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>>39286804
Date: Mid-morning on February 19th, 1952PC

For all the things that you were ignoring or putting off after this disastrous siege, the tremendously powerful divine being lurking in the ruins was not going to become one of them. You didn’t want to find out how Raphael would act if he felt ignored – you had the strangest feeling that he wouldn’t appreciate it, given how much attention he would normally gather.

Plus, he was scaring everybody away from the gate into the Merchant District, making the recent traffic problems even worse.

“You felt a lot of anger here,” Raphael says as you approach, his enormous form seeming to fill a much larger area than you’d think possible.

All around you, just outside the Merchant District, is the devastation that was caused by Belrauth’s final push. Much of the walls near the gatehouse are scarred or crumbling, the buildings just splinters or ruined foundations and the road itself is only a patchwork job. The crater that Belrauth created lay off to the side, fenced off to keep anybody from falling in.

“Hmm, you’re taller than before. I didn’t think that was possible for humans,” Raphael suddenly says and you can feel his gaze, even as his enormous leather hood casts that frustrating shadow that hides his face.

“That came a bit earlier. I was no less angry, however,” you say, your face growing dark as you remember the threat posed to both Undine and Lynn. “I didn’t even realise I had grown taller until much later.”

“Oh, so it’s a physical thing? Not an image or illusion?” he asks, before turning away with a thoughtful noise. At least, you thought it was thoughtful – everything he says is such a bassy rumble that you have difficult reading any nuance.

>Raphael appears distracted. Is there anything you want to ask him?

>>39286813
Ask who the Queen is, and how likely she is to make a second attempt

>>39286813
Ask about the Queen that the devil mentioned, also ask about that devil himself

>>39286813
Ask him if it's theoretically possible for Talon to create a revenant. This is something I always forget to ask even though I'm curious what he will say.

If he didnt know it was possible for us to grow larger, could he be wrong about our reality being set?

>>39286935
I doubt that. The only reason it happened was Talon self improved his self image basically.

>>39286813
How did he know Talon felt so much anger? Is he leaving more of an imprint on the world then we thought?

Thoughts on why the infernals would risk so much to do this? They probably didn't expect to lose that's for certain, but that's a lot to throw with little results.

>>39286813
>>39286866
>>39286891
Seconding asking about the Queen and stuff

>>39286967
>20,00

It honestly might not be that much. I get the feeling this was mostly a test to see how powerful Talon was. especially when one considers how most demons would die to our normal units and not really die.

>>39287014
I meant more along the line of dabbling into mortal affairs again. This the first time in awhile that actively sought to conquer, hold, and use something on this plane in awhile.

And they burned a lot of higher level power on us and a good bit actually died.

>>39287014
I mean they still lost a general (didn't we also kill a devil? Can't remember) and a number of noble demons, along with exposing their presence and showing off a number of tricks.

>>39287091
Only the ones Talon personally killed along with the foxes. It shouldn't be much of a real long term loss.

>>39287130
The Prince was pretty low level in general though yeah it's a good question on that front.

>>39287182
Even if he was low on the demon totem pole, it still took a lot to kill him and against the average person he's a unstoppable monster. Not arguing, just thinking that even if he's low level its kinda a valuable resource to gamble away.

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>>39286866
>>39286891
>>39286995
>Asking about the infernal 'Queen'
"Ariel is unlikely to strike again soon. Or at least, not here. The blow to her pride is likely the greatest injury she has suffered, but if she was fool enough to let pride drive her actions then she never would have beaten the incumbent Prince to her title," Raphael says. "Her actions her were limited in the first place - both by the time to amass her troops and by how much she would test my patience. I suspect this was a gamble, driven by poor estimation of your abilities. Or maybe one of her generals drove it."

"I see. What about that devil?" you ask, explaining about both devils you encountered. "Do you know him?"

"There are far too many infernals for me to recognise merely by description. He does not sound important by any measure."

>>39286893
>can Talon create a revenant
"An odd thought to have. If your thoughts are along the lines of what I suspect they are, I would drop the idea - revenants who can maintain their sense of self are few and far between. It's unlikely that you could, or at least, not in the same way. You lack the same connection to other planes that divine beings have, and it is that connection that enables a revenant to be created - to catch a soul as it drifts is no mean feat."

>>39286967
>How did he know Talon felt so much anger?
"Your power lingers in the land here. It is faint, but just as earth elementals can understand the flow of magic, so too can an archangel such as myself understand its origin."

>Thoughts on why the infernals would risk so much to do this?
"The devils have had many dreams about having a presence on Gauron once more. My sister and I have actively prevented them from holding one, and this time would have been no different had you fallen."

>Any more questions? Or shall we move on?

>>39287361
Can't think of any, I'm good to go.

>>39287361
Speaking of his sister... We know he was busy to the north and she is MIA. But wouldn't something like this and the Shadowbeasts at once seems like something she might come out of hiding for.

>>39287361
"Ariel has a very high position I take it then? Does she happen to have any competition?"

>>39287361
what is distracting him? Seems like an infernal invasion would demands more attention.

>>39287361
>He does not sound important by any measure

This made me laugh. Raphael don't give a fuck.

>>39287361
Why do you think that the shadowbeasts were acting up at the same time as this attack? Surely it can't be a coincidence.

>>39287361
how does he feel about our victory in general

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Attached is a picture I put together last night about the current status of pure elementals, for those interested. Finally took the time to map things out over time.

>>39287483
Raphael's idea of 'important' infernals starts with some of the most powerful members of their race.

>>39287481
>what is distracting him?
I don't understand what you mean by this question.

>I've got a few big answers coming, then we'll be back on track with content

>>39287634
We still need to get on summoning Marea for Sarah.

>>39287634
Am I missing a pattern with the colors in that picture?
And damn that Fire elemental died at 5, that sucks.

>>39287634

Shouldn't Undine technically have a death date, seeing as she died before she became our champion.... or would that just add unnecessary aggro?

>>39287634
So that water elemental looks nasty

>>39287361
Where are the regular angels? the ones who aren't arch

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>>39287684
The colors are the order they were created in for their 'chain'. Orange is 1st, Yellow 2nd, Blue 3rd and Green last.

>>39287764
I didn't really feel it was necessary to add her death.

>"Ariel has a very high position I take it then? Does she happen to have any competition?"

“There are three powers within Hell – the Devil Queen; the Demon Prince, though he prefers his absurd title of Malificent, as if he needs to emphasise his maliciousness any further,” Raphael says, though you note the way he appears to be looking around as he insults a presumably powerful being. “Finally, there is the Archdevil Kauros, though he is currently sealed near Ahm – his faction lives on under his protégés, the Darus twins. Ariel and the Prince have been in conflict since her ‘theft’ of the supreme title in 1500BC.”

A long damn time, in other words.

>Why do you think that the shadowbeasts were acting up at the same time as this attack?

“You have the sequence of events confused. The shadowbeasts are unpredictable, so I suspect that Ariel made her attempt because they were distracting myself and your draconic ally,” he answers, scuffing one of his massive plated boots against the ground where you slew Belrauth, and you note the way a rune seems to fire along the steel as he does so.

> how does he feel about our victory in general

“A positive thing. It means my faith in you is well-placed,” he says.

> Speaking of his sister... We know he was busy to the north and she is MIA. But wouldn't something like this and the Shadowbeasts at once seems like something she might come out of hiding for.

The world seems to go silent as you talk of Samael, and you feel it’s not just your imagination. You’d assumed that the topic was a safe one, since Raphael had brought her up, but perhaps you were wrong.

Turning to you, Raphael speaks slowly, “I wasted enough resources chasing that affair once, I won’t do so again.”

>cont

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>>39287869
You feel a little cold at that, and only part of it is the gaze you feel locked on you. As such, you drop the topic, feeling it would be unwise to press further.

“On the topic of resources, I must ask for some of yours. I need more soldiers for the Barrier, and you cannot be easily exempted, only asked less of. I will need ten thousand soldiers at the Last Retreat within a year,” he says.

“That’s quite the ask,” you say. “Will you be covering their expenses?”

“I shoulder the responsibility of protecting this continent on behalf of the peoples of it, but I will not take on all the trivialities. You can pay for your own soldiers,” he says.

“You leave me great choice,” you say sarcastically, momentarily frustrated by the knowledge you’ll not only be losing ten thousand soldiers but also the money to maintain another ten thousand.

“There is always a choice. Rulers have freely exercised it in the past. Of course, I made it clear in our last meeting that I, too, have a choice,” Raphael says as quietly as his rumbling allows.

