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>>37592676
Current Date and Time: Midday on February 5th, 1954PC
FR Points: 1

Caeminn was the quiet sort, so the trip back to Esra’s mansion gave you plenty of time to observe the elves around you. They were guarded towards you, watching your passage through the town closely. It was rather apparent that Caeminn being with you was not considered a normal thing, even insofar as your presence in the town could be considered ‘normal’. Word would spread quickly of this, as the elves had sendings like human mages, and you silently thanked Sylph for her warning to explore elsewhere first. Once back in the mansion, you quickly summon everybody to one place.

“Enchanter Caeminn,” Finn says, greeting the man who is responsible for his current state.

“You appear to be in good health, Tarfinn,” Caeminn says in return with a grimace, “and better spirits than the last time I saw you. I hope to make that permanent.”

Finn nods in reply but nothing else is said or done between the two. To say that relations are strained would be an understatement – one side is untrusting and the other is wracked with guilt. On the plus side, it seems that the other members of your retinue haven’t been sitting on their hands this morning.

“If we’re going to take Caeminn out of the forest, we’ll need a Lefir,” Sylph says once you explain the situation. “At his age his body will begin deteriorating rapidly within a few years without life extension treatment.”

“I will be able to survive for the ten or so years necessary to devise the alterations I intend to make,” Caeminn protests.

“Will it really only take ten years? This sounds like a difficult project,” Mal says.

“If it takes longer then there won’t be anything to return to. I have ten years,” Caeminn says.

>continued

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>>37592706
You frown inwardly at that, being careful not to show your true thoughts on the matter in front of everybody. Caeminn seemed to be assuming you were just going to leave the elves as is, with the only solution being his and the current turmoil being left as is until it was developed. It wasn’t in your nature to leave such a mess as is, particularly not when you felt you had the power to fix it. At the same time, you also weren’t sure if it was your mess to become involved in. As Caeminn had reminded you earlier, you weren’t an elf and didn’t have the same perspective as they did.

“Ten years or not, you’ll be lucky to survive the next three without life extension magic. You’ve already begun to age, which means your body is still drawing upon your reserves despite such magic,” Gnome says from her chair, her hands idly curling Finn’s bronze hair while he sits on the floor in front of her. “Strokes and heart attacks will cut your research short.”

“In other words, we need a Lefir for our enchanter,” you say, cutting off any further argument. “I won’t have your research cut short due to stubbornness, Caeminn. I won’t risk Finn like that.”

Finn’s name and plight may as well have been magical words of compulsion, for the reaction they got from Caeminn. The enchanter immediately withdrew any objections he had, instead brooding in his corner over perceived infractions against the young Daerfir.

“You’ve only really got two choices for Lefir, that I can see,” Tsucchi says. “Go to Tellornaine and try to convince the council, or at least some influential council members, to support you. That will get you more than just a Lefir and this single enchanter and you can… play politics if you like. Don’t look at me like that – I caught your attempt to hide your expression earlier. You have runaway thoughts, like always.

>continued

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“The other option is that I contact a Lefir friend of mine. She always wanted to see the world. I doubt she’ll refuse an offer to go to Harrowmont. That will let us pack up and leave in short order.”

In other words, go to the capital in order to win ‘popular’ support, and maybe engage in some other actions, or just skip town with an easily convinced Lefir. Or perhaps talk to the Daerfir? There was a reason Borminel, a Daerfir leader, spoke so openly to you. You might be able to work with them to get what you need, though you doubt that will make the rest of the elves very happy.

>1. Go to Tellornaine to ‘play politics’ and try to get one or more Lefir.
>2. Accept Tsucchi’s offer and take her Lefir friend back to Harrowmont, avoiding the political situation.
>3. Talk to the Daerfir about Caeminn’s intentions and what you want to do. This could rapidly become a political, and possibly bloody, storm.
>4. Custom

Alright, so a few things to bring up that I want everybody to read. First, the Taira FTB is finally done. No, really. It’s at:

http://pastebin.com/PEqhPTd4

The other thing is that I’ve been doing some introspection lately. Looking at recent threads, I’m worried that I’m defeating the point of being an emperor. Decisions seem a little clearer cut than they should be. With that in mind, I’m going to delay the planned ‘world event’. Instead we’ll proceed apace with player-directed objectives. Right now that’s the Mage Guard, but I know there’s people interested in the Sithran PoP, Pharos and the Taurine Islands. There’s also the matter of how you might want to deal with the Mage Guard as you build up towards civil war. You guys determining where the quest goes and how things are done is more interesting than just trundling along and dealing with preconceived scenarios with prompts.

On that topic, pic attached is architechanon’s Harrowmont expansion plan.

>>37592764
Could you post my plan that I emailed you a while back? I'm afraid I'm on my phone and there's no way I'll manage to type it out myself for around an hour and a half.

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>>37592860
Because it would require three posts, I've just screenshotted the text.

>>37592764
Finally after a month of binge reading I'm finally caught up and able to participate.

>>37592764
2

Quick and easy. This is too much mess and too far away to effectively deal with right now.

>>37592933
Fair

>>37592764
1

>>37592764
>Taira FT
Aw yeah, motherfucking tails!
>quest's future
That seems good to me.

>2. Accept Tsucchi’s offer and take her Lefir friend back to Harrowmont, avoiding the political situation.

>>37592764
> 4
Can we ask Caeminn about what go expect if we try the political approach, are we gunna be met with open hostility and have to 'bully' our way to support, or is there potential that some of the leaders will listen to us

>>37592764
So, on a scale of 1 to "Caused a Civil War" how disruptive would issuing an open immigration invitation to all elves regardless of age or class be? I get a feeling that some discontents are willing to walk away from this mess if they had a more visible alternative.

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>>37593046
If that's all you did? Only moderately disruptive. The biggest issue would be how they get to TYE. If you rocked up with a bunch of transport ships, with escorts to protect them from Malataine, then you'd probably cause a bit of a ruckus. Even more so if you actively tried to convince people to leave.

>>37592999
>Aw yeah, motherfucking tails!
The tails were the hardest part. I have gotten even worse at describing things and the fluffy tails are just something that is hard to put into words. I hope it's at least somewhat decent.

>>37593013
Caeminn isn't a political animal. The main thing he warns you about is that you might not be the only person capitalising on the dysfunctionality of the elven rulers or thinking of the difficulties of the Daerfir.

>>37592933
Nice plan, ide agree to it, but for now lets just do no.2

>>37592764
>2. Accept Tsucchi’s offer and take her Lefir friend back to Harrowmont, avoiding the political situation.

>>37592764
>1. Go to Tellornaine to ‘play politics’ and try to get one or more Lefir.

>>37592764
>>37593159
> 1

>>37592764
>2

>>37592764
1 we need the POP if nothing else

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CONTENTIOUS VOTE

OPTION 1
Go to Tellornaine to ‘play politics’ and try to get one or more Lefir.

OPTION 2
Accept Tsucchi’s offer and take her Lefir friend back to Harrowmont, avoiding the political situation.

Rules for voting are to make a post with a link to this post and the number you are voting for. No other text, no greentexting the number. All informal votes will be discarded. Voting window will be five minutes after the first vote.

>>37593497
1

>>37593497
2

>>37593497
1

>>37593497
1

>>37593497
2

>>37593497
1

I like that anons plan, might as well set it into motion, no reason not to let Tsucchi's friend come visit anyway.

>>37593497
1

>>37593497
1

>>37593675
Um, if we're doing this officially then her government might not allow her to be a part of the delegation to Harrowmont. So bringing her might have consequences with regard to how the Ellen leaders view us. Friend, foe or fool.

>>37593760
I suppose it depends on their policy of how individuals can travel, she is a mid tier position so might have the lee way for it. Or not.

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>1.

You’re not about to leave the elves be. Not like this. The downside is that you’re unsure if you should be taking Finn or Caeminn to the capital. Caeminn will be necessary if you want to try to convince them to support the research, rather than merely engage in some form of alliance. Takin Finn along seems dangerous, but the elf is adamant that he wants to go.

“Wherever you go, Sir Talon, I’ll go,” he says, his wavering voice undermining the fierce expression on his face.

“You don’t have to go back, Tarfinn,” Undine tells him, with a look of concern. “It doesn’t sound safe.”

“I’m Talon’s squire. I… I need to learn how to deal with foreign rulers, so I should go,” he says, his determined look turning imploring as he sees the frown on your face.

Everybody else is staying well clear, aware that this is a rather sensitive subject and you’re easily the best placed to handle it. You wonder whether Finn ever had a father figure during his time here in Terrnaine – Esra seemed more like a motherly figure to him than a lover or mere friend, but you didn’t see any comparable man.

You weren’t sure whether it would be more dangerous for Finn to stay here or go with you. If he stayed here, he’d need guards. If he came along, the Lefir who dislike him would undoubtably take it personally. At least, if they were anything like the pompous nobles you’ve dealt with in the past. You…

>1. Take him along.
>2. Leave him behind.
>3. Custom

Feel free to ask Finn any questions, though his responses may vary depending on how personal they are.

Also, no thoughts on the Harrowmont expansions at >>37592764?

>>37593990
>2

>>37593990
1

We're going balls into politics as is

>>37593990
> 1
Might as well let Finn come, our presence has so far been enough to keep the elves away from him

2 questions about the harrowmont expansion. Is that the military academy thingy we choose in the top right, and is that water in the front?

>>37593990
2

>>37593990
>Also, no thoughts on the Harrowmont expansions at >>37592764 #?

How much is it going to run us?

>>37593990
1.
He is safer with us than anywhere else in the country, unless 2. has him head back to TYE lands.
Expansions look cool, Have to be careful about any water gates though, or a helms deep could happen.

I wonder if we could implement any sort of dock system running alongside the main entrance and hook straight up to the canal.

>>37593990

Could we take him in disguise?
perhaps have him wear some bulkier armour with a full helmet? Make him seem like he is not Finn...

Otherwise, I'd suggest leaving him with Esra and the Elemental sisters...

>>37593990
I like the Harrowmont expansion, but I'm wondering why there's that little external courtyard left by the cliff face (bottom right of the map) instead of just closing it off?

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I think this is a 1.

>>37594177
You could, though it's probably that the Lefir might know how to detect that he's Daerfir.

Also, Esra is in the capital.

>>37594109
Cost? Expensive. Still trying to work that out.

>>37594087
> Is that the military academy thingy we choose in the top right
Yes. Pic related is a close-up of architectanon's mock-up.

