“Sireyi” she says, slightly calmer “apparently Jal has been infiltrating the thieves guild in Dalvin for some time, pretending to be a castle servant and trying to get close to their leaders – a fact she neglected to tell either of us!”

“I din take anyfing what’d be missed!” insists the topless elf “an’ I stopped some big raid onna castle by tipping off th’ guards!”

Sofia gives a growl of frustration “We ought to lock her up! A thief in our midst cannot be tolerated!”

“What’s that gotta do wi’ blessing a pull?” protests Jal “Ya knew what I was when yer met me love.”


“Don’t *me love* me!” yells Sofia, she turns to you “Sireyi” she says, icily calm “Good morning, I wish you all the best in talking sense into this brainless half-wit. I have lots of work to do for the realm today.” And then storms out of her bedroom, in just her night clothes.

Please roll Fellowship 1d20+15

What do you say?

To Jal
>Tell me about this assassination attempt
>Sofia is right, you should have told us what you were doing
>Good job Jal, well done
>Fully heal wound
>Other (what?)

To Sofia
>Yes, let’s lock Jal up, and put her in chains too
>Let’s hear Jal out first
>Other

Fellowship check may unlock additional dialogue prompts

Rolled 17 + 15 (1d20 + 15)

>>35768152

Rolled 20 + 15 (1d20 + 15)

>>35768152
>Fully heal wound
>Sofia is right, you should have told us what you were doing
>Tell me about this assassination attempt

>Let’s hear Jal out first

>>35768152
Jal
>Tell me about this assassination attempt
>Sofia is right, you should have told us what you were doing
>Good job Jal, well done
>Fully heal wound

Sofia
>Let’s hear Jal out first

Rolled 2 + 15 (1d20 + 15)

>>35768188

>Success

You think Sofia is angry at Jal because she’s scared about Jal getting hurt, not because Jal has joined a thieves guild.

Additional prompts

>Sofia, Jal is ok now
>Jal, you should have taken someone with you
>Other (related to Jal maybe getting hurt and/or killed)

>>35768206
>Sofia, Jal is ok now
>Jal, you should have taken someone with you

>>35768152
>>35768176

>Sofia, Jal is ok now
>Jal, you should have taken someone with you

We could have guessed that much on our own I would say, I don't think anyone thought Sofia had any other reason. But adding this anyway, not gonna waste that 20.

>>35768152
>Tell me about this assassination attempt
>Sofia is right, you should have told us what you were doing
>Fully heal wound

>Let’s hear Jal out first

>Sofia, Jal is ok now
>Jal, you should have taken someone with you

“Sofia” you say, putting your head out of the door and calling her back “Let’s at least hear what Jal has to say first.”

Sofia whirls around, her first clenched and her nightgown rosining indecently high on her leg as she spins “What does it matter!” she fumes “Jal is just going to do her own thing anyway, she always does!”

“So you’re going to run the realm in your nightgown?” you ask, one eyebrow raised “I applaud your courage, but won’t that send the wrong image?”

Sofia tries to suppress a blush and stalks in your direction “fine” she says “Jal has until I finish dressing – but no servants” she insists “Whatever this is, is private, Sireyi, you know how to lace up a dress right?”

“I think I’ll manage” you say dryly “despite being a paladin I don’t wear armour all the time.”

As you assist Sofia get dressed, you talk to Jal.

“What’s this about an assassination attempt?” you ask

“Just outta nowhere” says Jal “Mostly the guild here is small-time, not much worth stealing in these houses – not that I checked” she says hastily as Sofia glares at her, then she continues “but anyway, yeah, assassination, outside money I think, higher-ups gather us trusteds up and says the guild’ll get a million gold ter kill yer – and the stabber gets one-fifth. Well that’s more money than anyone can count, so everyone runs off ter prepare, an’ I get held back. Cos I work at the castle or so’s they think, they want me to get a jobber in or do they deed. I tries ter string em along, but mebbe they figures I was telling porkies, so they say they’re gonna have their fizzer put a ‘fluence on me to *protect* me from mind-reading an’ such. Well I weren’t born yesterday so I makes good me getaway and gives a good account of meself on the way out, hence the scratch” she indicates the livid red would on her side.

“Yes about that” you break off helping Sofia into her dress long enough to heal up the wound completely.

“Thanks ‘Reyi” says Jal with a leer “Always said yer ‘ad magic ‘ands”. Seems she’s feeling better.

“Sofia’s right though” you say to Jal “you should have told us what you were doing and taken back-up with you.”

“But they can’t cant-” protests Jal

You cut her off “They could have been nearby ready to help” you say “you could have been killed.”

“And it would have served you right!” snaps Sofia as you lace up her dress, under your touch you can feel she is trembling though.

“But” you add, mainly for Sofia’s benefit “You aren’t dead, and I am very glad that is the case, aren’t you Sofia?”

Sofia pulls a face and then looks at Jal “I was terrified for you” she says “What were you thinking, putting yourself in danger like that?”

“I wuz tryn’ ter ‘elp!” protests Jal “I wanna ‘elp yer both wi’ the Barony an’ everything an’ I can’t cast no fizz an’ I ain’t a paladin or a angel an’ I’m no dragon, I’m just a pointy-earned slumgirl” Jal sits down on the bed, shoulders slumped and eyes downcast.

You and Sofia share a look as you fetch a comb to prepare her hair.

>Jal your thief skills are valuable
>Maybe it’s time we found a way to give you some other abilities
>Maybe you just need the right tools (magic items etc)
>Hug Jal
>Kiss Jal (comfort, non-smut)
>Sofia, help me out here
>Grow up Jal, so you don’t have magic, big deal
>Ignore Jal
>Other

>>35768367
>Jal your thief skills are valuable
>Maybe it’s time we found a way to give you some other abilities
>Maybe you just need the right tools (magic items etc)
>Hug Jal
>Kiss Jal (comfort, non-smut)

>>35768367
>Jal your thief skills are valuable
>Hug Jal
>Kiss Jal (comfort, non-smut)
I mean, she did want to be a paladin for us once. So
>Maybe it’s time we found a way to give you some other abilities
Although I'm still not sure about the whole thing, it is ture that she isn't really on the same level as even Sofia, and I can understand her frustration.

>>35768367
>Show Jal the tattoo she gave. "Is this not enough?"

>>35768367
>Jal your thief skills are valuable
>Maybe it’s time we found a way to give you some other abilities
>Hug Jal

>>35768367

>Jal, your skills are valuable
>And if you want to learn some new things, we'll all be happy to help
>Hug Jal

Handing the brush to Sofia you sit next to Jal on the bed and put an arm around her and pull her close to you.

“Oh no” she grumps, “not falling for that, Angel, yer all tease an’ no pleas- hnnn!”

Seems Philly was telling the truth, elven ears are very sensitive, or at least Jals are, if her reaction to you nibbling in the tip of one is any indication.

Jal quickly turns to you and throws both her arms around your neck, kissing you deeply, her tongue darting between your lips. A few moments later you both break apart, breathing heavily.

“Well Ok” says Jal with a grin “I’m willin’ ter let yer *persuade* me to cheer up”

“Maybe later” you say with a smile, still holding the half-naked elf girl in your arms “I just wanted to have your full attention when I told you this: Jal we both” you indicate Sofia and yourself “love you, and your thief skills *are* invaluable, you don’t have to be a dragon to fight alongside us, or a giant, you just have to be you.”

“You say that” she says with a sigh, one of her hands trailing down your back and wings, before curling around your rear “But yer keep taking others wi’ yer.”

“Aren’t the tattoo’s from Jianxi enough?” you ask. Jal waves her free hand dismissively “Oh useful yeah” she says “But not strong enough, ya know?”

“I’ll give it some thought” you promise “And see what new abilities would suit you best. But really” you add “I do value your abilities with locks and traps – the only way I can open locked doors is by breaking them, and the only defence I have against traps is hoping I’m tough enough to survive them.”

“Only cos yer a big manly clodboots” says Jal with a smirk.

“I’m not manly” you protest.

“Sure yer is” says Jal “stan’ up.”

Obediently you stand up, towering over Jal, who stands next to you, and you both look at Sofia.

Jal gestures to herself and says “Petite girly girl” and to you and adds “big strapping man-paladin, right Sof?”

Sofia smirks “Jal does sort of have a point” she says “you are very tall for a woman, and strong, and you’re hardly very feminine.”

“Yeah” says Jal “Can’t see yer wearn’ a dress or a maids outfit, not our big tough warrior.”

