>>5905776
Several minutes pass, but your knocking does not abate. The sound of a lock being undone precedes the explosive opening of the tavern's entrance. "CAN'T YOU READ THE GOSH DARN-" shouts the girl at the top of her lungs, hesitating as you enter her view. "Oh. Hi," she says weakly, rubbing her eyes. Like you, Ilanis appears disheveled. Her hair is unkempt, with strands veering off in odd directions as though they possess minds of their own. The bags under her eyes suggest that she has not had a restful day, a story corroborated by the wrinkled clothing that she seems to have thrown on hastily.

The girl retches dryly, cupping a hand over her mouth as if expecting to vomit, though thankfully the contents of her stomach remain settled in her gullet. A consequence of the rort which she hosted on the previous night, you suspect. Such poor decisions are becoming of one her age - it is not as though you were any different as a girl. Pressing a hand against her temple, she wordlessly invites you in, an offer which you readily accept.

Whilst the Ilythiiri are better adapted to life in a lightless environment, your surface cousins are capable of persisting in such conditions to a diminished degree. The girl leads you through the unlit tavern into the kitchen, where a pot filled with ruddy-colored stew bubbles atop a stove, which serves as the building's sole source of illumination for the moment. Yawning, she procures a wooden spoon and stirs the mixture idly.

Understandably, she does not feel very energetic in her present state.
>As per usual, let us exchange idle talk and canards about the latest goings on in our lives.
>Surprise! Ready or not, she is about to receive instruction from a true Ilythiiri warrior.
>I shall regale her with the story of my most recent adventure in Everlund. It is a thrilling story for a child her age.
>[Write-in.]

>>5905783
Previous Adventures:
https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=Forgotten+Realms+Adventures

The Rules™:
https://pastebin.com/VRQHDHSr

Jezyrene's Abilities:
https://pastebin.com/CbbK1ygQ

>>5905776
Welcome back, QM! Good to know you're okay.
>I should explain what last night was all about, and ascertain that she has not seen that fat wad in the vague shape of a halfling.
>I shall regale her with the story of my most recent adventure in Everlund. It is a thrilling story for a child her age.
>Then tell her what happened after the battle.
>And then after dinner.
Also, you were totally right about love.

>>5905819
Almost forgot...
>Also, what the hell was that awful magic lightshow you had going on last night, and can you tell me who did it so I can either yell at them or ask them for a portable version? For my family, as a gift, you see.

>>5905836
+1

>>5905783

>>5905819
>>5905836
Support

>>5905783
>As per usual, let us exchange idle talk and canards about the latest goings on in our lives.

>>5905783
>Surprise! Ready or not, she is about to receive instruction from a true Ilythiiri warrior.

>>5905790
The curse can't put a good QM down.

>>5905783
>>5905819
>>5905836
+1

Vote closed.

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>>5905836
>>5906037
>>5906243
>>5906342
>>5906595
>>5906599
>>5906729
Sitting at opposing ends of a table worn from frequent use, Ilanis sets down two bowls of stew, one for you and another for herself. You speak at length about your most recent adventure, tactfully omitting your initial encounter with the burglar and the unpleasant business involving Emitia, instead spinning yarns about your battles with Tenpenny's underlings. The girl is captivated by your descriptions of the action; of how you felled the dark priest of the night goddess in a single blow, and how you bested the elite mercenaries despite being bereft of sight. Of how the overlarge half-man was driven from Everlund, and how his cohort, Greycastle, was given no choice but to flee with him.

"Oh my Triune Goddess!" She gasps, growing pale as she cups her hands over her mouth, wincing slightly. "What did Tenpenny and Greycastle do that was so bad!?" You bring a spoonful of red liquid to your lips, sipping pensively as you weigh the possible responses that you can offer. "They stole a lot of money from the council," you state dryly. The Jezyrene of yesteryear would have divulged the full extent of Rupert Tenpenny's amusingly pathetic obsessions. Yet for reasons which elude you, it now seems as though there is a certain 'wrongness' in presenting these details to the girl. She is merely too weak to properly digest such information, you decide.

"Gosh!" She shouts, grimacing at the sound of her voice. "I got a loan from the Tenpennies to pay for my new magic crystals. Do you think the council's going to ask for their money back?" You shrug, ignorant to the nonsensical inner workings of surfacer law. Noticing that Ilanis is visibly unsettled by the prospect of paladins arriving at her doorstep to collect her debts, you attempt to steer the conversation along in a different direction.

>>5909395
"Crystals? Did they make the lights you had here yesterday?" You inquire. The girl nods enthusiastically. "Mmhm. Aunt Ara made them for me. The materials are sooo expensive, but the colors are really pretty," she explains, minding the volume of her voice low as to not agitate her headache further. "She sings a special song that makes the crystals change their shape and gives them their magic. We should listen to her together some time."

