bump

>>14896332
See if Tayn is awake and able to answer questions.
Also, see about the others that we brought along, how are they holding up.

Also, that powered armor prototype: ask Felix how it worked, and ask some of the soldiers if they saw it in action and can think of way it could be used in military operations.

What would the consequences be if we came clean with this operation?
I mean, we identified a threat to the CCCP, and in this commando military operation, did what we could to neutralize it.
First, whoever created Tayn has access to ioun ore technology on par with, if not exceeding, our own.
Second, that facility had very advanced magitechnological devices, devices which were beyond those that we are capable of fabricating.
Finally, by creating Tayn, they had created a means by which they could have extracted state secrets from Mynthar, a clear and present threat to the national security of the CCCP.
Time was of the essence, and we used our executive powers to put together this operation.

I think that's what we should go with.

>>14896497

Which others do you mean? You've brought along a great number of people.

A cursory check with one of the medical attendants reveals that Tayn is conscoius, though the massive amount of anesthesia that was used on him in dragon form has rendered him somewhat sluggish, which is just fine since he should be resting post-surgery anyway.

You can find Felixhia in the ship's cargo room. After Dalak insisted that he would be alright, Felixhia holed up with the mechanized armor, presumably performing maintenance.

>>14896576
I believe Yuune came with us, correct? So check on him, and the badly injured kobolds.

Also ask around with the scouts on if they saw Felix's powered armor in action, and their opinion on its viability in military operations.

>>14896537

Your actions could well have been justified in normal, legal occurence. However, it would have taken time, which you weren't sure Tayn had. Some of your past infractions (That they know about) include selling the skull of a draconic ancestor to the local lich, repurposing miners without filing the proper paperwork, and, of course, the hand-waved allowance of letting the upworlders stay in the Crystal Caverns.

>>14896651
The transaction with the lich was to ensure that relations between the CCCP and an entity as powerful as a lich right on our proverbial doorstep remained amicable.
The hand-waving of the surfacers was to prevent an international incident.

The repurposing of the miners...well okay, you got me there.

I mean, as Magistrate, don't we have SOME executive powers that we can invoke when there's a time-sensitive issue?

>>14896649

Yuune didn't come with you. You wouldn't be missed for a week: He would. His responsbilities require him to be in the Crystal Caverns almost constantly, lest he leave an underling in charge.

While you all work for the same goal, there is still an every-present sense of competition. Sometimes the representatives can become overzealous and take advantage of other less-capable representatives.

The two injured kobolds are Vansek, who was laid low by acid, and Turen, who shoved Dalak out of the lightning Tayn's body produced.

>>14896722
They're in chemically-induced comas, last I recall. Do we have another Restoration scroll for Vansek? He lost his jaw, if I remember right.

What's their prognosis look like?

>>14896332
Gargoyle Quest? :3c

>>14896718

Essentially, you're like an exceutive counsellor. You have some power in each area, but nothing so much as to take funding for a specific purpose, arrange for a small patrol or guard in certain cases, and make the different branches of society work well together. You're supposed to keep things flowing smoothly in society using small bits of resource allocation, and advise the council.

Oh, and you also sold the dragon skull for a giant diamond that you gave to the surfacers. That... didn't make you very popular.

>>14896774
And yet, it all worked out just as we had planned, hadn't it?
As the philosopher Karxal said, each cog contributes to the turning of the whole. Haven't our executive decisions done nothing but assist in the proper working of the Great Machine that is the Crystal Cavern People?

Are there any other great Kobold philosophers we could quote?
Something along the lines of needing flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances or something?

Because I doubt we're going to be able to hide this operation from the Senate.

>>14896832

If that's what you want to argue, it's not like you'll be changing your tune from what you've been singing before.

>>14896761

That was true the last time you checked in on them. However, the medical staff seem to be rushing about, pulling water out of the river and bringing it to the galley.

Restoration can restore existing tissue, but something that's been lost is lost without regeneration, which is rare and expensive. You think Dalak may have prosthetic jaws, but you're not sure.

>>14896869

There are a number of kobold philosophers that you read. Polos was the ancient kobold father of logic and deductive reasoning, something that dragons hadn't thought of, and used it to organize troops and keep funding tight.

There's also Punvarak, who was a Utilitarian.

>>14896762

I bumped it btw dood.

>>14895950

>>14896889
Yeah, I think we're going to stick with the story that this was a time-sensitive operation that needed to be carried out without delay. That we were only able to confirm the existence of Tayn and his willingness to defect in a timeframe that precluded being able to inform the Senate.

Also, "The Great Family" was one of Karxal's last works in clay, before his eventual insaity from his occupation as a clockmaker and blacksmith. Inhaling lead fumes over your entire life will do that to a guy.

>>14896999
Alright, I think we've got our story straight.

Let's go and see Tayn.

As they rush around, a rather flustered looking kobold in a white smock walks over to you. "Excuse me, but we need your presence in the medical bay."

You're a bit confused at first. "May I ask why?"

The kobold himself takes a second to indetify exactly why. "Well, we have someone who can't consent for themselves in surgery, and he uh, asked if you could come and consent for him." The surgeon looks off over the side. "To tell the truth, he did say he wanted to meet you. So, whether you're willing to or not, I'm sure he'd appreciate you coming to talk with him for a bit."

>>14897123

"I guess it's not a right now thing. If you have something else you'd like to take care of first, or if you'd rather not, I can understand." The kobold catches himself, realizing you were heading off already with a purpose.

>>14897185
Alright, let's go. I'm guessing it's Tayn.

You head to the medical bay, and ask to see Tayn. The man in charge nods, leading you back through the cramped bay to a small room with a single chair, a cot, and a round wooden table. On the cot, you can see Tayn lying down, his chest slowly rising and falling and his eyes half-open. White bandage runs over his upper chest, and he looks over at you groggily as you step into the room.

>>14897336
"Tayn. I suppose you recognize me. I've got a lot of questions, but they can mostly wait until after you're more recovered.
"But the important thing right now is, do you feel pain when seeing me? Do you still feel the implant at all?"

>>14897374

"Tayn. I suppose you recognize me. I've got a lot of questions, but they can mostly wait until after you're more recovered." You say, hesitant to sit down or come much closer.

"But the important thing right now is, do you feel pain when seeing me? Do you still feel the implant at all?" You ask him.

"No." He responds, his voice quieter, and a bit rough from disuse. He blinks slowly, trying to rouse himself unsuccessfully.

>>14897412
"Don't try to get up yet. You're still recovering from the surgery.
"You're on a ship that is taking us back to the Crystal Cavern. We need to know everything you can tell us about your captors, and the building that you were being kept in.
"But all of that can wait. Is there anything that you have to tell me now?"

If he indicates no, let's go and talk with the kobold that asked for us. If he was about to go into surgery, we shouldn't keep him waiting.

>>14897464

"Don't try to get up yet. You're still recovering from the surgery." You say, motioning down with the palm of your hand.

"You're on a ship that is taking us back to the Crystal Cavern. We need to know everything you can tell us about your captors, and the building that you were being kept in.
"But all of that can wait. Is there anything that you have to tell me now?"

Tayn nods, groggily. "I'm sorry those people got hurt because of me. I don't know what triggered that transformation," He sighs, blinking again. "But it felt like my back was on fire, and then a soothing feeling." He pauses. "Polymorphing effect of some kind. What the trigger was, why it didn't happen earlier, I can't tell."

>>14897596
"We'll analyze the implant, even though it's gone inert. Now, get some rest. In two days time, you won't have much time for it, I'm sure the Senate inquiries will make sure of that."

Unless Tayn has anything of pressing importance, let's check on that kobold that needed us to give consent for his operation.

And we still have that implant, right? Dalak should take a look at it.

"By the way, consider thinking up some unique torture methods for when we finally get ahold of the bitch who held your whip. Drow are very particular about appearances, so I'm thinking we could start on her face. Maybe give her a proper smile."

>>14897730
Now, now. We don't want to get into the physical disfigurements too early.
We need to start with the basics, such as "How Many Lights".

>>14897742
Different strokes for different folks. Besides, the Glasgow smile is perfect for this case!

>>14897617

"We'll analyze the implant, even though it's gone inert. Now, get some rest. In two days time, you won't have much time for it, the council's inquiries will make sure of that." You say.

"One last thing." Tayn murmurs as you start to leave. He closes his eyes, clearly exhausted. "Thanks."

You head back into the room the kobold from before is nodding you towards, a cozy room that is adjacent to a smaller room used for pre-surgery preparations. The room has a small set of medical tools used in the distant past on the wall, ugly serrated things that are best left at home in their glass prison. There are no chairs in the room, and the center of the room has a metal table with a number of long scratches that manage to make the pratically featureless piece of metal seem threatening and cruel.

Atop the table is a smaller kobold who you recognize from the previous day, lying on his back and wearing a pair of threadbare brown pants. His injuries are obvious, the bandage wrappings over his left eye with a stitching scar across the middle of his face. His left arm has a distinct pinkish-red color along where the skin has been badly burned, as does some of his chest. The left hand is streaked with cracked black marks, a deep red and white visible where the muscle shows through the cracked skin. His left calf seems to be swolen as well, with only a few marks of pin-prick-like scars on either of his feet. He looks over as you enter.

"Take as long as you need." The surgeon says.

>>14898062
Is this Turen, or Vansek?

"Thank you. You didn't need to come, and in aiding me, you've been grievously wounded.
"Is the pain as bad as it looks?"

>>14898124

"Thank you. You didn't need to come, and in aiding me, you've been grievously wounded." You say, walking over next to him. He looks up at you, unflinchingly.

"Is the pain as bad as it looks?" You ask him.

"I'm sure it's not as bad as Vansek's." Turen says, leaning up on his elbow. "And all the same, I'm glad I got to come along and meet a living legend like you, magistrate." He smiles, but you can see it shift into a grimmace for a moment.

>>14898256
"Still, this operation would have been a complete disaster if not for you saving Dalak when you did.
"Again, thank you. Now, I had better let the surgeons get to work."

We need to see if the doctors need anything more from us.
We should see how Vansek is doing, as well.

"I've, ah, done some research on you, as part of our ancestor-finding exercise." He says, somewhat haltingly.

You know the excercise. But, when you went through traning, you had to trace back along your own family's lineage.

"My parents aren't around anymore, so I had to improvise." He says, almost as though he was reading your mind.