>Fine, I’m manly, can we drop this now?
>You’ve seen me in dresses before
>Ha no, nice try ladies, no maid outfit for me
>If I wear a maid outfit, will that prove you wrong?
>Do *these* look manly? (indicate breasts)
>I’m leaving (leave)
>Other (what?)

>>35768611
>You’ve seen me in dresses before
>Do *these* look manly? (indicate breasts)
>If I wear a maid outfit, will that prove you wrong?

>>35768611
>You’ve seen me in dresses before
>Ha no, nice try ladies, no maid outfit for me

File: HRtittymonster.png (1022 KB, 515x640)

1022 KB PNG

>>35768611

>You've seen me in dresses before.
>Do *these* look manly? (pic related)

daily reminder that we owe Bokin a rite of passage

>>35768611
>Do *these* look manly? (indicate breasts)
>If I wear a maid outfit, will that prove you wrong?
I like to think we play along anyway, even i their attempt is very transparent

>>35768647
We have far more important things to worry about, like the multiple apocalyptic scenarios.

>>35768647
I actually forgot about that one. I still don't give a shit, he can do his own rite of passage. Its kinda the point, its not a very good proof of his adulthood if we solve the challenge for him

>>35768667

Being there to back him up is not necessarily doing everything, or even anything, for him - except for serving as a moral support. You are very bad with people, aren't you?

I have work for 9 hours starting soon so I'll miss most of this guest. Why do you do this to me Pally?

>>35768724
only 8 1/2 hours of quest to go Anon, very sorry.

Perhaps you have a mobile device and wi-fi?

>>35768611
>If I wear a maid outfit, will that prove you wrong?
>>Do *these* look manly? (indicate breasts)

Oh Jal,how I love you.

>>35768716
>Being there to back him up is not necessarily doing everything, or even anything, for him
Oh please, as if it would actually work out like that.

>>35768724
>Not calling in sick/taking a day off to play the quest
Step it up.

>>35768738
I'll be on lunch in 4 hours. Good luck all.

>>35768752

Yes it would. We'd go there, offer our help and accompany Bokin to wherever it was he wanted to carry out his hunt. Then Pally would have switched perspective, we would have rekt the creature, had a small celebration and went back to dealing with the apocalyptic scenarios.
Only divisive issue would probably be whether Bokin comes to keep or stays with Giants afterwards.

>>35768812
Thats just how you would have liked it to happen, there is asbolutely no indication or precedent implying that it would be done like this.
That being said, maybe he takes the idea and runs with it, would make it better at least.

“You’ve seen me in dresses before!” you protest “I can be feminine when I want.”

“I’ve seen plenty of theatre with men playing the parts of women” points of Sofia “quite convincingly actually.”

“And how many of them had a pair of *these*?” you say, indicating your obvious attributes.

“Quite a few” says Sofia dryly “You can do wonders with bladders filled with air and simple illusions.”

“Yeah” agrees Jal “We need ter check’em” and before you can retort she’s pulled your shirt out of your trousers and has both her hands up your shirt, checking for *illusions*.

“Hey, hey” you protest, trying to pull Jal off you without hurting her “hands off!”

“Hmm” she says, looking thoughtful as her fingers rub across some of the more sensitive areas of your anatomy “Doesn’t feel like an illusion” she grins “Best ‘ave another going over jus’ ter be sure.” You feel a couple of things harden under her touch.

“Ok fine” you say, laughing as you pull Jals hands out of your clothing “I see where this is going, if I wear a maid outfit for you both, once!” you insist, holding up a single finger “Will you admit I’m not a man?”

The two share an amused look “Deal” they say together, before Jal adds “But I pick what sort.”

“More seriously though” adds Sofia, combing her hair “What are you doing about Ryzan?”

“Trying to find his phylactery” you respond, tucking your shirt in, as Jal sits down on the bed.

“Any luck?” asks Jal

“Not much” you admit

“So what’s next?” asks Sofia

“Ummm...” you think about it

>The phylactery can wait, I need to find out who wants me dead
>We’ll just keep searching the night skies
>We’ll go to stargazers, wizards or priests of Yerra maybe
>We’ll search for the phylactery another way (how?)
>Other

>>35768852
>We’ll go to stargazers, wizards or priests of Yerra maybe

>>35768850
>>35768812
We can do that if you want to, at the current rate you'll probably have all chosen tasks completed well before the years end.

>>35768852
>We’ll go to stargazers, wizards or priests of Yerra maybe
>We’ll just keep searching the night skies
Can't talk to people all the time, and we can't have EVERYONE talking to a couple of stargazers

>>35768852
>We’ll go to stargazers, wizards or priests of Yerra maybe

>>35768812
>>35768850
Your tenses could use some work.

>>35768850
>there is asbolutely no indication or precedent implying that it would be done like this
Yes there is. Pally has switched perspective in the past where it suited the narrative. To Jianxi or Isla for instance.

>>35768852
Oh and forgot to add prompts

To Jal
>No I pick the outfit
>Ok fine, you pick the maid outfit

>>35768891
>Switches perspective in the past
>That means I can say with complete certainty that he'll do it in this instance

>>35768900
>Ok fine, you pick the maid outfit
Might as well have some fun

>>35768888
How so? Genuine question, not my first language.

>>35768891
In all those cases it was because Sireyi wasn't available for one reason fo another.

>>35768926
>>35768888

I'm the second guy you qouted btw.

File: 1367370730178.jpg (36 KB, 324x586)

36 KB JPG

>>35768852

>mfw
pally y u do this to us

>We'll go to stargazers, wizards or priests of Yerra maybe

>>35768926
>>35768945
>Thats just how you would have liked it to happen, there is asbolutely no indication or precedent implying that it would be done like this.

"Would have liked" is past tense, which is incorrect to use in this scenario, as it implies the event being discussed has already passed.

"Would like" or "you'd like" would be the correct tense, I believe.

>>35769025
I actually took that tense because I referred to something he had written, but I assume the assumption is fair he would still like it to happen afterwards.

>>35768900

>No, I pick the outfit

>>35768900
>Ok fine, you pick the maid outfit

Aw yes

“I’ll talk to stargazers” you say “There must be some wizards or priests of Yerra with starcharts that have seen a new, possibly moving star.”

“Since this is your idea” you say to Jal, as you help Sofia finish preparing her hairstyle “You can pick the outfit.”

Jal grins maniacally and spends the next half-hour regaling you with all her ideas for your dress, in detail. Seems she’s put a lot of thought into this.

Eventually the three of you are properly dressed and you go down to breakfast.

“Good morning Sireyi” says Isla “Why are your ears red?”

“It’s a long story-” you start, before Jal interrupts and tells Isla that you agreed to wear a maid outfit during your planned, pre-weeding ladies night out...

---

Sometime later that day, you’re talking to a priest in one of the local churches of Yerra, God of Magic and Dragons. Though not common in your realm, there are a few and you figure that even though a small church probably won’t have the resources you need, at least they can point you in the right direction.

“Starcharts Baroness?” says the priest, an elderly man with failing sight who squints at you as he talks “Yes I have a few of those, though most are a centaury or more out of date. If I may ask, what constellation are you looking for? It’s been a while since I tracked the celestial bodies but I might be able to help you find what you’re looking for.”

>Actually it’s not a star I’m looking for (explain about the phylactery)
>I need more recent charts, where can I find them?
>I need an expert, where should I look for one?
>I’m looking for a new star
>Other (what?)

>>35768900
>Ok fine, you pick the maid outfit

Jal knows Sireyi's body the best. She is the best person to pick clothes for her.

>>35769125
>I’m looking for a new star. Probably moved recently.

>>35769125
>I’m looking for a new star
>I need an expert, where should I look for one?

>>35769125
>I need an expert, where should I look for one?
>I’m looking for a new star

>>35769125
>Actually it’s not a star I’m looking for (explain about the phylactery)
>I need more recent charts, and perhaps someone who spends a lot of time on observing the movements of celestial bodies

>>35769218
I really wouldn't suggest mentioning that. Its very likely that Ryzan has plants within the church dedicated to the God of Magic and Dragons. Hes an old dragon who obviously isn't stupid. We don't want to be flat out announcing to the world what we are looking for.

>>35769243

Good point. Let's go with the new star instead.

“I’m looking for a new star” you say “it won’t show on older charts, is there an expert I can talk to?”

“Hmm” says the old priest “I believe Father Ralsium tracks the most recent movements of the stars – he teaches Astrology at the Collegium in Gester.”

“I know of the city of Gester” you say “though I’ve never been.”

