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Flying through the Lair, you mark people of interest and curiosity, those whom may have objects or slaves that you might wish to trade for later. Given that Dunzamn is offering three of the choicest slaves (and the princess the githyanki guards will undoubtedly be one of those whether he wishes it or not) you will have more wealth than you might dispose of easily. You used much of it creating Yashi's blade and reforging many of your tools, to say nothing of Siobhan.

The greatest prize he offers – and it is truly a prize – is a Cubic Gate, and object of such power that it gives you a giddy feeling. Even if it is attuned to planes you would not ordinarily have truck with, the object itself is invaluable. And it is not impossible that you could re-tune the Gates yourself, though that is mere theory as yet.

His territory within the Lair is easily marked: a massive adamantine fortress within the fortress the guilds-folk created, a nigh impregnable bastion. The guards at the entrance of it are nothing less than Knights, Silver swords drawn and at the ready. You land and though one glares hatefully at you, they both step aside for you, allowing you entrance.

[] Present yourself casually and calmly; he does not need to know how you feel about this.
[] You need not present yourself humbly this time – he is asking you for this favor.
[] Trust in his True silver Sword to announce you rather than presenting yourself.
[] A few more defensive measures will not hurt in the slightest – it may be a trap after all.
[] Using the Elder Power to prepare yourself further; this is no mere knight.
[] Write in?
Siobhan is of the opinion that you should be prepared for anything, invitation or no.

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/XsQuestmistress

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Previous Thread: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2001716/

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

>>2045554
>[] Trust in his True silver Sword to announce you rather than presenting yourself.
>[] A few more defensive measures will not hurt in the slightest – it may be a trap after all.
>[] Using the Elder Power to prepare yourself further; this is no mere knight.
Hi XS, have you been feeling better since most of the fires have gone out?

>>2045568
I have been. I took some extra time off as well.

>>2045554
>[] Trust in his True silver Sword to announce you rather than presenting yourself.
>[] A few more defensive measures will not hurt in the slightest – it may be a trap after all.

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[X] Trust in his True silver Sword to announce you rather than presenting yourself.
[X] A few more defensive measures will not hurt in the slightest – it may be a trap after all.

Drawing on the arcane force a little more, you summon a spell directly into your mind from the Astral Fundament, the noosphere providing what you desire. Casting the Adjustable Polymorph spell, combined with your attunement to the magical energies of the transformation though the Elder Power, not only increases your strength despite your appearance changing only slightly, but increases your skill in combat by much more. Tacking on True Sight and a Cloak of Winds might be overkill.

But you think not.

The interior of the fortress is dark of course, your kind long since past the need for light to see by. While it would remove the color from your sight, the True Seeing restores it. There are a number of githyanki warriors here, many of them knights but a few gish and skulkers as well. They are poring over maps of battle, illusory and written, as well as in communion with other cadre leaders and guild members, undoubtedly collating data collected from the raids and lists of injured, killed, and slaves as well as treasures taken.

Maybe you don't want to be a supreme Leader if it involves this much delegation of duty. Siobhan laughs softly in your mind.

Your presence causes some alarm, but no one does anything more than stand up and place a hand on a weapon. The telepathic whip-crack of a stand-down order prompts you to bare your spurs at them smugly, which irritates them all the more. Kohl is among them, the knight glaring at you hatefully, the threats made at the conclave before leaving the Astral Stronghold still irking him no doubt. You wonder idly if he was the one who sent the githyanki youths to wrest Kteine and Yashi from you.

[] Ask Siobhan to find out if that was the case.
[] Confront him yourself, though not necessarily aggressively.
[] You have a Supreme Leader to speak with, Kohl is a dead end.
[] Salute him casually, which will either mollify him or anger him more.
[] Telepathically contact him in passing and ask about the trio of githyanki warriors.
[] Write in?
Siobhan is busy, communing with Dunzamn's blade Voorsi.

