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There are a few things that hint at the truthfulness the elan is proclaiming. The first and foremost one is that it isn't a one time offer; she has as much as stated that should you refuse, the opportunity might arise again, though not easily or in a timely manner. They have literally forever, and so might you if you don't manage to get eaten by Vlaakith, have your brain consumed, or fall afoul of an assassin, or get yourself otherwise dead or incapacitated. There is also the fact that this is how her kind reproduce, a revelation that one does not make easily or incautiously when dealing with an exceedingly powerful user of magics, even if you are no mere spellcaster.

“I have questions, of course.” She inclines her head readily, her piercing blue eyes gazing at you through the shimmering curtains of magical and eldritch forces the winding path of the labyrinth holds. You still have the power of the Mythic Transformation and you reactivate your Battle-magic Sense as well. Just in case.

[] Explain more about the state of my mind after the process. Ego death is generally considered unpleasant in most situations.
[] What is that creature behind you doing here? A sacrifice of some kind?
[] A little more detail on why - and how – you chose me. It seems....convenient for you and you know more about me than I like anyone knowing.
[] Tell me about the process itself. No, this is not optional, you explain or I outright refuse.
[] I want to know more about you – you personally, not your kind or your nature. You know me, the reverse should be true.
[] Write in?
Siobhan is singing softly, curious as well; being transformed promises all sorts of possibilities, and as long as she has you, then she is content.

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/XsQuestmistress

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

Previous Thread: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/1901398/

Akko, Akatmosoko, 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:, Yzidriava: Ancient Mythic Solar Dragon, lover and companion. She may carry Akko and nine others, being gargantuan.
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.
>notSilver Sword: Fehr Vaed
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
>Silver Sword: Tiagothe
Kteine: Mid-ranked Gish (your adoptive daughter and acolyte); Class: Psychic Warrior, bound by Oath
>Silver Sword: Achris

>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.
>His dragon companion Jacinth, whose true name is an unknown, and is an ancient creature.

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

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

>>1947575
>[x] Explain more about the state of my mind after the process. Ego death is generally considered unpleasant in most situations.
>[x] What is that creature behind you doing here? A sacrifice of some kind?
Raiding time!

>>1947575
>[] What is that creature behind you doing here? A sacrifice of some kind?
>[] I want to know more about you – you personally, not your kind or your nature. You know me, the reverse should be true.
>[] Explain more about the state of my mind after the process. Ego death is generally considered unpleasant in most situations.

I don't know, as good an opportunity as this is, I feel like right now Akko believes in the Githyanki cause too much to leave it all behind now, even if she can maybe re-become a Githyanki in the future.

>>1947575
>[] What is that creature behind you doing here? A sacrifice of some kind?
>[] Tell me about the process itself. No, this is not optional, you explain or I outright refuse.
>[] I want to know more about you – you personally, not your kind or your nature. You know me, the reverse should be true.

>>1947575
>[] Explain more about the state of my mind after the process. Ego death is generally considered unpleasant in most situations.
>[] What is that creature behind you doing here? A sacrifice of some kind?
>[] I want to know more about you – you personally, not your kind or your nature. You know me, the reverse should be true.

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[XX] What is that creature behind you doing here? A sacrifice of some kind?
[X] Explain more about the state of my mind after the process. Ego death is generally considered unpleasant in most situations.
[X] I want to know more about you – you personally, not your kind or your nature. You know me, the reverse should be true.

“First – what is that.” You gesture at the bound and silent – though not gagged – tiefling on her isolated pedestal in the gap between the ritual room and the far wall. She cranes her head, looking back at you with worry.

The redhead barely glances at the captive. “A consolation prize if you refuse,” she comments mildly. “No, I jest. I caught her investigating the temple and would rather not have her bring any friends along just yet or make a mess out of a carefully prepared ritual. Regardless of your decisions, I'll be letting her go free with no memory of you or I, only of a strange, secluded temple that will eventually be inhabited by groups of monsters, a religious sect, or become a source of rumor and wonder.” The elan shrugs. “This place has only one purpose, and whether or not the purpose is served, there's no reason to destroy it or unmake it. Easier just to let people wonder. Though there have been cases of New-Made using them as homes or training grounds, or people seeding them with riches and objects of power they wish disseminated into the world.”

That does explain a great deal of why there are always a few such places in most material worlds. A single use dungeon re-purposed by locals for whatever suits them, or made into lairs by the unknowing and unaware, hiding the original creator's will. “So, a hapless victim of circumstance,” you muse. “What happens to my sense of self after the process? Ego death seems a steep price for immortality, and I have plans and desires beyond the moment that I wish to enact.”

She looks rather taken aback by the question. “Ego death? What-no!” Her appalled reaction elicits an involuntary smirk from you; she seems earnestly upset at the idea. “Why would we eliminate the very qualities that make you worthwhile for the offer in the first place?” She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. When she opens them, she is clearly more settled.

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“The loss you suffer upon becoming an elan is only that of training. The essential self is unchanged; your thought processes and memories are intact. There would be no difference in your attitudes, desires, or potentials. Any flaws you may have would remain as well, of course. The loss of your skills is another matter; your physiology would be utterly alien, and as a result, the memories you have of how to perform the acts you are used to performing now would be meaningless to your new body. You would retain your understanding of magic, but performing it would be impossible, because while you understand the process, your body won't respond in the same manner when you try and gesture or when you try to speak the words of spells.”