“Gester is built on a hill” says the priest “The Collegium of Yerra is attached to the Cathedral there – you can’t miss it, it’s in the centre of the city.”

“Thank you” you say “you’ve been most helpful”

One teleportation spell later...

---

The Cathedral of Yerra is indeed obvious from an aerial view of Gester and as soon as you land in the courtyard a young acolyte is out to greet you and ask after your needs.

After you explain why you’re here he says “Father Ralsium is currently lecturing a class, do you want me to fetch him for you, or do you mind waiting – he’ll only be another hour?”

>I’ll wait
>Fetch him for me
>Is there anyone else I can see
>I’ll go find him myself (interrupt class)
>Other

Apologies for delay, cleaning house.

>>35769408
>I’ll wait

>>35769408
>I’ll wait

>>35769408

>I'll wait
>Could I wait somewhere with books or charts?

>>35769408
>I'll wait
>Could I wait somewhere with books or charts?

The delay wasn't that long, don't worry about it.

>>35769408
>I'll wait
>Could I wait somewhere with books or charts?

>>35769408
>>Fetch him for me

THis is more important, damnit.

“I’ll wait” you say “Could I wait somewhere with books or charts?”

“Of course” says the acolyte, “please follow me to the stargazers eyrie.”

You’re taken to a room at the top of a very tall tower with a number of long telescopes and books piled up around the place and star charts on the walls, a couple of priests of Yerra are there chatting quietly, they look up when you enter, then ignore you.

An hour later an old man in Yerra robes, with a bald head and a grumpy, wrinkled face enters and asks for “Baroness Sireyi” and introduces himself as “Father Ralsium”.

“Now” says Father Ralsium “How can I help you Baroness?”

“I need to find out about new stars” you say “ones that won’t be listed on normal star-charts, and that might move around.”

“Oh yes” says Father Ralsium with a sour look “Those.”

“Those?” you ask

“We thought it a student prank at first” he explains “An illusion cast upon our telescopes, and once we found out they weren’t that, we investigated and found out they were protected by powerful magic, draconic in nature.”

“What are *they*?” you ask.

“I’ll show you” he says, and fetches two sketches of circles, with annotations that don’t mean anything to you.

“This one” he says “It the star Delta-436” he indicates one sketch “And this is one of what we’re calling the *false stars*.”

The sketches and annotations look the same to you.

“Uh....” you say, unsure of what you’re looking at.

Father Ralsium waits, and then mutters something under his breath about *thick-headed students* and then explains.

“This one” he indicates the sketch of a star “Has a colour pattern and its distance can be measured, whilst this one” he indicates the sketch of the *false star* “Is uniform in colour pattern and attempts to gauge its distance end with wildly differing results.”

The two priests continue to converse quietly in the background.

“How many are there?” you ask

“As of this morning” he replies, looking unhappy about it “four. What do you know about them?”

>4 Phylacteries?!!
>These are not stars, one is a phylactery, the others are...decoys?
>One appeared overnight?
>I need their locations
>I can’t tell you what I know about them
>Other

>>35769627

>One appeared overnight?
>I need their locations
>Can we speak in private?

>>35769627
> The two priests continue to converse quietly in the background.
Probably draconic spies.

>One appeared overnight?
>I need their locations
>Can we speak in private?

>>35769627
>One appeared overnight?
>I need their locations

>>35769627
>One appeared overnight?
>I need their locations
> might solve this issue soon, even.

>>35769627
>One appeared overnight?
>I need their locations
>I can’t tell you what I know about them
>When did each appear, or was first discovered?

“I need their locations” you say “And the times they appeared, if you would be so kind.”

Father Ralsium looks at you suspiciously “What are they?” he asks

“I can’t tell you that” you respond “unless we can talk in private.”

He gives you a measuring look and then interrupts the two priests “Brothers, if we might have the room please?”

The two stand and bow to Father Ralsium “Of course Brother” they reply, and leave, still talking to one another, their conversation making no sense to you.

“The false stars” explains Father Ralsium “First appeared about 6 months ago, with a month or two between the appearance of a new one, and the most recent was spotted overnight – though it might be weeks before spot them of course.”

“And where are they?” you ask

“Their locations are difficult to pinpoint” he says “Our estimates could be out as much as 20 miles, but we see one above the Tribal Lands, another above the western plains on Dornmer and two more far out over the ocean.” He takes what looks like a poorly copied map, grumbling over it as *student work* and marks 4 points on it.

“Now” he says “What do you know?”

>I’m sorry, I can’t say
>Make up a lie
>Tell the truth
>Other

>>35769965
>Tell the truth

>>35769965
I'm still heavily feeling like the truth is a trap. Maybe something generic about we aren't sure what they are but are investigating them?

>>35769965
His phrasing is making my paranoia flare up.

If he wanted to know what they are, he'd ask "What are they?", instead he asked what we know, which implies, to me, that he might already know what they are and is trying to figure out if he needs to (try to) dispose of us or not.

>>35769965
>>35770065
Rephrasing.

>I'm not entirely sure. My companion Isla, noticed them and asked me to look into them. I figured I could do it for her as a favor.

>>35769965

Say half-truth

>My own scrying and observations, while unable to discern exact locations, have led me to believe that they are linked to unusual dragon activity around my barony

>>35770147

We could mention that we were worried of a possibility of Lords of Life scrying or sending advance scouts. Sorta like remote magical drones/constructs set to monitor the countryside or something. Although that might also set off his suspicions and inform Ryzan, if Ralsium is an informant, as we'll undoubtedly investigate as well. Although the mere act of us coming here and investigating these stars will probably make him report anyway.

Half-truth it is, writing.

Please roll Fellowship 1d20+7 to convince him

Use Angels Voice?

Y/N

>>35769965

Pally, can we attempt to sense motive or something else on Ralsium? See if he's genuinely curious and is just being ornery, or if he might have some ulterior motives here?

>>35770197
I'm not sure he'd give a map to their locations if he was working with Ryzan, but that doesn't mean that there aren't people eavesdropping or that he isn't just totally unaware of their significance at this time.

The return of the Lord of Life isn't common knowledge as far as I can recall.

>>35769965
>Dragons are making a big deal about these stars. It might be related to their deity.

Or something. She's an angel/saint, it's not unlikely people will buy it.

Rolled 19 + 7 (1d20 + 7)

>>35770123
me
seconding this course of half truth
>>35770147
>>35770197


>>35770214
y

>>35770216
>Pally, can we attempt to sense motive or something else on Ralsium?

Alas, too late, course of action is locked in, and now you must roll to convince him you're not lying.

Rolled 16 + 7 (1d20 + 7)

>>35770214

>>35770255

Curse these fat, slow typing fingers!

Rolled 2 + 7 (1d20 + 7)

>>35770214
anyone else going to vote on angels voice?

>>35770305

I kind of want to say Yes, but at the same time I'm worried it might get detected. My shadowruns are flaring up.

thank you for the rolls, writing.

>>35770340
My liver is literally made out of shadowruns at this point. We were so close to getting Shrekked a few threads back that I can't trust anything.

“I'm not entirely sure.” You say, mixing a little truth with your lies “My companion Isla, noticed them and asked me to look into them. I figured I could do it for her as a favour. My own scrying and observations, while unable to discern exact locations, have led me to believe that they may be interested in my barony.”

As you speak your voice takes on a lulling tone, urging him towards acceptance and agreement.

“Well I suppose that makes sense” he says with a grunt “Now was there anything else you wanted? I have to get back to the futile task or drumming knowledge into the thick skulls of youngsters.”

>Yes actually (what?)
>Thank you for your time

>>35770424
>Thank you for your time

>>35770424

>Thank you for your time

I think we need an airship. For reasons. King can keep his own, but we should build one with our own resources.

>>35770450
Name these reasons.

>>35770424
>Thank you for your time

>>35770458

Because airships are awesome.
Because superlaser can be mounted on one.
Because it could carry our flightless allies with us where we might need them.
Because airships are awesome.
Because it could help us with force projection in soon to come cataclysmic events, serving as a base for winged stormtroopers or evacuation vehicle for civilians.
Because it could intimidate weaker opponents and prevent minor enemies from pestering us just by existing.
Becaue it could be a safe and mobile refuge for something precious, including but not limited to the kids.
Oh, and also because airships are awesome.

“Thank you for your time” you say, taking your leave of Father Ralsium.

You take the map with you and walk out of the Cathedral, teleporting into and out of buildings is seen as poor manners by most mages.

Once away you prepare to teleport back home, thinking about how you’ll handle these false stars.