>>2045606
>[] You have a Supreme Leader to speak with, Kohl is a dead end.
>[] Salute him casually, which will either mollify him or anger him more.
As fun as it would be to mess with this guy more, we have bigger fish to fry. Either we'll be fighting someone who only the illithid surpass in terms of things we hate, or Dunzamn has finally decided to kill us, either of which is much more enjoyable to deal with than this guy.

Rolled 20 + 20 (1d20 + 20)

Sensing motives.

>>2045627
Motives sensed.

>>2045606

>You have a Supreme Leader to speak with

>>2045606
We should probably seek him out after meeting with Dunzamn

>>2045640

Why? He's not important nor worth our time.

>>2045643
I figure he'll probably keep bothering us, so we might as well end this now, either through words or swords.

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[XX] You have a Supreme Leader to speak with, Kohl is a dead end.
[X] Salute him casually, which will either mollify him or anger him more.

You deliberately catch Kohl's eyes and salute him, your eyes fixed on his, your spurs slightly less bared. He grudgingly returns the salute and turns away, his body language screaming disappointment and frustration. You're certain that he was in fact the one who sent the poor, riled up githyanki warriors to your lair, and their lack of effectiveness has undoubtedly marked them for some punishment of one sort or another.

Warning them about it might be somewhat amusing, especially if they decide to turn to you for some kind of assistance.

You slip deeper into the adamatine fortress, where there are fires lit and decorous slaves arrange the central chambers to their master's comforts. They all back away from you as you enter, and Siobhan purrs in your mind as you catch sight of Dunzamn, Voorsi set against a table nearby, viewing an illusory depiction of the battles at the hands of a handsome githyanki illusionist. The illusionists eyes are dark; he's physically and mentally young, and his regalia is lacking in many honors and badges, but he's talented as an illusionist.

Dunzamn gestures and the youthful illusionist rises, and you glance sidelong at the rather spare silks the young warrior wears as he leaves. “I had no idea Dunzamn, and I rather pride myself on knowing these kinds of things.” The braided youth glances back with an arch smile and you return the grin.

“He was particularly forthright and his gifts are useful in many ways,” Dunzamn comments mildly as he gestures for you to take a seat in one of the cushions about the low table before him. You do so, crossing your legs and unfastening Siobhan from your belt so you can lay her across your lap – pointedly keeping her hilt near your good hand. “Not my usual preference as you can probably guess from the abundance of female slaves I keep, but talented and eager is on occasion a pleasure.”

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“I would be the last to either deny that claim or judge one for it,” you murmur politely, and the supreme Leader laughs. You do not glance at the supposedly invisible and transformed Jacinth who stands just behind Dunzamn's seat and to the left, away from his sword-side. She is watching you with great interest, and it's an effort not to give away the fact that you've seen her. “The offer you have made is more than handsome, and I am curious now.”

Dunzamn smiles wryly. “I see you are quickly becoming enmeshed in the higher order of the Swords; Voorsi rarely deigns explain my desires before I do so myself to others.” He leans back and pops his fingers twice, bringing a lovely and mostly naked human slave-girl to your side with a large goblet of sweet smelling liquor. An elegant and supple half-elf femme serves the same to Dunzamn. “I am asking because this is clearly an unusual and powerful foe. That it is the only one present, combined with the tactical knowledge it has of our raids, suggests that it is here on its own or as an envoy.”

You cradle the heavy cut-crystal goblet and inhale the fragrance of the honey alcohol, something only obtainable in the material worlds and an offering of great value. “If it is protecting the princess specifically, I would say that it is being paid to give information. But I do not know what such a creature would do with wealth.”

“Can you find out?” Dunzamn looks at you quite seriously, and it is a good question.

[] I could but try, and report to you on the matter.
[] Why bother? I will either kill it or capture it. We can learn what we wish either way.
[] May I ask what you suspect, because I doubt you'd ask otherwise.
[] Personally? No. I have ways to do so. They may not work against such a beast.
[] If you will wait but a moment, my illusionist can be called to perform the favor you ask.
[] Write in?
Siobhan and Voorsi agree – this creature is extremely deadly and mustn't be taken lightly for any reason at all.