"I'm sorry to hear that." You say.

"No, it wasn't recent or anything. It happened a half-year after my egg was laid." He says, waving the hand of the arm he's leaning on as best he can. "I was really interested in recent history, and when I saw your records, I couldn't believe how many things you'd done!"

"If anyone else in the squads had gotten a biography, I'm sure they'd seem just as interesting." You say.

"Still, this operation would have been a complete disaster if not for you saving Dalak when you did." You say to him.

His eye lights up for a moment, before he fixes you with a stern gaze. "Well, magistrate, I think it's what any one of us would have done. I was the only one who wasn't caught completely offguard by the incident, I guess."

"I'm afraid the pain is part of the issue." The surgeon says, interrupting. "We brought what we thought was a surplus of anesthesia, but having to keep a creature of that size unconscious for that long depleted most of it."

The surgeon points with a prod over to Turen's left hand. "We hadn't told him yet, but his hand's been burnt to the point where there's no saving it. We have to amputate."

"I could tell." Turen says, analytically.

"In addition, there's a large mass of the calf that's been damaged badly enough to necrocize." The surgeon continues, a bit taken aback by Turen's claim. "And as badly as the removal of the hand will hurt, that is surrounded by still-living tissue and a nearly untouched bone. The rest of the leg's functions would be intact." He hands you a small tablet, with a diagram of the nerves, bones and tendions in the leg. "So, it's a question of removing it here and now, or waiting and risking gangrene."

"You can talk about it with him, it's just that you have to be the one to voice the final decision." The surgeon says calmly.

>>14898429
"I'll have to talk with Dalak about that implant, and what exactly happened with the lightning cloud.
"Still, good work. Yes, any of us would have done the same, as you say, but it was still you that pushed Dalak to safety."

If only we had some medical-grade maggots, the necrotizing flesh wouldn't be a problem. They could just eat what's dead and let the rest heal up.

>>14898603
Do we have any charges in Wands of Cure Wounds, healing potions, or scrolls?
Could we use them to keep the necrosis at bay until we could get Turen and Vansek to a proper hospital?

>>14898633

Looking at the chart, you can see that most of the muscle in his leg's calf is scorched beyond saving. You don't think the maggots would be able to act fast enough to prevent the onset of gangrene, even if you had any.

>>14898691

This is what he looks like after the healing magic.

>>14898756
Wow, this bad AFTER magic healing?
Besides saying that we need to buy more healing items from the surface, I think we have to go with amputation.
Our medical science, as good as it might be for a medieval fantasy world, is still nowhere near modern Earth's. We can't chance gangrene.
At least we have good working prosthetic technology.

>>14898798

"I'll have to talk with Dalak about that implant, and what exactly happened with the lightning cloud."

"I have a theory on that, magistrate." Turen says, seeming a bit saddened by the recent news about his leg.

"Still, good work. Yes, any of us would have done the same, as you say, but it was still you that pushed Dalak to safety." You say to him.

"It's like you said, sir. Professor Dalak is much more important than I am. I'm not even out of training yet." He says, quietly. "There's a lot more he can do for our people than I can."

>>14898878
"What do you think was the source of that lightning cloud, then?"

>>14898940

"What do you think was the source of that lightning cloud, then?" You ask him.

"Well, it was covered in a class on transmutation magic." He says, looking off at the wall for a moment. "Basically, the 'newer' polymorphing spells have various safety functions built in to ensure that transformation to or from a given creature won't prove fatal to the user." He nods. "Once we had figured out the creature was a dragon, Professor Dalak made a note of the rerum sac. The rerum sac of a dragon is filled with elemental energy that can prove damaging to other creatures. In essence, the rerum began to bleed off that electricity and sent it throughout the body, which would naturally go through the body to the ground or something else in the area." He looks over at his left hand for a moment. "The skin would normally absorb the electricity and dissipate it into the air harmlessly. But, the skin was open, and so..."

>>14899016
"So the cloud was a result of the rerum sac going out of control because it occurred in the middle of surgery.
"I talked with the patient, and it's the kobold we came after, so that part is a success. He said that he had no control over the transformation; could a transmutation spell been part of the implant's defense mechanisms to ensure survival of the host?
"I'd like you to give me your thoughts on the matter, after you've had a chance to think it over."

Should we speak with Vansek, Dalak, or skip straight to our impeachment hearing in front of the Senate?

"Well, I guess Professor Dalak and I were the paths of least resistance." He says, smiling grimly.

(Now might be a good occasion to go over the current laws concerning prosthetics, which came into act about three years after you got your at the time experimental arm replacement.

See, the prosthetics are good, but they're expensive. So, in order to keep it affordable, the government's policy has been to provide replacements only to those currently employed in a profession where it is necessary to have them. For example, a priest missing an arm who is not involved in any kind of combat wiould not get a replacement from the government, but could still get one through his own private funds or a sponsor. Those who get a prosthetic on government payroll are expected to work off the cost as well to some degree.

In other words, Turen would have to finish school before being supplied any replacements by the government directly.)

>>14899103
Do we have the personal finances to sponsor both Turen and Vansek? And anyone else on this expedition that needs them?

If he's denied prosthesis, I feel we should sponsor him anyway. Dude has balls, and we need guys like him with the military.

"So the cloud was a result of the rerum sac going out of control because it occurred in the middle of surgery." You say.

"I talked with the patient, and it's the kobold we came after, so that part is a success. He said that he had no control over the transformation; could a transmutation spell been part of the implant's defense mechanisms to ensure survival of the host?"

"I think it was a function of the spell, yes. That much electricity in one place would kill anyone, even after some of it had been dispersed from the spell." He says quickly. "So I have reason to believe the subject was in the polymorph longer than any regular version will last, in order to generate such a large amount of electricity. So yes, I believe the implant was the source of the transmutation, and that it triggered at least a day before you encountered him as that creature."

>>14899165
"Are we anywhere close to being able to replicate that kind of ioun implant technology?"

We'll also need to ask Dalak about the implant.

So it sounds like we'll be sponsoring this kid for prosthetics, and maybe also the scout and anyone else on this expedition that needs them, right?

I rather like this Turen fellow, he's got balls, brains, and ingenuity. I say we sponsor him for prosthesis, have him finish his term at school, and have him pay off the sponsorship as some form of aide. We could always use more help dealing with bureaucracy.

>>14899205

"Are we anywhere close to being able to replicate that kind of ioun implant technology?" You ask him.

"I, uh, I'm afraid I don't know that, sir." Turen says. His eye widens suddenly. "Oh hell. The last examinations are in two days." He looks up at you. "I, I'd have to be there by that morning to take them."

"I'm sorry, but you'll have to get yours rescheduled." The surgeon says, before giving a double take. "Wait, your final examinations for graduation?"

"I thought I'd make it back with time to spare." He says, seeming for the first time more panicked. "I know I can cast with one hand, that's part of the requirements, but..."

"You're TEN? You had to know this was a dangerous mission, why would you do that?" The surgeon practically yells.

"I stayed back, I didn't do anything wrong!" Turen nearly sobs.

You know the rules of the school. Not showing up to the final examination in a timely manner is practically grounds for expulsion.

Any chance we can hustle a bit getting back? Wait, shit, we're waiting for a ship, aren't we?

You are currently on the ship.

>>14899532
Well, looks like we'll be just making it.
Not sure what we can really do to help here. Maybe tell the captain to keep the ship moving as fast as it will go.

"Unlike most other doctors, I don't like to make things seem better than they are." The surgeon says. "It's very likely you won't graduate because of this."

Turen's lip curls back a bit, and he looks down across the room, his body shaking. He sobs quietly.

"We can't speed this up a bit?" You say to the surgeon, indicating the ship.

"We're at the mercy of the currents. There's nothing we can do." The surgeon says, shaking his head. "I can provide a notice, some recommendations, but that's all I can do. He needs bed rest anyway."

"We need your say." The surgeon says. "But I can understand if you two need a bit more time to consider it."

bump

How much pull do we have? Could we, say with a donation to the training school in question, have them allow him a private run at the test once he's ready for such?

>>14899975

In essence, he'd have to go back through another year of schooling or apprenticeship before he'd have a chance at taking the examination. Most schools aren't as strict, but the magic using schools are strict through necessity. Magic users with a disdain for authority are seen as dangerous, and the assumption is usually correct.

A private run you know is out of the question. If it was like your exam, it will have physical tests as well, which he could fail anyway.

Regardless, the government only allows a set amount of schooling for each resident, because during that time resources are being expended on each individual in their schools. That's the budgeting deal, and it would be a lot to change it for one kid.

>>14900042
Is there any way we can spin this mission as credit for his final exam? The kid has heart and potential, and went beyond the call of duty to make sure the cog would keep spinning at optimum efficency. To lose someone like him would be a wound to our society as a whole.

>>14900121

Yes, because quest threads attract the people /tg/ hates most of all.

Roleplayers.

Oh wait.

>>14900110

You could certainly try... But the people in charge of the tests are kept in charge for their adherence to the rules. It's very unlikely they would agree to such a thing.

"I just wanted to meet you. I didn't think something like this would happen." Turen says after a few minutes. "I don't know what I should do. What can I do?" He sobs. "I'll just be a burden on society. Damn it!" He slams his fist into the table, gritting his teeth.

>>14900323
We're a Sorcerer. Do we know Overland Flight, or Shadow Walk or something transportation wise we can use to get there faster? I'm kind of worried about the kid doing his exam with a dead hand and a dead leg, though. Could he do it with one hand and a pegleg until he can get prosthetics?

>>14900409

You do think you could end up shadow walking there. You have the spell in one of your ancestor's memories.

Trying to walk on a recently amputated leg, though, is not something even magic is going to make easier. To have any chance of such a thing, you'd need Dalak to make him a duralumin leg, and his hands are out of commission until you get back.

>>14900469
We could take Turen, Dalak, and Felix back to the Crystal Cavern via Shadow Walk.
That should allow us to get back in time to have Felix and Dalak make quick replacement legs and hands for Turen, right?

A day's cutting it kind of close, and Turen would need some pain medication to walk, possibly doing permanent damage to his leg as a result. But, assuming that everything in that case goes right, and you get Dalak's hands restored, you have seen him work miracles. So, yes, it is possible. Extremely dangerous, possibly permanently harmful, but possible.

