File: provinceMap14.12.07.png (916 KB, 3024x1550)

916 KB PNG

>>37267380
Current Date and Time: Early afternoon on January 31st, 1954PC
FR Points: 1

Seeing Sylvian off is a straightforward matter. At least, it will be once you give her case of figurines you bought her. She’s looking expectantly at you as you step into her room, and you can’t help but note that she hasn’t kicked her habit of being a late-riser. Her hair is still damp and she doesn’t look as alert as normal, which is probably why she’s not bothering to hide her expression. She was a heck of a lot more guarded when taking you around Harrowmont, despite her obvious excitement.

“Figurines? These look like a special collection,” she says after opening up the padded wooden case. “Ah, I see. This one is you and this one is Gnome.”

With Sylvian holding up a pair of figures, each a few inches tall, you get to see your likeness in gold and Gnome’s in Emerald. You suspect the latter’s colour was chosen for her eyes but that might just be your preference. A second later the dragon has found her own figurine, made from silver, and is giving it an odd look.

“I assume this is made here. It’s reasonably accurate with a lot of the details missing. I find it odd to see it here, however,” she says, poking at the roaring likeness of her own (dragon) head.

“The figures became a fad at some point. It’s focused mostly on the empire,” you say, shrugging. “The soldiers described your dragon form, which is why you’re in the group. Mercenie has one, too.”

“With hilariously pointed ears,” she says, subconsciously tucking her glistening hair behind her own ears. “No, really, these ears are as big as her breasts, which is a feat.”

You cough and pretend she’s not watching your reaction with amusement. You didn’t think you were doing anything special, like going red from embarrassment or acting nervous, but she seemed to find you endearing whenever you ignored comments like this. Strange woman.

>cont

File: worldMap14.12.07.png (370 KB, 3024x945)

370 KB PNG

>>37267390
“Speaking of elves, you’re going to Terrnaine shortly?” she asks and you nod. “Be absolutely certain of what you’re doing there. I’m only peripherally aware of their situation, but the elves are not the dwarves. Humans like to call the non-human races ‘dying races’ but that’s just wishful thinking in regards to the dwarves. The elves, however…” she trails off.

Frowning, Sylvian continues, “My advice would be to take what you want and leave, but if you choose to do other things then you must think very, very hard about it. You should also take some precautions with the Place of Power to ensure it’s not taken from you. Hmm, I suppose that’s being a little vague and you’re rather sick of that.”

You give her a wry look, and she smiles sheepishly. You had gotten rather sick of her alluding to things that she wouldn’t speak about.

“I’ll let you ask one question then. Ask me about a mystery I’ve mentioned or something you think I might know and I’ll tell you. I’ll only hide things if it’s related to something else you could have asked about,” she says.

You ask about…

>1. What’s going to take the Place of Power from you?
>2. Why are the elves a dying race?
>3. What should I be wary of getting involved in with the elves?
>4. Custom

Feel free to propose a question relating to something Sylvian’s brought up in the past, if you remember them.

Note that I’ll be doing Terrnaine before Sortaine due to the possibility of your dealings with the elves becoming much more complicated. I wanted to save them for later but realised it would be too railroad – it’s also impossible to do Finn’s stuff without learning a lot about the elves and potentially getting involved. Finally, note that the elves are probably the most depressing race and things might be a little darker than usual.

>>37267413
>What’s going to take the Place of Power from you?

2 and 3 mostly.

>>37267413
>2. Why are the elves a dying race?

>>37267413
>>2. Why are the elves a dying race?

>3. What should I be wary of getting involved in with the elves?

>>37267485
>2 and 3 mostly.
she said
>I’ll let you ask one question then

>>37267413
>3. What should I be wary of getting involved in with the elves?

File: 002.jpg (494 KB, 980x572)

494 KB JPG

Rolled 1 (1d2)

Tie-breaker roll

1 = Option 2
2 = Option 3

File: 003.jpg (247 KB, 1215x883)

247 KB JPG

>2.

“Why are the elves a dying race?” you ask her.

Drumming her fingers on the wooden case and looking out the window, Sylvian gives the appearance of being deep in thought. You suspect she’s merely thinking about how to word her answer to give away as little as possible. She needs things to keep you interested enough to continue to play nice with her, after all. Or at least, that’s likely to be her view.

“I suppose it would be for the same reason the elves were blindsided by the rise of humanity so long ago,” she says. “Long lifespans tend to result in being slow to adjust. Not that the elves are slow to react, but rather that they tend not to understand the way shorter lived races will change at a fundamental level faster than they will. History happened at a rather glacial pace before Kushan, which reflected the lifespans of those involved. Some adapted to the change of pace, like the angels and myself, but others didn’t. The dwarves only live for two centuries and mages can live for about a hundred and fifty, so they weren’t too out if place. But the elves can live for three or four centuries with the magic of the Lefir.”

“So, what? Don’t they all live that long? Or are you talking about the threat of Malataine and the Lords?” you ask, not sure what she’s focusing on.

“How long is Tarfinn going to live?” she asks you.

Your blood runs cold at that and you realise what she meant. You also realised that you didn’t know the answer. Merce had said ten years, now eight, before Finn was permanently effected. But how long before he actually passed away from a stroke or heart attack like the foxes who were strained by their tails?

“I don’t mean to offend you, but that’s what I am talking about. The elves are protected from Malataine and the Lords, but that cost is borne solely by the Daerfir. The castes of the elves has retarded social change and they’re paying the price,” she says.

>cont

File: 004.jpg (931 KB, 1000x3750)

931 KB JPG

>>37268213
“The dwarves don’t appear to have changed,” you say, remembering Gnome’s point.

“They haven’t faced the same threats and their society has been more resilient to their challenges. Shadowbeasts and having to trade are threats that the dwarves are naturally good at. The elves needed rejuvenation after their fall and simply got prolonged stagnation at the cost of the lower castes. The dragons had similar issues, even before the feldragons. Many human kingdoms have had similar issues – the RSK is as successful as it is because it uniquely avoids it by constantly pitting the nobles against each other, though there are other costs to that,” she says.

She stands suddenly, giving you a kiss on the cheek. “I hope that is a little useful to you, Talon. Do be very thoughtful when dealing with the elves. I hope that you can help Tarfinn without taking away what is important to him, too.”

With that you see Sylvian off, letting her wander out the front gate of the city by herself. You still wonder how she’ll get back to Balkarin.

>Short planning for Terrnaine

Intended party is:
Talon
Gnome
Undine
Maloric
Sylph
Salamander
Caitlyn
Tsucchi
Vadoric
Tarfinn

Taira is uninterested in the elves whereas Tsucchi knows them and wants to catch up with a few friends. Feel free to recommend any changes.

>>37268238
Looks good to me. Not really sure why Vad wants to chill out with the elves but might as well.

>>37268238
I don't see a problem

Although, haven't we considered visiting 2 other places near the elves? did we end up deciding which if any? and is taira interested in either of those?

File: 016.jpg (454 KB, 1920x1200)

454 KB JPG

>>37268369
Vad's coming along because his job is basically to be with you in case fight time happens.

>>37268451
See:
>>37267413
>Note that I’ll be doing Terrnaine before Sortaine
The foxes will probably leave before you get near Malataine, given their behaviour towards non-humans.

>>37268238
That's about everyone we need. i'm fine with that arrangement.

File: 019.jpg (266 KB, 793x1200)

266 KB JPG

>Terrnaine

You had never actually been in this part of the world before. You’d traipsed through Blacktaffe and much of Farlou as a general and adventurer but that had never taken you near Terrnaine Forest. Mostly because the stories mostly spoke of humans being unwelcome, thanks to Malataine’s constant antagonism. Now you were actually on the highway leading right into the forest and were amazed at the fact that it continued running into it. You suppose the elves had to trade and highways made wagons and carts considerably faster.

Still, the enormous canopy of trees around you leaves you wary. Particularly as you’re certain you’re being watched and followed. You’d come in through the front door, so to speak, to avoid the chance of being attacked. The elementals had told you that the elves would probably just stop and question you once they noticed you. Except they had noticed you and appeared not to be doing anything. It was putting everybody on edge, especially Finn who was all but cowering behind Gnome. Well, everybody except Gnome, Sylph and Salamander. They seemed to be expecting this.

“Is this normal?” you ask Sylph, who was merrily latched onto her master’s arm.

“Usually they don’t get noticed by the entire party, but yes. The scouts are probably waiting for reinforcements – in case we turn out to be hostile. We’re not exactly ordinary travellers and they would certainly recognise us as elementals, if not precisely who we are,” she says, pointedly watching a specific branch that a scout is probably on.

Well, at least the elves are probably as on edge as you are. That’s a small blessing. You come across what appears to be a break area, with a gazebo to the side and an open gate at one end. Probably a checkpoint, though it’s unmanned. You…

>1. Take a break here and wait for the elves to actually approach you.
>2. Press on. You don’t feel like playing their games.
>3. Try to get the attention of the elves.
>4. Custom

>>37268752
>1. Take a break here and wait for the elves to actually approach you.

>>37268752
>3. Try to get the attention of the elves.
"Hey, you can come out now."

>1. Take a break here and wait for the elves to actually approach you.

>>37268752
>1. Take a break here and wait for the elves to actually approach you.
Best to avoid an incident too early when visiting

>>37268807
if you are gonna do that it would be best to actually sneak up on a scout with some tea and cake and give it to them

>>37268752
1+3
Offer them refreshments while we wait.
in a cheeky off hand kind of way.

>>37268752
>2. Press on. You don’t feel like playing their games.

They will stop us when they feel like doing something. until then, no resistance, no problem.

>>37268752
>1. Take a break here and wait for the elves to actually approach you.

>>37268752
1

Inb4 the gazebo is a trap

>>37268923
detect magic gazebo?

inb4 rolled a nat 1, mistake a normal gazebo for a trap, destroy harmless gazebo

>>37268923
>>37268944
http://www.dndadventure.com/html/articles/gaming_stories.html

>>37267413
>"You should also take some precautions with the Place of Power to ensure it's not taken form you."

Crap, do we can a plan to leave a residual for behind in addition to whatever traps Mal, Vad and Arisa can come up with? If not I'm not really comfortable founding our local godhood on such a vulnerable position.

>>37269035
Frankly we should make a deal with the elves, we take a small village of them into the empire to protect and learn modern ways etc or do research, and they protect the PoP for us.

Their situation is not sustainable, and the smart ones will know this. Which can be used to our advantage if we get along.

File: 021.jpg (265 KB, 1024x512)

265 KB JPG

>1.

Everybody settles in for a break, with you, Maloric and the elementals settling into the gazebo as the others find other things to entertain themselves. Like stroking Vadoric’s tails in Lynn’s case. At least you know he’s got another woman who usually does this to him and he looks noticeably less high-strung than every other time you’ve seen it happen.

“You’ll probably get invited to the capital once they find out who you are,” Gnome says. “We can probably make it there by dusk at this pace and it’s only a day’s travel to the Place of Power.”

“Finn said it was a memorial. To what?” you ask her pointedly, aware that all the elementals besides Undine had been here before.

“You’ve dug up a fair bit of history, including from us. There was a rather important battle there in the Great War,” Gnome says.

“You can just tell him,” Sylph rebukes Gnome from where she’s sandwiched herself between yourself and Maloric. “The Templars all died there to protect the elves from Great Knight Garrynth. The memorial is there to honour their sacrifice.”

>continued

File: 022.jpg (362 KB, 899x950)

362 KB JPG

>>37269354
“It’s an important site. I think it’s something that you’d like to see,” Gnome says.