Given that Yzia grew bigger, could we add that Gith who wanted to join to our Cadre?

Or is it really only possible if Falna gets rekt?

Speaking of getting rekt, we should craft some kind of enchanted sunglasses to avoid the weaker members of our Cadre being blinded by the dragon again.

>>2045647
>[] I could but try, and report to you on the matter.
While we probably will ask Yashi for help, I feel like it could be potentially imprudent to take her before the Supreme Leader while carrying what is effectively a bootleg Silver Sword, even if technically we're allowed to make them now.
>[] May I ask what you suspect, because I doubt you'd ask otherwise.

>>2045647
>May I ask what you suspect, because I doubt you'd ask otherwise.
>[] If you will wait but a moment, my illusionist can be called to perform the favor you ask.

>>2045647
>[] Why bother? I will either kill it or capture it. We can learn what we wish either way.

>Now if you really wanted to know, I could try, but is it not exactly the work your charming Silver Sword told mine about. Which means it's not included in the price you proposed...

>Aside from this, what can you tell me of the target? Who did it kill, where, when and how?

He might be the Supreme Leader, but if he asks us to perform additional services he has to pay an additional price.

>>2045647
>[] May I ask what you suspect, because I doubt you'd ask otherwise.
>[] If you will wait but a moment, my illusionist can be called to perform the favor you ask.

>>2045664
>>2045679

Hell no. Why do you want to put YASHI in front of him?

She has her rogue Silver Sword and her "I really don't want to attract the Queen's attention" problem to deal with already.

>>2045684
It isn't necessary to have her there - that's the entire point of her having a "Silver Sword" of her own.

>>2045684
I mostly agree with you, but I'm pretty sure the way XS does prompts is that they're generated by the MC as plausible courses of action which means that Akko thinks it's at least fairly likely that this option will not lead to Yashi and us being killed.

Now just how unlikely this going wrong and whether or not it's worth the risk (whatever that is) is unknown but XS does not do outright trap options.

>>2045690

So "calling to perform" means "I call her, she does the magic over there, then call back" ?

>>2045693

No, but Akko likes high-drama options.

I'm sure the Leader will at least get curious how we call someone who has no official Silver Sword

>>2045695
I assume other forms of magic exist that could let us do that. Like paired magic items or something.

>>2045698
>>2045695
Or as simply as a Telepathic Bond - remember there are psychics among the githyanki who can perform telepathic links.

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[XX] May I ask what you suspect, because I doubt you'd ask otherwise.
[X] I could but try, and report to you on the matter.
[X] If you will wait but a moment, my illusionist can be called to perform the favor you ask.
[X] Write in? Details, Supreme Leader, it is all in the details – both theirs and yours.

You sip the potent honey liqueur and sigh softly, considering. “There are ways for me to do this favor you ask of me,” you admit calmly, promptly receiving a wry smile at your working in a favor he would owe you for services rendered. “It will take a short amount of time, but it can be done – in theory.” Yashi is a powerful illusionist, but there are many limitations on her power simply by the nature of the githyanki. You explain to Siobhan what you want done – specifying that she is not to approach the citadel of Dunzamn herself for any reason.

Siobhan informs Fehr Vaed of your desires, and she in turn informs her mistress, who responds sleepily but with alacrity despite that. Fehr Vaed informs you that she will require some information, if not blood or flesh is to be had. You resist the urge to have Siobhan admonish the other blade; you're not exactly a novice at magic.

“Tell me of this incident, these deaths of our warriors. Anything that will give me insight into the foe.” He closes his eyes and you take a deep drink of the potent liqueur, before doing the same. While Yashi's sendings are rich in texture and images and emotions, painting entire worlds of emotion and thought, Dunzamn's thought is crystalline and sharp, pared to the most essential substance of the sending. Precise and to the point, he gives you what you need most: information.