You don’t need much more of a reminder, given that your initial meeting with Raphael, and his threats, still lingers in your mind.

>Any last issues to raise with Raphael before he leaves?

>>39287886
What are you looking for exactly? Should I be worried?

>>39287886
Its not too bad, he can have his 10k soldiers

>>39286813
>“Hmm, you’re taller than before. I didn’t think that was possible for humans,”
isn't everything possible with astral magic?

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>Moving on

>>39287967
It seems to have been unclear, but Raphael was trying to inject some levity. He was commenting on the fact you had grown when normally people don't - he wasn't saying ti was impossible with astral power, as that's literally what is involved in creating God-Knights.

>>39287921
"Men and women who know how to fight. I won't ask of you your elite, but I expect more than your dregs."

>>39287967
He follows that up by noting it is physical not an illusion as he thought. It's a different application he had yet to see

>>39288020
>It seems to have been unclear, but Raphael was trying to inject some levity. He was commenting on the fact you had grown when normally people don't - he wasn't saying ti was impossible with astral power, as that's literally what is involved in creating God-Knights.
oh, I see. yea that makes sense now

>>39288020
>"Men and women who know how to fight. I won't ask of you your elite, but I expect more than your dregs."
I think anon meant "what you are looking for here" in reference to
>>39287869
>scuffing one of his massive plated boots against the ground where you slew Belrauth, and you note the way a rune seems to fire along the steel as he does so.

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>Dragon scene

The arrival of a sending makes for the perfect excuse to leave Raphael to his thoughts. Bidding the archangel farewell, you hope that he doesn’t linger for too long. You really want traffic to start using this gate again.

Stepping into the meeting room behind the great hall, you find the troublemakers from the siege. Five young men and women sit on one side of the table, clustered together and giving you skittish looks. An older man and woman stand nearby, their quiet chat ceasing as you enter with Rayza by your side.

“These are all the dragons that I’ve been able to find, though it’s possible a few more are hiding within your borders,” Rayza says. “The five there are the idiots who nearly got themselves killed in the siege-“

“We were just trying to help,” Kyria says, pouting.

“You would have helped more by placing yourself under my command,” you say, eliciting a series of winces from the group, even as the woman to the side scowls thunderously at you. “And really, you all work for me?”

All five of them wear uniforms that indicate that they’re serving in the military – two wear the garrison uniforms of Harrowmont, and the other three general uniforms. You hadn’t expected a bunch of dragons to literally sign up like this.

“It’s a living,” says the older man to the side, though he scarcely looks older than early twenties – he wears an engineer’s uniform.

>continued

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>>39288262
“That’s Rex,” Rayza says. “His parents apparently mistook his majestic draconic form for that of a dog. He’s a decade or so younger than I am.”

Ignoring the look she receives, Rayza quickly introduces the others, hesitating only on the older woman who is still scowling at me.

“This is-“

“I am Lyria, and I don’t serve you,” says the woman, her voice practically acidic. “Nor do I appreciate your intentions to make my race bow before you.”

Your eyes narrow at that even as your mind races. It would seem that not all dragons are happy with a royal dragon serving you.

>How do you react to Lyria? Or do you simply ignore her and leave her to Rayza?

>>39288107
In that case, you don't really get an answer. If he's looking for something, he's not willing to share what.

>>39288285
if you don't serve me then why the fuck are you here

>>39288285
>"You are free to leave then, but sooner or later the entire continent will be part of the empire. I'd say it's better to join now and make good friends."

>>39288285
Smart, test the patience of one of the few factions that actually allow you to openly admit you're a dragon, feel free to take your chances being hunted down in one of the other countries. And you joined with the military, who serves me, and as part of that military you DO serve me.

>>39288285
Shrug and point out that every other power effectively wants you dead. We hardly claim to be altruistic, but we are willing to risk conflict with the Astral adept and Malantins in order to give you a place where you can live openly

>>39288285
Subjugate your race? what a novel way to interpret the fact that some dragons chose to willingly join me because I am kind and caring.

>>39288285
Shit I want to say something but I can't put it into words right now

>>39288466
Or because they want to fuck my elf

A grand let's be a boastful dickhead.

I say we ignore her. She wants to act of turn go ahead. More important shit to deal with

>>39288494
I can't believe how long it took me to figure that one out. funny
although she actually joined us before she got with finn

>>39288285
>You DO serve me.

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>>39288427
>And you joined with the military, who serves me, and as part of that military you DO serve me.
That's not correct.

The five younger ones at the table (including Lyria) are in the army. Rex, the older man to the side, is in the Imperial Engineering Corps. Lyria, who is the older woman next to Rex, doesn't wear any uniform.

RESPONSE VOTE
>1. "They've joined willingly. If they choose to bow, it's their choice." Like >>39288466
>2. "You hardly have a choice. Few nations allow you to so much as admit your race aloud, and my land grows by the day. You can take your chances elsewhere or play nice now." Like >>39288350 and >>39288427
>3. Try to be positive about it, pointing out that you're trying to help dragons but without reacting to her hostility at all. Like >>39288465
>4. Ignore her. You have no time to deal with her nonsense. Like >>39288498
>5. Custom

>>39288285
Techniquely, the five of you have committed disobedience In the face of the enemy by abndoning your positions. so you get to try to convince my beurocracy that your enlistment papers are wrong and you are actually dragons. You'll probably be busy for the next month

>>39288285
Tell her that we don't make her race bow before us, but that in a serious battle risky sorties might not be a good idea. Especially without telling the commander of the army before and having to be rescued.

>>39288554
>>1

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>>39288554
>The five younger ones at the table (including Lyria) are in the army.
Sorry, including Kyria. Kyria is your aide; Lyria is the aggressive black dragon.

Why the fuck did I name two dragons almost exactly the goddamn same?

>>39288554
>>39288427
Opps, you are right, missed that in the reading, my bad.

>>39288554
>1
>Lean on 3.

>>39288554
1

>>39288573
She isn't one of those 5 dragons that charged, nor one of those who work for us. She is just a random dragon living in our city who we found when we did a sweep for dragons after the incident

>>39288554
>>1. "They've joined willingly. If they choose to bow, it's their choice."

I like it when Talon is kind of blunt about these things.

>>39288554
4

>>39288587
Because you love naming things.

>>39288554
>1

>>39288554
1

>>39288554
>1. "They've joined willingly. If they choose to bow, it's their choice." Like >>39288466

But a throw in a little bit of a rebuke in there. This is our empire and we don't have to take sass from anyone (except an Archangel). It's not that we want Dragons to bow before us, it's that we consider dragons, elves and humans all to be equally welcome in our empire.

>>39288587
I see you included that Y in there again

>>39288587
>Why the fuck did I name two dragons almost exactly the goddamn same?
I also at first confused her with the pure earth elemental Laryya

>>39288554
>1
but add that the bowing is not because they are dragons, but because they are in our army. Then ask what she is doing in our city if she is "not on our side".

>>39288554
>1 with a hint of 3.
Talons grand vision is one of unity regardless of species...

Hell, Harrowmont is teaming with different species and cultures...

>>39288554
>1
>3

>>39288554
>3. Try to be positive about it, pointing out that you're trying to help dragons but without reacting to her hostility at all.

>>39288554
3

What kind of dragon goes into engineering. This boggles my mind.

I wonder if Rex was responsible for anything in particular.

>>39288831
I would think its like a child who builds a lego city before acting like Godzilla

>>39288554
>1

>>39288831
Great Dragons and Feldragons have powerful utility magic. Helldragons are all combat though.

>>39288831
>What kind of dragon goes into engineering.
the one that really enjoys it?

>>39288866
Though that begs the question. How did Rex get away with using dragon magic in his construction for so long? Surely someone must have caught on

>>39288928
Same way Rayza hid herself as a spellblade for so long.

>>39288554
>2
Can't not vote for my own stuff.

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>>39288655
That Y?

>>39288665
A kind anon did an update to the old NPC bin, which I really need to convert to an updated character document ASAP. Would be useful for times like this.

>1. With some 3

“They’ve joined willingly. If they bow, it’s their choice,” you say bluntly, returning Lyria’s hostile gaze head-on. “How many other nations welcome dragons like this?”

“Yes, we truly have a great deal of choice when our only queen bows before you out of fear,” Lyria spits back, her long black hair flaring across her shoulder as she tosses her head. “You trick her into revealing her nature out of kindness, leaving her vulnerable to everything else and in need of your ‘protection’.”

“Lyria,” Rayza warns but you cut her off.

“There is always a choice,” you say, feeling like you’re echoing Raphael’s words from earlier. “And I tricked or forced nobody into revealing their nature.”

