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Laying your hands upon hers, you kneel before her, lowering yourself slightly to give her a superior position over you. What I have done is dangerous, but ever since I dealt with the vestige of the creature claiming to be Gyr, the danger has been increasing steadily. I was already on the verge of gaining the attention of the knights and their ilk. It was inevitable that this should come to pass. You kiss her upon the lips, slowly, gently at first, then hungrily, greedily deepening the kiss until she makes soft noises of raw pleasure and need. Breaking the kiss with an unnecessary gasp, you lean back a little. All that I do, I do for our sake. Yours, mine, Siobhan's. I love Tzanzi, but she will survive without us, though perhaps not thrive.

Yzia stares at you like you've lost your mind, and you narrow your eyes at her. I am not such a hypocrite that I cannot admit to what I feel, especially after those feelings have been paraded about for all to see. But if you presume that my love makes me as weak and foolish as Falna has been, I will happily educate you otherwise.

Slowly Yzia smiles, one that is far more arch and coy than it is amused or humorous. Such a promise to make! The dragon laughs in your mind as you half-bare your spurs at her in irritation. She sobers, however and you relax. Still, there are things you must finish, and I fear that you'll do something foolish or dangerous and I'll be unable to come to your aid.

[] That is....strangely prophetic. Do you know something?
[] I would make an escape before that occurred. I am no fool, dear one.
[] I would promise not to do so, but such promises just ask to be broken.
[] Honestly, I believe the only things that could threaten me here are the Supreme Leader or a dragon older than you by a few hundred years.
[] Write in?
Siobhan thinks that you should just get Yzia to admit she loves you entirely and be done with the matter!

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/XsQuestmistress

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Previous Thread: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/1419099/

>Akko, like all her kind, has a measure of psychic ability. She will simply use most of these powers without prompting, instinctively, when appropriate. Her spells are another matter.
>She is a high ranking Gish, and may give orders to low ranking Knights; mid-ranked Warriors; high ranking Spellcasters, Skulkers, and Murderers; and any Gish lower ranked than herself.
>True Silver Sword: Siobhan
Siobhan offers her opinions and advice on matters when a vote is called for, drawing on Akko's potent intellect and voicing subconscious thoughts for her to consider.
>Current Spell Selection
Slaver Set Enhanced (Marauder) – heavy subdual and mass combat, moderate utility, moderate defense/buffs + a few really destructive spells.

>Current Cadre:
Yzia: Adult Solar Dragon, lover and companion. She may carry Akko and four others.
Falna: Mid-ranked Warrior (Unstable position); Class:Slayer, bound by Oath.
>Silver Sword: Malnae
Yashi: High-ranked Illusionist (Your Spellcaster); Class:Illusionist Wizard, Bound by Oath only.
Tzanzi: High-ranked Murderer (First in Command); Class:Pureblade Slayer, Bound by Oath and Friendship.
Auena: Mid-ranked Gish (Yzia's new quarry); Class:Psychic Warrior, bound by Oath.
Schechei: Mid-ranked Gish (mated to Falna); Class:Magus, bound by Oath, due to receive her Silver Sword soon.
Kteine: Mid-ranked Gish (your adoptive daughter and acolyte); Class: Psychic Warrior, bound by Oath, due to receive her Silver Sword soon.

>Akko's Current Supreme Leader
Dunzamn, a Lord Knight with a True Silver Sword, leader of the Raid upon the Elven and Human Kingdoms of Iridaiya and Boggsteading, respectively.

Character Sheet repair is always In Progress: https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1009380

Spell Book: http://pastebin.com/WjH8UfyY

>>1568767
>[X] I would make an escape before that occurred. I am no fool, dear one.
Or at least we'd try, like honestly I can think of at best, two reasons we'd put our life on the line without making any escape contingencies, Yzia and Tzanzi, and Tzanzi is dubious and even Yzia could be debatable.
>[X] That is....strangely prophetic. Do you know something?
But what specifically brought this on, I wonder? Like she can't have gotten up to much in the short "time" that passed for her.
Hi XS, I'm glad your friend is doing better!

>>1568813
They had to IV drip her two LITERS of magnesium infused solution to prevent a major heart failure. That's how close to becoming dead she was.

/blog

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[X] I would make an escape before that occurred. I am no fool, dear one.
[X] That is....strangely prophetic. Do you know something?

You can't help but smile wryly at her comment. Contrary to my current spate of activity, I am a survival oriented githyanki, Yzia. Unless you are having visions or suffering from some kind of oracular visions, I would like to think that I am usually capable of removing myself from situations where I might suffer any fate worse than severe injury. Her expression remains troubled and you run your fingers through her golden locks slowly, asking in a nearly casual manner: Are you enjoying visitations of the future? If so, I would not mind being made privy to them, given they are troubling you so.

she shakes her head, slowing it slightly so that you can continue to stroke the long longs and let the shimmering gold fall from between your fingers. No, but I would be a liar if I didn't say that I was worried, Akko. Surely you can see why I would be.

A soft hum of agreement seems to mollify her even more. “Sadly I do have errands to run and things to accomplish before we meet at the conclave, so I must take my blade back and my leave of all three of you. I expect the pretty ifrit to be wearing a collar more suitable for her new stature, Yzia; feel free to make do with something from my stores, if nothing you have appeals to you.”

Giving Yzia a goodbye kiss, you let it linger longer than perhaps you should, given that you're not really interested in doing half of the necessary things you must. She shudders delightfully, and you break the kiss slowly, smiling and staring into those burning eyes of hers. Rising, you sheathe Yashi's blade and wrap it in shimmering silks conjured by Siobhan as Tzanzi awaits your pleasure. Replacing the would-be assassin's Silver Sword with the faux-Silver Sword in your vault, you take the still wrapped weapon and fasten the wrapping more securely with some leather straps. Slinging it along your back you take Siobhan from Tzanzi with a smile.

