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“They will come riding dragons, and put all who stand against them to the sword and to fire and to lightning. The elven wizards and priests fear them more than they fear our sorcerers and priests, your royal highness, and our soldiers....well, even our royal guard will be hard pressed against them.” You walk to the window and look out on the fortress of the capitol, wondering how you will ferry the princess to safety in a war-torn country. Bandits, deserters, other dukes and petty nobles....but better them than the inevitable trial by fire and lightning and alien swords that bend the mind and sheik in unheard voices.

You rub the band of your ducal signet, the gold on the side of the heavy ring polished smooth by many years of worry.

>Only one choice may be voted for.
[] Explain that there will be mercenaries called, who might be as dangerous as the enemy.
[] Turn to her and kneel, apologizing, but inform her that she must leave in a mere few days.
[] Gather your wits, and dismiss the guards for a private conversation. There might be a way.
[] Write in?

>>1617971
>[] Gather your wits, and dismiss the guards for a private conversation. There might be a way.

This is pretty neat I must admit XS, how are you doing?

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/XsQuestmistress

Pastebin: http://pastebin.com/5H8tWFRe

Previous Thread: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/1615492/

>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 Mythic Solar Dragon, lover and companion. She may carry Akko and five 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; you have a Not-Silver Sword for her.
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 (Voorsi), leader of the Raid upon the Elven and Human Kingdoms of Iridaiya and Boggsteading, respectively.

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

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

>>1617980
Fairly well. Lookign forward to more Monarch Movies a la Kong: Skull Island and Godzilla.

This idea has been brewing since thread 10.

>>1617991
I haven't seen Kong yet, but I adored Godzilla 2014

more than the most recent japanese one as well, blasphemy I know

>>1617971
>[] Gather your wits, and dismiss the guards for a private conversation. There might be a way.

>>1618000
The aftercredits are important.

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[X] Gather your wits, and dismiss the guards for a private conversation. There might be a way.

You take a deep breath, looking over the city. Boggsteading was not a great country, but an affluent one, largely inviolate due to the misery of the fens, marshes, and rolling moors. The elven kingdom of Iridaiya was the only real threat, and that largely because their mystic holy places and the richest of the woodlands were largely one and the same. Conflict over the precious resources was inevitable. Even that 'war' was little more than constant skirmishes by both sides, attempting to maneuver each other into a position of compromise that could force a treaty. The elven methodology of waiting out their opponents worked all too well, most of the time.

“Is there nothing, then?”

The despair in the princess' soft voice tugs at your heartstrings, and you steel yourself. Turning, you look to the guards. “Excuse us please. I must speak with the princess alone.” The guards give each other a quick glance, and then bow their heads as the princess gestures mildly. They leave, and you slowly walk to the throne, looking up at the young woman who would one day be wed to a neighboring country to secure an alliance that would most likely make even the damnable elves think twice about their need to protect the ancient sites they considered religiously important.

Her bright eyes widen as you step closer; your thumb strokes the side of your signet ring, almost turning it. “I have....a man, at my court. A very skilled individual. He is capable of....great feats of conjuration. I have seen him call beings from other realms that I scarecely knew existed.” The princess leans forward and you look up at her, the eagerness in her eyes bright and disconcerting.

“Angels?” she asks hopefully.

You feel your stomach churn, the memory of what he called from the Great Beyond stark and vivid in your mind. The princess' eyes widen further. “Not....as such, no, your royal highness.” Swallowing, you step closer. “For this, he would most likely summon the greatest of demons, the most puissant of their kind. Monsters, but that is what it may take. To fight monsters.” Rubbing the ring harder, you look at her soft, guileless face. “A trap, your royal highness, to snare their best and brightest and break their will. It would be dangerous....”

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Princess Larento rises slowly, her every movement grace personified. Your heart beats quickly, as she slowly makes her way down the steps towards you. “Would you remain at my side, your grace?” she asks softly, looking at you with hopeful, gentle eyes. “Would you....perhaps be willing to remain with me, in these trying times, so that I do not have to leave my home with you?”

Oh dear. True, you are currently unmarried, and your sons would indeed defend your homeland with great skill and care....but to remain at the princess side, defying the king? It would smack of treason, unless you were to make a vow, perhaps....or if you mobilized your own army to reinforce the capitol.

That would hint at insurrection. Or....perhaps, just perhaps, you could explain it another way. It isn't as though you don't have a direct lineage to the throne already. It would only reinforce your loyalty to the throne, wouldn't it? To request her hand in marriage? To be her protector?

[] Your highness, are you asking me to guard you as though I were your husband?
[] It would be treason, your highness, and I cannot obey. I am sorry.
[] The risk to both is great....but the chance to break the invaders morale, to challenge them? It may be worthwhile.
[] Write in?

>>1618047
>[] The risk to both is great....but the chance to break the invaders morale, to challenge them? It may be worthwhile.

>>1618047
>[] The risk to both is great....but the chance to break the invaders morale, to challenge them? It may be worthwhile.

Hi XS!

>>1618047

>It would be treason, your highness
>Unless you personally petition the king for a particular protector, and he agrees.

>I wish I could do more, but the consequences for both of us, and for our people...

Kek, demons. Akko will not appreciate that.

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[X] The risk to both is great....but the chance to break the invaders morale, to challenge them? It may be worthwhile.
[X] Write in? It may be treason, unless you wish to make an appeal to His Royal Majesty....?

You hesitate, because she is asking you to both place her in grave danger, and to risk being accused of treason. As close as you may be to the king, he is still your liege and you have made promises and oaths to him.