“My dear sister wants to visit it herself. I only knew a few of the Templars but she knew most of the order,” Sylph says, smiling at her sister.

Before anything else can come of Sylph teasing Gnome you notice that the elves have finally decided to show themselves. More than a dozen elves, wrapped in cloaks and wearing chainmail approach from the gate. They stop on the other side and only the leader approaches.

“State your name and business,” he says harshly, though his eyes betray him as he’s focusing on the elementals. “Humans are a rarely welcome sight here.”

You’re not sure how to answer. Whether to make it clear you’re interested in the Place of Power, or in finding a Caelfin to help Tarfinn. Or even to do this in an overt political manner. You answer with…

>1. Political. State your name and title and ask to meet with the royalty.
>2. Touristy. Don’t lie but keep your identity hidden. Ask to be taken to the memorial.
>3. Businesslike. Say that you want to speak to a Caelfin about Tarfinn and to visit the memorial. Don’t bother hiding anything but make it clear you’re not here for political matters.
>4. Custom

>>37269035
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/37006375/#p37013542
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/37006375/#p37013715
answers the micromanaging pops issue.

>>37269280
>A small village
Why would the elven emperors care about such an offer?

>>37269382
>3. Businesslike. Say that you want to speak to a Caelfin about Tarfinn and to visit the memorial. Don’t bother hiding anything but make it clear you’re not here for political matters.

>>37269382
... one tough decision after another.

>>37269382
As much as I want to do #2 for hijinks, voting for the pragmatic #3.

>>37269382
>3. Businesslike. Say that you want to speak to a Caelfin about Tarfinn and to visit the memorial. Don’t bother hiding anything

don't rule out the potential of politics. depending on what we learn and the result of the business, we may push into the politics...

>>37269382
>3. Businesslike. Say that you want to speak to a Caelfin about Tarfinn and to visit the memorial. Don’t bother hiding anything but make it clear you’re not here for political matters.

>>37269390
Because it has access to all our shit, is a good diplomatic move without being committed and is a nice place to stage visits to for any future diplomacy or trade.
I imagine they are really curious about our arcane archers, considering elves tend to go in for ranged fighting in most settings.

File: 025.jpg (248 KB, 685x1024)

248 KB JPG

>>37269430
As I and Sylvian mentioned/alluded to earlier, this is going to be a heavy arc. Everything you do here, and don't do here, will be really important.

>>37269458
How in the world does "establish elven village" translate into "get access to state secrets"?

Also
>Their situation is not sustainable, and the smart ones will know this.
Except sylvian just got done explaining to you that they are a dying race because their rulers do NOT accept that and insist that their situation IS sustainable.
I would also remind you that these guys are routinely fighting god knights

>>37269458

they have a sub-race of suicide berserkers.... and claim to have high Magical affinity... they would kill for our AAs, though would refuse to acknowledge any interest...

>>37269382
> Businesslike.State your name, say that you want to speak to a Caelfin about Tarfinn and to visit the memorial. Don’t bother hiding anything but make it clear you’re not here for political matters.

>1. Political. State your name and title and ask to meet with the royalty.

>>37269528
workable situation to me.

It would basically be a trade outpost come research facility for diplomatic options. We need the elves to help sort out our squires problem, and they need us to help sort out theirs.

>>37269382
>Humans are a rarely welcome sight here
Why not?

>>37269528
>they would kill for our AAs
I am pretty sure their daefir are better. And I am not sure I want to offer them this

>>37269382
>3. Businesslike. Say that you want to speak to a Caelfin about Tarfinn and to visit the memorial. Don’t bother hiding anything but make it clear you’re not here for political matters.

File: 026.jpg (220 KB, 669x1024)

220 KB JPG

>3.

“I’m Imperator Talon York. I’m here to speak with one of your Caelfin enchanters about Tarfinn here,” you say, pointing out your squire from where he’s nervously standing next to Vad and Lynn. “I’m also here to visit the nearby memorial. I have no other business here, or at least not that I’ve planned.”

“I see. I am Ranger Commander Holluri. We had a suspicion about who you were and I have orders to escort you to the capital, Tellornaine,” the elven leader says, his tone softening but his face making it clear he’s not exactly happy to hear that. “First, I assume the Daerfir is under your protection?”

“Yes,” you say, injecting strength into the word.

Holluri nods. “In that case, I’ll escort you to the memorial first. There’s a township and enchanter’s facilities there so you can tend to your own business while the Lefir decide whether they actually want me to follow orders.”

Barking orders at his team in what you suspect to be elvish, Holluri leads the way and seems to ensure that none of the elves get behind him. You have a feeling that Finn isn’t exactly welcome here, and probably yourself, but the commander is keeping them in line. It’s almost a silent procession as you march, until Tsucchi makes her way to your side.

“I think you’ve upset them, Talon. The rangers were always rather easy-going when I was here, much more so than the knights and warriors,” she says, eying the elves stiffly marching ahead. “Be careful. These are only Morfinn, with no magic of their own, but there’s a lot of them. Especially around us.”

“I don’t plan to fight them,” you say. “And I don’t think they intend on fighting us. I think the elementals worry them.”

>continued

File: 028.jpg (104 KB, 550x825)

104 KB JPG

>>37270010
“Of course we do,” Gnome says. “When they refused to let me visit the memorial with Taren before the turn of the century I threatened to bulldoze every tree between it and Blacktaffe. They’ve got a history with elementals longer than humans and we’re far more powerful than the pure elementals they ever worked with. And they know it.”

“Did you try asking nicely before threatening them? Or did you just skip the negotiation?” Sylph asks Gnome with a scowl.

Returning the look with a scowl, Gnome says, “They should have known better in the first place. I fought in that war, too. More than they did.”

“In other words, you just bullied them,” Sylph says, darting to the side with a laugh as Gnome lashes out.

You pull Gnome into line and hush Sylph, taking advantage of the wind elemental’s wariness of your authority, and the rest of the trip is uneventful. By the time you reach the memorial, and the surrounding town of Morganfier, the sun low enough to be hidden completely by the forest and only magical wisps of light along the path provide vision. It seems that the elves have somehow setup a network of these wisps along the highway. The rangers stop well short of Morganfier, and Holluri approaches you again.

“I’ll go no further for now,” he says, looking pointedly down the path to where a sole figure stands in the distance, covered in a cloak. “I’ll speak with you the day after tomorrow once I hear from the capital.”

He taps the left side of his chest with two fingers before nodding and directing his rangers into the forest. You stare down the path at the patiently waiting figure. Everybody else looks expectantly at you. Given Holluri’s attitude you doubt they’re a threat but there was clearly more to them than met the eye. You…

>1. Approach the figure in a friendly manner, greeting them openly.
>2. Call out to the figure from afar to show themselves.
>3. Ignore the figure and try to enter the town.
>4. Custom

>>37270027
1 + be wary of magic

>>37270027
detect magic on the cloaked figure?

>>37270027
>1. Approach the figure in a friendly manner, greeting them openly.
>be wary of magic

>>37270027
1

>>37270027
>2. Call out to the figure from afar to show themselves.

>>37270027
>1. Approach the figure in a friendly manner, greeting them openly
Doesn't warrant letting our guard down though.

>>37270027
>4. [Detect Magic]

Honestly I just want to see if we see anything interesting.

File: 031.jpg (488 KB, 1024x498)

488 KB JPG

>>37270167
>>37270451
It's probably an elf. They have magic. They don't appear to be casting any spells or have any obvious illusions on them. They have magical items on them.

>>37270519
But nothing coming off the memorial itself? These elves disappoint me.

So, what is our plan here exactly?
I am guessing from sylvian's cryptic warning and her mentioning raphael updated her, that this is either samael or one of the major dragons here.
Although she could have also been referring to the elves, if finn's sensitivity is not unusual then they are bound to all know where the pop is and as such if we claim it and leave they will just reclaim it unless we do a contract with their king.

As such I think our first priority is to find out more info. Binding the pop itself shouldn't be done until we know more because doing it prematurely can spoil relationships if it is the elves who are the issue. If it is the elves it will also be impossible to do this without politics

>>37270519
probably an elf? ok then. in that case option 1

>>37270556
we said detect magic the figure not the memorial. we aren't even at the memorial yet, we are on the road to it

File: 033.jpg (513 KB, 1280x904)

513 KB JPG

>1.

You approach the figure swiftly, your party hanging back and wary. The figure doesn’t move but you’re aware of their gaze on you. Once close you raise a hand in greeting and give them a broad smile.

“Ho, I’m Talon York. I’d say more but it’s a little hard to greet somebody without knowing a little more about them,” you say, pretending you don’t hear Gnome cursing your unsubtlety in the background.

The cloaked figure reaches up and flips their hood off as they say, in a noticeably feminine voice, “My apologies. It’s habit to hide my head. I am Esraveel, Champion of the Daerfir.”

“I’d like to compliment your eyes as a lovely affectation, but I suspect that’s wishful thinking,” you say, eying Finn’s predecessor.

“It is but I appreciate the thought. I’m blind if I’m not using magic,” she says, giving you a gentle smile.

Salamander had said that Esraveel wouldn’t be more than sixty years old. Mercenie had said that Daerfir struck adulthood at fifty years old. Being Finn’s predecessor, an elf experimented upon with those same tattoos at an early age, you’d expected some signs of deterioration or early aging in Esra. What you instead saw was the reason Merce had been so negative towards the elves over the practice.

>continued

File: 035.jpg (267 KB, 720x1100)

267 KB JPG

>>37271001
Esra was short, probably taller than Caitlyn and Finn by a hair – given she was from a noticeably tall and lithe race and her figure showed that, it didn’t look right. That lithe figure of hers seemed odd with her height but it was her head that was most apparent. Her eyes were a pale red and her pupils not completely black and she gazed blankly at you with her smile. Her long hair was grey rather than the silver you saw on Tsucchi. Her face was still youthful, holding some baby fat that should have long left it. As she performed a deep curtsy for you, you noticed that she moved with a deliberation that suggested great pain. You’d seen the truly old move like this, trying to minimise the pain from the movement. You instinctively reach out to stop her, not wanting her to hurt herself over foolish formalities.

“Ah,” she says, looking at your hand on her shoulder. “Was there something?”

“Don’t. No formalities. Let’s get settled in wherever and then you can talk with Finn,” you say, giving her a harsh glare despite yourself.

She laughs lightly as she straightens. “Very well. I have a rather large quarters here, so you can stay there while you are here. Follow me.”

It’s a short trip to Esra’s mansion, a multi-storey building with an immense garden that sits just outside the memorial. The town lies on the other side of it and you suspect that’s intentional. Salamander and Finn are restrained when they see her, Sala especially looks shocked to see her like this. She invites you to unpack before taking a seat in the dining room and waiting expectantly. You…

>1. Let Finn have some private time with her, keeping yourself and others busy.
>2. Talk with her more about Finn and why she met you at the entrance.
>3. Gather up everybody and meet with her to talk.
>4. Custom

>>37271018
>1. Let Finn have some private time with her, keeping yourself and others busy.
we can easily talk more later.

>>37271018
>2. Talk with her more about Finn and why she met you at the entrance.

>>37271018
>>1. Let Finn have some private time with her, keeping yourself and others busy.

>>37271018
2. Talk with her more about Finn and why she met you at the entrance.

>>37271018
>2. Talk with her more about Finn and why she met you at the entrance.

>>37271018
>2. Talk with her more about Finn and why she met you at the entrance.

>>37271018
>1. Let Finn have some private time with her, keeping yourself and others busy.

File: 036.jpg (182 KB, 1000x682)

182 KB JPG

>2.