The murderer's expression is both bemused and still a touch awestruck. “she is quite garrulous, Akko,” the taller githyanki comments as you carefully embrace her, cautious about letting your armor injure her. More because it would excite her and you haven't the time to indulge any longer, than because you are concerned about harming her.

“Oh, believe you me, she has always been excitably communicative, beauty. Being able to speak aloud has only made it obvious, not altered that fact.” Siobhan responds by giving you the image of a possessed Tzanzi being used to tie you down and punish you in various sensual and some rather sexual manners.

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Tzanzi sees your expression and laughs softly. “I see that you speak the truth.” She kisses you, slowly and deeply, her spurs – the three remaining ones – nicking your tongue as you deepen the kiss, entirely on purpose. The pleasure-pain elicits a needy kind of noise from you and you gently push her back.

“I have no time, Dead Gods' Curses upon it. We will continue this later!” you declare, and Tzanzi laughs. Rana rolls over and looks up at the two of you, smiling in exhausted bliss. She cannot sleep of course, but she seems unconcerned about it. “You had better compose a long set of excuses to your father, my new plaything. I am not returning you to him without very adequate recompense.”

“Oh, I'm not returning her at all,” states Yzia, which makes the ruby-skinned slave laugh languidly.

[] Go to the Master Smiths first and turn in the blade finally.
[] Go hunt down Falna and Schechei yourself and deal with them in private.
[] Call in the most valuable of your favors, since you now need the resources.
[] Seek an audience with Vermithrax. You have bones to pick with him.
[] Write in?
Siobhan still things you are letting Falna get off too lightly for her insults and her foolish behavior, to say nothing of her knowledge.

>>1568917
It's still interesting to me that Siobhan is capable of communicating with Tzanzi despite Tzanzi losing most of her psionic stuff. Like do Silver Swords resonate with the wielder's very soul?

>Siobhan responds by giving you the image of a possessed Tzanzi being used to tie you down and punish you in various sensual and some rather sexual manners.
Also glad to be reminded that Akko did a damn good job choosing her weapon.

>>1568919
>[] Go hunt down Falna and Schechei yourself and deal with them in private.

>>1568919
>[] Go to the Master Smiths first and turn in the blade finally.
Would it have been impolite to have sent someone else to return it instead? Like I guess it's fine, since Akko has an excuse in mind for Siobhan's new status but I can't help but worry a little

>>1568926
Siobhan could posses her before, not communicate with her. Now Siobhan can vocalize.

>>1568919
>>1568938
With the other options, while I'm not sure about the language "hunt down" and "deal with" right off the bat, I guess it's probably not the worst thing to just check in with them, since Falna has probably healed Schechei by now,

The favor thing is interesting, though I'm kind of uncertain as to what specific resources we need and if we'd take them with us.

The Vermithrax thing is very bold, and if we show off our True Silver Sword we could theoretically segue from the Raid to being a Supreme Leader and ride that out a bit longer, but confronting one of the few beings who can definitely kill us and whose mind is inscrutable even to Akko's intellect, seems like the kind of reckless behavior Yzia was worried about.

>>1568938
It's Akko's responsibility until she returns it. If someone else were to take it and use it, or steal it, it would fall on Akko's head, and she would either be responsible for finding the thief and delivering punishment, or summarily executed for allowing it to be stolen in the first place.

Silver Swords are srs bzns.

>>1568919
Then yeah, I do feel like we should take care of that pretty soon.

But I guess we could make a quick stop with Falna and Schechei first, as long as we can approach Falna in a way that neither indicates "I'm definitely going to murder you" nor "You can conceivably exhort me"

Also, would there be a way of approaching that same Inquisitor instead of Vermithrax directly?

Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>1568929
High.
>>1568938
Low.

Winner is first order of business, the other second.

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[X] Go to the Master Smiths first and turn in the blade finally.
[x] Go hunt down Falna and Schechei yourself and deal with them in private.

You turn from Tzanzi with one last caress of her cheek, and then take stock of yourself. The rune of living metal in your cheek is enchanted with spells of mask and deceit, making you impervious to detections and divinations. You are armed with spells for subduing and slaying alike, and a few spells of obfuscation and confusion. You are rested and as prepared as you can be.

There is no sense in putting it off any longer, so you salute your lover and friend, and the one slave remaining, and move through the astral fundament, past the curtain Siobhan made, and into the tunnels. Broadcasting a warning ahead of you, you speed through the tunnels at a speed only slightly less than the maximum your mind is capable of taking you, and that only because other githyanki might need time to react to your warning. You do keep to the edge of the tunnels, as most travel the central area; this helps you avoid any collisions easily.

Makign your way through the column to an external access, you salute the guard present and leave the interior. This lets you use all the power of your expanded consciousness to move, and the effect is dizzying; you make the journey to the Center in hundredths of a turn, a speed that not even most of the powerful spellcasters are capable of achieving. The guard of the entry barely has time to respond to your presence, so sudden is your appearance at the gate.

This is one of the larger gates, much like those of the Domes, and it too is guarded by a dragon as well as a single githyanki warrior. Though you startled the latter, the former is far less prone to overreaction; his presence is more perfunctory, as the Center holds most of the dragons and their personal Vaults. Only the most foolhardy or the ignorant would invade such a place.

They are barely interested in your reason for coming, and you make your way past them largely unchallenged. Again: dragons. Still, you make a note never to trust that particular githyanki with any important duty should you have the opportunity. The size of these tunnels make broadcasting your speed and intent unnecessary, and you move with some speed deeper into the Center, seeking the closest thing to a religious place that your people have.