The princess moves closer and takes your hand, her touch as soft as the finest silk as she lifts your hand to the velvet and lace at her throat. Your stomach clenches, fear and perhaps something else warring deep within your body. “It would be a grave risk, your royal highness,” you murmur, your voice husky with emotion. She smiles and brings your hand to her lips, laying a kiss as soft as angel's feathers upon your knuckles. “Your father may execute me, and the raiders would not fall for a trap with a prize as precious as yourself....you would have to petition your father for myself as your....protector.”

You manage not to say husband. That would be a slight faux pas. Slight. Heh.

Your head pounds as she moves closer, looking at you with those sky blue eye, her smile making your heart pound. Dizzy, you take her hand and kiss the delicate fingers that lightly hold your own hand. “You will protect me with your life, and my father will forgive all, I promise. I have every faith in you, Duke Thardein....my duke.” Her voice is soft, and you see tears shining in her beautiful eyes.

Your heart hitches in your chest.

[] Declare your fealty....no, your affection to her royal highness.
[] Embrace the princess and accept that you will take this risk for her.
[] Kiss her hand once more and make your retreat before you make a foolish mistake.
[] Write in?

Eh, it's kind of morbide to play with the fates of doomed characters

>>1618118

Not saying it's not interesting or not well-written, because it is both, but, well, it's essentially choosing which road people take to reach avoidable suffering.

>>1618100

>Get on your knees, take her hand, and ask her one last time if she'd accept to go to your home. You cannot bear to see her risk so much being here, and ... your home will be hers as long as she grants you this privilege.

>>1618100
>[] Kiss her hand once more and make your retreat before you make a foolish mistake.

>>1618122

It's borderline impossible to like Akko or any Githyanki characters when the focus is on how they are horrible, monstrous people who ruins lives for fun and profit.

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[X] Kiss her hand once more and make your retreat before you make a foolish mistake.
[X] Write in? You will ask one last time if she will refuse to return to your home, where she will at least be safe.

You kiss her hand and bow your head, not trying to hide the worry and tension that you suffer. Unfortunately you make one mistake before you pull away, by looking into her gentle, concerned face. Her eyes are wet with tears, and she sees the pain you are suffering. “your royal hinghess....are you....” She shakes her head and your throat constricts, her anguish fading to a deep and real concern. It makes your heart hurt to see her so.

You hesitate and the princess steps up to you, looking into your eyes. Your stomach clenches, but her smile is warm, and gentle. She reaches up her hand sliding into your hair. “You need not be afraid, Duke Thardein. I have every faith in you.” The urge to kiss her is strong....and you give in. She is your princess, and you have always wished to protect her. You can do that better as her husband than any other way; you will have free reign to do whatever is in your power to protect her royal highness and the kingdom that she may never rule, but will always consider her home.

You kiss her, and she kisses back, soft, slow and sweet. The tightness in your body fades, finally, as you accept her affection, your tongues tangling softly. She licks at your tongue, caresses your eyes lightly, and you feel your body tensing, her presence causing yours to recat as all men must when confronted with the beauty and desire of women. You open yourself to her and accept the deepening kiss....you stiffen, in more ways than one, and her hands caress your ears, trace your eyes and cheeks....you kiss her back, and the flash of white hot pleasure rips through you, leaving you senseless.

You remove your grasping organs from the back of the skull of Duke Thardein Brass Lareneto, holding him fast with your feeding tendrils. He slumps against you, his hips jerking in final spasms as the sensations overwhelm his nervous system. What is left of it, rather.

You drink the liquefied fatty tissues, rich in chemicals, accepting the only thing of value that the dying body has to give. The protein chains that make up his memories and experiences settle upon your feeding tendrils, and you recall everything he has said and done, the plans he made to protect his lords kingdom, his Liege's people. Well, perhaps not the only thing. He has confirmed your suspicions and made it clear that once more you may have the opportunity to collect the runaways. It will be interesting to see how – if – they have progressed.

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Relinquishing the body of the man before you, you command the Extensions to remove the body to the Recovery Center, where it will be rendered into food and clothing for the Extensions, yours and those of your brethren. Thinking of....you send out a telepathic pattern, instructing them to take heed. A palace forms, images and systems of movement through said palace, the locations of guards and wards, the warriors and mages that protect the palace, as well as the most likely avenues for your wayward slave-race to assault.

The consult takes mere seconds, and then is delivered to the Master for approval.

Permission granted.

You shudder, and prepare yourself, donning the slick protective integuments with the assistance of your Extensions. They obey utterly, their minds enthralled forever to your will. You permit yourself a moment of egotism, and wonder how surprised they will be when your brethren reveal their presence....

>End Princess One.

The (actual) Royal Palace of Taverand, Boggstead, Western Reaches

“So there has been no word from his party in two weeks?”

“Not even a messenger bird.”

While you don't watch them pass by, the royal guards who move along are far more preoccupied with the worry of what has happened to one of their royal family than your presence here. That is the concern of the four royal guards who escoprt you to the court of King Lareneto, where more guards and royals await your presence. You pass a festhall alogn the way, and those, those are most certainly interested in you.

“Is that....?” A human warrior stands up, placing his hand on the hilt of a blade. A half-elven female looks up and adjusts spectacles, and then starts violently, seeing under your hood when you favor her with a casual glance. A priestess, of one of the Lord of Order. Interesting. A massive male snarls and picks up a massive war-hammer, only to be stopped by an older male who wears the robes and accouterments of a wizard.