Somehow, the darthiiri woman continues to be the bane of your existence. Of course the infernal light that had very nearly boiled your brain is her handiwork. Worse still, should you intend to follow through with your half-formed plan to weaponize the light against your siblings, it would require the Corellite's cooperation in some capacity. "What's the matter?" Asks the girl, who has noticed the telltale creases of vexation forming across your forehead.

"Nothing," you say, waving your hand dismissively in front of your face. As naïve as always, Ilanis is willing to take you at your word, nodding to herself as the two of you resume your meal. "And... you were right, abbil. About everything," you admit sheepishly. "Huh?" She asks. "What are you talking about?"

>>5909397
With excruciating specificity, you elucidate the events of your encounter with the High Sorcerer as best you are able. Sparing no details, you spin yarns of the precious time you have spent with Amaranth, and withhold nothing of your sexual adventures. Ilanis' complexion shifts from sickly pale to magma red as you expound the truth, her eyes wide and mouth agape. You have no clue as to why - by your metric, it was far from the most daring of your trysts. Perchance surface females lay on their backs and shut their eyes when they copulate.

"Oh, wow..." she trails off, clearing her throat. "I- I had no idea that you could... b-b-by using your... a-anyway..." She shakes her head. "This is great news!" Exclaims the girl, who takes your hands in hers before you can react. "If you and Uncle Am are together, then that makes you kinda like my aunt! Well, my other aunt, besides Aunt Ara. That means we're family!"

Ordinarily, you would reflexively withdraw your arms and assume a defensive posture. Yet there is no denying that you have changed considerably since arriving in this roofless world. Amongst your people, there exists little fondness between those with familial ties, though you have come to understand that 'family' connotes a certain togetherness between surfacers which is absent in your home culture.

The question is, what do you make of this peculiar development?
>Though we share no blood relation, she has been more 'family' to me than any. More than a distant relative, she has become a dalharil - a proper daughter to me.
>Ah, very well. If it pleases her so, I suppose that I can allow her to name me as her relative, so long as she does not get carried away with this bizarre charade.
>It is a quaint idea, truly, but I do not share her saccharine surfacer values. However amicable the relation between us, she is not of my blood, nor would I favor her more if she were.
>[Write-in.]

>>5909414
>>Ah, very well. If it pleases her so, I suppose that I can allow her to name me as her relative, so long as she does not get carried away with this bizarre charade.
>That doesn't mean that I will go easy on your sword-fighting lessons, though.
Jezyrene now has the Stepmother tag on PornPlane

>>5909447
+1
Kek

>>5909414

>>5909414
>It is a quaint idea, truly, but I do not share her saccharine surfacer values. However amicable the relation between us, she is not of my blood, nor would I favor her more if she were.

>>5909414
>Ah, very well. If it pleases her so, I suppose that I can allow her to name me as her relative, so long as she does not get carried away with this bizarre charade.

>>5909414
>It is a quaint idea, truly, but I do not share her saccharine surfacer values. However amicable the relation between us, she is not of my blood, nor would I favor her more if she were.

>>5909414
Support >>5909447

Vote closed.

Bump

>>5911771
But why?

>>5909447
>>5909468
>>5909928
>>5910083
>>5910483
>>5910751
"Fine. All right," you offer evasively. "If that is what you like." Despite your lack of enthusiasm, the girl appears elated by your affirmation of her most unusual views. Tightening her hold on your hands, she beams with luminosity sufficient to light up the dim environs, rocking to and fro in her chair. "Whew! I was kinda worried that you were gonna say no. You've changed a lot, you know that?" Arching an eyebrow, you squint, attempting to intuit the meaning behind her words. True, you are different, and have admitted as much to yourself. But you reason that it cannot be visible in your features. Or can it?

"What do you mean?" You inquire, attempting unsuccessfully to wriggle your appendages free of her iron grip. Tilting her head to one side, she glances toward the ceiling and hums to herself, weighing your words. "I mean, you smile now. And you look better than the last time you were in Everlund..." she coughs. "Uhm, you weren't ugly or anything. I'm just saying, there's more life in you, or something? At least I think so. Even though your makeup is all smeared, and... n-never mind! Great! You look great!" She exclaims, jostling your arms around.

Presently, there is little denying that you've the mien of a slovenly prostitute who has only just completed a full day's work. If the girl truly means that you display more vitality now than you did less than a month ago, then you must have been a pitiful sight to behold indeed. Perchance the surface air is beneficial to your health, or some such nonsense.

>>5917658
Breaking the hold the girl has on you, you place your hands on your lap and grunt. "But I will not have mercy for you. I will teach you to be like a true Ilythiiri warrior. You will earn this," you explain. Even the most pathetically wretched Ilythiiri must quickly learn to fend off threats if they are to survive. Not even slaves are exempt from this cruel axiom - and if this girl is to succeed as your student, then you must not be lenient in equipping her with the talents that may well save her life in the future.