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The Chamber of the Master Smiths is deep within Center, deeper than the places of the dragons and the spellcasters. Here they forge the weapons that instill fear into all those who trespass in the Astral, the Silver Swords that allow your people to function as a whole despite the many, many desires and disagreements you may have with each other. You come to the large irised doorway, and 'land' before it, taking a few seconds to orient yourself to the design so that you are 'standing' upright when they allow you entrance. Only then do you pres your hand to the door. “I am Akko, Gish of the First Waters, Wielder of Blade and Spell. I come to return that which belongs to the Leaders of githyanki, without duress nor under onus save that of necessity.”

Lowering your hand, Siobhan titters melodiously in your mind, suggesting you should append the title 'Master Smith' to your use name. You telepathically hush her as the doors iris open under the efforts of five acolytes of the Master Smiths. The blast of heated air that escapes the Vaults of the Master Smiths is all the warning you need; you quickly tie your hair back and thoroughly dampen it with a tidbit of magic before you walk into the lair of the Smiths.

Aside from heat, the scent of burning metal and the ringing of hammers upon metal surrounds you. You step inside, and the five acolytes – each at a crank to open one section of the five the door is made of – immediately kneel and salute you, hiding their eyes rather than keeping them up. Guild-born, all of them, and very much aware of what and who you are: a Leader and raider, someone who could execute them on the flimsiest of excuses and fear nothing save a mild reprimand from the master of their guild. The eight other githyanki are all hard at work, three and three on separate swords, one quenching a freshly formed blade in hot oil, and the other moving decade of weapon weight in deep crystal to another forge.

>>1569049
>>1569054
That's neat information about the layout, I kind of figured that the dragons would actually be near the outside of the stronghold to make it easier to stetch their wings, but makes sense for them to be close to their treasures and those locations to be secure.

>>1569058
>[] Ask if you may place a master-less Silver Sword in the Vaults of the Swords.
>[] inform them you have had something of an epiphany, and ask if you might try your hand at forging.

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None possess the sigil you seek, so you ask. Where might I find Master Smith Okoa? Trying to speak, between the roar of the furnaces and the hammering of metal would be impossible.

Unceremoniously dumping his arm-loads of deep crystal before his anvil, the most senior of the smiths here (an ancient creature with eyes so pale they are merely pink tints in his sclera and ears so elongated they actually droop) points at a door off to one angle. You salute him and he does the same, though his eyes remain upon you.

Darting to the door you slip inside and close it behind you, the spells upon it making the room silent and cool. The trio of old githyanki look at you with only the most mild of interest.

[] Simply give them the blade, and hopefully that is an end to it.
[] Make some show of it, to keep them from becoming too curious.
[] Ask if you may place a master-less Silver Sword in the Vaults of the Swords.
[] inform them you have had something of an epiphany, and ask if you might try your hand at forging.
[] Write in?
Siobhan suggests that you might request Kteine Silver Sword personally, and find one that suits her rather than letting the Smiths' guess or decide for her.

>>1569061
>still counted.

>>1569063
So Akko, who is much much smarter than any human who has ever lived, is fairly confident that she can get away with showing the Master Smiths at least some of her skill, and not only get away with it, but also profit from doing so? I really don't understand how it's a good idea which I find very concerning, but it really sounds interesting and I guess just because I don't get it doesn't mean Akko doesn't.

Also, Akko got Siobhon from this Stronghold right? Do we have time to quickly summon Kteine to this location and helo her pick out a Sword?

>>1569072
Like, I don't know, I really don't want to miss out on something cool/helpful because I'm too afraid but it also would be really going against my instincts to vote for something that seems super-risky and I don't understand the reasoning behind it. Considering Akko isn't under any foreign influence, nor is particularly stressed, I think it's really unlikely it's an outright wrong option, but just trusting that it'll somehow work out okay regardless also feels careless of me.

>>1569061
I don't know, what did you get out of it?

>>1569095
>I don't know, what did you get out of it?

I think that ultimately if it were a completly terrible option out of considerations I can't make, it wouldn't be there.

I think that chalking it up to just grown skill isn't farfetched, its not quite the level that qualifies you for termination so I see little problem here.

>>1569063
>[X] Ask if you may place a master-less Silver Sword in the Vaults of the Swords.
I guess this is probably fine, or at least a good way of testing their reaction.
>[] inform them you have had something of an epiphany, and ask if you might try your hand at forging.
I'm still really hesistant about this one and I find that tremendously upsetting and I'm really sorry for slowing the thread down. But I'll agree with >>1569104 and say that this quest has earned a leap of faith or two

>>1569072
She did, but she does not know what Kteine is up to. more importantly, she doesn't have the range to contact Kteine telepathically - but Siobhan does. Given that Kteine is a psychic warrior and not a magus, the time it would take her to get down here is significantly longer, and would therefore leave Akko down here longer. which probably isn't an issue; if it was she would have made a point of that.

>>1569063
>>1569111
Okay then I guess tell them that our pupil is eligible for a Silver Sword and that we want to help her pick one out like we did once before, and assuming they don't kill us for trying our hand at forging, the time it takes for us to do that should theoretically be enough time for Kteine to get here.

>>1569105
Also I didn't put an x in the box, but that is a vote for broaching the subject I guess.

I think it will probably be a really cool scene, and Akko seems like she's in-character looking forward to at least one more raid, so she's not ready to blow this popsicle stand just yet, and since she just reminded Yzia that she's survival-oriented, I don't think she'd do this if there was even close to a 50% chance of this blowing up in her face spectacularly, much less disaster being the most likely outcome, and I guess I don't see any reason to indicate why her calculations would be spectacularly off in this instance.

So yeah, sorry again for clogging up the thread, I just remember disliking it in other quests when I wasn't there and people get into a bad situation, and I guess I'm really scared of the idea of putting someone else through that even if rationally it's unlikely.

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[X] Ask if you may place a master-less Silver Sword in the Vaults of the Swords.
[X] Inform them you have had something of an epiphany, and ask if you might try your hand at forging.