Those who escaped were only able to do so due to the quick thinking of the skulker and mere fortune in that the warrior had a packet of Dust of Disappearance, which creates an impenetrable veil that not even true sight can pierce. The foe was inhumanly fast, an adept of great skill in the arts of death. It was not merely quickness that she possessed; time and space seemed fluid or even meaningless to her.

The throne room where she made her stand was defended from the outside by royal guards, who fared little better than the soldiers, and by mercenaries of varied peoples, who fared much better. Sorcery, the benevolence of their gods, and wizardry went far in keeping all but the most dedicated from the throne room, but once there, the trio of cadres found themselves at odd. The githzerai warrior gave no warning, and gave no quarter; she merely attacked, and she was a nightmare on the same order as the Gish Akko.

As flattering as the comparison is, you find it worrisome. An adept who could use Haste and Dimension Door was one thing, but to use both and to use Dimension Door as a building block for killing arts? She has to be collecting wealth for the purposes of building a monastery or temple dedicated to the killing arts.

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The survivors images of her are quite clear: dark haired, green of eyes, muscular and fit in a way that shows much time spent in realms of gravity and food. She produced ridiculous amounts of weaponry from her cloak, suggesting a magical component. When faced with knights, however, she pulled a Silver Sword of her own on them, using it easily in conjunction with her killing arts. The warrior was maimed in her escape, and the skulker died suddenly merely hours ago, his hearts bursting in his chest for no discernible reason. Dunzamn posits it was the power of the delayed death, the Quivering Palm. She also refused to pursue them our of the throne room.

You have Siobhan relay the pertinent information of her quarry to be Scried upon, and open your eyes frowning at Dunzamn. “What do you believe she is doing this for? You must have a thought.”

“Rhhakhmah. A hunting party.” Your eyes widen and you have to admit that hadn't crossed your mind. A group of githzerai performing a raid not upon the material planes, but out to kill as many githyanki and illithidae as there are members of the party. One of each for each one of the band members. “I cannot see any other reason a sole githzerai, no matter how skilled, would deign to work for these people in such a dedicated manner. She did not pursue or hunt, despite knowing we are here. Nor have we Scried or scouted out any of her ilk aside from her.”

[] As rich as the prize is, this enemy is worth more.
[] Regardless of what my illusionist manages to find out, I will accept the duty.
[] I must consider this carefully and consult my Cadre further – especially Tzanzi.
[] And if I refuse you will order Tzanzi to accept, yes?
[] I will need time to prepare an effective assault; give me two days.
[] Write in?
with this new information Siobhan has increasing doubts – to use the distance death means she's an adept on par with you as a gish.

>>2045703

Fair enough, thanks!

>>2045705

>Wait for Yashi's report.


>[] I must consider this carefully and consult my Cadre further – especially Tzanzi.

>[] As rich as the prize is, this enemy is worth more.


>I will need time to prepare to fight such enemy. Can I examine the ones she killed?

>>2045705
>[] As rich as the prize is, this enemy is worth more.
>[] I will need time to prepare an effective assault; give me two days.

Wonder if Yustuoc could craft us some arrows that explode/poison if someone catch them mid-flight.

Other than that, I'm searching for any magic item that could help

>>2045705
>[] I will need time to prepare an effective assault; give me two days.
>[] I must consider this carefully and consult my Cadre further – especially Tzanzi.

Hm, I definitely don't think Schechei or Kteine should be there. Like I'm not sure how they could contribute but maybe I'm underestimating them

>>2045720

At worse it'll teach them what high-level planning is like.

On other news, the only item so far I've seen could somewhat help would be the Bonebreaker Bracers, which gives a chance to give the target -6 on Con, Dex or STR after you've hit them, if they fail their save.

Saddly it's a DC 14 WIS save, so it's not likely to work.

