 3 = 7

With the alchemy business taken care of, you move on to the last place on your list, one of the temples of healing. The one you pick out is a very classical-looking building, with an ornate, decorated roof supported by dozens of white columns, and a small statue of a blindfolded, robed priest, holding an apple in one hand and a dagger in the other. The inscription reads: 'Preserve what is holy, remove what is not. - Saint Ferius

Interesting. There is an open pavilion adjoining the main structure, with a large, round table in the center of it, surrounded by men and women in identical robes, discussing something quietly. Three of them nod a farewell to their companions and move toward you when they notice you approaching. Their eyes are hidden by their hoods, but they seem... friendly. The first addresses you in monotone, hands folded in front of her.

“How can we be of service, traveler?”

>>8824333
Greet. Introduce.

Ask if there's any way that they can help us with healing magic (books, tips, short lessons, artifacts)

>>8824333
"I'm passing through [city name here], and I was hoping to take a look at the Temple district. I suppose you could say I'm a tourist."

>>8824333

Also, this seems like a good time to collect more Health potions and healing charms and such at low low discount prices.

>>8824489

OH, about the potions. I had an interesting idea a while ago but forgot to mention it.

SubDM, could we put potions in leather containers instead of glass ones? If so here is my proposition:

Since the potions are human sized (even giant ones), that would mean they are about Skittles size for us, thus before engaging in a battle we could tuck a potion between our teeth and cheeks (think of hiding bubblegum when teacher asks you if you're chewing). That way during a fight we will not waste time and a turn if we need to use a potion just a quick move with out tongue and crush the potion between the teeth.

How does this sound ?

rolled 2, 4, 1 = 7

You introduce yourself as you have before, as a tourist passing through the city, looking for any information or help you can find with various magical disciplines. The person in front of you acknowledges you, again in monotone, and says that she'll do everything she can to help you with whatever you need. The two behind her say nothing, and the quiet discussion in the pavilion continues unabated.

The priestess seems willing enough to talk, so you ask her a bit about the group. They are servants of the goddess Milya, who acts in the spheres of healing and purification. The founder of the temple here, Saint Ferius, was blind from birth, but found new sight through the goddess, eventually becoming a well-known and highly skilled surgeon. He would never deny any good person care, and the priests follow that tradition.

Advice they have plenty of, but they keep no literature beyond certain holy tablets inscribed by the saint himself. All of their training and instruction is done on a person-to-person basis. They do sell potions and amulets, though.

Perhaps you'd be able to find some books at one of the other temples. There are quite a lot of them, really.

>>8824609
Ask them if they can spare a healer for our village. Get tips and lessons. And see if amulets are worth it or just useless trinkets.

rolled 1, 5, 1 = 7

>>8824582
This is possible, but the useful part of the potion decays quickly when the bottle is opened, unless you have a skilled healer on hand to contain it. If you just poured one of the bottles into a waterskin, nothing would stop the decay, and it would be useless within five minutes. This is why Jerith or Ames are the only people who can mix giant-size doses for you.

>>8824609
Amulets? What kind of amulets?

And do they know who to talk to in the capital city about healing: theory and practice?

>>8824668
okay, then the new batch of potions should be like that, leave old ones as they are. Ask if the potion from the temple can be made like that, if so, get them (but only Giant ones, I don't see how this will help regular humans unless they can make them tiny).

rolled 3, 2, 6 = 11

>>8824658
None of the priests here are authorized to leave the confines of the city. They have special 'wandering' mages who handle field work, and go where they are needed. One of those could be called to stay with the town for a time, but it might be a while before he/she could make it there.

You talk with the priestess for a little while, listening intently to what she tells you. You gain plenty of knowledge about healing, and what to visualize to make it go more smoothly. To get in-depth lessons, you would have to become an acolyte, and stay in the city for a number of years.

>>8824676
The priestess sends one of her assistants to get an example for you. What you are brought is a tiny white disk on a silver chain, completely devoid of markings. Bem says he hasn't seen anything like it before, but it appears quite well-made. Only Lark, Jerith, or Ames could tell you whether its enchantments are good.

>>8824783
How much is it?

>>8824783
>They have special 'wandering' mages who handle field work, and go where they are needed. One of those could be called to stay with the town for a time, but it might be a while before he/she could make it there.

If it's not permanent then there's no need for that.