>>14900688
Do we have a bag of holding and a straw? We could put turen in the bag of holding,the straw would let him breathe then we rush home.

>>14900703

This is unnecessary. With shadow walk you'd have to walk for like an hour even carrying someone.

>>14900688
I can't believe we haven't considered this: Teleport.
4th-level spell, and for us, a range of 1500 miles.
Let's just teleport back to our office with Turen, Dalak, and Felix.

>>14900860

Yep, can do.

So, what's the verdict on Turen?

>>14900866

I mean on his leg?

>>14900868
Well, we have better facilities back in the Cavern, right? If we teleported back, would we still need to amputate?
If we don't, will it increase Turen's chances of passing?

>>14900888

Geez, a kid's going to be horribly maimed for the rest of his life, and you want to know if he'll pass some stupid exam if you don't remove his leg?

You must be a college student, because I can identify with that feeling as well.

This could be something you might need more info on. The only part of the leg that's "bad" is the muscle in the calf. Technically, without most of that, he's not going to be walking anyway.

You could certainly ask the surgeon, Turen, or anyone else knowledgeable about such matters.

bump

Anyone here?

>>14901100
I am kind of. I have no idea what to do though. Hopefully the thread picks up later today

Oh god, it works now.

OK, so if you don't know what to do, you can ask an NPC something, or you can ask me about stuff your character would know.

>>14901343
Sorry, conked out. I'm back now.

Okay, yeah, talk with the surgeon and Turen if there's any chance of saving the leg if we teleport him back to a hospital back in the Cavern, and if it would improve his chances of still being able to pass his exams.

>>14900908
Well, instead of removing and replacing the leg, could we have Dalak replace the necrotised muscle with ioun myomer muscle fibers? Would that allow the leg to still retain function without requiring amputation?

VKO, you still around?

>>14901686

"If we went back to the caverns, could we save the leg?" You ask the surgeon.

The surgeon gets a pained expression on his face. "The problem isn't our equipment. It's the massive amount of dead tissue in the leg from the electrical storm. Healing magic won't restore it, aside from maybe regeneration." He sighs. "The rest of the leg is still good, and we could just take out the muscle in the calf, but I don't see what purpose that would serve. He wouldn't be able to walk on it with that much muscle missing."

"I still have feeling in my foot." Turen adds, quietly. "Blood pumping through my leg hurts, though."

"And that's another thing. Reconnecting the veins would be really tricky business. I guess we'd have to do it with anesthetic to even stand a chance." The surgeon says.

"Which would help him do better on the test?" You ask the surgeon.

"What? I don't know, I've never taken it. But, from what I can tell now, he's better off losing it and getting a prosthetic down the line." The surgeon says. "I mean, I don't know how you're planning on getting him to the test, but I'm against it. He's been through enough, and could probably use the bed rest.

Turen gives the surgeon a look that indicates he is not of the same opinion.

>>14901762

Well, you don't remember a time he's used the artificial muscle outside of a full prosthetic limb.

Then again, you can't think of any reason why not.

>>14901832
>>14901840
Dalak was able to create that artificial artery. Let's bring him in and ask him if he'd be able to put together the artificial muscle package.

It'll mean less shock to Turen's body, and so should mean that he'll recover faster.
Also, by teleporting back, we'll have access to a full surgical theater and more anaesthetic.

rolled 8 = 8

Wow

I stumbled on the ongoing thread for once!

>>14901925

You call Dalak in, who arrives after a couple of minutes, clearly having had a bad time of things and with his hands bandaged and still in a claw-like position.

You explain the situation to him, and ask if he could make an artificial muscle package.

"To tell the truth, I have been wanting to try it out for some time now," Dalak says, after you explain what you want to try and work out. "In fact, Felixhia could probably put it together from some plans I have back at the shop."

"So, it's already been done before?" You say, surprised.

"No, I never tested it." Dalak says, sadly. "I was afraid if word of it got out we'd have orders to replace muscles for reasons other than injuries. The problem with that, as you may know, is that ioun ore muscles don't ever increase over time. In fact, they slowly degrade."

"In essence, if I end up messing up again, he could end up ruining his knee, crushing the leg bone, worst case scenario, he could die." Dalak says, growing more distressed. "If he has to have his knee removed, there's no way he'd be walking normally within a day."

>>14902043
"Dalak, you couldn't have anticipated the defensive mechanisms of an unknown ioun implant. You've successfully done prosthetic installations before, you won't mess up this time.
"Would the muscle replacement allow Turen to be up and about faster than a leg replacement?"

Also, since this is an experimental procedure, wouldn't that mean that Turen wouldn't incur debts?

Okay, if Dalak's hands are still damaged, we'll need to purchase a Regenerate spell to be cast on him.
It'll likely be expensive as Hell, but we can't afford to lose Dalak's capabilities.

rolled 72 = 72

As a Magistrate, I think we could go personally to the school Turen attends and work out something.
Why is this such a big problem? I understand strictness but, heck, we should wield a huge amount of respect in the society that it would be possible.

How much personal funds do we have anyway? We could finance replacement limbs.


Also, if we don't have medical anesthesia can't we just use spells on him to make it painless? Sleep perhaps .. or maybe a weak paralysis spell?

>>14902109

"Dalak, you couldn't have anticipated the defensive mechanisms of an unknown ioun implant. You've successfully done prosthetic installations before, you won't mess up this time."

"Thinking back on it, I should've noticed it far ahead of when we cut out the crystaline growths." Dalak says, sighing. "But I was tired. I didn't think. My stupidity..." He mutters, looking over at Turen.

"Would the muscle replacement allow Turen to be up and about faster than a leg replacement?" You snap your fingers, trying to keep Dalak from wasting valuable time being moody.

"He could be. It might take more time. To be honest, I have no idea." Dalak says, shaking his head. "And, I'm still tired. I haven't slept since the painkillers wore off. Mynthar, I don't want to do this. I can't do this. Not again." He says, holding up his hands.

>>14902131
We may be the Magistrate, but I don't think we hold that much clout.
We're not an executive leader of the Senate.

>>14902122

Restoration will be enough. His hands are damaged, not destroyed.

>>14902131

You could try. I mean, these are pretty extenuating circumstances. Not like he's retaking the test because he went to Disneyland.

Of course, if someone does make an allowance, it could ruin their reputation, possibly lose them their position, if the allowance is seen in a negative light. In this case, I'll give you, anyone who says no to this kid is basically kicking a puppy. However, if your whole situation turns bad, and the kid is tied into it, the guy who lets him take the exam could lose his job that way.

You can totally finance his prosthetics. You have a ton of money saved up from your salary and your military service.

Spells would work initially, but sleep? He'll wake up the second he feels the incredible pain of having his leg sawed off.

>>14902185
"What about Felixhia? Could he do the implantation? Or some of the other prosthetic surgeons back in the Cavern?
"If you're that tired, then you're right, Dalak; you're in no condition to be during surgery right now."

rolled 65 = 65

>>14902252
How about constant sleep?
Which we keep applying while the surgery is going on?

Could that work?


Are there pain resistance kind of spell which would diminish the agony?

>>14902257

"What about Felixhia? Could he do the implantation? Or some of the other prosthetic surgeons back in the Cavern?"

"Felixhia doesn't usually do surgery, but..." Dalak pauses. "I suppose we haven't got many options. He's the only person I'd trust besides myself with this delicate of an operation."

"If you're that tired, then you're right, Dalak; you're in no condition to be during surgery right now." You say.

Dalak looks down at the ground. "This is all my fault. I should've said something before, after I had finished the artery. But I was worried the anesthetic would run out- What a stupid thing to think!" He shouts, looking down at the floor. "It's all because of me, isn't it? None of this would have happened..."

>>14902382

If you applied sleep, they would keep waking up when they felt pain. In effect, they would be conscious half the time, and being awakened constantly.

The only spells that stop pain also heal hit points, which messes up surgery. Something to look into, perhaps?

>>14902382
1. No. The Sleep spell is broken as soon as damage is done to the target. That simply wouldn't work.

2. Bear's Endurance might be able to help, but it would only last for 15 minutes.
As far as I know, there is no other spell that could do that.

Here, why don't you look through the sorceror spells.
We can cast up to 6th level spells, but keep in mind that we may not know a given spell.
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/spell-lists-and-domains/spell-lists---sorcerer-and-wizard

rolled 73 = 73

>>14902429
Relax, Dalek, you have done a tremendous job. Anyone else would have caved under pressure.
No need to blame yourself.

If anyone is to blame, it should be me for dragging you all into this ....

>>14902429
"Dalak, if you're going to go down that road of thought, everything is my fault. I'm the one who put this entire expedition together, so responsibility ultimately rests with me.
"Now, to try to give Turen here the best chances possible, would casting a Bear's Endurance spell to make his body more resilient help his chances of survival during the operation? Or would it interfere with the surgery?
"Remember our strength is not just from science or magic alone; it's combining the two to create a whole better than the sum of its parts."

>>14902497

"Dalak, if you're going to go down that road of thought, everything is my fault. I'm the one who put this entire expedition together, so responsibility ultimately rests with me." You say, putting your hand on your chest.

"That's what Felixhia thinks." Dalak explains. "But you're not a mind reader. Well, not all the time, anyway. It was my responsibility to tell you my level of fatigue instead of hiding it."

"Now, to try to give Turen here the best chances possible, would casting a Bear's Endurance spell to make his body more resilient help his chances of survival during the operation? Or would it interfere with the surgery?"

"It wouldn't... But in this case, the cause of death would be a bone shard travelling up the bloodstream into the heart, or death over a long period from a piece of necrocized tissue drifting into the bloodstream." He says. "Ordinarily, I'd use a tourniquet, but with the amount of swelling, I'm worried the pressure could cause the area to burst, which could cause the same thing to occur."

"Remember our strength is not just from science or magic alone; it's combining the two to create a whole better than the sum of its parts."

"I know that. I do." He looks over at Turen, then leans over to you, whispering. "If something goes wrong, I don't want to leave him worse off then I have already."

rolled 23 = 23

>>14902472
[alright, keep in mind I am not familiar how magic is treated in D&D and similar settings]

>Heroism, Greater Gives +4 bonus on attack rolls, saves, skill checks; immunity to fear; temporary hp.
Could we put this on him before surgery? I think that giving him Heroic aspect would help to null the pain for a while.
(Ignoring pain can be done, albeit hard. Speaking of personal experience, I had my teeth drilled right into the gum and the filled without anesthesia. This guys seems to have great willpower already, by applying this spell he could have greater sense of pain resistance)

>Suggestion
Could we use suggestion spell on him to make him believe that he is experiencing less pain than really? Pain is psychological thing anyway, if we do this right the pain signals going to his brain might not be received as being as hard as they really are.