“Yet the same is not true of shapechanging magics,” you point out.

“Part of the magic itself allows for that,” she counters. “We're not talking about a simple transmutation, but a literal rebuilding of your entire body with the addition of psychic and temporal materials.” You glance at the shimmering sheet of liquefied time behind her. “Just so. I only look human; my body is more like the crystal in your hand than it is like yours or the explorer's there. I may bleed, but it isn't blood, and what does bleed from me isn't necessary to keep me alive as much as my body being intact does.”

“So it is not true immortality.”

“Oh, it is – in the sense that you would be unaging and undying. Psychic energies would be enough to maintain your life. A few hours of meditation will replenish your mental and physical fortitude entirely. It would be tremendously difficult to kill you, and diseases, poisons, and injuries could be mitigated to an extent by an expenditure of psychic energy.” She frowns faintly. “The downsides, of course, include the fact that you would be barren, and you would in fact live forever. But if you did not have the mental fortitude to live forever and engage the world as you do, we would never have made the offer.”

“You insist on saying we, but it is only yourself that is present.” The redhead starts to speak but you slash the air in front of you, cutting her off. She doesn't take offense, showing her understanding of your language isn't merely the result of some spell, but an understanding of your culture as well. Interesting. “Why you. Who are you that they would chose you, or that you would volunteer to present this offer.” She looks slightly puzzled. “You know me. That much is clear. I do not know you. I have taken great pains to escape the notice of others, as a general rule, and the fact that you are not only aware of that, but have been watching me for longer than the past few sidereal years concerns me, for obvious reasons. I want to know of you.”

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“You clearly have an understated sense of your own egotism,” she points out mildly. It is your turn to look puzzled. “You may have quite the ego, Akko, but your self-involvement prevents you from seeing how others view you. You are considered to be the epitome of githyanki, not merely in the ways of culture, but your very nature is that of the people you belong to. It is a relatively easy thing to follow your exploits and doings, not because you are profligate about them, but because when young githyanki are shown examples to aspire to, you are among the most noted and commented upon.”

“Deflecting the question is not helping your case,” you point out irascibly.

“I am two thousand, eight hundred, and sixty seven years old. Asking me to tell you about myself takes a bit of doing; it would be like asking Yashi to tell you about herself. What you truly need to know is presented as it is.” She lifts both hands and closes her eyes, making a gesture that seems to be the human equivalent of calming. “I know, I know. It would be easier for me to show you though a momentary psychic link, but I suspect you have an aversion to that.”

[] I would allow it in this case, if you are willing to place yourself in Siobhan's reach.
[] You would be right. Speech is perfectly fine.
[] I'm familiar with the Mind-link spell, if that's what you mean, and I am not adverse.
[] That brings up a pertinent question – how exactly have you been spying on me?
[] My Cadre is on their way back to our Lair. You have....say a turning to explain yourself.
[] Write in?
Siobhan is perfectly willing to try and delve into the elan's mind on your behalf. Even subtly, if you wish it.

>>1947712
>[x] I would allow it in this case, if you are willing to place yourself in Siobhan's reach.
I am intrigued! Tell me these tales of wonder.

>>1947712
>[] That brings up a pertinent question – how exactly have you been spying on me?
>[] I would allow it in this case, if you are willing to place yourself in Siobhan's reach.

>>1947712
>[] I'm familiar with the Mind-link spell, if that's what you mean, and I am not adverse.
>[] That brings up a pertinent question – how exactly have you been spying on me?

>>1947712
>[] I'm familiar with the Mind-link spell, if that's what you mean, and I am not adverse.
I guess I feel like at this point it's super-improbable this is a trap of some kind.

>>1947731
I agree. That doesn't mean it's the best timing though. But we might be out of luck if we refuse now since there's no guarantee in the slightest that we'll be able to meet her again for the duration of this quest, or indeed before attracting too much undue attention.

I think it's a good offer but I'm sad about all the things we'd miss out on, like mentoring Kteine and seeing how those two bond with their swords, all the smut weve set up (heh), elf slaves and raiding in general and so on

>>1947747
yeah I'm not keen on it either, but I'm also not keen on losing sleep to stay up and vote

>>1947747
Yeah. I'm mainly opposed to it because it feels like we'd just throw away all we've worked for since the quest started. Taking this boon is a good desicion for the character, but a bad one for the story.

>>1947761
I don't know, I feel like the Elan already explained why Akko might not go for it, even if it is in her best interests
>You are considered to be the epitome of githyanki, not merely in the ways of culture, but your very nature is that of the people you belong to. It is a relatively easy thing to follow your exploits and doings, not because you are profligate about them, but because when young githyanki are shown examples to aspire to, you are among the most noted and commented upon.
Like Akko didn't do that on purpose really, and yet nonetheless she is pretty much a paragon of Githyanki. And I don't think giving up most of what she's worked for just to become immortal is the Githyanki way.

>>1947761
True enough, although the new story we'd start on could be even more entertaining for all we know. I don't think XS would leave it up to a choice like this if she genuinely thought Akko's current story was getting stale or boring (especially since we only just got around to actually raiding and haven't had the time to play that out) so I'm certain that refusing will go great. I just don't feel great about doing it because this is the perfect situation for Akko to slip away from Her Majesty's grasp with only Yashi knowing we're still alive at all. If we keep putting off solutions just waiting for an even better one to come along or because we're too indecisive then it'll be too late before we know it.