"Right," she nods firmly, resting a palm on her forehead. "But maybe we can start another day? I'm... really not feeling it now, Aunt Sindi." Certainly, she is visibly unwell at the moment; a given, considering her probable hangover. Still, that is no fault of yours. Moreover, she is obviously cognizant enough to function, and the foundational lessons that you will be imparting at this phase of her instruction are hardly strenuous.

Ultimately, the decision is yours.
>It was irresponsible of her to host that raucous crush with that horrifying light show. Sickly or not, her lessons begin now.
>I suppose that I am feeling rather magnanimous at the moment. I can delay her instruction for a while longer.

>>5917661
>It was irresponsible of her to host that raucous crush with that horrifying light show. Sickly or not, her lessons begin now.
Danger doesn't wait for when you are ready, and neither do we.

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>>5917661
>I suppose that I am feeling rather magnanimous at the moment. I can delay her instruction for a while longer.

>>5917661
>It was irresponsible of her to host that raucous crush with that horrifying light show. Sickly or not, her lessons begin now.

>>5917661
>>I suppose that I am feeling rather magnanimous at the moment. I can delay her instruction for a while longer.
>But only because I have more important things to do, this time.
>Let us instead begin training your mind for the battles needed of a true warrior. You will now assist me in coming up with a scheme to RUIN that upjumped apprentice. I assume you know all his weaknesses, allergies, where he prefers to eat, what he prefers to eat.

>>5917661
>I suppose that I am feeling rather magnanimous at the moment. I can delay her instruction for a while longer.
>After all, we need to get you your training steels and armor. I will give you mercy enough to prepare for your lessons, but you’re still going to buy what you need today.
>First, though, we both need a bath.
Come on, shopping montage at the bazaar!

>>5918107
Supporting

>>5917661
>>I suppose that I am feeling rather magnanimous at the moment. I can delay her instruction for a while longer.

Vote closed.

>>5917665
>>5917696
>>5917861
>>5918079
>>5918107
>>5918228
>>5918354
You shrug. It would be acceptable to allow Ilanis to recover from her wild drinking spree. It is not as though you were any better in the past. "I was a foolish girl not long ago, like you are. So this will wait. But you will be ready when it is time," you warn, which comes as a relief to her. "Mmhm. Yeah," she huffs nodding unenthusiastically. Finishing your meal in silence, you petition the girl for permission to use her bath, suggesting that she should do the same.

It must be that you have grown too accustomed to the luxuries found at Tenpenny's inn, for you are dismayed to learn that the best she can manage is dowsing the both of you with gelid water drawn from the nearby river tonight. If you were not a pampered surfacer before, you most definitely are one now. Retrieving the cerulean 'Ocean Mist' perfume from your backpack, you sample the scent before applying it. You have only ever heard of these 'oceans,' although you reckon that the sweet and fragrant substance contained within the glass bottle must have been drawn from one.

Donning your toga, the most practical and versatile of your garments, you consider your next course of action. Ilanis has escaped the rigorous training that will transform her from a pathetic darthiiri child into an honorary Ilythiiri warrior for the moment, leaving you free to do as you will. Impulsively, you ask the girl to divulge the whereabouts of her brother, the thought of avenging your earlier humiliation entering your mind. At this hour, she explains, he can typically be found carousing at the Stag at Bay, Dulnur's very own tavern. The dwarf and the half-breed did seem to have a sort of rapport, and thus this development hardly comes as a surprise to you.

The question remains, what will you do now?
>The rowdy children that frequent the Stag at Bay are no threat to me. I will go there and confront the boy, and give him a good beating if need be.
>Traveling to the Silverwood will take several days, and I have yet to inform Luaue of the good news. It is best if I begin my journey now.
>Dawn is but a few hours away. Ilanis and I will wait until the market is active, and we will outfit her with all of the equipment that she will need for her lessons.
>[Write-in.]

>>5923006
>Traveling to the Silverwood will take several days, and I have yet to inform Luaue of the good news. It is best if I begin my journey now.
We still have no means to humble Lael, sadly. At least, ways that don't involve murder.

>>5923006
>>Dawn is but a few hours away. Ilanis and I will wait until the market is active, and we will outfit her with all of the equipment that she will need for her lessons.
SHOPPING. At the very least, we need to restock on healing potions, new books, pretty dresses warm clothes, and cookies rations before we leave.

>>5923006
>>The rowdy children that frequent the Stag at Bay are no threat to me. I will go there and confront the boy, and give him a good beating if need be.

>>5923006
>Dawn is but a few hours away. Ilanis and I will wait until the market is active, and we will outfit her with all of the equipment that she will need for her lessons.
Uh, and gear for ourselves, before we depart. I think it would be good to gear up before headnig out, not long we are hunted by any siblings or anything.
Don't see a character sheet for this thread, going by last thread's one we have about 384 gp. Hope that's enough.
Something armor piercing would be good... Maybe get a mount or something!

>>5923006
>>Dawn is but a few hours away. Ilanis and I will wait until the market is active, and we will outfit her with all of the equipment that she will need for her lessons

Vote closed.