One could be the phylactery, and 3 decoys. In theory all four could be phylacteries, or all decoys.

Father Ralsium admitted that the stargazers might not spot a new one for weeks, there could be more than four.

Still, with Ryzan going after Barrosim when the Cloud Dragon touched one, approaching or touching any of the four might result in someone coming out to check on them.

So what’s the plan?

Approach
>Try and snatch a false star quickly
>Approach it cautiously and carefully
>Not doing this yet, need more time
>Other

Target
>Star over the Tribal Lands
>Star over Western Dornmer
>A Star over the Ocean
>Multiple stars simultaneously (which?)

And of course, these things are suspended high above the world. You can help any of your companions fly with magic, but if the spell fails...

Who is going with you?

>I go alone
>Isla
>Matthias
>Jianxi
>Sofia
>Jal
>Nicolvren
>Ebonsong
>Shahulzer
>Grax
>Philly
>Poppy
>Twoblue
>Demihydria
>Other (who?)

If targeting multiple stars at once, organise into groups. Please keep group size at no more than 4 (including Sireyi).

And optionally
>Have spells/powers active (what?)
>Have contingent spells prepped (what?)
>Other preparation (what?)

Feel free to discuss and ask questions. And yes, this choice is important.

>>35770557
>Approach it cautiously and carefully
We don't want to get burned so to speak.

>A Star over the Ocean
Its more out of the way than the others. Higher likelihood of being the real deal.

>Isla

>>35770536
>Because airships are awesome.
Matter of taste, point invalid.

>Because superlaser can be mounted on one.
Valid use for an airship, probably the single best point.

>Because it could carry our flightless allies with us where we might need them.
Teleportation already does this, still possibly useful.

>Because airships are awesome.
Childish repetition.

>Because it could help us with force projection in soon to come cataclysmic events, serving as a base for winged stormtroopers or evacuation vehicle for civilians.
Airships aren't that powerful, we do not have any flying soldiers, teleportation boosted by a node is better for evacuation, or possible a Gate.

>Because it could intimidate weaker opponents and prevent minor enemies from pestering us just by existing.
I doubt it, none of our enemies that are actual serious threats would be put off by an airship.

>Because it could be a safe and mobile refuge for something precious, including but not limited to the kids.
It wouldn't be safe, airships aren't very durable. Appeal to emotion discarded.

>>35770557

Do we have any way of examining magical protection of those fake stars? If so, do this.
Otherwise
>Approach cautiously
>All of them simultaneously

>I with Jianxi and Matthias and angelic sage
>Isla with Sofia, Jal and angelic sage
>Nico with Poppy and angelic sage and warrior
>Shahulzer with Philly and angelic sage and warrior

>>35770649
>Do we have any way of examining magical protection of those fake stars?

You do, but only when close to then (hundreds of yards) rather than remotely (scrying)

>>35770557

me >>35770613 I'm retarded and forgot about the angelic forces.

Seconding this >>35770649

Anyway, good night all. Play nice and good luck.

>>35770641

>implying teleportation works everywhere
>implying emotional reasons are not valid in character
>implying you're not a pedantic killjoy

>>35770693
>implying you're not a pedantic killjoy
It certainly seems to be the case sadly.

>>35770557
>Try and snatch a false star quickly
>All of them

>Sireyi, Isla, Ebby
>Poppy, Nicolvren, Angel
>Philly, Shahulzer, Angel

As long as each group has a dragon and a holy/divine person, I don't care about the rest of the group. The Angels are the two angel officers, to help dealing with necromantic magics (I forgot their names as well)

I shied away from spells and magics, so I can't fill in the last part of the vote.

>>35770693
We wouldn't have a population center in a zone where teleportation doesn't function, and bringing our allies into such a place would probably end poorly, especially those without flight.

Emotional responses might be valid in-character, but that doesn't make it any less foolish to rely on such a weak machine to protect our children.

The last implication is a logical fallacy and therefore meaningless.

I'm not even against getting an airship, I'm simply trying to consider your points objectively.

Ok This seems to have won the vote

>>35770649

Writing.

Once back home, you gather you allies and explain the plan.

You, Jianxi and Matthias and one of the eladrin who follows you will approach one
Isla, Sofia, Jal and one of the eladrin approach another
Nico, Poppy, an eladrin and an archon approach another, and
Shahulzer, Philly, an eladrin and an archon approach the last one

You intend your approach to be cautious and careful, and all teams will be in telepathic contact with the others.

A few hours later, just after midday, you’re all searching your assigned areas.

Before the day is out, each time has located a floating silvery orb in their vicinity and just as afternoon turns into evening, you’re ready to act.

Magical examination reveals the spheres are themselves shielded from divination and detection magics, but that all have magical effect that extend approximately 300 yards from each sphere.

This wide-area effect is easily detected and identified: alarm spells that will be activated as soon as someone gets within 300 yards of the spheres.

The sphere’s themselves are about 2 feet across and appear to be made of mithril.

-What’s the plan?- asks each team leader of you, once everyone is ready

>I’m going ahead alone to test this spell out, see what it does.
>Everyone heads for the spheres at the same time
>I’ll try to dispel the alarm
>We all dispel the alarms at once
>Other plan (what?)

>>35771015
>We all dispel the alarms at once

>>35771015
>We all dispel the alarms at once

>>35771015
>Everyone heads for the spheres at the same time

He will sense the spells being undone.

Rolled 4 (1d4)

Don't mind me, just rolling a die

Looked like a good roll to me

Provably means ut was a bad roll, considering I don't think you can roll zero

>>35771318
It was probably just for which of the orbs is the real phylactery.

-Alright- you send to all the team leaders –when I give the word, we all take down the alarm spells at once, go-

You cast your own spell and the wide magical aura around the sphere winks out and you hear confirmation from your companions that theirs have too, and you all advance slowly.

-ap, Si-

-Who was that?- you ask –can you send it again?-

-Not me- sends Isla. –Not me- sends Poppy.

-Sorry- says Philly –False alarm, thought I saw something, just a seagull-

Please make me an Intelligence check 1d20+7

I'm reckoning alarms, hence why I'm worried about the lack of a zero

Rolled 14 + 7 (1d20 + 7)

>>35771356

Rolled 2 + 7 (1d20 + 7)

Rolled 19 + 7 (1d20 + 7)

>>35771356

These orbs float high in the sky, above the heights that most birds fly to. Although Philly’s group is over the sea, there shouldn’t be any seagulls that high up.

-Send again Philly- you send –a Seagull?-

-Yeah- sends Philly –Just a little jumpy, it flew down and I thought Ryzan is here.-

That’s odd you think, She should be sending *I thought Ryzan was here* or *I thought Ryzan had arrived*. Philly is normally good with her linguistics, maybe it’s just the way the telepathic bond spell imparts the information.

>Continue on towards your star
>Teleport to Philly
>Talk to Philly
>Other (what?)

>>35771493
>Teleport to Philly
Yeah, Ryzan is probably there.

It might be nothing after all, but just in case...

-Hold position- you send to Isla and Poppy –and be ready- and then you teleport you group to Philly’s location.

Ahead of you is the silvery orb that they came for. The two angels accompanying them, and Philly is riding on Shahulzers bac-

But they’re not the only ones here.

Looming behind them is a massive three-headed dragon with scales of blue, green and red.

It’s even bigger than Cravgur was. Your allies are holding position in front of Ryzan quite calmly, unafraid and are looking at you expressionlessly.

“Ah Sireyi” rumbles the red dragon head of Ryzan “So good of you to join us, now come forth please, alone, or your friends die, one at a time.”

With you are Matthias, Jianxi and one of the eladrin.

Jianxi whispers under her breath “Sireyi, he has Philly and Shahulzer, what do we do?”

What do you do?

>Do as he says
>Try to negotiate
>Use spell/power (what?)
>Tell some (or all) of your allies to flee (which?)
>Call in more allies (which groups/people?)

Ryzan, Shahulzer, Philly and the other 2 angels are perhaps 200 yards distant.

>>35771765
How fast is an (R) spell, exactly? A few seconds of casting time or pretty much instantaneous?

>>35771866
Normal combat actions range from 5-10 seconds.

R-spells less than 1 second. You are restricted to a single R-spell per round for balance reasons, and because otherwise you dramatically increase the risk of Perils.

>>35771765
We might be able to get a Disjunction (R) off before he can try anything and destroy the orb, but it's possible that orb isn't the real phylactery or all four orbs are the real phylactery.

If we try to negotiate, he might kill one of our friends; if we do as he says, we might walk into some kind of prepared spell to trap us.