You salute the old Masters and incline your head before you swing the Silver Sword you won from your back and place it on the table. Undoing the straps, you place them in loops about your bet, and two of the Masters rise, curious. You gently unwrap the weapon, and one of the two nods slowly. “Sir Palkir's blade, Kioghn. A fine weapon, made by Master Uhrrel, as I real.” The other nods his agreement and then looks to the seated one, Master Okoa.

“I see. What is it that you desire, gish Akko?' Master Okoa's voice is deep and thick, heavily burred by the fumes and heat of the forges.

“To return Kioghn to the Vault, Master Okoa. Sir Palkir had an unfortunate accident befall him when he chose his enemy most poorly.” The old githyanki hisses laughter, and his compatriots join him, chuckling softly. “If it is of no moment, I would appreciate the opportunity to attempt some work of my own here,” you add mildly, as if it is of no great interest. “Siobhan made me aware of a talent I have, and I would appreciate the opportunity to see if it is of any use.”

The two standing githyanki glance at one another, communicating silently; Master Okoa interrupts their conversation. “Impossible, I fear. To take up the hammer and tongs here, you must dedicate yourself fully.” The older of the two looks at you with eyes the color of pale parchment and nods his agreement. The other looks doubtful, but holds his tongue, licking his spurs nervously with his mouth closed.

“I see. So, I must give up my titles and Leadership....would I have to relinquish Siobhan?”

The nervous one shakes his head. “No, the bond once made is difficult to break, and she would still serve you here, as out there.”

Master Okoa nods his agreement, and rises slowly, taking from his neck a thick disk of gem-studded adamantine. “Master Byrre, take the Lady Gish to the Vaults.” He considers and holds up a hand, placing the other on the hilt of her heavy hammer. You note that the material of the hammer is the same as that for True Silver Swords; you study it, knowing that the Rune will prevent them from seeing the power of your Arcane Sight, one you imbued permanently upon yourself. It has an aura similar to those of the Silver Swords, but not those of True Silver Swords.

Interesting. There are obvious differences between the aura of Kioghn and the hammer, and only a small one for the sword you made for Yashi.

Very interesting.

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“I am told that Gish Kteine is deserving of a Silver Sword. Would you desire to choose it yourself?” Master Okoa's eyes are sharp, and you have the sneaking suspicion that if he was capable of reading your mind, he would love to do so. Fortunately, he has never had that particular skill. You gather the blade, careful to keep the cloth between you and it, as you consider the options.

You find it very interesting indeed that he is not making the same offer for Schechei. Only Kteine.

[] Accept the responsibility for choosing her sword.
[] Deny that honor, and give it due appreciation.
[] Ask if you might bring her here and have her do so.
[] Place your faith in Master Okoa's choice and allow her the ceremony.
[] Write in?

>>1569150
>[] Ask if you might bring her here and have her do so.

>>1569150
>[] Ask if you might bring her here and have her do so.
Ah I see, I was looking at it wrong I guess, it wasn't just "what would they do if Akko demonstrated the talents of a Smith", but also "Is merely asking the question something no Githyanki has done before", and the gain might be that seeing that one nervous looking smith almost look like he was willing to let us try it.

>>1569150
>[] Place your faith in Master Okoa's choice and allow her the ceremony.
Late to the party, and soon to leave again.

>>1569150
>[x] Ask if you might bring her here and have her do so.
Wooo, Raiding time!

>>1568818
Hope she'll make a good recovery!

>>1569157
Unfortunately I think Akko's enough of a loose cannon now that even unusual requests like this probably barely registers to whoever might be keeping an eye on her.

>>1569197
She has, she's eating and drinking a lot better.

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[X] Ask if you might bring her here and have her do so.
[x] Place your faith in Master Okoa's choice and allow her the ceremony.

As Master Byrre – the nervous looking smith, his eyes the hot pink of age, though not so old as the Forge Master – takes the disc from Master Okoa you consider. “Would it be acceptable to bring her here so she may chose a blade for herself?” Master Okoa frowns, but the Master with the parchment colored eyes raises his brows.

“I recall you did the same, when I was the Master of Masters, did you not?” Master Gardrau nods thoughtfully. “I knew you seemed familiar.”

“I did, with your gracious allowance,” you incline your head. Though technically you outrank them all, it is very much a truism that those who hold the Silver Swords hold the power....and the Master Smiths hold all the Silver Swords, and more.

The Masters confer silently, and you wrap your hand about Siobhan's hilt. She makes you aware of the additional voices – that of the Silver Hammer, mainly, but also a fifth voice, one ancient and powerful. You wonder if it is Her Majesty, but Siobhan does not believe so. Mostly because when that one speaks, all the Swords know.

Master Okoa shakes his head. “She may come on her own, if she desires, but you may not bring her here.” You salute him, and then follow the slightly nervous Master Byrre as the previous master and the much more strict Master of Masters commune silently.

As you reenter the forge room the acolytes quickly gather to salute the master, their movements almost coordinated and simultaneous. His dismissal is quick and perfunctory as he moves to the Vault door. You glance at the acolytes, who immediately move back to the bellows, the racks of metals and crystals on the walls, or the barrels of oil and water, respectively. A form of training? you speculate silently.

indeed, he acrees as he sets the disc in the door, and slowly twists it. They must overcome their desire to be unique and work as one when they are required to, regardless of who orders it so or why. Coordination is vital to the forging of certain tools.

Such as silver Swords, you posit casually, and he nods his agreement. It seems that your current Grand Master is more uptight than the precious, you comment mildly. Politics, or merely nature?

The nervous master opens the door to the vault and ushers you in without an immediate answer. When the door shuts, Siobhan immediately explains why: she has lost contact with all the other Silver Swords, and can contact only those here, whom mostly remain silent. Once safely inside he relaxes some.