You and Lyria exchange glares across the room, as Rex scratches his head and the younger dragons seem to cower in their chairs. Sighing, Rayza tries to put the conversation back on track.

“It’s not as though I’m the first queen or king in some time,” she says. “Nor am I forming a kingdom of any form.”

“You should be,” Lyria says, her sharp gaze turning to Rayza. “You may not be an adult but you’re the strongest and most mature royal dragon we’ve had for the last two centuries. You could draw in others to protect you-“

“And without Talon we’d all die,” Rayza says flatly. “Whether it be to Sylvian, fearful of a greater genocide; the humans, fearful of our power; or Lairos, hateful of my lineage... all three are held back right now. Or are you going to say that you would have the power to hold back a demonic horde? Or one of the most powerful magical cities?”

>continued

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>>39288995
“I am not a child like you,” Lyria says, looking hurt at Rayza’s harsh rebuke. “I, and other dragons my age, are more than powerful enough.”

“If there are any other dragons your age. Two centuries may have been adulthood long ago, but how many of us live to even see fifty years?” Rayza says quietly.

The room falls silent as Lyria looks despondent suddenly, far from her fiery self from earlier. The other dragons look subdued, even as Rayza looks regretful. She gives you a pleading look, obviously wanting you to take over from her mess.

>What do you say or do in response to this?

Note that you have only asked Rayza to try to attract dragons so far, not actually try to rule them.

>>39289019
Something about her handling that situation like a true ruler or something

I can't think for shit today

>>39289019
We have other rulers leading subjects under us.

We can't promise that they'll have their own kingdom and sovereignty, but they'll have a safe place to build a cultural heritage and grow as a civilization, hopefully one day in peace.

Under our rule.

Move swiftly on. Not to skip the voice currently but feelings need to not be hurt during such a choice. We'll talk to Rayza separately about it when people are calm. Have things more laid out for us.

>>39289019
"Now isn't the right time to form a kingdom anyway. Power has been concentrated among a few very powerful factions, so there frankly isn't anywhere to conquer."

>>39289019
>You stand in a country that allows your kin to live full lives, if you won't fight for me then fight for them. Fight for a home that you won't be hunted, won't be killed. Fight for a place where all dragons can reach adulthood. But know that that place is mine, and is mine to rule. I may not be the reason that you are fighting, but I will be the one you are fighting for.

Best I can come up with, brain's fried tonight.

>>39288995
>That Y?
A few threads back I pointed out how all the dragons with a y in their name were on good terms with us and those without them were usually dicks. I thought Lyria was named this to contradict this pattern.

>>39289019
I think all that can be said about that subject has been, take over and shift the conversation to the 5 dragons who are in your military.

About them, you understand they wanted to help, and that is commendable. The problem is that they foolishly went rushing to certain death, without orders or informing their commanding officers, and others had to put themselves in great risk in order to save them.
Normally they would be fired... but I am leaning towards leniency this time. Maybe assigning them to a squad under lynn and having them train properly, make sure they actually follow orders in the future.

>>39289132
lets not say that right now

>>39289262
>lynn
I meant rayza but accidentally said lynn... actually either one is fine.

Talk to the others. We especially need to scold Kyria. If she cant be there when she is needed most in the midst of battle we should look at replacing her.

>>39289019
I like this >>39289234
Pushing cooperation amongst all.

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VOTE
>1. Promise the dragons that whatever happens, you'll at least guarantee their safety and ability to reform their culture and civilisation.
>2. Change topics back to the younger dragons' foolish charge. Reprimand them and try to get them to improve themselves.
>3. Back Rayza up, trying to reinforce her position as a dragon queen.
>4. Custom
>>39289260
Oh. Well, Lyria is a dragon I made and named long, long ago. Hell, she predates Caitlyn and was a dragon before Rayza was (I initially had her as a Fae Revenant/Blessed). I think only Sylvian was created before her. It's just coincidence.

>>39289019
Tell her straight up that we reward people on the basis of what they want, and what support they provide to the empire. If you want some form of autonomy under Rayza, then convince her to want it, and gather enough support to demand it of me. I won't force her into that position, but if you can convince her, by all means try.

>>39289387
>2. Change topics back to the younger dragons' foolish charge. Reprimand them and try to get them to improve themselves.

>>39289019
Are you seriously claiming to be stronger the lairos and sylvian? just who are you?

>>39289387
>>1. Promise the dragons that whatever happens, you'll at least guarantee their safety and ability to reform their culture and civilisation.
And to let them leave, if that is what they wish.

And then steer the conversation back to
>2. Change topics back to the younger dragons' foolish charge. Reprimand them and try to get them to improve themselves.

>>39289408
>1 and 4 >>39289408

>>39289387
>2. Change topics back to the younger dragons' foolish charge. Reprimand them and try to get them to improve themselves.

But add in that we want to help guarantee their safety and ability to reform their culture and civilization. Assuming their culture and civ isn't to destroy everyone or something heh

>>39289387
>1.
Well so long as certain individuals don't charge into one of the most dangerous battles in the last hundred years half cocked anyway.
>2.

>>39289387

huh supposed to link to >>39289429

>>39289387
oh man, 3 is tempting... i mean, we even have it straight from sylvian's mouth that she would have killed rayza if she tried to set up her own kindom for fear of a greater genocide.
but then again, I really want to go with 2

>>39289387
>1 just say it to Lyria, end of that conversation
>Then steer to 2

>>39289408
She was saying that she is angry at us for trying to set it up such that all dragons become subjects of rayza and then serve us through her... because we concocted this elaborate plot to subjugate rayza.
She does NOT want semi autonomy under the banner of the TYE empire. She wants Rayza to raise a brand new independent nation

>>39289450
just go with >>39289408 then. Its sorta the same thing, but framed as a challenge to her.

>>39289387
2

>>39289505
see >>39289502

>>39289387
1

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This looks like 1 immediately followed by 2.

I'm going to be taking a quick break for lunch.

As such, it's probably a good time to start discussing research options. The timeskip will go for a few years, so what you guys want to research will come up later. There's been a few things such as patterns etc brought up in previous threads, but now's a good time to bring up any ideas for soldier upgrades, new designs or other crazy ideas.

Okay you got damn murder hobos in disguise what ideas do you have all I remember is the huge ass crossbow thing

>>39289652
The ideas I had and liked are mostly already in the gdocs.
Personally I think we should focus on a few mageknight templates rather then spreading it too thin.

Know what we never made? That secret police idea that was bounced around way back when. Iirc it's because we couldn't nail down what it was suppose to be, but I think we can brainstorm it now and finally get something solid.

Otherwise. Gimme those Day walker Knights

>>39289809
IIRC we did nail it down, we made them into the auditors

>>39289881
Do those exist? I've never heard of those, or really remember them.

>>39289652
Right, well the first thing we need is ideas for the Magic research line since we don't have enough projects:
1. Testing regimen: Magically and mundanely test the population for aptitude for our various elite training programs. Results in more spellblades/mages/vampires/knights/we
2. Elf longevity adaption: Adapts the Leifir longevity magic to humans allowing those who aren't mages but have lots of money (or convince us to pay for the treatment) to have lifespans similar to mages (150 years). Also makes elves popular with the nobles.
3. Naval Academy. Includes teaching curriculum for sea mages (that are currently tought on an ad hoc basis). Trade and naval benefits.
I think most of the other ideas we talked about didn't work particularly well.

Potential pattern desings:
1. Griffons
2. Valkyrie: FMK patterns basically. Look female because Mal found it funny.
3. Submarine patterns: sneak under an enemy ship, rip its hull out, never have to worry about naval combat again.

>>39289987
Oh, and Flow knight program, but you hadn't decided whether to let me get away with that.

I'm off the opinion we should have Mal start the Magic Battery project as opposed to delving deeper into patterns for now.

Research Daywalker eugenics program.

Upgrade HMK and AAs.

And proceed to watch the world burn

>>39289987
I am so down for a Naval academy stationed on Vitria. Have it offer similar courses to the IA so it can churn out some Battlemages as well

>>39289652
is this current and up to date as per the start of the time skip?
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ivILcp5fUKCXV6SpWD0HTxLUWpTX6rMowFpXM7zJdos/edit#gid=1404129609

Something that isn't up there that was mentioned before was the idea of building a prototype foundry in harrowmont and seeing if we can research a modified factory that can make use of the fact that harrowmont has more energy for it to use in crafting to somehow improve the production.

For "Magic Research Line" I think the next step should be daywalker knight program.
IIRC we can complete it in half the time if we don't hide the fact that we are doing so. Not sure if we should hide it or not.