He'll definitely react if we call in allies, and it's likely that his hostages are under some form of mental control, so telling them to flee will do nothing except maybe anger him.

I really wish that something as high-risk as this wasn't happening during that point in the day when participation drops.

>>35771765
>Try to negotiate
Seriously feel like I'm walking through a minefield here.

“It doesn’t have to be this way” you call across the distance “We can come to some sort of agreement.”

“I doubt it” chortles the green-dragon head of Ryzan, the blue one says “Here’s the deal: we kill you and take your deific power, and we *promise* that your friends go free.”

“How do I know you won’t kill them afterwards?” you ask, stalling for time to think of a plan.

“You don’t” says the blue dragon head with a grin “you don’t” it repeats.

“But what you do know” offers the green dragon head “Is that we will kill them before – Shahulzer, bite the elfs head off. Angels, stop anyone who tries to interfere.”

Expressionless, Shahulzer reaches up and plucks an unresisting Philly from her perch on his back and opens his jaws wide, moving her towards his mouth.

Philly doesn’t make a sound as Shahulzer puts her head in his mouth and his jaws begin to close.

What do you do?

>Allright! You win! Stop this!
>Disjunction (R) upon Philly, Shahulzer and the Angels
>Teleport (R) to Philly and Shahulzer to stop this
>Fly over to Philly and Shahulzer to stop it
>Use Spell/Power (what?)
>Other action (what?)

>>35772282
>Disjunction (R) upon Philly, Shahulzer and the Angels
>Disjunction (non-R) on the orb

Every other option is varying degrees of bad, even this option has so many horrible things that could happen.

>>35772282
>Disjunction (R) upon Philly, Shahulzer and the Angels

Good to know that Velya's chosen Angels aren't properly warded against mind control or charm effects. Seriously, sometimes I think that Saints exist because the gods are powerful but also lazy and kinda not good at managing the mortals they're sworn to protect.

>>35772282
>Disjunction (R) upon Philly, Shahulzer and the Angels

Ryzan must be using some sort of mind-controlling spell upon your friends.

Well you have a spell that can counter that! In less than a second you cast your spell and an explosion of magical energies erupts around your allies.

At the same time Ryzans Red dragon head utters a word and a similar explosion erupts within yours – he’s trying to counter your spell!

As the two maelstroms of magic interact you can sense the weight of deific power behind Ryzans spell – powered by the will of a god it can overpower mortal spells easily.

Time seems to slow to a standstill as you realise you can push back and overwhelm Ryzans deific power with your own, but you don’t know how much deific power he has, or how much he has used to power this spell.

New ability unlocked: Deific Spell

Deific Spell: When casting a spell you can spend 1 or more Deific Power. This choice is made when the spell is cast. Any spell enhanced with Deific Power ignores immunities and resistances of the target, though saving throws apply as normal. If used to counter or dispel another spell then the spell enhanced with the most Deific Power automatically wins. If they are enhanced with the same amount of Deific Power then an opposed Willpower roll is used.

You can choose to spend Deific Power on your Disjunction effect – if you spend less than Ryzan did, your spell fails, spend the same and it goes to a roll-off (Willpower) spend more and your spell automatically wins. As this is the first time you’re using this ability, you can use it despite already having cast the spell.

Average of 3 votes used. Posts without a number or obvious vote for amount of Deific Power will be ignored.

You currently have 25 Deific Power.

>>35772674
Really don't have any way to tell how much he's spending? Not even a ballpark estimate?

5

I'd hope that you'd softball us for the first time this power is in use, given that the consequence is death, we have no frame of reference for a good amount to spend and Deific Power isn't something we should be spending lightly, or in large amounts.

>>35772869
Not all deaths are final.

>>35772674

Uh, 7 points?

This is a neat power.

>>35772674

Though I have little idea on how we should actually dole these points out on fighting against another demigod because I normally read after the thread is done instead of participating, I will put in my vote at 10.

>>35772909
>This is a neat power.
There are a lot of things in it's design I already have a problem with.

I personally say 10, maybe 15

>>35773045
>>35772935
>>35772909
I doubt he's spending much on this spell, since he probably doesn't think we're capable of using the Deific Spell power and the spell we just cast technically wasn't a Deific Spell when he started countering it.

What I'm saying is that one DP would probably be a tie and we're about to waste a huge amount of it.

[7 Deific Power Spent Sireyi vs 6 Deific Power spend Ryzan, Sireyi Remaining Deific Power 18]

Your two spells clash but yours proves stronger and crushes his, exploding in a wave of magical energy you see Philly, Shahulzer and the two angels jerk suddenly and then Shahulzer is throwing Philly onto his back and turning round to face Ryzan.

Shahulzers jaws open wide and a stream of hellish fire surges forth.

“Pathetic hatchli-” bellows Ryzans red dragon head as a wall of force appears in front of Shahulzer, only to be torn apart by Philly’s spell and Shahulzers breath weapon speeds forth to spray into Ryzan’s red face. Ryzans taunt ends in a roar of anger and pain.

The two angels nearby lash at him with their own powers, holy fire burning into his flanks.

Still, Ryzan isn’t yet beaten and blasts of lighting breath shocks the angels, sending them tumbling back, at the same time Ryzans green head casts a spell that makes Ryzans scales turn all the colours of the rainbow.

You could join battle, call in allies or call a retreat, now that you know that the false stars are traps you can use that in future.

Ryzan is outnumbered, but you’re not properly prepared to fight him, you’d likely win, but could take casualties doing so.

>Join battle, let’s end this
>Call in the other teams (both? One?)
>Sound the retreat, we’ll fight this battle another day
>Other

Would Sireyi take that risk?

>>35773150
>Join battle, let’s end this
>Call in other teams (both)
That worked out pretty well, the guy that guessed 7 was right on the money for how much we should spend.

Still not happy about it.

>>35773150

>go for the phylactery!

>>35773150
>Join battle, let’s end this
>Call in the other teams (both)
Also FUCK YEAH, PALADIN QUEST!

>>35773319
I don't think he's actually a dracoliche, anon.

>>35773150
I think we should retreat and buff up our mind control protections, especially if we haven't figured out how to deal with the phylacteries.

You might not get another chance at this, now is the time to strike!

-Isla, Poppy- you send via your telepathic link –I need you at Philly’s star, Ryzan is here, now’s our chance!-

-On my way- responds Poppy –See you soon- ends Isla

Philly, Shahulzer and the two angels are thrown back by a concussive force of some power or spell, leaving Ryzan flying on his own.

At the same time, Isla, Poppy and their teams arrive to help, popping into existence near you.

With three heads and a lot of tricks up his sleeve you’ll need to task some of your forces to distract him, whilst others assist you in finishing him.

Pick 3 characters to help Sireyi in the fight – the rest will be on distraction duty.

>Nicolvren
>Shahulzer
>Jianxi
>Matthias
>Isla
>Sofia
>Jal
>Poppy
>Philly
>Archon Angel
>Eladrin Angel

>>35773488
>Jal
>Philly
>Shahulzer
also is it wrong that i want to try and pin his wings?
Captha is clerics allydm

>>35773488
Would it be rude to open a Gate to Velya's heaven and call the angels back at the keep and get them all to come here?

>>35773559
Jal doesn't have any abilities that could hurt Ryzen.

Depends, how much of an innuendo is that supposed to be?

>>35773593
She has all the tenticals. she could help pin the wings

>>35773593
>Would it be rude to open a Gate to Velya's heaven and call the angels back at the keep and get them all to come here?

Nope, I'll put that in the options once we've got the team picked.

>>35773619
You are severely underestimating how gigantic Ryzen is.

>>35773648
You are severely underestimating the strength and number of Jal's tentacles

>>35773685
6-12 points higher than her own, 12 in number, each 6 ft in length.

They won't be much help in subduing a castle-sized dragon, stop being an idiot.

>>35773737
I suppose you would tell the scorpion to NOT sting the frog too. Come on, how cool would it be!

“Shahulzer, Philly, Jal with me” you say “Everyone else distract him as much as possibly whilst we finish this.”

Your three chosen allies join you as you fly towards Ryzan, Philly and Jal held aloft by spells. Already your other allies are darting in to attack Ryzans faces, distracting him.

“What’s the plan?” asks Philly, a grim look on her face.

Actions?