>>1947774
I'd worry about that after more than one option has been presented, this is literally the first one. I doubt we'll get another one this easily, but this one really rubs me the wrong way. Especially after we just got an elf princess.

I guess the biggest issue I have is that I'm a really bad Githyanki and even though, yes, all the options Akko has CAN be justified in-story and no doubt will be by XS...it doesn't mean that I feel like I'M choosing them for in-character reasons. Like yeah Akko absolutely has reasons for refusing, but I'm not exactly convinced those reasons are 'Kteine too cute' or 'can't give up that Auena ass' or 'damn, I really am fired up for this raid' especially since the latter is fairly standard for a Gith of Akko's age and stature but relatively novel and fun for me as a player. And acting out of character is the second worst thing you can do when playing!

Siobhan is perfectly willing to try and delve into the elan's mind on your behalf. Even subtly, if you wish it.
[X] I'm familiar with the Mind-link spell, if that's what you mean, and I am not adverse.
[X] I would allow it in this case, if you are willing to place yourself in Siobhan's reach.
[X] That brings up a pertinent question – how exactly have you been spying on me?

“If you mean something similar to the basic Mind-Link spell or telepathic communication, I am not adverse....if you would be so kind as to place yourself with reach of my blade.” Siobhan's liquid laughter is music in your mind. “The effort you are willing to go through to convince me of your sincerity is very much noted, and it would be discourteous of me not to acknowledge it.”

“Not to mention Siobhan would be perfectly willing to kill me if I should overstep?” she replies as she stretches her legs and slides off the altar. “Yes, I can transfer the gist of my nature and doings in that manner, though it shouldn't be terribly surprising to you.” That alone piques your interest.

As she walks around the labyrinth, you study her. She seems unarmed, but that is meaningless. She walks with a grace similar to that of your kind and of the elves: the grace of a creature that is ancient and moves with the deliberation of the old and perceptive. “I am curious what methods of spying you have been using, beyond your Hypercognition. Yes, I am aware of the power. While few of our kind possess it for long, those that do as tasked carefully and often by Her Majesty.” The elan is only a little surprised, admittedly, but you don't like being condescended to as a general rule. Only her bizarre request let you ignore it previously.

“The same way we spy on everything – incidentally. We are not a close knit people, and there are not that many of us. However there are....certain methods of contact that do not require magical or psychic means, and are actually quite simple. Since time is not a particular threat, when one of us comes across a potential candidate in our meanderings, we leave....let's call it a note, where others will find it eventually. If the candidate is still alive, we then begin the usual spying techniques, all carried out by those who are very, very old and very, very powerful. Like myself, a Culler.”

You casually draw Siobhan, who sings softly and audibly. That slows the elan's progress down some. “I see you've been busy since your Colloquy.”

“Very,” you agree as she steps in front of you. Up close her feminine nature is a little more obvious in a softness of cheeks and lips and the sway of hips. She exudes a healthiness, a certain spark of vitality that is rare in most humans that you've seen. Of course, most of those are slaves, so that isn't surprising. You hold your ground as she extends a long, fine finger to your forehead.

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You were born Skattish of the People, a race of lizard folk ruled over by a king of your kind, one of the mutations that had higher intellect and greater strength. You were chosen to be one of his mates, and bred several times. The encroaching humanoids were a problem, and warfare become commonplace. The nature of the mammals was strange, interesting. You left your tribe to learn more, but not of the neighboring races.

Your travels took you far and wide, and you learned much, but it was not enough. Your people did not age slowly, compared to most; in the few decades you traveled your bonds with nature became strong, and though they sustained you, you still aged. Despite that you continued well into old age, seeking more, learning more, teaching others. One day you were approached by a dark haired humanoid with blue eyes, and offered the opportunity to trade your body and your knowledge for immortality.

You accepted.

Since then you have learned, wandered, grown. Though the change in form was disturbing and confusing at first, it afforded you access to places where fear and prejudice would not have. You watched over your tribe still, yes, but now you had many more opportunities. And you \wandered the world...and then worlds, your new skills and psychic powers opening passages to even more wonders and things to experience and learn. You walked between worlds, between realities, learned the ways of not one, but many universes.

As you grew in power, so to did you accept greater responsibility. From New-Made to Made; from Made to Perfected; from Perfected to Culler. You guide your people, scattered and free as they are, only by choosing those who epitomize the nature of all your kind: those whom view life as a source of never ending pleasure, taking joy in existence beyond mere hedonism or sybaritic pleasure. Not that those do not make bad choices....but the true nature, the core of an elan's existence is to live, to experience and take pleasure in living. Be it merely adventuring, learning, teaching, conquering nations and then abandoning them to decay so that you can plot a rebellion against it, nurturing entire generations of elves, making legends only to fall at the hands of heroes or monsters just to do it all again, there is always something to be done, more to experience.

The elan are witness to the entire scope of existences, and you are there to keep that joy in living, alive.

The sheer scope of her experience makes your head hurt, but the gist is clear: she enjoys life and her task, if you can even call it that, is to welcome into the ranks of the elan those who share a similar attitude. Your battle against ennui, your delving into magic, your will to power, all aspects of the thing that she promotes among her kind: living for the pleasure of living.

At least their name makes sense now.

“Lizardfolk?” you ask mildly.