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>>5923021
>>5923027
>>5923352
>>5923369
>>5923624
Conventional reasoning dictates that you should allow Ilanis the privilege of inheriting the equipment that you no longer make use of. As of today, she is now a sort of relative to you, and perhaps the only living one that you have not come to despise. However, it soon becomes apparent that your armor is unsuitable for the girl's physique. The vestigial fat on her chest and buttocks, a telltale indication of her inactive lifestyle, make fitting the armor tailored to your more athletic and obviously powerful build impossible. Alas, the two of you will have to pay visit to the market in a few hours' time to get her outfitted with something appropriate for her tragically engorged proportions.

Both you and the girl enjoy a brief respite as she sobers up before making your way to the Bell Market. The tyrant sun affords neither of you any mercy, its cruel radiance bearing down upon the two of you unabated. There, across the bridge, standing atop a stack of crates, is the dubious gnomish merchant whom you've been exploited by on several occasions. Brandishing a new metal undergarment, he surveys the crowd, advertising his latest wares. "Come one, come all! I've a new shipment of marvelous goods, brought here directly from Westgate!" He shouts, seizing up as you enter his view.

The gnome tugs at his collar, wiping his brow just as a bead of sweat begins to materialize upon his skin. "Lady Torani! And you've brought a friend, too! Might I interest you in my latest-" You interject, cutting his sales pitch short. "Armor for the girl. That will protect her entire body," you emphasize. "But not too heavy for her. I am going to teach her how to wear it." Visibly deflating, he inclines his head toward you and sighs. "Yes. Yes, of course. Although, if she is interested, I could fit her with-" Shooting him vicious side-eye is sufficient to silence him, to your partial relief. The girl, who has wordlessly been observing the ongoing conversation, looks to both of you with an expression of puzzlement, unsure what to make of the exchange.

>>5928474
You urge her forward, glaring menacingly at the gnome to deter him from his unscrupulous business practices. Whilst the girl is being outfitted, you figure, you may as well do some trading while you have the opportunity. You manage to net a decent profit by selling off the Potion of Infertility. Heavens know that you have no use for it. As for what you will buy...

Adventuring Necessities:
>Potion of Healing (Restores half Strength score in Health) - 50GP/Each
>Ditherbomb (Explosive device that deals 1d6x1d4 damage.) - 100GP
>Acid (2d6 damage when thrown & highly corrosive to objects.) - 10GP/Flask
>Potion of Reduce Person (Temporary +4 Agility, -2 Strength. Weapons deal less damage. Become Small Jez.) - 50GP
>Prickly Tea (+6 Perception for 1 hour after drinking. Must be brewed.) - 50GP

Luxury Items:
>Utterdark Wine (Ceramic Bottle) - 10GP
>Jester Costume - 25GP
>Cheongsam - 37GP
>Orange Marmalade - 15GP
>Sunite Pendant, Silver - 45GP

Books:
>Cooking by the Book! Baking Basics for Beginners - 2GP
>Les Fleurs en Printemps - 4GP
>HELLKNIGHT: The Illustrated Series Vol. III - 3GP
>Fantasyland - 3GP

>>5928475
>Les Fleurs en Printemps
>Cheongsam
>Sunite Pendant, Silver
>Utterdark Wine (Ceramic Bottle)
>Potion of Healing x 1
>Ditherbomb x 1
>Acid x 1
>Potion of Reduce Person x 1
>Potion of Healing
I think that comes to 306gp?

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>>5928475
>Potion of Healing x1
>Acid x2
>Utterdark Wine x2
>Cheongsam x1
>Cooking by the Book! Baking Basics for Beginners
>Les Fleurs en Printemps
>Fantasyland

Total cost = 136GP

Don’t forget to thank the guy for his help with meeting Emitia. He might be more concerned with profits, but his invitation did help you meet with her, thus removing two negative votes against your people.

Also, ask if he has any drow wear. You’re only curious about how good it’ll look on Ilanis, that’s all. Might as well ask if he can find one of those “kimono” dresses you saw at the teahouse sometime, too…

And ask if he has a lingerie section as well.

>>5928508
Oh, and maybe see if there’s been an improvement to the bustenhalt armor’s design. It’s been reliable so far, but our AC needs some updating eventually.

>>5928475
>Potion of Healing (Restores half Strength score in Health) - 50GP/Each x2
>Acid (2d6 damage when thrown & highly corrosive to objects.) - 10GP/Flask x2
>Potion of Reduce Person (Temporary +4 Agility, -2 Strength. Weapons deal less damage. Become Small Jez.) - 50GP

>Utterdark Wine (Ceramic Bottle) - 10GP

>Les Fleurs en Printemps - 4GP
>Fantasyland - 3GP

Ask if he has drow clothing for Ilanis and lingerie for Jez

>>5928475
>Potion of Healing x2
>Acid x2
>Prickly Tea

>Utterdark Wine
>Cooking by the Book! Baking Basics for Beginners
>Les Fleurs en Printemps
>Fantasyland

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Vote closed.