>is that water in the front?
Yes. Huge-ass moat.

>>37594224
Killzone, IIRC. There were issues in that it came out as the weakest part of the front wall, so architectanon adjusted it to try to make it a bit of a trap.

>>37594117
>Expansions look cool, Have to be careful about any water gates though, or a helms deep could happen.
We already discussed that. The exterior moat isn't connected to the inside of Harrowmont, mostly due to the risk of, say, creatures that don't need to breathe making use of it.

>I wonder if we could implement any sort of dock system running alongside the main entrance and hook straight up to the canal.

Not sure if there's any point to that. The canal itself runs through the city. Unless I'm misunderstanding you.

>>37594224
There's one up north as well. Maybe we could leave those open though, hope that the enemy tries to go through it to skip a wall, and then roll boulders/collapse the cliff face to trap them in that killzone?

>>37594224
Its just following the pattern, but it does make an excellent place for us to build a bastion or tower to mount a truly huge heavy siege weapon on if we decided to.

>>37594339
The canal runs through the place? through the mountain or something? I was meaning straight up to next to the front gate or in front of it.

-
Since our fortress is stepped, having trebuchet positions up and down it might be worthwhile, lobbing rocks is always a great pass time, think minas tirith.

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>>37594421
>The canal runs through the place? through the mountain or something? I was meaning straight up to next to the front gate or in front of it.

Yeah, the canal cuts through the mountain in order to enter the city proper, as can be seen with the little hidden docks inside the cliffs on either side of the city. The moat is just a moat with no external access. There would already be a ton of industry along the canal, particularly near the current gates.

>Since our fortress is stepped, having trebuchet positions up and down it might be worthwhile, lobbing rocks is always a great pass time, think minas tirith.

They're more visible on this map, but the little purple circles are siege positions.

>>37594421

according to the blueprints, the Canal does indeed cut through the mountain and enters Harrowmont behind the Expansion Wall, which will allow us to continue to receive resources from the other side of the mountains, meaning that in order to fully seige Harrowmont, they would also have to seige the fortifications guarding the other sides of the Mountain Canal Tunnels...

>>37594551
>>37594562
Ah excellent, thank you.

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>>37594339
>Yes. Pic related is a close-up of architectanon's mock-up.
Also, forgot this pic.

>>37594562
Not really the other side of the mountains. The canal runs from Vitria, through the south-eastern edge of Vale, then cuts along the bluffs of Harrowmont (province). It does make it harder to cut off supplies, as you have to send troops a fair distance to block the canal on either end and the northern side of the open canal would be near Ren's little fortress. The otehr benefit is that it gives a hidden dock that can be used to unload supplies discreetly.

We seem to be forgetting about the pop, we need to bind it before leaving to the capital.
The question is, wouldn't someone just take it from us once we do bind it. Which is something worth discussing with the locals, such as caelmin and the daefir. (especially if finns sensitivity that let him easily find pops is a common trait)

>>37594339
Out of curiousity, how hard would it be to convince Esra to come to Harrowmont? I mean, the source can sustain her right? I'm failing to see a downside for her to come to Harrowmont.... Well, other than possible political consequences.

>>37595014
I think we wanted to make her familiar in previous threads.

>>37595014
The main problem here is that she has serious duties here in elfland
We basically need to solve their melatine war before she keels over to do that.

>>37595089
no, someone suggested it and everyone objected

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>1.

If Finn’s to be your squire, you can’t simply leave him behind over a little danger. Besides, he’ll likely be safer with you. Undine gives you a concerned look when you let the ecstatic elf know that he can accompany you. You suspect his joy mostly comes from your confidence in him than the news that he’s going back to Tellornaine.

Ranger Commander Holluri, with a much smaller detachment of rangers today, escorts you to the capital. The group of elves with him appear different to the other day. More disciplined and better equipped.

“They’re not knights,” Gnome says when you voice your concerns. “Or at least, they’re not openly appearing to be knights.”

“They’re too controlled to be knights. The rangers have elite units that wear the black trim on their cloaks, so I think this is them,” Tsucchi says. “Why they sent them along to escort us is another matter.”

“Clearly we’re not trusted,” you say dryly.

As you come into sight of the elven capital you can only marvel at the engineering required to produce such a stupendous city. The city itself lay high in the trees, structures seeming to rise as high as the forest canopy itself, more than fifty metres above you by your guess. A ring of the Naine trees that dominate the forest has been carefully cultivated, each of them the thickest you’ve seen so far – they must be twenty metres thick, each. Standing in the centre of the enormous clearing that the trees surround is an even larger Naine tree, half again as thick as the others and likely rising far above the others. The city itself seems to stretch between these trees, with elaborate structures around them and between them, joined by enormous bridges. Only the structures in the central clearing seem to rise beyond a few levels of the bizarre city, with those standing on the outside of the ring being limited in height.

>continued

>>37594339
>Cost? Expensive. Still trying to work that out.

architectanon pls

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>>37595309
The very outer ring of buildings seems to build a floating wall around the city, one that could be manned and reinforced by an army if necessary.And standing in front of you is a small stone wall, no more than ten metres tall. It’s built more for show than defense and the wall and gatehouse is elaborately decorated. As Holluri leads you inside, you see a clearing, dense with plant life and cultivated gardens beneath the city above it. Thousands of wisps trail lazily throughout, providing light that is denied by the city and forest and the magic they give off is likely feeding the plants. You’re led to the central tree, where a lift system that can take you to the upper levels is. Holluri pulls you aside just outside the tree.

“You should see Councillor Levaine before you do much. I don’t know what your plans here are, but if you’re not careful they might clash with his and that would be… problematic,” he says, giving you a serious look and nodding at the elite rangers standing silently nearby.

Ah, so that’s why they were here. One of the Lefir had cultivated his own power within the military and he wanted to send a message. You brush Holluri off, giving him no real commitment, and head into the tree with everybody else. Once inside, you bump into a bright young girl, younger looking than Finn, who introduces herself as your guide.

>continued

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>>37595341
“Welcome, Imperator Talon and honoured accompaniment. I am Merrafier, an enchanter-in-training, and I’m to help you make your way around the city while the council convenes,” she says, reeling off what is obviously a canned greeting.

“You’ve got a good grasp of Middern,” you tell her, complimenting her knowledge of the language most widely spoken in the north-east of Gauron. “Can you speak like that when you’re not saying something practised?”

“Not without my accent, sah,” she says, her crisp control slipping a bit with a nervous smile. “I’ll, um, try my best to help you today. The council won’t be available until dusk – sessions weren’t intended for today so they’re a little delayed.”

So that leaves you with plenty of choice of where to go.

>Discussion time. What sort of places do you want to visit in Tellornaine? What sort of people?

Basically, you'll visit a few places within the capital and try to give some hints towards what you can expect from the council and elves - the sort of places you visit will affect those. You can also visit Levaine and see how his ambitions compare to yours.

>>37595396
Who engineered this place? How much of that is magic?

The research sheet on GDocs says that we're not researching anything.
Is this accurate or has it just not been updated?

>>37595396
Bowyer, some training grounds, check on economy.

>>37595519
I'm going to guess wildly inaccurate. Given the recent numbers thread we had.

>>37595396
Well, we were invited here to see a council, that is literally the only thing in this city that we know of

I guess we could check out the different castes and how they live. Or scope out their military as much as possible

>>37595396
Do that have mage tower equivalents? Check out their libraries/archives?

>>37595396
Check out their military quarters (if any) and the housing districts.

>>37595396
I think we should see the Counsillor. Elite Military units to back him up? I mean come on, the guy is right up Talon's alley.

>>37595396
Souvenir shopping!

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>>37595519
Just not updated.

>>37595516
"The city's been built and reengineered a few times in history. It's the product of the brightest elven minds and effort. I don't know precisely how it all holds up, however. I do know that a lot of the stone and steel is purchased afar and that there are a lot of Caelfinn that are dedicated construction engineers. I'm on the path of crafting, with a focus on imbuement, but I can find some experts for you if you'd like, sah?"

>>37595659
>Do that have mage tower equivalents?
"Um, the Caelfinn have workshops all across the city. Most of the Lefir learn personally, however. I'm part of one of the few Caelfinn owned workshops in the city, though we're rather niche," she says, puffing out her chest in pride despite her nervous words. "We do have archives I can show you, but I'm not sure you'd have time to read anything."

>>37595703
"The city's rangers are housed in the exterior rings and the knights have their headquarters near the very top. I don't think I can take you there, but there is a knight hall on the lower levels that houses many of them."

So, quite a few choices.

>1. Find some elven engineers.
>2. Visit a Caelfinn workshop.
>3. Visit the rangers
>4. Visit the knights.
>5. See Councillor Levaine
>6. Custom

>>37595341
>>37595396
I can see how visiting whats levaine (le vain, heh) to scope him out a bit. although such visits tend to end in impromptu dealmaking for us in the past
At the very least i would rather not snub someone who just did a show of force

also, can we see if we can find Esra as well as

>>37595838
>>2. Visit a Caelfinn workshop.

>>37595838
>1

>>37595838
5, if ther eis still time do 2

>>37595838
1
5
4
Roll a 20 to read all the books again.

>>37595838
>1. Find some elven engineers.
>5. See Councillor Levaine

>>37595838
>>5. See Councillor Levaine

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>>37595945
>>37595978
If you vote for multiple I'm going to assume the first you mention is your priority. I'll likely call a vote again after you finish each one, in case people's priorities change from what they hear.

RIght now that means elven engineers.

>>37595838
>>5. See Councillor Levaine

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>5.

You’re not about to put off a show of force like Levaine showed earlier. If he has connections inside the rangers like he’s suggesting, then that means he likely has his own ambitions for the elves. You can’t really make a move here without potentially getting drawn into conflict with him if that’s true.

“Would you be able to take me to Councillor Levaine’s residence, Merrafier?” you ask your guide.

She blinks in surprise before nodding. “Um, of course, sah. I take it he’s expecting you? Then we just ride the lift until the very highest levels. I don’t usually go up there so it should be exciting for me, too,” she says, with a laugh at the end.

It’s hard to miss Caeminn’s cautious glancing at you as you ride the elevator. Levaine might be well known to the enchanter, but he’s keeping silent on what he knows. At the very least that lets you build your own opinion of him once you meet him. Or at least, that’s Tsucchi’s reasoning for not saying anything about her knowledge of him. You’re expecting quite the character.