While everybody else is busy settling in, and Finn is nervously bumbling about instead of talking to his idol, you take a seat next to Esra in order to talk. She turns to you and, although she’s hard to read, gives you an excited look. Sitting in the chair, with her hands tucked in between her legs, she reminds you of Sala in build and just a little less openly excitable. With a larger chest too, which was hard to miss with the way she sat with her chest puffed out.

“I was curious why you were waiting for us, Esra,” you say, using Sala’s nickname for her. “I had expected to be given more… formal arrangements.”

“That was intended but I wanted to meet you before going to the capital tomorrow. I told Finn all about you years ago, when you were campaigning in Blacktaffe. Now he comes back with you in tow. It’s not something I wanted to miss,” she says, her voice bright and creating an awkward juxtaposition between it and her blank, aged look. Semi-aged, you correct yourself. If the hair were silver and you didn’t know the red eyes were a symptom of damage you’d say she was a beautiful elf showing no signs of age or wear.

“To meet me, not Finn?” you confirm.

“Finn, too,” she admits, eyes flicking to the bedroom the elf was claiming. “Sala is nice, too. I haven’t spoken with humans for so long, since tensions with Malataine flared. I miss that sort of comfortable conversation.”

>continued

File: 037.jpg (289 KB, 1200x502)

289 KB JPG

>>37271482
Her eyes flicker to the kitchen nearby and you act before she can, rising to your feet and preparing the tea she intended on making. You try to ignore the way she watches your every move. Clearly she had a fascination with you.

“You make rather nice tea. Can you cook, too?” she asks, her face slightly clouded by the steam rising from her mug.

“I can. I would have starved on my travels otherwise,” you say.

She nods a few times. “Would I be able to hear a story about them? Of your travels? I’ve heard that you once climbed the Sithran mountains near Norsborough to defeat a spirit beast that had defeated even a knightly order,” she says, smiling earnestly.

You hide a frown. You’d wanted to talk to her more about relevant topics, such as Finn and the memorial. At the same time you sympathised and, well, you didn’t usually pass up a chance to talk big about yourself. You…

>1. Tell her the story of your adventure (and Mal’s).
>2. Tell her a story about Harrowmont and Finn, pointing out that you’re not an adventurer anymore.
>3. Talk about the more serious topics.
>4. Custom

>>37271507
>>2. Tell her a story about Harrowmont and Finn, pointing out that you’re not an adventurer anymore.

>>37271507
>1. Tell her the story of your adventure (and Mal’s).
Might as well indulge the old women.

>>37271507
>4
Lets tell a story about our Empire's rise, and give emphasis on our subordinates.

>>37271507
3 there are far more pressing matters at hand. We don't want what has happened to her to happen to Finn. Small talk won't help.

>>37271507
>>1. Tell her the story of your adventure (and Mal’s).
she wants to hear that story, so why not

>>37271593
we can even do some cheeky teasing if our subordinates are within earshot, and have them give imput in their story as well. I'm all about the tease.

>>37271507
>1. Tell her the story of your adventure (and Mal’s).
>4 ask if she wants to here the time we blew a feldragon's head off.

>>37271507
>1. Tell her the story of your adventure (and Mal’s).

>>37271507
I just realized that at 60 she's probably around 23 in human years and from her attitude and questions I'm guessing she's been reading Mal's books on us...

File: 039.jpg (194 KB, 1280x640)

194 KB JPG

1 has won. I'm eating lunch so expect the update in about 30 minutes.

>>37271751
Yeah, I tried to make it clear when you first met her that in mental terms she's probably about Neir's age. She's not as bad as Finn (who is probably mid-teens), given she's much older, but she's not that much more mature.

>>37271507
Hey OP, quick question. If when we claim the POP instead of binding it to us or Undine we instead we empower Esra, would that at all help mitigate the damage her tattoos have wrought?

>>37271773
>Yeah, I tried to make it clear...

Oh you did. My main point was hypothesizing that most of her knowledge of us comes from those trashy novels someone keeps writing.

>>37271482
>Sala is nice, too. I haven’t spoken with humans for so long, since tensions with Malataine flared. I miss that sort of comfortable conversation
but... sala isn't a human

>>37271810
She's just saying that she's sick of elvish culture and 'her' people in general.

File: 041.jpg (456 KB, 900x569)

456 KB JPG

>>37271774
If you bound Esra as your familiar somehow, then yes you could bind the PoP to her to supply her with extra power. Her regenerative abilities would then take over and fix her up pretty quickly. Mal could do the same with other PoPs if he was able to work out how to bind her as a familiar. The Source Domain power could do similar but over a much longer period of time (you'd have to basically lock her up in Harrowmont for decades).

What I'm getting out of this conversation is that the tattoos are an evil the elves require to defend themselves with. This girl who is supposed to be in the prime of her life has been reduced to an old woman in front of us. We cant let this happen to Finn. The ruling class are truly despicable people to allow this.

>>37271774
Seems like a damn waste.

>>37272023
>The ruling class are truly despicable people to allow this.
They basically have nothing else capable of going toe to toe with the God Knights though. Remember, during the Great War the Templar's, one of the most powerful knightly orders in history, died to a man because the elfs had nothing capable of slowing down the Astral Adapts.

>>37272007
Hmm. How much longer is her term of service?

>>37272023
>The ruling class are truly despicable people to allow this.
its that or be genocided
the bigger issue is that they do it to what is basically under-appreciated slave caste who is lied to rather than patriotic volunteers who are treated with respect for their sacrifice

>>37272155
until she dies basically.

>>37272023
>the elite elves are truly despicable

Don't forget, they are giving purpose to an otherwise useless caste of elves and allowing them to earn their place in society rather than merely subsisting off the charity of others.

>>37272175
That is my issue with it as well

>>37272175
True, the latter is much less likely to violently rebel against the system.

I am wondering, I noticed that some of the tattoos are "always on" while others have to be manually activated, I am wondering if making all the tattoos manually activated keep them from doing damage outside of battle (where they would be used).
Or alternative to tattooing such as using exteral bodypaint like waod.
... actually, would a highly trained daefir even need tattoos? they sound like even without tattoos they can be pretty op with training. Huge, strong, magically resilient fighters.

>>37272215
Well..... other than that which in certain perspectives is a very dick move, they pretty much spent their time doing nothing productive for their own race as a wholeand acted like pompous cunts in denial towards the other races.

>>37272259
>True, the latter is much less likely to violently rebel against the system.
There are several issues with the rebellion thing
1. they are lied to and aren't informed that the tattoos are what is making them rapidly age
2. such infighting leaves them vulnerable to being slaughtered by their enemies from the outside
3. the other classes are not powerless, so they aren't guaranteed to win.

... also, such a revolt could work in our favor if we want to conquer them ourselves

>>37272272
I think that the tattoos are supposed to be on by default and Finn's found a way to starve some of them of his life force when he doesn't need them.

File: 051.jpg (148 KB, 708x965)

148 KB JPG

>>37272215
I think you're mixing up the Aefir and the Daerfir? Otherwise you seem to be getting something different out of the caste structure as it is.

>>37272272
>I am wondering if making all the tattoos manually activated keep them from doing damage outside of battle
The tattoos as designed have to be permanently on. The active abilities that Finn uses are techniques that draw on the tattoos in a novel way, not intentional abilities built into them (hence why it's 'improvised' transmutation).

>Or alternative to tattooing such as using exteral bodypaint like waod.
This would make no difference? It's the actual method of using the magic that slowly skills them.

>... actually, would a highly trained daefir even need tattoos?
The Daerfir are much, much more powerful now.

>>37272215
>Don't forget, they are giving purpose to an otherwise useless caste of elves and allowing them to earn their place in society rather than merely subsisting off the charity of others.
They still have physical capability which is probably comparable to night-walkers. If the elves imported large numbers of HMK gear, they would have a fairly formidable force.

>>37272215
The daefir aren't the "otherwise usless" caste. The daefir are the "godlike physique herculean" guys who are immune to magic, live forever (can get a LOT of training done in forever) and have a healing factor.
The tattoos are a short term boost in power for very young daefir in exchange for not letting them grow old

The charity case are the race that used to be awesome transmuters and are now born powerless

>>37272145
A necessary evil is still an evil. The way I see it, we will get multiple options when dealing with elves.
1. Support current structure and growth of elves. Ensures the evils of tattoos, but gain allegiance of higher castes of elves.
2. Denounce use of tattoos. Gain more respect from Syl, and possibly from many of the lower caste of elves. This will cause dissension among elf society, and may lead to its destruction.
3. Something else obvious I cant think of because i'm drunk

>>37272318
Point one: They don't need to win to wield a fair amount a bargaining power against their ruling status quo do to the existential threat their nation is currently facing. Point two: Restrictions on information eventually fail, either from within or due to contact outside the system.

>>37272355
>>Or alternative to tattooing such as using exteral bodypaint like waod.
>This would make no difference? It's the actual method of using the magic that slowly skills them.
The idea here is that the tattoos are only used in extreme situations as a last resort instead of 24/7. it would still kill them, but a lot slower.

>>37272318
>>37272332
so..... overall plan is to teach the uppity l33t caste some humility and viva la revolution?
>>37272355
What's the situation with the other castes and where do they stand? I need a sit-rep for each and every one of them.

>>37272355
>>... actually, would a highly trained daefir even need tattoos?
>The Daerfir are much, much more powerful now.
So, there is no 900 year old untattooed daefir with ridiculous power?

>>37272412
>What's the situation with the other castes and where do they stand? I need a sit-rep for each and every one of them.
check the lore gdoc
https://docs.google.com/document/d/11Yn2-h3hCOhWc-IXjc2M9595ttWvKB6DAuDhf4DfZp8/edit#heading=h.pq3lty9zv128

>>37272412
>What's the situation with the other castes and where do they stand? I need a sit-rep for each and every one of them.
Read the lore doc and stop bothering him while he tries to give us an update.
>>37272390
>3
Support them militarily with human magitech, allowing for the gradual phasing out of the Tatoos in return for magitech equipped elves backed by a small core of Daywalker Daefir capable of going toe to toe with God Knights.

>>37272432
The idea is that they live to that age because they have no access to the latent magical energy within them. Naturally their bodies burn off a very small amount of energy. If they were 900 they would likely be low on magical energy (assuming thats an old age for Daerfir).

>>37272491
I am pretty sure that is highly inaccurate

>>37272390
We are really not in a position to do what you just said and won't be for a long time. These guys are fighting off the lords and the god knights, they are no pushovers.

>>37272488
>Support them militarily with human magitech, allowing for the gradual phasing out of the Tatoos in return for magitech equipped elves backed by a small core of Daywalker Daefir capable of going toe to toe with God Knights.
Why would we support these guys? they are kinda dicks.
We could just draw in elven migrants rather than propping up the elven regime.
Also, is it even possible to daywalker an elf? also also, daywalkers inherit the power of the base creature, they might inherit the drawbacks too. The daefir inherit magic pool is different from those of other races, to access it burns their very soul away as fuel. A human just recharges their mana, a daefir converts his soul into mana to burn as fuel for magic (well, they do now with the tattoos)

>>37272761
>Also, is it even possible to daywalker an elf?
Yes, this has been asked. Long story short, a Deafir daywalker would be extremely powerful with the right sire.

>>37272761
>Why would we support these guys? they are kinda dicks.
To be fair, the guys they are fighting are probably worse. Also, Malantine already hates us.

>>37272432
>Well, here's the thing, a large majority of the castes of elf society have short life spans and high infertility rate.

>The Daerfir are the tolkien-type elfs (super elf and immortal to the eyes of other castes) are put on the bottom rung the social tier because of being super elf and being able to live very long in contrast to everyone else. An order was given to begin the practice of the tattoos, most likely by the Lefir.