>Symbol of Sleep
>fall into a catatonic slumber for 3d6x10 minutes. Unlike with the sleep spell, sleeping creatures cannot be awakened by non-magical means before this time expires.
Speaks for itself.
If I understand it correctly, he will sleep through surgery.

>>14902567
Well, we can use Cat's Grace, Fox's Cunning, and Owl's Wisdom on the surgeons who'll be doing the operation.

Could we apply a tourniquet AND bleed off the excess pressure in the affected area to prevent a rupture?

rolled 22 = 22

>>14902572
[cont]

>Telepathic Bond
Could we set up telepathic network which divides the pain and transmits it in equal portions through all the participants?
In essence, everyone should feel mild itch instead of the patient taking all the blunt.

>Share Senses See/hear/smell what your familiar is.
Same as previous. (unless everybody gets the same amount of pain... that would suck)

>Teleport Instantly transports you as far as 100 miles per level.
Teleport back to caverns, take needed drugs and teleport back?

>Hypnotic Pattern Fascinates 2d4 + level HD of creatures.
Umm.... get him distracted from the pain?
Anyway, that's all I could think of...

>>14902572

S'alright. I don't go strictly by the book, so it's all good.

1: Would totally work.

2: Actually, yes, that could as well

3: And that's basically the spell you wanted. I think symbols are all cleric spells, though, and you have no high level clerics around.

>>14902643

What Dalak's worried about is the bacteria from the necrotic flesh spreading through the blood. At present, it's just begun to rot, so it doesn't even smell that bad, and the bacteria are warming up. Cutting out the whole muscle will have some gunk bleed out, but they should be able to avoid it travelling via the bloodstream with some careful cuts.

Dalak also says the boy will need a skin graft on his arm, which he can take care of with some artificial skin.

Turen is beginning to wonder if he gets a say in all this.

(I'll be off in 15 minutes, but then back after an hour.)

>>14902712

4. In this case, it just allows for transmission of messages. Which would allow everyone to hear the patient screaming in horrible pain, which is kind of hilarious.

5. I think if you are hurt the spell ends.

6. I think either that or teleporting the patient with you on a one-way trip with the surgeons is what was talked about here.

7. Fascination stops when you are injured.

>>14902725
Well, most of this stuff would apply regardless of his choice: buffing the surgeons so that they're better than normal, teleporting Turen, Dalak, and Felix to the Cavern to access better medical facilities.

It's still really up to Turen if he wants a prosthetic leg, or to go with the muscle replacement prototype.
Let's ask him.

"Alright Turen. It's still really up to you: do you want a new leg, or take your chances with the muscle replacement?"

rolled 83 = 83

>>14902725
Alright, if we are to do the surgery here then do number 1 and 2

>>14902758
>6. I think either that or teleporting the patient with you on a one-way trip with the surgeons is what was talked about here.

But if this works, I think it is the best bet.

>>14902783
This.

Our "ideal" bet is to teleport to our better medical facilities, but, if not, let's just use spells to hopefully increase his chances.

Also, someone's trying to get your attention, VKO.
>>14902563

>>14902783

Turen thinks for a bit. "You know, I would like to serve the whole of the crystal caverns in any way that I can..."

"But, at present, this whole artificial muscle thing sounds really iffy. I mean, where would the adapter go?" He says.

"Ah, see, that's it! Right there! Ancestor's skins, kid, you have to speak up more often." Dalak says. "I knew there was something I was forgetting. The adapter for nerve transmission would have to be mounted around the bone, and in an unusual shape. We'd have to manufacture one. We could try, but we might not make it in time."

"I was leaning towards just letting them take it off before, but now I'm not so sure." You can tell Turen is torn. "If I can take the test, I should probably be able to walk. And there's no guarantee here." He grits his teeth. "To be honest, this is a bit too much to hoist on someone my age! On one hand, I keep my foot but everything else is uncertain, and the other way I lose it."

He looks up at you. "You're the one doing this for me, sir. I don't think I can come to a decision in a reasonable amount of time. Just please do whatever you think is right."

rolled 33 = 33

>>14902892

Seriously, lets just go and talk with the school he attends to.
Dammit, if a magistrate cannot postpone an exam for a week for someone who got grievously wounded and lost limbes during a dangerous, not-so-official mission... then I don't know why even even bother.

I doubt it will be hard to convince them (though, I'm not good at writing dialogs)

>>14902848
Yeah, the idea was to use Teleport to get Turen, Dalak, and Felix back to the Cavern.
I suppose we could also get the more critically wounded back to the Cavern as well.

>>14902968
That dangerous, not-so-official mission can get us impeached, and the person letting Turen postpone his exam could lose his job and get blacklisted.
We aren't a dictator, we're not a king or lord who has complete authority. We're more akin to a Speaker of the House than President. A Speaker of the House who just took SEAL Team Six out on a joyride and got a few of them killed and some more grievously wounded.
We have to look at the entire political situation here.

rolled 34 = 34

>>14903023

I don't think we will be able to hide this mission anyway. It will surface either way... I mean, how are you going to explain the loss of handful of kobolds on "exercise mission"?

>>14903053
"Unfortunate Weapons Misfire"

>>14903053
No one is suggesting to hide the mission.
If you'll read through the beginning of the session, we're going to be open and releasing the information to the Senate before they can tag something onto us.

But that still presents possible political repercussions and the person that would be making the exception would still be taking a big risk. We're already on thin ice with the Senate as it is.

>>14902892
"Turen, I think that you should get the muscle replacement. I can teleport you all back to the Caverns so that Turen can be prepped, and Felixhia can begin putting the neural adapter together.
"If worst comes to worst, I think it'll be easier to talk the regents into allowing an exception if Turen were to be undergoing an experimental procedure.
"Do you think that would give you enough time, Dalak? We still have 2 days."

>>14903338

"Turen, I think that you should get the muscle replacement. I can teleport you all back to the Caverns so that Turen can be prepped, and Felixhia can begin putting the neural adapter together."

Turen nods. "You know more about this than I do, sir. Thank you for all that you're doing for me."

"If worst comes to worst, I think it'll be easier to talk the regents into allowing an exception if Turen were to be undergoing an experimental procedure." You say.

"True. I could sign a waiver along with Professor Dalak to have him excused." The surgeon adds.

"Do you think that would give you enough time, Dalak? We still have 2 days."

"It'll have to be enough time." Dalak says. "It should be simple, in theory. Felixhia just did all of those procedures on the mechanized armor, so he'll have a good grasp of how the muscle might work." Dalak excuses himself to go and tell Felixhia about this new project.

>>14903883
Turn to the surgeon.
"Thank you, Doctor. I realize that all of this is highly irregular, especially what I'm asking of you.
"Besides Turen and Vansek, are there any other critical cases that I should teleport back ahead of the main group?"

>>14903957

You shake the surgeon's hand in gratitude. "Thank you, Doctor. I realize that all of this is highly irregular, especially what I'm asking of you.

"Besides Turen and Vansek, are there any other critical cases that I should teleport back ahead of the main group?"

"All the worst cases are beyond help. We'll give them to their families when we reach shore." The surgeon says. "If you need me, I can come along as well."

(Back in another hour, still getting used to these new classes.)

rolled 59 = 59

I guess we should get on with it then?

Hmm, maybe warn Tayn first that we will be leaving to attend surgery?

>>14904077
If the ship won't be short-handed, then let's bring the surgeon with us when we teleport.

Also, yes, tell Tayn that we'll be teleporting some critical care patients directly back to the Cavern, and we'll see him in two days.

>>14904141

You make a brief stop off to see Tayn. He is in a similar condition to the previous time you talked with him.

"I have a bit of an emergency to attend to-"

"And you'll see me in two days." Tayn rasps. "Small ship. Thin walls."

"Alright, good that you understand." You respond, caught off guard a bit by the nearly comatose man's perception.

"I should feel bad, shouldn't I?" He asks.

"What for?" You respond.

"For that kid." Tayn answers, taking a deep breath.

"It wasn't your fault. You were unconscious at the time." You tell him, having already repeated this chat with Dalak.

"No. Not because of that." Tayn says. "I mean, I should feel sorry for him.

"But I don't feel sorry for him."

The words hang in the air as you gather the necessary people in a circle, then pronounce the incantations of travel, popping directly into your room.

After a few hours, you have everything in order. The two patients are set up with painkillers, and you bring Turen into surgery. His small hand grasps yours tightly, and you see a hint of fear in his eyes as the concoction takes hold, and his grip lessens and lessens. The surgeon is grim, methodical, and you don't stay to watch. Felixhia comes in to assist with the removal of the malignant calf muscle, and glares at you as he passes by you in the hall, a look you've seen a handful of times. Two hours after you wheeled Turen in, the surgeon comes out, and simply nods at you.

>>14904931
"Well? "

>>14904931
Possible sociopathic tendencies in Tayn due to his magical origins?

Man, I can't believe Felix still glares at us all the time.

"Everything went well. To be honest, we scraped most of the hand off. It was badly charred." The surgeon says. "But he seems stable. Felixhia did say he's going to have to put in some new tendons, but that shouldn't be much to worry about.

"He'll be under for about half an hour more. No painkillers till we're sure he's in the clear." The surgeon says, sighing. "Today's been real tiring. I'm going to take a load off, I'll be nearby if they need me." The kobold stalks off, shaking out his hands.

The hospital is a small affair, with a surprising number of rooms and downward staircases. The hospital is relatively sparse, with only a handful of patients here. The few priests in the city occasionally come here to offer their services and to console the sick or injured. The beds are made from stone with a stiff mattress, and the place is exceptionally clean.

>>14905083
Okay, nothing more we can do here. We'll only get in the way and the patients are still unconcious.

I say we go and talk with Yuune. We need to plan on what to say to the Senate about our abuse of executive powers and our little adventure.

rolled 27 = 27

>>14905083
So... does he need prosthetic arm?

Anyway.

Can we teleport back to the ship? If not go to your brother and report everything to him.