>>2045729
In theory she probably doesn't have the power of the Elders, and has a normal Silver Sword compared to our True Silver Sword and we have a Mythic Dragon who is approximately as strong as we are on our side as well as Tzanzi, Yashi, and maybe Falna. Like as long as she doesn't call for aid, theoretically we have a decent advantage, but for some reason I'm thinking that's not the case.

>>2045733

Well the two main issues are:

-We can't bring people weaker than us into this, because she's probably capable of killing the and would rather thin our ranks

-Given how worried our sword is, she likely has Elder Powers or something that can compete with it.

Personally I would say that using a Raid as a distraction, one big enough for the Githzerai to notice, but not enough for her to intervene, while we sneak into the enemy's castle under a disguise would be for the best.

That being said, I'm not sure Akko would approve that kind of plan.

>>2045738
I was thinking maybe abandoing getting loot and slaves collapsing the castle on top of her as a way to soften her up a bit, but if she's so adept at Dimensional Doorways then that's probably futile.

If she doesn't chase targets outside of the throne room, that implies she's guarding something.

It also implies that dragon's breath through the wall would work well.

>>2045742
It could also be that she's content with only killing any Githyanki dumb enough to step into the ring, where she can make sure she doesn't get ambushed and has the environmental advantage.

Rolled 10 + 20 (1d20 + 20)

More sensing of motives.

Maybe we could have someone infiltrate the castle and place bombs at different places, not for causing lots of damage but to create a panic.

On a very different subject, I'm starting to wonder if everyone assume that Akko wants to fuck her daughters because they can't conceive a Githyanki being maternal unless it's because of an incest fetish

>>2045746

Kind of hilarious that our average is 30.

Then again, that's Pathfinder characters for you.

Awww man, I'm super late! Lucky I didn't miss too much action at least.

>>2045746
How average!

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[X] I will need time to prepare an effective assault; give me two days.
[X] I must consider this carefully and consult my Cadre further – especially Tzanzi.
[X] As rich as the prize is, this enemy is worth more.
[X] Write in? If I may examine the bodies, that would be of great help.

You frown and consider carefully. “Several knights died, and you mentioned Silver Swords. How have those been retrieved?”

“She was wise enough to deliver them to other warriors to be returned. It resulted in one fatality, as I recall: a lucky shot through the hearts.”

You stare at Dunzamn. “She threw them. At distance, to injure and kill.” He smiles wryly, baring the spurs on one side of his jaw. “You are not offering enough for this task, Dunzamn. Did we recover any of the bodies? Examination....ah, that would be a no. I would like to have been pleasantly surprised.”

“I was forced to order a general avoidance of that area. It will make the next raid much more difficult, because the human warlords will adopt a strategy based around that issue. Three cadres was more than enough of a loss.” Sitting back you drain the rest of the potent honey alcohol and put your mind to it. “One way or another she must be removed from our path. We cannot afford that large a loss again. I would rather not have to explain myself to Her Majesty.”

Siobhan relays the results of Yashi's spells, and it is not heartening. “She is resistant to the spells to Scry with, but that was not the only method available. From what I have been able to Divine, she is indeed preparing for a Rhhakhmah, as you feared. Her skills in combat are the equal of mine, making Tzanzi the only other warrior that can be spared to fight her on even terms, as you also feared. If you have any others as puissant as she or I, now would be a good time to reveal their presence.” He frowns at that revelation. “She protects the human princess by contract, and cannot be dissuaded or bought or bribed. The githzerai is a Zerth Cenobite, meaning her skills with space and time are beyond compare.”

You wish you had Falna's penchant for smoking.

>>2045748
>On a very different subject, I'm starting to wonder if everyone assume that Akko wants to fuck her daughters because they can't conceive a Githyanki being maternal unless it's because of an incest fetish
Or, you know, we already did fuck one of them about as well as someone can be fucked, even if that's not our primary goal.