Levaine’s estate lay right below the forest canopy, light peeking in from the leaves above. The central tree grows still higher and you suspect there’s a tower above, but aside from that there are no buildings higher than the few sprawling platform estates that occupy this level. Levaine’s is a mess of plantlife and buildings that stretches between two of the great trees on the outer ring, and to get there you need to wander along a walkway with gilded edges. On the plus side you get a good view of how far the drop is on the outer edge – not very far, as you’d likely crack your skull open on the buildings a few storeys below.

“I, uh, don’t know if I should go with you or not, sah,” Merra says, twisting her hands nervously as she glances at the gates to the estate, which swung open as you approached.

>continued

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>>37596598
“You’re my guide. You can join me,” you say, and she gives you a grateful smile.

You’re escorted into a sitting room by a butler where you find a tall, thin elf in a dark suit. Or some fashion of suit – the jacket runs down half his legs and the pant legs flare out at the bottom. The collar stands so high they reach his ears. The height of elven fashion, no doubt.

“Ah, Imperator Talon and his retinue, please come in and take a seat. I am Councillor Levaine. I believe the two of us have much to discuss,” Levaine says, his eyes sharp even as he smiles brightly.

You take the seat opposite him, noticing the way the seating is arranged to ensure your retinue sits behind you. He leans forward, placing his elbows on the wooden table between the two of you as he does so.

“Before we start, I do have to ask whether you’re here on diplomatic business or personal business? Commander Holluri was unsure about that in his report. I think you’re here for personal matters, but if it’s about genuine diplomacy then that changes things,” he says, his eyes staring into yours.

You answer with…

>1. Diplomatic business.
>2. Personal business.
>3. Both.
>4. Don’t answer. Your business is your own.
>5. Custom

Next post may be delayed as I have lunch.

>>37596636
>3. Both.

>>37596636
>>2. Personal business.
"The purpose of this trip was personal."
This is doublespeak, and allows him to hear what he wants to hear. Our trip did start out as personal, however we did use the past tense. This implies it isn't any longer, yet could be an honest mistake.

>>37596636
>3. Both.

>>37596636
"Never mind that, I assume you asked for me because you need something from me".

>>37596636
>>3. Both.

>>37596636
>>37596862
This'll do, and it fits with playing politics. Hints, half truths, double lies and shit like that

>>37596862
I'll back this.

>>37596636
>"The purpose of this trip was personal."

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>>37596862
Going with this. Writing now.

So since we have some quiet today.

What kind of towers do you guys think we should establish in the Imperial Academy? Looks like we have 5 slots.

Summoner seems like an obvious choice.

>>37597418
Summoner, enchanters, maybe one for general research or the different summon thing, and two for combat magic.

>>37597418
The whole point of the Academy was to get away from the politics of Mage Towers

>>37597522
That being said, we can use them as non political entities for efficiency of space

>>37597418
probably a good idea.
FYI, I suspect that lines 38-43 are Malantine's military. That knights inability to retreat effectively means his moral was unbreakable. And lo and behold there are a bunch of units that have the same moral stat as non-sentient summons.
>>37597522
arguable. Some people dislike mage towers, others don't.

>>37597513
Research can be done outside of the academy, i was under the impression such a place was going to be a mix of different types.

One for the mages, magic and all
One for the Knights, sword and shield
One for the rangers, Bow and dagger
One for the Spirituals, World changers

>>37597554
But the politics of mage towers have been proven to slow down research on patterns

>>37597599
based on a pretty rational understanding of cost and benefit.

>>37597599
The main thing I personally feel is not to go full retard with the lack of politics. They should be a force but something that owes us fealty and is based around pure pragmatism.

>>37597593
>Research can be done outside of the academy
>Most battlemages are so strong due to being powerful at research to build good spells.

>>37597418
I thought we were going to use one for the vampire orderish thing?

>>37597714

I was under the impression the acadamy was to get people up to speed on the basics and some advanced stuff, before they went off to train with the select areas. A bit like a school before a college.
We could of course relegate the 5th tower to research for those who stay with the academy.

>>37597522
I don't think you mass that many mages together in the heart of the empire without them gaining some political clout. Especially an underrepresented group such as Battle mages. It's all how we handle it.

>>37597726
That would proably be a totally different thing. Just because that is less an academy given daywalkers can't teach each other much more then avoiding bloodlust and more a eugenics project.

>>37597782
Personally for me I feel the best way to go about it is to make the academy based on nothing but pragmatism. You do research but ti's mostly about good combat effects or how to handle a major issue.

Not so much everyone goes around doing whatever. In exchange they get to become the de facto most powerful mage group due to being right in the empire capital.

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>2. But with write-in doublespeak

“The purpose of this trip was personal,” you say, choosing your words carefully.

“This trip?” Levaine asks, cocking a golden eyebrow.

“To the forest.”

“Ah, but of course” he says, leaning back into his chair and nodding with a contemplative gaze. “My apologies, Imperator Talon, but I’m rather used to the conniving and frustrating behaviours of the council. I can only dream of being in a position that lets me be so forthright.”

You can only dream, too. You weren’t emperor of the world yet. Keeping your thoughts to yourself, you wait for Levaine to continue.

“The personal aspect no doubt relates to your interest in the Place of Power beneath the memorial of the Great War as well as in helping your Daerfir squire,” he says, cutting to the chase. “I’m happy enough to support you in these – the elves, and all non-human races, have few enough friends to spurn somebody over minor squabbles and claims. Unfortunately, not all squabbles are so minor and your presence is… upsetting the locals.”

“Which locals?” you ask him, genuinely unsure of whether he’s talking about the Lefir rumblings over Finn’s supposed murder or the Daerfir possibly preparing for open rebellion.

“All of them, really,” he says, closing one eye with a grimace. “The Lefir and their pet knights believe you are sheltering a murderer, though it’s largely about revenge despite their noble claims of ‘supporting justice’. It’s hard to argue for justice or righteousness in regards to the Daerfir. The Daerfir themselves see your reputation and support for their exiled Champion as support for rebellion. The younger ones are stirring up a hive and the elders aren’t sure whether to stop them.”

>continued

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>>37597928
You frown at that. There’d been no hints of that from Borminel but it also made sense – the Daerfir merely needed an excuse to rebel and the demagogues that were looking to succeed the current elders would find you a handy one.

Levaine isn’t done, however. “The Caelfinn and Morfinn aren’t independent, either. They see economic and political freedom elsewhere. Right now there’s nowhere to go, limiting their ability to escape the clutches of the Lefir’s economic power.”

“And I take it that you don’t want to see change, Councillor Levaine?” you ask him, frowning at what you’ve heard.

“No, Imperator Talon, I want change. What I don’t want is the destruction of this centuries old elven civilisation, which is what will happen if you stay here much longer. Things can be fixed, for the most part, without dying the forest red or abandoning it outright.”

“The most part? Which part is left out, Levaine?” Caeminn interrupts suddenly, his voice angry. “Why don’t you explain that?”

“I was getting to that,” Levaine says calmly, barely glancing at the enchanter. “The Daerfir are a lost cause. You can’t wrong generations and then simply open your arms and say ‘Welcome back, all is well.’ They desire blood and vengeance. Given more time and will, perhaps that could be avoided but things are well beyond that. No, the only option is for the Daerfir to leave. To build a future someplace where they’re not haunted by the memories of their mistreatment or the resentful glares of elves too stupid or young to realise what they’ve done to their brethren.

>continued

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>>37597958
“In short, I want you to take the Daerfir to your territory. I want you to leave no trace of them or yourself.”

“This is madness, Levaine!” Caeminn shouts, standing up so fast he knocks his chair backwards. “How could we defend the forest without the Daerfir? Without the Champion?”

“The same way we did beforehand. Elves will die, but it’s not like Daerfir do not die. I will either forge an elven kingdom strong enough to withstand its foes or it will perish in a blaze of glory. Both are better than the elves simply destroying themselves from the inside, like starving, mad animals,” Levaine says.

It’s hard to read Levaine. He’s good with words but you don’t know how genuine his feelings are. The cynic in you can see little other than a military coup on his mind, and the Daerfir would prevent that or make it so his rule would be shortlived. On the other hand, it might be better. Working with him will prevent you from enacting your own plans for the elves, however.

>Questions for Levaine? Anything to confront him over? I’ll probably place your choice to side with him with the council meeting later.

>>37597874
Well so long as we keep everyone mixed im fine with this. Having people be educated together under the empire first before they go on to their careers is going to be good for cohesion, political stability and national identity.

>>37597999
How do you propose moving all of the Daerfir? Making exclamations like that is great, but what of the actual logistics?

>>37597999
Mention the Knight Finn encountered. A powerful warior with unnatural singlemindedness, wearing Malantine designed armor. How certain is he that he can win against an army of them?

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>>37598114
"That is largely your problem. I'm not the ruler of an empire, nor do I have friendships and alliances with the League or the Seraphs. I imagine you could think of something."

>>37598195
"It sounds no more dangerous than the knights of the Lords that visit us every few years. We handled those before we had Daerfir, we can handle them again. It might just require my kin to do something of value."

Nobody else seems to have anything so I guess I'll just move on.

>>37597999
Are the daerfir really the only hope the elves have to withstand an invasion?

I don't really have anything because I kind of agree with him.

>>37598513
I was thinking of taking the daerfir too.

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VOTE
>1. Find some elven engineers.
>2. Visit a Caelfinn workshop.
>3. Visit the rangers
>4. Visit the knights.
>5. Custom

Also, if anybody has some parting remarks for Levaine, post them now.

>>37598643
1

>>37598643
>>1. Find some elven engineers.

>>37598616
It would be a good idea in the long term. They make for good warriors and we can expand their life via the source at the end of this. Which gives us a loyal core we can bring out as needed.

>>37598643
>>4. Visit the knights.

>>37598643
>1

I honestly think at this point saving even a fragment of the elven culture from both themselves and the other nations is worth it.

>>37598643
"God-Knights tend to be more concerned by casualties than religious fanatics magically modified to feel no fear. You might want to consider something to replace the military might you would lose. Human Military magitech for example."

>>37598643
>2. Visit a Caelfinn workshop.

Hmm...how about
>Taking the Daerfir is an attractive idea, but so far I'm sure it will be the ruin of the elves. While I do not oppose taking them with me, I'd also like to keep the other elves not extinct.

>>37598778
>caring about elven culture

>>37598804
>giving away our trump card

Yeah how about we don't bring that up, Caeminn is pissed enough as is

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>1.

“You should be wary of underestimating your opponents, councillor. And of overestimating your own capabilities,” you say, rising to your feet.