I don't know if we'll get the chance to go through all of these books.

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>>5929595
No reason why Jez wouldn't be able to read it after the epilogue.

I mainly chose the cookbook so that she can eventually discover why surface elf proportions are so engorged.

>>5929595
Dang, I'm too late to vote, but not too late to enjoy the spoils of this harvest

Only you can tell if we'll go through it all, Ed! Not like we need long rows of text for everything

Also, that Sunite pendant... Jez, always being pulled in so many different directions

>>5929647
Sune is hoenstly my pick for a deity. She's well-liked around here, she's communicated with us directly, we're (sort of) friends with one of her chosen mortals, and she's given us boons towards the things which we and/or Jez seem to care the most consistently about (our relationship with Amaranth, improving our reputation, etcetera). She also appreciates dance, beauty, artistry, and fashion, which seem to be things Jez is taking an interest in these days.

QM, do you live?

>>5937368
Ed is always alive, he's just busy sometimes. . We've had long times between posts before too, and Ed has returned steadily for more than a year. Probably the eternal qm curse mixed with quality taking time.

>>5928508
>>5928707
>>5929533
>>5928495
>>5929647
By now you are accustomed to surface commerce. Your lingering fears of being waylaid as you go about your business persist, although you are coming to understand that gutting a person in broad daylight is considered so taboo in surfacer culture that spontaneous attacks in plain view of others must be infrequent. Prioritizing your immediate concerns, you first purchase a few adventuring necessities - restocking your supply of potions and acids. You also chance upon an opaque white bottle, which the merchant describes as a potent black wine brewed exclusively in the distant and powerful nation known as 'Cormyr,' and deem it worth sampling for yourself.

For recreation, you browse through the literature on offer, searching specifically for a cover that catches your eye, although acquiring something less intense than what was available in Amaranth's library is also a priority of yours. A work covered in patterns resembling Sune's rose titled 'Les Fleurs en Printemps' is an obvious choice. Another, featuring an illustration of a human girl with ebon hair and ivory skin roughly the same age as Ilanis descending into what appears to be the Underdark, captures your attention. Impulsively, you purchase what you believe to be a manual for creating surfacer confections - perchance it is idle curiosity that dictates your decision, for such activities are more suitable for a slave than a highborn Ilythiiri such as yourself.

As you pick out a long, form-fitting garment of milk white silk, you shift your gaze over to Ilanis, who is presently attempting unsuccessfully to don what you believe to be light mail concealed under a layer of thick verdant cloth. Such equipment is not considered traditional amongst your people, although you suppose that it will serve its purpose. At the least, the gnome has not tried to dress her up in some metallic undergarment. Exotic dress in hand, you approach the two and clear your throat.

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>>5937743
"Yingil," you say, giving the girl a once over as she struggles with the armor before directing your attention toward the merchant. "Do you have the clothing of my people?" Licking his teeth, he shakes his head, though his smile suggests that he has not abandoned the prospect of a future sale. "At the moment? Alas, I do not. But for my favorite customer, I could definitely make an acquisition, or a dozen. In a tenday's time, I shall most definitely have a selection of drow clothing available." Your eye twitches as the the word 'drow' tumbles out from his mouth, but you are willing to overlook his surfacer ignorance for the moment.

Relinquishing payment to him in exchange for the dress, he gestures toward Ilanis, who has at last managed to fit it properly. "How do you like it?" He asks you. "I think it feels pretty comfy! I-it's kind of heavy, though!" Answers the girl, oblivious to the merchant's intent. You conduct your own assessment of the armor's quality using your hands to qualify its durability and flexibility, provoking confused looks from the girl. "She will take it," you say, deeming it satisfactory.

With your business at the market concluded, the two of you depart, gossiping idly about recent events as you stroll through the streets of Everlund. Ilanis is having a difficult time adjusting her posture to the additional burden of her equipment, betraying her inexperience, although the ease with which she carries herself suggests that she is more athletic than you had initially believed.

What now?
>The girl seems in good enough health, now that she is sober. We can begin her foundational lessons immediately.
>For too long have I delayed. I should depart for the Silverwood at once, to rejoin Luaue and the other Eilistraeans.
>The All-Faiths Hall beckons me. For whatever reason, I feel a compulsion to pay visit to the gods right this moment.
>However busy he may be, I know Amaranth would set aside a moment to chat with me. It is only a matter of finding him.
>[Write-in.]

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>>5937368
>>5937724
I am not too big on blog posts, so I will spare you that. But I ended up switching ISPs, which did delay me for several days.

>>5937746
>>However busy he may be, I know Amaranth would set aside a moment to chat with me. It is only a matter of finding him.
We should tell Amaranth where we're going before we leave (ask him if he'd like to meet with the Eilistaeans sometime?), and also ask him about those paintings Lael mentioned, and if he can show them to us when we return.