>>14905306

Yep, a hand and an eye. As well as that whole leg muscle thing. You haven't seen him yet, but you know that's what they were doing.

You head out of the hospital, discretely over to Yuune's place. When you appear in his kitchen, he seems unfazed.

"I need to brainstorm." You say, fully expecting him to contribute two to three words.

>>14905488
"We succeeded in rescuing Tayn, but we lost some good kobolds, and others have been severely wounded. On top of that, we had to use up most of the healing items we brought with us.
"Now, here's what I learned:
"1. That compound has highly advanced magitechnology. I've not seen anything like it. Its capture by us could give a good boost in our sciences.
"2. Whoever created Tayn, they have access to ioun ore implant technology. Advanced, too. More advanced that ours. I don't need to tell you what kind of threat that means."

Lay out the arguments from >>14896537 as the arguments we'll put forth in front of a Senate hearing, and wait for Yuune to give his opinion.

rolled 42 = 42

>>14905488
Just tell him what happened, in detail and ask for his opinion and input.

>>14905600


You pace around the room. "We succeeded in rescuing Tayn, but we lost some good kobolds, and others have been severely wounded. On top of that, we had to use up most of the healing items we brought with us.

"Now, here's what I learned:

"1. That compound has highly advanced magitechnology. I've not seen anything like it. Its capture by us could give a good boost in our sciences."

"2. Whoever created Tayn, they have access to ioun ore implant technology. Advanced, too. More advanced that ours. I don't need to tell you what kind of threat that means."

"Bad news." Yuune says, simply.

You feed him your argument. He nods throughout the lot of it.

"Misdemeanor?" He says towards the end, his verdict slamming the brakes on your query.

"All that and I'd still get a misdemeanor?" You ask, somewhat frustrated.

rolled 30 = 30

>>14905816
Fuck that

we did good. We moved in fast and clean while the senate would slow things down. This needed decisive action and we provided it!

We need to secure that compound as fast as possible.


Also tell him about Six and her drow order.

rolled 61 = 61

Anyway, misdemeanor or not.

We should start preparing a good way to present this to the senate. Brainstorm with your brother for a while and then go to the senate.

rolled 57 = 57

Where'd you go VKO?

rolled 50 = 50

Hitting the sack,
see you later VKO

Still here, waiting to see if you're still around, VKO.

But yeah...hmm...a misdeamor is not as bad as it could be, but we should still try to get away scott-free using 'executive privileges' and 'national security'.

>>14905965

Sorry about that, I kind of fell asleep.

You and Yuune are actually a bit stumped on this one. He cautions getting angry at the council, which is kind of difficult for you.

You tell him about Six and her drow order, and he absorbs the info like a sponge. He jots down notes and vows to keep a lookout for this sort of thing.

You know when the council convenes. Woul d you like to go today?

>>14908779
I think we have enough information to go before the Senate today. This will just be opening arguments, mind you.
Since we haven't done a full debriefing of Tayn yet, there might still be important information to prove that our decision was the right one to make.

>>14908894

Alright. You head into the round chamber at the appropriate hour. Some of the council, you can tell, already suspects something.

You talk to them of the occurrence, the head of the military seeming angry at the news that two of his best men are dead and one has been severely injured. They criticize your unwillingness to share with the council your plan before executing it, and you counter with the council's own, admitted sluggishness. They seem to disregard the example, and, surprisingly, the head of finance takes your side, along with Yuune's quiet support. You tell them you were acting for the good of the people, neutralizing a security risk, and potentially securing a great ally.

"If this is your way of protecting the people, perhaps you ought to tell them why you departed in secret like a bandit." Jaran spits, shortly before you are dismissed.

Seems mostly like they were mad that you went over all of their heads and then went outside the caverns. Well, despite that, you can see it's not going to be the end of your career. Maybe a bump in the road, but nothing too awful.

>>14909080
While I understand Ghaon's anger at the loss of some of his elite, I would have thought that he out of all of them would have understood the need for black ops and operational security.

Anyway, now that this is now in the open, we need to speak with Ghaon to organize a military expedition to secure the compound. Convincing him won't be easy, but we can't allow a hostile power to keep control of such advanced technology.

>>14909231

You are forgetting one very important thing.

Ghaon doesn't like you, and he's kind of an ass.

You could hold off, ask him a bit later, if you want to try when he's less angry at you then usual.

>>14909313
I keep forgetting that.

Alright, let's wait until after Tayn's debriefing. I don't like it, but it seems necessary.

>>14909358

You send the council a missive telling them to let Tayn arrive before passing any further judgment. They tentatively agree. Within a couple of days, the ship arrives, and those aboard are escorted off by the military. Tayn is placed in a wheeled chair, the surgeon telling them that his surgical wound still needs to knit. He is placed in a small holding cell, and you have roughly half a day before the scheduled hearing.

What will you do?

>>14909480
Go to see Tayn in his cell, with Yuune attending if he can get away from his other duties.

We need to know everything he can tell us about his captors/creators, the level of technology they had, what they seemed to want from him and why they set us as his target.
Anything that he knows about those white abominations, and what that building was.

>>14909505

You make your way over to the prison. The guard who lets you in looks at you curiously as he unlocks Tayn's cell door.

Tayn sits in his sparse cell, looking a bit irritable. Yuune looks between the two of you, suggesting a distinct similarity.

"Was your trip back alright?" You ask him.

He nods simply.

"Good. I have some things I'd like to ask you before the council does." You say, sitting down opposite from him in the cell, on the other cot.

"Feel free. I have had nothing with which to occupy myself for several days now." Tayn says, grumbling as he adjusts his seating.

"Who made you? Who was keeping you and doing those things to you?" You ask him.

"A group of drow held me. They would torture me every day, asking me questions about this place, calling me by your name." Tayn says, eying one corner of the room. "I never heard what their organization was called, even after they turned me. They were good about that."

"But who created you?" You ask him.

He looks down at the ground for a moment, before looking directly at you. "I'm afraid I don't remember the moment of my... creation. I can remember cold stone, coughing as my first breaths hit my lungs, and a vague memory of all the time before that. Indistinct, so much so that it just felt like a huge mass of fog in my head." He pauses for a moment. "As the rest of me grew on that floor, slowly, I could hear voices in a language I knew was not the one I spoke. They were remarking at something. I just wanted to know what was going on."

>>14909705
"Do you remember anything of what they said? Even if you don't know the language, at least the words they spoke?
"And they asked about us, the Cavern? What kinds of questions were they asking? About our defenses? Or our technology?"

And we still need to ask about the building and the white things.

>>14909815

"Do you remember anything of what they said? Even if you don't know the language, at least the words they spoke?"

"I can speak drow." He says. "Though they spoke to me in kobold. They were remarking over the intricacies of a visitor. Strange thing to remember. Then, they said my regeneration was proceeding nicely. I didn't know what that meant until much later."

"And they asked about us, the Cavern? What kinds of questions were they asking? About our defenses? Or our technology?" You question him.

"All of those things, and more." Tayn says, leaning forward. "About your family, about your loved ones, the patrols, the capabilities of the navy...

"None of which I knew." Tayn adds. "Now I know a little of it."

>>14910112
"What about that building that you were housed in; the technology seems far too advanced for the Drow to have made it themselves. Did you learn anything about who originally constructed it?
"And what about those white abominations? What were they? Were they created by your captors? Or were they something that originally lived there?"

"What about that place I found you in? The massive black building?" You ask him.

"I'm afraid I don't know much about its origin. The drow knew how to use it, showed me. They claimed the motions on the wall were specialized for taking out spellcasters." Tayn makes a simple extension of his arm, thumb jutting outward, fingers pointed in. "This strike to the face, or throat. I spent weeks strengthening my fingers. They tattooed me, told me it would ward off some magic."

"What about those white creatures?" You ask Tayn. His facial expression changes from a scowl to a look of surprise. "What is it?"

"They're called.. Edges of chaos." Tayn says, slowly, still appearing somewhat surprised, and a bit concerned.

>>14910219
"What is it? Is something wrong? Is there a second implant we didn't know about?"

Cast Detect Magic, see if any magic auras have activated on Tayn.

>>14910254

"What is it? Is something wrong? Is there a second implant we didn't know about?" You cast detect magic on his person. A variety of colorful tattooes across the body are visible, but nothing that you didn't already know about.

"No, I would have known." He says, his brow furrowed. "It was just... The answer, I guess.

"I'm sorry, I don't want to be a pain with all of this mysteriousness, but I'm afraid I was never told very much. Most of what I know I found out from the images in those strange devices back at the Column." He says. "I translated the text. The creators never referred to themselves, like everyone was supposed to know who they were. Some images were ones that just seemed to be gibberish when I tried to understand them." He says.

>>14910382
"Well they weren't Draconic. Nor were they Dwarven or Gnomish. But that level of technology is still unsettling.
"What about the ioun ore implant? And the ioun soup? Did the drow show any signs of having more advanced ioun ore technology? Or did it seem that they were supplied the technology from somebody else?"

>>14910446

"Well they weren't Draconic. Nor were they Dwarven or Gnomish. But that level of technology is still unsettling." You think aloud. Definitely not gnomish. Not random and useless enough for their work. And Dwarves would never make something with such a high ceiling.

"What about the ioun ore implant? And the ioun soup? Did the drow show any signs of having more advanced ioun ore technology? Or did it seem that they were supplied the technology from somebody else?" You rattle off what's on your mind.

Tayn seems to grow a bit weary when you mention the implant. "I don't know how that thing worked. I still haven't seen it. All I know is one night they knocked me out by putting something in my food, and the next day I felt a sting in my back.

"I would like to see it, if you have it." Tayn says, appearing much more serious. "Not that I don't trust you, but two surgeries I don't remember are grating on my mind.

"Putting the ioun powder in the food was their idea. I don't know if they got it from somewhere else. It provides a decisive boost in power for a short time after about a week." Tayn puts his right hand up to his chin, leaning on a knee.

"Most of what they had, they seem awkward using. Nothing more than the occasional ioun stone or short-lived inventions." He yawns a bit, still seeming mostly alert.

>>14910568
"Alright. I'll ask Dalak to have one of his assistants come by with the implant later.
"So what this tells me is that someone out there was using these drow to learn about us, and that whoever they are, their mastery of ioun technology is equal to, if not greater, than our own.
"Alright, I think that'll be it for now. I'll let you get some more rest, the Senate will be eager to grill you with more questions."