“Gods, what are they thinking....” This from a delicate waif, a half-ling of some sort. You lower your head, allowing the guards to escort you away from the adventurer's resting place. Perhaps their final one. Thirty two of them, of many races and kinds, as is their nature. Money will not assuage their hearts and minds, after all is said and done. There is nothing more brutal than the violence perpetrated by your misguided progenitors.

Presuming any of them live.

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It is another segment of time before you are lead into the courtroom. Fifteen royal guard, eight military leaders, one king, one queen, two princes, and one princess. Then the four escorts. Two crossbowmen, in murder-holes hidden in the left and right corners behind you, along with the court jester, who is a twisted, wiry tiefling of indeterminable gender, and possesses enough needles and daggers to kill most everyone in the room.

“Your royal majesty....the....person that the Duke of Tammerlindt said would be of use to you.” The king looks confused and looks at you, though you keep you head down, aware of his gaze more by feel than by returning it. Your gaze is upon the delicate seventeen year old human female that iss 'princess'. She is frail and a fragile thing, her mind conflicted. The queen is frightened of you, and the guards all distrustful. The generals are curious, and wary, though one is startled. Him you favor with a glance.

Rising the king addresses you, and you return your gaze to the floor.

“How may we address you, young lady?” He speaks as the country he rules, his voice all of their voices. You consider carefully.

[] Give your name, your title, and your nature, as is appropriate.
[] Reply in the manner of these people, giving your name and addressing him by title.
[] Explain that you do not need to be addressed – you have been paid and will perform your duties regardless.
[] Ask him if he intends to interrogate you, and if so, would he prefer you to answer his questions before that occurs.
[] Write in?

>>1618151
Aww damn, I overslept.
>[x] Reply in the manner of these people, giving your name and addressing him by title.

>>1618151

>[] Give your name, your title, and your nature, as is appropriate. But be polite and address him by his title. No need to be improper, at least not now.

Nice pic.

Now that's a girl Akko would be interested in for sure.

Well, she'd also be interested in the priestess and the jester if they're a girl, probably.

>>1618151
>[] Give your name, your title, and your nature, as is appropriate.

It's nice to play from an alternate perspective for once. The first one was certainly enlightening, and chilling. Hopefully they're not all quite as macabre, haha.

And concur on the chick above. Very sexy assortment of knives, daggers and at elast one sword it looks like!

>>1618159

And very good tastes in jewelry, bodysuits and hooded cape.

>>1618161
True, even if those squished boobs don't look too comfy. But you have to sacrifice something for fashion I suppose.

Wonder if this one will have a twist like the first. And whether that one general knows what our temporary protagonist is.

Surprised at the short thread warning, not even any chance to set my alarm, but schedules aren't always easy to predict I'm sure.

>>1618151
>>1618156
>[] Give your name, your title, and your nature, as is appropriate. But be polite and address him by his title. No need to be improper, at least not now.

[X] Give your name, your title, and your nature, as is appropriate.
[X] Write in? Use the honorifics they prefer; there is no need to antagonize unnecessarily.

You wait an appropriate amount of time to ensure no one else is going to address you, then lift your head slightly, looking towards the steps leading up to the throne. You project your voice carefully, using the acoustics to carry it through the room rather than trying to speak loudly. “I am named Vesettra. My titles are Safeguard of Souls, and Grand Mistress of the Zenith Movement. I am what you would call a warrior monastic; an ascetic warrior among my people. If it pleases your royal majesty.”

Though even if it does not, those things remain true. Still, you're not entirely sure that 'name' is correct; your people don't truly have names, though it would seem like one to these people, you suppose. Too late to concern yourself with it now.

“And you are sent by Duke Reese Tagert of Tammerlindt to serve as a bodyguard for the royal princess? Are we to understand that you have been paid and tasked with such a duty?” The king sounds somewhat concerned, though you're not sure why he would be concerned if you are here to do that duty. Certainly the only persons who might be able to combat you are two of the military people, and the jester.

“I am. I shall. You are. I have been, I have been. Your royal majesty.” The king looks perplexed and the jester murmurs that he's a dolt, you're telling him the answers to the questions he asked, in order. It interests you that the king takes no umbrage with the insult. “If the Royal Princess Elspeth Brass Lareneto is the person to the far left of the thrones, then I will begin my duties immediately if there is no objection. Your Royal Majesty.” You reach up and lower your hood, and the reaction is immediate.

“Elf!” “Assassin!” “Fire!” “A DROW?” “Don't move!” “Hold your fire! Sheathe your weapons!” All of this, and the sounds of at least three weapons being draw,

The focus of the crossbowman who launched hiss weapon at you focuses on the back of your neck, from the left diagonal. You take the bolt out of the air as you turn and locate him with your eyes and pinpoint the other, who has not loosed his own bolt. You suspect the sticky substance is a type of poison, but that is not particularly important to you since your body would refuse to process it.

[] Return the bolt to him harmlessly, and explain your nature more thoroughly.
[] Drop the quarrel and warn the king that any other attempts on your life will be considered a challenge.
[] Hold onto the bolt and ask if he would like any further demonstration of your skills.
[] Break the bolt in two, use the two pieces to take out the two assassins, and take down your escorts in a non-lethal manner.
[] Write in?

>>1618172
Apologies, browser was being a prat.

>>1618172
>[] Return the bolt to him harmlessly, and explain your nature more thoroughly.
Am definitely in favor of more drow or drow look-a-like cute girls

>>1618172
>[] Return the bolt to him harmlessly, and explain your nature more thoroughly.

I thought she'd be a demon summoner, not a monk.

>>1618172
>[] Return the bolt to him harmlessly, and explain your nature more thoroughly.