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“There is a creature, one of immense power that is stalking the Stronghold. It is recent, and its power eclipses that of most any githyanki. There are even rumors of it's power being able to influence the swords themselves.” You frown mildly. “Wile it's current whereabouts are unknown, if is feared that the creature has access to powerful divinations and talents.”

“How terrible,” you commiserate with soft words, laying one hand along the githyanki's shoulder. He smiles wanly at you. “So if the creature is dead, how will you learn of it? I take it this occupies much of the Gran Master's time, and thus is why he refused my other offer as well.”

“Too true, Lady Gish,” he says as he takes you around a rack of Silver swords. He gestures to a spot where one is clearly missing. “It has been permissible in the past to allow others to work in the forge, but he fears that one will be the monster.

“A valid and understandable fear,” you comment mildly as you place the sword in his niche, and rise, sighing softly. “Still, perhaps one day I will chose to join your work. My skills may wane one day, thought I will not wish it so.”

He nods as you reverently place Kioghn home, for the moment. “I would be curious to see what skills you would bring to the table.”

You incline your head, and smile, placing your hand on the hilt of Yashi's blade. “I am sure you one day yet may.” With a formal salute, which he reciprocates, you allow him to let you out, but not without a parting comment. I look forward to out next meeting. Perhaps you will say hello to Jiyua or Hadal, for me, next they meet you.

His curiosity piqued, he inclines his head, watching you leave the forge and let down your hair.

Somewhat educational at least. Byrre, for all his faults, would be a nice addition to a good Stronghold. Now, however....

[] Seek Falna and Schechei in the Column and Cell that Falna lived in.
[] Have Siobhan guide you to Schechei's Cell; she will most likely need guidance packing.
[] Check the Conclave Bloom; an early arrival ensures better seats and protections.
[] Prepare yourself for battle before facing Falna; better safe than sorry.
[] Write in?

>>1569232
What a spooky creature that would be!
>[x] Have Siobhan guide you to Schechei's Cell; she will most likely need guidance packing.

>>1569232
Are we not already ready for a battle? Or are we just wearing our anklets and bracers?

>>1568778
Also, I just checked, the "Previous Thread" is for Part 15, Part 18 is http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/1516054/ in case anyone just wants to see that thread

>>1569232
>[] Have Siobhan guide you to Schechei's Cell; she will most likely need guidance packing.

>>1569232
>[] Have Siobhan guide you to Schechei's Cell; she will most likely need guidance packing.
So, Okoa is vaguely suspicious of us, but doesn't seem enough to start anything, Gardrau seems neutral, and Byrre potentially sympathetic? That "fifth voice" seems interesting, my guess would be Vermithrax but I don't put too much stock in it.
Also, it was really interesting to read how Githyanki are trained to "other" the Githyanki who climb too high, and transcend the framework of Githyanki culture. Has Akko herself thought of those "monsters" in the fashion Githyanki are supposed to, before she became one of them, or did it never come up?

>>1569232
>I look forward to out next meeting. Perhaps you will say hello to Jiyua or Hadal, for me, next they meet you.
Interesting, the name Hadal seemed vaguely familiar, but it looks like she was just mentioned briefly, as a Gish who is a mutual friend/acquaintance of Akko and Tzanzi, and who first told Akko about Yashi. I guess it's possible for her not to have a Silver Sword already, and Jiyua... I think you might have mentioned she's a variant Bard, which is still technically a Gish?

>>1569272
Hopefully we'll meet Hadal eventually!

>>1569232
>[] Have Siobhan guide you to Schechei's Cell; she will most likely need guidance packing.

>>1569274
I don't think she has Leader status just yet if she doesn't have a Silver Sword already, but maybe we'll meet her on the Raid, because I'd like to see her as well, it's just surprisingly hard to find time to do that in between intrigue and debauchery.

>>1569244
Akko likes having spells cast prior to battle - she's actually wearing her armor, yes.

>>1569286
Damn all that intrigue and debauchery, doesn't it know this is a slice-of-life quest?!

I'm sure XS wouldn't namedrop someone who never appears though.

>>1569232
>[] Prepare yourself for battle before facing Falna; better safe than sorry.

Rolled 19, 5 + 30 = 54 (2d20 + 30)

Battlemagic Sense and Spellcraft

Man, I'm so late. Hi XS!

>>1569232

>Remember that Schechei is still your daughter, too. You have to handle things carefully.

>>1569330
Hmmm, well one good roll and one bad one shouldn't be so bad. Hopefully. Damn that spellcraft though.

>>1569330
Looks like our senses are keen, though thank god for that modifer with our spellcraft.

...My inclination is disappointment that we need Spellcraft, but I'm not sure if it's fair to assume that that means Falna and Schechei were foolish enough to sneak-attack us.

>>1569342
In addition to it being frustrating to have to kill Schechei, it would also be a huge pain since we literally just left the Silver Smiths, and we'd have to go straight back there to turn in Falna's Silver Sword (and possibly Schechei's if she has gotten one)

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[X] Have Siobhan guide you to Schechei's Cell; she will most likely need guidance packing.

You show your desire to Siobhan and she immediately responds, giving you the desired information without hesitation, or even seeming to put effort into it unlike the last time you had her guide you. Taking your time navigating the dragons' Vaults and Cells, you avoid any entanglements that could become protracted. Once you have entered Schechei's column, you pick up your pace, though not significantly. It gives you time to contemplate the Masters' words.

That shey seemed to think of some great creature or dark monster was trying to seek information on the Silver Swords was unusual. Was their viewpoint mirroring yours, or was there something else wandering the Stronghold, something alien and dangerous? It would not be the first time a daemon or other infernal being slipped in, and on occasion creatures from the material planes did so, though often using Astral Projection rather than being physically present. There were other, stranger beings that lived in the Astral, and there was the dragon that lived among the Dead Gods, though it was usually reclusive.

