The seal appears to be the true seal of House Wendmore, and a magical examination of the letter reveals no magic you can detect.

Letters are delivered either by courier (expensive) or by merchants who happen to be travelling in that direction.

This letter implies that previous letters were sent, your scribe tells you that this is the first letter from House Wendmore he’s aware of, and that it was collected from the local merchants guild along with the rest of the post.

>Ask Jianxi or Jal to check, might be forged
>Write a letter back
>Talk to Merchants Guild
>Talk to Isla about this
>Other

Please pick only 1 option, this about what you do first, you can work down the list of options after that.

[Metaquest post]

I am reviewing to peoples criticism of the Redeeming Touch power and I am considering what changes can be made to avoid arguments in future.

To help me better develop some of the characters I’m considering having a scene or two where you play from their point of view, similar to how you got to be Jal last thread.

Let me know if you think that’s a bad idea.

[End Metaquest post]

>>34766865
>Ask Jianxi or Jal to check, might be forged
>Talk to Isla about this

>>34766865
>Talk to Isla about this
Looks like someone hasn't been honest with us.

>>34766865
>Talk to Isla about this

>>34766865
>Talk to Isla about this

inb4 FUCK YEAH PALADIN OF JOY QUEST guy

>>34766865
>Talk to Isla about this

>>34766865
>Redeeming Touch
My only issue is that the effect seems too permanent. It shouldn't really change who they are but still have a profound effect for the moment. Where they go from there is entirely a matter of their own choices. Eyes opened, but still dealing with their various issues. Without support a person is likely to fall into their old ways, maybe feeling more guilty about it.

Been reading a while but I haven't archive binged yet though, so maybe I'm missing something?

You find Jal first, who examines the letter and says that if it’s a forgery then it’s a poor one: the penmanship is not that of a professional scribe but that of an amateur – the letter appears to have been written in haste or anger.

Most nobles dictate such letters to scribes, rather than writing them personally, this letter looks like a very upset Sir Wendmore wrote it himself.

You find Isla playing with Ebonsong in the gardens, calling her away from the game you show her the letter.

A number of emotions chase across Isla’s face: fear, anger, sadness and finally resignation.

“Yeah” she says “my family has been writing to me, then they started writing to you. I opened the first one to you because I saw the seal before I saw who it was to. After what it said, I decided to intercept the rest, too.”

>You could have told me, I could have helped
>Express Disapproval/Disappointment
>Express Anger
>I forgive you
>How long has this been going on?
>What did the letters say?
>Other

>>34766865
PoV switches can be a good idea if done rarely, and there is a solid reason for the switch. Like Seiryis inactivity in the one with Jal.

As for Redeeming Touch.
I, personally, dislike effortless redemption magic that has no downsides. It cheapens for me the concept of redemption by making offering someone this choice the easy and convenient thing to do, which in my eyes it should not be. For thematic reasons. Redemption both achieving it and making someone seek it, should be hard.

But thats my personal taste, others might like the right thing being the easy thing.
It should really depend on if you think Redemption should be so cheap or not.

>>34766988
>You could have told me, I could have helped
>Express Disapproval/Disappointment
>I forgive you
>How long has this been going on?
>What did the letters say?

>>34766988
>You could have told me, I could have helped
>Express Disapproval/Disappointment
>I forgive you
>How long has this been going on?
>What did the letters say?

>>34766988
>You could have told me, I could have helped
>Express Disapproval/Disappointment
>I forgive you
>How long has this been going on?
>What did the letters say?
>>34766865
>[Metaquest Post]
I seem to have differing opinions regarding the Redeeming Touch power than some of the newer players.

From my time playing, I have come to the conclusion that this setting is a world where true good and evil are real and powerful things. Additionally, we are very much playing a character who is driven by fate and there is a massive likelihood to succeed in her endeavors. Also, despite having moments of drama and tension the game is ultimately more lighthearted slice of life orientated than it is edgy or "realistic" in terms of limitations and consequences.

And from the beginning this is how the setting has been played and portrayed, at least in my opinion.


As a result of how the setting works and how Sireyi has been played and the information about her given to us by the QM. I prefer that Redeeming Touch remain as is.

If we were in a gritty, more realistic setting then I would have actually prefer Redeeming Touch to have significant drawbacks and a hefty price. However I feel that in the current setting the current way of doing so fits perfectly.

>>34767029
>than some of the newer players
I have been here since the first thread, don't make shitflinging out of this by indirectly calling people with a different opinion a newfag. Its not conducive to a constructive argument.

>>34767048
Fair point, though frankly I called out the newfags as they have been significantly more dickish about their opinions on this and other matters. Their newness evidenced by their lack of knowledge on past uses of the power and knowledge of previous discussions.

“Isla” you say “you could have told me, I would have helped you.”

“I just...I wanted to solve this myself” she says

“And how’s that going?” you ask

“Not well” she admits

“How long have you been intercepting these letters?” you ask

“I dunno” she looks down and shrugs “A year maybe?”

“I can’t say I’m not disappointed in you, I thought we were friends” you say, causing her shoulders to slump lower.

“What did the letters say?” you ask “Maybe we can sort this out.”

“The first ones where requests for me to come home to marry Baron Sertig” says Isla “Then demands and orders. The letter to you was a request to send me home – restraining me if necessary.”

“The rest” she says “Kept demanding you do so, or at least answer, so I...”

“So you...” you prompt

“So I borrowed your seal” says Isla miserably “And started trying to find ways to put them off: only with the celebrations, I forgot to check the post.”

“Oh Isla” you say, taking her by the shoulders “I forgive you, but don’t ever do anything like that again, let me help you. You’ve said I’m your friend: Let me be your friend.”

She nods mutely, tears in her eyes and you hug her.

A few minutes later she asks “What do we do now?”

>Tell me more about the marriage contract
>I’ll write to your family and explain
>We’ll visit your family
>We’ll visit Baron Sertig
>Other

>>34767133
>Tell me more about the marriage contract
>I’ll write to your family and explain

>>34767133
>Tell me more about the marriage contract
>I’ll write to your family and explain

>>34767133
>Tell me more about the marriage contract
>I’ll write to your family and explain

>>34767029
It's not just the newer players that have a differing opinion to your own, Mathrian.

>>34766865
I don't particularly want Redeeming Touch to become so unwieldy as to make it weak compared to the amount of XP it costs, but I share the concerns of it being too cheap and easy.

It's more satisfying to redeem someone through roleplay and character evolution, as with Shahulzer, and I feel that having a power that is, more or less, a redemption button cheapens it by quite a bit.

The only change I can think of (for now) which might help with the issue of it being the 'right answer' in most situations is altering how the DCs work.

Targets experience more effect from Redeeming Touch and have a lower DC if they've committed more evil, but the DC becomes higher if they possess a strong will or wouldn't truly regret their actions simply by re-living them with forced empathy, as in the case of the red dragon.

Essentially, using RT on Johann and the Red Dragon would possess a similar DC due to one being not-so evil and weak-willed, but the other being extremely evil but strong-willed and unlikely to truly regret harming humans.

Possibly also raise or lower the DC based on the subjectivity of their actions and whether they felt (and possibly still feel) 'justified' in doing them, like with Jianxi's uncle.

This works in the other direction as well; if we can, through roleplay, have a character regret their actions, then the DC would be drastically lowered.

And of course, make it so that's the power is less "it works and they're redeemed forever" and more "it works and they wish to try and redeem themselves, but still have the issues which would've made them 'evil' in the first place".

Anyone have any opinions on this suggestion?

>>34767133
>Tell me more about the marriage contract
Also, if a party in a marrage contract refuses to perform said contract it probably is a crime, which the church of Veyla can grant sanctuary from.

“What can you tell me about the marriage contract?” you ask

Isla shrugs “Not much, I was supposed to marry him by the age of 17 – changed to 19 when I starting studying to become a wizard. My parents promised to pay the fee to break the contract if I became a master mage: in hindsight I realise that was a trick, most wizards who get that title do so after the age of 30.”

“What was the fee?” you ask

Isla looks thoughtful “I think it was originally 100,000 gold, but since I was supposed to get married 2 years ago, I think it’ll be maybe double that.”

You choke a little on that “That high?” you say faintly “Ten times what most fees are to break a marriage contract?”

Isla nods “Oh yes: my family isn’t wealthy and Sertig paid my bride-price up front, the fee includes that.”

“Still” you say “That’s a huge bride price”

“Well” she says considering how to say the next part “Sertigs cousins have hired a number of assassins: most families don’t want to send their daughters into a death-trap.”

“But not yours?” you say

“I think my father thought if I was a wizard, I’d be able to defend myself” says Isla with a shrug.

You write a letter explaining what has happened, and inviting Sir Gareth Wendmore to discuss in person, or by letter to help you resolve the issue.