>>5937746
>The girl seems in good enough health, now that she is sober. We can begin her foundational lessons immediately.
>For too long have I delayed. I should depart for the Silverwood at once, to rejoin Luaue and the other Eilistraeans.
Both. Bring Ilanis. Correct her posture, make her march with us. This will be a good start.

>>5937750
Welcome back, QM! Glad all si (mostly?) well.

>>5937746
>>The All-Faiths Hall beckons me. For whatever reason, I feel a compulsion to pay visit to the gods right this moment.

>>5937750
Good to see you back QM!

>>5937746
>However busy he may be, I know Amaranth would set aside a moment to chat with me. It is only a matter of finding him.

>>5937746
>>The girl seems in good enough health, now that she is sober. We can begin her foundational lessons immediately.
>>For too long have I delayed. I should depart for the Silverwood at once, to rejoin Luaue and the other Eilistraeans.

>>5937750
Glad to hear that. I was worried for a bit.

>>5937746
>>The All-Faiths Hall beckons me. For whatever reason, I feel a compulsion to pay visit to the gods right this moment.
That's where our ranger friend was right? Willow I think was her name. We could reunite with her and ilanis, get some pointers in for ilanis and prayers in for us, then head off to the Silverwood

>>5938548
No, you’re thinking of Evergreen Hall, that’s the dedicated Temple of Mielikki.

>>5937746
>However busy he may be, I know Amaranth would set aside a moment to chat with me. It is only a matter of finding him.

We must inform him of our plans first, so he knows where to look for us if things goes tits up.

>>5938786
But he's a male! We protect him, not vice versa.

Vote closed.

>>5938848
I mean, Amaranth also protects us. It's just that he does it politically and magically, for now at least.

>>5938848
*he knows where to look for us if he needs help

>>5939058
Yes, but would our pride as an Ilythiiri female allow us to admit as much?

>>5939812
Plenty of other things we've done on the surface that we'd never would have done back in the Underdark. Wear surfacer clothing and like it, for example. Make friends with a half elf, for another.

Still hoping we'll get to wear that rococo dress at a party eventually.

>>5937770
>>5937796
>>5937856
>>5938389
>>5938511
>>5938548
>>5938786
The surface madness impels you toward unfathomable and unreasonable ends. There is a burning need in your chest, a desire to look upon the face of the High Sorcerer again, however briefly. You send Ilanis on her way, and attempt to work out the current location of Amaranth Cywir. Given his reclusive tendencies, it is most likely that he has retired to his tower, although his apprentice did summon him to attend to what must have been urgent council matters. Unless the issue has been resolved, it is probable that he can be found with his peers in the Hall of the Elders, you deduce.

Your conclusion is soon proven to be correct. Surrendering your armaments as per usual, your nostrils are assaulted by the acrid fetor of smoke, wafting from the direction of the elders' offices. You advance toward its origin, until you find yourself enveloped in a fragrant haze that partially obscures your vision, an indication that someone - likely several individuals - have been smoking for several hours.

Following the smog to its toxic heart, you arrive at the High Captain's barren office. Seated at the round table are Amaranth, Dulnur, and Sten, the three of them wordlessly skimming through the contents of softcover books and files arranged into a formidable stack at the table's center. The paladin places a fresh cigarette between his lips and sets it alight, sighing deeply, an act which draws no attention from the other two.

>>5940527
Clearing your throat, you attract their attention. Sten lazily pries his eyes from the hand-sized journal in his hand and regards you with a nod, whereas Dulnur merely steals a glance in your direction before returning to his task, grumbling furiously under his breath. Amaranth blinks and does his best to manage a smile, although his appearance suggests that the material which he has been reading through has made him rather weary.

"I need to talk to Amaranth," you state, gesturing for him to join you out in the hall. Dulnur shakes his head, blowing a puff of smoke through his nose. Excusing himself, the High Sorcerer rubs his eyes and acquiesces, shutting the door behind him as he does so. "We are merely going through what little we could salvage from the records of Greycastle and his accomplice," he explains, folding his arms. "It will take several days, but it gives us something productive to do as we wait for the new council members to be selected. Alas, I shall have to get back to it soon, but I welcome the momentary distraction."

You may choose no more than three.
>How likely does it seem that the council will extend assistance to the Eilistraeans now, with Greycastle and Tenpenny gone?
>That foolish apprentice boy of his is nothing but trouble, and I want to complain at length about him!
>How does he fare? Should he require anything from me, he need only say the word.
>The 'mythal' that we spoke of, has he discerned the truth of its nature and purpose?
>I don't suppose that he would mind if I took the opportunity to spoil him with my affection?
>[Write-in.]

>>5940531
>I need to head back to the Eilistraeans to inform them and Willow what has happened to the council, and to ensure they are safe. Please make sure Ilanis doesn't have any more wild parties before I come back to train her in swordplay, lest she has to learn while fighting a hangover.
>How likely does it seem that the council will extend assistance to the Eilistraeans now, with Greycastle and Tenpenny gone?
>How does he fare? Should he require anything from me, he need only say the word.
And finally, before we leave...
>(kiss cheek) Please, stay safe, abban...