“There’s plenty of history to draw upon. I feel confident that this is the best course of action. I hope that you support me when you meet with the council,” he says, remaining seated. “We both stand to gain from this.”

It’s not until you’re outside that Caeminn reels on you, saying, “You’re not seriously considering his insanity, are you?”

“There’s a certain logic to it. I don’t know what’s best for the elves, but I know the status quo isn’t it. If the Daerfir come to my empire, I can give them something they might not get here,” you say.

“And what of the elves left behind without their protectors, guarded only by mere ego?” he says.

“In that case, perhaps they can finally lay in the bed they’ve made,” you say, some anger slipping into your voice. “Sometimes you can’t solve all the worlds problems and my worry is first and foremost those close to me. If I do accept Levaine’s offer, will you rescind yours, enchanter?”

There’s a long silence as your retinue watches the edges of your temper hit Caeminn. The elf’s face twists as he thinks, before he looks away.

“As you said, sometimes we have to lay in the bed we’ve made. I owe the Daerfir. I’ll finish what I’ve started, even if I don’t agree with you,” he says.

Merra stares at you with wide eyes, her shocked expression seemingly fixed on her face since coming into the room with Levaine in the first place.

“Take us to some engineers, Merrafier,” you tell her.

“Yes, sah!” she says, nodding rapidly and leading the way with a hurried stride.

She takes you to a small building inside one of the ringed trees on the lower levels. Inside is a rather frail looking elf, not much older than Merra and rather raggedly dressed.

>continued

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>>37599527
“This is Engineer Carnon,” she says, surprising the young man who was busy reading a book and didn’t notice your entrance. “Though it’s probably better to say he’s a historian.”

“I’d say it’s probably better to say you’re just ignorant,” he fires at Merrafier. “Why are you escorting around some-“

Whatever Carnon was going to say is interrupted by thr sight of you. His jaw drops and his eyes widen in surprise as he stutters in surprise. Merra giggles at the sight of him.

“I- You’re- Imperator Talon York,” he exclaims. “I’d heard you- It’s an honour to meet you. Are you here to see me?”

“The Imperator wants to ask about the construction of the city,” she says. “Unless, um, there’s something else? We probably shouldn’t stay too long if you want to visit somewhere else, sah.”

Carnon frowns at the Merra. “You shouldn’t talk like that in front of the Imperator. You should learn your Middern better.”

“It’s so much work, though. Plus, the accent’s cute,” Merra says, pouting.

“I take it the two of you know each other?”

“Carn is my boyfriend,” she says.

“One of them,” he mutters under his breath, earning a dirty look from her.

Your questions focus on…

>1. The construction of the city, ignoring the politics.
>2. Carnon’s position within the city and what he does. Avoid direct discussion of politics.
>3. What Carnon thinks of the political situation and the castes.
>4. Custom

>>37599570
>2. Carnon’s position within the city and what he does.
don't ignore the political aspect, though don't push it. Maybe throw in a few questions on how he sees things.

>>37599570
>1. The construction of the city, ignoring the politics.
Recruit for canal?

>>37599570
2

>>37599570
1

I take it he's heard about the canal. Maybe even Harrowmont

>>37599570
>2. Carnon’s position within the city and what he does. Avoid direct discussion of politics

>>37599570
1

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Rolled 1 (1d2)

Tie-breaker roll.

1 = Option 1
2 = Option 2

>>37598513
>>37598616
Termaine would die horribly though. They just don't have enough knights and can't replace them nearly fast enough.

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>1.

You might have been interested in the construction of the city, but the level of detail that Carnon goes into is a little beyond you. You’re not an engineer, you just like making huge and awesome buildings. Instead Gnome ends up leading the way, probing Carnon with a variety of questions and making it apparent she knows all the answers anyway.

“Actually, the steel that is being used for a lot of the recent expansion is magically reinforced before it arrives here,” Gnome says, correcting Carnon. “The magitech factories can reinforce it while they create it. The steel that’s enchanted by the Caelfinn here is older, from before magitech factories.”

“O-oh, really? I’m pretty sure we still learn how to reinforce it and transmute it, though,” he says, giving Merra a pleading look.

She shrugs in return. “We imbue it with extra magic and abilities. We don’t transform it. That’s the job of the Caelfinn working the trade routes.”

You finally see a chance to actually intervene and appear meaningful. “Could it be cheaper for the elves to import mundane steel and then reinforce it themselves? That might be what’s happening now, as their funds might be stretched further with trade embargos and raiding from the war.”

>continued

>>37599959
.... How long has it been? For me it seems like nobody is replying

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>>37600397
Gnome shakes her head. “Not in the quantities that Carnon says they’re importing it in. Almost all high quality steel is produced in magitech factories, where it’s trivial to reinforce it as it’s manufactured. The remaining steel is produced by blacksmiths and is of considerably lower quality due to the issues they have getting their smelters hot enough. Reinforcing that is incredibly time-consuming as it’s not suitable for this sort of construction without enormous amounts of transformation.”

Something niggles at your mind as you think of a response. It doesn’t seem likely that Carnon is wrong in this case – surely he’d know what process the steel undergoes before being used in construction, particularly because steel is so important to the reinforcement of the larger walkways and structures that the elves have been building of late. Then again, does he knows its source…

[DC13 Knowledge]

I imagine somebody can guess the source and why it's reinforced by the elves. Also, this is just establishing the level of technology that's around now as that's been a bit confusing at times. Plus, I've done a ton of research into that stuff thanks to architectanon.

Judging from the slowness of votes, I'm guessing most players are focused on other quests. It keeps the pressure off me, however. Means I don't feel as bad for being slow today.

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>37600454

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>37600454
Lords maybe? they probably have access to the best nonmagical material?

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>37600454

>>37600454
Lord of Steel?

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>37600454

>>37600549
Welp. Talo cannot into steel.

>>37600549
It'll never cease to amuse me when Talon fails at things he should damn well know.

I'd guess either Lord of Steel, dwarves, or Farlou given their past relations

>>37600454
>Plus, I've done a ton of research into that stuff thanks to architectanon

For real. All for one, relatively, minor project too.

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>>37600549
>>37600557
>>37600588
AHAHAHAHAAHAHAHA

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>Dramatic failure

“Well, couldn’t the elves be producing it themselves with transmutation? Caelfinn using enhanced smelters to produce high-quality steel?” you propose, wondering if the trick is that the elves aren’t actually importing it.

“Um, we don’t have any smelters in the forest, sir. Fire in almost all circumstances is banned within the forest,” Carnon explains, giving you an apologetic look as he outright contradicts you.

Not that you’re worried about that. Instead, “Fire is banned? Fire? You live without fire? How do you live without fire at all?”

“It is a forest, Talon. I imagine they’re very worried about it burning down and being difficult to control. The trees here to take centuries to mature and it’s extremely difficult to grow new owns due to the current canopy,” Gnome explains, grinning at your reaction.

“It’s fire. It’s practically a building block of life,” you mutter. “So, all your light? Your heat? Your industry? No fire or heat that could produce a fire?”

“No, sir.”

“They’re elves, Talon. They don’t know any better,” Sala chirps, defending her patch.

“Feelnig defensive, Salamander?” Sylph asks her sister, elbowing her lightly in the ribs.

The younger elves have odd expressions on their faces, unsure how to take Sala’s comment. A chuckle breaks their silence, coming from Caeminn as he shakes his head.

“That’s amusing given how closely we’ve worked with you in the past, Salamander. And we do allow fire in very controlled circumstances, typically away from the city and residential areas and in controlled environs. A forest fire could be very dangerous, even if we did have water elementals on hand,” he explains.

“Could it just be the dwarves?” Caitlyn comments. “They export a lot of steel? Aren’t we going to be importing lots soon? With the canal?”

You and Gnome look at each other, then at Caitlyn. Then you both scowl in unison.

>continued

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>>37601233
“It could be the dwarves. They don’t reinforce most of their exports. Then again, the steel they produce is of extremely high quality anyway. The best of our steel matches their export-quality goods,” she says, her scowl marring her features.

“Shouldn’t export-quality be a good thing?” you ask.

“Most people keep the very best for themselves, for obvious reasons. I do remember the dwarves were talking about a new process they’d developed that would vastly cheapen steel, however. They were trying to undercut a lot of the local guilds and houses in Ahm shortly before the rebellion. That would explain the quantities of steel the elves can afford here,” she says slowly, recalling distant memories

“You’re saying the quality of steel we’re importing is worse than what the human mages produce?” Caeminn asks, raising a sceptical eyebrow.

“It would still be steel but it wouldn’t be as high a quality. Most likely they’re able to produce slightly less uniform steel but in far greater quantities,” she says. “Once magically reinforced, that slightly lower quality means less if it meets the needs for construction. It just might not be as widely applicable, I suppose.”

The discussion becomes far too detailed for your liking. All you really get out of it is that the Caelfinn do a lot of enchanting and transformation, far beyond what human mages can do. Then again, you suspect Shropham uses a lot of the same principles that the elves rely upon.

You bid Carnon farewell and notice that it’s close to dusk. You had best go to the council hall. Tardiness wouldn’t be appreciated, given you’d forced them to hold an impromptu gathering. On the other hand, if the council were anything like human courts then it would take them hours to be truly ready. You might have time to go elsewhere.

>1. Go to the council hall now.
>2. Find Esraveel and discuss Levaine’s offer.
>3. Visit a Caelfinn workshop.
>4. Visit a knight hall.
>5. Custom

>>37601256
>>2. Find Esraveel and discuss Levaine’s offer.

They're fucking elves. They're not going anywhere. And we still need info.

>>37601256
>1. Go to the council hall now.

>>37601256
>>2. Find Esraveel and discuss Levaine’s offer.

>>37601256
2

Time to be fashionably late

>>37601256
>2. Find Esraveel and discuss Levaine’s offer.

>>37601256
>>1. Go to the council hall now.

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>>37600758
>>37601233
>>37601256
Also, for those interested in my day of research into steel and construction, check out the picture. If anybody knows better, let me know. This isn't exactly my field, except insofar as my job requires me to research all sorts of random crap.

>>37601426
A....stone bridge?

>>37601256
>2. Find Esraveel and discuss Levaine’s offer.

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>>37601463
>>37601426
Hurf, I'm good at this.

>>37601426
The main issue is that if steel is that high quality and widespread, you're getting close to the point where its basically impossible to penetrate with muscle power. Mundane archers should be totally useless, even against men at arms.

>>37601509
Which is amusing to us, since with arcane archers we are already one step ahead in that game.

