>>34361535
>>Ask more about Salvastis
>>Ask about his captive (your mother?)
>Ask about the assassination mission

>>34361535

>How did you meet this Salvastis character?
>Do you know anything else about this captive he mentioned?

After he's spilled what info he has on the topic

>What were you doing before getting drafted to Salvastis' service?
>What would you like to do now

Then we can move on to the missionary job. I mean explaining him message of our goddess, to be clear.

>>34361535
>Ask more about Salvastis
>Ask about his captive (your mother?)
>Ask about Shahulzar
>Ask about the assassination mission

We're gonna ask everything anyway.

[Metaquest Post]

Character sheet and adventuring party updated. Included in the adventuring party paste is all characters in your party – even if some are not with you right now.

Thank you very much for the feedback last thread. I’ve put Aspiring Emperor Quest on my list to read regarding running large-scale battles. Thank you all for staying with me during a less than exciting quest.

I will try to always separate in-character text and dialogue from rules and rolls requests, by double spacing.

I will try to reduce dialogue options to separate and distinct options.

I aim to make conversations flow more naturally, rather than getting a pre-recorded response to tapping a button.

[End Metaquest Post]

“Tell me more about Salvastis” you say to the young demon-blood.

He shrugs “Not much to tell, powerful demon lord, Duke of Hell, really hates angels for some reason, more than other demons, is an autocratic pushy asshole.”

“Why did he ask you specifically to kill me?” you ask “And why did he ask you to kill Sofia?”

“I dunno, he has his flunkies approach my lair, says he’ll get me to a Lost Prime where I can loot and pillage as much as I want – lying bastard – as long as I kill you first. Then he puts a Geas on me the bastard!” He yells, waving his arms in the air.

He calms down a little “As for the Royal Princess whatshername, as soon as I get to the plane the local demon lord tracks me down and says I either have to swear fealty to him – which I can’t, because y’know, geas – or him and his won’t bother me if I off one of his enemies, I just get all the frigging jobs.”

“So why you?” you press

He tucks his thumbs into his trousers and strikes a casual pose “Because I’m a Hellfire Wyrm – A flying unstoppable engine of destruction, and I’m of the line of Villathrax, one of the most powerful ever. You should feel honoured that they felt the need to ask me.”

“And where you supposed to return with my head or something?” you ask “How would Salvastis even know I was dead.”

He shakes his head, no, I’m not sure how he’d know, he didn’t ask for any proof, all he said was *She’ll know*.”

“She?” you ask “His captive?”

He shrugs “I guess so, maybe he’d have scryed you out or something, I dunno.”

Seems there’s a lot he doesn’t know.

>>34361704
“What were you doing before Salvastis recruited you?” you ask “And what are you going to do now?”

“Before?” he says “I was trying to scratch out my own territory, my own little corner of Hell. When I get out of here, I think I’ll go back to that for a bit before trying another Prime – these places are weird.”

>Offer the chance of redemption
>Ask more questions (what)
>Leave

>>34361704
>Villathrax,
Why did I know that was going to be the case ?
Delicious irony.

>>34361722
>Ask if he has ever before killed a non-demon or innocent of some kind

Doesn't sound to me like he has anything to redeem from and seems to have no interest in doing so.

>>34361722

>Do you enjoy fighting? Or do you prefer the feeling of power and control? There is more to life than that, you know.

>>34361808

That's not how redemption works at all. You don't do it because of the past, but for a better future.

>>34361868
But for redemption you need something to redeem yourself FROM. Thats what it means.
And as far as it sounds, he has just chilled in hell for is short live and doesn't have done much he could feel bad about.

“Have you ever killed any non-demons, or any innocents?” you ask him.

He seems puzzled by your question and thinks about it for a bit “Noooo” he says as he thinks “wait, yes, yes I have – Some creatures like you once came into my cave whilst I was sleeping, I think they were looking for a place to hide. I killed and ate them and took their gear, some of it was magical. When I sold it the trader claimed it was githzy...githzery equipment or something.”

“Do you enjoy fighting? Or do you prefer the feeling of power and control? There is more to life than that, you know.” You try to find out how he sees the world

“I like fighting” he says “It’s a lot better if I win, but even a defeat usually teaches me something. And who doesn’t like power? Still, you’re right, there is more, a hoard of gold, all your enemies scared of you, and no one telling you what to do. That’s what I’d want.”

>More Questions
>Offer Redemption
>Leave

>>34361891

Ah, I misinterpreted your post.

Well, 'carving out a place out of hell' can't be conducive to wholesome character anyway though, even if it does involve killing and looting demons. He's probably not familiar with society where mutual respect and cooperation that's not backstabbing and intrigue are a thing.

>>34361938

Sounds like he might have potential to make a paladin of freedom

Just kidding. Offer salvation, tell Velya's teachings etc.

>>34361938
>Ask him if he wants to have a chance at a more fulfilling and wholesome live. In service to a greater good than himself. We can offer him a better path than violence and greed. But only if he wants to eschew these things. The exact nature of his repentance, is however, up to Sofia, as the only one alive he has actually harmed.

I don't think redeeming touch is gonna do anything with him.

>>34361722
>Offer cooperation against that demon-lord.
>Say that while we're principally against imprisoning him some restrictions will be put on him if he wants to leave. Apologize for how similar this seems to the demon-lord, but the nature of the restrictions will leave him far more leeway.
>Offer position on the side of good. Benefits include a protected lair, help against enemies, etc. Disadvantages would be that his actions would need to be somewhat in line with our moral code.

My idea is that he would have a lair in this plane, while pillaging only against evil people. If he can do plane-shifting, this should not be a huge disadvantage.

>>34362073
>while pillaging only against evil people
You can't really "pillage" against evil people only, unless he is restricted to raiding only army camps or some such.

We should not forget, he did attack Sofia of his own free will, even if he was pressured. He did commit a crime, we can't just let him go.

>>34362073

This sounds good too.

Mention that we plan on rescuing that captive, and if he wants to tag along to get back at the duke who enslaved him... vengeance is not good, but retribution is fine after all.

In the meantime we could offer him a position in our land, right? If there's enough room for giants, there should be a room for a dragon lair as well.

>>34362127
That's going to be a problem with our dragon, there's not enough room for two.

>>34362092
With how big this universe seems to be that should be entirely possible for anyone with plane-shifting, teleport and a lot of energy. Basically, he would be a mercenary for the armies of good, while also being allowed to hunt demons at his leisure.

>>34362127
>In the meantime we could offer him a position in our land, right
That we should clear up with Sofia and Wegenthal first, they are going to have to share the region with him, and while he can exert himself against orcs, we need to make sure he can't go beyond that. He is young, he is going to grow a lot more powerful.

>>34362138
If we let him go like that, we can't really control if that happens, geass are not unbreakable.

>>34362137
>>34362138
Optimally he spends some years in work for our domain, to prove his goodwill, and is then let free to go.
That way we can see if he actually mends his ways, and he will be gone by the time ebon song needs her own lair.

“There’s a better way” you say “A way to live your life without having to fight for everything.”

You briefly explain some of the teachings of Velya: respect for all living things, compassion, joy.

He looks a little confused, and then laughs “That’s crazy” he says “That’s no way to run things, what if someone decided to do the smart thing and do what benefits them, at the expense of another?”

“Then they would be punished” you say, outlining the principles of society and law.

You give him an example of himself: If he were to cooperate with you against the demon lord, he’d have to obey some restrictions, but he would receive benefits, such as a protected lair, and allies who’d help him against his enemies. You also point out that although he wouldn’t be able to go raiding within the kingdom of Dornmer, the kingdom has many enemies and you hint that acting against them would not result in repercussions.

“Also” you say “I have business with Salvastis, sooner or later I’d want to try and free his captive, I hope you’d want to get back at him too.”

Please roll Fellowship 1d20+22 to see how convincing you are.

I knew I remembered Villathrax from somewhere. That's the black dragon who was killed by Ebonsongs great grandfather. Meaning her line is objectively superior to his.

Rolled 16 + 22 (1d20 + 22)

>>34362173

Rolled 18 + 22 (1d20 + 22)

>>34362173
>+22

Rolled 8 + 22 (1d20 + 22)

>>34362176
>Villathrax
He was a hellwyrm too.

>>34362173
>the kingdom has many enemies and you hint that acting against them would not result in repercussions.
I hate that line, this is not okay. People don't deserve murder because of living on the wrong side of a border. Armies yes, but no the population, we need to clarify this.

Rolled 3 + 22 (1d20 + 22)

>>34362173

If only you knew the power of the light side.