For "Maloric research", I am really tempted to do magic battery next. Aspir said before that it is possible but the returns on investment improve the higher up on the tech tree you go and that mals research into generator will unlock cool stuff. The thing is, we would need to know what those cool stuff are before we make said choice.

For "Machinist research", I am inclined to get the various low hanging fruits. the enchanted pavise for the AA, the speed and mobility for the MMK. The currently researching upgrade should unlock 1 additional slot per item too, so we can stack it further.

Between speed, range, and defense where do we need the most improvement for?

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>>39289987
>3. Submarine patterns: sneak under an enemy ship, rip its hull out, never have to worry about naval combat again.
Until the mages start learning a depth charge style spell.

Honestly, naval research needs some focus but I've done little more than provide a general outline for what naval warfare and other navies are like.

>>39290104
I'm mostly interested in new ideas proposed by people, so that I can create new research projects for people to vote on.

>>39290148
Where is the Talon research line? isn't he experimenting with the dominion effects? we have a ton of them queued up and it surely will take some time for him to go through the various ideas.

>>39290148
What about biomancy for general research?

>>39290148
>Honestly, naval research needs some focus but I've done little more than provide a general outline for what naval warfare and other navies are like.
I've done a bit of backend work on what a naval combat system could look like, but it mostly revolves around being lazy and using the melee and ranged tabs extensively with ships having garrisons, siege weapons and armor bonuses.

>>39290104
Daywalker knight is assuredly next.

Though personally I say we should get the HMK speed booster. Because NHMK+MMK speed=??

As for the magic battery I would honestly suggest going a little into patterns first in order to get something big out of our years investment. Then going into the battery for the Vampire boost letting us have armies of Nightwalkers.

Depending on how long it takes to gain these patterns.

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Update in about ten minutes, I'm hoping.

>>39290221
What?

>>39290201
What sort of things are you thinking of that would take more than a few years?

Equipment ideas:
1. better training weapons
is used for having more realistic wargames without injury. Weapons that are enchanted to stop without causing injury when they hit (maybe causing temporary paralysis?). Arrows that harmlessly turn into paint. etc

2. fog bottles:
our mageplate's vision enchantments already provides the ability to see through fog. what if many soldiers each carried a bottle that converted water placed in it into fog when unstoppered? the enemy would see a moving fogbank instead of our soldiers (unless they had similar vision enchantment)

>>39290148
Honestly for me I kind of want to start researching Infernals. We know Knowledge devils helped a lot with the Golden age so it could be useful to read more into how to get limited numbers without fucking ourselves.

>>39290335
Slyvian would murder us.

>>39290301
>What?
Magically modify organisms, such as creating a new strain of wheat that produces more, or is more resilient, etc.

>>39290148
So this is an idea that has been floating in my head for awhile now. What if we figured out someway to create a "Boaster" for our HMK. My idea is that if we could strap enough of these things onto HMK we could effectively turn our most well armored, and one of our better fighting units, into Shock trooper-like-tanks. Imagine being able to split enemy formations, heavily bombard key targets with heavy troopers, or just more effectively move our heavy fighters. The technology, I think, is all ready there in our FMK and (maybe) our LMK, so I don't think it's too far out of the ballpark.
Again just a silly idea that I've been thinking of.

>>39290301
>What sort of things are you thinking of that would take more than a few years?
Do you happen to have a list of the ideas suggested so far for the dominon?
I figured that most of them will take some time to implement... like the training grounds for knights, or the infinite catalysts and massive mana regen for human mages, or the fluffy tail no head asplode when you do error thing.

>>39290335
We could send an archeological dig to that ruin in Farun. Start recovering history, figure out what they're on about. Ways to counter their magic without miracles

>>39290378
Check the doc
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ivILcp5fUKCXV6SpWD0HTxLUWpTX6rMowFpXM7zJdos/edit#gid=1404129609
look for juggernaut

>>39290301
we once had a plan for hoverbikes

>>39290399
The one that is under heavy guard by the mage guard?

>>39290425
>we once had a plan for hoverbikes
And good god was it stupid.

>>39290312
Dominion already allows effects like this.

>>39290301
I honestly keep having the mental image of a Magitech earthquake bomb machine. One that charges up magical power then launches it into the ground to cause a mini-earthquake to foes that are attacking our walls.

>>39290148
Oh, also refounding the templars, but to do that we'd first need to find candidates, and any candidate in our military would probably be noticed pretty quickly because of all the fluffy tails.
Also, I want a monistary to be founded in/near harrowmount as an extra "fuck you" to infernals.

>>39290469
>Dominion already allows effects like this.
I know, I was saying that those are the dominion effects which I Thought would take us some time and effort to learn to implement properly.

In particular the knight one since we need to create for the a wide variety of conditions. So even if we can create each room in an instant, we need to spend time on it thinking up exactly what conditions we want each room to have

... oh hey, a dungeon with respawning enemies for people to practice against!

>>39290347
I'm pretty sure as long as we aren't creating true subraces she wouldn't mind too much. Unless she still has a grudge over the helldragon bit. We would need to make it limited though so that we can prove it wouldn't be something dangerous for the empire. I'd suggest asking her opinions before doing this anyway.

>>39289881
How is that a secret police?

>>39290520
I don't think it takes that long. Only like a few months before Talon gets used to the power and can use it at a whim anyway.

>>39290148

I was thinking it would be incredibly useful to research a high-level illusion spell that would allow a single mage or small group of mages project a fake "army" (as if it were a hologram of 20,000-50,000 soldiers) at decent range. We could use the hologram armies to intimidate hostile forces, to cause them to leave themselves open by trying to attack them, etc.

>>39289938
>Last thread
>A thread 30+ ago

>>39290532
You know I was kind of Sad we never did get a black ops assassination group going on. As a just in case thing.

>>39290578
Yeah but how many times would that work?

>>39290602
I'm actually pretty sure we can do that with no research with enough mages.

>>39290301
Could we do an IEC tree?

Improved work rate
Better barriers
More architectural innovations.
New ways to weave magic into stone creating better outright defenses?

Throw agriculture under it as well?

>>39290531
Using infernal magic would get us on her shitlist. And also on the Archangels.

>>39290602
Against human armies? About as many times as they fail to see through the illusion, which is a roll I expect Aspirational would make based on the amount/power of the enemy's mages.

>>39290651
I'm actually pretty sure the normal towers do a lot of research there. So there isn't much need to focus on agriculture.

Though building more powerful walls or Pattern walls would be pretty awesome.

"...Did that wall just open an eye....OH SWEET-"

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Thanks for the research ideas. I won’t be doing any votes on it this session, as I’m partly trying to keep the story part of the timeskip separate from the numbers part. God knows I need more prep for the numbers thread.

Sorry about the huge delay.

>1 followed by 2

“The least I can promise is that dragons are welcome here and that I will protect them like any other citizen of the empire,” you say. “More may come of that, but that is up to all of you.”

You make sure to emphasise the ‘all’ part, both to make it clear that it’s everybody’s choice and that you don’t want to progress anything on that front if Lyria’s hostility continues. Then you immediately change the topic and start haranguing the younger dragons for their behaviour in the siege.

“It doesn’t matter how much you think you can help, you need to be following orders. That’s how you defeat a powerful force,” you say.

“How are we ever going to get practice fighting properly then? We never get to go all-out like that normally,” Kyria says, pouting.

“That’s because it’s dangerous to do that,” Rayza says. “You’re always a bigger target in your draconic form, even if you’re more powerful. You need to be able to fight just as well in your human form.”

It does bring up the possibility of separating the dragons out on their own, however. A separate unit of dragon knights, so to speak, though they’d need close monitoring and command. It could even be used to lure in other dragons, as a way of convincing them that they don’t need to hide anymore. It would also make them much more vulnerable and bring the dragon population in your empire to even greater attention.

>1. Turn Kyria and her friends into a stronger dragon knight unit.
>2. Place them within your human and mage-knight units where they will still be useful, but not as exposed.
>3. Pull them from your military, as they’re too young and volatile right now.
>4. Custom

>>39290666
But that whole word spreads thing. Surely Aspir wouldn't let us get away with what is a glorified parlor trick more than once without ridiculous rolls

>>39290696
>Turn Kyria and her friends into a stronger dragon knight unit.

>>39290663
Not infernal magic itself. More the knowledge devils understanding of human and other magic. Like summoning an infernal horde would but there is some grey areas. It's not like most mages don't talk to infernals like Mal has anyway.

>>39290696
>1

>>39290696
>>1. Turn Kyria and her friends into a stronger dragon knight unit.