Ask what the amulet does.

rolled 2, 5, 1 = 8

>>8824676
There are branches of their organization all across the capital sector, but as before, you could only receive training there by becoming an acolyte. As for other places for instruction, there are more than a few universities which train mages and surgeons. She gives you the name of one that she knows well: Hall of Princes.

>>8824707
One could be specially made in this manner, but it would take a day or two, since it's a very intense process. The price would be the same, though.

>>8824856
>One could be specially made in this manner, but it would take a day or two, since it's a very intense process. The price would be the same, though.

Weren't we staying here for few days anyway? If so, then make it. If not, we shouldn't bother, we'll commission them when we get back home.

>>8824926
We were staying here as long as it was worthwhile. It's probably time to go.

rolled 3, 4, 5 = 12

>>8824799
A hundred and fifty crowns, about as much as a few rakes or shovels, from what you've heard back home. Extremely inexpensive for a healing artifact.

>>8824825
It generates a passive aura that accelerates healing and eliminates infections. Your immune system is top-notch, so there's no need for the latter part, but your companions could certainly benefit from it.

>>8824926
You can stay and learn from the alchemists, find some other healers and learn from them, or just mill around for a while. You're not on a strict schedule.

rolled 5, 4, 5 = 14

>>8824957
It will take another hour, maybe two, for your gloves to be resized. Is there anything else you want to do here?

>>8824960
Get the artifact.
Stay for few days to boost Alchemy and healing. Also, follow my earlier suggest to give your soldiers some money so that they can have fun while you study.

>>8824960
Eh, sure, let's get it. I mean, big city like this, at a big temple? If they were selling fakes, they'd have been exposed by now, I'm sure SOMEONE who bought one of these would have been able to detect the magic they supposedly have.

rolled 3, 1, 5 = 9

>>8824987
Bem quietly informs you that he doesn't see the point in haggling for it. It's already (probably) worth much more than you'd be paying for it.

Artifact gotten. It'll be staying in your pack, unless you want the alchemists to extend the chain so it'll fit around your neck.

As for the soldiers, the sergeant will not allow his men to 'get drunk and assault the waitresses' while they're on duty. And, as far as he's concerned, they're on duty as long as you're being escorted.

>>8824974
We've still go the military escort, right? If so, we should avoid wasting their time. Stay here another day tops to get a little basic alchemy instruction, then let's hit the road.

Are there any Druids in Perin? Some well placed 'tree farms' growing bamboo would be handy for construction later in our industrial revolution. It would also mean less old-growth would be getting cut down.

>>8825101

>Artifact gotten. It'll be staying in your pack, unless you want the alchemists to extend the chain so it'll fit around your neck.

Rather than extending get a new chain so that if we decide to give the artifact to the companions we can switch chains.

>>8825101
We learned last session that people can learn magic even if they don't have the talent. I'd like to find out best practices for teaching magic to people like that- spend a couple hours on this max. If there's someone who does that in town, buy there book or have Kel attend classes for a day.

Shouldn't we be giving the pendant-thing to Kel or Bem? SPDM already mentioned that we have a good immune system, and I doubt it will heal arm loss.

Could it help Vasian at all?

rolled 6, 2, 3 = 11

>>8825137
You'll stay long enough to get some basic instruction from the alchemists, unless anyone disagrees. You'll leave tomorrow.

>>8825145
There are. In fact, Ilian's network includes two gods who work in the 'nature' sphere. Do you want to see about getting some bamboo into Dreamwood?

>>8825169
Very well. Bem suggests that you get an adjustable leather band for it instead, so you can switch the sizes more easily. He'll get one cut while you're learning, if that's alright.

>>8825145
Heh, yeah. Do agriculture and silviculture have much of a link with the universities in Perrin? Are there any 'agricultural experts' for the region, or is that considered strictly for peasants (IE beneath the dignity of anyone educated)?

>>8825273
alright let's do this

>>8825273
>Do you want to see about getting some bamboo into Dreamwood?

Well I dont really know how well it would grow. It would be better to suggest to Ilian's network about growing it farther south where there would be a more consistent growing season.

Then again, we dont have any infrastructure to ship it all over the country either... Might as well see about getting some.

>>8825273
I thought it was too cold in Perin to grow bamboo?

rolled 6, 3, 2 = 11

>>8825220
According to one of the alchemists, teaching a non-attuned person magic is very difficult, and requires serious dedication on the part of both teacher and student, as well as a lot of time. He should start by reading one of the basic manuals, which you have for alchemy.