The return letter is abrupt.

Baroness Sireyi Valyenya
House Dalvin,

Your story has changed so many times I find it hard to keep track, I will give you one final chance: Return Isla to me, or I shall go to the King and tell him you have kidnapped her!

Respectfully yours,
Sir Gareth Wendmore
House Wendmore

How do you respond?
>Do nothing
>Another letter
>Go to the King yourself
>Go visit the Wendmore estate in person
>Other

>>34767281
>Go to the King yourself

>>34767265
>Anyone have any opinions on this suggestion?
My main problem is that this part:
>when it is over they know that they can make a choice: either continue down the path they are on, or try to make up for all the evil they have done.

never seems to come up when using the power. People could simply choose to not seek redemption, even if the power works, yet, that apparently doesn't happen and somehow the impression exists that the power itself automatically redeems people instead of offering the possibility of redemption.

>>34767281
>Go visit the Wendmore estate in person
can we have a reference on >>34767269

>>34767269
>if a party in a marrage contract
Isla is sadly not party to the contract, her parents are. She is the subject of the contract.

>>34767337
And her refusal to go along is probably illegal.

>>34767345
We'll be pretty much making a society vs. religious doctrine issue out of this.

>>34767281
>Go to the King yourself


>>34767265
>It's not just the newer players that have a differing opinion to your own, Mathrian.

I'm quite aware of that, and it was not my intent to imply as much. Just saying, the torrent of aggressive bitching doesn't feel like the people I've been playing with from the beginning. You and most of the others who've been here from the beginning tend to favor reasoned discussion and debate. Which I much prefer.


As far as your suggestions... I'd never say no to more roleplay, but I feel that the power suits the absolutes of good and evil that exist in setting. That doesn't mean that the character interactions can't be more complex about it. As long as the basic premise of the power remains that is...

>>34767323
Refusing to fulfill the terms of a contract is a crime under the kings law.

However, most marriage contracts include escape clauses that allow either side to break the contract by paying an agreed-upon fee, Isla's marriage contract includes such a clause.

If Isla didn't marry Baron Sertig then her father would be committing a crime if he didn't pay Sertig the agreed fee.

His letter was trying to shift blame to Isla.

The Church of Velya reserves the right to grant sanctuary to anyone they choose: whether they've committed a crime is not a factor.

Too bad we're a goodie two shoes, the easy answer is to off the would be groom.

>>34767402
Assasinating is a lot harder than to just keep ignoring them, fundamentally there isn't anything the would be groom could do about it.

>>34767402
Remember his family also hires quite a few assassins. Too much potential dangers, we do have children now keep that in mind.

King it is, writing.

You decide to go and visit the king yourself, with Isla in tow. As the crown is granting you a sizeable annual subsidy the King is more than willing to see you, and you only need to wait a few days to get an audience with his Majesty.

After a detailed discussion of the status of your realm, the discussion turns to other matters.

“I must admit” says the King “Forging alliances with so many disparate groups is impressive, you’ve brought your realm a long way in a very short time Baroness, I am impressed.”

“But you could have discussed this with my clerks” he notes “You have something else to discuss?”

The three of you are in a private audience chamber, other than you only the kings guards and personal mages are present.

“I do your Majesty” you say, and you outline Isla’s situation, and Sir Wendmores threat.

The King nods “Yes I can see you’ve not kidnapped her, so my clerks will simply give Sir Wendmore a polite refusal, however...”

He pauses then speaks “However, unless the marriage contract was made under duress, or is otherwise illegal then I cannot interfere: Isla Wendmore must either marry Baron Sertig; or someone must pay him the fee to break the contract; or you must convince him to allow Isla’s family to break the contract without such a heavy burden.”

>Ask question (what?)
>Go visit Isla’s family (ends audience)
>Go visit Baron Sertig (ends audience)
>Other

>>34767315
>somehow the impression exists that the power itself automatically redeems people
Because it does. The "offering choice" is, strangely, what the DC is for. Together with he possibility to increase chance of repenting with DE expenditure, kind of makes the power a bit too much like something found in the BoED for my taste.

I think, either making the success hidden, or removing the "flooding with positive energy" part, could help. It should be a chance, not a compulsion.
But I agree with AA, that the power shouldn't be useless, and the second option risks that becoming the case.

>>34767468
>Go visit Isla’s family (ends audience)

>>34767315
That is already present in some capacity as the heightened DC from targets who felt justified in their actions and the fact that some people, post-redemption, may slip back into their old ways without aid.

As it is, I believe the 'rejection of redemption' part is supposed to be represented by Sireyi failing to beat the DC, which under the alterations would increase when someone still feels justified in their actions, the main reason I can think of to reject a chance at redemption.

Seeing one's life through a new point of view as a result of Redeeming Touch being successful and ignoring that without even trying to pursue redemption seems fairly unlikely to me.

>>34767374
The primary purpose of my alterations would be to change the power itself as little as possible, while still discouraging it from being used as an instant redemption button.

If most instances of it's usage are preceded by a moderately difficult fight, we won't have enough DE/AE to overcharge it into beating an extremely high DC, thereby encouraging us to persuade the target of the power that their actions were wrong.

Post-redemption, we would likely need to keep them around for a time to help them pursue their redemption, ensuring that the power still serves it's purpose while not being a 'fire-and-forget' type of thing as it is now.

>>34767468
>Go visit Isla’s family (ends audience)

>>34767468
>Go visit Isla’s family (ends audience)

You thank the King for his time and say your goodbyes, deciding to speak to Isla’s family yourself.

You and Isla teleport to a short way away from the Wendmore estates. You see a very large personal estate with an imposing, if poorly-repaired wall.

You recall that House Wendmore was once one of the most powerful families in the Kingdom...300 years ago, but that its power (and wealth) has been in decline for a long time.

As the two of you walk up the road to the palace-sized manor house you can see that this place has seen better days: the ornate stone-work is chipped, iron railings and gates look solid but rusted in places and the big wooden doors show signs of rot.

An elderly servant answers the door when you knock.

“Yes?” he says, drawing the word out, and then sees Isla “I shall inform his lordship you have arrived young lady, shall I prepare your rooms?”

“Ah no” says Isla somewhat shamefaced “That won’t be necessary Wilson, I won’t be staying long.”

“As you wish young lady” says Wilson, opening the door wide enough for you to enter. “If the young lady and guest would like to follow me to the Dark Blue Room.”

He shows you to a waiting room with blue painted walls and then leaves, without asking you if you wanted any refreshments.

A few minutes later you hear loud stamping of someone approaching in a hurry, and the door slams open.

There’s a large man in fine, if faded, clothing. He’s a little over 6ft tall, bulky with the look of a heavily muscled man slowly putting on fat as he approaches middle-age.

He has a large beard and both his hair and his beard are black with some grey hairs showing.

“ISLA!” he yells “What in the HELLS do you think you are doing, girl?”

He ignores you, and stamps over to Isla, who looks white faced, and who flinches, bracing herself when he raises a hand to slap her.

The blow never lands as your polite cough distracts him.

“Sir Wendmore I presume?” you ask

“Who the blazes are you?” he demands

>Introduction
>Just a friend (no introduction)
>About this marriage
>Don’t hit Isla
>Other

>>34767610
>Introduction

>>34767610
>Introduction

>>34767501
Thinking this through a bit more. I think my main problem is the additional DE increasing the chance of them repenting, because of the implications that has, which also lead it to being the insta-redemption button.
How does additional energy invested make the repenting more likely ? It kind of implies that the DE actually influences their mind to make them more likely to repent, in which case the DC of redeeming touch would be less them making a choice between good and evil, and would become more them trying to fend of our holy mindrape.
Now, making a evil person do good via mindrape isn't directly evil in my opinion, but it wouldn't be redemption.
Exception would be using the DE for stuff like Demons, where one could explain it as using the DE to overcome their natural compulsion to evil.

>>34767610
>Introduction

>>34767501
Hmm... other that infringing on the primary cure for my Host Lust, if RT has to change I would not be horribly upset if it changed the way you described.

However, all in all, I would prefer this
>Post-redemption, we would likely need to keep them around for a time to help them pursue their redemption, ensuring that the power still serves it's purpose while not being a 'fire-and-forget' type of thing as it is now.
To be the only change. Its more involved and interesting and... HOST LUST FUCKING INTENSIFIES

>>34767675
Interestingly, neither of our redemption companions was ever actually good touched by us.
So RT isn't really that necessary for Host Lust.

>>34767631
I believe that the extra Divine Energy was fluffed as simply showing them a lengthier and more detailed series of visions, rather than altering their mind directly.

>>34767675
I would've imagined your host-lust would transfer over to Blessing of the Most High, given that it's whole thing is making humans more angelic.

Redeeming demons is supposed to be an extremely rare and difficult thing, anyway.