>>39290696
1

Here Lynn have some squires

>>39290696
>1. Turn Kyria and her friends into a stronger dragon knight unit.

>>39290696
>1. Turn Kyria and her friends into a stronger dragon knight unit.

>>39290696
>>1. Turn Kyria and her friends into a stronger dragon knight unit.

>>39290696
>2. Place them within your human and mage-knight units where they will still be useful, but not as exposed.

>>39290696
>1. Turn Kyria and her friends into a stronger dragon knight unit.

>>39290696
>1. Turn Kyria and her friends into a stronger dragon knight unit.
I can't say no to Dragon Knights. Its like asking me not to touch fluffy tails.

>>39290696
Make Kyria & co. earn the right to form a dragon knight unit by showing that they can follow orders and be part of a cohesive strategy, instead of trying to be heroes. Then, when Talon and Rayza both think they're ready, allow them to form a dragon knight unit.

>>39290696
>1. Turn Kyria and her friends into a stronger dragon knight unit.

Get a cabinet of spies dedicated to dragon activity within the empire and keeping them safe

How tough is young dragon scales?

>>39287634
So the RSK has the water elemental that held the title of "great" before Undine took it. I wonder who its summoner is. Oh god its Falwick isn't it?

>>39290696
Rayza+The HMK is a useful combo.

I'm thinking though having 5-6 lesser dragons would be just as useful in it's own way. I'm thinking we could use them somewhat like Lesser Combat Magisters.

Have them hide with mage knights but then all burst out all their firepower at once. It would let them get some aggressiveness out and be sneaky about it.

>>39290532
>How is that a secret police?
IIRC a branch of the auditors are undercover cops. They are just not the "kidnap citizens and torture them for political disagreement" like what is normally called "secret police"

>>39290696

Ask Rayza if she would be willing to lead a pilot military unit.
We should give them a few months to train and practice a bit before providing a demonstration of why we should fully commit to a Dragon Knight Unit.
Let us give them the chance to earn their own unit.

>>39290696
1

... I guess we can add dragon knight program?
Also about research, don't forget we promised human mage researchers assistance to the calmin guy who wanted to solve the daefir tattoo problem

>>39291054
You know if that guy solves the Tattoo problem Would that remove the pain from the Tats?

If it did then we would have a pretty useful advantage in that we could Tat people without the entire "Will kill you or cause unbearable pain." Part. I'd have to see how he fixes it though before speculating.

>>39291105
possibly.

Also, we should really work on setting up a greater beurocracy so that Sarah can focus on her studies again, I really want her to learn how to not age.

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>1.

“So, do you want them or should I give them to Lynn?” you say, after the cheers die down. Kyria and her friends seem to really like the idea of being their own unit together.

“I’ll help keep an eye on them, but I don’t think they’ll be a good fit for the HMKs,” Rayza says, ignoring the odd look she gets from Lyria and the other dragons. “Let them run with Lynn and the Griffins. She’s not about to let them get into trouble.”

There’s a mean smile on Rayza’s face but you don’t know whether it’s directed towards Lynn or the younger dragons. Either way, there will be some interesting happenings between them.

Unfortunately, the fallout from the siege is far from over, you realise as you enter the great hall. Dozens of footmen and servants run to and fro, setting up banners and other displays – the conference to deal with the aftermath of the demonic invasion wasn’t for some time, so what the hell was going on?

“Really, Talon, you need to learn a woman’s heart better,” says Tsucchi from behind you. “You seem to have riled up Alyce this time, as she’s going to be here tonight.”

You blink at that. She’d been upset when you’d spoken to her about the siege, partly because you hadn’t asked for assistance from her. When she said that the two of you would need to meet over it, you had assumed that meant you would visit Ahm soon and deal with it then.

>continued

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>>39291146
“Why all the decorations, then?” you ask.

“Because the leader of one of the most powerful factions on the continent is visiting?” Tsucchi says, giving you an odd look. “Bringing quite the retinue, too. I don’t think she appreciated your… lack of confidence in her power.”

Wonderful. That leaves you with only the rest of the day to prepare your reception of her when she arrives. Perhaps you should also invite Sylvian, given she was about as positive in her response – she and Alyce might bond over their anger with you. You…

>1. Stick with a low-key reception. Just have your main retinue greet her.
>2. Invite along the nobles and other important individuals currently present in Harrowmont, such as Ren and Wakato.
>3. Respond in kind to Alyce, making this as intimidating an affair as possible. You just need ot make her understand that you have no small amount of power available yourself.
>4. Custom

SYLVIAN VOTE
>1. Invite along Sylvian. If you’re going to have Alyce her, might as well invite along your other ‘benefactor’.
>2. Invite Sylvian to come after Alyce leaves. You’re not sure this is the best time to make them get along.
>3. Leave Sylvian where she is – you’ll speak to her on the matter at a different time.
>4. Custom

>>39291189
I vaguely remember that we couldn't find sylvian... because she was away fighting shadow beasts

>>39291189
>>3. Respond in kind to Alyce, making this as intimidating an affair as possible. You just need ot make her understand that you have no small amount of power available yourself.
>1. Invite along Sylvian. If you’re going to have Alyce her, might as well invite along your other ‘benefactor’.

>>39291189
>>2. Invite along the nobles and other important individuals currently present in Harrowmont, such as Ren and Wakato.


>1. Invite along Sylvian. If you’re going to have Alyce her, might as well invite along your other ‘benefactor’.

Personally I say it's a decent idea to get both near each other. The hard part is avoiding a blow up. On the other hand we could probably use the rage here to our advantage.


Save up the FR points. We are going in Dry.

>>39291189
>1. Invite along Sylvian. If you’re going to have Alyce her, might as well invite along your other ‘benefactor’.

>2. Invite along the nobles and other important individuals currently present in Harrowmont, such as Ren and Wakato.

>>39291189
I think we spin it as knowing that both were busy with the shadow beasts, being sure we could handle it ourselves, and that their massive strength would be better off protecting the wall
its not that we didn't think they are strong enough... combined with wanting to show off a bit

>>39291189
>1. Stick with a low-key reception. Just have your main retinue greet her.

>4. Custom
Invite sylvian before alyce gets here. That woman takes everything personally and we are already on thin ice with her.

>>39291189
>1. Stick with a low-key reception. Just have your main retinue greet her.
>>39291189
>2. Invite Sylvian to come after Alyce leaves. You’re not sure this is the best time to make them get along.
>>39291189
>1. Stick with a low-key reception. Just have your main retinue greet her.

2. Invite Sylvian to come after Alyce leaves. You’re not sure this is the best time to make them get along.

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Okay, as it looks like it might be Alyce and Sylvian at once, I might spend much of the rest of the session on a few scenes involving them. This will cover some of the stuff I had hoped to do during the timeskip scenes. A few things that got brought up earlier have made me realise I need to prepare more for the timeskip. Namely that there's quite a few things that people might want to do that I haven't thought of much.

>>39291224
That's wrapped up now, as was evident with Raphael visiting you.

>>39291189
3,2

You know, if she is still up for it. I think we should get sylvian to join us right away... and then help her press her claim on the mage guard.

>>39291272

Personally I'm going to vote for.

"I didn't know you wanted me to call you for trivial things? If something major happened I would call you for support which I would expect you to give. And if something major happened to you could expect my support"

>>39291401
hahaha. how big a shit eating grin will we need to pull that off?

>>39291189
>3. Respond in kind to Alyce, making this as intimidating an affair as possible. You just need ot make her understand that you have no small amount of power available yourself.

Alyce needs to feel important, so let's make this a big deal.

>1. Invite along Sylvian. If you’re going to have Alyce here, might as well invite along your other ‘benefactor’.

It should be clear that we didn't snub Alyce specifically. We asked nobody, especially not Sylvian, for help.

>>39291272
That and we judged that the fight would be over before either one of them could bring significant reinforcements to bear anyway. Which we were right about.

>>39291189
>3
And
>2

>>39291416
Be better if there was no Shit-eating Grin. Just a serious blank face like demonic invasions happen every Tuesday.

>>39291474
This is an important one as well. No point in dragging away important forces to a battle that will be over before they arrive.

>>39291189
>2. Invite along the nobles and other important individuals currently present in Harrowmont, such as Ren and Wakato.

>1. Invite along Sylvian. If you’re going to have Alyce her, might as well invite along your other ‘benefactor’.

With everyone one present less chance of them making a scene, I hope.

>>39291461
>It should be clear that we didn't snub Alyce specifically. We asked nobody, especially not Sylvian, for help.
The problem with that is that we did get help from people, like from the foxes.
Sylvian is NOT an outsider, she promised herself to our cause.