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“As well guarded as her mind is, she is not a more potent psychic than any other githyanki or githzerai, which I consider fortunate. Though the mercenaries follow her suggestions she is paid well for them; there is no alliance, only the contract. She has no interest in the human kingdom outside of her contract, which is another stroke of fortune.” The pretty human slave refills your goblet and you glance at Dunzamn in surprise. He shrugs mildly, and gestures for you to continue. “Poisons will be of no use against her and would in fact be a deadly weapon in her hands. She has prophetic dreams, though she sleeps little enough, so I doubt surprise will be easy. Finally, she possesses a great power, an alien and potent force that makes her thrice as deadly as any mere githzerai cenobite, Zerth trained or not.” You drink deeply and look at Dunzamn seriously. “I may have to call in this favor you now owe me sooner than I would like.”

Jacinth steps out of 'hiding' and looks at you seriously, her gossamer and silver gown shining in the firelight. “This creature possesses the Elder Power?”

You frown at her but answer anyways. “So it appears. I will need two days at least to prepare for this battle, Dunzamn, and you will wish to gift me further concessions or bounty for this death. There are dragons who possess this strange power, and they are rightly feared by their ilk. Such power is vast and unpredictable; I am considerably surprised I was able to learn what I did.” That she remains ignorant of your own Elder Power is a small hope, but Dunzamn doesn't seem to react to the revelation of such a power, other than to frown.

Finishing his own goblet he sets it on the table for the half-elven slave to refill. “You have your two days. We are preparing tactics and strategy to defeat the weaponry they have placed against the dragons, and you will have a vanguard to protect your Yzia and those who go with you. I suspect that would only be Tzanzi, Yashi, and Falna?”

“Perhaps. I would not take Auena or the acolytes into this battle, certainly. Fourteen dead, most of three cadres? No, the acolytes would be far too easy a kill for this creature.”

“What of this Elder Power? What can you tell me of it?” His interest is purely that of a general marshalling his armies and in need of information. He suspects nothing of your own power – fortunately for him. Jacinth is unreadable, of course, but you suspect if she knows, she won't tell without an excellent reason.

[] Give him the most basic rundown, and then take your leave if he allows.
[] Offer to loan him the books and treatises if he is interested in ancient mythologies.
[] Put him off for a short while to 'research further', and excuse yourself.
[] Give him a fairly detailed explanation, careful to leave out any personal experience.
[] Tell him nothing, if only because he lacks the ancient lore and arcane knowledge to understand it effectively.
[] Write in?

>>2045754
>“I was forced to order a general avoidance of that area. It will make the next raid much more difficult, because the human warlords will adopt a strategy based around that issue. Three cadres was more than enough of a loss.” Sitting back you drain the rest of the potent honey alcohol and put your mind to it. “One way or another she must be removed from our path. We cannot afford that large a loss again. I would rather not have to explain myself to Her Majesty.”
>Siobhan relays the results of Yashi's spells, and it is not heartening. “She is resistant to the spells to Scry with, but that was not the only method available. From what I have been able to Divine, she is indeed preparing for a Rhhakhmah, as you feared. Her skills in combat are the equal of mine, making Tzanzi the only other warrior that can be spared to fight her on even terms, as you also feared. If you have any others as puissant as she or I, now would be a good time to reveal their presence.” He frowns at that revelation. “She protects the human princess by contract, and cannot be dissuaded or bought or bribed. The githzerai is a Zerth Cenobite, meaning her skills with space and time are beyond compare.”
On the one hand it seems incredibly shameful to stop raiding an entire kingdom due to being afraid of just one person. On the other, it's starting to increasingly seem like the most prudent option.

>>2045757
>[x] Give him the most basic rundown, and then take your leave if he allows.
Dodging entirely seems unwise. We don't want to give too much away though. Of course, I dunno if he would really catch on to anything with an explanation if he hasn't done so already. So it might be pointless to go vague here.

This Githzerai sounds like a big pain! Guess we won't be able to have fun with her, but at least we can have fun against her.