>The Lefir are the ruling class, they are near sterile frail and live a short life but have high magic affinity and mastery allowing them to keep up with the Daefir in terms of lifespan.

>Caelfir are the ones who do the tattoo enchantments on the Daerfir.

>Morfin are the average citizens.

>Aefir are sorta like elven demigods who are now a dying subspecies.

So, we want to get the elves under our fold but here's the problems.

>Lefir is most likely our biggest threat in diplomance
>Daerfir we could get them on our side because of the tats, but if we remove the tats, they might be bad for our empire in the long run due to being physically super-elf (but no magic).
>Caelfir we could get them to our sway if there are some elves that don't like the idea of the tattoo enchantments
>Mortin might not care about us.
>Aefir we could get Mercenie's favor if we play this right.

File: 058.jpg (903 KB, 1024x766)

903 KB JPG

>>37272432
They never lived that long - even the Aefir only lived 400 years. They also don't get more powerful, particularly as they don't actually use magic. They can become more skilled but without the tattoos their regeneration and super-strength remain constant until they begin to age around 300 or so.

>1.

You decide to indulge Esra, aware that you’ll have plenty of time to learn more about Finn and the elves. You’re also aware that you might not want to learn too much more. Nothing you’re seeing here sits right with you and the more you dig into it the harder it will be to ignore it. So you instead tell a harmless story to Esra, enjoying her bright, if blank, eyes and excitable reactions. You draw in a bit of an audience and the embellishment grows a bit – you’re careful to exaggerate Mal’s bits too so he doesn’t start correcting you.

Esra and a few others clap as you finish, while Gnome rolls her eyes. Then you work with Mal to prepare dinner, having realised that nobody else in the group aside from Esra can cook. At least it means that Esra does something other than chatter and stare at you, letting Finn and Sala have some time with their old friend.

“This is a little more than I expected from the Daerfir,” Mal says quietly to you as he takes apart the chicken you’ve cooked. “She’s certainly into you, though. I suppose that’s the results of being sheltered.”

“All women are into me, Mal,” you say in return as you finish off the vegetables. “They just don’t know it yet. Esra has great forethought to see it upon meeting me.”

Your friend snorts. “Anyway, I’d be wary of getting too involved. She’s a landmine if ever I’ve seen one. Unless you want to pick a fight with the elven establishment, we should just do what we came here to do and go.”

>continued

File: 060.jpg (61 KB, 491x799)

61 KB JPG

>>37272871
“I don’t know if it’ll be that easy. Getting access and protection for the Place of Power will be hard,” you say and the two of you finish preparations.

Over dinner you and Mal tell a few more stories for Esra’s interest. It pains you a little to see how delighted she is to hear of all the things you’ve done. Esra clearly yearns to be out and about but is restrained her, if only by her duty. Or perhaps there’s something more sinister to her tattoos? You wonder what could keep her here but avoid asking her. Come morning, Esra greets you of the early morning while you prepare some tea.

“I have to head to the capital to speak about your arrival,” she says. “If you’re here about Tarfy then you should find Enchanter Caeminn on the near side of town, close to the memorial gate. If you’re here about something else, then Caeminn can probably help you there. Don’t come to Tellornaine before speaking to him – or else send Tarfy out of the forest.”

“Why? Is he in danger?” you ask.

“He is. He hasn’t told you, so I won’t, but Caeminn will. He’s likely expecting you,” she says.

She begins to curtsy just like when you first met but you catch her earlier this time. She smiles at your glare, but this time it’s a very sad and wistful smile. It’s a look you’ve seen before while campaigning. Esraveel doesn’t intend to see you again.

“Take care of Tarfinn, Imperator,” she whispers lightly. “He deserves it.”

>continued

It just occured to me
>Vampires
>Recent research in the York Empire has led to the discovery that the vampiric curse appears to somehow ‘merge’ the soul and physical body, creating a being that can sustain itself on the meagre astral essence of other beings through their blood. The benefit is a seeming agelessness and great power, the drawbacks are the need to drink blood to maintain their lifeforce and particular ones to the two variants. Vampires do not require fresh blood for sustenance.
This is very similar to astral adept / angel / demon thing. Vampires are a type of astral being, probably some ancient guy tried to ascend into astral power like the lords (succeeded perfectly) and kushan (killed by lords before finished research) and those mages we killed in shropham (failed, turned into mindless beast).... probably the shadow beasts as well hail from such a thing, being a more extreme form of vampirism (where sorcery translates into shadow magic)

Basically, rather then just creating a huge mass of vampires, which are defective astral beings (can't generate their own power), we could use that vampire research as a starting point for creating our own god knights

File: 066.jpg (111 KB, 970x547)

111 KB JPG

>>37272898
After Esra slips outside you’re joined by Sylph, Mal’s familiar only partially dressed as she quietly slipped out of his room to eavesdrop. She gives you an odd look and says, “I don’t think she means wrong, but I believe you should make up your own mind. There are Daerfir nearby and there must be others in town. You might even be able to go to the capital to find out more, but I worry that seeing this Caelfin she recommended might make others nervous.”

“Do you know something?”

“Caeminn was alive the last time I was with the elves, more than a century ago. He’s a respected and well-known enchanter who is deeply involved with the Daerfir. If the Champion herself is recommending you to see him, then things aren’t right. I can’t imagine any other reason the rangers refused to go near Esraveel,” she says. “I think things between the Daerfir and the rest of the military aren’t right.”

You remember Sylvian’s words about hearing something new about the situation here. Perhaps something has gone very, very wrong. This morning you…

>1. Do as Esra recommended and see Caeminn now while Finn is occupied.
>2. Speak with the Daerfir here, trying to learn more.
>3. Go into town with Sylph and try to find out more from the elders here.
>4. Wait for everybody to awaken before discussing a trip to the capital and keeping Finn safe.
>5. Custom

>>37272959
>1. Do as Esra recommended and see Caeminn now while Finn is occupied.

>>37272959
>1. Do as Esra recommended and see Caeminn now while Finn is occupied.
But get Tsucchi to speak with the local Daerfir. She does have the excuse of having elf friends so it wouldn't be that suspicious.

>>37272959
>>2. Speak with the Daerfir here, trying to learn more.

>>37272959
>>1. Do as Esra recommended and see Caeminn now while Finn is occupied.
Hmm...

>>37272959
Option 1 might be either a trap to divert your attention, or a bait.
Guys, Reread >>37268213
>2
We need to get the situation straight from the source.

>>37272959
>>2. Speak with the Daerfir here, trying to learn more.

>>37272959
>2. Speak with the Daerfir here, trying to learn more.

>>37272857
>Daerfir we could get them on our side because of the tats, but if we remove the tats, they might be bad for our empire in the long run due to being physically super-elf (but no magic).
They won't be BAD, they just won't contribute much. They would basically fulfil a similar role to nightwalkers, in that we could put them in a very heavy machined plate and their super strength and speed will allow them to be DHMK (similar to NHMK in stats, superior to regular HMK)
Significant downgrade from keeping the tattoo thing in place.

Also, keep in mind that the lefir possess life extension magic that they use as a carrot. probably helps keep the caelfir in line

Also worth noting that I am pretty sure that they will all become morfin in some generations due to crossbreeding. Like how Aefir lost their power due to a genetic condition.

>Highest fertility when crossbreeding a magical elf with a commoner magicless elf
>Magic rule makes it so that the child of a crossbreed is the same "species" as the more magical parent. that is, human + dragon = 100% dragon

I personally believe that eventually genetics trumps magic after enough generations.

With the Aefir, the squibs were left at home while the powerful went out to fight. they got massacred by various powers, the fae, the shadowbeasts, etc... even as a smaller and smaller percentage was born magical, only the magicals went out to die en masse against those enemies while the rest reproduced

>>37272959
>2.

Talon is a warrior at heart so I assume his sympathies remain in large part with them.

>>37272898
muh feels!

>>37273077
> Also, keep in mind that the lefir possess life extension magic that they use as a carrot. probably helps keep the caelfir in line
It's both carrot and stick. The stick is that they keep the secret to themselves and everyone else suffers from short lifespans.
But I also think that the elves are getting a bit too dependent on the life extension. Kinda like being the arcade that the elf race keeps inserting more tokens to play the long life game.

>>37272959
>“Caeminn was alive the last time I was with the elves, more than a century ago. He’s a respected and well-known enchanter who is deeply involved with the Daerfir. If the Champion herself is recommending you to see him, then things aren’t right. I can’t imagine any other reason the rangers refused to go near Esraveel,” she says. “I think things between the Daerfir and the rest of the military aren’t right.”
Ohoho, Caeminn must be fermenting rebellion within the daefir. Explaining to them what is being done to them. Basically, the elves in the capital will see us meeting with him as a very very political move, one that threatens their power.

>>37273160
>It's both carrot and stick. The stick is that they keep the secret to themselves
Its not a secret, its an inborn ability. That race of elf has a very high percentage (although less than 100%) inborn talent for "life magic" which gives them the power to extend lives. If they tried to teach that magic to anyone else they simply won't be able to use it, because they lack the specialized life magic power.
Its hilarious that the "delicate, short beautiful elves with inborn healing magic" are the brutal oppressors of elven society

>>37272959
>5 custom
wake people up and start discussing things.

>>37273172
Maybe Caeminn made that armor Felix fought against in the MG? Maybe he plans on mass producing it for Daerfir use?

>>37273028
I read it, it suggests nothing of the sort.
see >>37273172

>>37273260
interesting leap of logic. That armor sounds like some sort of undeath, not vampirism but some sort of deathknight

>>37272959
>2. Speak with the Daerfir here, trying to learn more.

>>37272959
>Custom
We have a whole day
We desperately need information
So I think we should pretty much do it all.

except maybe 3 because I am not sure WHICH town it refers to, is that the town she told us not to go into with finn before speaking to the elder?

File: 067.jpg (239 KB, 1020x613)

239 KB JPG

>2.

“We’ll head into town now,” you say. “I’ll talk to the Daerfir while you find Caeminn. Once you put some clothes on.”

Sylph looks down at herself then back at you before tilting her head and giving you a quizzical gaze. “I figured you would like this, Talon. Tsucchi mentioned it.”

“Tsucchi usually wears something on her upper half,” you say dryly. “Now go get dressed and give Mal a wakeup call. I want to talk to him before I go.”

You look over the map of the town that Esra pointed out last night while Sylph wakes up Mal. It takes as long as you expected but leaves both of them in a good mood at least. You were bloody glad that Mal had been able to wrap up the situation with Neir and Sylph. Far too much personal drama for you to manage. You explain to your friend what’s happening and to keep Finn indoors. Then you head out into town with a properly dressed Sylph.

“How do they even build that sort of thing?” you ask her as you walk underneath the town.

Sylph just shrugs, her body shifting against yours from where she’s wrapped herself around your arm. She had an odd habit of always attaching herself to somebody when outside, typically Mal or yourself.

The town of Morganfier is a strange one, though probably typically elven. Although there are paved roads throughout and stone and steel columns, the township itself stands several storeys above the ground. Hollowed out trees, ladders and ropes lead upwards where extravagant buildings of wood and stone are built into and around the trees and branches. Stone, wood, steel and gold are littered throughout and enormous solid walkways crisscross between the trees. Great structural beams and ropes stretch between the trees and various structures, keeping them solid and upright.

>continued

File: 068.jpg (223 KB, 1023x976)

223 KB JPG

>>37273665
“They didn’t use to be this magnificent but the elves have adapted to the manufacturing capability of humans and dwarves and increased trade. The walkways used to be more restrained,” she says, pointing to an enormous causeway that was as big as the highway. “The trees of Terrnaine are enormous and incredibly dense. They can support incredible weights and their wood is as hard as stone.”