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“Not unique, either. When an elan is Made, they are given a human form simply because the ritual is much easier. Sex of the body is binary, though either one can be achieved.” She smiles and steps back, though still within reach of Siobhan. “The current ritual results in black hair and green eyes, though I can probably modify it to red hair and blue eyes for you, since it's the one I learned first. It changes from time to time; it is usually how we determine general time of remaking. You're an exception, if only because you're already older than the last two generations of elan.”

“And you have no qualms about what one does with one's eternity either.”

“Not really. The mores and ethics of an elan can't be codified in the same manner as most races.” Skattish grins. “Even the ones who decide to conquer the world get bored of leadership and move on to other things. Not being able to have an heir makes it a relatively useless thing over the course of a few centuries, and we tend to get bored of such things. It's worth noting that such people rarely become Cullers, with a few peculiar exceptions.”

“You seem to be a race of peculiar exceptions,” you muse.

[] No, though the offer is appreciated, I have other things to do.
[] I want to see the Solipsism you crafted first.
[] Convince me further.
[] Give me tome to consider it. Say, a month or two.
[] I agree....
[] Write in?
You have the opportunity to consult Yzia now, Siobhan reminds you; unlike your native telepathy, Yzia's mind and yours are more intimately connected, like hers to yours.

>>1947789
>[] No, though the offer is appreciated, I have other things to do.

>>1947789
>Consult Yzia

>>1947789

>Consult Yzia first. Ask her to relay our explanations to Tzanzi and to give us her input back.

>No, though the offer is appreciated.

Honestly I can't see Akko accepting that kind of offer now, but our beloved dragon and our beloved Gith should be consulted regardless.

People shouldn't forget about our bond with Tzanzi

>>1947789
>[] No, though the offer is appreciated, I have other things to do.
"It's as you said, I am Githyanki, a creature of duty and pride and greed. To abandon my mission to train the next generation and fight the Enemy, as well as give up the slaves and spells and status I've earned for immortality isn't something I'm into right now. That being said..."
>Ask how we might eventually find future temples beyond travel through the material planes and hoping they see us coming again
"Because I might just be saying this due to still riding the high of briefly obfuscating what I've become from Vlaakith and at some point, possibly soon, possibly very soon, when the people I've dedicated myself to will mark me as a monster and everything I've built comes burning down, I'll come crawling back to you looking for a way out. Because that's also the Githyanki way."

>>1947789
>[] Give me tome to consider it. Say, a month or two.

>>1947789
>[x] No, though the offer is appreciated, I have other things to do.
In the end I'll just vote for what I am most interested in playing I suppose.

>>1947811
Yeah I don't know, I can justify why Akko wouldn't be into that right now, but the truth is that I don't really want to switch to the adventures of a level 1 Elan with a bunch of OP starting equipment right after we've finally started the raiding.

Also I vaguely feel as if we'd be inadvertantly signing Yashi (and eventually Tzanzi's) death warrants and while I'm not strictly 100% opposed to that, this doesn't seem worth the exchange.

In the end I can't imagine Akko being done with this chapter of her life yet

>>1947815
Yeah, it seems like the Elan-formerly-known-as-Skattish had already lived the shit out of her life, though then again it's possible that, due to Vlaakith's proclamations as well as the Astral Plane being mostly timeless, the Elan instead measure a Githyanki lifespan by how strong they are, in which case Akko is pretty much a dead Gish walking.

So, what do we do with the tiefling?

One more slave would be nice, but a free local agent working for us on this world would be very beneficial, too.

Or we can do a mix of those two.

I'm all for seducing her for some intercourses of pleasure and reasonable level of pain, in any case.

Though, knowing some od XS's previous portrayal of tieflings, as well as Pathfinder's, this one will have some quirks and traits to discover.

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[X] Write in? I have things that need seeing to. However....

“How long will you remain here if I ask you to delay?” To her credit, if she is surprised, Skattish doesn't seem like it. “You seem to be willing to wait, considering that you have done so already. So how much longer.”

“I knew this would be a hard sell, so I made myself available for it. You're not one to make snap decisions; if you were, you wouldn't be the person I thought you to be.”

“I do not understand the reference, but the meaning is clear enough.” you sheathe Siobhan and look at the delicate androgyne calmly. “The answer is more than likely no. I have much I wish to accomplish, and the power and wealth I have earned means something to me, if the value of the treasure I hold does not. There are people whom rely upon me, and I have very little doubt you are aware of what my feelings are concerning the enemy and their machinations.” She nods shortly.

“That said, I would be a fool to cast aside the opportunity at once and totally. There is far too much that can change far too quickly for me, and the path I travel quickly narrows the further I move down it. So....I would consult those whom have a stake in my existence, and those whose counsel I have faith in. I have no qualms taking advantage of the opportunity before me if it should be more useful than not.” You bare the tips of your spurs slightly. “I sincerely doubt you are going to leave at once, even should I say no.”

Skattish shrugs mildly. “The opportunity to claim a new elan is not common, nor the decision made lightly. If the opportunity to have you chose in my favor remains viable, I am willing to remain for a while. I have no doubt others will come seeking to learn about the new temple that sprung up overnight, and it wouldn't be the first dungeon I've stocked.”

“I admit your philosophies are appealing. So. Give me some time. A few months, perhaps a year. We shall see what changes may be wrought and I may still refuse. But it will be a well considered refusal. Or a well thought out acceptance.” A thought occurs to you. “What if I brought another with me.”

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Skattish looks at you seriously for a long moment. “You're talking about the damaged childer.”

