>>14974280
Aw yeah, Kobold Sorceror Quest!

Anyway here goes:
"Very well. Allow me to begin with background information that I believe to be pertinent to the case. I assure the council that the information, though dated, is still relevant.
"Several years ago, I was captured by House Rosenkraft. During my stay, my right arm was severed as part of their torture practices. Also at the time, I learned that Rosenkraft had a Ring of Regeneration within his possession.
"Now, a week ago, I experienced a nightmare. I originally believed it to be due to stress, but the figure in my dream claimed that it was a clone created from my lost arm and the Ring of Regeneration.
"In talking about the possibilities with Dalak Aut-Higinx, he confirmed the theoretical possibility that a clone could be created from such components.
"I then, to satisfy my curiousity, attempted to scry upon this other self. Imagine my surprise when he turned out to exist! And under the control of Drow no less!
"I had another nightmare/dream meeting with this clone of mine, who called himself Tayn. While initially hostile, as the drow had set him to attempt to assassinate me, I was able to find that he was being coerced by an implant of some kind. Tayn then asked for my aid, and said that his drow masters would be away for 3 weeks, during his rescue could be effected.
"I then conferred with Yuune, Councilman of Magic and Technology, about the ramifications. We agreed that time was of the essence, even if it was a trap, and that a raid to rescue, or eliminate, Tayn had to be undertaken.
"As the reports will show, our raid was successful, and Tayn has been taken into our custody."

Got more, still writing. But essentially going with full disclosure.

>>14974412
"The reports will show that Tayn had been implanted with a bio-magical device. Dalak has begun analyzing it, however it is alien to all currently known technological and magical paradigms. Not only that, but its sophistication and advanced nature exceed that of our own ioun technology.
"During my scrying session, I observed the facility that Tayn was held in. It's sophistication and technologically advanced nature can be attested to by Dalak and Felixhua, from their brief time within the structure.
"When questioned, Tayn indicated that he was initially interrogated by his drow captors. His memories, or rather, my memories, of the Crystal Cavern were partially reconstructed by the Regeneration growth process. He was interrogated about the Crystal Cavern's defenses, its military readiness and the capabilities of our Navy, and about our technology. His memories, fortunately, are incomplete in those regards and he was unable to give them what they wanted.
"I present before the Council, that the situation with Tayn represented a clear and present danger to the national security of the Crystal Cavern, one that needed to be acted against with swiftness and decisiveness.
"Tayn, and the facility he was created and held in, showed that an enemy force is attempting to probe our defenses. An enemy, whose technological capability appears to outstrip our own. This was not a danger that I could ignore, and given that the window of opportunity was rapidly shrinking, I felt that I had to act."

>>14974519
>>14974412
Alright, that's enough text out of me.

Essentially it boils down to Tayn representing a clear and present danger, that we needed to get him while his minders would be away, and that whoever they are, they have technology more advanced than ours.

"Very well. Allow me to begin with background information that I believe to be pertinent to the case. I assure the council that the information, though dated, is still relevant." You say, strolling forward with your hands open, arms wide, almost as though offering the council an embrace.

"Fifteen years ago, I was captured by House Rosenkraft. During my stay, my right arm was severed as part of their torture practices. Also at the time, I learned that Rosenkraft had a Ring of Regeneration within his possession.
"Now, a week ago, I experienced a nightmare. I originally believed it to be due to stress, but the figure in my dream claimed that it was a clone created from my lost arm and the Ring of Regeneration Rosenkraft held." You pause, allowing this to sink in.

"Is that even possible?" Ghaon grumbles.

"I will explain that in a moment, General." You say quickly, not allowing his motion to go unanswered, then continue once you are sure they are satisfied for the moment. "In talking about the possibilities with Dalak Aut-Higinx, he confirmed the theoretical possibility that a clone could be created from such components.

"I then, to satisfy my curiousity, attempted to scry upon this other self. Imagine my surprise when he turned out to exist! And under the control of Drow no less!"

The council collectively frowns, save Yuune, who rarely has an expression on his face save in the most dire circumstances.