Next see Dalak, and if he's been able to analyze the ioun implant. Also if he needs another Restoration scroll to heal his hands. Given how important he is, no expense can be spared.

>>14910618

"Alright. I'll ask Dalak to have one of his assistants come by with the implant later." You say. Tayn looks somewhat more relaxed.

"So what this tells me is that someone out there was using these drow to learn about us, and that whoever they are, their mastery of ioun technology is equal to, if not greater, than our own." You say.

"That's entirely possible." Tayn says. "The drow only know the basic of cutting it for use with spells, which I believe all the races can use."

"Alright, I think that'll be it for now. I'll let you get some more rest, the Senate will be eager to grill you with more questions." You stand up, looking down at the man who a few days ago was your enemy.

"If I have any more rest-" Tayn starts, shaking his head. "I... I'm sorry. I'm no good at making jokes. Suffice to say I'm going to be bored in here."

"You'll have time to learn a few good ones." You say, walking out of the cell.

Yuune puts a hand on your shoulder. "Must be strange." He says.

The two of you head over to Dalak's shop, where you can hear the sound of boiling metal and Dalak rapidly giving orders to the various underlings.

We should have some books sent to Tayn while he's unoccupied. I'm sure he'd appreciate having something to do at least.

>>14910848

You have a passing courier go to your house and retrieve a few books for Tayn on the way to Dalak's workshop.

>>14910824
Enter carefully, see if Dalak is in the middle of a delicate operation or not.

When we get his attention, we need to ask him about the ioun ore implant, how it's level of sophistication compares with our, and if he can identify anything about its origins.
Also, if he was able to glean any knowledge about the building or its creators while we were there.

>>14910918

You walk in, seeing Dalak pointing to something on a diagram to one of his assistants.

"The bone clamp needs to be set here. That secures it to the end of the stump, and with a bit of creative flesh-knitting, you can get the outer portions of the plate secured as well." He continues, looking up for a moment as you walk in. "Got it?"

"Yessir." The apprentice says, looking over at you in surprise as he walks off.

"Hands in working order?" You ask Dalak.

"Good as new." Dalak says, flexing his hands. "Just taking a short break while Felixhia finishes construction of the plate to show some of the new faces the basics."

"That fast, huh?" You ask him.

"I know you, and some others, don't think much of my brother." Dalak begins, trying to say this as nicely as possible. "But he's very smart. He just has some trouble- OK, a lot of trouble, expressing himself. He was taking measurements on Turen's leg bone during the surgery. At present, the muscle will be ready by tomorrow."

"About that implant..." You ask him, changing the subject. "What kind of ioun ore is it? How does it compare to our own?"

Dalak turns his head at a slight angle as he answers. "Well, to tell the truth, it isn't. It's some kind of a thick, smooth piece of skin. A scale, possibly made from chitin. The frame seems to have only repressed its reactive capabilities." He points to the implant, the scale as big as a kobold's fist. "Still, it is quite the oddity. That Ioun ore definitely grew on it, and it was of good quality, not too powerful, but certainly the real deal."

>>14911133
"So it's not the same ioun ore technology that we or the Alloyed Brotherhood use. But it seems to be almost as sophisticated, if not more.
"What about the building itself. In our short time there, did anything about the structure and its technology strike you as clues to its creators?"

>>14911133

I think I understand now. This implant was taking in the ioun ore Tayn was ingesting. That's what the crystal was.

Or at least, we could voice this theory to him.

"So it's not the same ioun ore technology that we or the Alloyed Brotherhood use. But it seems to be almost as sophisticated, if not more." You mention to him.

"It's not Ioun at all. It's some kind of an organic bit from some unknown creature." Dalak says, shaking his head side to side. "It could be a dragon, like the bo- like Turen said."

"What about the building itself. In our short time there, did anything about the structure and its technology strike you as clues to its creators?" Thinking back, you remember the strange dots on the ground.

"Nothing I've seen before. I couldn't tell you what the walls were made from, but from the look of the furniture they were human-sized, roughly." He says. "Nothing looked like it was shaped with tools but that strange engraving in the ground, and that was all so... Perfect that I can't think of what could have made it."

>>14911171

"Could that implant have been taking in the ioun ore that Tayn was ingesting, then turning it into a ioun crystal?" You ask Dalak.

"That seems the most likely, now that you mention it. It was unprocessed, otherwise I would have just had someone remove it with a bit of magic." Dalak thinks. "I did think it was strange that unprocessed ore had gotten in there. In addition, I think the growth was recent. He couldn't have been running around for long with a shard that big next to his heart."

>>14911438
"If that's the case, Tayn likely would have eventually died from the crystal growing inside of him, considering where it was."

>>14911438
So the implant is essentially a dead-end, then?
We need concrete information we can present before the Senate and that we can act on.

The implant is some form of biotechnology, then?
Has Dalak heard of any race or nation that deals in such technology?

>>14911549

"If that's the case, Tayn likely would have eventually died from the crystal growing inside of him, considering where it was." You take a seat, bridging your fingers as you continue.

"In all likelihood, he would have died had he moved in a strange way or stopped being a dragon." Dalak says. "And we wouldn't have even known why."

>>14911555

"Can you think of any race or culture that would use something biological like this?" You ask, looking around the room.

"No current ones. Which leaves the ancient cultures or something we don't yet know about as possibilities." Dalak answers, folding up his plans.

"One option is the troglodytes, the other is the dragons." Dalak says, adjusting his glasses. "Troglodytes probably don't know anything about it today, most of their civilizations were lost a long time ago. And the dragons obviously aren't here to tell us anything about their limited technology."

He rifles through a book case full of schematics. "To be honest, the kid's been on my mind more than anything else. I think I might sponsor him as well, seeing as it's also my fault he was hurt."

"So the trogs may have a lead of some sort?" You ask him, still trying to figure out the nature of the implant.

"Ancient troglodyte culture was said to be surprisingly advanced." Dalak says, pulling a few scrolls out of his collection. "That's where the tattooing tradition amongst sorcerers came from."

"I know that." You say, looking over the tattooes on your arm. "But is there a precedent for them using biological means to alter creatures?"

"Well, they did end up selectively breeding cattle, slaves, plants, oozes, all sorts of things. If they found something that could alter the way a creature appeared or behaved, I believe they would have used it." He says, placing the plans down. "I was also going to ask if you'd be willing to split the cost and place a few extra 'toys' in Turen's new hand, like the ones you've got."

Bump

> I think I might sponsor him as
[response to this]

Oh no no
If it was anyones fault, it was mine. I will finanve the prosthetic, dont worry.

(then to the next post)
Agree to fund the "extra tools"

Okay, can we take the implant, show it to Tayn and return it?

I think it goes without saying that we will have to secute that compound and research the hell out of it.

Ask Dalek if he is willing to speak for your behalf to the council. Or at least write a report. We need our actions to br justified, if we had gone through the senate we would have been to late. We locatwd and liqudated a major threat to our nation, we deserve a medal or something... not "misdemeanor"
And not forget the ungodly amount of torture we had to endure every day that the senate slacked off

[sorry for the crazy amouny of typos, typing from touchscreen mobile is damn hard]

>>14912123

"I'll finance it. You have other places your money needs to go, I'm sure." You say.

"Oh, I suppose so. At any rate, here's a few of the things we could put in, if you'd like to look them over." Dalak says, putting the plans down on the table.

"I'd like to show Tayn the implant, actually. He was asking to see it before." You say.

"Oh. Well, we can go over that when you get back, I suppose." Dalak says, reaching over to grab the implant and handing it to you. "Just don't take too long. I'm going to need to start construction on the hand soon."

You head back over to the jail, the implant clutched in hand. You run your fingers over it, noting its smoothness and transparency. It almost feels like a rough glass.

You walk back into the jail, and you can see Tayn reading. He looks up as you approach, seemingly unsure of what to do with the book he's holding.

>>14912174

It's fine, I almost posted something with completely wrong letters excusing myself for four hours so I could get some sleep before I fell unconscious.

I think It said something like "I'm sorry, but I'm avout to fall uncognious. I'll be bvack in 4 hours."

Well, show him the implant.
ask him how he likes the book

after he is content with the implant take it back to Dalek and see he wanted to talk about

>>14912156

>>Every day we had to endure horrible torture while you slacked off

Oh, you had forgotten about that little detail. Much as you hate to play the embittered veteran card, it's one you've found quite useful over the years. Getting some replacement food in the cafeteria after spilling yours, cutting in line for a rountine checkup after screaming that your (missing) arm felt like it was on fire, and who could forget the time Ghaon had used the phrase "On the other hand" and you gave him the death glare in front of most of his friends and family during that state dinner?

Actually, that might be the reason why he hates you.

>>14912191
Hehe


anyway, dont forget to talk to Dalek about the senate

>>14912216
What are the "toys" that he's planning on putting into the hand?

>>14912205

"Here it is." You say, holding it out in your hand. Tayn hesitantly takes it, turning it over in his palm.

"This is definitely it." He says, looking it over. "I can still feel my Gen'si resonating with it."

"Didn't trust me?" You ask him.

He reaches out with the implant in hand. "Only a fool would trust someone completely."

You take it back, pointing at the book. "How do you like it?"

"From what I can tell, the social aspects of this society seem very complicated." He says, and you instantly know that the book he's reading is "Our Society's Evolution: From Flint to Ioun Ore".

"Yes, it would take some figuring out." You say.

"These different working classes, for example. How are they kept from taking control from one another through asking for the most resources?" He asks.

"Good question. Let me put it this way to you." You say, bringing a few small sticks into existence through a lesser spell.

"Say these six sticks want to stand up on each other. When they're at the same length, they support one another, and when one stick begins to shrink, the others give it some of their length, because otherwise, they will all fall." You demonstrate by cutting one stick down to size, and the rest crumble. "Likewise, if one takes all the length, it cannot stand on its own, and will fall just the same as if one falls behind.

"In essence, even if we have our differences, we have to help out the other worker classes, because we all depend on one another for something." You finish.

"I think I see." Tayn says, pondering it for a bit. "I don't think I could trust someone to help me like that."

>>14912219

I actually came up with his name for a game before I watched Doctor Who with any regularity.

My one friend who's a big fan immediately pointed out that the tech-head kobold was named this, and I thought it was too funny to change it.