“That is an exceedingly inappropriate word to use in reference to a high ranked githyanki of any kind, and I would advice you against doing so again. That said, yes. The process would restore her to wholeness, would it not?”

“She would not be githyanki any more than you would be,” she replies. “She wouldn't be a candidate. She lacks a certain verve that appeals to us. However....” Skattish pauses, considering carefully. “I will offer you a trade.”

“Use the crystal, in return for healing Tzanzi.”

She smiles, unsurprised by your intelligence, and clearly no slouch in that department herself. “Just so

[] I will ask her.
[] Fine. Consider it done; we'll return in a day or so.
[] That's a high risk to myself – I don't entirely trust you.
[] Too steep a price.
[] That seems awfully once sided.
[] Write in?
The opportunity to be with Tzanzi in every way and to make a Silver Sword for her makes Siobhan all excited, in several ways.

>>1947818

As long as we stay out of the Astral, our time and the Lich Queen's time are out of synch.

Though of course we'd need to do a good job to justify staying out of the Astral. Destroying a Mind Flayer's city, for exemple

>>1947821
>[] Fine. Consider it done; we'll return in a day or so.

>>1947821
>[] I will ask her.
But in terms of personal preference:
>[] Fine. Consider it done; we'll return in a day or so.
>You must know that you now made me very paranoid about what the crystal contains, and thus must be gambling on both how much I care for Tzanzi and how much I think I can counteract whatever is in this crystal if it is dangerous.

>>1947821
>[] That seems awfully one sided.
This is just the future seeing one right?

>>1947831
Yes.

>>1947821

>I will ask her.

>It is not my role to take this decision for her and impose changes on her. And I'd rather not use that crystal. But if it her desire, it is a price I will consider.

>Out of curiosity, how would you heal her, if your ritual won't work on her?

So potential downside to Tzanzi being healed: I'm not sure if Akko and Tzanzi would be able to resist mating each other, which Akko has at least expressed distaste for
Potential upside: I'm also not sure how a Githyanki mating bond would transfer if we became an Elan, also our Elder Power

>>1947828
>>1947830

Dudes, don't be jackasses to Tzanzi.

Akko loves Tzanzi, with Tzanzi's wounds never a factor into that. As Tzanzi said, Akko looks at her, not at the scars. Akko would never be that insensitive as to accept a deal concerning Tzanzi's health without her input. Well, in their current relationship, at least.


>>1947831

It's a way she hopes to get us hooked.

>>1947831
>>1947833
I'll add to it then
>[] I will ask her.

>>1947837
I just don't see Tzanzi rejecting a chance to be healed, but if she's not up for it we're not going to force her.

>>1947837
I said we'd ask first, I'm just saying that as it stands Akko doesn't really have a problem with it.

>>1947821
>[] I will ask her.

There is no such thing as a free meal.

and the way this elan is advertising her "meal so free it started its own anarchist movement" makes me nervous.

>>1947850
But then again, Skattish is pretty much as immortal as you can get, she could very well be a high enough level that healing Tzanzi is a triveal matter and have literally nothing better to do than sway Akko's opinion on becoming an Elan.

>>1947821
>[x] I will ask her.
Yep!

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[XX] I will ask her.
[X] That seems awfully once sided.
[X] Write in? This is not reducing the levels of my paranoia and she is her own creature.

You look at the grinning elan calmly. “You understand that your eagerness to have me use an untested and unusual mental power upon myself is not helping your cause or lowering my justified paranoia, do you not?”

Her smile only widens. “If you were as easily convinced as all that I wouldn't have gone to such elaborate lengths. You're too cautious to use the crystal without incentive, and at the same time, curious enough to take the risk despite that. They're both qualities we -and I – find admirable.”

“The offer seems very one sided, I am very much aware of what level of power it takes to heal the wounds she's suffered. It would be a waste of resources better spent on our war; Tzanzi is a creature of power and death in her own right, and perfectly capable of continuing on as is.” You study the elan, as she shrugs again, her smile fading. “It seems a profligate waste of power, and makes me suspicious.”

She gestures at the temple. “Do you really think that all this pomp and circumstance is a requirement? Some of it is, but much less of it than you would think. I enjoy it, and it gives me something to play with. I have power to spare, Akko; it isn't a drain on my resources the way it is upon yours. I've had two millennia to gather wealth and power. What good is it if I don't bother spending it? The off chance it might influence you to chose what I'm offering is a benefit to me, certainly, but it is by no means costly to me at this point. Repairing this kind of damage is a challenge as well. I don't recall that it's ever been done outside of using Wishes.”

She does have a point.

“Also, you have to consider another factor. If I coerce you into becoming an elan, and you realize it later, then I've just made an immortal, incredibly intelligent and perceptive enemy who is patient enough to kill me a thousand years or more down the line, to say nothing of ruining plans, playing havoc with my life, and taking revenge upon anything I might enjoy or consider pleasurable. We don't suffer from ennui like your people do; we select people who aren't going to have issues with it, so personal drama isn't the pleasure for us that it is for your kind.”

That's probably an even better point.

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“I will ask her. She may refuse it, but I doubt that she will for several reasons.” You sigh and shake your head. “A day or so and I will return.” You see no reason to suggest that Yzia will be coming with you of course. If things go downhill, having her here will at the very least give you an edge. You concentrate and channel some of your remaining arcane force into forming the Overland Flight spell into your mind. You glance at the tiefling. “Out of curiosity, what are you going to do with that now?”