"I had another nightmare or dream meeting with this clone of mine, who called himself Tayn. While initially hostile, as the drow had set him to attempt to assassinate me, I was able to find that he was being coerced by an implant of some kind, as well as torture and brainwashing techniques. Tayn then asked for my aid, and said that his drow masters would be away for 3 weeks, during which his rescue could be effected."

You gesture up to your brother. "I then conferred with Yuune, Councilman of Magic and Technology, about the ramifications. We agreed that time was of the essence, even if it was a trap, and that a raid to rescue, or eliminate, Tayn had to be undertaken.


"As the reports will show, our raid was successful, and Tayn has been taken into our custody." You add, inclining your head downwards as you emphasize your next words. "The reports will show that Tayn had been implanted with a bio-magical device. Dalak has begun analyzing it, however it is alien to all currently known technological and magical paradigms. Not only that, but its sophistication and advanced nature exceed that of our own ioun technology.

"During my scrying session and the rescue mission, I observed the facility that Tayn was held in. It's sophistication and technologically advanced nature can be attested to by Dalak and Felixhia, from their brief time within the structure."
"When questioned, Tayn indicated that he was initially interrogated by his drow captors. His memories, or rather, my memories, of the Crystal Cavern were partially reconstructed by the regeneration process. He was interrogated about the Crystal Cavern's defenses, its military readiness and the capabilities of our Navy, and about our technology. His memories, fortunately, are incomplete in those regards and he was unable to give them what they wanted." You explain, and a couple of the council members seem to be a bit relieved.

"I present before the Council, that the situation with Tayn represented a clear and present danger to the national security of the Crystal Cavern, one that needed to be acted against with swiftness and decisiveness." You plant your fist down into your palm for emphasis.

"Tayn, and the facility he was created and held in, showed that an enemy force is attempting to probe our defenses. An enemy, whose technological capability appears to outstrip our own. This was not a danger that I could ignore, and given that the window of opportunity was rapidly shrinking, I felt that I had to act as quickly as was possible to prevent Tayn's death or relocation."

The council is quiet for a moment, as they are with everything. Whispered commands are given to their attendants, some of whom scurry off quickly to retrieve various components. One who doesn't is Unuk, who simply sits silent, his hand on his chin. After a moment, he stands, and walks up to the podium.

"First let me preface this by saying that this does seem like it was indeed the proper use of your powers as Head Magistrate, and that the matter will indeed require further investigation in the coming months." Unuk says, the slightest grimace crossing his features. "However, the sudden appropriation of so much had everyone in confusion. We were greatly worried, and now that the ship has been located and is being escorted back, we can see what has been going on. Two men are dead, and two injured.

"if you had just told someone, Mynthar, I'm sure you would never have been called under suspicion." Unuk says sadly.

>>14974968
"I apologize to the Council for the lack of information given to them regarding my actions. It was an oversight that shall be corrected in all future executive actions taken by the office of the Chief Magistrate."

Really, we kept secret about it because we didn't want any interference, but that doesn't need to go down into the public record.

"I apologize to the Council for the lack of information given to them regarding my actions. It was an oversight that shall be corrected in all future executive actions taken by the office of the Chief Magistrate." You say, glancing around the room.

"At present, your actions have made apparent the risk this Tayn posed, but nonetheless a great number of resources were used locating you and the squad you took with you. We also felt it was an occasion of dire importance, thinking that perhaps something had happened to you." He lowers his head for a moment before continuing.

"In addition, there is the matter of setting a precedent. We can't simply have people taking whatever they please from our stores whenever they want. We have methods in place to prevent theft, accidental loss of goods, and wrongful use. Sidestepping those rules in a covert manner is all well and good, but word of this had already spread throughout the city. How do you propose we go about dealing with this?" Unuk says, gesturing down towards you.

>>14975111
Hmm...I'm not sure how exactly to fix this problem.

What are the rumors that have gotten out? What do the people think they know about what's been happening?
We COULD spin it that everything was a grand ruse put together by the Council and the Magistrate to put an enemy off-balance while we struck at them.
The story would depend on what people currently know and think they know.