“I’m Baroness Sireyi Valyenya” you say “Peer of the Kingdom and Paladin of Velya.”

“Oh?” he says, turn to you “So you’re the one putting fool notions in her head, well thank you ever so bloody much for finally bringing my daughter back, and you can go and jump in a lake for giving her such stupid ideas as betraying her family to run away to the Church of Harlots!”

“Oh yes” he says “I know who you are: you abandoned your own family for your own selfish ends and now you’ve corrupted Isla with your ways, well you are not wanted here, so you can just leave.” He punctuates the last few words by jabbing you in the collarbone with a finger.

>About this marriage
>Church of Harlots, really?
>Touch me again and you’ll regret it
>Tell me about yourself, Sir Gareth
>Calm Down (Angels Voice)
>Leave
>Other

>>34767721
>http://pastebin.com/tsAx3JGT
That clashes a bit with the text saying it shows ALL the harm they made others suffer and feeling like a lifetime to them.
I mean, its definitly a good way to fluff it, but it would in my eyes be on the list of things to change about the text to point this out.

>>34767675
I see no particular reason to keep them around, we have prisons and in more dire cases churches for that kind of thing. We just need to make sure our prisons are led in such a way to be conducive to aiding people in persuing redemption. Probably involving long sentences and a lot of community service.

>>34767779
>>Calm Down (Angels Voice)
>About this marriage
>Church of Harlots, really?
Calm the fuck down

>>34767779
>Calm Down (Angels Voice)
>About this marriage

File: Forces of Heaven Bring th(...).jpg (601 KB, 2560x1440)

601 KB JPG

>>34767779
>Church of Harlots, really?
>Calm Down (Angels Voice)
>About this marriage
>Tell me about yourself, Sir Gareth
>>34767711
>So RT isn't really that necessary for Host Lust.
But then how do we lead a Host created by us, into hell to capture and turn the forces of hell itself into angels!
>pic related
>>34767721
Ah, while I quite enjoy Blessing of the Most High, my true love is and always will be Heavens Rebirth, which is massively dependent upon Redeeming Touch. Also, BotM, is damn expensive XP wise.


>>34767787
>Probably involving mutable sentences and a lot of community service.
I'd agree to this corrected version.

Ask him about marriage. The mere fact of him mentioning "church of harlorts" implies that he has some sort of repressed sexual fantasies or misguided male power fantasies. Then, he's finished, ask about himself.

The key point is the make yourself mysterious, let him fantasize. Let him have a "belief" of power over you.

>>34767779
>Calm Down (Angels Voice)
>Touch me again and you’ll regret it

Ok, roll Fellowship 1d20+23

Rolled 14 + 23 (1d20 + 23)

>>34767856

File: MRW Someone Tells Me To C(...).gif (1.61 MB, 420x236)

1.61 MB GIF

Rolled 13 + 23 (1d20 + 23)

>>34767856
heres hoping for no auto fail

>>34767779
Question: is dueling legal in this kingdom?
Because if Baron Sertig insults us in a similar manner, there's basically no way for him to avoid our dueling challenge. At which point we could legally kill him and anull the contract.

Rolled 3 + 23 (1d20 + 23)

>>34767856

Rolled 10 + 23 (1d20 + 23)

>>34767856

>>34767893
>is dueling legal in this kingdom?

Yes, there are forms to observe such as witnesses etc and it has been used as a legal way to kill people before.

>>34767830
>I'd agree to this corrected version.
Well, obviously in relation to their actual crime. I said long sentences because people warranting the use of redeeming touch would most likely have done something warranting a long prison sentence anyway. As alternative to the usual execution.

>>34767893
>>34767917

Except she's a Baroness. Unless she asks someone to do a trial by battle for her, she cannot directly fight him. Could worsen if he demands some sort of retribution if he won.

Duelings, best to be avoided, when you are a woman.

>>34767933
The fuck are you on about?

>>34767787
I was referring not to the character sheet, but to a response OP made when asked a similar question to your own concern.

It's possible I'm misremembering and that's just how it works in my head-canon, but if that's the case, I think we can all agree it should be changed away from holy mindrape.

>>34767830
Blessing of the Most High isn't that prohibitive in XP cost.

It can have it's sub-powers invested into by the recipient rather than Sireyi herself, though I'm uncertain if the cost has to be split or if the ally in question can pay the full cost.

“Tell me about the marriage agreement” you say “Help me understand what’s going on, perhaps I can help.”

As you talk you use your angelic powers to instil peace and calm into your words, which has the intended effect and Sir Gareth visibly calms down.

“The marriage contract” he explains “Was a way to restore my houses fortunes.”

“By selling your daughter?” you ask.

Isla seems a little too surprised at seeing her father dealt with so easily to say anything.

“How else is she going to help her family?” asks Sir Gareth “By becoming a knight?”

“There’s been plenty of female knights” you point out.

He snorts “A few, yes, but not Isla, she doesn’t have the build for it.”

“She is a skilled wizard” you say.

“Bah, magic” he says, waving his hands dismissively “The best way she can serve her family is by helping forge an alliance and birthing a few children that will inherit a rich barony that can help my family.”

“And if that’s not what she wants?” you ask “It could be dangerous for her.”

“It’s not about what she wants” he says “It’s about her loyalty to her House: besides” he continues “We simply don’t have the money to buy her out of the contract.”

You consider that “Church of Harlots?” you say “Really?”

He has the decency to look a little embarrassed “Forgive an old soldier a rough tongue, Baroness” finally he remembers that you outrank him.

Isla finally recovers “So what now?” she asks

>I’ll pay the penalty for your contract
>We’ll go speak to Baron Sertig (ends conversation)
>Ask Sir Gareth something else (what?)
>Other

>>34767917
Is magic allowed? Could Isla challange the baron to a duel?

>>34768085
The challenged party gets to pick the terms (though they must be the same for both combatants).

Allowing or disallowing magic and/or magic items is a term that can be set.

>>34768104
How skilled is the Baron then?

>>34768047
>I will go speak with Baron Sertig, but I may end up having to simply pay the contract penalty. I have no wish to allow Isla to be forced into a marriage she is horrified by.

>We’ll go speak to Baron Sertig (ends conversation)

>>34767930
I get what you are saying but part of my problem is this.

The entire point of prison is to remove excessively disruptive or dangerous people from society and attempt rehabilitation. The reason why we execute people is generally is because they have been determined to be completely unable to be rehabilitated.

Prison in civilized countries is really is not about punishment. If it was, we'd straight up execute the murders and maim the thiefs and assaulters, etc etc.

The issue in real life, is you can't objectively determine sincerity and real desire to redeem oneself, or geas someone not to do certain things. Which is why we have prison sentences, it takes absolutely ages to get a person to want to change their behavior, or even to realize why what they did was wrong, let alone get them to the point where they care. Which, with people who have had fucked up childhoods can be almost impossible. Additionally it takes even longer to actually prove through a pattern of behavior that you as a person have changed, and even then its not massively difficult to lie.

Anyway, much of the way we currently do prisons and the legal system in general is rendered moot when we have magic that is able to solve many real world issues that are quite time consuming. Redeeming touch is just one part of this actually.

>>34768047
Alliance with a powerful Barony is what he wants? I'd say Isla has done quite well in that regard, what with befriending Baroness Sireyi.

>I’ll pay the penalty for your contract
>Do you see any way the other party would end the contract without the payment? Is there anything else they want?

I hope Isla doesn't feel too worthless if Sireyi pays the money for her. Paying back that much could be an interesting life-goal and driving force for her, though.

>>34768115
Unknown: he's a wealthy man in his early 50's and he's not made a name for himself as a warrior.

>>34768047
>We’ll go speak to Baron Sertig (ends conversation)

>>34768116
>>34768119
We literally don't have that kind of money. Thats nearly two years of income for our entire domain.

>>34768047
>Can he tell us more about he conditions of the contract, any other way to void its terms.

>>34768171
I'm sure we could convince Baron Sertig to come up with a nice payment plan considering our sizable wealth. Additionally, asking for a loan, possibly from the king or from the church of Velya or Konig is a possibility. There are a multitude of ways to get that kind of money, including questing.

>>34768116
>Prison in civilized countries is really is not about punishment.
Different countries have different schools of thought about what the purpose of prisons are. Often even different approaches within the same country. It can't be generalized like this.
Nor can it be truly compared to our situation here, since we have tools available that allow for entirely different approaches that aren't really valid in reality.

However, people still commit crime in this world therefore punishment still needs to exist, if nothing else, at least as deterrence.
RT literally makes a person suffer for a entire felt lifetime. There are only few prisons in reality that horrible. Not every two-bit criminal deserves that kind of thing, most people can be rehabilitated with far less.

>>34768198
Or we could just not pay it at all, since this entire thing clashes massively with our convictions and our faith. We have all right to just consider it null and void.