>>1618172
>[x] Return the bolt to him harmlessly, and explain your nature more thoroughly.

>>1618176
With that many knives I had her figured for some kinda assassin-type or occultist, yeah. Monk is very interesting.

Wonder who this duke that sent us is, if he's able to vouch for drow...

>>1618183
>Wonder who this duke that sent us is, if he's able to vouch for drow...

Well, right now he's illithid food.

>>1618184
But the names don't match, anon.

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[X] Return the bolt to him harmlessly, and explain your nature more thoroughly.

You looks up at the would-be assassin and flick the bolt towards him. He yelps and drops the crossbow the bolt pierces, as you turn back to the King who is calmly watching you, as opposed to the many panicking people in the room. Your escorts have drawn their weapons, but they aren't using them, instead having stepped back and squared off around you, holding their assault until they are given orders by someone they apparently trust more than the people who are shouting various things.

An ear-piercing whistle cuts through the room; the jester lowers his fingers, and lounges on the steps, looking around at the distressed crowd.

“I am not an elf.” Your voice cuts through the sudden silence like a hot knife through fat. Looking up at the king, you offer your palm to him. You look at your palm and use your thumbnail to cut open your palm in full view of the court, and the collective gasps and cries of shock are enough to make you certain you have their attention. As your blood pools in the palm of your hand, you lower your fingers, pouring the small pool of glimmering liquid onto the floor before you in a quiet spatter. “Here is your proof.”

King Lareneto looks at the blood you pour onto his floor, as you turn your palm to him, and seal the wound, repairing the damage done to your flesh with minimal effort as a further demonstration of your power. He seems convinced, and he gestures. One of the military men speaks up. “Stand down. Stand down, all of you.” He takes a deep breath, and moves to the foot of the steps leading to the thrones. “You are one of the mystics from the Temples of the Void?” You turn to him and gaze at him calmly. He flushes, and bows his head slightly. “Your pardon. You are one of the ascetics. Your word is your bond, correct?”

“Yes. I am tasked with protecting the....princess, from the raiders who are to arrive in the passing of four suns.”

Your words are met with shock and disbelief. A priest, a servant of one of the Lords of Freedom, speaks up. “I believe you are mistaken....all signs point to their arrival in weeks, months, not days.” His gaze meets yours fearlessly, but you can feel the doubt in him, see the uncertainty of his statements. His spells must have informed him of their supposed time of arrival.

You have no such uncertainty; your Dreams are far more accurate than their spells could ever be. “Four....days, you called them. No sooner. Certainly no later.” He shudders and looks away from you as you turn your gaze onto the appalled young human 'princess' that stares at the pool of sapphire blood on the floor. You gaze at her with eyes of emerald, and look at the warm grey skin of your uninjured palm. “If you are fortunate, they will not simply raze the castle to the foundations. If you are unfortunate....” You look up at the king. “Everyone here will die save for those who surrender.”

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The king's gaze hardens and he nods. “Then we welcome your assistance, Vesettra, and we hope that you are as skilled as you seem to be.”

You don't even bother with an answer as you walk up the steps to meet your ward. No githzerai would.

>End Princess Two.

The Deepest Crèche of Iridaya

“Are all of the warriors returned?” Aside from your voice, there is no sound but the sigh of the Breath of the Tree and the soft ringing of your jewels. Even the armor of the blade dancer that accompanies you makes no noise as you descend into the deepest places of the Living Home.

“All save those who wished to keep watch, my Lady,” she replies, acknowledging her dislike of the situation with a gesture of third degree contempt. “Eighteen but all experts and capable. It is a trial to coordinate a defense without their assistance.” You sigh softly, pausing before the briars and vines that wall off the doorway to the Crèche of the Brightest. She steps in front of you and performs the Rite that will allow you both passage.

“See if some of the High Lords will give a Mage's Decree to them, or if they will spare Sendings to gain their advice and knowledge. I trust they gave us their sigils or names?” She nods an assent as the vines and bramble slowly withdraw, becoming decorative patterns on the frame of the ancient door. You step forward as she steps aside, taking the jeweled key from your belt and inserting it into the lock before stepping back. “That is a blessing, then.”

The key slides deep into the mechanisms of the lock and the panel becomes solid, silver veins extending from the topaz apex of the key. The door melts into the frame and you enter the crèche, your blade singer in tow.

The room is filled with soft song, a minstrel teaching the Histories to five of the young ones. A warrior guides two others through mock combat, though it is clear one is starting to enter a fugue state and will be helpless and unteachable until he returns. A trio of the young, two males and a female, explore each other's senses in the well padded chamber at the far end, their voices soft croons and moans, when they vocalize. Seven others, all in varying states of fugue. Seventeen youth, barely sapient. Perhaps two on the verge of entering adulthood.

[] See if she has a total of all the young in the Home yet.
[] Find your daughter among the youth, and see if she is approaching true intelligence yet.
[] Ask your blade singer about who is responsible for the safety of this crèche.
[] Have your blade singer await you and settle to listen to the Histories with the young for a bit.
[] Write in?

>>1618197
>[] Find your daughter among the youth, and see if she is approaching true intelligence yet.

>>1618197
Awww yisss, time to dance with some 'rai
>[x] Ask your blade singer about who is responsible for the safety of this crèche.
>[x] Find your daughter among the youth, and see if she is approaching true intelligence yet.

>>1618197
>[] See if she has a total of all the young in the Home yet.
>[] Find your daughter among the youth, and see if she is approaching true intelligence yet.
>[] Ask your blade singer about who is responsible for the safety of this crèche.