>>37601463
Well the bridge part is right.

But think bigger. Like... Tower Bridge bigger.

Basically, I've gone over the deep end when it comes to the budget. No project too great.

>>37601470
Hm, I had not noticed steel military equipment were a thing in the setting. Must have missed that or forgotten.

How common is steel anyway? By the looks of it, I'm guessing lots.

>>37601635
I like my defense plan better personally. Let me go dig it up from emails

>>37601583
Not to mention our upcoming Siege Archers.

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Still writing 2.

>>37601509
Which is probably why archers are comparatively terrible and armies focused on melee mage-knights, with their enchanted weapons that literally cleave right through full plate. AA arrows punch through armour as their magic basically generates huge acceleration against the armour on impact.

>>37601635
If it helps, I'm probably going to have to go to great extents to create an army good enough to besiege it.

>>37601660
Mage-knights have been covered in huge amounts of steel since the get go.

>>37601661
The bunkers? Those aren't really for defending Harrowmont itself. I suppose it competes on the cost basis though.

>>37601689
>Which is probably why archers are comparatively terrible and armies focused on melee mage-knights, with their enchanted weapons that literally cleave right through full plate. AA arrows punch through armour as their magic basically generates huge acceleration against the armour on impact.
Yeah, the issue is that Men at arms are basically hitting each other with nerf bats. Okay, not quite that bad, but they'll still have immense difficultly dealing with plate that high quality.

>>37601745
>Men at arms are basically hitting each other with nerf bats.

I believe that's an accurate statement regarding MaA vs Godknights at least.

>>37601745
Stab em in the eyes or joints.

>>37601745
IRL one couldn't reliably punch through plate, one went for the joints or visor. This hasn't changed much.

>>37601689
>If it helps, I'm probably going to have to go to great extents to create an army good enough to besiege it.

At this point it either has to be a ridiculously large army under that crazy general to the south, or that other crazy make guy with a dragon to the southeast.

Or Raphael being like nahhh and just leveling the place.

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>>37601745
Yes, and MAA are also pretty terrible against each other (in terms of damage dealt) and MMK demolish them. It's all there in the Battle Calculator and the military history.

>2.

Making the elves wait isn’t exactly something that troubles you much. They certainly didn’t seem like a race prone to haste. Plus, what were they going to do? Make unhappy noises in your general direction? Your real objective right now was to find Esraveel and talk to her about what Levaine had said. It didn’t seem right to make a decision regarding the Daerfir without the input of the woman who had given up a lot more than most to defend them.

Luckily, Esra has a mansion in the city, too. Caeminn leads you there but is hesitant to go beyond the entrance hall. So is everybody else for that matter, aware of the sensitive topic you’re going to discuss with her.

“Um, I’d be really careful talking to her, Tallie,” Sala says with a nervous smile. “Names, specifically. I don’t know if she’ll like what she’ll hear.”

“She might fly into a berserk rage and try to kill Levaine if she feels that he’s undermining her entire existence, gotcha,” you say darkly, waving off her concerns.

>continued

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>>37602020
If there was one benefit that you received from approaching her alone, beyond the chance for a private chat, it was that you could watch her practice interrupted. She was practicing what you believed to be a two-weapon style, with a sword in her left and a dagger in her right. It was an amazing contrast to the frail and weak woman you’d seen the other day – she moved around the room with the grace of a professional dancer and the speed of a mage-knight. Given this was practice, you doubted she was doing little more than going through the motions. You wondered what it would be like to spar with her. On the other hand, you didn’t want her to suffer. It was all too clear in your memories the pain she suffered with every movement the other day. She may hide it well now, like you hide your wounds in battle, but it was still there.

She halts suddenly, standing with just one leg on the ground, and turns to you. Her blank gaze and small smile seem inviting somehow.

>1. Spar with her.
>2. Try to practice alongside her, copying her moves.
>3. Talk business.
>4. Custom

>>37602046
>>1. Spar with her.

>>37602046
>2. Try to practice alongside her, copying her moves.

>>37602046
>1
and
>3. Talk business.
We came here to talk.

>>37602046
>>2. Try to practice alongside her, copying her moves.

We need her relaxed and receptive, and we can't really risk injuring her unduly. No, that wasn't intended to be sensual you goddamn gutter minds.

>>37602046
>2. Try to practice alongside her, copying her moves.
>3. Talk business.

>>37602046
>2. Try to practice alongside her, copying her moves.

Talk while training.

>>37602080
She could probably kick Talons ass so I wouldn't be too worried.

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>2.

You want to have a calm, friendly chat with Esra afterwards, not one that involves the two of you red, sweaty and pumped full of adrenaline. Or recovering from wounds. So instead of rising to the challenge you instead accept in a more docile way, picking up a sword and dagger from the racks by the entrance and taking up the same position as her.

You try to ignore the smirk on her face as you do so. You also resist the urge to use empowerment to keep up with her. This is just going to be practice. You should be able to keep up with her naturally, even if she is far more practiced than you.

[DC14/16 Friendly Practice]

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>37602400
Here we go

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>37602400

>>37602424
SAFE

>>37602414
Yeah, not my day/night to roll shit.

>>37602424
awsome save.

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>37602400
Dog rescuer karma bonus, GO!

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>37602400

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>Higher target met

This was supposed to be a calm, simple practice session where you bonded a little with Esra and made her feel a little comfortable around you. Except you clearly only saw the easy part of her practice session and she intentionally invited you to join in for the part where the tempo increases. To say you were keeping up with her would be too kind – her moves were too unnatural for you to guess, with leaps and other acrobatics interrupting otherwise smooth sequences of sword strokes and deft footwork. Instead you maintained a lag behind her, observing her movements and copying them without letting the time delay increase.

This was harder than it sounded – Esra was blindingly fast, to the point where you were pushing yourself to your limit to keep up with her. You also weren’t built for this sort of acrobatics. You’d had to adjust your footwork to copy her – her slight frame and magical strength might let her do flips with little build-up but you needed to shift your position without compromising the swordplay. Then you need to catch back up, relying heavily on your skills with weapons to guess what her moves were because you just missed her doing the strokes while you were trying to do the flip.

A sudden clatter signals the end of the session, as Esra suddenly spins form her frozen position to knock her sword against yours. She gives you a warm smile, her body completely free of any stress or tension. You tried to smile back through the exhaustion, sweat coating your body after a half-hour of hard exercise at a pace you wouldn’t really call ‘practice’.

>continued

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>>37602807
Then she steps up close to you, then slips behind you, and presses her back against yours. It takes you a second to realise she’s taken up the position for another set of exercises. A tandem set, if her specific position is what you think it is. You gulp, not sure if you can take another. Magic pulses through your veins as you swallow your pride and decide that having a heart attack right before meeting the council would be a bad idea. Especially because you would be very late.

Though you still worry about the heart attack when you feel Esra’s power surge, like a swirling tempest around you. She’s either challenging you or this part is going to be much, much harder. You just hope that this tandem set doesn’t need to be perfectly timed…

[DC17 Challenging Practice]

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>37602829

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>37602829

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>37602829

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>37602829
fuck me

>>37602886

Oh come on!

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>Target not met

Esraveel was graceful, swift and strong. She could do a backflip, push off the ceiling with her feet and land in the middle of a handspring before hitting the ground running with her sword strokes and practised footwork. No hesitation or slowing down, she moved far faster than you would be capable of at the best of times. The only times she slowed down were when she needed to interact with you, flipping over you or having you flip over her. Or light clashing of the swords as you circled each other with acrobatics.

At some point she shifted into a set of single practice movements, largely because you had collapsed on the ground after messing up a handspring and spraining your wrist. You could have kept going but you’d already done that a few times after messing up, ignoring Esra’s giggles. Instead you collapsed on the ground and waited for her to finish. A few minutes later you felt the light pressure of her foot on her chest as she lightly rolled it around and grinned down at you.

“So, I take it you come to talk about something, Talon?” she says, looking very smug.

>1.Tell her openly about Levaine’s offer, keeping his name out of it.
>2. Ask her whether she feels that the Daerfir are better off in Terrnaine or seeking out a different future.
>3. Lightly probe Esra as to why she defends the Daefir as they are, and elven civilisation as it is.
>4. Custom

Write-ins, including those that elaborate on the prompts, are welcome.

>>37603246
>2. Ask her whether she feels that the Daerfir are better off in Terrnaine or seeking out a different future.
>What if I could do something for teh Daerfir? What if I could do something that could save them?

>>37603246
>2. Ask her whether she feels that the Daerfir are better off in Terrnaine or seeking out a different future.
>Ask where she sees the elven civilization in 30 years, if nothing is done.

>>37603246
>1.Tell her openly about Levaine’s offer, keeping his name out of it.

>>37603246
>4. Woo her!

>1.Tell her openly about Levaine’s offer, keeping his name out of it.

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>37603246
>>2. Ask her whether she feels that the Daerfir are better off in Terrnaine or seeking out a different future.

Subtlety lads! Learn it!

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>>37603399
>4. Woo her!
In what way?

>>37603501
The lewd way ofcourse! Magic enhanced foot massage.

>>37603501
Pls no

>>37603501
By making comments about how Mal's next book will have her in it.

>>37603501
Doesn't really seem necessary right now. Plus, we've got a time crunch

>>37603501
Question. Does Talon actually woo women at all? I can't recall him ever smooth talking anyone or out of the way romantic gestures, women just sort of... Happen to Talon.

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>>37603851
He probably used to. Nowadays he just never says no and is very personal and casual with them in general.

>2.

It seems nonsensical to hold a serious conversation with Esra while she’s standing on top of you, but you’re too tired to get up. As a result, you get to read her physical responses to your questions. Which are… interesting.

“Esraveel, how do you really feel about the Daerfir?” you ask her, watching her face carefully. “I mean, their position here. I visited Borminel’s camp near Morganfier and I’ve spoken to Caeminn. It makes me wonder whether you think their future really lay here, in Terrnaine.”

Her face turns serious and she stops rubbing your chest as she seems to consider the question. Then she sits on your chest, sliding her foot off to the side as she straddles your torso and stares down at you with a serious gaze.

“I worried about this. I was hoping that you would just see Caeminn and then leave with what you wanted,” she says.

The room turns silent, with nothing happening as Esra stares down at you with her blank gaze. You don’t know whether she’s playing a game here or waiting for you to say something.

>continued

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>>37603962
“Do I get an answer, Esra?” you ask her quietly.