>>34768171
But we could gain it. If we really cared for gaining money, we could spend a month creating Celestial Iron, give it to a church and get compensation. Or we could plane-shift to an evil guy and raid his treasury, I'm sure there are some juicy targets if you have several dragons and other powerful creatures at hand.

I still hope there is another way. Convincing the other Baron to let it go or getting the Church of Velya to grant sanctuary.

>>34768047
>Church of Harlots

You know, that part would have been much better before the other topics inthe conversation.

>>34768237
>I still hope there is another way. Convincing the other Baron to let it go or getting the Church of Velya to grant sanctuary.
Or the church of Koneg to grant sanctuary as well. A rather important figure doesn't like the practice after all...

“Are there any other ways of getting out of the contract?” you ask.

Sir Gareth shows you a copy of the agreement: It’s a fairly standard one: the only other ways for the contract to be annulled are:
If either Isla or Baron Sertig died;
If either House were dissolved by Royal Decree;
If Sertig chose to marry someone else, or;
If Isla became pregnant – in which case the family of her paramour would have to pay a lesser fee: a flat 50,000 gold.

With no obvious or easy ways to break the contract you wait around whilst Isla talks hesitantly with her father for a while, and then you leave. “You don’t want to talk to your mother?” you ask.

Isla shakes her head emphatically.

You go visit Baron Sertig, teleporting to his realm and approaching his keep.

His stronghold is in the midst of a high-walled town and you see plenty of guards patrolling the streets. You and Isla are stopped several times, but as there are no doubts to your identity, no one tries to detain you.

You finally reach his stronghold: an impressive looking keep with a number of guards, and thick iron-bound wooden gates. The guards ask you your identities and business and when you explain they lead you into a small stone room with thick doors and slits in the walls – obvious firing positions for concealed archers.

Four female guards enter the room “Strip” one of them says.

“What?” says Isla

“We need to make sure you have no hidden weapons” explains the guard “You’ll be leaving all of your weapons, armour and anything magical here: don’t worry you’ll get it back when you leave.”

>Ok, fine (strip)
>Not with everyone watching
>No (leave)
>Tell Baron Sertig who we are: he’ll let us in
>Other

>>34768306
>If Isla became pregnant
Pally, you know, I'm starting to suspect you have a fetish here ...

>Tell Baron Sertig who we are: he’ll let us in
If not
>No (leave)

>>34768306
>Tell Baron Sertig who we are: he’ll let us in

>>34768306
>Tell Baron Sertig who we are: he'll let us in

>>34768306
>No (leave)
Looks like we have our solution folks.

>>34768306
>If either House were dissolved by Royal Decree;
>If Sertig chose to marry someone else, or;
>If Isla became pregnant – in which case the family of her paramour would have to pay a lesser fee: a flat 50,000 gold.
Really? I'm shocked that major crimes or banishment, or excommunication isn't an option

>>34768306
>No (leave)

>>34768363
Good point, I forgot to put those in.

Also includes either Isla or Baron Sertig being banished from the Kingdom or convicted of a major crime.

>>34768306
>Tell Baron Sertig who we are: he’ll let us in
if not
>No (leave)


>>34768235
I'd agree that different prisons may have different stances and methods, but at least in the USA, the point is to rehabilitate prisoners. Despite prisons being turned into bloody businesses...

>We have all right to just consider it null and void.
I have to rather strongly disagree here. We may dislike and find the idea of arranged marriages upsetting, but legally speaking we don't have any rights. Its not our jurisdiction and as the King pointed out, if its all on the up and up, then the contract is legal and he can't interfere with it.

Well, the solution is an easy one. How much exp do we need to put divine magic babies in Isla's belly?

>>34768306
>"I can throw lightning and break wards and you fear that I might carry a dagger? What sort of reasoning is that?

>>34768394
>but legally speaking we don't have any rights
Yes we do. Our church offers sanctuary, which is its right. And our religious doctrine forbids these practices. Since we are a Paladin, and upholding the tenets of our faith is our literal job, we can very well take her under our churches protection.

>but at least in the USA
You shouldn't say "most civilized countries" when you mean one country.

>>34768394
>Its not our jurisdiction and as the King pointed out, if its all on the up and up, then the contract is legal and he can't interfere with it.
Actually he can. He can banish Isla for a period of one week for refusing to follow through on the marriage contract. Which would break the marriage contract.

>>34768362
If your solution is what I think it is, then that's not actually an option.

Yet.

>>34768306
>Tell Baron Sertig who we are: he’ll let us in

>>34768394
The Church of Velya would grant sanctuary to Isla, I think that's what he meant.

Legal doesn't mean just or good, and the king isn't us.

>>34768407
Twenty-seven.

>>34768420
>You shouldn't say "most civilized countries" when you mean one country.
Especially when the Supreme court says otherwise

“Tell Baron Sertig that Lady Isla Wendmore and Baroness Sireyi Valyenya are here to see him” you say firmly “And then we’ll see what he says.”

The female guard nods and you wait as a messenger is sent to the main keep, he returns saying that “His Lordship demands that all visitors undergo proper security procedures.”

>Fine (strip)
>No (leave)
>Teleport past the checkpoint
>Other

>>34768426
>then that's not actually an option
We just offer her Velyas sanctuary for that time.

>>34768443
>No (leave)

>>34768443
>No (leave)
Eh, if he doesn't want to see us.

>>34768443
>No (leave)
Yeah, no.

>>34768426
>27 exp

I'm certain we can keep Isla away from this whole business by sending her on that expedition for a while. Matters relevant to the kingdom and such.

>>34768443
I'm pretty sure that demanding an unmarried female noble strip is a dueling insult

>>34768443
>No (leave)
We can just offer her sanctuary in the domain of Velya.
Which means all of our domain, since Velya is our highest liege. And we are actually obligated to protect Isla here.
In fact, if we accept Islas love for Seiryi as genuine, we actually have to do it because otherwise it would be obstructing true love.

>>34768443
>Fine (Strip)

I don't get it, what is the problem here? We can still shoot thunder from our fingers and become a dragon.

>>34768443
>That's no proper security protocol. It's useless harrassment. Why would I carry weapons if I wanted to kill the Baron? Not to mention that if he cannot even trust a Paladin of Velya and someone he wants to marry, then I have nothing to say to him.
>Leave
>Use his distrust as a base for granting sanctuary to Isla. If that guy isn't above harrassing a champion of Velya, he is not fit to be husband to Isla.

>>34768497
Why would we give in to his demands ?
We don't really need to speak to him. Its in his interest to solve the issue with us in negotiation, since we can easily just ignore him.

>>34768443
>Fine (strip)

Guys, he might fall in love with Sereyi ('s body) and decide he doesn't care for Isla anymore. Assuming he is watching this like a pervert.

>>34768497
And he knows this. This is not a security measure, he just wants us to strip.

>>34768497
>>34768520
Actually, it was mentioned that there are only female guards in the room.

But the arrow slits probably have people behind them.

>>34768525
That may not be the case.

>>34767281
“Well” she says considering how to say the next part “Sertigs cousins have hired a number of assassins: most families don’t want to send their daughters into a death-trap.”

“I don’t that’s happening today” you say “C’mon Isla, we’ll figure something else out.”

As you walk through the town surrounding Baron Sertigs stronghold, Isla asks “So what are we going to do?”

You mull over your options.

Breaking the contract would cost a lot of money you don’t currently have, though you’ve a few ideas how to get some.

Isla’s family don’t have the money to pay the fee, even if you convinced then an alliance with your realm is better than one with Sertig.

And Baron Sertig refuses to see you without you being stripped of your defences (and clothes).

You could ask a priestess of Velya to grant Isla sanctuary: under church law neither Sertig or her family would be allowed to punish her, but her family would have to sell most of their estate and impoverish themselves to pay the fee.

If Isla were out of the kingdom for a while: in the Drowned Lands say, the situation would probably resolve itself the same way.

Baron Sertig has refused to see you, but he cannot refuse to see a Royal Messenger; if you convinced the King to give you a message for the Baron he would have to see you.

Or you could agree to pay the fee and work out a payment plan with Baron Sertig.

Or you could be creative.

>Sanctuary
>Isla’s going to the Drowned Lands anyway, do nothing
>Go see the King again
>Write to Sertig and offer to pay fee
>Other

>>34768596
>Go see the King again

>>34768572
Still, those security measures are kind of useless in our case.

But this gives me an idea. I assume that a divine item, made of Celestial Iron and enchanted by a (half-)angel virgin with a powerful sanctuary spell might be one of the best wards against magical assassination attempts. And it would be very valuable, maybe even 100k gold or more. Of course this would take a few years to make, what with exp costs and other obligations.

>>34768596
>Go see the King again
>Write to Sertig and offer to pay fee
Either of these, unless someone has an idea for a write-in.