>>8825260
Jerith has already given Vasian a few enchanted items, but their effect is limited. The addition of one or a few of these wouldn't make a whole lot of difference.

>>8825279
Agriculture is as much a scientific domain as metallurgy. There are colleges dedicated to its study, and there are plenty of experts in the plantation regions. They fetch a high price, though.

>>8825369
You don't know much about this world's plants, but there might be something like bamboo that prefers a northern climate. It's worth a shot.

Timeskip to tomorrow?

>>8825433
Maybe we should ask Kel if he wants to learn magic, we can't force that shit.

Yes, timeskip

rolled 4, 6, 4 = 14

>>8825432
Probably not in all of Perin. Besides, bamboo grows quickly enough for you to lay some down at the end of spring and have it at full height by autumn.

>>8825483
Timeskip in progress.

>>8825483
We should ask Kel first. But really, what else should we do to 'level our party members', so to speak? What would be a good use of their time?

rolled 6, 1, 3 = 10

>RECENT EVENTS<

(O) The alchemic gloves have been sized-up, and they fit quite well. They're specialized for reconstruction and repair, so you won't have much luck if you try to use them to make bombs out of thin air. They will still be useful, though.

(O) Bem got a nice adjustable band made for the amulet, so both humans and giants can wear it easily.

(O) You have contacted Ilian, and gotten some information on quick-growing, bamboo-like plants. There are a few species like it, and at least one that grows (albeit more slowly) up North, if it's protected from storms and frost. You can pick up some seeds in the plantation sector, or he can shuffle some things around and get them brought directly to Dreamwood. Your choice.

(O) Kel decided against learning magic for now. He's quite fond of his crossbow, and he wouldn't want to burden you with the task of teaching him.

(O) The priests of Milya were able to manufacture a single 'waterskin potion', which you acquired gladly. If you get into a serious fight, this should save you some time.

rolled 2, 5, 3 = 10

>>8825814
>CURRENT STATUS<

You've learned quite a lot in the last day. With the alchemists instructing you (for a price negotiated down to nearly nothing), you've gained a lot of ground in structural manipulation, to the point where you can easily visualize what you want to shape your targets into, even if they don't always come out quite right. You insisted that Bem and Kel get a good night's rest, to the point of shoving your apprentice into an inn, but in the absence of a giant-size bed, you bedded down a fair distance outside the city, inside the forest. Your escorts remained with you, keeping a round-the-clock watch, and any attempt to get them to stop was met with a reply of 'orders, ma'am'. It's kind of disconcerting to have men with swords standing within feet of you at all hours, but that's just the way it has to be.

Now that morning has come, and you've had a chance to digest all the information you've absorbed, you feel a lot more... able. Not like you're what you used to be, but at least your mind has lost none of its sharpness. Bem and Kel are with you, as is the squad, and you are ready to depart.

>>8825796

Would the Sarge and his group be able to learn some crossbowmanship from Kel? It seems like having more guys really good with ranged attacks would be of benefit.

rolled 5, 5, 2 = 12

>>8825796
Well, Bem is an incredible diplomat and trader, as well as a proficient information-gatherer. Kel is a skilled hunter, accurate with his crossbow and throwing knives, and not too shabby in hand-to-hand either. You could suggest that they 'multi-class', picking up skills outside their area of expertise, I suppose.

>>8825849
They could, but none of them possess their own ranged weapons.

The next story post will be the last tonight. Unless there is something further to do here, I will skip to the next point of interest.

>>8825825
Time to head out. We've got an audience with the King.

Were we ever going to meet with the Count? I recall some kind of plot hook being associated with him.

>>8826022
Yes, he's been distant and melancholy lately. We could manufacture an excuse to say hi. Seek an audience just ask how we could be of service.

rolled 6, 5, 1 = 12

>>8826022
Do you want to request an audience with him? I'm already writing the next timeskip, but I could save it for tomorrow.

>>8825886
During our travels keep constantly learning from Bem the art of DIPlomacy

>>8826106

Yeah, why not? Maybe there's some questing to do.

>>8826106
Yes, please.

>>8826106
No, I'm sure the guy is just having a mid-life crisis or something. He'll be fine.