>>34362173

>what if someone decided to do the smart thing and do what benefits them, at the expense of another?
He is kinda dumb isn't he ?
Thats exactly what he did, and he saw first hand what happens. Smackdown.

>Success
You argue back and forth with Shahulzer for about half an hour. It’s clear that the society of hell – where the strong prey upon the weak – is all he knows.

He isn’t stupid though, and you can see he’s actively thinking about what you’ve said.

Eventually he ends the conversation with a casual shrug and a “Maybe it’ll work, maybe” you’ve got a good enough read on him to know that he wants to try it, he just needs time to think about it.

You leave him alone with his thoughts, for now.

After getting out of the cell you ask the guards what his fate will be.

One of them makes a dismissive gesture “Don’t worry my lady, he is to be executed in 3 days.”

“Good” comments Sofia, as you climb out of the dungeon, ugh, being underground sucks “And by the way” she says, as you both walk up the stairs, “I’ve never been more attracted to you then when you were hitting him.”

Well, you certainly have a few things to think about, what now?

Please pick only 1 from Shahulzer and Estate Stuff, for Next Task pick as many as you want.

Shahulzer
>I need to talk the Church of Konig out of executing Shahulzer
>He’s told me what I need to know, let Konigs followers deal with him

Estate stuff
>I need arrange for the refugees and Wegenthals Clan to travel to my new estates
>Sofia and Jal can organise the refugees and the Frost Giants

Next Task
>Sofia’s bloodlust is a little bit unsettling, talk to her about that
>I need to find Jianxi and the others before they get to Kugan
>Other

>>34362258
>>I need to talk the Church of Konig out of executing Shahulzer
>I need arrange for the refugees and Wegenthals Clan to travel to my new estates
>I need to find Jianxi and the others before they get to Kugan

>>34362258
>I need to talk the Church of Konig out of executing Shahulzer
I think there is a better way. What wrong he did, he did under pressure, it was wrong, yes. But there is a better way for him.

>I need arrange for the refugees and Wegenthals Clan to travel to my new estates

>Sofia’s bloodlust is a little bit unsettling, talk to her about that
>She is justified, but we would hope she can see beyond that and see the bigger picture.

>>34362258
>I need to talk the Church of Konig out of executing Shahulzer
>Sofia and Jal can organise the refugees and the Frost Giants
>Sofia’s bloodlust is a little bit unsettling, talk to her about that
>I need to find Jianxi and the others before they get to Kugan

>>34362258

Shahulzer
>I need to talk the Church of Konig out of executing Shahulzer

Estate
>Sofia and Jal can organize refugees and frost giants
>We should give them some sort of letter or seal thohugh so the bureacracy knows they are dealing with orders from the Baroness

Next task
>Sofia's bloodlust is understandable, but unsettling. Talk to her about that.
>Remember Gendric? He turned out pretty cool guy.

>>34362258
>I need to talk the Church of Konig out of executing Shahulzer
>Sofia and Jal can organise the refugees and the Frost Giants
>I need to find Jianxi and the others before they get to Kugan

You need Shahulzer alive for now. Once you’ve settled that you’ll give Sofia and Jal a letter of authority allowing them to start setting up your estate. And then you’ll go and find Jianxi.

You and Sofia walk through the Cathedral of Konig, towards the High Priests offices, you might as well take this straight to the top.

As you walk you talk to Sofia.

“So uh” you say “I was thinking we should ask for Shahulzer to be spared, I might be able to find out more about my mother if he’s not dead.”

Sofia scowls “If you insist” she says, not meeting your gaze.

Hmm, how about the direct approach.

You stop and turn to face her “Why do you want him dead?” you ask calmly

“He’s a demon, and a monster and he deserves to die.” She grumbles, not meeting your gaze.

You wait until she looks at you to see your reaction.

“What’s the real reason?” you ask

“Because he nearly killed me!” she bursts out “It hurt like hell and all I could think about was that I’d never see my friends again, I’d never see you, or Jal...or...or” she starts to tear up a little “Or Milerna.”

As she starts to cry in earnest you hug her tightly. As the acolytes and priests of Konig all stop and stare you wrap your wings around yourself and Sofia to provide a little privacy.

“I was so scared” she sobs “I was burning alive and I was never going to see my daughter, or anyone else I care about again.”

You stroke her hair, her face buried in your chest and speak soothingly to her, telling her that it’s alright, that she is still alive, and that she and Jal are going to live long happy lives, that she’ll get to watch Milerna grow up, and that you aren’t going to leave her.

After a few minutes, she’s all cried out “Thanks” she sniffles “Sorry about that”

“Its okay” you say “I imagine almost dying would be terrifying”

“Yeah” she says “Yeah”

“Do you see why I need to convince them not to kill him?” you ask

She tenses in your arms and then says “Yeah, he knows about...someone important to you” you realise you never told her about your mother.

“And” she says, the scowl coming back “He was forced to fight, so he deserves a chance – but” she insists “If he ever attacks me, or Jal, or Milerna or any of my friends, I’ll kill him!”

“Well I wasn’t going to let him fly around completely free” you say “But first, we need to talk the Church out of killing him.”

“Right” she agrees.

In the High Priests Office....

“Absolutely not!” declares High Priest Ginov “That demon in the cells is going to be executed for attacking the Divine Child!”

“I need him alive” you say “And although he did try to kill Sofia, he failed, and we both agreed he shouldn’t be killed” you shoot a glance at Sofia, who gives you a curt nod.

“He is a hellfire wyrm” explains the High Priest “A walking blasphemy, he has to die.”

You’ve been trying to talk him our of killing Shahulzer for over an hour, but he won’t budge, in the office it’s just the three of you. High Priest Ginov is respectful to you, but almost worshipful in his attitude towards Sofia.

Please pick only 1 to represent the main point of your argument, this will affect the DC of the roll.

>Use Sofia’s authority to override
>Bargain, offer him something in return for Shahulzers life
>Ask for mercy
>Explain you think you can convert Shahulzer
>Other (write-in)

>>34362508
>Explain you think you can convert Shahulzer

FUCK YEAH PALADIN OF JOY QUEST!

>>34362508
>>Use Sofia’s authority to override
this is a priest of Konig, pulling rank is the least like to not work IMO.

>>34362508
>>Explain you think you can convert Shahulzer

>>34362508
>“That demon in the cells is going to be executed for attacking the Divine Child!”
So, if someone where to, say, mind-control anyone of the clergy into attacking her, he'd have those killed? Despite them not having had a choice in it? If that's how this is going to go, we will have some far more serious words with them than planned.

>>34362556
>So, if someone where to, say, mind-control anyone of the clergy into attacking her,
He was not mindcontrolled into attacking Sofia. The geas was toattack Seiryi, he attacked Sofia as part of a bargain.

>>34362508
>>Explain you think you can convert Shahulzer
What better fate for a would-be assassin than to be sworn to protect the land, family and possession of the very one they tried to kill?

>>34362508

Let's see...
>Use Sofia's authority
that might give us biggest edge, but I am loathe to use Sofia in this manner.
>Bargain, offer him something
I'm not sure what church of Konig could value over a life of a hellfire... We've given them a world to krusade into, and the horn back, what could they want?
>Ask for mercy
completely pointless with these guys
>Explain you think you can convert the dragon
I'd go with this. He seemed receptive to our teachings, and his actions against us and Sofia were carried out under geas and extortion respectively. We've removed geas, and will take responsibility for his action while he's under our custody.

Convert? Ok. Please roll 1d20+22 to convince him

Rolled 17 + 22 (1d20 + 22)

>>34362614

Rolled 12 + 22 (1d20 + 22)

>>34362614

>>34362585

To add to this, I'm kinda counting on it that Sofia will support us of her own volition, which could have greater impact than if *we* tried to pull *her* rank, which is something the high priest would surely note with disdain and put Sofia's authority into question ("that winged paladin of sluts is manipulating the divine child", which he's probably already thinking anyway)

Rolled 1 + 22 (1d20 + 22)

>>34362614

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>>34362661

Good we're not taking single ones as critfails...

>Success

“All he’s known his entire life is Hell, I’ve talked to him, and I believe he can learn to be good – with the proper guidance and supervision.” You say

“Reform a demon?” he says “Are you mad?”

You draw a deep breath, ready to recite tales of Velya and her angels doing just that.

He stops you with an upraised hand “I’m aware it has happened before” he says “But at the hands of the Gods, or their highest servants, do you think you can do this?”

“I do” you respond.

“And” he says “Will you take responsibility for this monster whilst you try to redeem him?”

“I will” you say

“Alright” he says, pushing his hands at you as if giving you something, “Fine, he’s your problem now. We’ll hold him safely until you are ready to take custody of him.”