Also, I know it's four, but I can't resist putting the last one down. Knowing my luck, Arara'll be right there to see it...

>>5940531
>How likely does it seem that the council will extend assistance to the Eilistraeans now, with Greycastle and Tenpenny gone?
>The 'mythal' that we spoke of, has he discerned the truth of its nature and purpose?
In IRL terms it's actually been, like, 11 months since we even discussed the word 'mythal', so I'm not sure if it even super matters or not, but a refresher would be nice

>>5940531
>How likely does it seem that the council will extend assistance to the Eilistraeans now, with Greycastle and Tenpenny gone?
>That foolish apprentice boy of his is nothing but trouble, and I want to complain at length about him!
>I don't suppose that he would mind if I took the opportunity to spoil him with my affection?
If we must kiss then we do it aggressively

>>5940531
>I need to head back to the Eilistraeans to inform them and Willow what has happened to the council, and to ensure they are safe. Please make sure Ilanis doesn't have any more wild parties before I come back to train her in swordplay, lest she has to learn while fighting a hangover.
>How likely does it seem that the council will extend assistance to the Eilistraeans now, with Greycastle and Tenpenny gone?
>The 'mythal' that we spoke of, has he discerned the truth of its nature and purpose?
>hold hands

>>5940531
Supporting >>5940558

>>5940531
>I need to head back to the Eilistraeans to inform them and Willow what has happened to the council, and to ensure they are safe. Please make sure Ilanis doesn't have any more wild parties before I come back to train her in swordplay, lest she has to learn while fighting a hangover.
>How likely does it seem that the council will extend assistance to the Eilistraeans now, with Greycastle and Tenpenny gone?
>That foolish apprentice boy of his is nothing but trouble, and I want to complain at length about him!

Vote closed.

Normal QM Curse, or is this the result of Arara getting vengeance on Greenwood for Jez getting a home run with Amaranth when she hasn't gotten past first base?

>>5947396
Many-day delays re the norm for this quest.

>>5947406
Just having fun with the situation, not actually asking.

>>5940558
>>5940573
>>5940654
>>5941103
>>5941186
>>5941230
"Greycastle and the iblith are gone. Will the council help the Eilistraeans now?" You ask. Amaranth brings his hands together and gives your question more consideration than you would prefer. "That... is difficult to determine," he answers, slumping ever-so-slightly. "It is true that Brandt and Rupert were working to obstruct any measure that would assist the Eilistraeans, but whether or not their successors will be amenable to the idea is anyone's guess."

Shutting his eyes, he attempts to mentally work out the probability of a desirable outcome. "I have briefly met with the one most likely to become the next Keeper of the Bridges, and he is the laconic sort. 'Difficult to read' is the best descriptor that I can attribute to him. It is ungenerous of me to judge a person by first impression alone, but if I am to be honest, he strikes me as even more hard-hearted than Brandt," says the High Sorcerer, as he gently lays his right hand against his cheek.

"As for the next Master of Guilds, the consortium responsible for electing them has been in disarray. The news of Tenpenny's criminal activities has not yet been made public, though Everlund's wealthiest seem desperate to appoint someone that can repair the damage that it will inevitably cause to their reputations. If we are fortunate, I might be able to persuade them to vote in favor of a measure to provide for the Eilistraeans."

>>5948919
"There is a prize for you, if you can do this for my people," you tease, licking your lips. "I am leaving to tell them all that has happened. Tell Ilanis that she will be ready to learn when I return again, no matter how much drink she has had." Amaranth studies your face, perplexed by either your suggestive words the designs that you have in mind for the girl. "I suppose that I could have Lael-" You interject, jabbing your index finger toward him. "Nau! Usstan ne'kales nindel nota'man dalhar! You must do it, abbil." You insist with ample force to cause him to retreat several paces.

"I... shall find the time, then. If I may inquire, what sort of instruction will she be receiving?" He asks, inclining his head. "She will learn the ways of a true Ilythiiri warrior," you boast, sneering. It is a great privilege for any individual, especially a darthiir, to study under a gifted teacher such as yourself. Amaranth, however, does not appear pleased. Furrowing his brow, he adopts an uncharacteristically severe expression and responds. "She has reached the age where she would be interested in that, yes. Just promise me that you won't encourage her to go out into the Realms and adventure."

"Anything for you, llarh," you say amorously, allowing your demeanor to soften. Playfully, you place your hands against his abdomen and guide them along his body until they reach his inner thighs. Firmly, he takes your hands in his and draws them away from his person, sighing. "Sindiira, I mean this. Promise me," he pleads, gently shaking your arms to emphasize the gravity of his request. "I will," you say, finding it difficult to refuse such an earnest plea from your red-haired magician.