>>14912275

He's put a few fun accessories in your current arm. Among the various things you've heard of are built-in weapons or wands, enhanced gripping strength, and ways to redistribute energy from resisted spells.

Hmm
I guess have a small talk
tell him about trusts and all that jazz, how hard ot os to gain and give but if done right the rewards are great or something like that.

anyway when done, brinh back the implant

>"I
don't think I could trust someone to help me like
that."
"Well, I cant blame you for that, after all you have been through. Hopefully there will be cjances for you to learn to trust somebody. It is a lot easier to go through life whe you know you can rely on somebody"

>>14912352

"Well, I can understand that, considering what you went through." You say, looking down at the implant. "But I think it's necessary to trust people, eventually. You had to trust me when you told me where to look for you."

Tayn pauses. "I suppose I did, to some extent."

"You'll learn how good it can be to trust people, in time, I suppose." You pat him on the shoulder, and he flinches.

You sigh. "Listen, you have no reason to be scared of me. When you said you were going to kill me, things were different. Now we have no reason to fight. You can do what you want to when your wounds are healed."

He looks off to one corner of the jail cell. "I have no idea what I'm going to do. Looking through that book, I realize all I can do is kill. What kind of good is that in a civilized society?"

"Trust me, it's not us you have to worry about." You say to him. "Things will get better. Just don't rush it."

You leave him, realizing you had heard those same words fifteen years earlier.

Alright then, I'm sure Tayn will do fine if we treat hom well. Maybe he would become a full time ally and even citizen of cccp. That would be nice, we could definately use people like him.

anyway
go see Dalek now

You reminisce as you walk back to Dalak's workshop, recalling your twilight years in the military. You are reminded that you're going to be thirty six this year, and you stick your tongue out in annoyance, confusing a mother and her children as they come down the road. That'll give you a nice colorful image for the public, you think to yourself. The magistrate walks down the road making strange expressions: facial tic, or post traumatic stress?

Dalak is working on a small metal joint as you walk into the room, the scrolls still on the table.

"I'm back. I was also wondering if you could write a report to the council. They don't seem to trust me for some reason." You say, placing the strange object back in its case.

"Can't imagine why." Dalak says sarcastically. "Sure, I'll write something up after this is all through. Usually I have about a million spare bits lying around, but this kid's so small everything needs to be hand-crafted to fit right. Something I'll put the apprentices on later.

"Anyway, still there on the counter. Spell-locked is the same thing you have, could include that easily." He says without looking up, adjusting the magnifying lens he is wearing as he speaks.

You open up the eight scrolls, reading the contents carefully.

One is a list of mundane mechanical additions, such as claws, an arm blade, hidden compartment, spring sheath or dart gun. Dalak has noted that adding all of these would result in a very bulky limb.

The second details the lightning eater property. This is one that you've found most useful. It lets you eat lightning and crap more lightning. Somewhat expensive at 3500, but nothing too crazy.

Spell locked parts are fairly inexpensive, and in theory someone with four prosthetics could become incredibly resistant to spells, but no one's crazy enough for that. Instead, most people use the external mounted variants on armor. Some variants of this can allow for a retributive blast of force, increased speed in a leg or increased hitting power in an arm.

The grappling hand is one of the more ridiculous inventions, but with the super-strong composite cords your people developed using giant spider silk and a polymer, it can certainly work well. Requires the hand to be detachable, obviously, and a specialized cord. Around 2500 gp.

The fifth scroll details the benefits of having an iron grip, as well as how it works. You read only the benefits, as the diagrams are starting to make you feel woozy. Only works on a strength-enhanced hand (which can enhance the strength of the whole body), but it sure packs a mean grip. Good for grappling, climbing, or just crushing your enemies' skulls. 4000 gold.

The sixth scroll details a newer invention, allowing the hand to change shape into any number of tools. Intended for use by working men, it can be used while in these various shapes and is highly modular. Does come with a week's training, though.

The seventh scroll shows a kobold with a hand bearing small, diamond-tipped claws. With a single thrust of his hand, he punctures sheer rock with them. These resonating claws can be used for a wide variety of tasks, including an "improved" delivery of touch spells (With your hand ending up in their chest). Costs a decent price at 5500 gp.

The eighth scroll shows a kobold with a replacement arm, locked in combat with a dwarf. The kobold's forearm seems larger than usual. The dwarf knocks the kobold's weapon away. The kobold grabs the dwarf's beard with his prothetic and begins shredding it with tiny, whirling blades concealed in the forearm. It says the blades can be brought out over the palm of so desired. Neat, and only 3500 gp.

(back in 20)

Are we supposed to choose one of these for him? Wasnt he training to be a mage or something? We should choose one which fits best for spellcasters

also, wasnt there someone else grieviously wounded? I think he had lost a jaw ?
Are we going to help that guy too?

>>14912678

He is a mage. And you don't have to choose just one. But, like the scroll says, the arm would become much bulkier and harder to design.

Vansek was badly injured as well, losing part of his face, part of his jaw, his left hand and leg. You could help him out if you wish to. Dalak probably wouldn't be able to work on it right now, but someone else certainly could.

To be honest, none of them really fit well for spellcasters. It's kind of just something that you could blow money on for fun or to give the kid a heads up in the exam. Once again, if you have questions about stuff, ask away.

The other guy on the other hand has a lot more room for mods leg-wise.

rolled 26 = 26

>>14912744
Yeah, we should help that guy too.

>And you don't have to choose just one
Well, lets just choose one.
I really don't know what to choose so let the patient decide. Remove the price tag so that his decision will not be influenced by it (he could be too humble to take what he really want, or become too greedy and take the more expensive one even if something cheaper suits his tastes better)

rolled 78 = 78

Also,

>>14912301

Hah, I didn't even notice that I started calling him "Dalek" instead of "Dalak"

>>14912868

Spell locked could be useful in case of misfires, but frankly, for the actual purpose of this, asking Turen what he would like makes more sense. Plan seconded.

Also, mostly unrelated to the present at this point, but what ended up happening with the feudalist drow? (Trying to catch up with recent events)

rolled 26 = 26

>>14912954
I think they were sent away with a message or something (which was a bad action imo)

Also, was I the only one who upon reading "We're feudalists" immediately thought "THE ARISTOCRATS"?

>>14912898
>>14912868

"I'll be right back." You say to Dalak, rolling up the scrolls and taking them with you.

You head over to the hospital, where you can see Turen sitting up and eating a small meal, his left arm bandaged at about halfway up the forearm and a bandaged wrapping around his left eye and leg.

"Hey kid." You say, sitting down in a chair next to him. "How're you feeling?"

"Much better, sir." Turen says, putting his fork down as you sit. "It's great to see you again! Is that man you rescued alright?"

"Yes, Tayn's doing alright." You respond, putting down the scrolls. "Listen, Dalak and I were thinking of doing something for you."

You explain each of the accessories in detail, save the price point, and look over the pictures with him.

"I don't know, they all sound really cool!" He says, looking at the stump of his left arm. "I don't know, if they're going to cost extra, I wouldn't-"

"Dalak says he has a spare for each of these lying around. Free of charge." You lie, smiling.

Turen's eye lights up. "Wow! Even the grappling hand?"

You realize this is going to be the best chance you have. "Yes, he was very sure about that one. What do you say?"

"Well, I just think that would be the most fun- erm, rather, I mean there's a lot of uses for it, besides swinging around." He corrects himself.

"Alright, I got it." You say, smiling and shaking your head. Kids today.

>>14912954

Yep, not much has been heard from them since you sent the captured prisoners back (along with what was left of the captured prisoners). Then again, you have been gone for a week dealing with this Tayn stuff.

rolled 41 = 41

>>14913058
Alright, let him have grappling hand.
...hmm it is the cheapest one.

Maybe throw in some extra stuff not going over 1000gp?

>>14913164

You wonder if he somehow already knew the prices.

You add on a spring sheath and a basic spell locked set.

You recall that Vansek is also in the building, if you'd like to speak with him.

Posted too quick?

rolled 10 = 10

>>14913241
Heh.. maybe.

Yes, talk to Vansek. Well, if he can talk. Tell him that we will see to it that he gets best treatment and not to worry.

>>14913253

Vansek's the kobold who got sprayed with acid and lost a leg, a hand and part of his face. He was a scout.

You head up to see him, and notice immediately the rather hopeless expression on his face. His mouth is bandaged over save the nose, and his left jaw is obviously absent beneath the bandage. His left hand is gone just above the wrist, as is his left leg about mid-way up the thigh. There are a few patches over parts of his chest and his side. He bores a hole in the wall with his stare, sitting up against the wall with a bedsheet covering his lower body.

rolled 15 = 15

>>14913312
[Yeah I derped]

see >>14913278


Actually, how much do regeneration spells work.... and why can't kobolds do Divine magic?

>>14913278

You brave the uncomfortable air of the room. "Hello Vansek. How're you holding up?"

He lets out a muffled noise, pointing at his left jaw with his right hand and then to a small clay writing pad next to the bed, with a charcoal stick by it.

"Oh, don't worry. I have to read answers to my questions more often then you might think." You say, smiling.

He grabs the stick and writes something on the paper, placing the pad against his right leg and holding it in place with the stump of his left hand. He sets it down on the table.

"I haven't been doing well at all."

"I'm sorry to hear that." You say, erasing the charcoal for him. "To be honest, I can't give you much advice in the matter other than to keep at it."

He looks blankly at you, picking up the clay and charcoal and writing a single word.

"Why?"

>>14913322

Regeneration spells restore the entire body. It's a very high level spell that used to have a high monetary cost as well.

In this case, your people can use divine magic, but most of your people do not worship any gods, instead revering their ancestors in accordance with the suggestions in "The Great Family". Religion's not outlawed, but old kobold religion revolved mainly around draconic gods, who you and several others in the culture feel did nothing but take advantage of your people. In some cases, you may have been wrong. But there's no dragons here to keep you down, so why worship them? Why pray for them to save you? Why not save yourself?

If you want something quick and accessible, you could always murder him and reincarnate him via a visit to the crazy old kobold druid living in the caves to the east.

By that I mean accessible because he owes you a favor. Normally, the component for reincarnation is quite rare, because it brings you back as an adult, whole of body. Just as a random race.

rolled 17 = 17

>>14913385
>"To be honest, I can't give you much advice in the matter other than to keep at it."
Umm.. did we just advice him to keep feeling like shit?
I'm not sure what to say now.