“Thank you Honoured Father” you say, with a respectful nod of your head. You leave his office, once you’ve sorted Sofia and Jal out with the refugees, and the giants, you’ll be on your way to see Jianxi.

You could take Shahulzer with you, but you’d need to watch him carefully if you did.

>Take Shahulzer with you
>Leave him in the custody of the Church for now

If taking him with, what precautions are you taking?

>Geas him (with what commands?)
>He won’t leave my side
>Leave him in Sofia’s custody
>Wegenthal and the giants should be able to handle him
>Other

>>34362694

wayward padawan GET
>Take Shahulzer with you
>He won't leave my side

Time to show a young dragon how civilized people resolve their problems. Boy, is he in for a treat...

>>34362694
>Take Shahulzer with you
>He won’t leave my side

>>34362694
>Take Shahulzer with you
>Wegenthal and the giants should be able to handle him
>Geas him (with what commands?)
>He can not harm, hurt, kill or terrorize another living non-demonic being , nor plot to do so, unless explicetly allowed by Wegenthal or Sofia (for feeding for example). He will remaind within the borders of our Barony unless accompanied by either of the afromentioned stewards. He may not attempt to circumvent nor break this geas under any circumstances, unless allowed to do so by Seiryi.

>>34362694
>>34362746
Sound good, supporting.

>>34362694
>>Take Shahulzer with you
>He won’t leave my side
No Geas. We just got him out of one so it would be a bad idea.

>>34362694
>>34362746
Since I still want to go back to our original party, and he frankly won't learn much of constructive use of his powers on war path with us, I go with that.

>>34362746

I'll just point out that putting a geas on him after our speech is a terrible idea that cannot end in any way but poorly and will sooner or later turn him against us.
I can already see the scene in hell when the hellish duke removes the geas and turns him on us for being 'the same shit in a different coating'

Trust is important part of society. Vital, even.

>>34362779
>No Geas. We just got him out of one so it would be a bad idea.
>>34362792

He is still completly evil though, we need to take some porecautions, he is ungodly powerful.

>>34362792
I agree with this.

>>34362798
and so are we (also we need to eat more storms when we get the chance)

>>34362792
We did agree on letting him choose, him fairly certain that still stands. He doesn't have to take it.

>>34362798

He's not 'completely evil', and these precautions are 1. morally objectionable and 2. defeat the purpose we wish to accomplish.

>>34362815
I don't want Seiryi having to run around putting out his fires all the time, because he doesn't get not being a murderous sociopath yet.

>>34362830
There is nothing morally objectionable about it, and yes, he is a demon, he is therefore baseline evil.

>>34362798
We are trying to get him to redeem. That means by his own effort and mindset. We only guide him. Slapping the Geas is just saying we don't trust him at all and intend to just chain him down.

>>34362792
>I can already see the scene in hell
How would he get to hell being restrited to our barony ?

>>34362838
Pretty sure he does get "not being a murderous sociopath"

>>34362694
The best way to go about is would be for him to have his hoard here. Enough of it that he can't leave with it anyway. If he decides to turn coat, he will lose his hoard. That should be a better motivation than a geas.

>>34362859
You might have missed the part where he saw nothing wrong with murdering a innocent person and why that might be a bad thing.

>>34362870
Sofia would, understandebly, not be okay with him running around free and unrestrained. Neither would Wegenthal, I bet.

To help solve the argument:

Talk to him about accepting a Geas voluntarily?

Y/N

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>>34362838

He's only partially demon. So was Gendric. And putting a geas on someone is always morally objectionable.
There will always be things that are out of our control. It's better to accept this than to force the world to bend to our will - that would make us no better than the demons we've been, and will be, fighting.

>>34362897
Y

>>34362898
A geas doesn't force him to do anything, It just punishes him when he breaks its terms, which is completly ok.

>>34362897
N

>>34362897

I'd rather not have a new geas involved at all.

Barring that, if he wants to take it voluntarily might be permissible, for instance in exchange of greater leeway in our custody.

I still think it's a terrible idea.

>>34362897
See no problem with voluntarily

Y

>>34362898
No, he is full on demon.

>>34362897
Does this mean that we are putting a geas on him?

>>34362942
Because I'm against that.

>>34362897
>Talk to him about accepting a Geas voluntarily?
>Y
<i think he is going to prefer the option of building a hoard and roam free rather than be carried along by us. People complain about violating his free will with a geas, but forcing him to accompany us is even worse, so its a rather hollow argument to me.

>>34362952
It means we ask him if he wants to take on, in exchange for being free to roam instead of being forced to accompany us.

>>34362955
The reason we are bringing him along is to continue to teach him the ways of our god and educate him about the differences of here and hell.

>>34362942
More that you'll see if he's willing to accept it voluntarily, regardless of his opinion, you'll get to choose if you want to put one on him or not.

>>34362897
>Y
Make sure he knows the geas will only have smal restrictions (don't harm any citizen of this kingdom unless physically attacked first or something). Make sure he knows this will be temporary, a sort of trial phase.

>>34362962
Did it occur to you he might not want that ?
Forcing him to come with us is a far worse compulsion than a geas, which doesn't force him to do anything, except accept the consequences of his actions.
He should be allowed to choose the path of his own redemption. And fighting and killing together with us, will not show him the value of cooperation and construction.

>>34362986
If he chooses to accompany us, I would be okay with that, even if it grates me having a companion who trivializes challenges even more than Seiryi does on her own.
#The only challenge with him is watching out if he flips his shit, and Hellwyrm babysitter quest does not sound fun to me. But, y'know, other people might like it.

>>34362986
The geas suggested here >>34362746 was literally forcing him to remain in our barony unless with our permission. You think that is true freedom? That is like putting a human on an island and saying your free now.

>>34362986

>forcing him to come with us is far worse compulstion than a geas
/qtg/ please go.

We're saving him from execution, and doing this by giving him opportunity to learn something new - and to learn new experience, trust of another.

That's something completely different to binding his soul with magical chains - in addition to showing ourselves to be just as oppressive and evil as the demonic duke who captured him before.

>>34363018
Its house arrest, and definitly more freedom than staying by our side.

>>34363023
You can keep your exeggarations to yourself.
Forcing him to not wantonly murder his not "oppressive and evil".
And forcing him to go with us, is still more restrictive than allowing him to choose a geas.

>>34363023
Yes, allowing a person a choice is opressive and evil. Forcing him to stay on our leash and accompany us without asking for his interests his not. Makes perfect sense.

>>34363038

No, it's not. Assuming total control over actions of an individual with magical means is much, much worse, and that's no exaggeration. He will always feel it and remember who did it to him. Good without choice is meaningless and hollow.

Travelling is not anywhere close as restrictive. If only because he will be able to flee, forcing us to pursue and confront him. Not to mention he will have input on party's action even without fleeing.

You return to the cells under the Church, Sofia at your side, Shahulzer looks up as you walk into the dungeon, and gets to his feet “I’ve been thinking about what you said” he says “And I think I’ve spotted in a flaw in your reasoning-”

“I’d love to discuss it with you” you say “But first, I need to talk to you about something else, I’ve talked the Church of Konig out of killing you.” He gives a start, as if he didn’t realise that was anything more than a threat the guards were using on him.

“And they’ve agreed to release you into my custody” you say “But I need to know that you won’t be attacking me or my allies, or any innocents, to that end, I’m wondering if you will accept a Geas, of your own free will.”

“What, to be your slave?” he says “Forget it – I’ll...I’ll promise to do what you say, I’ll give you whatever oath you want, but not a Geas.”

“You won’t be my slave” you insist “The Geas would only prevent you from taking actions, such as meaning you cannot harm, kill or terrorize another living non-demonic being , nor plot to do so, unless explicitly allowed by Wegenthal or Sofia, and that you will remain within the borders of my Barony unless accompanied by either of the aforementioned stewards. You may not attempt to circumvent nor break this geas under any circumstances, unless allowed to do so by myself.”

He thinks it over “It’s a lot less restrictive than the last one I was under” he concedes “But I don’t like anyone telling me what I can and can’t do, can’t you just take my word? I mean, you’ve got to start trusting me at some point, right?”

>Geas him anyway
>Accept a promise from him, for now
>Leave him in the Churches custody

And since we’re re-voting on this bit....

>He goes with Wegenthal and Sofia
>He goes with Sireyi
>Other

>>34363051
>>34363038
We are taking him along to the demon who forced the geas on him just to educate him on our world. He hasn't even a proper clue on how to live in the kingdom. If we don't teach him he will just revert back to the usual dragon hoarding. Do you think that will result in redemption?