>>5948920
Your affirmation of his wish visibly eases his anxiety, prompting him to relax. Releasing your hands, he bows politely. "If there is nothing more that you require, I must return to my work. I would love to have a chat, but my obligations as Everlund's High Sorcerer will not fulfill themselves," he says languidly. Pivoting in place, he makes to take a step forward, only for you to skillfully intercept him, circling around the mage to bar his way.

Seizing him by his shoulders, you pull the collar of his robe off to the side and sink your teeth into the flesh of his neck, applying just enough pressure to leave a lasting mark, releasing him before he can react. Amaranth's eyes widen as he stares at you in awe, dumbstruck and mouth agape. "You are mine, d'anthe. That will remind you of me while I am gone," you explain, giggling coquettishly.

"Sindiira," he says after a moment's pause with a tone that betrays some degree of disapproval. Could it be that he was expecting something more? "Never mind. Let us discuss this some other time. Sweet water and light laughter." Pressing his hand against the sign of enduring affection that he now carries as he returns to the unenviable duties of the High Sorcerer.

As for yourself, your thoughts turn to the journey that you will be undertaking shortly.

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This concludes volume XVI of Forgotten Realms Adventures. Now is the time for any questions, et cetera.

I've made this clear before, but the quest is coming around to its end. Beyond the real life shenanigans, I've been having trouble working out how to neatly tie things up in this weird phase before the conclusion, atop all of the mayhem that real life has brought, hence the delays.

>>5947396
You still lack the critical information. Sad!

>>5948924
>You still lack the critical information. Sad!
Gotta remember, us players in tabletop games are notoriously dense when you’re trying to convey important information.

>>5948924
Is there still time to pray to a god?

>>5948923
>getting super clingy and possessive
>marking the former Drow-captive and declaring ownership of him
Cringe. Not on your part, QM; it's very in-character for Jez given her culture, upbringing, and history. But she's not doing herself any favors, I bet.

>>5948924
Got any thoughts for what comes after this quest? It's no like undertaking to run something for so long, but I'd hate to lose you Ed. Other quests in the same world? A lengthy break and rest?

Also, clearly, this would have been easier narratively if we didn't tie ourselves down to one place and just went adventuring like madmen all over the world.
Still holding out hope for a draconic appearance!

>>5949121
no little undertaking*

>>5949121
Best magic dick in the land's right here, tho. Kek

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>>5949021
Relax, anon. It's just a lighthearted joke. But maybe I should award a fortune point if somebody can figure it out?

>>5949064
Of course. We're not at THE end. There is still the election, if Jez wants to participate, and late autumn celebrations.

>>5949121
I do have ideas for other quests. The uncreatively titled "Planescape Adventures," which would be a spiritual sequel to Forgotten Realms Adventures set in the Planescape campaign setting. "THALASSIQUE," an Age of Sail fantasy quest set in a fictional Austronesian region contested by occidental empires. And a grounded neo-noir style quest set in a fictional version of Earth.

>>5949234
Age of Sail fantasy one would be really cool

>>5949234
Any of the above sounds baller.

>>5949234
>But maybe I should award a fortune point if somebody can figure it out?
It has been a while since we've earned one, and a good way to keep the thread alive for a bit longer. I'll do my best to come up with some sort of vaguely ridiculous conspiracy theories about what we might be missing!

Amaranth's familiar with Eilistraean culture and faith because he met one when he was trapped by the Lolthites with Arara. He escaped with her help and kept meeting her in the nearby Silverwood, eventually even having a child together, until the Malarites decided to try to move in, where she sacrificed herself in a final stand against them.

TLDR:He met Talassysnre, they boned, his kid is Luaue who's not a half-drow half-human, but a half-drow half-elf, and he still has feelings for her.

Also, PIRATE QUEST FUCK YEAH

>>5949234
SHIPS! PIRATES! WOMEN!

>>5949234
All of the above sounds good. I've been reading an unreasonable amount of Napoleonic/french revolutionary wars era literature the past year and have just gotten into age of sail literature, so it's a bit relevant.
Going for the broadest possible fan base with a planescape inspired setting could be the smart move.
Given your interest in Thalassique, have you thought anything about a Spelljammer inspired setting? Could be a good mix (I havn't really read much of spelljammer myself, just a thought)
Whatever you pick, I'm sure it will be good. But I am certain we could have a good time with another corner of forgotten realms, if you wanted that.

>>5949278
This is not a bad hypothesis, but I feel like it's looking in the wrong places. I deliberately made it so that this would be easy to miss, but there is enough information to be able to infer it by Volume IV, and there have been hints in interactions later in the quest. Of course, finding out is basically a matter of "when" instead of "if" because of choices made, so I wonder how Jezyrene will react?

>>5949936
https://youtu.be/UHGz5r-b1do

I've also considered adventures in wildscpace, yes. There are many quest ideas that I think about, I merely listed a handful.

Anyways, new thread soon.