“They’re magical?”

“They’ve likely been changed by the magic, particularly here with the Place of Power,” she says. “You’ll need to keep following the ground path to find the Daerfir. They tend to stay low to the ground. I’ll see if I can’t find out where Caeminn is.”

You see Sylph off and make your way to where you believe the Daefir to be. It’s obvious when you’re close, simply because a half-dozen enormous elves approach you from where they were crowded around a large campfire and some cabins. By enormous, you mean that they could probably make good doppelgangers for yourself if you hid the ears and changed their hairstyles.

“You the human god-king yesterday?” one asks you, his tongue awkwardly tripping over the Malataine language.

You neatly switch from the Blacktaffen that the rangers and Esra spoke to you in yesterday so that they can understand you. “Yes. I’m not a king, though.”

“Ruler,” he says, using the generic word for ruler rather than the Malataine-specific word for the god-king that ruled that nation. “Borminel sees you.”

>continued

File: 072.jpg (451 KB, 2000x1250)

451 KB JPG

>>37273683
You agree to go with the Daerfir as he leads you, alone, into the Daerfir camp. Comparing the two is like comparing Vitria to the villages it rules. Except the Daerfir don’t get any income beyond what they’re given by the rest of the elves. They’ve largely avoided the trees, instead setting up a number of tents and cabins across a large clearing. They avoid building high, lacking the ability to magically reinforce the buildings. There’s a notable lack of construction stone and steel. You’re ushered inside a large open wooden structure, with one wall missing and instead looking out onto a natural pond.

“You are Talon York?” another Daerfir asks you in more refined and practised words, only a little shorter than the earlier ones. “I am Borminel. I’m glad you chose to see us, despite what our beloved Champion would have said.”

You find it odd that he speaks so fondly and seriously of Esra despite his words. Just another piece of information that suggests things are wrong. You greet him and accept his invitation of a seat.

“I am no diplomat or leader so I will be frank. What did you come here for?” he asks you, giving you a piercing gaze.

>1. Tell him the truth, mentioning both the Place of Power and Tarfinn.
>2. Tell him a half-truth, mentioning only Tarfinn.
>3. Lie and say you’re here to see the memorial.
>4. Custom

>>37273702
>1. Tell him the truth, mentioning both the Place of Power and Tarfinn.

>>37273702
>2. Tell him a half-truth, mentioning only Tarfinn.

>>37273702
> I’m glad you chose to see us, despite what our beloved Champion would have said.”
Something feels off.
> "Who is this champion of yours?"
If they say the champion is Tarr Finn, then we might have to tell them a half-truth. But most likely the whole truth.

>>37273811
...Its Ersa. Pay attention.

>>37273702
>>2. Tell him a half-truth, mentioning only Tarfinn.

>>37273836
oh.

>>37273702
>1. Tell him the truth, mentioning both the Place of Power and Tarfinn.
We were told by that the elves are well aware of the status of all elementals, and hence that Undine is dead. They know about the Source.

>>37273702
>1. Tell him the truth, mentioning both the Place of Power and Tarfinn.

>>37273882
Oh right, that's how Tuschhi knew about Undine in the first place right? Man, that was a while ago.

>>37273882
Convinced me.
>>37273702

Switching >>37273854
to
>1. Tell him the truth, mentioning both the Place of Power and Tarfinn.

>>37273702
Why do you think she would tell me not to see you? She said nothing of the sort.

>1. Tell him the truth, mentioning both the Place of Power and Tarfinn.
>4. Custom
To you specifically, I came for answers about what is going on around here.
Things seem very wrong, there is tension in the people, and I wanted to hear what you have to say

>>37273882
I didn't remember that bit of info
also "the elves" might not mean "every single elf"
I think we are building them up as this magical race when they have just as many if not more problems than the dragons and the fluffies

File: 073.jpg (160 KB, 800x1228)

160 KB JPG

>2.

You explain your true purpose in coming here briefly, without hiding anything. You suspect he’s already at least somewhat aware of your interests here.

“Yes, your interest in the Place of Power here is known. But Tarfinn…” Borminel says, trailing off. “He is here with you?”

“Yes he is and he is under my protection,” you say, narrowing your eyes at the line of questioning.

Raising his hands with a dark chuckles, Borminel says, “I am not his enemy but it is good to hear that. The rulers still wish him dead, despite his exile. I doubt they will cross you to achieve that.”

“Why? Why do they want him dead? Isn’t he supposed to replace Esraveel?” you ask, trying to make sense of what you just heard.

“He was. I do not know why but they framed him for murder. The knights freed him with our Champion’s ‘assistance’,” Borminel says, his tone turning sarcastic at the end. “The knights fear her power. We Daerfir believe this to be why they framed him. Our Champion holds the last vestiges of our political power – without one we are but slaves.”

You frown at that, feeling your mood turn thunderous. The way Borminel speaks makes it sound like he supports the idea of having a tortured Champion and to hear of what happened to Tarfinn puts you in a very dark mood. You…

>1. Press Borminel on Daerfir ‘Champions’ and what he thinks and knows of them.
>2. Ignore the topic and focus on the politics, trying to work out what is happening between the Daerfir and the rulers.
>3. Focus on your business, talking to him about Caelminn and the Place of Power.
>4. Custom

>>37274002
You should delete an old post when revoting

>>37274227
Torn on keeping business and asking about the politics.

>>37274227
>3. Focus on your business, talking to him about Caelminn and the Place of Power.

>>37274227
>2. Ignore the topic and focus on the politics, trying to work out what is happening between the Daerfir and the rulers.

>>37274227
>2. Ignore the topic and focus on the politics, trying to work out what is happening between the Daerfir and the rulers.

>>37274227
>1. Press Borminel on Daerfir ‘Champions’ and what he thinks and knows of them.
I am more than a bit curious.

>>37274227
>2. Ignore the topic and focus on the politics, trying to work out what is happening between the Daerfir and the rulers.
"They would seriously undermine their military to help their domestic political situation? At a time like this, with the entire world at war? That is... concerning."

>>37274227
Did Finn start figuring out his improvised tattoo techniques before or after his exile?

>>37274298
Because it takes time to write and by the time he had changed vote, aspie was already writing.

Seems to me the higher castes use Esra to keep the Daerfir in line in some way. They had planned on using Finn in the same way but Finn tasted power in TYE, and wouldnt stand for being under them.

>>37274227
>2. Carefully inquire about the politics, tell them to try and keep it from an objective point of view.

File: 074.jpg (112 KB, 610x900)

112 KB JPG

>>37274298
It was actually 1, I just put the wrong number at the top.

>>37274359
Before.

>>37274367
>Because it takes time to write and by the time he had changed vote, aspie was already writing.
That assumes aspir took only 3 votes because he waited only 5 minutes. even without a vote change, on a 10 minute timer it would still be a win for 1
Also, I deleted the post because once I read through it it became perfectly clear that he wrote for 1 and just accidentally put down "2 won" at the top

>>37274469
>Before

And the tattoo's are basically designed to prevent someone from doing that, so I assume Esra doesn't know or can't replicate what Finn does?

>>37274529
>And the tattoo's are basically designed to prevent someone from doing that
are they?

File: 079.jpg (437 KB, 1280x720)

437 KB JPG

>>37274529
>And the tattoo's are basically designed to prevent someone from doing that
No? Where did you get that idea? The tattoos are designed to draw on huge amounts of magical power from the Daerfir and weave that into their bodies (primarily for regeneration and greater strength). As the tattoos cast magic the Daerfir can then weave that into their own techniques, which they otherwise couldn't. It's not built-into the tattoos but it's a known technique. Given Esra's far more powerful than Finn, clearly she can do it to.

>>37274568
Think so.

>>37272355
>The tattoos as /designed/ have to be permanently on.

Yeah I'm making a bit of a stretch, but something about this social structure seems too planned...

>>37274636
of course. It's politics. And elves. Those two don't mix very well. why do you think /tg/'s hate of elves and politics runs deep?

>>37274616
Oh. Well I'm massively wrong then. Going to need to do more digging to figure out why they want Finn dead then.

>>37272355
>The tattoos as designed have to be permanently on. The active abilities that Finn uses are techniques that draw on the tattoos in a novel way, not intentional abilities built into them (hence why it's 'improvised' transmutation).
This begs the question, could different tattoos be designed or created that are off all the time, but can be turned on manually during times of extreme duress?

>>37274680
Basically, because Finn is capable of upsetting the social order. If Ersa tells the leaders that she's taking her friends and leaving for the York Empire, there's basically fuck all they can do about it.

>>37274725
Well Finn ran away and joined our guard. Our protection of political asylum is keeping him safe from something he was "framed" on doing during the supposed murder. The dirt that Finn turned up must be something that the Leifir really want to keep covered. We can use this to our advantage.

>>37274680
Well, for one thing apparently daefir are not universally tattooed, We got finn and ersa being referred to as the current and future champions of the daefir and the rest are HUEG and clearly not tattooed.
Maybe the ruling elves are trying to phase out daefir tattooing and the daefir don't want that because they are basically the equivalent of the indian untouchables without them.
Maybe tarfinn just has too much potential and that scares them. Maybe they fear he is ideologically compromised... maybe he was just a convenient scapegoat for some political murder and it had nothing to do with fearing him... actually that is my bet.
We would know more if we actually pressed him for info about that but I seem to be the only one who voted to do so.

>>37274680
I believe its because he was a potential champion who left the roost and became Talons squire. Once he became Talons squire he gained an enormous amount of political pull. If they didnt frame him and Esra retired, he could use his position as champion to unite the Daerfir against the ruling castes. Normally they might be able to deal with the unruly Daerfir, but the squire business would drag the entire TYE into the mix.

>>37274783
>I believe its because he was a potential champion who left the roost and became Talons squire. Once he became Talons squire
No, that is not true at all

Timeline
>Tarfinn is framed for murder
>Esra frees him, tells him to run
>Years later he joins talon

>>37274772
No, he (and ersa) are dangerous because the most powerful warrior in the kingdom and has no reason to be loyal to them. Only the few remaining magical Aefir have any real hope of stopping her.

>>37274772
Finn got exiled as a commuted punishment for a murder he was convictedof but did not commit, then went out into the world and eventually ran into us. Ats what I got out of the back story anyway, no idea where the "Finn ran away" thing I keep reading in the comments came from.

>>37274780
I thought the rest were tattooed, just not to the extent of either Finn or Esra.

I wonder where all that mistrust of Esra is coming from
>Young (for an elf) girl with terribly sad backstory
>Fangirls all over talon
>Old sis figure to tarfinn
>Clearly cares about tarfinn
>Gives us advice on how to help tarfinn
...
>ITS A TRAP
wot?
and then we later find out she actually went against elven establishment by freeing him from death row because she knew he was framed.

We should go see the guy she recommended.
Also
>>37274227
>1. Press Borminel on Daerfir ‘Champions’ and what he thinks and knows of them.
>4. Custom
Why does he think she would tell us not to see him? she actually did nothing of the sort

>>37274805
ah didnt know that.

>>37274813
>>37274814
So basically, they want them dead because finn and Ersa are too powerful for them to handle. So they are seeking options to either get rid of them or bring them under their heel via forcing us to play into their hands.

>>37274814
>Finn got exiled
He didn't get exiled, he was sprung from death row by esra and the knights. He is still wanted for it and still sentenced to it

>>37274780
They don't tatoo to that extent because if they tatoo'd all of them, the Daefir would go extinct rapidly due to their massively shortened lifespan.