Sireyi
>Spell (what?)
>Power (what?)
>Gate in Angel Army (how many?)
>Halberd
>Other

Shahulzer
>Hellfire Breath
>Melee attacks
>Spell (what?)
>Other

Philly
>Spell (what?)
>Longsword
>Other

Jal
>Knives
>Other

For all actions pick a head to target, unless it’s an area effect (breath weapon, lightning storm etc) or I’ll default attacks to Ryzans body.
---
Battlefield

Enemies
Ryzan (Body unhurt; Red head unhurt; Blue head unhurt; Green head unhurt)

Allies
Jal
Philly
Shahulzer

Allies on Distraction (all unhurt)
Nicolvren
Jianxi
Matthias
Isla
Sofia
Poppy
Philly
Archon Angel (2)
Eladrin Angel (4)

>>35773795
Did you miss the argument about how Jal isn't useful in this scenario? It's clear one guy didn't want to bring her, and since only one guy voted for that, you shouldn't have just gone with it.

>>35773810
I was the only one to vote....

>>35773810
in the absence of anyone voting for any other option, I felt it was the only way to keep things moving.

Still, I take your point.

>Keep Jal
>Substitute for other ally (who?)

>>35773834
He could've gone with literally anyone else and I would've been happier with it.

I didn't vote because I was assuming that you weren't so stupid as to be irrational and that OP wouldn't decide the vote's over with no announcement in the middle of an argument.

>>35773795
Sireyi
>Gate in Angel Army (50)

Shahulzer
>Hellfire Breath
Philly
TURN UNDEAD!

Jal
>Tentacle hentia!

I have a terrible feeling that we are going to lose someone.

>>35773854
>Substitute in other ally (Isla)
I'd hope that this is retroactive, otherwise just keep Jal. I don't want to hurt her feelings.

>>35773866
Turn Undead is useless in this instance.

>>35773854
>Keep Jal
>>35773862
I want to see where this goes now, regardless of how stupid it maybe. For referance though, I was also the anon to suggest Redeeming touch on fate demon, but not spending DP on it.

>>35773903
who so? he is a lich.

>>35773889
Grim reminder

>>35773903
It would be retroactive, yes

>>35773916
It's stupid primarily because Jal doesn't have high DPS normally, much less against a high AC foe with Massive size.

>>35773936
Because liches are renowned for their low saves, especially draconic ones that can auto-block it with a single DP, right?

>>35773936
>Who so?
Every fucking time. that's suppose to be How so.

>>35773967
You just have to have faith in her!

>>35773795
>Gate in Angel Army (all)

>Hellfire Breath

>Flame Strike (R), Flame Strike

>Last party member undecided

>Everyone focus on the green head

>>35774003
Faith over pragmatism means character death, stop being an idealistic nothing.

Awaiting tie-break on Jal/Isla, if no clear tie-break in 5 minutes, I will roll a die

>>35773967
It would still consume one action, and at least on DP. Given that they could otherwise use either to attack, I'd rather they be tied down defending.

>>35774025
Stupid is as stupid does, anon.

>>35774058
Pally, If it would make things easier for you I would be willing to take back my vote for keeping jal.

>>35774091
Up to you Anon, I will stop running in about 2 hours regardless of how far we get, I don't mind waiting for people to decide things.

>>35774071
It's an auto-defense power, so no action would be consumed.

It assumes he's a dracoliche, which is up for debate.

It also assumes that Ophilian's roll is high enough to be capable of hypothetically overcoming his willpower, which it probably isn't.

>>35774091
Oh especially if we can get Mathias in on this, wolf bro can just rip and tear dracolich.

Isn't everyone flying?

What about the phylactery?

>>35774129
she has rank 3 which could effect lichs.

>>35774137
>What about the phylactery?

My apologies, I forgot to mention:

The floating metal sphere that you think is the phylactery is still there, next to Ryzan, it is a valid target for attacks/powers.

>>35774137
Say, what was that about being able to control the Dragon if we touch his Phylactery? Wouldn't it be possible for some Eladrin to jump to each sphere?

Rolled 2 (1d2)

ok, tie-break roll, this is a roll for me, not a vote.

1- Isla
2 - Jal

>>35774181
Jal

Ok, Jal it is, I'll leave it 5 more minutes for people to vote on actions, so far I'm seeing:

Sireyi
>Gate in Angel Army (50/all)

Shahulzer
Hellfire Breath

Philly
Turn Undead 1 vote
Double Flamestrike 1 vote

Jal
Grapple

>>35774152
He might not be undead to begin with, he still gets a willpower save and likely has an absurd willmod, he can block it without using an action by burning one DP.

What part of my argument was your statement supposed to defeat, exactly?

Why are you assuming that an ancient draconic demigod is vulnerable to one mid-rank power that basically every priest has?

>>35774173
That was figurative, as in we could threaten him with true death by destroying his phylactery to control him.

We might not be able to destroy the phylactery.

>>35774232

We just need to take it and run with it. Undo any spell on it that could be used to track/recover it and hide it with anti-scrying wards.

>>35774232
because it says it could effect lichs and I want to see it happen. Come on, how cool would it be to see this 3 headed dragon run away in fright from an elf.

>>35774258
If it's the real phylactery, if there's only one real phylactery and not four, if he's actually a dracoliche, if it doesn't have the ability to teleport away, if he doesn't immediately chase us down before the spells are undone and murder everyone we hold dear, and if he can't overpower the wards, then it might be a viable idea.

Do you know how powerful the wards would need to be to block him? Probably far more powerful than we can create before he tracks us down.

>>35774277
You keep saying 'how cool it would be' like that's supposed to be an actual argument in favor of doing it.

He'll block it, assuming it can even affect him.

>>35774300
Because it is my argument in favor of doing it.
if he blockes it then he's spending more of his powers and wasting an action to do it.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

ok, rolling on which action Philly is going to take, this is a roll not a vote.

1 - Double Flamestrike
2 - Turn Undead

>>35774300

Why do you doubt he's a lich?

>>35774336
well to be fair, we only have the word of a cloud dragon that was under the control of this guy.

>>35774300

Wouldn't blocking it make him spend a DP, which is a good thing?

Actions locked in, Please roll 1d20+4 for Philly's Turning.

Spend 6 extra to Destroy on a successful Turn?

Y/N

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>35774358
Y
this is gonna be awesome!

>>35774319
This isn't a wish fulfillment quest, doing things because they're cool rather than pragmatic will probably result in people dying.

>>35774336
It just reeks of a set-up. We've seen no evidence that he is one, no evidence that these are actually phylacteries and Ryzan knew we were coming.

It's entirely possible Barrosim was Geas'd to lie to us, or that he was actually working with Ryzan the whole time.

>>35774356
Yes, if he's an applicable target and the power has the slightest chance of working.

It's entirely possible he's immune to the effect, even if he is a dracolich.

>>35774376
some one roll another 20, quick!

>>35774379
Implying my wish isn't to see people die....

>>35774358
is it okay to samefag on rolls?

Rolled 10 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>35774358

Y

please tell me this >>35774376 counts

>>35774427
It doesn't matter if it counts, the power won't do anything to him.

>>35774420
Yes

>>35774427
why wouldn't my roll count?

>>35774445
Because you didn't use a modifier, sometimes that disqualifies a roll.

Rolled 12 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>35774358
I DON'T BELIEVE IN DRACOLICHES!!!!!

>>35774427
It counts as a roll, yes.

>>35774445
Please roll with the modifier next time, thank you.

>>35774379
>This isn't a wish fulfillment quest
While I very much welcome your efforts to do everything by the numbers, I contest veracity of that statement. And I don't think OP is stranger to the Rule of Cool either.

Keep doing your thing though!

>>35774469
yeah, my bad

>>35774480
Maybe I didn't use the right phrase.

I was trying to refer to the kind of quest where the players get what they want with no struggle and there's rarely any consequences for stupid actions.

As your allies dart in and attack Ryzans heads to kep him distracted, Philly summons her divine powers “In Konigs name” she cries out “I abjure thee, foul creature of death, begone!”

The holy light of Konig bursts forth from the holy symbol she holds aloft and Ryzans heads flinch from its light, but it has no visible effect.

You can feel him using his Deific Power to shield himself from its effect.

Jal flies up and alights on Ryzans red head, clinging on and trying to poke her tentacles in his eyes.

Shahulzer breathes a gout of hellfire into the face of the green dragon head.

Ryzan snaps at Shahulzer and Jal, to no avail.

You cast your spell, opening a Gate to Velya’s realm, at your command an army of angels pours forth from the gate and attacks Ryzan.