I'd really rather not force Isla's family into the poor-house.

>>34768596
>Go see the King again
This looks like the best option. Though... I find this option >>34768421 rather amusing, even if its a flagrant abuse of power the King would likely never consent to. We should totally ask him what he thinks about it.

>>34768596
>Sanctuary
Maybe they shouldn't have forced their daughter into a marriage for their personal wealth. What goes around comes around.
We will of course give them something to live on on our lands if they want to, we aren't cruel.

>>34768622
Half-angel bonuses carry over to celestial iron magical items, but I don't know about virgin bonuses.

>>34768596
>Other
How reasonable are the assumptions in >>34768622 ?

>>34768596
>Other
Would the high priestess of Vela have the ability to have two women have kids? Or, with our plane-shifting one of the angels of Vela?

>>34768596
>Seek out a mage in Velyas service to summon one of her angels to bless Isla with Sireyis child.

No reason why we would be the only on with that power.

>>34768649
Isla has planar binding, she can do it herself

>>34768648
>>34768649
There are factors you aren't considering.

Would Sireyi knowingly have a child with someone she isn't in a committed relationship with?

>>34768622
>>34768637
These assumptions are correct: you could make a ward using celestial iron that would protect against evil magic (and attacks originating outside the sanctuary) and be almost impenetrable.

Only the most powerful mages or those aided by gods, powerful dragons, demon lords etc would be able to beat it.

Currently you cannot build other magic items though, just weapons and armour.

>>34768648
Yes to both

Man, why can't we go with the direct routes? Wow, stripping down, such a big deal (not).

None of the options given are good. Isla's family will auffer or the Barony will be lacking a large amount of money next year.

>Isla's going to the Drowned Lands anyway.

Since I'd rather not abuse the King's goodwill, I prefer to stall some more. Maybe next time we try this we can either get a meeting with the guy without you anons being fussing over something so insignificant.

Or get Isla pregnant, that works too.

Addendum: Whilst there's not firm agreement on this I'm going to write-up the scene with the King and then a further vote after you've talked to him: after all the King may ask for something in return.

>>34768681
She wanted a relationship with Isla. Its more of a question if Isla thinks she is ready to attempt it herself now.
Admittely I wasn't being serious with that suggestion. Both because of the reason you pointed out, and because I don't think Sireyi would use a child as problem solution.

>>34768683
How much would such a warded Chestplate sell for on the market? And would it be blasphemy to abuse divine magic to make money?

>>34768596
We could run a bluff. Its common knowledge that we already impregnated two women. We offer to pay 75,000 gold because we'd rather not abuse the contract system in such a fashion.

>>34768701
Going to the Drowned Lands also results in Isla's family going to the poorhouse, same as the Sanctuary option.

Getting Isla pregnant would still result in fifty-thousand gold being lost, which is nearly half of what we have to spend this year.

>>34768710
>How much would such a warded Chestplate sell for on the market?

There's no standard price for that, it could go for anywhere between 50,000 to a half-million depending upon the buyer.

>And would it be blasphemy to abuse divine magic to make money?

Depends on your god: Velya probably wouldn't object to this specific instance, as it is to save Isla from a loveless marriage, but she might take issue with it being done to generate cash.

>>34768701
Honestly, my problem is that Isla was there, if she wasn't, it would have been fine.

>>34768683
The warding item thingy would be my choice, then. I would consider this to be more valuable than 100k gold-pieces, but I have no idea how magic items are priced in that universe. But I seem to recall even those for basic magic-resistance amulets costing tens of thousands, so I assume it would be valuable enough that we would get far more in return than Isla's freedom.

>>34768596
>Go see the King again
Can we get the king to tell Baron Sertig to come to court? Then we can get this settled in a neutral area.

>>34768742

Getting her pregnant is the best option so far, since you guys didn't want to meet the noble.

Talking to the King again is just asking to own a debt/favor later. Not sure how bad that can be, .probably worse than 50000 gold

>>34768760
This might be a good option.

Would we be able to fold it's creation into the time set aside for helping Isla with her marriage problem, or would we have to shuffle around the minor tasks?

>>34768782
>You guys
I abstained from that vote.

I also can't follow your logic for talking to the king equaling a new debt.

>>34768794

Browsing from the phone sucks and I might miss a few things. Also, see >>34768702

I'd rather not create celestial iron, as that would reduce Sereyi's powers for sometime. And I forget if we did or did not purify that tainted essence an reabsorb it; if not, we need to do that.

>>34768794
Simple, you ask someone to do something, it's expected that you do something back in exchange.

You know, favors.

>>34768782
Actually, I just want to get a message so we can go talk with the Baron without having to strip. I don't want the King to solve this for us.

>>34768825
>And I forget if we did or did not purify that tainted essence an reabsorb it; if not, we need to do that.

It's next on the list

>>34768843
What taks did end up winning ?

>>34768840

That seems a waste of royal favor, really.

You want the King to order a nole to disregard his security measures, just so that another noble can discuss with him about private affairs? Why would a king do that?

“I think we need to speak to his Majesty again” you say to Isla, “If he can help us see Sertig, perhaps we can talk him into a different deal, perhaps some magical item that prevents magical assassination.”

“Yeah” agrees Isla, though she looks pretty gloomy.

It takes a little longer to see the King this time: you’re kept waiting almost a week.

“Back so soon” says his Majesty, once you’re led in to see him, again he’s given you the courtesy of a private audience.

You lay out your problem and explain how you hope to see Baron Sertig: bearing a Royal Message.

The King nods “Yes” he says “I can see your point: Sertig couldn’t demand you go through any security checks, at worse all he could do is delay whilst he contacts me to confirm the message was authentic.”

“However” he says “Sertig could still put himself in some sort of defence: such as a cage or locked room and talk to you through a hatch, and he could still surround both you and himself with guards.”

“As long as I can speak to him it could work” you say.

“True, true” concedes the King “Have you ever read about the law preventing nobles from barring royal messengers?”

“I have not” you admit.

“It was written a long time ago” explain the King “When many nobles refused to obey the king and claimed they never received such a message, or kept messengers waiting with flimsy excuses – rebellion in all but name. So Bertwyn III, the King at the time, wrote it into law: that barring the path of a Royal Messenger, or attacking one bearing a message was treason.”

“I see” you say, not sure why he’s explaining this.

“The nobles today” he explains “Tolerate such a law because it is only used for its intended purpose. If I were to use that to help you, I would ask a favour in return – to be determined at a later date.”

>>34768865
Because his Barons not being at each others throat is in his interest.

>>34768880
“Thank your explaining this, your Majesty” you say, as he dismisses you.

“So what is the plan?” asks Isla, as the two of you return to your stronghold.

>Sanctuary
>Play Kings Messenger
>Offer Enchanted Breastplate
>Do nothing (Isla’s in the Drowned Lands)
>Agree a payment plan with Sertig (via letter)
>Find a way to get Isla pregnant
>Other

>>34768825
The king might want something, but it doesn't mean we have to agree.

It also might be a far better deal, we don't know, and I'd like to explore every option.

>>34768858
Drowned Lands for major task.

Helping Isla with her Marriage and Reabsorbing the essence locked in as minor tasks.

A tie between Human Family and Nodes for the third major task.

Spending time with our children, advancing our relationship with Jal/Sofia and matchmaking with Jianxi/Matthias were the social tasks.

At least, according to my count.

>>34768899
>Offer Enchanted Breastplate

This time, leave Isla behind and go in alone.

>>34768899
>Do nothing (Isla’s in the Drowned Lands)

>>34768899
>Offer Enchanted Breastplate

>>34768858
see
>>34768906
Also bonus task: Politicking at the capital

>>34768899
>Offer Enchanted Breastplate
Seems like the best option.

>>34768899
>Offer Enchanted Breastplate

I hope this enchanted breastplate isn't the celestial iron idea. Because weakening Sireyi for a prolonged time significantly is not worth it.

>Find a way to get Isla pregnant.

>>34768984
Without Celestial Iron it wouldn't be any better than another magic item, and wouldn't be valuable enough.

>>34768984

Indeed, we will probably need all the powers soon, otherwise the depowered drawback would be useless and mechanically insignificant. Think about that, PoJ.

Also, the guy doesn't deserve something as powerful as that, really.

>>34768984
Don't worry.

>>34769009
How many pounds of Celestial Iron are needed for the breastplate?

>>34769009
How long will the weakening last to make enough Celestial Iron for a Breatplate ? Half a year ?

>>34769039
Technically we could use a lighter armor like a chain shirt. Frankly, if he wants to wear this all the time, it should be as light as possible.

>>34769035
>How many pounds of Celestial Iron are needed for the breastplate?
probably around 6 or so, going by historical values.

>>34769057
You make a good point.