>>2045757
>[] Give him the most basic rundown, and then take your leave if he allows.
>[] Offer to loan him the books and treatises if he is interested in ancient mythologies.
Ha ha ha SHIT.

Hm I'm not sure, and this is profoundly unlikely to come up, but if we found Illithids and were to prove their presence to her, would she have no choice but to team up with us until the very second we can no longer find any mind flayers to kill?

>>2045757
So I guess the Githzerai don't consider the Elder Power to be a taboo like the GIthyanki do?

Also... I wonder if that Elan views that Cenobite as a good second-place prize if she can't reel us in?

>>2045757
>[] Give him the most basic rundown, and then take your leave if he allows.
>[] Offer to loan him the books and treatises if he is interested in ancient mythologies.

>>2045760
How does the contract interact with this anyway? I'm having a hard time imagining a Gith-anything letting a chance to kill the Enemy go wasted. But I also have trouble seeing how she could do so without breaching the terms of her apparently very rigidly followed contract. I mean, she won't even leave the throne-room. Do Illithid just override contractual concerns, even when they're just generally hanging around rather than actively threatening anything?

>>2045766
That's a very good question. On the other hand, is an Illithid capable of just hanging around without being an implicit threat to everyone around it?

>>2045766
Like I know Githyanki for example are pragmatic enough not to deal with them if they for example think they can't do the damage they want, preferring to bide their time to do maximum damage rather than waste the chance. But that's a pretty specific scenario that is still mostly about not engaging in wasteful situations. If they were ripe for picking off, is there anything at all that would prevent any Gith from going after the Enemy ASAP?

>>2045758
Not the entire kingdom - mainly the palace. Which is of course where the best prizes are.

>>2045760
It is possible, but depends on the githzerai. She might not - she clearly values this contract highly.

>>2045764
Akko hasn't enough information to guess on the first, but she's pretty sure that the second is unlikely - the Elan made if very clear that Akko's personality had much more to do with the choice than her power.

>>2045757
>[] Give him the most basic rundown, and then take your leave if he allows.
>[] Offer to loan him the books and treatises if he is interested in ancient mythologies.

>"Perhaps I should write a treatise on the subject, make a synthesis of what can be learned through various sources. But It will have to wait until after my victory over the Cenobite, of course."

>>2045757
>[] Give him the most basic rundown, and then take your leave if he allows.
>[] Offer to loan him the books and treatises if he is interested in ancient mythologies.

Going to be interesting to see what our cadre thinks about this situation

>>2045782

>Falna: *foam-at-the-mouth rage*

>>2045782
I mean, who -doesn't- want to kill a Githzerai?

>>2045789
Hopefully Aeuna won't get annoyed at being left out of the war-party then!

>>2045794
That would be like being annoyed you weren’t ordered into a cage match with a bear with one arm tied behind your back.

Aeuna and the twins are child’s play to kill for something like this.

If we were to remove the Mage shackles from our slave however...

>>2045807
A bold choice, but even if we could allow her to rest and ensure she's both loyal to us and in top fighting condition I am pretty sure she does not at all have what it takes.

>>2045807
Unleashing a poor unsuspecting mage on this monster seems cruel

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[X] Give him the most basic rundown, and then take your leave if he allows.
[X] Offer to loan him the books and treatises if he is interested in ancient mythologies.

“There is very little to be learned of it. It seems to be a fundamental and very pervasive source of power that was held by ancient members of most races. It was at once more and less versatile than magics or psychic abilities. If our race had it, it would have been long before we were taken by theenemy. It manifests individually, rather than as a pool of power that can be molded and shaped at will. Supposedly, with enough of it one would be a deity.” You drain your goblet and set it down, waving off the slave that tries to refill it. “I have not had the opportunity to ask Her Majesty about that.”

Dunzamn looks at you oddly and you shrug. It's basically true.