Outnumbered by the heavenly host, Ryzan tries desperately to fight, and then flee. Your Host gives him no reprieve however, and as the illusion fails, revealing the true skeletal form of the dragon-lich underneath your Angels tear it apart with flaming swords and blasts of holy fire. You feel Ryzan burning the last of his Deific Power to prolong the fight as long as possible, and then in minutes you can feel no more such power from him.

Your allies assist in earnest, spell, dragonbreath and weapon helping destroy your foe.

Soon all that is left of Ryzan is shattered bone fragments falling far down into the ocean below.

One of the Archons, an angel you are unfamiliar approaches you and inclines his head “Divine Sireyi” he proclaims “An honour to serve, what would you have us do with that?” he indicates the floating metal sphere that you believe to be Ryzans phylactery, or a reasonable copy of.

>Destroy it
>Take it for study

“What about the others?” asks Isla, winging her way over to you “There’s another 3 that need to be dealt with.”

>Destroy them all
>Keep some for study (how many)

>>35774600
>Destroy them all
Because I really want to deal with an ancient dracolich demigod re-amalgamating on our barony.

I guess calling in an army of angels was kind of cheating.

>>35774600
>Take all for study, to verify that at lest one is the real deal, then destroy

Well, that went better then expected.....

>>35774600

>Destroy it
The others?

>Destroy them all

This seems like the type of thing to best deal with a strong sense of finality.

Dracoliches are serious business, best to deal with a sense of finality if we can

>>35774600
>Take them all for study

This, coupled with the necromancy tome, might help us deal with the lord of life.

>>35774663
dude, we do not want to use the books, remember what they did to isla?

>>35774663
The tomes are really, really bad for the people that read them; taking the phylacteries is asking for trouble.

>>35774600

I'm not gonna say it was too easy, considering the powerlevels of people involved, but I have this uncomfortable sensation in the back of my neck...

>Examine them before destroying
Is there a way to tell if any of those balls is the real phylactery, or was it just a bait?

I just want to verify that they are the soul box things before we destroy them

pally, did we earn huge Jal points for picking her to fight it?

>>35774681
>>35774687

We NEED these tomes. They have the knowledge to help fight the lord of life, Sireyi can resist any changes.

“I think we should destroy them all” you say “After we verify they’re the real deal.”

“They’re probably magically trapped though” says Isla “It might take days to carefully unpick all of the spells.”

“Not a problem” you say confidently, readying your Disjunction spell.

“What? No, no!” protests Isla “Sireyi honestly using more power isn’t the solution to every problem” the once-shy wizard berates you.

“What should we do then?” you ask “And why not?”

Isla mutters something under her breath you don’t quite catch and then says “Watch”

You and your allies hover guarding Isla as over the course of several hours she carefully unpicks the spells protecting the floating metal sphere.

Whilst this is going on, Jal flies over to you, hugging herself against the extreme cold of the altitude you’re at, high above the clouds.

“Ok, ok” she says “Yes, I believe yer, yer value me, even ‘gainst dragons, but” she adds “Was it really worth risking it all just to get back in me good graces?” the last comes out through chattering teeth.

>We won didn’t we?
>It was a gamble, but you’re worth it
>I’ll admit, in the midst of a battle I wasn’t thinking tactically all the time
>You look cold, let me warm you up
>Other

>>35774759
Yes

>>35774861
They only contain magical knowledge, our duplicate is a far better source of information on the Lords of Life.

>>35774759
I don't think it works like that.

>>35774861
>Sireyi can resist any changes.
When was this said?

>>35774906
>>35774907
Well shit, now I look like a douchebag.
Not a fan of affection point systems, to be honest.

>>35774911
Never, he's making assumptions.

>>35774906
>I’ll admit, in the midst of a battle I wasn’t thinking tactically all the time
>You look cold, let me warm you up

>>35774906
>>It was a gamble, but you’re worth it

>>35774906
>You look cold, let me warm you up
>We won didn’t we?

>>35774924
>Not a fan of affection point systems, to be honest.

It's not a points system, when I said yes, I thought anon was asking figuratively.

>>35774906
>It was a gamble, but you’re worth it
>Let me warm you up.

>>35774907

And that knowledge in magic will most probably help us in discovering how to properly deal with the BBEG and its army.

>>35774924
I don't think you look like a douchbag, anon.

>>35774966
did you forget what it did to Isla?

>>35774960
It's entirely possible he was, I miss things like that sometimes. It's kind of hard to when it's all just text.

>>35774973
Thanks anon.

>>35774966
Most of it is likely knowledge our duplicate already has, and I don't believe what's left is worth risking the possible mental damage.

>>35774960
You thought right pally. Tell me how can you live with being smart, talented, and handsome/beautiful?

>>35775109

Oh you!

>>35774989

Isla is not Sireyi.
>>35775080

The duplicate is not reliable. Not even after their conversation.

>>35775168
that doesn't mean she wouldn't be effected.

Captha is elywnlo rebecca

>>35775168

Don't get too cocky. Sireyi might be the hot shit, but she's neither infallible not invulnerable.

>>35775168
I'm still extremely uncomfortable with the idea of reading any of the books, and I believe that reliance on the duplicate is the lesser danger, assuming it's even dangerous.

>complete ionsucio
If we're reading any of the books, it's the machine one.

We must complete Ionsucio.

“It was a gamble” you say “I wasn’t sure if he could counter my spells, or resist Shahulzers breath, or if Philly’s ability to destroy undead would even work, and yes, I wasn’t sure if you could help” you admit “But I thought it a worthwhile risk, if it helps you understand how much I value you.”

The confident and teasing elf you know suddenly looks shy and uncertain “Ya mean that?” she asks, too quiet for anyone to hear but you.

“Of course I do” you say, “Now get over here, you’re freezing” as Jal flies over to you, you cast a spell to keep you aloft and then wrap her in your arms and wings, letting your body warm her up.

“Yea well” says Jal defiantly, wrapped in a cocoon of your wings “Dun think I’m gonna stop giving yer grief, just because...just because, ok?”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way” you say, truthfully, a non-teasing Jal wouldn’t seem like Jal.

“Why do yer love me anyway?” asks the slowly warming Jal “I’m a skinny street girl, I’m rude, I swears, I’m always makin’ yer uncomfortable, I can’t do amazin’ stuff like some, I’m nobody, is it just coz of Vivi, or mebbe Sofia..”

Well this is a fine setting for such a conversation; you decide to buy yourself a little time to think.

“Anyone who’s feeling the cold” you yell to your companions “get a spell on you, or go home – we’ve got enough forces here in case anything happens.” As a few of your companions depart, you turn your attention back to the elf girl in your arms.

>Let’s talk about this later
>Yes, it’s because of Vivi
>I love *you* Jal, I can’t be any clearer than that
>Who wouldn’t love someone as smart as you?
>Who wouldn’t love someone as pretty as you?
>I actually enjoy the teasing
>Say something else (what?)

>>35775109
Aww, you'll make me blush.

No, no bonus XP

>>35775290
>I love *you* Jal, I can’t be any clearer than that

>>35775290

>I love you, Jal. You're pretty, you're smart, you're charming, you're remarkably kind for the misery you've gone through in Drache.

>>35775290
>I love *you* Jal, I can’t be any clearer than that
>Who wouldn’t love someone as smart as you?
>I- kinda like the teasing....

>No, no bonus XP
So close....

>>35775290
>I actually enjoy the teasing
>I love *you* Jal, I can’t be any clearer than that

>>35775290
>I love *you* Jal, I can’t be any clearer than that
>Love is love. It doesn't need a reason to happen, it just does.

I actually enjoy the teasing wins
Cue her teasing us now and we fail our spaghetti test so hard we fall and die.

Oh hey, did we ever stop that one nation/tribe of were's from kidnapping people?

Is it tentacle rape if it's an elf?

>>35775510
It would be consentacles in this instance.

Also, stop that.

>>35775504
Maybe our companions did something about it after we left?

“I love you Jal” you say “I don’t know how to be clearer than that – love doesn’t always make sense, it just happens.”

“Yer just sayin’ that” she says, uncertain

“And” you add “You’re smart beautiful and charming – of course I love you.”

Jal seems to struggle with something “I might” she says “might cut back on the teasin’ fer ya, if yer want.”

You cough, a little embarrassed “I...I um, I actually enjoy it!” you blurt out

“Wha?” says Jal, twisting around in your arms to look at you

“I’m, I’m not that good with...certain things” you admit “It helps me if someone else is willing to take the lead on it.”

A mixture of confusion, happiness and glee chases across Jals face, you finish with “besides, I’ve gotten used to it, it wouldn’t be the same without it...”