>>14975256

"What's gotten out?" You ask him.

"That you disappeared with a squad of our best scouts, Dalak, and a boat. And that we've been tearing our horns out looking for you." Ghaon says, gruffly. "A few of my soldiers said that you'd met with a drow, but obviously, knowing you, it's either a fabrication or that drow was short-lived."

"I hadn't heard that." Unuk says, interested.

"My men show great loyalty to their general, Councilman." Ghaon grins. "It is not a surprise to me that their observations reached me first."

Gargoyle Quest? :3c

>>14975563

I'll have to do it next Sunday. I'm already making another setting while doing this. Sorry. The upside is now I won't wake up 5 hours after it was supposed to start.

>>14975614
Ok...

>>14975559
So, damage control, then.

We could go with the story that all of it was a ruse used to throw off our target. Float the idea by the Council, see if they like it or not.
Another is that we could go with half-truths; that Mynthar went on a secret mission for national security purposes, the Council was not told as he didn't want to compromise operational security.
That while the Council, after reviewing the mission after-action reports, agrees that the mission required the secrecy, however such actions were illegal and that the Magistrate has been, willingly and without complaint, been officially censured.
While it damages the office of chief magistrate somewhat, it reinforces that no one is above the law, and that the Council, rather than an individual, holds final say.
I don't like it, but I'm coming up dry for ideas right now.

(Don't worry, I'm sure having a whole day to itself will speed up posting greatly.)

"The miners have been tossing around some rather... Creative accusations. Apparently, they had thought this mission was to rescue someone very important to you personally, and, after hearing about your meeting with the drow," Zhao-Mal starts, suddenly growing more uncomfortable. "Well, maybe exact details aren't necessary to get my point across."

"Haven't head a thing about it save from the fishermen." Mohuk says. "S'how we found out about it actually. Fisherman saw all the folks getting loaded onto the ship, reported it to me. Lotta rumor just from that."

>>14975801
>Apparently, they had thought this mission was to rescue someone very important to you personally, and, after hearing about your meeting with the drow
".....
"Zhao-Mal, I think I speak for all of us, that we could have done without that mental image."

Are they referring to the drow prisoners we interrogated? Odd, I thought that had already been brought up in the Council already.
And it can't be about Six, since we only met her at the compound.

So this is just baseless rumor-mongering, then?

>>14975852

You are silent for a moment, fixing him with an unamused stare. "Zhao-Mal, I think I speak for all of us when I say that we could have done without that mental image."

"I'm sorry, sir- erm, Magistrate." Zhao-mal says, looking off at a place in the floor and seeming deeply embarrassed.

>>14975744

"Well, what's your opinion on giving them half of the story, or none of it?" You ask.

"Whatever we come up with, it had best sound convincing. We can't afford a drop in production with those damn trogs coming our way." Jaran sneers, putting on a pair of reading glasses as he pages through a report.

"What?" You say, with surprise.

"I did want to bring that up after this, Jaran, but yes. Magnerass' people have begun heading our way. Not direct, obviously, they still have a ways to head through the western drow territories." Unuk says. "Nonetheless, I think we had best give them at least some of the truth. This is something that falls on your shoulders, Mynthar. We'll go along with what you decide this time, but next time, just tell us what you are going to do instead of assuming we'll stop you."

>>14976011
I think we should go with the half-truth one, that Mynthar acted on his own, and has accepted the stern talking to of the Council.
If the trogs really are on the attack, then we will need to make the Council look strong, so that they can keep tight control.
It's for the Greater Good.

Now, about the approaching trogs:
"Councilmen, there is something that I think I should bring up now, after hearing Jaran's information about Magnerass. I was going to bring this before the Council after Dalak had an opportunity to provide a full report on the implant, but this news forces my hand.
"Now, as I said, the bio-technology of the implant is alien to CURRENT known technological paradigms.
"Dalak requires more time to confirm this, but I can think of only one race, one civilization who used technology similar to the implant: the ancient troglodyte empire.
"With this information that Magnerass is on the march, I think it now more critical that we move to secure the facility where Tayn had been kept, in order to strip it of any worthwhile intelligence and of usable technologies."