On the other hand, a 'monster' specifically after the secrets of the Master Smiths was awfully coincidental, and it bore out Yzia's concern as well. That you deemed yourself one could have been coincidence....but you doubt it.

Byrre could be of use as well. He seemed forthright enough, and was not particularly happy without how tight Master Okoa had his grip on the Forges. Perhaps some knights were putting specific pressures upon him, but the 'Fifth Voice' was curious. That he had used a hammer as a basis for something like a Silver Sword was unusual as well. Githyanki were trained in the sword from youth; the idea of using a hammer was strange, and to turn one into a Silver 'Sword'....despite seeming set in his ways and obstinate, there was more to Okoa thn he dared let on.

Arriving at the threshold of Schechei's cell, you feel, more than here the silent conversation, and hear the movement of Falna across the room. Not wearing armor as of yet; Schechei was, the delicately made crystalline 'chain' mail she wore to her testing, no doubt.

Siobhan informs you that Malnae has mentioned your presence, and you suspect that Siobhan's amusement stems from her having done almost the same to Falna some time ago. Petty, my beloved, most petty, you chide her, and she sings soft laughter into your mind. You wait patiently, extending that new sense of mage-craft you have developed for the sake of safety.

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You can feel them exchanging thoughts, the sense of their minds reaching for the other's intimate and bizarre at once. You don't interfere; it's enough to know approximately where they are and what they are doing. The sensation of Schechei casting a Shield upon herself is interesting, especially since she does so silently. She may have used gestures, but she definitely has the ability to silence her casting.

You may want to look into that some time.

“Enter, Leader Akko.” The dulcet tones so similar in sound to Kteine, yet so much more haughty and arrogant in tone.

Relaxed and calm, you step past the thick curtaining that fills the doorway, noting how heavy it is and easily it might snag armor less designed for movement than yours is. The tactical information the spell sensing ability grants you tells you where Schechei must be, and where Falna most likely is. When you slip past the heavy drapery, you are not at all off the mark. Schechei is arranging her spell-books for the journey, while Falna is against the wall some distance away. You suspect, just enough distance away that a spell targeted at them both could not make the connection.

[] Offer Schechei the Blessed Spell Book as a 'gift'.
[] Ask Falna outright if she's reconsidered her oaths.
[] Inform Schechei that you are now her adopted mother on her sister's side. Which you suppose makes Falna your sister according to material cultures.
[] Settle on the floor to make yourself relatively harmless, and ask what punishment they deserve.
[] Write in?
Siobhan thinks you're being awfully and dangerously kind to them. And admits she's entirely bloodthirsty, she's a sword.

>>1569356
So the SIlver Hammers weren't there the last time Akko visited the Great Smiths (presumably when Akko chose Siobhan, or the last time she killed someone who had a Silver Sword)?

That's an interesting innovation, I wonder if it makes the process of crafting Silver Swords/True Silver Swords more efficient/powerful somehow.

>>1569360
>[] Offer Schechei the Blessed Spell Book as a 'gift'.
>[] Settle on the floor to make yourself relatively harmless, and ask what punishment they deserve.

>>1569360

>Inform Schechei that you are her mother. Which means that you are Falna's step-mother.

>Settle on the floor and tell them that you are not interested in giving them further punishment, but that you will if needed. Ask them if it's needed.

>Ask them what they desire to do with Kteine, now.

>>1569376

If we're going to give her something, it should be a real gift

>>1569360
>[] Inform Schechei that you are now her adopted mother on her sister's side. Which you suppose makes Falna your sister according to material cultures.
>[] Settle on the floor to make yourself relatively harmless, and ask what punishment they deserve.

>>1569360
>[x] Inform Schechei that you are now her adopted mother on her sister's side. Which you suppose makes Falna your sister according to material cultures.
>[x] Settle on the floor to make yourself relatively harmless, and ask what punishment they deserve.
Time to have fun~

>>1569360
>[] Inform Schechei that you are now her adopted mother on her sister's side. Which you suppose makes Falna your sister according to material cultures.
Maybe as an icebreaker
>[] Settle on the floor to make yourself relatively harmless, and ask what punishment they deserve.
If we can do this without pissing Falna off completely, I'd like to specifically ask Falna what she thinks should happen now, since so much of this drama has been about her desires and the unintended consequences thereof.

Also wait, what Spell Book is Akko talking about?

>>1569360
>[] Inform Schechei that you are now her adopted mother on her sister's side. Which you suppose makes Falna your sister according to material cultures.
>[] Settle on the floor to make yourself relatively harmless, and ask what punishment they deserve.

>>1569392
Akko has a Blessed Spell Book that she considers a liability rather than a useful tool. Unless Schechei is an avid spell collector, her entire library of spells would fit inside it.

>>1569405
Akko's so rich she can throw away powerful spellbooks huh

>>1569360
>>1569405
Oh right, I think what threw me off was the use of "Blessed" instead of "Enchanted"
>[] Offer Schechei the Blessed Spell Book as a 'gift'.
How about we bring it up, point out there's a drawback, and see if Schechei is able to see the potential weakness, point it out if she doesn't, and see if she can still make it work for her, since I'm not sure if Akko's attitude is universal amongst Githyanki, even those who can see how there could be flaws?

>>1569421
I'm pretty sure Akko can do that without coming across as patronizing if she doesn't wanna be.

>>1569420
More that she considers use of it a drawback and not a benefit. She demonstrated the drawback to Kteine.

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[X] Inform Schechei that you are now her adopted mother on her sister's side. Which you suppose makes Falna your sister according to material cultures.
[X] Settle on the floor to make yourself relatively harmless, and ask what punishment they deserve.
[X] Write in? Perhaps – just perhaps – 'deserve' is too harsh a word. And what of Kteine now?