>>8826106
What would we even say in an audience?
"Hiya Count, I heard you were all sad?"
>Yes, that's because my son died in the war thousands of miles from his home and his body was burned to ashes by Forusian magic so we can't even bury him in his home. Also, I have cancer. Lots of cancer. Testicular cancer.
"Well, turn that frown upside down, because I can put on a PUPPET SHOW using ICE SCULPTURES and SNOWMEN."

>>8825886
None of our escort have their own ranged weapons? That's terrible! We have plenty of money, buy them all crossbows.

>>8825886
Could you please tell us more about the squad escorting us? Eg race, armament, numbers, training, battle experience (alongside us?), miscellaneous skills. My apologies if you've mentioned this before.

>>8826208
Indeed

And of good quality too

>>8826208
Seconding this idea, as long as they aren't too expensive. Remember, we've got plenty of towns to visit along the way, and we need the gems for buying a noble title that isn't bargain bin. The weapons only have to be dependable and long-lasting, and we could get away with only buying for half the squad depending on how many members it has.

>>8826207
I lol'd

Maybe before barging in we should gather info at what could have happened to Count and if it's nothing we can help with we'll depart.

>>8826322

We don't need to buy the title. We'll get it because of our accomplishments. Unless we want to get a higher title of course.

>>8826374
I'm pretty sure that if we were going to get a title from our accomplishments and nothing else, we'd already have gotten the memo.

rolled 5, 2, 5 = 12

>>8826207
Pic related.

>>8826208
Very well.

>>8826210
Sergeant Siskiv heads the eight-man squad. He is of a reptilian race called the Ull, and, at 38 years of age, is an experience tactician and master of the longsword. His men are all close-combat specialists, armed with blades and bucklers. The infantry themselves are all younger than thirty, but hardened by battle nonetheless. They have all seen you in action, but not fought with you directly, since you were generally with the mage squad.

>>8826106
Poke around about what's troubling the count. Otherwise timeskip.

rolled 6, 6, 6 = 18

There is one thing you think you should do while you're here. You've heard that Count Dorien hasn't been his usual self lately, and you want to see if you might have the opportunity to make a friend in the nobility.

To the mansion you go, with your escort, your diplomat, and your apprentice, walking the city streets with light steps. You make it there without a hitch, taking advantage of the light traffic this early in the morning. Kel is notably bemused, but Bem is optimistic. The entrance to the mansion is guarded by four men with polearms, and there are several others a ways behind with rather large crossbows. You introduce yourself to the head guard, and he sends for the Count's personal servant. In a few minutes, an extremely stiff fellow in a tailored suit opens the main door of the mansion, and motions for you to approach. The guards stay close, eyeing your escort suspiciously.

“I'm afraid the Count has taken ill, miss,” is the line you are given. With some prodding, Bem is able to weasel a little more out of the servant.

The problem is one of local politics. The Count is involved in some rather heated negotiations with the heads of the most profitable mines, and the stress has had an adverse effect on his health, seeing as he's 82 and insists on handling nearly all of Merdis's administration himself. Frankly, he's in no condition to continue, but he refuses to pass any of his more important responsibilities onto his daughters or his servants.

rolled 4, 4, 5 = 13

>>8826410
I should add that the squad, except for Siskiv, is all human.

>>8826639
This is the last story post tonight. I will remain to answer questions.

Crossbows for the squad will be acquired tomorrow.

>>8826659
Thanks, Sub. I like your quest.

I don't think we should meddle in politics, let's get on with our quest.

rolled 1, 4, 5 = 10

>>8826689
Thank you for the compliment, and thanks for being here.

>>8826639
Heal!

>>8826784
You'll be tomorrow at the same time, right?

>>8826801
I don't really think our healing would help in any way, seeing this city has multiple temples devoted to healing the Count would have gotten treatment sooner.

>>8826639
Jeez, this is a tax problem, and not even a rebellion.
If we were a human bard, then MAYBE we'd take this one on. We're a big hunk of meat that kills things, and we also have technical information. Not likely we'd solve it in a day. Time to move on.

rolled 2, 5, 6 = 13

>>8826802
Yes.

>>8826826
agree

I think we'll do more harm than good

>>8826639
Heh, politics. Well, It's been a good night SubProc.

rolled 3, 6, 5 = 14

>>8826914
Indeed. Thanks for sticking with it through all of these threads.

don't forget to archive this

>>8826977
No problem, these are great threads, and this is a fun quest.

rolled 32 = 32

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