"Fine then. We will make public my censuring, and my acting out of order." You say. "I would rather be known as a renegade than a liar."

"Councilmen, there is something that I think I should bring up now, after hearing Jaran's information about Magnerass. I was going to bring this before the Council after Dalak had an opportunity to provide a full report on the implant, but this news forces my hand." You start, pacing as you begin to make your point. The councilmen all have your full attention, as they know what must be done next.

"Now, as I said, the bio-technology of the implant is alien to CURRENT known technological paradigms." You say, emphasizing the known time with an upraised finger. "Dalak requires more time to confirm this, but I can think of only one race, one civilization who used technology similar to the implant:" You turn your gaze to the southern corridor that you have used time and time again to meet with your trog neighbors. "The ancient troglodyte empire.

"With this information that Magnerass is on the march, I think it now more critical that we move to secure the facility where Tayn had been kept, in order to strip it of any worthwhile intelligence and of usable technologies." You say, looking over the council for their opinions.

Several kobolds move throughout the room, each handing a council member a note, and one giving one to you.

"We will need to match their technology with our own. This potential advantage is one we cannot afford to pass up because of an infraction on the laws." Your note reads. You smile while the council looks at the note. Yuune comes through yet again.

"I can't see the harm in it. If Yuune thinks it will help, then by all means." Mohuk nods, his brow furrowed.

"If there is a way to increase our current resources, I would say yes. However, this sounds like it will only be another drag on our resources." Jaran says. "We can't afford the chance of a siege by the trogs at this point. Their metabolism is as slow as ours. They could very well wait us out, unlike the dwarves or drow."


"If it will help transport times, I rule we do so. Our low-earth people could really use some methods of evacuation in case of a lower level attack." Zhao-mal says, sounding vigorous. "I don't want to hear my people talking about how worried their families are when wartime comes. I want them to stay safe and concentrate on their work."

Ghaon slams his fist on the podium. "We can't be concentrating on this right now! Right now we must be preparing for war against the troglodyte hordes, trapping the edges of our territory with what we have now. There's not going to be time to train our men in new technology, even if we do get it! What we have right now, we can use to make an iron wall they'll never pass."

>>14976474
I think we should consider the possibility that the white abomination things, may have been another piece of ancient troglodyte bio-technology, a living weapon system..
"Councilmen, I promise that I will provide a full and complete report in two days time, including the possibilities of a seditious element within the Drow Empire.
"I will make myself available to Ghaon and the military for any information requests concerning the layout and internal defenses of the facility necessary in planning an operation to capture it."

>>14976524
"I agree with Ghaon for the most part: we need to begin trapping our lands immediately in preparation for the approaching hordes.
"However, allow me to argue that we should still divert resources to the securing of that compound and its technology.
"Our current best intel regarding Magnerass says he found a cache of ancient power from the ancient troglodyte empire. That sounds like to me that he acquired some of their bio-technology. Capturing and studying the compound could give us insight into other ancient troglodyte technologies, giving us an idea of what we can expect from his forces."

>>14976555

"Councilmen, I promise that I will provide a full and complete report in two days time, including the possibilities of a seditious element within the Drow Empire." You say. The members of the council nod, your past infraction forgotten in the face of this much larger threat.

"I will make myself available to Ghaon and the military for any information requests concerning the layout and internal defenses of the facility necessary in planning an operation to capture it." You say, locking eyes with Ghaon. He's clearly irritated that he was out-voted, but being a poor loser is a good trait for a soldier, especially one whose job it is to inspire the troops. It gives the illusion that he never gives up.

"Very well, magistrate. You are dismissed." Unuk speaks, a bit of formality slipping into his tone as he comes out of seemingly a bit of personal thought.

>>14976640
Alright, for the report, we include everything we learned about the facility, it's drow occupants, the white abomination things and how they might be an ancient troglodyte bio-weapon system, and about Six and her organization, along with our thoughts on how they might be useful in destabilizing the Drow Empire.