>>39291499
https://youtu.be/GlhOUyy4wbs

I'm still waiting with pained expression to see the final kill count on our end. Our poor Noble Knights

>>39291474
that is a good point, in fact we were not even able to muster all our forces. This was a lightening decapitation strike by a force who stealthily snuck past our defenses

>>39291528
if we continue down the life path, we could probably make them into god-knights as well as get superior healing...

>>39291553
It was the army equivalent of a teleport gank actually.

>>39291553
Since when does burn, raze miles of land and kill thousands along the way count as stealth?

>>39291604
When they do it so fast they outrun the messengers. This is a similar situation as to what happened when Caesar crossed the Rubicon.

>>39291584
Personally for me that feels too much like Riffing off lord ember there. I kind of like letting others use sorcerous boosts while Talon goes off with his own methods. It's more mass producible anyway.

>>39291604
Did they actually do all that?
Well, if so, they did it in a focused enough manner that we didn't get a notification until they were almost on top of us.

>>39291640
well... we are already going down the path of life, and we need to specialize, and it pays to specialize...
that all being said, I really wish we go with power.
if we got power we would have had sunder. which would disable even the devil's regeneration

>>39291474
but its not entirely true. sylvian could have come herself via teleportation.
As could alyce and mercenie.

>>39291676
We are almost equally divided among balance, life and power. I personally am shooting for balance. Flow animation is awesome.

>>39291707
Sorcerous teleportation is terrible at long distance, they actually can't

>>39291730
both literally teleported to our bedroom before (as a show of force darkseid style)

>>39291639
But they didn't do that entirely. We were given a few days warning to prepare.

>>39291648

Yeah it was mentioned at the end of The last thread

>>39291747
Nope. Slyvian flew in and neither alyce nor Merce has ever done long distance teleportation with us. This came up when we pranked Merce about Finn's sex life and she went charging off to Harrowmount.

>>39291676
Life is pretty far behind Balence and power I think.

I know Balance has been up there and Power had some decent gains. Life though hasn't been chosen for a while. Till the thread before laugh.

Though for me I personally like how power works.

>>39291810
In pretty sure life is in the lead.

>>39291886
yea... also, did we ever actually go with balance?

>>39291785
So did Rome. The point is that a large force using enough speed and surprise can puncture to within striking distance of a capital before the messengers arrive.

>>39291899
No, they really just teleported in from another plane of existence 48 hours from the capital. Doesn't really have a historical precedent.

>>39291898
Iirc Life is ahead by one of both power and balance which are tied

>>39291898
A bunch of times.

>>39291955
such as?

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>3 & 1

If Alyce wants to show off, then you’ll just use this an opportunity to get some practice in before the greater conference soon. While you’re at it, you might as well try to mollify Sylvian. You were going to need her more than ever, you felt.

While your knights met her at the outer gates and escorted her and her retinue to the keep, you waited on your throne. The news that you’d chosen such a confrontation with the archmage had spread quickly and there was no shortage of observers lining the wings. The hall itself was filled only with those you’d handpicked, its grand vaulted ceiling would be the cornerstone of the spectacle. Taira, Mal, the four Great elementals and Caitlyn all stood by your throne, with Aladria just behind. Your present generals, amabassadors and grandmasters lined one side of the hall, and nobles the other. Curiously, Tsucchi had chosen to stand with the ambassadors rather than with her brother.

There was a lengthy delay between the time when Alyce should have arrived and when she did and she didn’t look quite as thunderous as you’d expected. Instead she seemed… skittish. Wary. Not the sort of reaction you’d anticipated, and you figured you should waylay any concerns.

Standing, you hold your arms out and say, “Welcome, Archmage and representatives of the Magi League. We are honoured to have you present.”

>continued

>>39291931
They poured out of the mountains, slaughtering all those in their way. They were unable to even send messengers, their advance was so swift. We only found out about it because a patrol stumbled onto the slaughtered villages. They didn't just teleport right in, they marched a substantial distance undetected.

>>39291969
Flashback, twice, when Raph asked us about how we handle subordinates, one or two other times

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>>39291992
That seemed to make the veritable pack of knights behind Alyce satisfied, even if she still seemed cautious. Her retinue was a curious thing – herself and Mercenie stood out, as did Jace as the Chief Enforcer of the Tower of Stars. Otherwise there was almost twenty knights, each a Master from a different order, as well as Moonblade, the sole spellblade from the group. That last fact alone was especially curious – you would have expected a stronger representation from the spellblades. Then again, there was only one other mage present – a young man who looked entirely out of place, and his familiar was a rather young-looking redhead who seemed less interested in the meeting than who was present.

Only Alyce, Merce and Moonblade seemed wary of you, making the atmosphere far tenser than you had expected. The rest of the League party seemed confused as to what was happening. Alyce eyes you cautiously, waiting for your next move.

>What do you say or do next?

Well, this was unexpected.

>>39292020
>Only Alyce, Merce and Moonblade seemed wary of you
dammit, why did we go with intimidate?

>>39292020
invite her to come with you to speak more privately?

>>39292020
"Now that you have arrived, we can begin dicussing thign sin earnest. Do tell, what brings all of you to my humble abode?"

>>39292020
Greet them warmly and kindly. Also somewhat confused with travel times.

>>39292020
>Play it off with a joke, we honestly expected that she'd make more of an entrance and we wanted to humor her.

>Then explain why we didn't request reinforcements.

>>39292020
>Only Alyce, Merce and Moonblade seemed wary of you
wait, is that their first visit since we acquired dominion? they must be able to sense it which is what is intimidating them a bit.

>>39292125
coffee! talon brewed one so its actually GOOD.

>>39292149
You're right!

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>>39292125
>Also somewhat confused with travel times.
It's pretty safe to say they didn't travel normally if they got here this quickly. You basically received word they were coming the day before they arrived.

>>39292149
I don't think any of the three have ever been to Harrowmont. The tournament was held at Vitria, remember?

>>39291898
About three or four times in a row.

Oh God, they've noticed he's taller.

>>39292020
I assure you, despite the growth spurt, it is still me.

Invite Alyce to down privately adding, "You and yours shall be taken care of, my home is yours, albeit I wish you didn't need to see it in this state." Then let her get it all out.

>>39292020
"Come come Alyce I am glad to have you here so quickly."

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VOTE
>1. Welcome them warmly. Again. Maybe they'll actually notice the words coming out of your mouth this time? Try to ignore the tension.
>2. Invite Alyce to speak to you privately, as she seems so concerned by things.
>3. Apologise for the display, as you'd heard differently about her arrival (and, really, twenty knights is plenty of intimidation on her part).
>4. Custom

>>39292284
"Hello ladies, I have grown an inch, wink wink"

>>39292329
1 leading to 3, then later 2

>>39292375
>"Hello ladies, I have grown an inch, wink wink"
I almost did a spit take... hilarious, but lets not.

>>39292329
>>1. Welcome them warmly. Again. Maybe they'll actually notice the words coming out of your mouth this time? Try to ignore the tension.
Also compliment them on arriving so swiftly.

>>39292329
>1. Welcome them warmly. Again. Maybe they'll actually notice the words coming out of your mouth this time? Try to ignore the tension.

I'm thinking the key thing here is to keep her from getting too tense. While also showing off how powerful Talons empire is.

No need to be too apologetic but no need to be cold to them either.

>>39292329
2

>>39292375
That's such a breach of international diplomacy. Let's do it anyways and find out what happens.

>>39292329
1

>>39292329
>1. Welcome them warmly. Again. Maybe they'll actually notice the words coming out of your mouth this time? Try to ignore the tension.
We did invite the nobles and others so we shouldn't just invite her into a private discussion straight away.

>>39292329
>1
With a comment on being taller

>>39292329
1 and 2.
also 4: "I see you can sense it"

>>39292409
its the kind of breach expected of talon. Though I would rather we didn't do it.

>>39292329
>1. Welcome them warmly. Again. Maybe they'll actually notice the words coming out of your mouth this time? Try to ignore the tension.

>>39292329
>1. Welcome them warmly. Again. Maybe they'll actually notice the words coming out of your mouth this time? Try to ignore the tension.
Make a joke about being taller

>>39292440
>also 4: "I see you can sense it"
Not in front of the nobles. Maybe change around the wording a little bit. Gotta speak diplomese.

"I can see that you sense the atmosphere is a bit different than the last meeting."

>>39292469
Honestly I would find it more amusing if we didn't mention it at all and wait for her to ask about it.