Skattish look over at the tiefling. “Rearrange her memories and make it so she doesn't recall any of our conversation. She doesn't understand your language, but that doesn't mean others won't. Probably make her a little crazy and have her wander about for a while, attract some adventurers to keep me occupied.” You find yourself reassessing your previous assumptions about her ethics.

With a wicked grin you point out, “I thought you said you required no drama to enjoy yourself.”

She looks at you nonplussed. “No, I said it wasn't the pleasure for the elan that it is for githyanki. But I enjoy playing with adventurers. They're quirky little beasts, and always worth teaching a lesson or learning a bit from.”

[] Until later then.
[] You may want to fortify your position – the human armies will most likely be mobilizing.
[] Well, if you keep this power here, undoubtedly you'll be seeing others of my kind, rather than mere adventurers.
[] What would you want for it? No, you won't convince me to accept your offer or use the crystal, it's just a slave.
[] May I watch?
[] Write in?
Siobhan thinks that this elan thing might be a fun long term project to play with.

>>1947874
>[] May I watch?

>>1947874
>[] Until later then.
>Is there anything you've noticed about the general region I'll be raiding in that you think I would like to know, and that you feel like telling me?

>>1947874
>[] Until later then.

>>1947874
>[x] May I watch?

>>1947874
>[] You may want to fortify your position – the human armies will most likely be mobilizing.

>>1947874

>That's too bad, she seemed interesting. Messing with a mind like that makes me think too much of the Enemy to enjoy.

>Until then, later.

Bullying QT Tieflings is a great recreational activity but I guess we have other stuff to do.

>>1947900
I don't know if the alterations are to Illithid level, but it's hard to tell where the line is.

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[X] Until later then.
[X] Write in? Tell me what you've seen that may be of interest to my Cadre, if you are of a mind to – and reconsider your flagrant disregard for the sanctity of another mind.

“That makes a certain amount of sense, I suppose, though I would personally consider it an undue risk even for a creature of your caliber.” She smiles and inclines her head in acknowledgement, very much a githyanki gesture. “What of the area? I suspect a lot of your adventurers will be in the human kingdom, acting as mercenaries, but I would hope for some intelligence concerning what my Cadre might be interested in or affected by.”

She twists her hand, the gesture of releasing power into the Astral wastefully. “Little enough, to be sure. The war between the elves and the humans is no different than other such things, save that the elven Home Trees are more widespread than the humans know of. A clairvoyant or prognosticator might be of greater use locating them than scouting parties, especially if they are clever and look for things that are not usually protected against scrying.” Another of those simple shrugs. “Otherwise, little more to tell that your scouts would not know themselves – my purpose has been other.”

“Nonetheless, I appreciate the suggestion.” you salute her, and she returns it, which you find terribly amusing given that she likely doesn't know what the salute means. “Incidentally....you may wish to reconsider warping the girl's mind so much. It is not an endearing thing to do to a prisoner, slave material or no.” She purses her looks and seriously considers your words as you turn and take your leave. Until tomorrow, most likely. She doesn't respond, but returns to the altar, as you cast the spell and soar into the sky at highest velocity.

Ordinarily it would take nearly a day to return to the lair even using the Overland Flight spell, but you have a slight advantage. Yzia my love, how goes the delivery of the slaves? Typically she would be well beyond the range of your telepathy, but Siobhan seems sure that she will hear you. She isn't wrong either; Yzia's 'voice' reverberates in your mind almost immediately.

We may with to invest in more Teleportation scrolls and spells, Akko; your cells are useful, but difficult to put slaves into. I am on my way to you; a mere hour or so, if you are returning as well.

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I am. By the stars, my bearing is to the Lair. I investigated Schechei's temple. I found something strange there.... You detail your meeting with Skattish of the elan and the subsequent bargains and talk.

I have heard of such creatures; ageless beings that walk the world, playing strange games of life with the inhabitants. There is one that is well known within a Stronghold near our own; it was said to be strong enough that it rape one of the adult dragons. You laugh at the thought, and she isn't less amused herself.

I doubt it was this one; she seems not to be the type for such games. But the offer seems genuine enough, and despite her insistence I play with the crystal she gave me – which I will have you and Yashi look at, incidentally – I have very little doubt it is as she says.

What will you do, Akko? It would be interesting watching you grow yet again with many different choices before you, but you are just as interesting now, and far less breakable. you admonish her for thinking in terms of sex. I suspect Tzanzi will have an opinion as well.

Honestly I haven't decided anything solid yet. It is a matter for great consideration. And it is not as though she cannot wait a few years for an answer. You can't help but smile at Yzia mirth. Ah, there you are. You must be terrifying to see to those who might be awake at this time of the night.

Yzia is magnificent, a gleaming creature of fire, gold and ruby, soaring majestically through the air and leaving contrails as she slowly sweeps into a long arc. She slows as she does so, allowing you time to catch up before she strikes out for the Lair, her wings sweeping through the air in powerful surges.