She looks away for a moment, then turns back to you with a sad look. “Whether I think the Daerfir have a future here or not, it’s not for me to judge. I have no future with them and the Daerfir have no future anywhere else without me.”

She turns away again, this time permanently. “You should have just left. Avoided this mess.”

Something isn’t right here. It seemed odd that Esra was so adamant about keeping you away – especially as she had seemed to think that you’d come to Tellornaine after speaking to Caeminn. Why else would she have said not to come here before speaking to him? Then again, she did seem convinced you would never see her again. You answer with…

>1. “You seemed welcoming to me earlier. Are you sure you wanted me to just leave?” Push her on a personal level.
>2. “Something has changed, Esra. You’re speaking oddly. What’s happened?” Push her about why she seems so worried about you being here.
>3. “What if you did have a future with the Daerfir? What if you weren’t the only one helping them?” Push her on the Daerfir and her immense bleakness over their fate.
>4. Custom

>>37603982
>1. “You seemed welcoming to me earlier. Are you sure you wanted me to just leave?” Push her on a personal level.

>>37603982
>3. “What if you did have a future with the Daerfir? What if you weren’t the only one helping them?” Push her on the Daerfir and her immense bleakness over their fate.

>>37603982
>>2. “Something has changed, Esra. You’re speaking oddly. What’s happened?” Push her about why she seems so worried about you being here.

>>37603982
>1. “You seemed welcoming to me earlier. Are you sure you wanted me to just leave?” Push her on a personal level.

>>37603982
1

>>37603982
>1. “You seemed welcoming to me earlier. Are you sure you wanted me to just leave?” Push her on a personal level.

>>37603982
>1

>>37603982
>3. “What if you did have a future with the Daerfir? What if you weren’t the only one helping them?” Push her on the Daerfir and her immense bleakness over their fate.

>>37603982
"I've offered home to dragons, dwarves, foxes and vampires. I've forged an alliance with the dwarves that threatens to end Malantine's dominance as a trading empire. I've told Garath to his face what I thought of the Asteral Adapts policies. Do you really think that I'm going to refuse to offer the Dearfir help if they need it?

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>1.

“You seemed welcoming to me earlier. Are you sure you wanted me to just leave?” you ask Esra, resisting the urge to stroke the legs that are squirming slightly. It’s clear that she’s getting a little uncomfortable sitting on your chest but doesn’t want to move.

“Sometimes people want things they know they shouldn’t have,” she whispers, still staring off into the distance.

“And sometimes people want things they can damn well have without any problems,” you growl, getting frustrated by her defeatism. “You’re still strong Esra. You’re a match for me. Why do you surrender so easily?”

“I’m going to die, Talon,” she says, looking back at you with a hurt gaze. “I’ve only got ten years, maybe fifteen at the most. Do you know what that feels like?”

“No, but I do know what it feels like to want things you feel like you can’t have,” you say, letting your hands wander onto her legs. She glances down at them in surprise as you lightly stroke her calves. “Even if you are going to die, so do many others. Do you think that stops them from trying to change the world? One of the most powerful men in the world certainly hasn’t given up despite his old age.”

“I’m not powerful though,” she whispers, looking down at you.

>continued

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>>37604500
“You are powerful. You just don’t let yourself feel like you are,” you correct her. “So, Esra, tell me: do you really, truly think the future of the Daerfir is here? Do you think that, after you supposedly die, that the Daerfir will be any better than they are now? That nothing you could or others could do now would help them?”

“How can I answer that?”

“Honestly.”

She blinks at that, meeting your gaze for the first time since she first sat down. Then she heaves a sigh, blinking tears out of her eyes, and answers, “No, there is no future here. Not for elves or Daerfir. Or at least, not without change. If we fight, we might win but at what cost? All I can do is keep things from too much worse and hope something will change.”

You…

>1. Tell her about Levaine’s idea.
>2. Tell her that you want to help her and the Daerfir be cured, but leave Levaine’s plan or yours out of it.
>3. Don’t say anything, just comfort her and get ready for the council.
>4. Custom

>>37604523
>1. Tell her about Levaine’s idea.

>>37604523
>1. Tell her about Levaine’s idea.
dont bring his name up though

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>37604523
>1. Tell her about Levaine’s idea.
>4. Make sure that we're nominally considering this idea only. We're open to alternatives. Also, that there's a cure being worked on by the original enchanter.

>>37604523
>1. Tell her about Levaine’s idea.

>>37604523
>1. Tell her about Levaine’s idea.
Possibly about our proposed modification. String it out, and make up the difference with human magitech basically.

>>37604523
>1. Tell her about Levaine’s idea.

>>37604523
>1

>>37604635
still won't fix her damage though. For that we need to bind the source to ourself. But hey, we were planning to do that anyway.

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>1.

You chew on your words for a bit, trying to decide how best to approach this. You’re worried about Esra taking this personally – as much as she cares about the Daerfir, she’s as caring about the elves in general you suspect. While you think, she remains distracted by your light stroking of her legs, though you’re careful not to let it become something more. She’s clearly interested but now isn’t the time.

“Esra, I’ve been approached by a Lefir with an idea that might help the Daerfir,” you say slowly. “I’m only considering it, but he wants me to take the Daerfir, all of them, to my lands and resettle them. That gives the Daerfir, and you, a future and forces the elves to face reality for the first time in a long time.”

She stares at you in surprise. Her mouth opens and closes a few times in confusion before she manages to speak, “Leave Terrnaine? All of us? That’s… The Lefir just want to get rid of us?”

“No, not the Lefir. Just this one. They don’t see a way to right the wrongs that have been done without bloodshed – bloodshed that would make it hard to hold the elves together,” you say, trying to relay Levaine’s plan without endorsing it and getting the brunt of Esra’s growing anger.

“They think they can do that without us? Defend themselves from the monsters we’ve dedicated our entire caste to fighting for the safety of the race? If they all die, what good will that do us? All of those Daerfir, dead for such pointlessness,” she says, tears running down her face as she grinds out words. “What about me? What about those who have already suffered?”

>1. Tell Esra about Caeminn’s plan and that you promise to help the Daerfir, no matter what you choose to do.
>2. Promise to help Esra and the Daerfir as a whole using your and Caeminn’s power.
>3. Just try to comfort her, avoiding any promises to help her or the Daerfir.
>4. Custom

>>37604975
>1. Tell Esra about Caeminn’s plan and that you promise to help the Daerfir, no matter what you choose to do.

>>37604975
>>1. Tell Esra about Caeminn’s plan and that you promise to help the Daerfir, no matter what you choose to do.
>>2. Promise to help Esra and the Daerfir as a whole using your and Caeminn’s power.

Well lads, in for a penny, in for a pound. At least we won't have to bugger about with that Daywalker HMK plan if we have the Daefir.

>>37604975
>1. Tell Esra about Caeminn’s plan and that you promise to help the Daerfir, no matter what you choose to do.
>2. Promise to help Esra and the Daerfir as a whole using your and Caeminn’s power.
He's delusional yes.

>>37604975
>1. Tell Esra about Caeminn’s plan and that you promise to help the Daerfir, no matter what you choose to do.

>>37604975
>1. Tell Esra about Caeminn’s plan and that you promise to help the Daerfir, no matter what you choose to do.
>2. Promise to help Esra and the Daerfir as a whole using your and Caeminn’s power.

What a lovely day to be an emperor.

>>37604975
>2. Promise to help Esra and the Daerfir as a whole using your and Caeminn’s power.

>>37604975
>There is no future if you chain yourself to the past. Those who died and have suffered would not want for more death and suffering.

>>37604975
>2

>>37604975
>>1. Tell Esra about Caeminn’s plan and that you promise to help the Daerfir, no matter what you choose to do.

>>37605198
This one

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Note that 2 and 1 were meant to be mutually exclusive options. 1 basically is ‘I’ll help the Daerfir’ while 2 is 1 but with ‘I’ll also help Esra’, with the latter committing you to Esra but not the former. I’ve assumed people that chose both voted for 2.

>2.

You raise your hands to grip Esra’s waist and hold her steady while you lift your head up to give her a straight look. “Esra, I promise that I will help you and the Daerfir. You will all have a future. Trust me.”

“You’re going to take us away?” she asks you, eyes wide.

“It doesn’t matter while I’m going to do. Just know that I promise to help you – you won’t die, not if I can help it and I think I can. Caeminn can help the Daerfir, and Tarfinn. IT will work out. Trust me, Esraveel,” you say.

Nodding, Esra whispers the three words you wanted to hear and you collapse back onto the wooden flooring. It’s not for several minutes that the two of you move and prepare to visit the council. Esra flanks you as you approach, the guards waving you and your retinue through. The hall sits around the centre tree, having been built into and around it, and it marks the difference between the wealthy levels of the city and the middle-class. Above it are the sprawling estates of the most influential Lefir and below it are the Caelfinn workshops and luxury apartments. Dozens of knights, bedecked in gleaming golden armour that all but glows with magic, patrol the perimeter and the building, keeping close watch on you and your retinue. Finn walks close to you, walking proudly even as his face is fixed in a somewhat shocked and frightened visage.

“I’ll see you afterwards, Imperator,” Merra tells you, giving you a nervous smile as one of the Morfinn attendants ushers you inside. You give Merra and nod and a smile, which dispels her nervousness and she waves you away with enthusiasm.

>continued

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>>37605776
“We should recruit her before leaving,” Caeminn says, eying her disappearing figure as you enter the main chambers of the council. “She’s too bright to be left to such mundane imbuement as she’s learning. It’s rare for an elf to be capable of passing the first tier test of an enchanter-in-training at just 19, even if she’s too young to officially be one.”

You nod, not sure precisely what he means but understanding the gist of it. You could try to grab Carnon while you were at it. Age seemed a big deal in this society, more so than it was even in the worst human circles – the best and brightest could be left to languish merely because they hadn’t spent enough years twiddling their thumbs.

The dark hallway suddenly ends and you find yourself inside the main chamber, a series of raised dais surround you on all sides. Many of them are occupied by Lefir, obvious from their beautiful yet frail statures. Flashy suits like Levaine’s and thing, nondescript gowns of every colour of the rainbow appear to be the fashion of the city’s elite and they seem to glare down at you and your retinue for wearing such a hodgepodge display of fashion in return. Not that you cared – if anything, dressing down while meeting them was a good thing as it showed who truly had the stronger position.