>>39292329
>>1. Welcome them warmly. Again. Maybe they'll actually notice the words coming out of your mouth this time? Try to ignore the tension.

>>39292488
Eh, true. Just think we need a joke to cut tension is all.

>>39292479
Its not exactly a secret anymore though. Not when we had a demonic incursion trying to take it from us.
and the fact that us binding it should have been sensed by many powerful entities...
actually alyss should have been one of those to sense it in the first place

>>39292516
It's not a secret to certain people. Most others, still a secret. You don't just give out that kind of information.

>>39292556
technically saying "you can sense it" doesn't reveal what we have, only that there is an it

>>39292556
Source is already bound anon. Pretty much every mage on the planet and everything else knows.

It's kind of hard to miss world changing levels of astral power.

>>39292556
Did you forget the part where talon made the keep bigger on the inside than on the outside, created a bunch of training rooms where the laws of physics are different, and made it so that foxes can practice safely, and made it so mages have infinite catalysts and insane mana regen?

We should probably talk about somethings in private.

I for one say Talon should show off a bit via connecting a random door to his study using the domain. Then inviting her in. That is depending on how this goes.

I like how the plan was "lets invite syl too so they can bond by yelling at us... and lets be as intimidating as possible"

>>39292631
Fool proof. Literally nothing can go wrong.

>>39292631
It does tend to work pretty well on Alyce. She has some issues with being overly political in the sense of not being able to really deal with direct power plays. She'll get her chance to be pissed after we mess with her head a bit.

>>39292666
or she will grow colder on a personal level and not yell at us at all.

Ugh, everyone needs to stop freaking out at every possible opportunity.

Maybe she feels odd because the roles are somewhat reversed for her now. She used to hold a lot of power in the ML and with it waning it pales in comparison to what we have now. Her retinue shows that.

>>39292678
I doubt that will happen as long as show no real desire to do anything backstabby. If she asks we can just claim Talon wanted to show off a bit and that the warm reception he gives should spread around the court.

I'm thinking as long as she keeps a cool head we can make Alyce and Talon look closer. It's only if something big happens and the tension gets too large that things get screwed.

>>39292595
If it was so obvious wouldn't the rest of the League party realize it well before they came to our domain? No one just enters into a domain and is confused at why there is so much tension even if your neutral with the owner.

>>39292726
If I remeber right Alyce prepared is about a 6 on the scale of danger to Talon in the domain.

Without being prepared she is about a 3. With Merce and Jace though I think she could do something pretty bad.

The big thing is Domain+Our dear foxy waifu. That is something that would rape them.

>>39292736
Did you quote the right post? the post you quoted explains that this is NOT a secret from the general public since pretty much everyone in harrowmont already knows.
it might take some time for info to get out to the wider world though

>>39292763
I was talking in terms of political power not combat/magical power.

>>39292732
we just went with a very intimidating display when she came to visit us.
that doesn't exactly send a message of "we are good friends and you can yell at me"

>>39292763
>The big thing is Domain+Our dear foxy waifu. That is something that would rape them.
That and Ren, and Ersa. We stall Alyce, Ren and Tiara rape Jace and Merce, the elementals Ersa and the rest of our retinue cut through her knights like a hot knife through butter and we stall Alyce until everyone else finishes up

>>39292792
Dawg. Binding the source left such a powerful Signal that Infernals from HELL felt the thing. It's part of the reason that we didn't bind it first thing.

>>39292813
That's because no one can yell at Talon. At least without being part of his harem.
She came with a needlessly large entourage, she is received with a needlessly large welcome party.

>>39292813
That comes later anon. It isn't the end of the world as long as we don't go full retard and make ourselves look like we have true hostile intentions.

>>39292821
>That and Ren, and Ersa

Ersa probably wouldn't do much here honestly. Mostly because Alyce could just blow her away. A lot of it honestly comes from Talon being able to focus his domain on keeping Alyce Occupied while Taira launches a massive attack and the knights and everyone gang rush. No need for Ren.

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>1.

“Archmage, you are welcome here,” you repeat, lowering your arms and sinking back into your throne. “If it makes you feel better, I’ll try to cut down on the height difference.”

If the situation had been less tense, you suspect that you would have received a bit more than a few coughs muffling chuckles. It does seem to have the desired effect, however. Assuming you meant to make Alyce angry instead of wary.

“I don’t exactly think that’s the problem here, Talon,” she says, scowling as she begins to advance on you. “Did you really need to do all this?”

Waving her arms at the assembled knights, and the countless men and women lined up on the balconies overlooking the halls, Alyce questions your reception of her. This is an easier problem for you to handle than the earlier one, though.

“Did you really need to bring twenty knights?” you ask. ”I’m not insulting you, archmage. Just reminding you that we’re both the leaders of nations – if fundamentally different ones.”

This situation seems more normal for everybody, oddly enough. Alyce’s retinue seems to casually form up behind her like a normal retinue, some of your knights exchanging nods and smiles with hers. You catch the redheaded familiar wave to Laryya, and she almost charges off into the wings in spite of protocol. Unfortunately, things don’t quite last.

“She does have something of a point,” Sylvian says as she slips inside the hall. You grimace at her arrival, as you had hoped she might be a day or more away.

“How about we resolve the formalities before we start the real talk,” you say, trying to stop a possible diplomatic incident as Alyce glares daggers at you and Sylvian in turn.

“Fine by me,” Alyce says.

Once the formalities are over and you invite the women into your study, you find yourself cornered in your own room. Taira, Undine and Gnome mostly just nibble on snacks in the background while they watch.

>continued

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>>39292891
“So you didn’t feel the need to mention any of this? The Source, your… whatever the hell you’re doing?” Alyce says, seeming to explode like a balloon the instant she gets inside.

“You already seemed to know. What the hell do you think I used to bring Undine back if not a Source?” you ask, remembering the way Alyce had dismissed you when you had first met.

“Maybe she hadn’t died, maybe you were a necromancer – there were no shortage of possibilities but I hadn’t assumed you were stupid enough to unseal a Source. The Archangels aren’t exactly going to be impressed,” Alyce says, her voice seeming to mix anger, despair and concern.

“Given that he visited yesterday and didn’t seem to care in the least, I don’t think there’s a problem,” you say dryly. “I didn’t unseal the Source – it was never sealed in the first place.”

The room seems to go silent for a time, as Alyce digests what you just said. Sylvian seems to take that as her opportunity to make some input.

“You realise that the Source, despite the power you hold over it, is the reason for your problems? You took a massive risk not to ask for assistance. I’m now even less impressed that you left Alyce out of it, as I’d assumed you had at least told her of the Source,” Syl says. “If the demons had seized Harrowmont then the world would have been in great danger.”

Alyce nods at that, her anger returning in a flash. Before she can start yelling at you, you…

>1. Do nothing. Let them vent for a while before reminding them that you won.
>2. Make a point of your power – were either of them confident they could have taken you in the great hall just then? With all of your nation’s power in one place?
>3. Explain away the issue by saying you didn’t think either of them would amass reinforcements in time. Nevermind the fact you were intent on using this victory to build your reputation from the get go.
>4. Custom

>>39292910
>>3. Explain away the issue by saying you didn’t think either of them would amass reinforcements in time. Nevermind the fact you were intent on using this victory to build your reputation from the get go.

>>39292910
>4 Custom. Let them vent for a while then, tell them you honestly didn't think reinforcements would make it in time.

>>39292792
If it wasn't a secret from the general public since everyone knows then all the nations that have spies in our capital would know as well. Did you think that most nations don't? If it was so widespread in our populace in Harrowmont then at minimum the Leauge, Mage Guard and RSK would as well.

>>39292910
>>2. Make a point of your power – were either of them confident they could have taken you in the great hall just then? With all of your nation’s power in one place?

>>39292910
>3. Explain away the issue by saying you didn’t think either of them would amass reinforcements in time. Nevermind the fact you were intent on using this victory to build your reputation from the get go.
Plus we felt that we could win.

>>39292910
>>3. Explain away the issue by saying you didn’t think either of them would amass reinforcements in time. Nevermind the fact you were intent on using this victory to build your reputation from the get go.
"That, and I did not wish you to leave yourselves vulnerable to the backer of this invasion, who turned out to be Queen Ariel, taking advantage of either of you overstreching yourselves at a time when Raphael would be unable to assist you. While I have faith you could repel any attack, you would take casualties and we'd all be weaker in the aftermath.

>>39292844
>That's because no one can yell at Talon. At least without being part of his harem.
yet our entire plan was to let her yell at us alongside syl so they can bond

>>39292910
>>3. Explain away the issue by saying you didn’t think either of them would amass reinforcements in time. Nevermind the fact you were intent on using this victory to build your reputation from the get go.