>>34363087
>Assuming total control over actions of an individual with magical means is much
But a geas does not do that. It doesn't force him nor assume control oif his actions, it just punishes him for breaking its terms.
He is just as free as otherwise, he just gets immediate consequences instead of belated ones.

>>34363097
No we go to Jianxi, as of now.

>>34363090
>Accept a promise from him, for now
>He goes with Sireyi
>>34363100
A geas is still a sign of non-trust especially when they have full control over themselves. We are trying to redeem him here, slight distrust in us can result in failure.

>>34363090
>Tell him he can choose between coming with us, without geas. Or stay in the mountains with Wegenthal, with one.
>Trust is good, but we can't risk the lives of innocents on our moral convenience.

>>34363127
>A geas is still a sign of non-trust
Considering we have literally no reason to trust him, and betrayl can cost hundreds their lives, yeah, distrust is warranted.


>>34363090

>Seiryi without Geas/Wegenthal with.

I can agree to nthis, even if I foresee we will get him hung around our neck from now.

>>34363090

>Accept a promise from him, for now
>Give him a choice of going with Sofia or Sireyi

>>34363090
>you’ve got to start trusting me at some point, right?”
Of course we have. Basically the geas will give him more leeway sooner, while not taking the geas will force him to stay near us or other who can take him in a fight.
>You can decide on that later, or even stay near me for a while and accept a geas for when I'm away.
>What was that flaw you noticed?

>>34363090
Under no circumastances should he stay unsupervised by Seiryi near our domain, thats disaster waiting to happen. No one but us can reign him in.

So I agree with the others
>Let him choose, House arrest(Geas here), or going with Seiryi.

>>34363090
take him with, no geas, but make it clear this is his 2nd chance and their will be no 3rd one if he starts killing. and that, while we have impotent things to be doing, 'putting down rampaging hell dragon' tops the list, every single day of the week.

>>34363051
>>34363100

That's not 'free will', that's parody of it. It's magical equivalent of constant surveillance of your thoughts.
Frankly, it's terrifying.

Would you put such a geas on everyone, just to be sure? Surely society would be much more secure and orderly if everyone accepted such a geas.

>>34363152
No reason to trust? Firstly we did shown him our strength by zapping him out of the sky. Secondly we successfully argued with him and his now reconsidering his views on life. Thirdly we freed him from execution and offer him choices instead of imposing things on him.

>>34363190
Buzt not everyone has done anything to warrant such distrust, he has. He has agreed to murder a innocent for his own gain, and he has admitted to having killed people merely seeking shleter. She yes, he gave us reason to distrust him.

And again, its more or at least just as much free will as sayig: You have to come with us, and I will kill you if you kill the innocents. Its just more immediate.

>>34363206
That gives him plenty of reason to trust us, but no reason for us to trust him. The only thing he has done so far, is try to murder someone so he is a bit on a minus in the trust department. He agreed to try to mend his way, which is a good start, that earns him a chance, but it needs to be followed by actions to mean anything.

>>34363210
Does not say seeking shelter only finding a place to hide. They could have been bandits trying to find a decent cave or adventurers since they had magical gear. And you know what adventurers can do to magical creatures especially dragons.

>>34363237
Desn't change the fact he never bothered to find out.
And his problem is, he doesn't want someone telling him what to do, which he will have to accept in either case. Forcing him to come with us, without even asking, would be just as much "telling him what to do". In fact, he will have to follow orders far more often when with us, then with the geas.

“The problem” you explain “Is that you’re too powerful to easily restrain without someone killing you. You can come with me, and I’ll accept your promise, or you can go with my allies, but I will need to put a Geas on you.”

“I’ll go with you” he decides. He gets down on all fours and says “I promise not to do all that stuff you just said.” Maybe that’s how they give oaths in Hell?

You have to lead him through it, but he willingly gives an oath with the same terms as the Geas, except that he will stay near you, rather than within the borders of your Barony.

With that decided, the three of you leave the prison. Sofia doesn’t let him out of her sight. As you walk through the city, Shahulzer gazes around in fascination at everything.

“The apples are not free” you explain, as he picks some up off a market stall and eats them “You pay for them”, you give the scowling merchant a few coppers.

“But he had so many” says Shahulzer “And he wasn’t eating them, besides, he didn’t look so tough. If he can’t protect his, what’re these called again? Apples, then he doesn’t deserve to have them. I like these...apples.”

This is going to take a while....

You meet with the Steward the King has provided, Ducas, and explain that Sofia and Jal will be leading the refugees and the giants to the Barony of Dalvin, whilst you take care of other matters. At your request he has letters of authority drawn up for you to sign in front of the appropriate witnesses, allowing them to act on your behalf. Ducas will also be going with them.

As you prepare to depart to find Jianxi and company, Ducas asks “Will you be Baroness Sireyi of House Valyenya, or of House Dalvin?”

>Valyenya
>Dalvin
>Jalweyen
>Other (what?)
>I’ll decide when I get back

>>34363210

>He agreed to murder an innocent for his own gain
True, and we're trying to get him to not do this again - of his own will, not because a spell can be used to keep him from doing so.

>just as much free will
>it's just more immediate
Those statements are in direct contradiction.

And again, it defeats the purpose: what do you think will make him more likely to accept our views: not killing people based on his own decision, or because a magical bond keeps him from doing so?

I won't repeat the argument again, if you're convinced of your right, it's your unalienable opinion, but - we're a paladin, not a blackguard, a gray guard or a mercykiller. We serve goddess of joy, not the god of war.

If that means taking risks and being good over being pragmatic and 'doing necessary evils', then that's how it should be.

>>34363265
His problem is not that he would not follow someone else's orders. But that he has only lived in a strong eats weak kind of ecosystem. You know like normal animals. Thus we need to educate him. The others in our barony would either be too scared or hate him.

>>34363300
>Other (what?)
Ask Sofia on her opinion since she is probably gonna rule it most of the time instead of us.

>>34363311
>If that means taking risks
If its opur risk, yes. But not if it risks others, that unacceptable. Making others suffer from our morals is just as much forcing our strength to determine right and wrong as anything else.
And they are not contradictions, effcicient law enforcement does not restrict free will. It just gives good incentive to do no wrong, which is the point, yes.

>>34363300
>Valyenya

>>34363300

Our family name - Valyenya - stays with us... but since we're taking charge of Dalvin's lands, I'd say we could take the house as well.

>Dalvin

>>34363300
Ugh I knew it. Oh well, even more superpowers I guess. Didn't this used to be about Paladins at some point ?

>Ask Sofia, seems alright to me.

>>34363300
>Valyenya

Because she still has a living noble family and dem plot hooks, man. Sereyi isn't married yet too.

>>34363300
Jalweyen would have hilarious implications, but would be a bit presumptious

>Valyenya
Although we might want to check the implications of that, too.

“I think I’ll keep my own name” you say “My family...well I’ll talk to them about it another day.”

You use your scry spell to locate Jianxi, Isla and Matthias. They are on a ship, in the middle of the ocean, somewhere.

Isla is sat on a box in her cabin, reading a book on demon lords. Jianxi is up on deck, relaxing in the bright sun, Matthias is trying his hand at climbing the rigging, and learning the flag signals that sailors learn.

You could teleport in some distance away and fly to the ship, giving everyone a chance to see you, or you could pop in next to one of your friends, to give them a surprise.

You also have Shahulzer with you, if you fly in, you’ll need to carry him, or he’ll need to resume his draconic form.

>Teleport to a distance, fly in
>Appear next to Isla
>Appear next to Jianxi
>Appear next to Matthias
>Other

>>34363443
>Appear next to Isla
With lightning crown and everything, we got a powerup, and we can show it.

>>34363443

>Teleport to a distance, fly in

I'm assuming we've said our goodbyes to our friends and perhaps the Velya priestess.

>>34363443
>>Appear next to Isla

>>34363443
>Appear next to Jianxi
Had any nice dreams recently ?

>>34363443

Let's not damage the ship as we teleport, by the way.

>>34363443
I'm okay with everything but flying in with Shahulzer in draconic form. Thats just inviting trouble.

>Appear on deck.

>>34363443
Can't we get at least a goodbye scene with our kids ? I mean come on!

>>34363575

What are the kids even gonna call us? "Father"?

>>34363443
If we need a vote for that, I change >>34363465
to >>34363575
I want a goodbye here, I mean, seriously, we haven't even interacted with them since they were born.

>>34363443
>Appear next to Jianxi
Ebonsong's with us, right?

>>34363592
I hope not Seiryi, that would break my heart.

>>34363592
Momma Reyi?

>>34363443
>>34363606
Is kinda right, changing >>34363506
We had more interactions and text with the random dragon then spend time with our literal children.

>>34363592
Why not mom ?
They already got two, might as well have three.