You spot Levaine on one of the highest dais to your right, standing with his arms behind his back and conferring with a Morfinn you assume to be an advisor. Numerous other Lefir and Morfinn climb the stairs and walkways connecting the various dais to take their position or to speak with one another. You and your retinue stand in the speaker’s circle, with the speak himself just off to the side.

>continued

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>>37605795
He gives you a smile, a rather young looking Lefir with short red hair and a considerably more subdued suit. “I hope you’re ready for excitement, Imperator Talon. The council don’t like moving very fast and convening in a day is practically like going from here to Pharos in under a day by their standards.”

You chuckle in reply and he tips his head in respect before calling the Council to attention.

“I would ask all elves who are not members of the council to please vacate the hall and enter the visitor’s halls surrounding us. Our honoured guest, Imperator Talon, has arrived and the 181st council session of her majesty, Queen Alenier, is to begin.”

>That’s the thread.

I’ll be wrapping this up next week at 5pm EST on the 31st Jan. Most threads in the future will be on Saturdays, EST. After wrapping this up I’ll quickly cover the memorial and PoP (rather short, mostly just some information on the Templars and the important decision regarding the PoP). Then I’ll try to cover some important scenes like the foxes. The thread after next will be where the decision making regarding the near future of the quest (e.g. to go to Sithran or not, Pharos etc) will be made.

I’ll be resuming in about 3.5 hours for slice-of-life stuff if anybody is still here. Otherwise I’ll see you all in a week. Q&A will only go for about 30 minutes, otherwise it will wait until I return in a few hours. Feedback on the FTB and session are welcome as always.

>>37605814
Cool. Huh, I thought that the decision regarding binding it to us was locked in?

>>37605814
I felt good about this session, we made progress with Esra and we learned a bit. That being said, will you tell us what the deal with the steel was?

>>37605814
Do we have any idea how many Daerfir there are?

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>>37605883
Lynn got it in one and it was elaborated in those email snippets I posted. Basically, humans either create low quality steel by hand or high quality steel using magitech factories (which is magically reinforced during creation). The dwarves make steel that isn't magically reinforced and sell it rather cheaply (as it's capable of being mass produced relatively easily) and then the elves enchant it.

>>37605861
I don't think I ever locked it in but I'll review it. With the promise to Esra, I may just lock it in.

>>37605917
The elves have a population of around half a million within Terrnaine, so I'd say about 10k Daerfir, 450k Morfinn, 20k Aefir, 18k Caelfinn, 2k Lefir, though that number might change. Haven't ironed out the specifics yet.

>>37605814
I love the FTB. You've essentially pitted a man eater (Taira) against a lady killer (Talon). You've also done a nice job at describing the sensations they were having amidst the fucking (especially the part where Talon's still fucking Taira while both are having a super intense orgasm, that part really gets me going).
However, you've kinda lost me on how they transitioned from deepthroat -> Missionary? -> reverse straddling. And on top of that, I find it hard to wrap my head around imagining the two fucking that hard around 9 fox tails - which I assume are large, voluminous, and fluffy- whilst keeping them out of the way. Other than that, I enjoyed it. It's one of the few FTBs that that are high in my favorites among the FTBs for Gnome and Sarah.

And If you're wondering about why I'm using a name, I'm Drawfagging for one of the new quest threads: Sith Apprentice Quest. My work is high quality and in full color, and joined in at around the quest's 4th thread. If you're hoping to contact me, too bad. I don't use Twitter.

>>37606040
I see. So how many Aefir still have magic at this point? 5?
Oh, and random question I forgot to ask: how long can the wardens and monks live? We've got a pretty good idea for everyone else but them.

Damn, I want this Slice of Life, but 5 am is a bit much.

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>>37606252
>I see. So how many Aefir still have magic at this point? 5?
Tops.

>how long can the wardens and monks live?
They don't have life extension abilities. Well, maybe some monks do but they're not known about.

>>37606184
>However, you've kinda lost me on how they transitioned from deepthroat -> Missionary? -> reverse straddling.
They just stop and move around. There's no need to describe it in detail but there are points where it does say they change position. And it's not really mish - the only part of Taira touching the ground is her head and shoulders.

>>37606040

So, In regards to relocating the Daerfir we're probably going to arrange with Alyce for them to move through the Blacktaffe, Sorbont, Norsborough and Alm provinces. We will need to have a contingent of troops and mages brought here as to guard and assist in the relocation.
It may also be prudent to have construction work begin on temporary accommodations for the Daerfir so they aren't immediately split up and relocated. It would also provide an opportunity to give them all an induction into the TYE as our organisational structure is significantly different to the Lefir's... They will also need to learn about the various peoples currently in our Empire, especially the Vampires as we don't want any misunderstandings as I doubt that any relations the Elves may have had with the Vampires would have been positive...

If we go with a temporary camp for social and cultural induction, how long should it be used? Will they need to pass a brief 'Citizenship test' to ensure they have the general laws and structure of our empire, or do we run it for a set time then 'let them loose'.
Should they be assigned to places or given a choice? Set group sizes or whatever they are comfortable in?
Do we designate a residential area for them or let them settle where they want? Perhaps we arrange with them for their own settlement to be built, similar to Ren's Fortress Town but designed for them to live in... If we go down that route, perhaps their Settlement could be placed on Harrowmonts Northern Flank (I believe that Ren's Fortress is on our Southern Flank)

Comments?

>>37606456
From a meta perspective I find it kinda unlikely that the Monk PC is the only one without life extension. Would elf life extension work on a non elf?

>>37606493
If we do not decide to have them centrally located, obviously we are going to need to have some system set up for their spreading out. This will be handled in groups, as like most immigrants they will probably move into areas with other Daerfir. They will, in effect, be creating ghettos. In time, this will obviously lessen as the populations learn to live with each other. We can ease them further into society by having something similar to a probation officer. Basically some official in charge of the integration of a group of Daerfir into Yorkian(?) society.

Personally I think relocating the daefir is a mistake. Yes it is somewhat poetic, but remember that the vast vast majority of elves are not part of their ruling caste.
I think the solution for the elves IS civil war (although ideally not immediately), with talon joining in on the liberation side.
It should start with an attempt of getting the elves reconciling that would fail but hopefully draw just enough non daefir to the cause to fight by their side so that it isn't a race war. As well as net us various elf subraces. Then continue with talon shipping in magitech gear. (testing if daefir conflict with our current HMK design or if they need a custom one made would be great)
The current elven rulers have practically handed us their society on a silver platter through their stupidity.
Yes a lot of elves will die on both sides from such a war... yes it WOULD make them vulnerable to melatine.... which is where talon steps, providing troops, elites, and magitech to help compensate for their losses from said internal conflict.

The key to such a plan is mobility. We basically have to pay of the league to let us bring our forces their territory and into terrnaine forest. We also need to train up elves in subversion policies and have them start actively campaigning for their cause, hopefully delaying the fight for some years.

>>37606834
incidentally, i am kinda sad i passed out from lack of sleep mid thread and missed the change to pitch said offer to the levine. The guy is ambitious in all the right ways and would make an excellent governor or even duke for the elves under us.

>>37606625

Perhaps a more open version of what we done with the Vampires perhaps?
Also, will we be doing the Thrall checks on the Daerfir? or will their previous isolation exclude them from the checks?
Furthermore, I assume that we will keep Esra as the Daerfir representative or will we do something different with that?
On that subject, do the Vamps have a representative or does Aladria fill that role?

>>37606834
>>37606867

If we do take all the Daerfir with us now, we could always offer some form of political alliance or such with the elves, perhaps offer to act as a mediator between the Magi League and the Elves...

>>37606493
>>37606625
Temporary housing sounds like the place where they are in right now. IF we go through with it (which is a bad plan) it would be best to invest the money in a proper permanent housing of high quality. To prevent the feeling of being slaves, they must be allowed to go anywhere they want, completely free.
Of course us building them proper homes, the desire to stick together, and giving some initial funding help would mean that most would stay where we actually put them.
We hire anyone of them who wishes to be hired into the army, again as equal citizens, probably good pay since they are superelven warriors with magic tattoos and we do pay our human muscle wizards more than a man at arms.
We could also offer some education to those who wish to pick up a trade rather than be fighters
The key would be to make sure that it isn't seen as us just buying them from the other elves as if they were slaves. because that would be disastrous.
Oh, also, make it perfectly clear they don't have to come with us. we will shelter those who want to, but they are free to try and stay (other elves might oppose it) or they are free to leave and go anywhere in the world where they feel they are welcome

>>37606914
>If we do take all the Daerfir with us now, we could always offer some form of political alliance or such with the elves, perhaps offer to act as a mediator between the Magi League and the Elves...
Why would we do such a thing? The whole point of my post is for talon to conquer the elves, not just hand them gifts for no reason.

And how would such an alliance as you propose even work? we just send our troops to fight the god knights for them... without the daefir? wot?

>>37607003
Temporary housing is just that, temporary while we deal with the influx of potentially 10k people. Obviously setting up proper housing is a priority, but it is simply unrealistic to have ~3-4k houses built in such a short time span.

>>37606456
I don't remember if it was mentioned but do elves have knife ears or humanish ears?

>>37607068
>but it is simply unrealistic to have ~3-4k houses built in such a short time span
Gnome can do it in a week

>>37607316
Isn't she working on other, more viable, projects? It's not like the permanent houses take too long to make either, particularly not when we have ~9,000 new laborers who would be working on their own homes. In this case I'm assuming 1/10 Daerfir are unfit for labor because of various reasons such as age.
However, these people need somewhere to wait in the meantime. Tent cities for a few weeks aren't that bad, and don't require much of any resources from us.

>>37607377
>Isn't she working on other, more viable, projects?
She can take a break to build some houses

>Untrained labrors can build non shit homes
kek
Also, our empire has a pop of

>>37607402
The Daerfir wouldn't be the only workers, but you can bet your ass that they'd be working on it under the supervision of people who actually know how to build.

>>37607453
With our IEC programme I got the feeling that regular construction is falling into disfavor compared to magical construction. Also this seems to run contrary to the whole argument about them building their own homes.
but fine, such a plan is doable

>>37606456
So, could we use Mal's crystal research to build a massive magical laser beam cannon on top of harrowmont?
Or at least make some kind of massive long-ranged artillery piece capable of hitting Ahm or Termina?

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Alright, I'm up for doing a Ren scene. Dude has gotten way too little development. Who's here and interested? Feel free to propose future scenes or characters for the session. I'll be here for a few hours yet if people are interested.

>>37606569
>Would elf life extension work on a non elf?
Not without a lot of research and even then they may not succeed very well.