Superficially all Cells are designed the same: large hollows, usually spherical, cut into the Columns of the Stronghold and designed to hold the githyanki warrior's most needed equipment and tools for their work and play. Schechei's is no different, save her choices in décor are even more spare and utilitarian than yours outside of the more sumptuous cushions and shelves. The shelves contain mostly pieces of armor and entire weapons, of a wide variety, most of which are not designed for her. With at least several inches yet to grow she could use most of the heavier weapons in a few decades. Much of the armor are prizes taken by Falna as well, so you tend to believe the weapons might also be so.

It is doubtful that the 'twins' spent much time in this place alone, if it were not for the half dozen books that Schechei was trying to decide upon taking.

Falna stiffens as you walk in, and you sense Malnae's mental growl, a clear warning. You still Siobhan's response and she seethes internally, the insult to you intolerable to your beloved. Taking a seat on the floor close to the 'center' between them, you have them at right angles, with Falna to your left against the wall, Schechei before you and a mere fifteen paces distant; it is Schechei you face since it is her cell after all.

“Kteine has accepted me as her adoptive mother. Does that make me your half-mother and Falna's half-sister, or are you abandoning those ties completely. I ask mostly out of curiosity.” You smile and hold h\out both hands, a gesture of magnanimous and heartfelt open-mindedness.

“That you should have to ask iss obscene,” comments Falna bitterly.

You turn and look at her, your expression calm. “That you forced the issue was careless,” you reply.

“Enough!” Falna makes a soft 'tch' sound and crosses her arms, while you look at Schechei with renewed interest as she makes a slashing motion with her left hand to silence you both. Your Wish seems to have done its job very well indeed if she is willing to stand up for herself to Leader and Mate alike. “I accept that you are in many ways my birthing mother, Leader, but that does not earn you anymore deference or respect than it deserves on its own merit.”

You place on hand on your knee and lean forward slightly, interested. Your other hand rests on Siobhan's hilt, naturally. “Indeed?”

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She nods shortly, and crouches to place the set of books within a fine pack of white leather with gold and silver stitching and buckles and fasteners of silver. The pack swallows all six spell books with ease and shifts not at all. That it works here means it was designed by githyanki hands, perhaps Schechei's herself given it is perfectly fitted for her lean frame. “Your skills and knowledge are what I desire, not your affections or support. Falna is my mate and gives me those, and more.” her expression softens as she looks to Falna, then hardens significantly when she looks at you.

“I can certainly accept that. But there is the matter of your short, but very intentional rebellion against my Leadership. Did it not occur to you that my argument with the inquisitor was on your behalf as well as my own?” She stiffens and glares at you with those pretty eyes of garnet. “Rendering my entire cadre helpless and useless was more than merely rude, especially during our Colloquy. You think I am the only one who has enemies?” You gesture at the trophy cases. “More than a third of those are of githyanki make, you know.”

Startled, Schechei looks at the trophy wall herself then at Falna, her expression somewhat shocked. Falna makes no verbal excuse, but does silently commune with the gish warrior.

“He could have allowed an assassin the perfect opportunity. In fact, one of those in the room was an assassin at one time meant to kill me. That's to say nothing of an ifrit sorceress who could have easily slipped the spells and done whatever it is a wishcrafter might do to cause trouble. For all he knew – for all we knew – she could have been sent by her father to take githyanki prisoners, or steal a Silver Sword. It isn't as though he was in any condition to protect us.” She frowns, trying to find fault in your logic. “You think my embarrassment – and yes, it was embarrassing – alone drove me to deal with him so harshly?”

She bites her lip, her spur dimpling the soft flesh. “You are naive.” Her smooth brow furrows, unable to disagree.

“What do you intend then, Akko?” Falna steps away from the wall, her hand on Malnae's hilt. “I know you – you do not approach without purpose or plan, though once I foolishly believed otherwise. You have already taken one precious thing from us. Is that not cruelty enough?”

You look at your one-time lover mildly.

[] Oh, you admit you are fallible? How interesting.
[] I am asking Schechei that very thing, if you do not mind. Or if you do mind.
[] Do not lay your mistakes at my feet, Falna. You know why she stepped in front of you.
[] You have not yet seen me cruel, Falna. Not even remotely so.
[] Write in?

>>1569465
>[] You have not yet seen me cruel, Falna. Not even remotely so.

>>1569465
>[] Do not lay your mistakes at my feet, Falna. You know why she stepped in front of you.
>[] You have not yet seen me cruel, Falna. Not even remotely so.

>>1569465
>[x] Do not lay your mistakes at my feet, Falna. You know why she stepped in front of you.
>[x] I am asking Schechei that very thing, if you do not mind. Or if you do mind.

>>1569465

>Raise a finger so Falna shuts up, and explain what you know or can deduce about what Kteine felt to explain why she fell out of love with those two.

>>1569465
>[] I am asking Schechei that very thing, if you do not mind. Or if you do mind.
>It's also about making sure everything will go smoothly later on, it is Schechei's first raid after all
>which reminds me, Falna, you said you were able to provide your own transportation, elaborate on that.
Since I think we might have stretched our party size beyond Yzia's limits.

>>1569488
It is not Schechei's or Kteine's first raid. It is their first raid under Akko, who has fairly high standards and commensurate rewards.

>>1569465
>[] Oh, you admit you are fallible? How interesting.
>[] I am asking Schechei that very thing, if you do not mind. Or if you do mind.

>>1569465
>>1569488
Also
>Even though it may feel differently when you're in the moment, having your romantic desires rebuffed is not as severe as taking arms against your Leader, Even if it feelslike I tipped the scales too much in my favor with the former, are you really so bold as to say it balances out the latter?

I don't know, I'm not sure whether or not Akko feels it's a good idea to even hint at the notion that her and Falna's intimate past has some bearing on current events, or if she's too prideful to do so.