You head back to see Sofia and Jal before you leave.

“Come back safely, My Lady” says Sofia with a grin.

“Yeah” says Jal “Aven’t ‘ad a chance meself ta *swear fealty* ta ya yet.”

You kiss both of your children goodbye, they take it with good grace. At only 6 weeks of age, they don’t have much to say.

After saying your goodbyes to Sofia, Jal and everyone else, and reassuring them that you will be back as soon as you can, you and Shahulzer disappear.

You both appear in Isla’s cabin. She gives an “eeeep!” of alarm, jumps up, trips over her own feet and lands sprawled on the floor, you bend down to help her up.

Isla stands up and hugs you tightly “I was so worried” she whispers in your ear “Don’t ever do that again.”

You hug her back “I contacted you as soon as I could” you say “And I really didn’t have a choice about what happened.”

You go out on deck to meet your friends.

Back with your friends you experience tearful reunions, hugs, even Matthias is looking a little misty-eyed.

As soon as Isla is done, Jianxi wraps her arms around you “Glad to see you’re not dead, Lady Busty-say, have you gained weight?”

“I missed you too Jianxi” you reply

Matthias gives you a firm hug “good to have you back” he says “Hasn’t been the same without you.”

“Likewise, Matthias” you say

Shahulzer stands back and watches, simply taking all this in.

“Who’s that?” asks Matthias, nodding at Shahulzer

“And who’s this little cutie?” asks Isla, leaning in to tickle Ebonsongs chin.

You introduce everyone to each other and briefly explain why Shahulzer is with you, you make sure that he knows that these are your allies and friends.

You also make sure the captain is ok with an extra 2 passengers, which he is, as soon as you hand over enough to cover the cost of passage.

>>34363686
Apparently it’s going to be 2 weeks until your ship reaches Kugan, what are you going to do in that time.

Please pick only 2

>Spend time with Shahulzer
>Spend time with Isla
>Spend time with Matthias
>Spend time with Jianxi
>Spend time with Everyone
>Other

>>34363704
>>Spend time with Shahulzer
>Spend time with Jianxi

>>34363704
>>Spend time with Shahulzer

>Spend time with Jianxi

>>34363704
>Spend time with Jianxi
>Spend time with Everyone
Everyone is good to get Shahulzer acclimated to the others, and see how social interaction works here.
And the journey is about Janxi, and we aren't that close yet.

>>34363704
>Spend time with Everyon
>Spend time with Isla

Jianxi and a tie, flipped a coin, it's Everyone, writing

You spend time with Jianxi, catching up, you do most of the talking: whilst it’s been only a few months for her, it’s been over half a year for you.

Eventually you end up asking her what she expects to find in Kugan.

“I don’t know” she says “My family I hope, I mean, I think my parents died on the ship but y’know, aunts, uncles, people like that.”

“Scared?” you ask

“Yeah” she admits “But excited too, and scared a lot.”

“Of anything in particular?” you ask

“General Yagyu said that the Ries observe strict codes of conduct” says Jianxi “things about which I know nothing, I think even if I find my family, they’ll see me as an outsider, what if they reject me?”

>Then you work harder to fit it
>Be patient, they’ll accept you for who you are
>You’ll always have a home in my barony
>Other

>>34363859

>You’ll always have a home in my barony

>>34363859
>>Be patient, they’ll accept you for who you are
>>You’ll always have a home in my barony

>>34363859
>You’ll always have a home in my barony

>>34363859
>Be patient, they’ll accept you for who you are
And if not, we hit them until they, do äh I mean
>You’ll always have a home in my barony

Please roll Fellowship 1d20+19

>>34363859
>Some people have only lived in a very narrow world their whole live. I'm sure they'll like you if they give you a chance.
>And if it doesn't work you always have a home with your friends.

Rolled 2 + 19 (1d20 + 19)

>>34363910

Rolled 5 + 19 (1d20 + 19)

>>34363910


>>34363924
Good old Jianxi.

>>34363704

>Spend time with Shahulzer
he's our charge
>Spend time with Everyone
catching up in person, preferable to doing so in dreams, or?

Speaking of dreams, we should check on Ellahi from time to time. Time runs faster for her.

>>34363940

>slowpoke.gif

on that note, I wonder what options our new position of baroness gives us in relation to Isla's problems.

Rolled 3 + 19 (1d20 + 19)

>>34363922


>>34363963
I don't think any, unless we outrank her "suitor" and marry her ourself.
We can hide her in our estate, but that will still bring conflict.

>>34363924
>>34363936
>>34363981
Good to see how some things never change.

“Give them time” you say “you’ll be strangers to one another at first, but I believe they will accept you for who you are, not because you can bow in the right way. And if they don’t, well I have my own lands now, you can come and live with me.”

“Thanks Sireyi” she says “That means a lot”

[Failure: No Loyalty increase]

You also spend time with all of your friends, catching up, reconnecting, having fun. You make sure to include Shahulzer, so he can learn about how people treat one another. He’s a quick learner, though a little sly.

Eventually your ship comes into port in Kugan. Upon arrival your ship is inspected by an officious looking man in an elaborate outfit with a huge hat, backed up by a squad of guards.

The captain slips the inspector a few coins, and the ship and its passengers are given a casual inspection.

Then the inspector informs you that as foreigners, and barbarians, you must not go outside the trading enclave – doing so will result in you being arrested.

Upon disembarking, you wonder where you are to start asking about the Ries, and in particular, Jianxi’s clan, who are apparently some sort of secret police.

Please pick only 1

>Try the harbourmaster, they must have one
>Try talking to that inspector, the ships captain pointed out his office to you
>Try talking to ordinary people
>Try and locate some criminals
>Other

>>34364021
>Try talking to that inspector, the ships captain pointed out his office to you

>>34364021

Let's start with the corrupt inspector. This too will be an inspiring lesson to Shahulzer no doubt.

You are kept waiting for several hours before being allowed into the office of his Most Puissant Excellency Hoshin Jua, Minister for Trade and Barbarians of the Hungai Province.

The small man with the big hat is sat behind a large desk, signing papers

“Yes?” he snaps “What is it?”

“I want to ask some questions about the Ries” you say

“You won’t meet any of the Anointed here” he says, not looking up from his paperwork “Is that all?”

>Tell me about the Ries
>Tell me about the Snakefist Ries
>Why can’t we leave the trading enclave?
>Reveal Jianxi’s status as Ries
>Reveal Jianxi’s status as Snakefist Ries
>Other

>>34364133
>>Tell me about the Ries
>>Tell me about the Snakefist Ries

>>34364133
>Then where can I meet them?

>>34364133

>Tell me about the Snakefist Ries
>Is there any way we could leave the trading enclave?

Ok, roll 1d20+19, see if he wants to talk

Rolled 20 + 19 (1d20 + 19)

>>34364204

>Success

“What can you tell me about the Ries?” you ask “I’ve heard they are your nobles”

He finally looks up to see you, an unfriendly look on his face “The Anointed of Heaven” he says “Are far more than your barbarian *nobles* could ever aspire to be. They are the bedrock of our society, the foundation of the Empire, without them there would be chaos and disorder!”

“I need to speak to some of the Anointed” you say “Where can I meet some?”

He chortles “They do not sully themselves by coming into the trading enclaves”

“Then can I leave the enclave?” you ask “I need to speak to them about the Snakefist Ries.”

“Where did you hear that name?” he asks, his face going pale “Get out! Get out of here!”

>Leave
>Keep asking questions (what?)
>Reveal Jianxi’s status as Ries
>Reveal Jianxi’s status as Snakefist Ries
>Other

>>34364279
>Other
"If there's any interest, a minor noble may have some clues to give to their messengers."

>>34364279

Well that went well.

>leave

>>34364279
>>Other
>I am merely curious about your people, and on my journey was bid by someone to give a massge to them. If you don't want to, for some reason, I understand, but I would like to know how to leave the enclave to look for myself.

“I am merely curious about your people, and on my journey was bid by someone to give a message to them. If you don't want to, for some reason, I understand, but I would like to know how to leave the enclave to look for myself.” You say

“You can’t leave the enclave” he insists, “unless you get on a ship and leave – which I suggest you do! If you try to enter Kugan proper, you will be arrested, and I don’t know how to get a message to any Snakefist Ries – I’ve never heard of them! Now go!”

It seems that’s a dead end, still, if these Snakefist Ries are some sort of scret police, they might seek you out after that little outburst.

Or you could disguise yourself and your companions using magic and leave the enclave. Or you could look elsewhere for information.