[] Spend the time of the return flight regathering all your power and relearning your spells. Costs one mythic point and restores everything save items used and mythic power itself. Akko will be able to change her spell list.
[] You have some time – enchanting a weapon or crafting some marvelous ointment for salving wounds might be ideal.
[] Have Yzia tell you what occurred in the aftermath of your leaving and see what she thinks of the slaves.
[] Ask her true opinion of the offer being made by the elan.
[] Write in?
Siobhan is perfectly happy just enjoying the flight at the moment.[

>>1947923
>[] You have some time – enchanting a weapon or crafting some marvelous ointment for salving wounds might be ideal.
>[] Have Yzia tell you what occurred in the aftermath of your leaving and see what she thinks of the slaves.

>>1947923
>[] Have Yzia tell you what occurred in the aftermath of your leaving and see what she thinks of the slaves.
>[] Ask her true opinion of the offer being made by the elan.

>>1947923
>[x] Spend the time of the return flight regathering all your power and relearning your spells. Costs one mythic point and restores everything save items used and mythic power itself. Akko will be able to change her spell list.
>[x] Have Yzia tell you what occurred in the aftermath of your leaving and see what she thinks of the slaves.
Aww yisss

>>1947923
>[] Spend the time of the return flight regathering all your power and relearning your spells. Costs one mythic point and restores everything save items used and mythic power itself. Akko will be able to change her spell list.
>[] Have Yzia tell you what occurred in the aftermath of your leaving and see what she thinks of the slaves.

>>1947923
>[] You have some time – enchanting a weapon or crafting some marvelous ointment for salving wounds might be ideal.
>[] Have Yzia tell you what occurred in the aftermath of your leaving and see what she thinks of the slaves.
>[] Ask her true opinion of the offer being made by the elan.

>>1947923

>Have Yzia tells you what happened in the aftermath

>Tease your lovely dragon's magnificent body. She can multitask between the pleasure and flying~

>>1947923
>>1947943
Supporting

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[XX] Have Yzia tell you what occurred in the aftermath of your leaving and see what she thinks of the slaves.
[X] Write in? It has been far too long since a pleasure flight, really....

You don't yet land, instead running your hands along either side of her spine, from base of tail to her neck. Even stiff and tense, your hands can't do her any injury, and she purrs inside your mind as she starts picking up speed. You gather the chains pierced through her horns, making note that you will need to adjust them quite a bit for the new size she possesses.

I think that the only regret I have about your new size and power is that it will be much more difficult for me to take a draconic form to pleasure you with, you comment mildly, giving her a series of quite graphic images of exactly in what ways you mean, both for her original form (those being tinged be the memory of experience) and her current form.

Just because you do not prefer your lovers youthful and sleek, Akko, does not mean I share the same prejudice at all, she purrs suggestively into your mind, accompanying them with images no less graphic and far more intimate than those you could have imagined for her.

I have no objection to youth, Yzia – one need only ask Yashi for proof of that – but inexperience I find unappealing! you point out, basking in the warmth those images and feelings she gives you evoke in body and mind. The glowing lines of shimmering gold intensify and a burst of radiance erupts around her, healing your remaining bruises and fatigue. Speaking of youth, tell me of the slaves, and of the turmoil my abrupt departure undoubtedly left.

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Yzia seethes in pleasure at the thought of her new toy. The slaves are perfect my love! A double-hand-weight of them, nearing the cusp of adulthood, just on the barest edge of it for elvenkind; the one who surrendered to you is our honored guest, and so very terrified. Also, she adds, sotto 'voce' with the languid, intensely sexual sensations nearly overwhelming as she informs you, one of them is the daughter of that high wizard you took it upon yourself to prevent from killing everyone. As near a princess as one can get among elvenkind, I dare say. she shudders beneath you. I cannot explain to you in any way the effect her presence has upon me, my treasure; I cannot wait to get the human one as well.

A dozen slaves, and a hefty weregild as well. Oh, I think you will make do when we arrive back at the lair.

I think I would wish to do more than let our Yzia merely bask in her presence, may lady; a barely formed mind such as that, in a healthy female body, ripe for experiencing her first lovemaking? I think I shall insist upon allowing you both to do more than sample the goods. Yzia shudders under you again, not unpleasantly.

….the thought of Siobhan using that elven body for your and Yzia's mutual pleasure makes heat bloom deep inside your body, and you flesh heat up pleasantly.

[] Now now, don't get carried away my lady.
[] ….that would be a difficult thing to refuse anyone.
[] You are too good to us, Siobhan.
[] There are certainly worse things you could think of.
[] Ah, she was promised to Yzia first – no suborning the dragon's treasures.
[] Write in?

>>1947980
>[] Ah, she was promised to Yzia first – no suborning the dragon's treasures.

>>1947980
>[] ….that would be a difficult thing to refuse anyone.
>[] Ah, she was promised to Yzia first – no suborning the dragon's treasures.

>>1947980
>[x] You are too good to us, Siobhan.
>[x] ….that would be a difficult thing to refuse anyone.
>[x] Ah, she was promised to Yzia first – no suborning the dragon's treasures.
Definitely an intriguing idea!

>>1947980
>[] ….that would be a difficult thing to refuse anyone.
>[] Ah, she was promised to Yzia first – no suborning the dragon's treasures.

I do hope they've missed us when we finally grace them with our presence again! And also that Falna hasn't tried any kind of take-over gone bad or the like, that would be inconvenient.

>>1947980

>Now now, don't get carried away, my lady

>She was promised to Yzia first.

>A very tempting offer, you scandalously lewd sword, but it is a pleasure we'll have to pass. The Princess's first time will be later.

>Now, there are other candidates for your fun~

>>1947980
>dragons are attracted to princesses.

my. fucking. sides.