Is it normal for one Githzerai to show up for defending a raid like this? I'd have imagined they would respect the sheer amount of power their fellow Gith (heh) have to pull on and either engage in force themselves or not at all. Especially since she doesn't seem particularly optimistic where the chances of actually repelling the raiders is concerned. One wonders what she's actually planning to accomplish here.

>>1618197

>[] See if she has a total of all the young in the Home yet.
>[] Ask your blade singer about who is responsible for the safety of this crèche.
>[] Have your blade singer await you and settle to listen to the Histories with the young for a bit.

>>1618210

She's not here to stop the whole raid, she was hired to protect one person.

>>1618214
Well obviously, but the point is if her way to protect the princess isn't 'leave with her to somewhere safe before the raid arrives' then it amounts to mostly the same thing. I mean the alternative is diplomacy, and would a Githzerai REALLY be the first choice of anyone when it comes to making deals with Githyanki? Besides, not a lot of leverage on the human side if it came to bargaining. Else I suppose some kinda challenge for duel or the like, but that seems pretty damn risky.

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[XX] Find your daughter among the youth, and see if she is approaching true intelligence yet.
[X] Ask your blade singer about who is responsible for the safety of this crèche.
[x] See if she has a total of all the young in the Home yet.

You give your blade singer a gesture of second degree patience modified by a third degree addition of regret, and slowly make your way into the chamber. She steps to one side of the door, which allows it to seal itself, the wood growing in quickly from the edges and delivering up the key to be taken. The vines and brambles remain hidden; the rite will have to be repeated to make them return.

Slowly you make your way through the chamber, feeling eyes upon you but not entirely sure where they are that you can feel them so. Ignoring the sensation, you pick your way through, careful not to bother those that are being taught. You can't help but smile when you find her; with the other two in the Soft Chamber, naturally. Precocious, just like her father was. You stand at the doorway, enjoying the feelings that watching her gives rise to. Love, of course, and joy; but also fear, and regret. A little pain, and some envy as well.

You explore the feelings thoroughly as you watch her and the other femme caressing and licking the malle, tasting his skin, touching his semi-erect maleness, nuzzling his lean body to inhale his scents. He shudders as they explore him, the trio's hair and bodies tangling together. He starts slipping into a fugue, and the femme who is with your daughter pulls back, the lack of response boring her it seems. Not so your daughter. She caresses and strokes his body as he lies unresponsive, his glassy eyes staring into the ceiling roots.

You crouch, pulling your dress aside and watch her as she finally starts to realize he is not paying her any attention. Then she too pulls back, staring at him as her companion does. The other femme slips away as well, one fugue state inducing another's, it would seem. Your daughter finally notices you, and stares, her mindless eyes gazing through you as much as at you. She, like her companions, is nearly full grown. Another seven or eight years, perhaps, or as little as a few months. It is difficult to tell, you have been busy these past three decades.

[] Entertain her with a pretty light-show, perhaps.
[] See if she will come to you of her own accord.
[] You've seen enough, go back to your blade singer.
[] Teach her a little more magic while she is attentive.
[] Write in?

>>1618218
>[x] Entertain her with a pretty light-show, perhaps.
>[x] You've seen enough, go back to your blade singer.

>>1618218
>[] Teach her a little more magic while she is attentive.

Mmmmmh, not sure what to do.

>>1618228
I'm not sure it matters too much given the state they're in.

>>1618229

Oh, it does matter. It will probably affect her development in a way or another.

>>1618218

>[] See if she will come to you of her own accord.

>>1618218

Adding to my vote here >>1618232

>Teach her a little more magic while she is attentive. Something she'll enjoy.

I feel like this elf mother would want her daughter to have something she learned from her mother, in those times of troubles.

>>1618218
>>1618219
Fair enough, I guess I can add that.
>[x] Teach her a little more magic while she is attentive.

>>1618246

I would like to just entertain her with pretty light, because she should have fun, but on the other hand, the mother seems too worried to think about that while enemies are going to attack.

>>1618218
>[] Teach her a little more magic while she is attentive.

>>1618218
>[] See if she will come to you of her own accord.
As a side-note: Fuck gardening and fuck allergies. /blog

>>1618266
But at least you get pretty plants, anon!

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[X] Teach her a little more magic while she is attentive.
[X] Write in? There is enough time to be had.

You slowly extend your hand to your daughter, and the slight movement draws her attention. Her eyes focus, for the space of a few breaths, and she crawls on hands and knees, her feet lifted high. She moves like a cat, all sways and deliberation, but when she reaches your hand she takes your wrist firmly and holds it tight as she crawls a little closer.

Smiling, you watch as she settles before you, her other hand taking your wrist as well, as she stares are your delicate fingers and cupped palm. The bright eyed beauty you gave birth to extends her delicately pointed tongue and licks your palm, slowly and firmly, tasting your skin. Your reaction is instinctive, and not terribly surprising, especially when she opens her mouth and takes your index and ring finger into her mouth, her tongue exploring the delicate digits. It takes a little effort to resist the urge to respond to her attention in like manner. Not because it would cause any issues with the others here, but because there is not entirely THAT much time before she slips into a fugue state herself.

Lifting your hand, you murmur the soft, strange words in the ancient language of dragons, gesturing carefully. Your movement attracts her attention again, and the were-lights that erupt around your free hand cause her to withdraw your fingers from her hot, eager mouth. Releasing your hand she reaches for the lights, which you give over to her, allowing her to grasp your other wrist as she caresses the air above your hand, trying to tease the lights into her hand. You shiver as she pulls your closer, curling into your body with the ease of a languid animal, her naked body warm through the silks you wear.