Also, if Ghaon won't be seeing us, let's try to set up a meeting with Yuune and Dalak, throw around the idea of what those abominations are, and having that implant examined by Yuune's mages as well.

"One last thing before I go," You say, turning on the ball of your foot as you are about to leave. "I agree with Ghaon for the most part: we need to begin trapping our lands immediately in preparation for the approaching hordes." Ghaon's expression changes from one of thinly veiled irritation to utter surprise.

"However, allow me to argue that we should still divert resources to the securing of that compound and its technology." You say.

"Well, I suppose it couldn't hurt." Ghaon says, suddenly much more compliant. "After all, we still need to have the miners go through the outposts to be trapped, that will take a few weeks."

You nod, secretly glad that Ghaon's ego is a weak point you found long ago. "Our current best intel regarding Magnerass says he found a cache of ancient power from the ancient troglodyte empire. That sounds like to me that he acquired some of their bio-technology. Capturing and studying the compound could give us insight into other ancient troglodyte technologies, giving us an idea of what we can expect from his forces."

"Intel gathering, why didn't you say so before? I can spare several scout squads and a few units if we're going to gather information on the enemy!" Ghaon scoffs. He may be a bit of a buffoon sometimes, but he's a man who's not afraid to take back something he said. Maybe all officers are that way, you muse. Nothing more important than keeping the fighting force at its best to them, after all.

>>14976687
Bow out of the Council, and we need to start discussing things with Yuune and Dalak.
Mostly the things hit upon here >>14976686

>>14976686

(May be a bit longer after this post, need to get my draft in)

You leave the council and write a report over a few hours, then have a scribe create a copy of each of them for the council members, to be delivered to them by trusted messengers.

You get Yuune to come and have a meeting over at Dalak's shop, where you know he will be, probably working.

Yuune's mages are soon all over Dalak's shop, a few deliberately shrunken to preserve space as they look over the strange implant with crystalline goggles and chatter interspersed with terms you recognize concerning the magical theories at present.

Yuune looks bemused at the whole procession. Dalak looks exhausted and irritable. Most irritated at you.

"So then. About that implant..." You begin.

>>14976817
"And before you yell at me, yes, sorry about turning your workshop into a circus. But certain...topics, came up during my censure meeting with the Council, and there's quite a bit more concern about ancient technologies."

Sorry, VKO, but I gotta get some sleep. Maybe one of the other lurkers can step up if you're going to continue running this through the night.

You still have a reader though, so do continue

Alright, updates will be a bit slow though. Still working on it.

"And before you yell at me, yes, sorry about turning your workshop into a circus." You say to Dalak. "But certain...topics, came up during my censure meeting with the Council, and there's quite a bit more concern about ancient technologies."

"Oh, I'm sure." Dalak barks. "Do you have any idea how much all these idiots chatter is breaking my concentration, which I don't really have a lot of anymore since I was up most of the night making a little boy's hand so he can go to a test after surgery today.

"But yes, go ahead with whatever you think is important now."

"If it makes you feel any better, I can get you a bottle of (x damn good drink) later. I owe you as it is, and I don't forget my debts."

He really is a pain when he's like this. "I want to know what about that implant made Tayn turn into that dragon... creature." You say.

"Well, here's what we know." Dalak says. "It was right over his heart, emanating some kind of transformative spell. It could conduct electricity safely, and feels kind of chitinous. Definitely organic. I don't know how it was produced, could be from some kind of ancient beast." He pushes forward some notes from his analysis. "It emanates no magical aura. In fact, it repels magic somewhat." He puts his hands on his hips. "Thing's a tough nut to crack."

"If it makes you feel any better, I can get you a bottle of widecap liquor later. I owe you as it is, and I don't forget my debts." You say to him.

"Ah, that would hit the spot if I can ever get a break around here." Dalak responds, suddenly wincing.

"What was that?" You ask him.

"Some of the nerves in my hands transmitting like they're still damaged. Happens once in a while with healing magic. Records say it should last a few weeks. I'm not doing surgery till they stop." He says, massaging his hand.