Please pick only 1

>Try the harbourmaster
>Try talking to ordinary people
>Try and locate some criminals
>Wait for the Snakefist Ries to find you
>Sneak out of the Enclave
>Try to Scry for Snakefist Ries
>Other

>>34364432
>Try to Scry for Snakefist Ries

>>34364432
>Wait for the Snakefist Ries to find you
They'll know you're looking for them. We have made no secret of that to the harbormaster.

>>34364432
>Wait for the Snakefist Ries to find you

>>34364432
>Try to Scry for Snakefist Ries
If we wait for them to find us, I bet its gonna be in the form of trying to attack and kidnap us, forcing us to fight them. Which would kind of defea the purpose of all this.

>>34364432
Let's wait for a day. Also remind our charge that there is a good chance some people might break into our room at night. We want to talk with those people, so no killing.

Go sightseeing for a day or so. If no one has visited us by then, then we scry.

Die rolled in event of a tied vote.

You decide to wait for the Snakefist Ries to find you. You get some rooms at an inn and spend several days wandering around the trading enclave.

This is a harbour city and a trading hub, there are a lot of sailors here, and all manner of things are for sale.

This enclave is full of people of all races from far and wide, the few Kugani here are traders. Some of the Kugani give Jianxi furtive looks, but don’t say anything, when she tries to talk to them, they pretend to not understand her.

Nothing much seems to happen here. It’s a bit boring, although there’s plenty of shops, the regular patrols of guards keep trouble to a minimum.

Then a few days later, something happens....

You are Jianxi, you’ve decided to take a look around town, without Miss Perfect, the Bookworm or the Dragon with you, in the hope that people will talk to you without them around.

So far it has been a vain hope. You’re trudging through town when suddenly 4 of the passersby grab you and drag you into an alley, you manage to pull your daggers before they can tie you up with that rope they’re carrying, they let go and back off to avoid being cut.

They look like nondescript, ordinary Kugani, seeing you armed, they each pull weapons out of their clothes, blunt instruments, seems they want to take you alive.

You’re facing 4 attackers in an alley. What do you do?

>Attack with knives
>Flee
>Use spell (what?)
>Scream for help
>Other

>>34364632
That was not an obvious outcome or anything.

>Cast Darkness in the alley

>>34364632
Tell them you just want to talk. You want to go with them, but not bound and alone.

If they still try to harm her,
>Invisibility
>Detect Thoughts
and exit stage left. Try to take a piece of hair or clothing so they can be scried for more easily.

Hmm, I must say, OP, the new scene are looking much better than before. Glad you took the feedback to heart.

As an aside we should make a magic item with detect scrying on it at the earliest convenience.

>>34364632
Animate rope and use it to tie their ankles together. Then you can run away.

Vote tied, die rolled

You cast your darkness spell in the alley, although you cannot see, neither can they, and you’ll be able to flee.

It seems they are able to see somewhat in the darkness, you hear the four of them rush to attack you, you manage to avoid all of their attacks but one, a club that slams into your side, its like being hit by an ogre (HP 9/19). You gasp in pain, feels like they broke some of your ribs with that shot.

>Attack with knives
>Flee
>Use spell (what?)
>Scream for help
>Try to talk
>Drop Darkness spell
>Other

>>34364632
For next time this happens we need some communication device. This would be so much easier if Jianxi could mentally notify the others and they all teleported in 10 seconds later.

Kind of slow today. Anyone know what happened to Mathrian?

>>34364762
Invisibility and abscond. Some quip to the effect of "Why can't you just contact me normally?" might be appropriate.

>>34364762
Animate rope and use it to tie their ankles together. Then you can run away
And shout "THIEF!"

>>34364762
>Mislead and invisibility
>Once we are sure they can't see us Detect thoughts

>>34364762
>Use Spell (Invisibility)
>Flee

>>34364762
>Whispering Wind
>Contact Sireyi

You decide to go invisible and get some distance, even unseen they still manage to follow you and keep up the attack. You barely get to the edge of the darkness before another blow hits you in the back like a hammer, throwing you forwards, onto your hands and knees (HP 1/19).

Everything is starting to look blurry “Help” you say weakly “Thief” with the wind knocked out of you, no one seems to hear you. “Anyone” you gasp “Sireyi, Isla, Matthias?”

You’re having trouble focusing. Feels...like...a...spell...making...it...hard...to...think...

>Attack with knives
>Flee
>Use spell (what?)
>Try to talk
>Drop Darkness spell
>Other

>>34364858
>Shadow Walk

>>34364858
>Whispering Wind
Try to send a message to Sireyi.
We're under an open sky, right?

>>34364858
Whispering Wind to Sireyi.
"Help. Under attack."

Really, people. If they can see through darkness, they can probably see through invisibility.

>>34364858
>Whispering Wind
>Call Sireyi

Well done waiting for them to find us unprepared, really genious guys.

>>34364908
>>Whispering Wind
And again I should have read the character sheet. This should have been our first choice, really. What's a teleporting friend for if we don't call her when we're in trouble?

ok, roll 1d20+4 to cast Whispering Wind (Hard)

And vote on extra arcane energy used, average of 3 votes used

Rolled 8 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>34364922
roluing

Rolled 16 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>34364908
To be fair, we couldn't expect that they would actually split up waiting for a sect of secret police to find them. Thats kinda retarded.

>>34364922
All of it

Rolled 9 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>34364922
Given that she's knocked out afterwards, let's use most or all.

>Success

You cast your spell, or you think you do, mumbling for Sireyi to come and help you, trying to describe where you are in town.

You black out.

You are Sireyi, you’ve just finished bathing Ebonsong with Isla’s help whilst Matthias and Shahulzer enjoy some *man time* without any women around.

“Sireyi” a voice whispers in your ear “help, down by the shops, yellow building, masks.”

You recognise Jianxi’s voice in the spell, and you think you know where she is – the yellow building with the mask seller was somewhere you went 2 days ago.

Sounds like she’s in trouble. You could go with your allies, leave them behind, or you could go on ahead whilst they catch up.

You can move very fast when you need to, but flying whilst carrying people does slow you down a little.

>Fly whilst carrying 2 people (who?)
>We’ll all go together
>Sireyi goes alone, everyone else stays
>Sireyi goes alone, everyone else follows
>Other

>>34365027
>We’ll all go together
>Teleport all of them there

>>34365027
>Telport yourself, have Isla catch the two guys and follow. No time to wait for fetching them, we must react instantly.

>>34365027
Time is a good point, changing >>34365057
to
>Teleport alone there

>>34365027
Teleport there. If it's more than Sireyi can handle, Jianxi will have trouble holding out long enough to gather everyone and teleporting her out would be the best choice. If Sireyi can handle it alone, going alone is best.

>>34365027
Ok the one person we really need is Matthias. He can sniff out the assailants.

So Sireyi and Matthias go first. Shah, Isla and Ebonsong stays behind.

>>34365094
But geting Matthias takes time because he isn't around us right now.

>>34365094
What do you mean by sniffing out the assailants? From what Sireyi knows they are right there in front of Jianxi. And from what we know they are right there, carrying Jianxi.

You teleport alone to the mask shop by the yellow building, speed is of the essence. Looking around you don’t see Jianxi, you fly up, hoping to catch a glimpse of her.

There!

In an alley two Kugani are holding and unconscious Jianxi upright between them whilst two more stand nearby, they appear to be casting some sort of spell.

Actions?

>Dive down, grab Jianxi
>Cast spell (what?)
>Attack with Halberd
>Attack with Power (which?)
>Other

>>34365102
>>34365112
I'm assuming that by the time we get there, Jianxi will have been kidnapped. We are not dealing with amateurs here. they know how to transport a unconscious body quickly

>>34365127
>Dispell magic to counter their spell


Does dimensioal anchor prevent teleport ? I always mix those up

>>34365151
>Does dimensioal anchor prevent teleport ?

Yes

>>34365127
Fly there fast, barreling into the Kugani. We are tough and extremely fast. That should throw them away, harm them and interrupt the spell.

>>34365127
>>34365151
Ok then Dimensional Anchor on Jianxi

>>34365127
Lightning bolt the spell casters

>>34365167
>>34365170

Not as fast as they can talk come on people, prevent the obvious teleport.

>>34365127
>Dimensional Anchor on Jianxi

>>34365169
Dimensional Anchor is not an instant-cast combat spell. It assume it would be faster to use our sprinting speed of 500 mph.

>>34365194
We need to actually start gaining speed, and it has no guarantee of actually throwing of the spell if his cncnetration is high enough.

>>34365194
If they cast fast enough we don't get anything in edgewise, then we don't get there fast enough either, but if possible
>>34365127
Move to Jianxi while casting

Seems like a tie between lightning bolt and dimensional anchor (Jianxi), I rolled a die, DA won.