>>34769057
You make an excellent point.

5 days creation time plus 10 days of reduced powers. to create the Iron

Assuming a 5lb chain shirt (about as light as you can make it).

Plus 2 weeks to actually make it.

>>34769102
Looks fine. Do it.

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>>34769102
DO IT!

>>34769102

What's the purpose of losing the powers temporarily if the time is so insignificant? It doesn't matter at all, with how much time can be between each task, and a thread being an entire year.

>>34769129
Assassination attempts, unexpected emergencies and the like.

>>34769129
It'd be a lot longer if we had fewer angelic powers or were creating more Celestial Iron.

The formula is: [Pounds] / [Total number of angelic powers] * 28

5 divided by 16 multiplied by 28 actually equals 8.75, so OP is adding a bit of extra time.

File: Elric The Ruby Throne.jpg (41 KB, 750x414)

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>>34768899
>Other.

Find someone Lord Sertig to marry. To nobles, marriage is merely a political alliance unless the bride in question is also very beautiful.

I have to second this. I don't want to give him any celestial iron or powerful equipment. Besides, he might not even want it, and he doesn't deserve it.

>>34768899
>Offer Enchanted Breastplate

>>34769226

Damm right. We know nothing of him other than. But he sure as hell wants us to parade around naked for him, along wit his female guards. The dude has a fetish or two.

Since Baron Sertig is so hesitant to see you in person you write to him explaining your proposal: that you will create a chain shirt light enough to be worn all the time that provides a strong protection against evil magics.

Initially he is sceptical but he is willing to agree to it, provided his own mages can examine it.

You spend about 3 weeks creating enough celestial iron for this purpose and then turning it into a fine chain shirt for him.

Mages he trusts examine and test the shirt, before reporting back to Sertig that whilst its protection isn’t perfect, in limited areas it is unbeatable: no evil magic they’ve tried against has been able to beat it.

Baron Sertig eventually agrees that this will cover the fee for Isla’s Marriage contract to be cancelled.

Isla is overjoyed when you receive his letter confirming this.

“I’m so happy!” She exclaims, hugging you and kissing you on the cheek, tears rolling down her cheeks “I knew you’d save Sireyi I just knew it! Thank you Thank you Thank you!”

“Anything you need from me” she says “Anything at all, just say it and I’ll do it!”

>No more lies and deceptions please
>I have no requests right now
>I want you to...(what?)

[Isla backstory Quest Complete, Isla Loyalty maxed out.]

>>34769129
The temporary weakness is to avoid having Sireyi create it in vast quantities, whilst having the weakness be short term enough that players don't avoid it altogether.

>>34769210
>>34769226
Who? We don't have any leverage to make another noble house sell their daughters.

And it's not about 'deserve'. It's about give and take. We don't want Isla to marry him, hence we need to give him something.

>>34769260
>No more lies and deceptions please

>>34769260
please no more lies

>>34769260
>No more lies and deceptions please

>>34769272

Lord Sertig is a man right? Not Drache or anything suspicious? because we know so little of him that, well. We just don't know. Can Isla tell more, or her father about him?

>>34769260
>No more lies and deceptions please

Pretty much.

>>34769260
>No more lies and deceptions please
"Also, can I have a kiss, please? You don't need to do some heroic dead or something to be 'worthy' of me. You just have to love me, and I have to return it Veyla's rather clear on that point."

>>34769260

Well, that was anticlimatic.

>No more lies. If you want to 'prove' yourself to me, you need to trust and confide in me.

>>34769260
Supporting the write-in parts of >>34769364

>>34769260
>The temporary weakness is to avoid having Sireyi create it in vast quantities, whilst having the weakness be short term enough that players don't avoid it altogether.
Can magical armor resize itself? I mainly ask because creating a magical armor for Bookin would cost more than creating a similar armor for 5-10 halflings, which is a little silly.

>>34769410
Unleash the pixie hordes!

>>34769410
>Can magical armor resize itself?

Within limits, yes.

Halfling magic armour will never become giant-sized, but human-sized armour can be worn by any human no matter how short or tall, skinny or fat

>>34769410

Clearly, what we need to do is examine armor that was found on people who came back alive and functional from battles, and then strategically reinforce the intact areas with divine metal.

>>34769423
Even if the rules allow that, no. That's bullshit.

>>34769362
point.

>>34769362
>"Also, can I have a kiss, please?

Go kiss a drache. Baroness is straight. .. At least straight one can get behind closed curtains.

“No more lies.” You say “If you want to *prove* yourself to me, you need to trust and confide in me.”

“Of course” she says, hugging you tighter “Of course I will”

With Isla now free to marry whom she wants (whoever that may be) you turn your attention to the small metal container that contains the essence of yours.

You recall how it saved Ellahi’s life, and how the doctors warned you that reabsorbing it could result in your body, mind or magic changing to be more similar to Ellahi’s.

You also recall how it being taken from you weakened your own powers. You’re ready to reabsorb it, but you want to find some way to purify it first, to avoid you becoming demonically tainted.

You have a feeling arcane magic isn’t going to be much help, although arcane knowledge probably will be useful, divine magic is going to do the work itself

How will you do this?

>Using my own powers
>With my companions who have divine powers.
>I’ll research it first myself
>I’ll research it with someone else (who?)
>I’ll use the Wellspring aspected to Velya
>I’ll pray
>I’ll ask the priestesses of Velya for help
>Other

You want a climactic story huh? Don’t worry, we’ll be going to the Drowned Lands soon enough.

More seriously: Yes, there was going to be more to this, but players thought of a smart way around it.

>>34769514
Are you new?
This isn't even me trying to use a newfag accusation to defeat your argument (since you have none), I'm genuinely curious.

>>34769539
>>I’ll research it with someone else (who?)
Isla. Large amounts of knowledge, eagerness to help us.

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>>34769539
>>I’ll research it first myself

Better start slow before blowing the entire mountain.

>>34769539
>I’ll research it with someone else (Isla)

Velya probably won't be much help here, for reasons.

>>34769539
>I’ll ask the priestesses of Velya for help
>I’ll research it with someone else (Priestesses of Velya and our Halfing friend)

That should get us what we need to do.

>Using my own powers
>With my companions who have divine powers.
>I’ll use the Wellspring aspected to Velya

And this will cover all our bases for how we go about doing it.

>>34769539
>I’ll research it with someone else (Isla)

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>>34769539

Know what? fuck it!

>Using my own powers

>>34769539
>>I’ll research it with someone else (Isla)

>>34769539
>I will research it with Poppy.

Worshippers of Velya, unite!

Hell yes, I can't wait for it. I expected an update or two more for the marriage thing, but that's fine.

And damn tou PoJ, for running at the second worse time to me. Work is suffering because of your quest!

Ok roll 1d20+11 for research

You and Isla, late at night, poring over old books together by candlelight...

Rolled 7 + 11 (1d20 + 11)

>>34769813

Rolled 1 + 11 (1d20 + 11)

>>34769813

Rolling for passive seduction

Rolled 17 + 7 (1d20 + 7)

>>34769813

Rolled 18 + 11 (1d20 + 11)

>>34769813

>>34769854

Figures it would be a nat 1, of all things.

File: Why hello ladies, sweating.gif (1.99 MB, 375x375)

1.99 MB GIF

>>34769854
Oh you lady killer you.

Rolled 7 + 11 (1d20 + 11)

>>34769813
>>34769854
I'll also roll for passive seduction.

Rolled 6 + 11 (1d20 + 11)

>>34769813
>>34769896
also rolling for passive seduction

You and Isla spend several weeks researching demonic taint and how it can be separated from angelic energies.

“There’s never really been anything like your situation before” says Isla, after another frustrating visit to a mages guild library “From what you told me, even in the Drache Empire it wasn’t really common.”

“I know” you say “But what are my choices, just give up?”

“Oh never that” says Isla, putting an arm around you “We just need to widen out search a little.”

You research how people have been cursed, infected with demonic diseases, even part-demons you wanted to become fully human, eventually a pattern begins to emerge and you and Isla begin to develop two slightly different solutions...

“This is the best way” you tell Isla, the two of you are arguing late at night in a mage guild library, with no one else around. You’ve heard of niche erotic novella’s with exact same set-up, but something tells you that you’d just embarrass yourself if you raised the topic right now.

“It would weaken the essence” she says “You might never get your full powers back”

“It’s safe!” you say

“It’s a half-measure” she replies

You think you can purify the tainted essence by using the divine powers of followers of two different gods to burn out the demonic part of the essence, but might weaken or destroy the essence you’re trying to purify: It would mean you would not end up tainted, but you might not get back as much from it.

“And your idea” you tell Isla “requires me poisoning someone else”

“Only you would see it that way” she fires back, folding her arms.

“So what, you think someone would volunteer for this?” you ask.