>>1569490
Oh really? I guess that makes sense considering they're well-trained, and there's no rule that you have to biologically be Githyanki to go on a raid.

Nevermind that part then.

Also is Schechei going to be issued a Silver Sword soon or did we beat her up so hard she was disqualifed?

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[X] I am asking Schechei that very thing, if you do not mind. Or if you do mind.
[x] Do not lay your mistakes at my feet, Falna. You know why she stepped in front of you.
[x] You have not yet seen me cruel, Falna. Not even remotely so.
[X] Write in? If I had intended payback, Falna, I would have seduced Kteine, not adopted her. Now listen and be silent before I question you about pertinent matters.

The hand on Siobhan's hilt comes up and crosses your mid-line, until you block out Falna's figure entirely, the atavistic gesture for being unafraid and uninterested in something to the point of not even considering it a threat. Falna goes silent but you can nearly feel the hate that the gesture incites. You turn back to Schechei, looking at her calmly despite the insult to her lover. Which has predictably incensed her as well, but that is only to be expected.

“Falna's stunted ideal of 'cruelty' does not really apply to either situation. If I had desired to deliver that type of punishment, Kteine would have been in my bed before you two had finished your mating ritual, rather than seeking warmth in my arms after the ones she loved betrayed their Leader in favor of an unknown quantity that had put their lives at risk.” Schechei colors beautifully, her warm grey skin turning a soft shade of violet as blood rushes to her cheeks. “I do not even consider that cruelty; it was generosity. But I do not expect that level of understanding from either of you.”

You lower your hand and ignore the fuming warrior. “When I am cruel, you will feel it, I promise you. That still leaves me with the question of what to do with you and your mate; some punishment is deserved for what was clearly a betrayal, and with an inquisitor as witness, I sincerely doubt you could manage an argument in your defense after the points I have already brought up. Even Kteine understood her place and trusted my judgment. After all, I could simply have all three of you executed and be done with it.”

“Why haven't you?” snaps Schechei.

“Why should I not?” you retort immediately, making her bl\ink rapidly several times. You see the wheels turning, turning hard and fast. Siobhan sings softly in your mind, the beginnings of a murderous howling song; Falna's hand is shaking on Malnae's hilt, and the Silver Sword is muttering vindictively.

Schechei closes her eyes and lifts her hand, blocking you from her sight. You smile, and Falna's rage is eclipsed in her confusion at your reaction. You lean forward, wishing you could spare the magic to read her thoughts, just to see how she reaches her conclusion.

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When she drops her hand she stands up straight and looks you in the eyes. “Because if you kill us you deprive Her Majesty of effective warriors against the enemy,” she states matter-of-factly.

You turn to Falna and lift your hands in a gesture of magnanimous feeling. “You see? Githyanki.” Falna stares at you and then watches you rise, her hand dropping from the hilt of her weapon as you stand up. “I expect you, Falna, to have an explanation for how you intend to transport yourself and one other to the raid location we take or are assigned. Yzia can carry six, but we are seven, and her harness is for five.” You do not use the harness when you ride her, naturally. “Bear in mind there will be slaves as well; I am not interested in giving up out bounty for the privilege of having another dragon carry some of our prizes.”

Her voice is low and unhappy, but respectful. “I have it arranged already, and will be able to transport six aside from myself and Schechei, as well as provide shelter for the entire cadre.” You look at her speculatively. “I will perform my duty, Leader.” Schechei looks absurdly proud of her mate at her claim.

“Very well. We will meet at the conclave. I expect Dunzamn to lead us out immediately. Enjoy the remaining ten turnings.” Silently, you leave, soothing Siobhan's bloodlust with promises of all the elf and human she can stand, and more. “Perhaps even a little royal blood,” you murmur suggestively as you head towards the conclave, intending to meet others be\sides your Supreme Leader and Cadre there.

Your sword gives the most chilling giggle you have ever heard in your life.

>To Be Continued....

Thank you for reading and playing.

>>1569500
Silver Swords are issued to Gish and Knights as a matter of course to prevent then from gaining otherworldly weapons in their place (Black Blades, Holy/Unholy weapons, etc.).

>>1569585
Thanks for running, I'm glad that, being in love with Falna aside, Schechei is pretty good in terms of smarts, and sometimes her brashness comes across as a little endearing instead of irritating.

>>1569588
Thanks for running! It was fun. Pity I keep oversleeping and missing half the thread.

>>1569588
That makes sense yeah, I guess I was confused by
>You find it very interesting indeed that he is not making the same offer for Schechei. Only Kteine.
And her not seeming to have a Silver Sword right now, despite the conclave about to begin.

I guess somehow word spread that Schechei isn't currently our student, and she'll go to the Smiths right after she's done packing?

>>1569588
Thanks for running.

>>1569602
Schechei was due to receive it at the conclave; Akko is certain Kteine will as well. The spectacle promises to be interesting.

Thanks for writing.
Is Siobhan satisfied with this result then, or does she still think Akko should be harsher?

>>1569623
Siobhan is a bloodthirsty fightmonger, but she accepts this result, because Schechei is an adorable little retard.

>>1569598
That's okay. I still appreciate the read.

....what the fuck captcha, those are bondage cuffs, not belts.

>>1569637
Captcha is pure and innocent, not like us.

Thanks for running!

Fellow players, do you guys have any bets on what transport Falna is bringing? It sounds kind of big for a flying carpet, and I'm not sure she'd keep it to herself if she also is partnered with a dragon.

>>1569686
She might have just borrowed something, as to what I'm not so sure.

>>1569686
>as well as provide shelter for the entire cadre.
I highly doubt it's a dragon.

>>1569692
No, she owns it.

>>1570346
It is not.

>>1569686
Close.

>>1569686

A blimp, maybe. Or a floating platform