>>37274866
>I wonder where all that mistrust of Esra is coming from
I dont really see where you are getting this from. We didnt immediately follow her instructions for fear of making a political move.

>>37274892
A tattooed daefir is still supposed to live 200 years
then again, they only reach adulthood by age 50 and by that point esra already looks half dead.
So yea, they probably don't tattoo them all, and those that they do are probably not to the same extent...

or maybe they DO tattoo them all ... remember that every generation the daefir are getting stronger and stronger. Breeding despite the drain of the tattoos is a great form of selective pressure

>>37274937
some anons explicitly said that she is trying to lead talon into a trap or otherwise mislead him.
see >>37273028

>>37274952
remember that esra, as a champion, received a lot more tattoos then normal.
Also, there are 2 different sets of tattoos
Adult tattoos - those are fully grown (giant sized) daefir, their tattoos are weaker, cause rapid aging
Childhood tattoos - those stunt growth (esra, tarfinn), but result in much stronger daefir

File: 081.jpg (105 KB, 950x547)

105 KB JPG

>>37274780
>Well, for one thing apparently daefir are not universally tattooed, We got finn and ersa being referred to as the current and future champions of the daefir and the rest are HUEG and clearly not tattooed.
They are tattooed. All Daerfir are tattooed at fifty. It's just that they don't have as many and they're all wearing full clothing.

>2.

You channel your anger into the politics rather than the individual. “And what is happening about it now? This would cause civil war in most nations.”

“It would have in ours, had they executed him. Even now we are still on edge. We don’t war only because our Champion believes it to be futile – to war with ourselves will merely result in destruction from abroad. I understand that intellectually, but it is a poor emotive argument,” he says, shaking his head. “The young men and women who have done nothing but fight for a culture that they have no part in do not understand why.”

“I can’t say I blame them,” you say, the mention of youth reminding you of Sylvian’s warning regarding the social order changes from shorter lived races. “When I walked through Morganfier I saw a town as magnificent as any I see in my empire. Engineering feats that would impress even my earth elemental familiar, Gnome. Burnished gold on structures and huge steel supports. Here I see log cabins and animal skin tents. How old are you Borminel? Was is different once?”

He gives you a wry smile. “I am more than a hundred and fifty. I am at the age where strokes become common so I won’t last much longer without luck. It was different once, before the shadowbeasts. Before Champions, according to my father. Our towns would be on the ground, to defend, where those of the other castes would be above, to be defended. When the elves from the far north came south the Daerfir were relocated temporarily to make room. We never were allowed to return.”

>continued

>>37274987
>some anons explicitly said that she is trying to lead talon into a trap or otherwise mislead him
One person is hardly many anons. If you read the only other response to that post it directly argues against it.

>Also, there are 2 different sets of tattoos
>Adult tattoos - those are fully grown (giant sized) daefir, their tattoos are weaker, cause rapid aging
>Childhood tattoos - those stunt growth (esra, tarfinn), but result in much stronger daefir

The tattoos are the exact same just placed on a different age. The tattoo that some would receive at 50 is the same Esra and Finn got at 14.

File: 083.jpg (734 KB, 1600x1600)

734 KB JPG

>>37275038
In other words, almost all of the Daerfir who lived with the rest of their race at one point were dead. Only the leaders remained and when they passed on there would only be those who had been segregated.

“What will you do? You didn’t answer that, Borminel,” you say, pushing your earlier question.

“I do not know. We are greater than the knights and rangers but a war will leave us too weak to fight off Malataine’s aggression,” he says, furrowing his brow as he glares at the pond. “Daerfir who reach fifty years of age go to be tattooed and do not return. Esraveel, our dear Champion, is beginning to fade. I fear that without her and with myself and so many others gone there will be short-sighted war. I fear that without the tattoos we will lose and be forever slaves. I fear that if we do nothing now there will be short-sighted oppression. I fear that without a Champion, we will fall prey to the God-Knights.”

“Why not leave?” you ask. “Like the Aefir?”

“The world is not the friend of the elves and we need the Caelfin for our tattoos. For me, I still believe in the duty of protecting my race. For the youth, they know nothing besides the forest and will not leave it. I do not know why Esraveel stays. She should leave. Enjoy her life given how little it seems to matter that she stay,” Borminel says, his voice slow and deep. “I am sorry. I had intended to talk to you about more than just our despair. Will I see you tomorrow?”

It’s clear that Borminel has gotten a little emotional from the topic. It must not be an easy thing to consider a future where his people appear doomed. You give him a nod and he sees you out with a sad smile. You next go to…

>1. Caeminn. Sylph should know where he is.
>2. Talk to the town elders.
>3. Talk to your party about what you’ve heard. This will take time and they may push you to take a stance early.
>4. Custom

>>37275061
>>2. Talk to the town elders.

>>37275061
>1. Caeminn. Sylph should know where he is.

>>37275061
>1. Caeminn. Sylph should know where he is.

>>37275061
that's some reliable info.
>1. Let's secure Caeminn.
Now that we know what the people have to say about the politics lets see Caeminn has to say and what possible carrot/stick deal the Lefir has in store for us.

>>37275061
>1. Caeminn. Sylph should know where he is.

>>37275061
>1. Let's see if we can recruite a new Research Mage.

>>37275061
1

>>37275057
>The tattoos are the exact same just placed on a different age
Except that only champions receive them young, and champions receive extra tattoos, those extras are make them different

>>37275061
>1. Caeminn. Sylph should know where he is.
I want to talk to him

>>37275061
>I do not know. We are greater than the knights and rangers but a war will leave us too weak to fight off Malataine’s aggression
What I find really odd is... do the rulers realize that?
... do they honestly believe that if the daefir rebel they will be crushed easily and they will remain strong enough to fight malataine even without the daefir? Or maybe they just blind themselves to the obvious disquiet and oncoming rebellion?
I wonder if esra is gonna assassinate the royal family and that is why she had that "we will never meet again" attitude.

Seems to me that the obvious solution is to win over esra and daefir elders. then assist them in their revolt from outside. At the end of which they become talon's subjects and the losses they incured on the daefir, knights, and rangers are supplemented by talon's troops (assuming malatine will war against us... which, considering their stance of exterminating nonhumans and our own behavior seems pretty damn obvious).

File: 086.jpg (271 KB, 1024x576)

271 KB JPG

>1.

The town is, if not bustling, then at least reasonably active by the time you return. The elves greet you cautiously, presumably aware of your arrival but unwilling to talk much. Luckily you don’t need to talk to them, as Sylph appears to be lingering in part of the town. As you cross the town to find her you note the construction of the enormous walkway as you cross it and the stalls atop it. It had looked like it was made of stone from below but the top was treated wood. Enormous steel loops are fixed to the enormous tree trunks on either end from which countless magically reinforced ropes connect to the sides of the bridge. You suspect that there are steel or concrete supports within the structure for them to hook into, given there were numerous support beams below it.

Your mind turns back to business as you find Sylph glaring at a rather extravagant building extended from a hollowed tree. You can’t read elvish but you suspect this is where Caeminn is. Sylph hooks herself around your arm once you approach.

“I was told this enchanter’s facility was busy but apparently they all left yesterday. Caeminn would be here if he didn’t leave,” she says. “How did the Daerfir go?”

“They were full of despair. You were right about things being off – the whole place has been on edge since Finn was forced to leave,” you say, not elaborating.

Sylph gives you a squeeze and a smile before darting backwards. “I’ll head back to talk to the others. Be careful, Talon.”

>continued

File: 088.jpg (1022 KB, 1197x904)

1022 KB JPG

>>37275536
You silently thank Sylph for being sharper than her sisters in reading you and for being willing to leave you alone. Then again, you suspected it was mostly because she seemed to respect your authority at all times instead of treating it as an occasional nuisance. Which was amusing, because she didn’t respect Mal’s much even before they shared a bed.

You step inside the heavily warded building, bracing your own magic for a possible assault. Nothing happens and you instead find yourself wandering through a largely empty but enormous building. Eventually you decide to just go towards where the one person in the building seems to be, as there’s nothing of interest elsewhere. You’d hoped to find documents or catalysts or something that might be useful.

A rather slim but elderly looking elf is writing in a journal as you enter. You assume this to be Caeminn as it’s certainly much finer than any other office you’ve been in and Sylph had hinted that he was a great enchanter. He raises a hand in greeting but finishes his writing first. Eventually he turns to you, placing his gold half-moon glasses on his desk.

“So you are Talon York. I wonder, are you here to help or hinder?” he asks you, his voice deep and scratchy.

>1. Help
>2. Hinder
>3. “How the hell should I know?”
>4. Custom

>>37275471
basically, elven royalty fucked up and handed us our country on a silver platter... only problem is that we are too damn far to actually do it. We would need to conquer the RSK or the magi league to even reach the elves.

>>37275565
>3. “How the hell should I know?”

>>37275565
>"To help, but I suppose that doing so will hinder others."

>>37275565
>Then again, you suspected it was mostly because she seemed to respect your authority at all times instead of treating it as an occasional nuisance. Which was amusing, because she didn’t respect Mal’s much even before they shared a bed.
it makes perfect sense.
sisters are our familiars/champion/sharing our bed, we get no respect
she shares mals bed/his familiar, he gets no respect.
to her we are the emperor her man works for

>When the elves from the far north came south the Daerfir were relocated temporarily to make room. We never were allowed to return.
Its Israel all over again.

>>37275565
>"I am here for myself and my subordinates. However it is up to the elves to decide whether my presence is a help or hindrance."

>>37275471
The issue is geography. We can't support them. We could have them wait until post MG, then basically park Slyvian in their forest to deter Malantine until we set up a magitech factory to reequip their military.

>>37275565
Isn't the only way to help without hindering someone is to sweetalk everyone into resolving all their differences with words and become one big happy family? I am not as naive as to think that is possible in large scale situations.

>>37275699
Bioware taught me...

>>37275565
>>3. “How the hell should I know?”

>>37275565
>3. Im reserving a decision on that until I have all the information
I like 3 but it comes off as childish

Why do I feel that Gnome will have built the Deafir a proper village while we are sleeping?

>>37275669
>The issue is geography. We can't support them. We could have them wait until post MG
I agree. It is really annoying, their leaders are handing us their kingdom on a silver platter... and we are too far away geographically to actually claim it :(
>then basically park Slyvian in their forest to deter Malantine until we set up a magitech factory to reequip their military.
I don't think MMK is gonna help vs malatine, we would basically need to bring in all our military resources. Foxes, dragons, daywalker, nightwalker HMK, battlemage/spellsword/knight academy graduates (especially if boosted via source) and hero units and maybe juggernaut and siege archer tech
although your regular tattooed daefir in HMK might be pretty fucking impressive

>>37275792
>although your regular tattooed daefir in HMK might be pretty fucking impressive
Doesn't stack sadly.

>>37275565
>4 "Both, To whom I'm helping and whom I'm hindering, that depends on your stance."

>>37275814
>Doesn't stack sadly.
We could customize it to remove the strength boost and replace it with making the armor lighter or more resilient. They provide the super strength and speed from their tattoos and natural power.

>>37275870
So basically, you want Basette armor.

>>37275870
isn't the version we have already customized for nightwalker vampires? it should already be that.

>>37275913
When I said we can do it, I meant literally.
We can choose to swap out various template upgrades or components, once we have researched them, fairly easily. Take a look at the research dog.
And yea, basically a knockoff version of the besette armor. Not quite as good, its still mass produced, but nice upgrade for nightwalkers and tattooed daefir.

>>37275565
>3
"It is too early for me to say, after all, I only recently arrived here..."

we're probably going to end up hindering the 'established order' regardless...