XS I demand weregild for my sides, they were innocent.

>she was promised to Yzua first
>but afterwards...

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[XX] Ah, she was promised to Yzia first – no suborning the dragon's treasures.
[X] ….that would be a difficult thing to refuse anyone.
[X] Write in? Deviant, scandalous lover-blade of mine.

As difficult a thing as that is to refuse anyone, I am afraid you are for the moment not permitted that pleasure – she was promised to Yzia first, despite that being a dead male's promise, it is still a promise. Both Yzia and Siobhan are confused by your claim. do you not recall? First pick of the slaves, and she demanded a princess. I may have killed him, but he is still the reason we are on this raid, and I intend to honor his offer. Yzia's mental jaw-drop nearly make you laugh aloud, unwise at these speeds. I did take his were-gild, after all!

You are, as always, the epitome of all that if githyanki, my treasure.

I accept the admonition, and will ask Yzia's permission personally, Siobhan sings apologetically to you. Which naturally she immediately does. Will you grant this humble- What? -blade permission to please you with the body of your elven princess, companion to my beloved, Yzia?

Little would please me more, defender of my treasure and claimant upon my companion, Yzia replies magnanimously, both entirely ignoring your mild annoyance at their cutting you out of their negotiations.

There will be time for that later, you deviant, perverse creatures, you admonish both of them, with equal parts affection and exasperation. I believe I asked for some kind of assessment, Yzia?

You did, and I will deign to deliver it. Kteine was quite put out by your act of charity; Yashi, of course was quite businesslike and calm. Your use of Fehr Vaed to communicate was consoling to her, despite her feigned calm. She chose to inform Tzanzi, who took over the raid in your stead. Falna accepted it but grudgingly; Kteine's reaction to your possible demise, as well as Schechei's, was distressing to her. She pauses for a moment. I think that you may have made a mistake with that one, Akko.

Indeed? you prompt her, with a tone of voice that suggests she'd best not continue that line of reasoning if she knows whats good for her.

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If she was grudgingly accepting of your position before, she has now become a liability in her discontent with you. The loss of Kteine pained her, but may have been tolerable. That Schechei worried for you, despite her mating, will most likely have turned her against you utterly. Her amusement returns, and is mixed with a hefty taste of sexual desire. Auena, darling thing, was respectfully in awe of your willingness to sacrifice yourself for the good of the others, and was regretful that she couldn't enjoy your company more. She was quite embarrassed by her reactions when she was informed you live.

You bite back a retort, accepting that you asked for her assessment, and she delivered it in full. Your ire is eased by the amusement and pleasure she takes in Auena's potential respect and nascent hero worship. Then I supposed I must consider demonstrating my avid appreciation of her respect, you reply, even as you consider how you will deal with Falna when the opportunity arises.

No longer an 'if', you are none too sorry to admit.

>To Be Continued....

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Thank you for reading and playing. I did not expect anon to chose to become an Elan, though I had planned for it if it did happen. It was both something that would be entirely within the real of happening, and an opportunity to indulge in a bit or worldbuilding almsot no books delve into, since Elan are almost always presented (like androids) as being extant long before play starts for the PC.

>>1948014
I refuse your demands, as you should have known better when reading this quest from the start.

>>1948034
Thanks for running! Unfortunate that Falna is lost to jealousy, but if it can't be helped then no matter. I do wonder how Schechei will handle it though, I can't imagine it will be particularly nicely for us.

On the other hand, Auena is now extremely tease-able. So that's nice.

>>1948035
Also I only just realized the misspelling of Aeuna has become so prevalent not only us anons but even the cast list itself has the anon-ized spelling instead. We haven't used it correctly once this thread, which is amusing.. I did a double-take writing it now and had to check the early threads to realize.

>>1948034

Thanks for running!

Uh, kind of sad Falna went like that.

I mean, if she dies, Scheshei dies, and Kteine will be affected pretty badly.

We've given Falna a lot of chances, though...

>>1948039
I haven't used it correctly in the past 15 threads anon.

>>1948050
That's why I always say names with that vowel to consonant ratio are more trouble than it's worth!

Thanks for writing

Glad to hear not going immortal didn't disappoint you at least, though it would be cool to see more of your elan interpretation

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>>1948054
There will be other opportunities later.

https://youtu.be/O2Fh9VuLbno

>>1948068
Glad to hear it

>>1948044
Falna getting to this point is according to steering, Anon. It should be interesting to see how she tries to betray us, given what Yzia did in the last few threads.

>>1948068
For the record, while I am ENTIRELY in favor of going elan: I will find it deeply amuing if in this quest named the raiders, we only ever go on one raid.

>>1949503
The Raiders is a reference to what the githyanki are, actually, more than what the quest is about.

It's about smut, anon.

>>1948437
>>1949503
well, it would be dangerous, exciting, and foolhardy, but we could take the Elans offer and then enslave ourselves under Falna.

it removes her one great weapon which is ratting us out to the knights and by extension Vlaakith. It lets her... work out her frustration.

And it proves once and for all that Akko is her superior when she (Akko) proves once again that she is Githyanki regardless of body AND surpasses Falna a second time in personal skill after starting from scratch.

between Yzia and Tzanzi New-Made Akko will be safe as houses regardless of Falnas plans.

ooh and she could grow closer to the twins!

just something to consider.

I might want to drive Falna insane.

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>>1949789
>spoiler
>implying you haven't already