Perhaps your blade singer might indulge you later, if your husband has not returned home in a few days.

You teach her through rote, repeating the cantrip and the requisite gestures again and again, until she starts repeating the same gesture; yours creates the shimmering lights and delicate chiming noises, the simple, yet incredibly useful Prestidigitation that is the basis of all other magics. She doesn't speak of course, merely mouthing the incantation to herself. Speaking is always the last thing to come to your kind; you kiss the top of her head and hold her close, swaying silently as she starts to lose herself in a fugue. Your blade singer approaches silently, and kneels next to you.

“How many young are there?” you whisper softly, so as not to disturb the fugues that the trio of youth are within.

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“Seventy-five, spread between four Homes. These are the eldest, and three others in this Home, for a total of thirty, the most of them.” Her voice is soft, and she strokes your daughter's hair, her expression no less concerned than yours. “The Prognosticators say no more than a week. Perhaps, if we are fortunate, two.”

“Two weeks....” Not nearly enough time. Fielding an army would be the best choice, but that would be impossible. You haven't the slightest idea how humans manage it so easily. Of course the tactics they use are entirely predictable in comparison as well. “Who is responsible for the Crèche of the Brightest? Who will take this burden?”

“Maavere Dschave, who possesses an eidolon. He is here, invisible; the creature watches us even now, equally unseen.” You relax, and nod slowly. “My lady.... High Lady Einna, please....we should not tarry any longer. It has been many hours. Your people....” Your blade singer makes a gesture of first degree regret, and second degree pity.

[] A short while longer please, Shiea.
[] As you wish, my guardian.
[] Just take her hand and hold it, be here and now as long as she will allow it.
[] Kiss your daughter and slip away.
[] Write in?

>>1618280
>Kiss your daughter and slip away

>>1618280
>[] Kiss your daughter and slip away.

>>1618280
>[] Kiss your daughter and slip away.

>>1618280

>As you wish, my guardian
>Kiss and hug your daughter, and express all your motherly love for her, even if she does not understand yet.

>>1618280
>[] Kiss your daughter and slip away.

>>1618280
>[x] Just take her hand and hold it, be here and now as long as she will allow it.
Might be the last time!

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[X] Kiss your daughter and slip away.
[X] Write in? You are a cruel taskmistress, my dancer.

You can't help the soft sigh that escapes your lips as you are reminded of the many duties you have chosen to take upon yourself so that others do not have to do so. Shiea serves you, and perhaps her most taxing service is to force you to do your duty. Still, she has given you this time, and the memories will sustain you for many years to come.

Your daughter feels you begin to move and looks up at you, her fugue tremulous as you start to slip away. Touching her soft lips with your fingertips, allowing her to taste your skin, you rest your forehead against hers. She blinks, and then her eyes half close as she lifts her head her hand fumbling yours out of the way so she can kiss you upon the lips. She tastes of salt and smells of the malle elf; you caress her ear, which prompts her to close her eyes completely, fugue becoming sleep even as you kiss her sweetly, hoping that she will dream of your love through the times to come on many occasions. She will not sleep long this time, of course, and when she wakes he will return to the fugue, but for this moment she is safe and at peace.

Your blade dancer assists you in laying your child down upon the softness of feathers and silk, arranging her in as comfortable a manner as possible. Rising, you speak to the empty air. “Thank you for your life, Maavere. If you cannot protect them....do not let them be taken.” Your blade singer winces, looking away, and you rush to open the door, going up the steps in a wash of frustration and despair-ridden outrage as your blade singer reweaves the ward against intrusion in your wake.

You silently condemn the humans to Carceri for their stupidity.

>End Princess Three.

With your Cadre assembled – even Falna and Schechei, who sits close to Kteine and rests her fingers upon the hand of her twin, despite everything – you stroke Yzia's hair and listen as Dunzamn outlines the raid he has planned. Two neighboring countries, small but exceedingly rich in resources and both as odds with one another, a long term – very long term for races that age, even elvenkind – war going on. It seems to be based on a religious matter, shrines and deities and the like.

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The Supreme Leader for the Raid , his telepathic broadcast enhanced by the psychic circuit in the center of the amphitheater, explains the plan. The humans proposed a mercenary action on your part, assisting them in driving out the humans. Sadly, a long term false effort won't work; both sides have strong diviners and divine magics that they have employed. As a result, an all out attack, in multiple waves, on both groups, with the goal of collecting aristocracy and powerful leaders and spellcasters to ransom back, in return for resources. However, for every ten ransoms, one slave is going to be kept, given to the cadre that collects the ten ransoms and chosen from those ransoms by the cadre.

Yzia wriggles on your lap, excited at the prospect of getting her princess, while Tzanzi kneels behind you and drapes her arms around your neck, murmuring in your ear. “I have been told that elves even scar prettily....do you know what they taste like?”

You leans back and run your fingers through the fall of shining diamond hair Yzia currently sports. “No, what do they taste like?”

Tzanzi hisses. “I don't know. That's why I was asking you.”

Auena is looking at you both like you are crazy. “The only way I eat elves is for their pleasure, Tzanzi, why in the Names of the Dead Gods would I know how they taste otherwise?!” Falna frowns and gestures for you to be silent, and you make a sharp noise, making her flush angrily at your reminder she is not the boss of you but the other way around.

The options Dunzamn outlines are simple enough, but with a force this large, complex in execution. While the Lair is already set up, maintained and prepared by the guilds and spacious enough for the nearly one-hundred-and-fifty githyanki warriors that he intends to take on this especially ambitious raid. The numbers even surprise Tzanzi; typically thirty to forty is more than enough. But then, controlling groups of prisoners for large periods of time, plus dealing with elven wizardry and human sorcery....it is going to be interesting to say the least. As if that isn't enough, when all is said and done about twenty five dragons will be involved as well, nearly a third of what the Stronghold has in support.