>>37275975
>isn't the version we have already customized for nightwalker vampires? it should already be that.
Nope, because nightwalkers don't use empowerment, they're just naturally stronger.

Am I the only one who is dying a bit inside knowing that we basically can't upgrade our various mageplate once we tech it up as per
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ivILcp5fUKCXV6SpWD0HTxLUWpTX6rMowFpXM7zJdos/edit#gid=1404129609

our MMK for example have 2 upgrade slots, with the mal generator research opening up a potential 3rd slot.
1 slot is being used by the "silent movement" upgrade. The other is used. We paused the research on the speed upgrade but will finish it eventually. There is also a +strength and +magic resist upgrades we could choose from for that 3rd slot once it opens up (and we research it).
We are going to basically start versioning it. MMKv1 is current tech with the silence upgrade only. MMKv2 would be with the speed boost. then MMKv3 with either strength or magic resist boost. And similar stuff for the rest of our army. sadness

As much as I want to do good by they Daerfir, I feel we will just end up weakening the elves and it might lead to Malataine erasing them off the face of the continent.

>>37276012
>Nope, because nightwalkers don't use empowerment, they're just naturally stronger.
Do you mean by that the nightwalkers DO benefit from a +STR enchantment on their armor?

>>37276105
Yes. That is why NHMK are scary

File: 094.jpg (833 KB, 2560x1600)

833 KB JPG

>3.

“How the hell should I know?” you answer, letting out some of your frustration from the meeting with the Daerfir. “I don’t know enough about what anybody wants to know what will help or hinder. So much of what I see seems utterly senseless or purposeless.”

The enchanter nods. “Wiser than it sounds. Certainty has been the enemy of the elves for so long. It would be nice if more of us could admit that we don’t know what to do, instead of embarking upon whatever endeavour we feel is best. We’ve always been so hasty to act but slow to understand.”

“You don’t sound very positive about your own race.”

“That’s because I’m not. It’s hard to be in this position and remain so. I am Caeminn, the Caelfinn enchanter who has overseen the Daerfir Champion project almost since the very first Champion was created,” he says without a hint of pride. “I assume you are here about Tarfinn, given he is travelling with you.”

You nod, uncertain of what to say to the elf. There’s a pause as he allows you to think. You say, “So you were responsible for Tarfinn?”

“I wasn’t involved in choosing him or in the initial processes but, yes, I was ultimately responsible. He was even in my direct care in Tellornaine before his escape,” he says. “He was the first Daerfir Champion since the first not to have me overseeing the process of tattooing him and he was also the first male Champion since that same first Champion.”

“Is that important?” you ask, resisting the urge to ask about the frame-ups. Caeminn had something to say here, even if he was taking his time.

“In the end, yes. Though it’s only visible to us in hindsight. I have to ask you, why do you think the Champion process is undertaken? Do you think it’s necessary for us to do?” he asks you pointedly.

>Open-ended response

The next post will likely be the last one of the thread.

>>37276076
Why would you think "do good" would mean setting them up for pyrric civil war without talon's involvement?

Do good would be one of:
1. convince them to wait until talon conquers his way to them and assists their side in their civil war, then annexes them.
2. work deal with magi league to result in the same as above
3. Convince them to just leave the rest of the elves and move to TYE. Then when the rest of the elves get their ass kicked by melatine, take in their refugees as well in TYE.
(although that one would be doing good to the daefir at the cost of a LOT of elven lives of the various other races, plus the daefir who wouldn't leave)

>>37276144
I thought they were scary because you take a being that is 3x stronger and faster than a human, and put on him super armor that is extremely resiliant against magic and mundane attacks. Not the +strength but the +armor and +resist magic

>>37276214
>why do you think the Champion process is undertaken?
Power. It turns a person into a superweapon
>Do you think it’s necessary for us to do?
I heard that malatine is trying to exterminate your race. Depending on their strength it might be. Although the fact that tarfinn was mislead about what it involves is insane, you want a patriotic volunteer not someone who would harbor resent for what you did to him

captcha: Autiz

>>37276299
Ah, i misphrased, I meant
>I don't know enough to tell, I heard that malatine is trying to exterminate your race. Depending on their strength it might be.

>>37276214

From what I can see and the little I have heard, it seems that the 'Champion' is nothing more than a figurehead to keep the Daerfir under control...

>>37276214
Because it keeps the elven race from extinction, while at the same time keeping the most likely promoters of change under control?

>>37276214
You lost a large portion of your military power when the Aefir became as rare as they did. As a result, you felt it necessary to try and regain what was lost. However, what was lost cannot be reclaimed. It would be better to adapt to what you have now than cause your best and brightest to suffer for the rest of their short lives.

>>37276214
"Ultimately, I do think there are other options. For example, since a daywalker's power is largely determined by their magical capacity, rather than their ability to use that power, it is possible to create extremely powerful warriors without draining a Daerfir dry in a short time.

>>37276214
"I think it's political expediency. You tie the hopes and dreams of the Daerfir to a champion whom by their nature is too young and short lived to truly oppose the society and rules over his or her caste. I think creating Champions is useful. Very few things are truly necessary. From a military perspective? I've been told it is a necessary evil, I have yet to see whether that is truly the case."

>>37276335
Note, the Aefir lived apart from the rest of the elves because they thought the Caste system was bullshit.

>>37276214
"Champions are the faces of your Daerfir armies. It gives Malataine and the Astral Adepts something to fear. They also represent the Daerfir within your courts and government making it seem as though their voices are being heard."

>>37276365
Doesn't change my statement. I'm talking about elvenkind as a whole.

>>37276335
>You lost a large portion of your military power when the Aefir became as rare as they did
Actually no. there were two completely separate elven empires
Aefirela, just for the aefir (well, among the elves. it was open to other races and they were hugely involved in uplifting humanity... except until their end)
And the other elven nations which were an amalgam of the other subraces with a caste based society.

>>37276365
>Note, the Aefir lived apart from the rest of the elves because they thought the Caste system was bullshit.
Actually it was because
>We are so fucking powerful
>Like for serious, we are RIDICULOUSLY POWAH!
>We have our own kingdom and it is the strongest in the world. Ruled just by us... you can come live in here, and hey, we treat you right (best treatment for a human in any empire prior to kushan)
>But its just us ruling, and we don't much care for the lesser races of elf
The aefir were on par with dragons, only far more numberous. they were basically the master race.

>>37276407
They were basically totally separate politically.

>>37276407
But the Aefir were never part of Terrnaine's military. They didnt lose a thing.

File: 095.jpg (1.91 MB, 2560x1600)

1.91 MB JPG

VOTE
>1. Political and unnecessary. The Champion is just a figurehead to keep the Daerfir in line.
>2. For protection. They are your response to the threat of Malataine and others. That protection may be necessary but I think there are better options.
>3. Custom

>>37276508
>1. Political and unnecessary. The Champion is just a figurehead to keep the Daerfir in line.

>>37276508
>>1. Political and unnecessary. The Champion is just a figurehead to keep the Daerfir in line.

>>37276214
"The Champion is both a child and a hero. They are the ones who are sacrificed for greater power. However from that power comes death by adulthood. To the ruling caste a champion is the perfect renewable pawn. One that will never truly by themselves change the elven society due to their inexperience. Yet they are strong enough to rally troops and defend from external threats.

But is this really necessary? To the ruling caste it is for their fear and dislike of the Daerfir. But as elven society as a whole, no. The champions of today are forced into their roles. In order to have a truly great hero/leader it must be voluntary. A leader with no ambition or hope will eventually bring failure upon society."

>>37276508
>2. For protection. They are your response to the threat of Malataine and others. That protection may be necessary but I think there are better options.

>>37276508
>3. Custom
I am still trying to figure it out, but from what I heard it might either be
>1. Political and unnecessary. The Champion is just a figurehead to keep the Daerfir in line.
>2. For protection. They are your response to the threat of Malataine and others. That protection may be necessary but I think there are better options.

>>37276508
>>2. For protection. They are your response to the threat of Malataine and others. That protection may be necessary but I think there are better options.
I just want to see his response to the daywalker thing really.

>>37276508
As the "father" of the program, unless he had a major change of heart, he must have INTENDED for it to be for 2... regardless of what it ended up as.
He is asking us to critique his life's work

>>37276508
Main issue
>1. Political and unnecessary. The Champion is just a figurehead to keep the Daerfir in line.

But just in case of threats
>2. For protection. They are your response to the threat of Malataine and others. That protection may be necessary but I think there are better options.

>>37276508
>2. "There are other options than merely relying on a single champion. And there are some instances where a champion isn't necessary. But in an upcoming time full of strife and change, It will be necessary."

>>37276639
I do not understand this post. what do you want to actually say to him? are you trying say the same as >>37276570
?

>>37276648
>"There are other options than merely relying on a single champion.
I got the feeling there are supposed to be multiple, not numerous, but more than 1.

also, if the champion was meant to be a figure head to placate the daefir, why were they going to execute him despite the fact that daefir leadership said that would have led to open revolt?

I understand you would like to answer questions after the thread but I have to go to bed. Please answer it after and I can read it in the archives.
Its been hinted at that familiars grow to be more like what their masters want. Does this include familiars like Aladria and Merce who dont fit the normal familiar type? Does this mean Mal wanted to sleep with Sylph all along?

>>37276508
>3. Desperation. First for a military edge against and then, as the Daerfir became relegated to an underclass for reasons I have yet to discover, as a means of keeping that power keg from erupting. Tell me I'm wrong.

>>37276715
I support this.

>>37276665
That the champion is mainly used as a figurehead. But for the Daerfir, a champion, one who could possibly fight at the front lines against great threats such as god knights is vital. The effect a champion can have in a battle with low odds can be great. The Daerfir are the soldier caste and seeing one of their own smashing through enemies is a good morale boost compared to having a Lafir shouting orders at them.

File: 114.jpg (215 KB, 1680x1050)

215 KB JPG

next post coming, will be long. I think i'll choose a bit of a mix with a focus on the figurehead.

>>37276704
>Does this include familiars like Aladria and Merce who dont fit the normal familiar type?
Aladria already said this is happening to her literally when you first got her.

>>37276704
>Its been hinted at that familiars grow to be more like what their masters want.
from the lorebin

>All familiar contracts have a side-effect of the familiar slowly modifying their thought processes and behaviours to better complement their master.

its not what the master WANTS, its purely subconscious on both members of the bond and its the familiar changing to complement the maser. Complement sometimes means being the opposite or just being contrary.
I suspect that it has something to do with the telepathic bond, the belief is that it ends after a few days, but i suspect it remains on a subconscious level instead of the active mindreading

>>37276704
With aldaria we actually got a primal contract.

from the loredoc
>A final note is on the difference between a formal familiar contract and a primal contract. Primal contracts are a form of non-negotiable familiar binding, where one being actively claims the others magical power and will. Doing so is very difficult as few beings would place themselves in a position for the lengthy mental assault required. Once established a primal contract can only be broken by the party that holds dominance

>>37276796
I had assumed the influencing was only happening with Aladria when she was our primal familiar. Forgive me for that.

>>37276835
We made it a formal contract the thread after Aladria joined us.

>>37276883
>We made it a formal contract the thread after Aladria joined us.
which supercede the primal binding, but if either of us breaks the formal contract now it will fall back to the primal one

>I had assumed the influencing was only happening with Aladria when she was our primal familiar. Forgive me for that.
that is fine logic actually. since what she said was said when she was primal.

File: 116.jpg (319 KB, 1920x1200)

319 KB JPG

>1 with some 2

“I think they’re a figurehead. They might be useful in protection but their main purpose is just to keep the Daerfir in line,” you say, remembering what the Daerfir had told you. “Esraveel seems to be the only thing keeping the Daerfir from starting a civil war and I don’t know why.”