>>39292910
3

Also if this post is any indication. No, not everyone knows we have a Source. People really need to understand this as it's the most prevalent misconception still floating around.

>>39292910
>>1. Do nothing. Let them vent for a while before reminding them that you won.
>>4. After they are done venting a bit tell them that you thought Reinforcements would be impossible given the shadowbeasts and that the infernals showed up barely a days march away and that Talon felt at the time that he could handle it. And he did.

Might want to throw in there a comment about expecting Alyce to have figured out about the source by that point.

>>39292999
>Might want to throw in there a comment about expecting Alyce to have figured out about the source by that point.

Good point I agree.

>>39292957
you assume they don't know.

>>39292910
>your… whatever the hell you’re doing
>Alyce doesn't know about Talons astral power

Oh god. This is going to be amazing.

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3 wins.

Okay, on the point about how well known the Source is: It's not public knowledge in the least.

It wasn't public knowledge in Vitria, let alone that it was a fully functioning Source. Apart from a few mages and high-ranking members of Houses Hawkins and Oaln, nobody knew (well, and a Darlesian spy).

After you captured it, it's not like you really told anybody about it or anybody would really understand. People might know that there's some magical artifact or something really important in a vault beneath the keep but the details would be scarce. Heck, many people would dismiss rumours about it being an active Source simply because most people regard it as impossible. The foxes know, but why would they run their mouths?

And when you bound it, it would have alerted astral and divine beings but nobody else, really. Alyce may or may not ahve sensed something then, but clearly hadn't put two and two together.

>>39293092
Thank you!

Man has this been bugging me lately.

>>39293039
And you were assuming that most people in Harrowmont knows about the Source. Not everyone can link these things up especially the general public.

The reason I assume they don't is because no one has ever realized we have a Source without coming into our domain or have prior knowledge of a Source and seeing Undine. Even the retinue Alyce brought were unaware seeing as they seemed carefree and confused at the tension.

>>39293092
But what about the fact that we created special rooms with varied scenarios for our knights to train at, and have created a zone where mages can cast spells without consuming catalysts and mana, and having both groups train in said zones specifically?

also, didn't we have foxes from the mage guard (the other half of the spy clan) as well as from the other continent infiltrate us?

>>39293092
>>39293158
Also, did anyone notice that during the seige we turned the keep into 5x bigger on the inside then it was before to store our pop?

>>39293158
It's not really public knowledge. I'm certain some groups know about it but it isn't something everyone knows.

>>39293158
why would the other foxes spy on us and how would they have known about the special rooms

>>39293197
Pharos dawg. Though I honestly assume that hasn't happened much after Arisa.

>>39293079
we need to infuriate her into delicious hatesex

>>39293158
>>39293177

It was outright hand waved away by Aspir as being recent "additions and renovations". And magic I ain't gotta explain shit.

>>39293216
"So you wish to know my secrets? I am a astral being, I have tea with Raphael every Tuesday, I have an army of mind controlled shadow beasts under this keep, I'm having sex with Samuel."

>>39293197
>why would the other foxes spy on us
pharos foxes are hostile
the spy clan had an internal schism and we snapped up about half of them. the other half is likely hostile because of it

>>39293282
The other half is also incompetent.

>>39293255
funny is that all of those are false.
Talon is not an astral being, he is still a human, just one with astral magic.

>>39293282
Nah, The clan was kicked out. Karise wants to make her own though. The schism is internal.

>>39293304
The technical term is "overpowered templar"
Not really, but its a better analogy than claiming to be a lord.

>>39293304
But how do you know we haven't had sex with Samuel? It might be an astral being thing.

>>39293304
Having astral power=Being a astral being.
Being from outside the world=Being a divine being.

Talon is human but he has astral power which makes him a astral being due to how the magic works.

>>39293213
>>39293282
I was talking about the other foxes in the STA not the not-Asian ones

>>39293323
we are actually not a lord either. the lords were human mages who developed a ritual of ascension.
we have a shard of pandemonium which we dominated via willpower and potentially some unusual circumstances.
And as such the mechanics and specifics are slightly different, like how an elf transmuter is not the same as a human transmuter. This is the reason raphael gave for us not being in danger of going insane from the same thing that made ember go insane

>>39293331
Those foxes suck compared to Karise though. So there isn't much threat there.

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>>39293255
>having sex with Samuel
>Samuel
It's Samael.

>3.

You speak before Alyce can say anything, “As I said in our earlier conversations, I didn’t think reinforcements would be able to arrive in time. Given the other events in motion to the north, I figured it would be a bad idea to disrupt military movements.”

“And I still think you were foolish to have that idea,” Sylvian says, Alyce nodding along to her words while Merce eyes the pair in amusement. “Did you think that news wouldn’t spread of an army of demons invading and that we wouldn’t react anyway?”

“By the time you realised, the siege was all but over,” you say.

“What if it wasn’t? What if you were holed up in the keep still, with your allies only beginning to move in support?” Alyce presses. “I maintain a massive army on your borders in case of Falwick making a move. I know you have a deal with Fenix with his forces to also deal with Falwick that would have been able to assist. You can’t tell me you honestly felt that you would definitely have resolved the siege quickly?”

You sigh, running a hand through your hair as the two continue to harangue you. Finally, you say, “What I knew was that the demonic force was too small to manage a conflict of attrition. They were making a surgical strike to overwhelm me and seize the Source. If the siege went on long enough for reinforcements to matter, then they knew they had lost. They pulled out all the stops before that could happen, proving me right.”

“You’re leaving out the fact that we could have arrived in time. How do we you think we both got here so quickly?” Sylvian asks you, her voice becoming more disappointed than aggressive now. “Or did you not trust us to come to your aid when you needed it most?”

Alyce glances between you and Sylvian, clearly reading that you’re being asked a question between the lines here.

>What is your response?

>>39293362
>The lords were human mages who developed a ritual of ascension.
I know there are a few things that point to this but can you show me some confirmation?

>>39293362
The lords are unknown. They might have been mages but they also might have had other methods we don't know of.

And we really need to research pandemonium more to see how this shard works. We know it isn't in Talon at least so it had to be something like an alteration.

>>39293379
>You were busy with Rapahel and his shadowbeasts problems. If Raphael wouldn't come, why would I think you would? Infernals are a threat, yes, but the shadowbeasts are a bigger one.

Because I need a win. There are two of the most powerful people on the east side of the continent in this room. I needed to show that I can provide and protect my people. I need to show that my abilities are equal to your own. Asking for help would have undermined that.

>>39293379
Oh for fucks sake, again with this shit Syl?

Can't even kill a demonic horde without emotional black mail! Nothing is ever good enough for you people!

Note this is not an actual response.

>>39293379
"Of course I do, and should I need you, I will ask for your assistance. I would hope that if nothing else the pair of you would trust my military judgement on whether or not I need your assistance in return."
Turn the tables. Neither of them is considered a great military mind on a tactical level, so them questioning our judgement demonstrates a clear lack of faith.

This is clearly Sylvian playing at the trust thing again. Which we're on our last chance with and slowly rebuilding as is.

Be careful with the responses.

>>39293495
uhhh Syl is a great military leader.

>>39293379
I also knew that if I took on this demon army, without aid, without asking for aid, it would be noticed. How many nations do you know would not think twice about hostilities with my empire? How many do you know of who would even claim to have the military might necessary to fight off that army without aid?

This victory, wrought with naught but the power of my empire will be on peoples tongues for decades, and will mean that when either of you decide it's time to join, nobody will claim that I'm a figurehead, a puppet emperor.

>>39293379
>It's Samael.

I always tend to do this once. I think it's because I remember a character with that name.

>>39293379
"Given the forces against me I was assuming there was no possible way to truly hold them back without them using infernal magic to break though it. I also felt that given the shadow beasts movement it would be wiser to allow both of you to focus on that instead of worrying about a battle I was sure I could win. I trust both of you with my life and have been shown no reason not to. If I truly felt that it would help I would have sent for you."

>>39293517
Not on a tactical level. She's said it herself.

>>39293379
And we managed to do it again. Now its a trust issue, gotta be absolutely certain to assure that we did trust them to come.

lets see
"I was sure you would come in person if I asked. but to call you back from fighting a shadowbeast incursion was unconscionable, the shadowbeasts are too great a threat. And I felt secure in my ability to beat the demons"

Clearly because all we had to do was believe in the bonds we've created between humans, dragons and foxes in our little kingdom, the power of friendship pulled us through our most dire moments.