Please roll 1d20+4 to see if you cast your spell before they do.

Rolled 14 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>34365262
Wat ? One person voted for lightning bolt, or did I overlook someone ?

Rolled 1 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>34365262
At least we can scry and teleport after them if it fails.

>>34365262
Afterwards we should putresiliant sphere on Jianxi

Rolled 17 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>34365262
Actually forgot to roll.

>Success

You dive down towards them, casting your spell, its energies wrap around Jianxi even as her attackers finishing casting their spell.

The four of them disappear, leaving Jianxi behind. You catch her just before she hits the floor, she’s in a bad way. You pour healing magic into her, she has multiple broken ribs and part of her spine is cracked. You wipe away the injuries, making her good as new, but she doesn’t wake up.

Her attackers are gone, so you make your way back to the inn, there Isla confirms what you already suspect – her sleep is magical. You manage to dispel it and Jianxi jerks awake.

“What happened?” she asks

“I don’t know” you say “I was hoping you could tell me, I got your message and came as soon as I could.”

Jianxi explains events as she remembers them

“...and then I woke up here” she says “Thanks Sireyi, y’know, for everything.”

“My pleasure” you say.

“I guess no more shopping trips on my own, huh?” she says sheepishly

“Definitely not” you agree, but you wonder what to do now....

>Keep waiting, they can try peaceful contact, or you’ll catch some of them on the next attempt
>Go to the authorities
>Leave the enclave, enter Kugan
>You’ve seen her attackers, though briefly, try to scry them
>Other

>>34365420
>You’ve seen her attackers, though briefly, try to scry them

>>34365420
>You’ve seen her attackers, though briefly, try to scry them

>>34365420
Actually, baiting them into attacking Jianxi would be a good idea, if the others knew about it, would occasionally scry on her and would be ready to teleport to her as soon as she uses the whisped, which she would use as soon as they appear.

>>34365420
>>You’ve seen her attackers, though briefly, try to scry them
Also that.

>>34365455
Better have Seiryi be nearby in disguise.

Ok, roll 1d20+13 to scry, and pick extra arcane energy used, average of 3 votes used

Rolled 18 + 13 (1d20 + 13)

>>34365480
30

Rolled 4 + 13 (1d20 + 13)

>>34365480
18

Rolled 9 + 13 (1d20 + 13)

>>34365480

30

Casting your scrying spell you try to seek out Jianxi’s attackers. Your brief view of them makes them difficult to find.

You find their general location, about 500 miles away from the enclave, in a mountainous region. Whenever you try to get a closer look, the spell fails.
It seems the area is warded against scrying somehow, all you can tell is the general location, and that there in a remote village, with a population of maybe a few thousand.

>Go to the authorities
>Leave the enclave, travel to the village
>Teleport to the village, or nearby
>Use Jianxi as bait to draw them out
>Other

>>34365617
>Go to the authorities
Letsw not become outlaws instantly. Would be a bad example for our Hellwyrm.

>>34365617
Can we get Matthias to get their scent?

>>34365617
Aren't those secret police guys part of the law? I'd assume going to the authorities might not be productive.

We wanted to meet them, let's do that
>Teleport to the vicinity of the village.

>>34365617
>Teleport nearby the village

>>34365639
They were probably Snakefist Ries, either under the effects of a disguise spell or just commoner minions.
Telling the authorities would either do nothing or let them know that we know where they live, if they don't already know.

>>34365643
They teleported, namefag.
Teleportation doesn't leave a scent trail for him to follow.
They probably teleported into the enclave as well, if their base is 500 miles away.

>>34365706
Awesome. Take a Hellwyrm with you to show how cooperation and following rules is better than right of might.
Go to a different country and circumvent all their laws and don'T even try to cooperate and just force your way through because you can beat them up. You guys are utter geniuses.

>>34365617
>Go to the authorities
Lets not become a hypocrite right of the ship, yes ?

>>34365739
Being a sarcastic faggot isn't a persuasive argument and that's not how you lawful good.
What makes you assume that we're going to use violence, anyway?

>>34365775
We are already breaking their laws without even trying to appeal to proper authority. Thats bad, and certainly not Lawful Good.
Ignoring the law because it might be inconvinient is not what a lawful good character does.

>>34365724
What I am thinking is that they will come back. If Matt has their scent he can give us advance warning that they are close.

>>34365807
No reason to think the exact same guys would be sent again.

Another even split on the vote, please re-vote and roll 1d20, highest total from those votes will be used.

Options now reduced to
>Go to authorities
>Teleport to village

>>34365848
>Go to authorities

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>34365848
>Go to authorities

>>34365848
I'll change my vote (>>34365724) to going to the law on the condition that we don't tell them about us knowing where the Snakefist's secret base is.

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>34365848
>Go to authorities


This kind of thing is exactly why I didn't want to take him with us.

>>34365795
You mean the law against walking around? There are limits to civil obedience, and we are proposing the general system is useful, not that each law and each government is good and should be followed. It's a good point though, we should explain the difference to our charge.

Could we just teleport a scroll there?

>>34365848
Going to the authorities can be done first. Let's try to get a permit to leave the trade route.

>>34365848
>Go to authorities

>>34365892
Seiryi does not get to decide another countries laws. She isn't even a citizen of this country. And if they don't want foreigners in it, its their good right. Its their goddamn country.

Authorities it is, writing

>>34365915
>Seiryi does not get to decide another countries laws.
What part of my post are you referring to. Asking for permission to travel somewhere is in no way deciding another countries laws.

>>34365915
The problem is more that the Ries are above their own laws, so if it was Snakefists then the authorities won't do a goddamn thing.

Still, we can try as long as we don't give everything we know away, which is why I changed my vote.

>>34365958
>There are limits to civil obedience
You said we don't nbeed to follow every law because they might be bad. That implies Seiryi gets to decide which laws are to be followed and which not.
And that just isn't the case. Its one thing to topple a law thats oppressiv or absuive sure, because we are a Paladin first. But strict border control is not a terrible law, its this nations good right. If they don't want others to leave this enclave, then we don't get to leave it. Its a perfectly reasonable law to make. No on has the right to enter someone elses land.

You decide to go to the authorities.

You, Jianxi, and your allies go to the local guard house to say that Jianxi was attacked, although you describe her attackers, you don’t name them as Snakefists, or minions of the Snakefist Ries.

The guard officer writes down what you say and says he’ll look into it, but with the attackers disappearing so soon, he doesn’t hold out much hope. He also makes a note of the inn you are staying at.

You enquire about the possibility of a permit to leave the enclave but he tells you that the only non-Kugani allowed into Kugan are diplomats and representatives of foreign nations – and even most of those prefer to stay in the enclave.

Seems like going to the authorities was a bit of a dead end.

>Contact Dornmer, try to get diplomat credentials (via Dream spell with Sofia etc)
>Leave the enclave, travel to the village
>Teleport to the village, or nearby
>Use Jianxi as bait to draw them out
>Other

>>34366051
>Contact Dornmer, try to get diplomat credentials (via Dream spell with Sofia etc)

>>34365915

For one, trying to abduct someone in broad daylight is hardly fine by any standards, another country or not.
Furthermore, showing that sometimes the law and the authorities can be simply wrong is also an important part of getting accustomed to civilization.
Also laws of one country and objective morality don't need to always overlap either.

>>34366051
Can Baronies have diplomats? Is a baroness a representative of a nation?

>>34366051
>Contact Dornmer, try to get diplomat credentials >Contact Sofia and then our High-Priestess via dream spells
Looks like there is a proper way to do this too. We are both a Paladin and a Baron, we got double the diplomatic credence.

>>34366051
>Contact Dornmer, try to get diplomat credentials (via Dream spell with Sofia etc)

>>34366078
Sorry, should have been more clear.

You'll contact Sofia to ask the king to arrange diplomat credential for you

>>34366051
>Contact Dornmer, try to get diplomat credentials (via Dream spell with Sofia etc)

>>34366071
Those two things aren't related at all.
Just because citizens of this nation, who may or may not be part of the authorities, have commited a crime against us, does not allow us to ignore another law.
Yes, sometimes a law is not right by Seiryis standards. This restriction to the enclave is not such a case, its just inconvenient for us. Its not a law thats in just and therefore something we would need to change.

>>34366071
>sometimes the law and the authorities can be simply wrong
Yes they can, but you can't just say "this law is wrong because it keeps me from doing something I want". Restricting people foreigners to a enclave is not a oppressive law that would violate our morality or ethics. Keeping people in would be, but they have the good right to keep people out.

>>34366051

Well, we could still reveal Jianxi as Kugani. But then again, if she was on the run, that might be a death warrant for her. Maybe we should have stopped by the mercenary general again... well, no point in dwelling on it now.