Caeminn frowns at that, not happy with your answer but unable to dismiss it. He invites you to take a seat but you refuse and he instead stands himself, offering you a cup of tea. He remains standing as he thinks on his response, the two of you sipping the milk tea.

“I can’t deny that. I don’t understand how the Champions do what they do, either. We don’t actively condition them. Or at least, we Caelfin don’t,” he says. “They weren’t meant to be a mere figurehead or for controlling. We made them for protection, as a defence against threats you can hardly fathom.”

“I’d say try me but that’s a cliché. Instead I’ll simply say you don’t have a choice but to explain it anyway,” you say.

Shrugging, Caeminn puts his tea cup down before launching into his explanation.

“You come from a race that has been dominant for almost a millennium. If a nation falls, you merely move to another. The only part of humanity that might understand out plight is the Farloun, and they had far too little time to react. I wonder what decisions they would have made if the genocide had been over a longer timeframe?” Caeminn wonders. “For us, we saw the threat of the God-Knights after the Great War and realised we could not stop them as we were. Then Malataine became so violently anti-non-human. Our warrior caste first sacrified their longevity to protect us. Then they began to sacrifice an individual every forty years for a Champion.”

You scowl. “Then they lost their homes and all claim to being elves? I’ve heard about how they were relocated after the shadowbeasts.”

>continued

File: 122.jpg (1.72 MB, 1900x1150)

1.72 MB JPG

>>37277048
Caeminn lets out a dark chuckle. “Yes, that came immediately afterwards. I don’t know whether it was intentional or just short-sighted idiocy from the Lefir but the Daerfir were stripped of their homes and have been segregated. At some point I suspect the Lefir noticed that the Daerfir were obedient to what they probably believed to be the point of stupidity. So they began to treat them like a slave caste. They did the same with most of the Morfinn. I blame my own work.

“It used to be that when the God-Knights came we would bring out the greatest of the Lefir to fight them alongside the Daerfir and Morfinn knights. The power of all three castes merged to fend off a great threat. Then the elves from the north came, having not fought the god-knights and with no Daerfir after they all perished against the shadowbeasts. The Champion was there too, as a figure capable of fighting all but the greatest of Great Knights. Eventually, the Lefir no longer went to the battlefields. Many of them had never fought the God-Knights and others forgot. As the Champion was vital to protecting the Lefir they never alienated her and the knights knew to respect them, having fought alongside each one. Yet that was it – the castes ceased to be castes and became classes, with the Lefir, Caelfin and magical Morfinn at the top and everybody else at the bottom.”

“And now the only generation of Daerfir with any reason to be loyal to the rest of the race is about to pass on, leaving a highly trained army of disenchanted and disenfranchised warriors that have been single-handedly protecting you from the rest of the world,” you say bitterly. “Is this why the knights framed Tarfinn?”

>continued

File: 123.jpg (315 KB, 758x1000)

315 KB JPG

>>37277068
Caeminn sits down at this, looking weary. “I don’t know. I don’t even know if he was framed. All I know is that if I had been paying better attention I would have seen the hostility that the Lefir and knights showed towards him. He was the first male Champion in ages, and the tattoos retarded his growth. They believed him to be a runt and a failure. If I had seen it, I could have kept him away from Tellornaine.”

You weren’t sure if this was the truth or what Caeminn believed. Part of you wonders if the whole situation is coloured heavily by what anybody believed. Caeminn clearly saw the Lefir as damaging his race and was seriously regretful over his involvement in creating Champions. The Daerfir refused to believe their Champion, or even future Champion, would kill Lefir, knowing what they do of the Champion’s usual sense of duty – Finn’s sense of duty. The Lefir and knights saw a runt and failure killing their kin and saw nothing but red. Whether Finn killed or how was of little matter to you, however. What mattered was helping him.

“Can you help him?” you ask Caeminn. “I can protect him from this nonsense over murder but I can’t heal him.”

Caeminn looks at you closely, surprised at how swiftly you disregarded your squire’s past. Then he nods and says, “I believe I can. I’ve been working on alternatives to the tattoos – I’m hoping to use them on the Daerfir we haven’t tattooed in the last few years. They need their power but we can’t drain them. I don’t know if I can manage it alone, however. Human magitech is what I need.”

>That’s the thread

Sorry this became a huge dump at the end but I didn’t want to run it any longer than necessary. This is particularly true because I don’t know if people will just walk away with Finn and the PoP.

Next thread at 5pm EST on the 16th Jan. I don’t think it will finish the Terrnaine arc. The big decisions will start to be made and action will likely happen, though

>>37277081
Sorta sad that the daywalkers didn't get mentioned.

>>37277081
>Sorry this became a huge dump at the end but I didn’t want to run it any longer than necessary.
it seemed fine to me

>This is particularly true because I don’t know if people will just walk away with Finn and the PoP.
I really doubt that.

>>37277142
eh, if he has a better solution I would like to see it first.

>>37277163
>eh, if he has a better solution I would like to see it first.
Yeah, but I think he'd respect us more if we offered our own solutions, especially if we acknowledge their flaws.

>>37277081
Really interesting thread all around, damn are the elves messed up.

>>37277195
>Really interesting thread all around, damn are the elves messed up.
everyone is messed up in this setting.

File: 128.jpg (109 KB, 1000x700)

109 KB JPG

Note that I might do social stuff in a few hours if anybody is still around. Don't stay up late for it as I might get consumed by something else. I'll post in the thread in three hours to check if I am, otherwise assume I'm not. I have a few personal social things still to cover.

>>37277142
Vampires aren't fondly thought of in most of the world. I think saying that turning Daerfir into vampires is better than the tattoos would be a bit of a faux pas. To them you're basically saying the better alternative is to turn elves into soul-consuming undead monsters. There's a reason I didn't bring Aladria along (even if I forgot to mention it).

>>37277195
Yeah, just a bit.

>>37277163
>it seemed fine to me
It was worse before judicious editing and shoving a reveal to a later date.

>>37277081

Interesting.... I predict that Talon will end up trying to recruit Caeminn and a sizeable number of the Daerfir. He might try for Esra, but I feel she is too bound to her 'duty' that she will stay there until her death...

>>37277195
They are elves

>>37277273
>soul-consuming undead monsters.
Yeah, they don't actually do that though. Like at all. He should probably know that vampires can't consume a soul.

>>37277273
>Vampires aren't fondly thought of in most of the world. I think saying that turning Daerfir into vampires is better than the tattoos would be a bit of a faux pas. To them you're basically saying the better alternative is to turn elves into soul-consuming undead monsters. There's a reason I didn't bring Aladria along (even if I forgot to mention it).
Yea. I thought the same.
it might be more PRACTICAL... but that doesn't mean it is acceptable... summoning an army of demons is probably even more practical than the vamps

>>37277324
>Yeah, they don't actually do that though. Like at all. He should probably know that vampires can't consume a soul.
Actually, TYE research on blood alternative revealed that they kinda do.

>>37277191
>let's present our halfway thought out idea to the guy that has been doing this for a century plus who is the foremost expert on the subject

Yeah nah.

>>37277324
>>37277349
>Vampires have been hunted for all of history, a cursed being that can afflict all common races except dragons. Research has been sparse on them due to the connections it tends to build with necromancy and their general scarcity. Recent research in the York Empire has led to the discovery that the vampiric curse appears to somehow ‘merge’ the soul and physical body, creating a being that can sustain itself on the meagre astral essence of other beings through their blood.
... is that meage astral essence of other beings their soul? taken through the blood? or is it just tiny bits of astral flakes found in the blood regardless of soul? (well, not regardless but separate. because animal blood doesn't work for vampires)

>>37277349
>summoning an army of demons is probably even more practical than the vamps
Pretty sure that they don't actually have the magical ability to do that. Summoning is a human art.
>>37277391
Its harmless, since you don't need to directly drink from a person. Otherwise, you'd lose your soul any time you bled.

>>37277376
We had three workable alternatives.

>>37277444
what are the other 2 other than the vamps?
also, that doesn't change the fact that they are incredibly offensive ones. especially considering who we are talking to.
Basically, we want to snag the guy, take him to harrowmont, and have him start researching.

>>37277563
Familiar binding and the Source trick.

>>37277592
>Familiar binding
Explain further, who is binding who and what do you expect it to do?

>Source trick
This isn't actually an alternative, its just continuing using the existing system but now with a way to heal them.
And it is of limited viability since it will take a very long time locked up in talon's Dominion (which is going to be of very limited size) to recover between excursions.

>>37277592
>Familiar binding
I searched the thread for the word familiar and didn't find a single mention of such a trick for the elves
can you link the post?

>>37277669
>talon's Dominion
Anyone object to using the term Dominion to describe the bubble around the source where talon has near supreme power?

>>37277391
The confusion is my fault. The vamps are drinking the magical power that resides in the blood and using it to feed their own soul. Consume by aladria and Felix probably sucks their soul dry indirectly however.

>>37277275
I thought i made it reasonably clear that esra is interested in talon. She just needs the right push.

>>37277786

My mistake. I thought she was interested in hearing stories of adventure and such but was a 'stalwart protector' type...

Empathy is not a skill I put points into... neither was detect motive...

>>37277786
>The confusion is my fault. The vamps are drinking the magical power that resides in the blood and using it to feed their own soul. Consume by aladria and Felix probably sucks their soul dry indirectly however.
what happens to a soul once it has been sucked dry?

>>37277786
>I thought i made it reasonably clear that esra is interested in talon
You did, it was perfectly clear to me that she was all over us and then it was explicitly stated in the mal/talon convo afterwards.
I would love to take her home and heal her in our source... oh god if we DO heal her i bet the trashy novels would start saying that talon does sexual healing
... you know, I got the feeling we treated her like she was old or frail, but she isn't, she is the reigning champion and kicks ass, she is just in pain and blind

I am thinking of what could have been... like, what if we spared that daywalker vampire who was the grandson of grandmaster tarquin.
Imagine him today, fighting by our side

>>37277987
An interesting thing to note is that every day inside is a day added to her life time. Technicly speaking after she spends a few months there she could once in a while leave for a decent chunk of time so long as the same chunk hasn't be exceeded.

Which is pretty useful given how strong she is.

>>37278051
Actually, the issue is that she is currently a total wreck, see
>>37272007
>The Source Domain power could do similar but over a much longer period of time (you'd have to basically lock her up in Harrowmont for decades).

File: 129.jpg (251 KB, 1100x710)

251 KB JPG

>>37277942
The same thing that happens when people die.

>>37277987
Esra could probably kick Talon's arse at this point (or at least have the edge in a fight) so yeah, he was treating her with kid gloves. Heck, she wasn't actually blind as she was using magic to see or sense.

>>37278051
>>37278467
It's true that a day inside Talon's Dominion will give her an extra day but it will take decades for the damage that has already been done to heal fully using that.

>>37277823
She is a protector type but she's still a caged bird yearning for something more.

>>37277786
aspir, whatever happened to alyce expelling albanon from the league?

File: 130.jpg (225 KB, 1280x657)

225 KB JPG

Anybody up for slice-of-life still? I'll think of some scenes if there are.

>>37278596
As has been explained in previous threads, it got vetoed by the rest of the League.

>>37279535
Present

>>37279535
Yup

>>37279535
If only. It's like 5am where I am, I gotta sleep.

>>37279535
I'm around for another hour at least.

File: 131.jpg (62 KB, 840x640)

62 KB JPG

>>37279695
>>37279703
>>37279706
That should be enough. I'll start writing a Salamander scene then move on from there.