"Sorry to hear that." You say.

"Don't be. It's just inconvenient mainly." Dalak shakes out his hands.

Resistant to magic, huh? All kinds, or just most? Or have we not really tested it much because we don't wish to damage it too much?

"Well, think of it as a sabbatical, I suppose."

rolled 99 = 99

Dammit, VKO, why didn't you play the torture card?
I had mentioned it in the previous thread. I'm sure we could have mustered some sympathy...

Nor sure what else to say here.
Ask him how the patients are doing (both of them)
Ask him if he gathered more information on strange technology from the compound

rolled 74 = 74

oh well... I I'll go for a nap

>>14977800

lol, sorry.

Oh well, you can keep it in your hand for later.

>>14977789

"Well, think of it as a sabbatical, I suppose."

"Yes, a very irritating one." Dalak adds.

"How are Turen and Vansek doing?" You ask him.

"Turen should be in surgery now. Vansek seems to be stable." Dalak answers, casting a hesitant glance at his hands.

"Do you know any more about that strange technology from the compound?"

"I'm afraid I'd need to examine it." Dalak answers, slapping one of the tiny mages as he tries to pick up a mechanical component and examine it. "Hands on the implant only."

>>14977776

>>14977776

Blarg.

"How much have you done to that thing anyway?" You say, indicating the implant.

"Ran a few low level spells across it. It's like watching water bead on steel." Dalak says. "If I had dragonhide I'd compare that, but that's like asking for some high clarity ioun ore: Nice if I had it, but almost no chance of that happening."

Yuune jots something down and hands it to Dalak.

"Checked for reactive components?" Dalak reads aloud. "Well, I'm not sure what it would react to, exactly. I mean, elements are right out, it's resistant to electricity obviously..."

hmm... electric-themed. Lesse, I'm trying to think what the weakness of electric dragons were. Was it acid?

Do we have dragonhide which could be used for experimentation?
Just a little bit?

maybe we could requisition it from the treasury

>>14978195

No weaknesses.

>>14978196

You do have a live brown dragon wyrmling living with you. He's less than a year old though.

>>14978205
nah, we aren't killing the wyrmling for its hide

>>14978240

It would be funny, but you decide not to.

What will you do? Any suggestions?

Want to do something else?

bump

>>14978421
Alright, well, they can continue experimenting with the implant.

Ask Dalak and Yuune the possibility that the white monsters we fought might be an ancient troglodyte bio-weapon system.

Also, won't be able to post for the next 2 hours.

>>14978459

"Keep looking it over." You say to the mages, and you turn back to Dalak and Yuune. "What about those white creatures? Could they have been some kind of troglodyte defense system?"

"If they were, and Tayn was there, why wouldn't he have been killed by them before you arrived? Or, why wouldn't he have told you about them?" Dalak points out, leaning in as he does so.

"Maybe remote activated." Yuune mutters, pondering the possibilities.

"Whatever they are, they're much like organic creatures. They had blood and internal organs, but they were also insanely varied." Dalak adds. "My question is, how varied are they, and what determines their variation?"

>>14978491
"Ghaon has agreed to send a small scout force to go there and secure the compound. We'll need to prepare it properly, but maybe we can get some samples back for you to analyze.
"But now that we've got that out of the way, how did the operation on young Turen turn out?"

We'll need to make sure that the scout teams and NAJA units sent to secure that compound are given resistance to acid attacks. We saw what they did to Vensek; I'd rather not have a repeat of that.

rolled 18 = 18

>>14978491
Did we take corpses of those things with us?

>>14980105
We might have a few samples, maybe even ones that had Gentle Repose cast on them to prevent decomposition.
If not, that'll have to be one of our objectives for the strike force.

Also, I think we should consider a national project for the creation of a Gate Network, or at least, two linked gates that we can use to move men and material quickly between two points.

rolled 58 = 58

Where'd you go VKO?

>>14982072
Well, he did say that he wouldn't be running a session over three days anymore.

Could just be that this session is at an end.
Oh, and don't forget to vote for it in the archives.