Tell him that we will ensure that he recovers and gets best treatment and that we'll get him to prosthetics

Uuuhhh...

>>14913483

Well, it was supposed to be an encouraging statement.

"Because we can still get you prosthetics, even if you decide to exit the military. I'll personally get them for you if the state won't come through." You say.

He looks down at the tablet again, and writes on it some more.

"They said we weren't on an official military exercise. They're unwilling to cover me."

"What? That's bullshit!" You stand up, shouting. An awkward silence hangs in the air as a few passing patients and nurses stare at you. You plunk the clay tablet back down.

"I swear to you, we'll get you whatever you need." You say to him.

He doesn't appear to be cheered by this at all. He just stares at you, forcibly silent.

"Whatever you need." You tell him.

He picks up the tablet, and writes a short sentence.

"They can't give me back my face."

Well, I guess I can come up with something

>"To be honest, I can't give you much advice in the matter other than to keep at it."

Because I know that feeling, that situation. I've heard way too many optimistic advices than I could stomach.
No matter how I would try to feel otherwise, no matter how much I would try to convince myself ... in the end, I still felt like shit. This kind of thing only passes on its own, only time can ease it.... But it never goes away.

or something like that.

I admit, this is kind of depressing, if you can put more optimistic spin on it then do that,

>>14913575

That's true

....

But really, can we? Maybe if given time Dalak can come ups with decent replacement which will look good?
I don't know. Dalak&Co are always inventing new shit and improving, right?
For now, we can promise only the best we have to offer but maybe in the future he could get something much better.

>>14913604
>>14913577

You look at the piece of clay for a while, trying to think of a way to make him feel better.

You can't.

"You're right." You say, putting the clay tablet down. "Synthetic skin, muscle, and bone can never replace the originals. And that's the best we can do." You clench your right hand, the knuckles audibly popping. "Those injuries are just patched up for a while, and they never really heal. If you let them, they'll fester. And that festering will kill you."

You look down at him. "So I won't tell you everything will go back to the way it was before. It can't. The best we can do is an approximation. But it'll let you walk on your own, speak normally again. It'll give you back something."

You pause, looking him in the eye. "It doesn't really ever heal. But you learn to live with it. And if you need help, we'll give it gladly."

He looks away, over at the wall.

Lets hang around for a while and see what he has to say.

I don't really know what to say...

Before leaving we could say him to tell if he needs anything.

>>14913431
>Regeneration spells restore the entire body. It's a very high level spell that used to have a high monetary cost as well.
Yes, but how much does it actually cost? Like, in money?
I just want to get the idea of just how rare it is. I'm not yet suggesting buying and using it.

>>14913765

You sit for a while, looking over at him. You can remember when you were in a similar position, all those years ago.

* * *

You walked back.

You told everyone years after that day that you were rescued, but in the end, no one came for you.

You were written off as dead.

And who could blame them? The Rosenkraft fortress is filled with demons, devils. No rescue party would have stood a chance, and you ended up being the only one to make it out.

You rest in a bed, staring out off of the pillow, just as you have been for hours. The amazed greeting, the worried doctors, and even the rare use of healing magic. All of it rang hollow in your chest.

You may as well have died. Your squad was all captured. They just kept you alive because you were the most challenging to break.

You can feel the heat against your back of the iron cross, the twin diagonal beams suspending you off of the ground, the dread of what horrors you'll be subjected to next.

You can't stand this. Keeping still reminds you of that place. Of the screams. You put on your pants, awkwardly, and rush outside, anywhere that you don't have to sit still and hear noise.

By the time you stop running, the doctors and nurses left in the dust, you are deep in the craftsmen's quarter. You fall down from exhaustion, your lungs on fire, and you feel the cool stone on your back, the heat of the metal cross, see the lava's glow and the heat bending in the air, your friends are screaming as they are disemboweled just out of your vision, crying out for help. Hooks are through your eyelids, Rosenkraft is sawing your arm off.

You laugh, the sound growing in volume until it is a piercing shout, until you realize you're losing you mind and begin screaming, trying to push the thoughts back. You push yourself up off of the ground, suddenly brilliantly aware of your surroundings. You are in the middle of the street, the small flat-topped buildings around you quiet. The city is quiet, empty. You can see it stretch on for quite some distance towards the central meeting area in one way, and towards the docks in the other. No torches burn, but the great crystal overhead gives off a dim light, rendering the whole scene in monochrome.

What did you do?

>>14913850

910 gp, or 1530 from a druid.

But, also keep in mind that everyone thinks you're scum, basically, and clerics of all people are going to refuse service right and left.

A replacement limb is going to run around 450-600 gp, by the way. Smaller is cheaper, naturally.

>>14913945
BAM!
Snap out of it.

This is no time for day-dreaming .. .especially when said dreams involve the horrible tortures of the past.

Excuse yourself, tell Vansek to stay strong or something like that.
The go and do .... whatever we planned to do today. (what did we plan? meeting with the senate again?)


[if for some reason we are trapped in our damn dreams again]:
Go to central meeting area.

>>14914023
>But, also keep in mind that everyone thinks you're scum, basically, and clerics of all people are going to refuse service right and left.

Aw shit.
I guess one of our long-term plans should be getting better relations with some of the surface-worlders?
Who are the most friendly ones to us?

>>14913945
We went down towards the docks and just...watched the water. Watched until there was no dock, no Mynthar, only the river.

>>14914061

You walk to the central meeting place. Full during the day, it is now quiet. The stage stands before you, flat and empty. You walk up to it, looking up at the carvings on the front of kobolds from the past, the founders of the crystal caverns.

The wide open space is comforting to you. Hundreds of men worked here, shaping this place for their fellows, so that all might have a chance to see their leader's faces.

You realize, suddenly, that nothing you do will ever be as easy. The scars from the months of torture may be mostly gone, but you can still feel them. You run your hand down your chest, brushing over the bandages securing the compress to your right shoulder, scales giving way to twisted, cracked skin.

What could you do now? You were right handed. You can never use a weapon again. The army will have none of it. Maybe you can become an accomplice farmer, earning half normal pay. Not a scribe, or miner, or anything compared to what you used to do.

"I see I'm not the only one who takes midnight strolls." A quiet voice drifts out form the shadows, and you turn like you heard a shot. A kobold clad in a green robe stands there, smiling. "I'm never quite so loud, though."

>>14914023
>everyone thinks you're scum
We'll show them! We'll show them all!

>>14914098
The Halflings have allowed us to set up near their trade outpost, so there's that.
It's not just the surfacers, of course. The denizens of the Underworld also look down on us. The only exceptions are the trogs we've allied with, since they've seen the power of our lineguns and NAJA first-hand, and possibly the organization that Six works for.

>>14914265
"Name's Mynthar. And you are?"

I guess we can spend an hour or two on further characterization and backstory.

You feel no sense of modesty, having just screamed your head off moments ago. You stare at the kobold as he walks over past you.

"I'm sure you must be confused. With a big enough change, it gets that way." He says, looking at one of the reliefs and grinning. "Sometimes you can even get confused with a good change. Or in your case, things can get so bad that you don't know how you can continue. You think about ending it all." He says, looking over at you.

You are a bit surprised. "Who are you?" You ask, your voice sounding unexpectedly weak.

"But in the end, nothing lasts forever. You'll learn to take things one step at a time, I'm sure." The kobold says. "You can keep living. Sometimes that's enough. Sometimes you need to do more than that."

You remain quiet for a moment. Whoever this man is, he somehow knows what you were thinking earlier in the day, when you were given a knife with your meal. The thought of cutting your throat, ending the horror of living after all you'd seen and heard.

"Things will get better." He says, patting you on the shoulder, then turning and walking away. "Just don't rush it."

Minutes later, you are out by the dock, looking out over the bay. You sit, the breeze from the water cool and calm. Empty ships float at the docks, and the water shows your reflection, distorted by the waves. You realize how pathetic you must look, and you chuckle. You lie down on the ground, feeling the texture of the stone on your chest and face. It's really nothing like that place. Maybe you just wanted answers, and you couldn't think of any.

Your only thoughts as you drift off to sleep on the empty dock are of the sound of the waves gently lapping against the stone of the city, and the thought that things have gotten better already.

THANK GOD some other players have joined in, now I can go and take a nap

Damn VKO, you and that guy who does BinderQuest are freaking beasts. Do you guys ever sleep?
---

Anyway,
Introduce yourself
ask the man what he's doing here...

>>14914312
Hey,
That was a good advice... give it to Vansek

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hm2zPmA1PhI

>>14914312
Now when we get back to the present, tell Vansek that we'll get him those prosthetics.

We'll need to talk with Unuk about how progress is going towards getting working trade relations with the other surface races.

* * *

You hear the scratching of charcoal on clay. You open your eyes, having been lost in your thoughts for a moment. Vansek puts down the clay tablet, exhaling harshly. You pick it up without any further delay.

"I'll try."

You nod over at him, placing the tablet back down by him. "Sometimes that's enough." You say as you exit the room, heading towards the council.

>>14914324

I sleep now.

To tide you over till next time, here's some awful fanart I did.

It's fan art because it's terrible, by the way. And because Six doesn't have black skin for whatever reason (It's because I forgot to make it that color before drawing some female creature resembling her).

But mostly because everything looks nothing like I imagined it. So don't take any of it as "canon" or whatever.

Except for the NAJA. That's pretty spot on for a transport, maybe a bit shorter in the legs.

I'm sure I'll regret showing these to you later on, so feel free to make fun of them.

>>14914407
Alright, see you next time, VKO.

Will Kobold Sorceror Quest stick to 21:00 server time on Wednesday nights?

>>14914448

Possibly. I know I will be doing that next week.

But this three day bullshit isn't going to be a common occurance.

>>14914440
Hey, it's not that bad... except for Six

Also
>Binder Quest is back on
I didn't want to sleep anyway...

>>14914469
Okay. We'll try to condense more stuff into a tighter timeframe.

Okay, so the implant was a piece of biotechnology, and the only race known to have extensively worked on it was the ancient troglodyte empire.

Could the drow have been working for the trog leader that's trying to unite their tribes? He reportedly uncovered great power from ancient trog ruins; maybe he recovered a cache of their technology?