“I could loan you books and papers discussing it, if you have an interest, but they are in the Stronghold, being exceedingly delicate materials. I may write one myself one day, if time and warfare permits.” Jacinth smiles, believing that you are speaking in jest.

“I suspect that you would be ill advised in doing so, Akko. That sounds like the sort of thing the knights would consider....forbidden knowledge.” You grunt softly, acknowledging the polite suggestion to not pursue the topic. “I will consider increasing the bounty if what you claim is true-”

“It is.”

“-to an extent. I will commune with Her Majesty and see what she advises.” You shudder. Speaking with her in a dream was bad enough. To be her lackey and servant so directly? More madness than you can account for.

“If there is nothing more....?” He inclines his head and you rise, saluting him with a bow. Her merely salutes you, as does Jacinth, which you are inordinately pleased by, and take your leave. Slipping into a secluded section of the adamatine stronghold, you Teleport close to your lair using the ankle cuffs that serve as a method of flight. You prefer to use your spells rather than the power of those items largely because your spells are more potent and reliable, but in this case you consider it well spent.

Sweeping into your camp, you arrive at the tent only to be confronted by a wakeful and somber Tzanzi. “I have considered your offer, Akko....if you are willing to accept the price, then I will accept the offer.”

“Are you certain? I know it cannot be an easy decision....”

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She looks at you with her good eye and traces the mask you made for her. “Easier than you might think. This affords me great defenses, but....I am not whole, and it hurts, Akko. It is a deep and painful hurt that twists at my being.”

You smile gently. “Then I bow to your desire in this matter, risk or not. Tomorrow we will deal with the one who can manage this task for us, and you will be made whole.” Stepping close, you gently lift her mask away. “So long as you understand that this is done solely for your desire, and not because I see you as damaged, Tzanzi.”

She leans forward, her lips parting and you kiss her back, shivering as her nails dig into your soft skin through the delicate cloth of your tunic. You break the kiss with a gasp as she presses her thigh to your crux, and she bares her spurs slightly. “You have never seen me as anything but myself, Akko, and that gives me comfort that I cannot explain to you.” Tzanzi means the words literally; without her telepathic faculties, she has only words to use, and she is not an eloquent creature.

“Then we have much to discuss, and sadly, it involves all our pretty warriors. And Falna of course.” Tzanzi hisses laughter as she follows you into the tent.

>To Be Continued....

>>2045823
Wow Akko, rude! But deserved, honestly.

Thanks for writing XS! I'm sad I missed most of it this time around, I just slept the morning away.

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Thank you for reading and playing. We should be more on schedule for the next few weeks, though late December is always troublesome.

>>2045826
I'm sure nobody expects a regular or content-filled schedule at the end of the year.

>>2045826

Thanks for running!

It was awesome as always.

The way you managed to make the Githzerai sound threatening, even with us players knowing how tough Akko is, was particularly impressive.

Thanks for running
I hope Tzanzi won't change too much next time

>>2045823
Thanks for running, it was pretty interesting and I liked the extended look we got at Dunzamn.

I have also really enjoyed the pastebin so thank you for that as well.

>>2045842
I am not finished with it of course, and will tweet the updates as they happen.

>>2045826
Thanks for running.

>>2045830
Yeah, christmas/new years is always hectic.

>>2045837
I'll admit I'm a bit nervous about how this will effect her relationship with Akko.

>>2045861
We should stay positive, if nothing else it's a decent test-run to see if this Elan is on the level. And if she actually believes Akko can still be convinced to accept her primary offer, she'd be extremely careful to not underdeliver here - she'd surely warn about any risks of such consequences.

>>2045861
If anything I kind of hope it might inadvertantly cool things off a bit with both parties being able to handle it maturely. Even though I don't really wanna take the Elan's offer, there's still a good chance the extrapolated outcome of our choices may lead us towards that and the less ties we have, the better.

>>2045891
I don't see Akko taking well to Dunzamn's style of supreme leading, so unless it's possible to be flexible, I don't see her staying, as much as I'd like to see more.