>>1618356
Sounds like the scale is pretty crazy.

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Of course, that brings you to the question you need to ask, and Dunzamn answers it before it is asked, as a good Supreme Leader should. For the humans, the main targets are the castle, the palaces of nobles outside the castle which includes both the city and outlying lands, and the merchants districts where the wealthy are expected to conduct their business. That last doesn't seem to promising to you, however. The elves, of course, are another matter: they reside in five separate locations, of which one is called their Home, and the others are outlying elven communities. In their case the young elves are the targets, as are those great wizards and spellcasters, along with any who serve their communities if they can be identified (a difficult task, you suspect).

While the most choice slaves to fit you and your cadres preferences would be humans - specifically, those in the palace – that is where the greatest resistance will be as well. On the other hand, the most valued hostages would be the elves, and between you, Auena, and Tzanzi, not to mention being gish heavy, your Cadre is ideal for coping with spellcasters and wizards.

Of course, there will be opportunities to trade for desirable slaves as well, which means you could take less risks, and possible take more gain from it than not. On the other hand, Yzia really does want a princess, and those are not easily come by.

[] Target the human Stronghold and the delectable royals within.
[] Target the elven stronghold and the precious hostages they hide.
[] Take on the task of collecting the human hostages, which will net you more prisoners.
[] Take on the task of capturing the elven wizards and spellcasters, whom are worth their weight in diamonds.
[] Offer to hire your services as a siege team, with the price being choice slaves, allowing others to take more hostages and prisoners while you do grand battle.
[] write in?
Siobhan wants to play with an elf or possess a princess!

>final vote. Notes have been taken in terms of slave preferences, which does not necessarily reflect the choice made here; you will have opportunities to trade slaves and also switch 'jobs' as well.

>>1618361
Oh man, this is difficult. Really mean to make us choose, even if logistics demand it!

So basically we can pick between fighting the cream of the crop for more prestigious slaves but we won't get to keep as many, or we can go around focusing on collecting elves/humans and keep more of them?
How does the Siege team fit in with this? We can pick and choose after the fact?

>>1618361
>[] Target the elven stronghold and the precious hostages they hide.
Gotta aim for the stars and get that Elven Princess.

>>1618361
>[] Target the human Stronghold and the delectable royals within.

>>1618365
That is essentially correct. Also, seige team is the single most dangerous occupation, because what you do is you find the armies, the wizards, the adventurers, and make them focus on you so that others can do the work of collecting slaves and taking out smaller problems.

In other words, higher risk=greater profit in every case.

you could even number them one to five in roder from least important to most important. I am willing to flex on the choices to an extent as long as I have an idea where everyone wants to take this.

>>1618372
Oooh, that sounds tempting, though risky. Hmm, gotta admit selfishly I want to just pick up the royalty.

If we pick one of the first two, is there a risk that we won't pick up enough slaves to make our cadre satisfied i.e. someone has to go home without anything good to show for it while Akko takes the pretty princess?

>>1618373
It's possible, but there are other rewards as well - resources, for instance, as well as prestige. Everyone is aware of the risk of not gathering enough to make the quotas desired, but most of what Akko promised to them has been delivered already (Falna's wish for Kteine and Schechei's githyanki-ness, and Yashi's sword for instance). Other things will simply require work - Aeuna's training, for instance. Tzanzi is the only one actually promised a slave, to be honest, aside from Yzia.

There are also plenty of other opportunities and chances to collect objects of power and pretty things unavailable in the Astral plane. Slave taking is only part of what a Raid is about.

>>1618361
>>1618381
Hmm, alright well I'll try a list then.
>[1] Offer to hire your services as a siege team, with the price being choice slaves, allowing others to take more hostages and prisoners while you do grand battle.
>[2] Target the human Stronghold and the delectable royals within.
>[3] Target the elven stronghold and the precious hostages they hide.
>[4] Take on the task of capturing the elven wizards and spellcasters, whom are worth their weight in diamonds.
>[5] Take on the task of collecting the human hostages, which will net you more prisoners.
Not certain about it, but for now I'm sticking by it.

>>1618372

So if we go for the "capture elven wizards", we actually would get to keep more slaves of our choice than if we attack the strongholds to secure slaves?

>>1618368
>>1618370

Those choices seems like almost traps, in a way, because we'd capture plenty of people but won't get to keep many. In fact, we'd have to give up on most of them.

Plus, we need both slaves and cash for our Lair plan, so the one that pay the best would be the most advantagous.

>>1618384

QM said from less important to more important, dude.

Being the siege team is the most important job, but our spells aren't exactly chosen for that, this time.

>>1618390
Akko can change out her entire spell list in two hours. The Elder Power invigorates her. But you will have one more chance to rest a full 8 hours before the Raid actually commences (largely because the lair needs to be populated effectively and boundaries set).

She's mythic. Schechei has no such benefit, but she will be concentrating on offense and defense spells, rather than Akko's toolbox of the Astral.

>>1618390
Oh so she did, not intuitive to me. Then again, I can't imagine it'll cause too much confusion for tallying given the discussion.

And while I'm not sure we'll be able to change our spell-list again before starting (since we already decided on one before and it'd have been pointless at the time if so), I don't think our list is too bad for sieging either.

>>1618386
Akko is only expecting about three or four slaves to be honest. The others....well, that's up for debate and discussion later.