>Contact Dornmer, try to get diplomatic credentials.

Do they have an embassy here? How will we get the credentials to us, by teleport? Or waiting for a ship? What about other organizations that could help, like a wizards' guild or something? Or some other influential faction we could bargain with?

>>34366194
We could just telport to Dornmer and back with Ride the Storm.

Considering that we want to reunite Jianxi with her people, we should play as nice as pssible with the snakefists and the local authorities. That vastly improves her chances.

That night you contact Sofia via dream spell. She and the refugees are halfway to the barony and you spend some time chatting with her, ensuring that everyone is ok, Viviken has a cold, but nothing serious.

You explain your situation to Sofia and she promises to send a message via courier to the King of Dornmer to ask for you to be granted diplomat status, though this could take a few days.

You suppose you can fort up for a few days and wait.

The next morning you wake up before dawn as your door is smashed in and 4 guards rush into your bedchamber, swords bared.

Ebonsong is up in an instant, snarling at them.

“Sireyi Valyenya” one barks at you “you’re under arrest for murder!”

You can hear similar shouts nearby, it seems you and your companions are all under arrest.

>Go quietly, sort it out at the station
>Resist Arrest (how?)
>Cast Telepathic Bond to contact allies
>Ride the Lightning away
>Other (what)

Casting a spell could be interpreted as an aggressive action.
Your allies are in different rooms, but you can call out to them (They will do what you do quietly/resist) unless you tell them otherwise.
You’re wearing your nightclothes, but your halberd is nearby.
You’re inside a wooden building, using Ride the Lightning would be difficult, but not impossible

>>34366117
>>34366154

Oh I agree that we shouldn't be wantonly breaking laws left and right when they prove inconvenient.

>They have good right to keep people out.
That's arguable and depends on what purpose and with what mandate the state pursues.

>>34366302
>>Go quietly, sort it out at the station
>Demand to be allowed to cloth yourself.

>>34366321
>That's arguable and depends on what purpose and with what mandate the state pursues.
No it doesn't and isn't, its their frikkin land. If I don't want someone in my house, I don't have to let him in. Neither does a country have to let people in, as long as it doesn't prevent them from leaving without very good reason.

>>34366302

I bet it's the corrupt inspector who got croaked.

>"Do not be afraid. I do not wish to fight. What am I accused of exactly?"
>Go peacefully

>>34366321
>That's arguable
Thats not aruable at all. If a country doesn't want foreigners entering it. Thats it. They have no obligation to let others in.

>>34366345

A country is not a house. And even a house is fine for a stranger to break into if there's a rape dungeon inside.

>>34366302
>Go quietly, sort it out at the station
I agree with demanding that we be allowed to put on our clothing first.

>>34366302
>Go quietly, sort it out at the station

>>34366369

Oh dear. We should maybe commit a sudoku for all the mess we caused to Drache.

>>34366375
That argument makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.
A rape dungeon does not keep people out. Everything else is utterly meaningless. The rape dungeon is something we can take issue with, not the law to keep people out.

>>34366417
Draches laws were not overzealous border controll.
Some laws violate Seiryis personal and divine moral code, and as a Paladin she can fight those.
This is not such a case. If there are laws here, that similar to Drache oppress people or exploit them, those we can work against. This is not one.

>>34366459

All I'm saying is that "right to keep other people out" is not some sort of untouchable holy cow a country deserves to have respected no matter what, just because.

>>34366459
>A rape dungeon doesn't keep people out
The rape dungeon was a metaphor for oppression and violations of human or civil right; the house was the metaphor for the law to keep people out.

>>34366508
Yes it is.
That law is perfectly fine and good, irregardless of the country having laws that aren't fine.
Its as much aholy cow as any other non-abusive law.

>>34366536
>The rape dungeon was a metaphor for oppression and violations of human or civil right
Which has nothing to do with the law of restricting entry. Even if that law is meant to conceal some opression or whatever, that doesn't make the law invalid as a sensible law.
If you "break into" a country, you have pretty much stopped giving a shit about its legal authority altogether, so which laws are sensible or not doesn't matter anymore.

>>34366302
We could go full holy glory and demand to speak with their superiors.

>>34366508
>>34366536
I'm not even those anons, but, what the hell are you talking about ?
The issue was about laws about entry. If the country were horribly abusive, people could just, y'know, leave ?

You take a first grip on Ebonsong, to avoid any misunderstandings and then say loudly and clearly “I’ll come with you quietly, may I get dressed?”

The guard nods, but at least two of them keep watch as you dress yourself. Your companions likewise surrender.

You are taken to a large stone building with thick walls and bars, all of your weapons, and anything magical is taken away from you. This is not the guardhouse you visited earlier.

You are put into separate cells, the floors, ceiling and bars have magical symbols on them.

In this wing of the prison, or wherever it is you are, there is just you 5 (6 if you include Ebonsong), you can see one another, but the cells are separate. Ebonsong is stuffed roughly into a dog cage, and put in your cell.

“Well” says Shahulzer “This feels familiar.”

After a time, you are escorted from your cell to another room warded against magic, 4 guards are in the room, two are sat at a table, and two lean against the wall, as you are escorted in and offered a seat, the two standing guards take up position behind you.

There’s a bright lantern in this room.

One wall of the room has several dark patches on it, with your eyesight you can pick out movement through the spyholes in the wall.

“So” says one of the seated guards, after introducing himself as sergeant Halls “We didn’t move fast enough for ya, thought you’d take the law into your own hands, eh?”

“What’s this about” you say “murder? I didn’t kill anyone.”

“We’ve got several witnesses” he says, stabbing a finger at you “That late last night saw you killing Gong Wan – a dockworker who matches the description you gave in your report of an assault yesterday, what was it, drug deal that went wrong? You think you can just kill anyone you don’t like eh? Why’d you kill him?”

>Claim innocence
>What proof do you have
>This is a set-up, say nothing
>I want a legal representative
>Other

>>34366631
>What proof do you have
>How was the man killed ?
Are legal represantives a thing in this setting ?

>>34366631
>Claim innocence
>What proof do you have
>And don't say witnesses, illusory magic is incredibly easy to come across.

>>34366631
>Claim innocence
>What proof do you have
>I want a legal representative

>>34366544

>the law is perfectly fine
That depends on whether the society of country in question is fine with it (presumably it is)
>and good
That depends on whether the law is designed to protect the citizens and the society from external threats, or for instance power their rulers have over them.
>irregardless
kek okay
>it's as much a holy cow as any other non-abusive law
so not at all. It should be respected as long as our duty, for example, doesn't compel us to break it. Good we're on the same page.

By the way, I was in favour of going to authorities.

>>34366659
>Are legal represantives a thing in this setting ?

They are in Dornmer where you grew up, are they in Kugan? You don't know

>>34366622

Cave, shadows, etc. Keeping information from getting in can be as bad as keeping people from getting out.

>>34366631
>This is a set up
>Other
"I'm just trying to get in contact with the snakefist clan."

>>34366631
You claim I committed a murder in cold blood, yet I I am still a paladin of Velya. How do you explain that?

>>34366631
>>Claim innocence
>>What proof do you have
>I am a Paladin, I am sure you had enough contact with the outside world to understand that if I would have murdered someone, I would not be anymore.

>>34366631

>Claim innocence
>Provide alibi
>Request legal aid (we don't know their laws)

“I’m innocent” say “What proof do you have that I killed this person?”

“Three” he says, holding up three fingers “witnesses saw you walk up to Wan and burn a hole in his chest with a lightning bolt, are you going to claim you can’t do that? Because we’ve got a body in the morgue that proves otherwise”

“Lots of wizards or sorcerers can cast lightning spells” you say “And illusion spells, what proof do you have it was me?”

“You asked about someone matching his description” he says “and hours later, he’s dead! Sounds pretty clear to me.”

“I want a legal advisor” you say “No court would convict me on such evidence, and I am a Paladin, if I murdered someone in cold blood, I wouldn’t be much longer.”

He snorts “Paladins, foreign garbage, still, I suppose an advocate must be summoned. Back to your cell with you.”

The two guards behind you grip your shoulders firmly.

>Go back to your cell
>Remain, I want to ask questions (what?)

And please roll Fellowship, 1d20+9

Rolled 15 + 9 (1d20 + 9)

>>34366872

Rolled 16 + 9 (1d20 + 9)

probably got the dice wrong

Rolled 13 + 9 (1d20 + 9)

>>34366872

>If it helps, I was trying to learn more about Snakefist clan before my friend got ambushed.

>>34366872
"You mean your country(kingdom?) does not have paladins?"