“I would” says Isla, watching you from behind lowered eyelashes, trying to gauge your reaction.

>>34769997
Isla idea involves purifying the tainted essence by sieving or straining it. The essence would be put into a non-demonic living thing: a humanoid would have the greatest change of success. And then the angelic essence would be removed, leaving the person tainted with the residual demon energies. They would (most likely) become a part-demon, or develop demon-like powers, though it could harm them. It might work with an animal, it might not – the demonic taint would cling more tightly to a sentient soul than an animal one.
It would mean that you would regain more of your lost power, at the cost of tainting someone else.

Which idea do you want to try?

>Purify Essence
>Sieve Essence (through who, or what?)

Or, if you don’t like either idea, do what?

>Pray
>Ask Church of Velya for help
>Other

>>34770008

>Ask Church of Velya for Help.

I got a feeling this is gonna end bad if we do it alone.

>>34770008
>Sieve Essence (A rock)

File: Blackandgold (nebezial).jpg (1.28 MB, 1600x1112)

1.28 MB JPG

>>34769997
>Ask Church of Velya for Help.

If it can't be done i say we bite the bullet and reabsorb the essence. Taint be dammed.

>>34770008
>Ask church of Velya for help

>>34770060
How about no.

>>34770008
>Sieve Essence (through who, or what?)
Weeeeell... We have a number of people who would likely do it just for the power boost.

>Gendric
>Shahulzer
>Isla (not 100% sure about if she wants the demon powers)
>Insert other people of demonic heritage.

Seriously, if we just choose someone who benefits from the powers, it is literally a win win situation.

>>34770080
It's not just powers, it could also be a mental or physical alteration.

'Mental alteration' is the one that most worries me.

>>34769997
>You’ve heard of niche erotic novella’s with exact same set-up
>heard off
>not 'read'

>>34770008
Can the person used to Sieve the Essence already be partially demonic? I'm thinking about a certain Hellwyrm here.

Can the two operations be done in sequence? Sieve the essence through someone else, then burn the demonic taint?

>>34770045
From your research you know an inanimate object won't work

>>34770080
From your research you know that using a demon or part-demon will not purify the essence, just replace one type of demonic energy with another

>>34770008
>Sieve Essence (Isla)
Operation sexy girlfriend with a demon cock is a go!

>>34770096

True. However, isn't that what you really are? In essence, the demonic taint is part of you isn't it? Is is also what forged you, what runs through your veins no matter how much you deny those urges. It is what you are. We can change whom we are, but never what we are.

I got a bad feeling about this.

>Visit Drache
>Auction off the chance to become demonic
>...
>Profit

>>34770008
>sieve essence

>>34770096

Isn't the alteration one of the soul? IIRC, we left it for last when healing the demon sister.

>>34770152

Hell no, nope. Remember what they did to elves?

>>34770120
ooooh damn... That is a bit of a problem. But... This is still an option >>34770152

I vote we ask Isla, if she'd actually WANT to have demonic powers. Not a will you do it for us, but do you want dibs on the powers?

>>34770158
I believe it was never specified which of the three it would be since players chose to store it.

Wild card!

And soul essentially meant changes to magic.

>>34770120

Better to use it on myself under the guidance of a priestess in case things go out of hand. It's for the best.

>>34770174
>Remember what they did to elves?
What's that got to do with anything?

Ok, gonna write-up asking the Church, since that doesn't lock anything in, whilst people are still deciding.

>>34770008
>Ask Church of Velya for help

There's got to be some sorta senior cleric or priestess who's really experienced in this sort of thing. Or maybe even a powerful mage on their speed-dial.

>Sieve Essence (Isla)

Sereyi goes around sacrificing herself for others. Why can't other people do the same for her?

>>34770174
Uh... what? I don't understand what your point is.

>>34770204
Drache likely isn't even a Infernocracy at this point, and I doubt any pure-blood humans would really care enough to become part-demon.

Our sister's been doing things for about nine years over there, it's probably changed a lot.

>>34770221
Because I like Isla the way she is.

>>34770236
But muh demon cocked girlfriend

>>34770221
Because allowing others to sacrifice on her behalf is out of character. Which is why i'm agitating for absorbing the essence regardless.

>>34770250
That's not even a possible alteration.

>>34770259
I'd much rather purify and take less power since the main benefit is likely going to happen either way.

File: 1.png (9 KB, 288x56)

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Technically it's your essence, it may fuck up but it will fuck up less if it's in you because, let's face it, it's part of you.
Captha agrees, see?

>>34770236
I don't see how that explains the reference to elves. And I doubt they suddenly don't want to gain demonic powers, just because they are steering toward equal rights. Being demonic is still mostly awesome. I suggested Drache, because demons aren't seen as bad there as they are in Sireyi's home plane.

>>34770279
Technically, it's leftover demonic essence from Ellahi that attached itself to our essence.

So no, it's not.

>>34770274
A man can dream

“I’m not deciding now” you say to Isla “The Church of Velya might know a bit more about this than the mages guilds.”

“Sure” she says with a smile “pick faith over reason.”

“Well” you say, as the two of you leave the library “I am a paladin after all.”

You consult with several priestesses of Velya about this, including Poppy, they all give the same answer, though Poppy is a bit more informative “Velya says no helping with this” says the tiny woman “Something about this is a bit of growing you need to do yourself.”

“How about the other Churches?” asks Isla

You’re not sure if you want to tell the Church of Konig you have a can of sealed angelic/demonic essence, they might see that as a crime.

The Church of Yerra would still look at it from a mages perspective you think.

And the Church of Mazon...might offer you a good price for it.

>Talk to the other Churches (which?)
>Pray
>Leave this for another day
>Other

>>34770259

Not letting others do good, even if for er, is just as bad. If Sereyi can't accept people wanting to do good deeds for her, then she needs to relearn a few things.


>>34770274

A weaker essence will recover less XP. We need XP. At least 27 XP

>>34770293
>I suggested Drache, because demons aren't seen as bad there as they are in Sireyi's home plane.
I'm of the same mind as well. Regardless of social changes to the plane, being part demon and having demonic powers is still a plus. Especially considering that half demons are incredibly common and demons in general are not hated.

>>34770293
>Constant mental compulsion towards evil
>Awesome

I don't really care about the policies and actions of Old Drache, just that it won't be as easy to find someone that wants to be part-demon as you might think.

Humans, like the ones we'd need to perform the ritual, might still resent demons and part-demons a bit for all the years of horrible tyranny.

>>34770300
Dreams are forbidden.

I don't really care either way, I just don't want that to be an argument for the power.

>>34770327
>Pray
May as well.

Dammit.

>>34770337
It doesn't give any XP, other than the XP for completing the task.

>>34770327
>Other

Returning to the former point. Use it on oneself before chaining oneself on said secure location while watched by Isla.

Ok, so far I’m seeing
Sieve (Isla) 2
Sieve (no name) 1
Ask Isla's permission 1
Sell it in Drache 1
Absorb as-is 2

Keeping vote open for now, can’t see any votes for purify

>>34770381
...Thats a massive overreaction anon. Its just going to replace some of the angel stuff we lost with demon stuff. Its not really a massive deal. We are simply avoiding the demonic taint. No one is going to flip out and start eating people.

>>34770327
>Sieve essence (Isla)

See, time for Sereyi to trust and believe in others and accept their choices too.

>>34770327
>absorb as is

>>34770400
Purify

>>34770400
I'm in favor of purify,

>>34770400
>Purify

>>34770400
absorb as is

>>34770400
Is it possible to vote specifically against absorbing as is? If not, sieve it in Isla.

Sieve it. With Isla, since ahe's the only candidate.

This will also empower her, guys. Nothing to lose in here, and no, she won't grow a penis.

>>34770400

absorve it as it is.

>>34770484
Just vote for the latter.

>>34770400
purify

>>34770414
eating people out on the other hand
(im sorry i'll stop)

Vote closes in 5 minutes

>>34770400
We only get one less bonus power for purifying, and that's a *maybe*.

The main benefit is going to happen no matter what, due to our powers trying to stretch beyond their limitations.

>>34770414
>Not how it works at all

>>34770400
I'm in strong opposition to absorbing it as is.
And I would prefer to sieve it through Isla or if she does not want to then, sieve it through someone in Drache who wants demon powers.


Additionally, since this is a rather divisive issue, I'd like to request a Final Destination vote

>>34770400
Did you already answer whether it is feasible to have it be sieved through someone and then destroy the demonic essence in that person? I assume it would simply mean that that person would lose the power instead of the essence in the beginning, but still.

>>34770400
Another for Sieve. But let's research the down-sides this might have first.

>>34770400
Very important question: If we were to buy Heavens rebirth, could we turn Isla from half demon to half angel? We've never used the power on her before.