>>1618361
>[] Take on the task of capturing the elven wizards and spellcasters, whom are worth their weight in diamonds.

I'd say Akko would like to show she can handle that.

If we can switch shouldn't we go to premium slaves first to capture what we want before others can get to them and then after move to one of the options that give us more slaves so we can keep the first group?

>>1618361
>[] Target the human Stronghold and the delectable royals within.

We probably also want battle glory, so targeting the strongholds would be the "easy victory without glory" (relatively) option.

>>1618361
>[] Target the elven stronghold and the precious hostages they hide.
I'll start off here I suppose

I'll just stick by whichever option gives us our precious Elven Princess.

>>1618410

As long as her kid doesn't die

>>1618421
Hopefully we can thwart the mercy-killing ploy they've set up if it comes to it!

>>1618421
They'd make fun slaves, especially the daughter in combination with the mother, but losing any single slave isn't the worst loss in the world. They're just lesser beings after all.

>>1618433

No they are not. And the Githyanki doesn't consider the slaves lesser beings. A lesser position, maybe, but not beings.

Also, I certainly don't want them for incest, just because they're cute as a family.

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[XXXX] Target the elven stronghold and the precious hostages they hide.
[XXX] Target the human Stronghold and the delectable royals within
[XX] Take on the task of capturing the elven wizards and spellcasters, whom are worth their weight in diamonds.
[X] Offer to hire your services as a siege team, with the price being choice slaves, allowing others to take more hostages and prisoners while you do grand battle.

It doesn't take long to come to a decision between you. With Tzanzi's incredible resistance to magic of all sorts, no less than four gish of whom one is anti-spellcaster specifically, and a spellcaster who specializes in the one school of magic least expected by elven wizards, the choice to invade the elven stronghold and take their most precious treasures – their young – is a high risk, high value choice.

Falna reveals she has a Carpet of Comfort, which not only acts as the largest possible Flying Carpet, but can transform into a fairly palatial tent. It can carry several people, but with six of you riding Yzia, Falna and Schechei on the Carpet can carry four young elven prisoners without slowing the carpet down. If they're well secured, she could transport as many as six, but more slowly. Yzia can carry to youths in each of her fore-claws, making ten – of which one will be yours to keep.

“Delving that deep into an elven Stronghold will be difficult,” points out Tzanzi, “but not impossible. Getting out with the prisoners intact would be much harder.”

Kteine looks at you. “How many can you Teleport, Akko?”

“Including myself? Five. I can plant them wherever I wish however, and I have one use of it always prepared for emergency use aside from my memorized spells.” The spells scribed upon your skin includes that one. “It costs me some Arcane force, but if I am thrifty, I can cast it several times.”

“I have a Powerstone with three uses of it, but I can transport only four,” offers Auena, surprising you.

Yashi tilts her head. “I can transport myself and three as well, and have five scrolls, which Akko and Schechei might be able to use,” she murmurs, causing several people near your Cadre to shudder along with most of your Cadre.

“It would be dangerous, but I can,” admits Schechei, and to Falna's credit she controls her immediate reaction. “I would only be able to transport two aside from myself.”

“So....we are agreed? Unless another opportunity arises, the Elven Stronghold and the childer there is our target?” You looks at the others, and Tzanzi nods, while the other give their telepathic assent in a variety of emotional tones.

Naturally, it is Yzia's desire and Siobhan's gleeful song that overwhelm them all in their intensity and fervor....and you smile, baring your spurs in a vicious, rictus grin of malice and threat.

"Then we are agreed....”

>To Be Continued....

>>1618451
Thanks for the thread, XS. It was nice to get a peek at other regions and cultures of this world.

>>1618451
Thanks for running!

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Thank you for reading and playing.

Akko's spell list is always up for adjustment, but she usually leaves several open slots to instantly memorize spells with using her Arcane Pool, and once memorized, she can recast such spells at a far lower cost. Unlike the others, she is capable of complete rest and spell recovery in a mere one hour, which also replenishes her arcane pool and other abilities that are daily use. However, it does not refresh her mythic power, which she uses one point to activate this ability.

Finally, as circumstances change and you make alliances and enemies and gain more information, you will have ample opportunity to learn more about and change your targets of choice.

Finally, I have taken slave preferences into account and will work with you towards them when it is possible to do so in character (which is generally 'usually but not always'.)

Thanks for writing
Will POV elf show up at our first destination or was she at the the other elf option/siege?

>>1618460
Impossible to say at this time, I'm afraid.

>>1618463
Guess we'll just have to be surpised

Thanks for running!

Honestly, I get the impression that capturing the kids is one of the less fun/less rewarding missions.

Maybe we can do more than one attack in the raid?

>>1618479
Oh, you'll have to - it's next to impossible to get enough captures for more than one slasve earned, and perhaps not even then. Raiding isn't a single attempt only, it's a protected series of battles, with circumstances changing each time as your enemies try and work agaisnt your tactics and strategies. Capturing the elven youth is the second hardest mission with the highest value of hostages.

That's why siege attacks are the most dangerous, you get exposed to the most dangerous enemies multiple times.

>>1618854
...."protracted", spellchecker. I thought I had you trained.

>>1618854

Well, if PF was actually balanced, this would put Githyanki casters at a disadvantage.

Can we change job mid-raid? Like, do one run of "capture elf kids" then go "capture human royalty" and then " capture elf casters"

>>1626174
Yes. As stated before, it's a protected engagement, not a "go and do one run and come back". There's a reason the staging area for raids are called "Lairs". Aeuna has done several long term raids - that's why she's soft and fluffy.