Jal kisses you tenderly on the cheek and then your face flames bright red as she whispers in your ear exactly *how* she’s going to take the lead on your wedding night.

A yell from Isla saves you from having to respond.

“Got it! Ah, yes, there” says Isla happily as the metal sphere suddenly drops out of the sky, Nicolvren diving down to retrieve it.

“Ok” you say, drifting over with Jal still snuggled up in your wings “What now?”

Isla rolls her eyes at you “Look at it with magical sight” she suggests.

You cast your spell and you can see fading magical aura’s around the sphere but...

“It’s not the phylactery” you say, somewhat disappointed.

“No” agrees Isla “But if my theory is correct...I think it was built to be a perfect replica of the phylactery, which is enough of a link for us to find the real one.”

“Isla you’re a genius!” you exclaim, with Jal echoing the sentiment, and your angels and allies nodding and applauding as Isla blushes “It’s just a theory” she says, looking uncomfortable at all the attention.

A short time late you and Isla are combining your powers to scry out the real phylactery- there it is!

You can see a metal sphere identical to the one in your hands deep underwater, on the ocean floor. Something large moves beside it, a whale? No, a giant...spine?

Horrified you realise that even in the hours spent finding the phylactery, Ryzan is already partially regenerated, though it looks like just part of the spine and one head so far, and what you thought was movement, was just it rocking in the underwater currents, seems he’s not awake yet, you hope.

“That can’t be right” says Isla, hovering beside you “Liches normally take days or weeks to recover, not hours.” She is sharing the vision as the two of you have combined your powers.

>Get down there immediately and destroy it
>Wait until Ryzan renerates, give him the choice of helping you, or you destroy it
>Other action (what?)

>>35775765
>Get down there immediately and destroy it

>>35775765
>Get down there immediately and destroy it

>>35775765
>Wait until Ryzan renerates, give him the choice of helping you, or you destroy it

We can send him against the Lord of Life

>>35775765

I don't think it will be open to cooperation. We should finish it.

I don't suppose if there's any way of finding out whether it still has Tiamat's loaned divine power?

>>35775765
>Get down there immediately and destroy it

Hope we still have our angelic legion with us.

>>35775765
>Get down there immediately and destroy it

>>35775765
>Immediately retrieve the Phylactery
>Don't destroy it. We need any help we can fighting the Lord of Life. Using the Phylactery as ransom we could use it to keep the Dragon long enough in line to redeem him.
>This might also be one of the hard choices we need to make to win against the Lord of Life.

Teleporting underwater is going to be painful but....you hand Jal to Isla and appear underwater near the real phylactery and blast it with lighting and your Disjunction spell, until you are sure it is destroyed. For good measure you tear apart the pieces of skeleton you can find as well.

Finally it is over, and you can rest, knowing that Ryzan is truly gone.

You teleport back to your allies and open a Gate spell to send the Angels back to Velya’s Heaven, ready to come when you call.

You take your companions back home; it’s been a long day.

As you’re seeing a tired Sofia and Jal to bed, Sofia mumbles “What’re we doing tomorrow?”

In truth, you’re not sure.

>Ebonsong needs a lair
>I promised Bokin I’d help with his test of adulthood
>I want to talk to the wizards guild about faster ways to build magic items
>I want to find my double
>I want to do something else (what?)

And with that we draw the thread to a close.

This last vote is you picking what happens next thread – which will be Friday evening, probably 7pm or so (BST) – I’ll post on twitter closer to the day.

Thank you for playing, and thank you for your patience when things got slow.

An additional topic I would very much appreciate your views on: Negative voting.

Today there was a disagreement over whether or not Jal should be picked for the team, each side had their views.

However what I’m asking is, if a person says “no” to a choice without picking an alternate choice, do you the players want me to take that into account, a negative vote for an option if you will?

Or should I only count positive votes: i.e, only those votes that vote *for* a person or course of action?

Related: I appreciate and encourage discussion and dialogue in the quest – it makes me feel like you’re invested in the quest. However do you want me to avoid accepting a contested vote whilst discussion is still ongoing?

Do you want me to post clearly when I’m closing a vote? Or use a set time-frame (say 10–15 minutes) for votes – with an option to extend if there are no votes or a tie of course?

If you have no strong preference over these issue please say, and I will decide myself, but I want every player to have the chance to have their say.

I can’t stay long, must sleep, but I will of course check the archives before next thread and will respond to any feedback or questions.

>>35776158

>I promised Bokin I'd help with his test

Although I also wonder what our orc friend from the start and his goblin buddies are up to...

>>35776158
>I promised Bokin I’d help with his test of adulthood

We're way overdue.
>>35776181
>However what I’m asking is, if a person says “no” to a choice without picking an alternate choice, do you the players want me to take that into account, a negative vote for an option if you will?

No, ignore it.

If it's
>Plan X but without Y

Then it's fine, count it up. But if it's just "No Y", then ignore it.

>>35776181
I think negative votes would be quite useful in general. But if no alternative vote exists, what should be chosen then? You can just boycott a vote.

I think you should do negative votes in Dialogues, like FriendQM does in Loli talker. In all other contexts, it would just lead to people voting against all choices they don't like in addition to voting for the choice they do like, therefore making their vote count twice.

>>35776181

Cheers for the thread, OP! Was great, as usual.

To be honest I would have preferred voting to work as it does now. People tend to retract bad votes anyway if they are told why they are bad. Negative voting would probably just bring more resentment as people who get voted against grow upset.

>>35776181

I think you should only wait in case a contested vote is actually important. Since you are the QM and will carry out the results, it's really up to you.

Most voting shouldn't be stopped just because a few anons are arguing.

>>35776158
>I want to talk to the wizards guild about faster ways to build magic items

Gotta jump-start that magitech industry. Gonna need new inventions to improve quality of life and new inventions to improve our defenses. When the Lord of Life arrives here, we're gonna be so ready with giant robots and tanks and fighters that he's going to wonder if he wandered into the midst of the war of Cybertron.

>>35776181

>Negative voting

I think the voting system should remain the way it is. Just count positive votes, but if there's a lot of discussion over the vote then time extensions and final destination votes are also OK.

>>35776181
I'll try to formulate a proper response to this later, as I'm very tired right now.

>>35776359
That's not what that option is for at all.
At least, I hope it's not, I'm not fond of magitech.

>>35776293
>We're way overdue
Time limit was ten years, IIRC.

>>35776158
>I promised Bokin I’d help with his test of adulthood
This, so much this, please!

>>35776485
>I'll try to formulate a proper response to this later, as I'm very tired right now.

Next thread is fine too.

Or if that's you AA, email.

>>35776511
Why?

>>35776181
I hate Negative votes.

>>35776158
>I want to talk to the wizards guild about faster ways to build magic items

>>35776537
BokinXSireyi OTP

>>35776158
>I want to talk to the wizards guild about faster ways to build magic items
This is related to that thing we were talking about, correct?

Also, FUCK YEAH! great quest today Pally! Thank you so much for running today!

>>35776582
You are literally the only person that wants that.
He's the least interesting character, male or otherwise, in the entire quest.

>>35776158
>I want to talk to the wizards guild about faster ways to build magic items
We have to arm up for our raid to hell, and that ASAP. Not to mention the necromancer king coming to town soon.

>>35776582

I'm not opposed to adding a male giant to the set, but I think something big would have to happen for Sireyi to consider him as a romantic partner rather than as a grown up teenager.

Just because I want it, doesn't mean it will happen.
Just because It won't happen doesn't mean I won't still want it.

>>35776158
>I want to talk to the wizards guild about faster ways to build magic items
>>35776663
As far as I can see, we are pretty much at Sireyis comfort limit when it comes to the number of romantic partner.

>>35776687
You forgot the obligatory "No your waifu a shit!"

>>35776485
>Time limit was ten years, IIRC.

Feels it's been longer IRL.

>>35776633

There are only 7 characters in the quest: Sireyi, Jal, Isla, Sofia, Jianxi, Mathias and Ebonsong.

Well, shahulzer has been relevant, so maybe 8.

>>35776815
Nicolvren has shown up pretty often recently, so I would count her too.
Poppy and Philly had a lot of moments too, so its at least 11 characters.

>>35776815
What about the characters that we don't see often (predominantly villains) who still significantly impact events, immediate or otherwise?

>>35776181
I think that "I don't want X to happen" shouldn't be subtracted from the vote count or anything, but if more people say they don't want a certain thing than there are people in favor, that should definitly be considered.

>>35776158
>blast it with lighting
>under water
Great job Anons! I leave for work you shock yourselves to death.