>>34770414
>>34770414

And we want that angelic power back. Evolving demonic powers will be conflicting with evolving angelic powers, you genius.

Purifying it will recover less powers, returning less XP spent for them too.

>sieve ithe essence (Isla or anyone else)

>>34770400
>Sieve, but only if we research ways to protect the recipient of the demonic energy from mental alteration.
>Otherwise, purify.

>>34770366
>>Constant mental compulsion towards evil
Yet again, you seem to have more information than I have. Not to mention that even if true, the effect would be tiny compared to actual half-, or quarter-demons and we know that even those are very capable of being nice people.

And even if that downside exists, there are quite a few who would either hazard the consequences willingly or be strong-willed enough to resist in the first place.

>>34770579
Actually, OP mentioned that demon-bloods have a mental compulsion towards evil actions in a previous thread.

So it's less that he has more information than you and more that he read the archives.

>>34770526
>Not how it works at all
Is that directed at me or the person I responded to?
Because I'm fairly sure thats how it works. We gave up some of our angel powers, and if we take back the tainted energy we will get some sort of demonic powers in similar strength as the ones we lost. It is not going to make us crazy and evil and send us on a rampage as that anon was apparently worried about.

>>34770563
Yeah, I know. Thats why I'm voting for sieve and have absolutely no interest in absorbing them as is.
...am I just so tired I don't see where I'm saying literally the exact opposite of what I'm trying to get across?

>>34770534
>Did you already answer whether it is feasible to have it be sieved through someone and then destroy the demonic essence in that person?

It would risk killing them

>>34770547
>If we were to buy Heavens rebirth, could we turn Isla from half demon to half angel?

Yes

Vote closed, counting

>>34766865
Regarding redeeming touch, I'm reminded of an interview with someone describing an ayahoasca trip. I'm paraphrasing a bit, but here's the gist of how he described it:

"It shows you everything you've done without the stories you told about it. Every time you've harmed someone, you see exactly what you did. It's impossible to lie to yourself while you're on it".

That's how I imagine the redeemer's touch ability - it shows people what their actions have been like, without the justifications they made for them at the time. How they react to that would depend on them of course - some would continue thinking they did the right thing, some would immediately try to make amends, and some would just go insane.

For balance and believability reasons both, I'd suggest having the length of the touch affect how likely the person is to actually try to make a change. A few seconds - the person doesn't understand what happened and forgets it quickly. A minute - The person is disturbed, but doesn't have much time to decide what to do - probably goes insane or reinforces their old personality. Many minutes - The person actually goes through some sort of change, hopefully for the better.

That's just my suggestion

>>34770526

Citation needed. Why do you think te loss won't be bigger?

>>34770603
>Yes
Next question. How in the world to we get to 35 willpower?

Ok, sieving it through Isla seems to be the winner, writing.

>>34770646
Eh, its been calculated out before. I know autism anon and I have looked it over before. I don't remember exactly what we need, but its possible he does.

>>34770600
I'd love to give you all the answers, but I'll just say that the demonic essence is attached-yet-separate from the angelic essence.

It doesn't alter the powers, it does it's own things.

>>34770636
I've got meta-knowledge all over the place, though that's mostly just a theory based off knowing what exactly the essence gives us.

>>34770646
We already can.

26 + 10 from Lightning Halo counting for the purposes of Redeeming Touch.

>>34770654
I'd like to cast Mind Blank or something similar to protect her from a mental alteration, first.


Sorry if I'm acting like a bit of a faggot, this choice is very tense and important, I'm getting too invested.

>>34770702
>I'd love to give you all the answers, but I'll just say that the demonic essence is attached-yet-separate from the angelic essence.
>It doesn't alter the powers, it does it's own things.

...okay someones being stupid here and I think it must be me, because thats pretty much my understanding of how it works and I don't know how I'm not getting that across.

>spoiler
Don't worry, we're all faggots here. Some days its worse than others. I think you're fine... but then again I'm rather invested in this choice as well...

>>34770702
Could you please keep meta-knowledge out of the discussion?

>>34770702
>Mind Blank or something similar to protect her from a mental alteration
Good point. I wanted to look into what the downsides of such a small demonic corruption could be before deciding, but if we do this, then at least use some protective measures.

>>34770702
>meta-knowledge

As much as I am thankful for you helping the OP, I have to hate you and disregard some of your votes on principle now.

Meta is bad, mmkay?

>>34770763
It looked to me like you were saying that if we take it back with the demonic essence we'd get altered powers based off of the ones we lost.

>>34770769
>>34770789
The reason I brought it up is because I don't want you choosing things while under a false impression, and I was trying to correct you without actually revealing anything behind-the-scenes.

I'll try not to bring any meta-knowledge at all into these discussions in the future.

Oh bugger, forgot to say, please roll Willpower 1d20+13

Rolled 15 + 13 (1d20 + 13)

>>34770889
rolling

>>34770849
>It looked to me like you were saying that if we take it back with the demonic essence we'd get altered powers based off of the ones we lost.

Ah, yeah wasn't trying to say that. Simply that the strength of the powers would stay roughly the same. Level 2 power for a level 2 power basically.

Rolled 20 + 13 (1d20 + 13)

>>34770889

Rolled 2 + 13 (1d20 + 13)

>>34770889

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55 KB JPG

>>34770901

Rolled 20 + 13 (1d20 + 13)

>>34770889

After considering your options you agree with Isla’s plan.

The two of you discuss it in detail and then make preparations deep within your stronghold. Present is just yourself, Isla and Sofia - in case either of you pass out or get hurt.

Isla sits in a magical circle with the sealed tin “Ready? You ask

“As I’ll ever be” she says, and opens it. Mists of silver and red rise from the tin, swirl around inside the circle, and then both fly towards Isla, disappearing.

“Nrrrrg!” says Isla as she doubles over. You enter the circle, learn over her and concentrate on pulling your own energies from her.

“Owwwowowowoowowowow!” complains Isla “Could you be any rougher?”

“Trying not to be” you say, as you carefully tease the angelic essence from Isla...there!

The last of your angelic essence breaks free, flooding in to you.

You re-absorb the essence you lost, it fills you up and you can feel it settling into you, familiar and comforting...and uncomfortable, painful, like you’re trying to fit too much into too small a container.

You gasp and double over, everything hurts, no wait it doesn’t hurt you’re just seeing things from a different perspective, completely unlike anything you’ve felt or experienced before.

You can see the whole world spread out before you and everything in it. You see people, places, creatures you didn’t know existed, only the Drowned Lands seems hidden from your sight.

You see a glowing tether stretching from you up into the heavens, thousands more tethers reach down towards churches across the world. You follow your own tether up and you see the glorious glowing light that is Velya, you feel joy and peace and life in full bloom emanating from her.

You see a thin black line connecting to Ebonsong; though young within her she has the ancient and mighty powers of the dragons.

Above you burns your halo, even as your wings open around you, within you is the power of the angels.

>>34770995
A final crackle of lightning springs from your head and races upwards to the sky overhead. You have a connection to the element of the storms, one that cannot be broken.

You have something else within you, a power you’ve never known before, but at the same time you’ve never been without it. It’s different from all your other powers unformed, nascent, a tiny spark.

As the power within you expands the only thing you can compare it to is the divine might of Velya, or Konig, but it’s neither of those.

You could let this spark grow unformed, as it chooses, or you could try to shape it to be like one of your own powers, or like something else entirely.

>Grow naturally
>I am an Angel
>I am the Storm
>I rule the Black Dragons
>I serve Velya
>I am like nothing before (write-in)

Sireyi doesn’t really understand what’s going on, but I want the players to. Metaknowledge in next spoiler

Sireyi has a divine spark, a seed of god-hood within her, it just woke up.

She is becoming a god – small *g*. In the terminology of the setting, she is becoming a saint – a mortal with some godlike powers – as some (not all) of the Heroes of the Horn are.

This vote is to choose her first, and primary divine domain – which will grant her some powers immediately and other powers later.

It does not rule out other domains, but each domain after the first is harder to get.

I’ve picked 4 possible domains as they are the themes of Sireyi’s powers now.

You can write-in options: in theory Sireyi could try to shape her growing divine power into any domain, though I’ll veto ones that are too broad or obscure, or that don’t fit.

Growing naturally puts the decision on a dice-roll.

I’ll let the vote and discussion go on for a bit and answer any questions people have.

>>34771018
>I serve Velya

>>34771018
>I am an Angel

>>34771018
>I am an Angel


Fffuuuuuuuuuck, PoJ, I fucking love you.

>>34771018
>I am the Storm

File: glorious beyond glory.gif (1.75 MB, 358x202)

1.75 MB GIF

>>34771018
>I am an Angel

Pally... I love you. You are amazing.

HOLY FUCK I'M SO GLAD I DIDN'T GO TO BED! HOST LUST FUCKTUPPLES