>>37607316
It would take more than a week but it could be done reasonably fast if you redirected her.

>>37607822
No.

>>37608517
I'm around, but I'm dozing off so no one knows for how long.

>>37608517
I'm around

>>37608517
I am.
fuckin captcha

>>37608517
Still here for now. Can't sleep but that could change.

Anyway, if you're really fishing for future scenes, how about the new earth elemental and her master? Don't think we've seen the latter since that Finn thread.

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>>37608529
>>37608639
>>37608660
>>37608691
Alright, writing the Ren scene.

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>>37608691
Also, it's less about fishing for scenes and more about wanting to write things that people actually want to see. I don't really know what anybody really wants in these sol scenes, apart from a bunch of anons who haven't read the quest almost since it started complaining about 'smut' in other threads from time to time.

>Ren scene

When Caitlyn had told you that Ren was lurking down in the hot spring you’d assumed he was there with Noah. When you’d bumped into her chatting with Tsucchi in the latter’s bedroom in hushed tones shortly afterwards, you wondered if something had happened. Which was a worry that had nothing to do with your ‘relationship’ with Noah at all.

Nothing at all.

“I’m surprised to see you coming down here at this time without somebody else,” Ren says as you enter, leaning against the edge of the pool near the entrance.

“I’d say the same about you. Why are you down here and not with Noah?” you ask him, preparing to take a dip in the spring yourself. It’s not like there was any other reason to come down here.

“Contrary to popular belief, I don’t spend all my time with women,” he says, a slight shift of his tail signalling some small magic. You watch as a wooden tray is slowly pulled towards him, floating atop the water with a small jug and some tiny cups.

>continued

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>>37608893
“Well, we’re in the same boat there. I suppose the question should really be ‘if you’re not with Noah, why are you here,’ Ren?” you ask him, making a small splash as you enter the pool.

You don’t get an answer for a little while as Ren pours the liquid from the jug into two of the small cups. Taking one for himself, he pushes the tray across the water towards you. You eye the steaming liquid within the small stone cup – you hadn’t had sake for a while and it wasn’t your favourite liquor. On the other hand, you had never been one to say no to a drink, especially when it’s somebody else. You sipped at the hot sake, aware of Ren’s eyes on you. Then you sipped at it again, relishing the sweet taste.

“I take it that you like it? Drink as much as you like. The jug’s a curiosity that fills itself,” he says, sipping at his own drink. “As for why I’m here, it’s because I don’t have my own hot spring. Or at least not one that I can relax in undisturbed. Or one this big. I don’t have ancient and immensely powerful elementals to make an enormous hot spring for my own pleasure.”

“But you do have your own hot spring?” you ask him, raising an eyebrow. “One in which you could easily just lurk like this?”

“Ha,” he barks before finishing his cup and pouring some more. “I’m always interrupted. If it’s not pleasure, it’s business. It’s absurd to say but I get more peace here than in my own domain.”

You nodded at that, feeling great sympathy. If you weren’t down here with Ren you know that one of the girls would have been down here almost immediately. Your study was your only peaceful environment, except for when you got interrupted for business. Which happened a lot, particularly with Karise feeling a little on edge lately over taking over for Neir and the mishap with Arisa.

>continued

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>>37608901
The two of you linger in companionable silence for a while, sipping at the sake. You idly wondered where Ren found a jug that supplies a never-ending supply of it. You wouldn’t mind something similar for good brandy.

“Say,” Ren says, giving you a sidelong look, “this will seem like an odd question but I feel the need to ask it. What is my dear sister like in bed? She seems like she’d be the heated sort, what with that tongue of hers, but I’m curious.”

Years of experience, some in gambling but mostly in dealing with women, let you keep a straight face and not look like a bamboozled idiot. That gives you time enough to think of an answer while you pretend to be thoughtful on the topic. A golden opportunity to screw with Ren had arisen.

>1. Admit you haven’t slept with Tsucchi. You don’t know why you’re being honest with Ren. Maybe you pity him.
>2. Talk up the performance. Like, really talk it up. Make her out to be a lioness in bed.
>3. Appear modest but imply heavily that you’ve wrapped up quite a few foxes together with Tsucchi. You don’t want to talk much about it but you can imply a lot without saying much.
>4. Custom

Write-in responses are greatly welcomed.

>>37608911
2 probably won't work, he's probably as good at spotting bullshit as we are.
I'm gonna go for a more subdued version, therefore.
>"Yes, that tongue... Wink wink, nudge nudge, say no more, eh?"
>"She's quite the goer, eh? Know what I mean? Of course you do."
Also spice it up a little with some material from the Taira FTB.

Where is everyone? C'mon guys.

>>37608911
Well if we're going to screw with Ren, then I would go with something like "To tell the truth once i heard her and Taira getting loud in Tsucchi bedroom"

>>37608911
>>4. Custom
Talk her up but make it seem like she has some really bizarre fetish and she that kept calling you Ren.

>>37608893
I think there was supposed to be Finn and Felix spar scene.

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>4. Buncha stuff

“Well,” you say slowly, looking at Ren out of the corner of your eye, “you’re right about the tongue. She’s certainly got a lot of experience using that on men.”

You pause, watching his reaction. You’re expecting him to shout ‘gotcha’ or something similar, trying to suss you out as bullshitting him. Instead a sly grin crosses his face and he nods.

“She certainly never stops using it on me, that’s for sure,” he says. “Not like that, obviously.”

“Right. Well, she’s a goer, too. I’m used to that with women, particularly the ones here, but she likes to show she’s earned her seven tails,” you say, plastering a lecherous grin on your face. “Endurance like you wouldn’t believe.”

He snorts, sipping at his sake afterwards. “How does she compare to Taira? She used to line up three or four men a night if she was horny. Vad used to bitch endlessly the next day when she rode him hard, too.”

“Taking lessons, probably. I did hear the two making some rather, err, loud noises in a bedroom shortly after we ran into Taira in Ahm,” you say, adding that extra tidbit to keep things going.

Ren stared at you wide-eyed, his cup dangling in his hands. Once Tsucchi found out about this, you were going to burn in a fluffy hell. Or fluffy heaven if you played your cards right. It would be worth it no matter how it worked out – Ren’s reactions were priceless. You were going to tell Vad all about this later. Maybe Noah too, for a laugh.

“Wow. That’s… Hmm, I wonder if she does it with Karise, too? I mean, neither are the sort to go after girls but I can see Tsucchi pulling them in with that barbed tongue of hers,” he says, his thoughts drifting off into a strange fantasyland. “Anything else? About Tsucchi? Or Karise, though I can’t see her betraying her fiancée.”

>continued

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>>37609166
“Karise certainly doesn’t mind Sarnn cheating on her with me, not that it will ever happen,” you say.

There’s a bark of laughter from Ren, which is cut short as he slips on the rocks and slides under the water. He rises back up a second later, still grinning even as his golden fox ears and tails droop under the weight of the water they’re soaking up.

“That certainly sounds like her. She used to badger me about sleeping with Vad. Tried to convince him into a threesome with me, with the ulterior motive of putting the two of us together. I don’t think he ever got it and simply refused because he didn’t want to share her,” he says, shaking his head in mirth.

“I’ve only really got one thing more on Tsucchi – she’s a bit odd sometimes. Says a three letter name that isn’t mine,” you say very slowly, not sure if you’re pushing things a bit.

There’s a long pause as Ren catches your gaze, then his eyes narrow and he scowls.

[DC19 Fool the BSdar]

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>37609173

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>37609173

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>37609173
welp

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>37609182
>>37609208
>>37609218
Was hoping for a 1 or 20

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>37609182
>>37609208
>>37609218
Alas...

>>37609234
Just one roll too late. Damnit.

>>37609234
ALAS, FAIR ANON.

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>Target not met

“I can’t believe I almost thought you were telling the truth,” he grumbles. “Heck, I bet you were lying about everything else, too.”

You sip at your sake and don’t say anything. Which is a bit of a giveaway, really. At least you won’t burn in hell at Tsucchi’s hand. Or tails, rather. His scowl deepens.

“Oh, so she’s not a hellion. Don’t tell me she acts all lovey dovey and cute in bed. That’s kind of disappointing for my sister,” he says, grumbling into his sake. You’ve lost track of how much the two of you have drunk of it, but the buzz you’re feeling is quite strong.

“They can’t all be like Taira,” you say.

“From what I hear, that’s probably a good thing. We’d all be withered husks if all women were like Taira. Then again, they might have just killed each other,” he says, looking at you with one eye from the side as he leans back against the rocks, his tails cushioning his back. “Just so you know, Taira hates women who threaten her power. There’s a seven-tailed fox in the Imperial Court that Taira despises because she’s basically a female Vad – her combat capability makes her a match for Taira, which annoys the hell out of her.”

“She hasn’t made any moves on the other girls so far,” you say, a little disquieted by the fact that Taira might turn on the other women near you.

“She swore fealty to you, which is a new one. Maybe she doesn’t see them as a threat? Just be careful that she never feels like she could be replaced or truly challenged in something she’s good at,” he says, shrugging. “Now, is Tsucchi really that lovey dovey? She’s certainly more affectionate with you than any other man I’ve seen her with.”

>1. Admit that you haven’t slept with Tsucchi.
>2. Lie that Tsucchi is the biggest romantic you’ve ever slept with.
>3. Brush over the topic, moving onto something else in hopes he doesn’t question anything about Tsucchi.
>4. Custom

>>37609317
>3. Brush over the topic, moving onto something else in hopes he doesn’t question anything about Tsucchi.

>>37609317
>>1. Admit that you haven’t slept with Tsucchi.

>>37609317
>1. Admit that you haven’t slept with Tsucchi.

>>37609317

>1. Admit that you haven’t slept with Tsucchi.

All else fails, i doubt anyone could truly challenge Taira's Pastry skills.

>>37609317
>1. Admit that you haven’t slept with Tsucchi.

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>1.

“If she is, I haven’t seen it,” you say, trying to look bashful but failing horribly. “I haven’t actually slept with her, Ren.”

An awkward silence follows your admission, broken only by the sounds of the two of you sipping at your sake. You calmly meet his gaze as he does little other than drink sake and pour more. After a few more cups, by which point you’ve certainly reached the point of no return, he breaks the silence.

“For a man who appears to be drowning in women, you’re awfully dense,” he says, smiling slightly.

“The hell does that mean?”

“Tsucchi’s practically begging for it. I mean, you have done something with her at least?”

You scowl, unhappy that he’s having a go at you now. “I’ve stroked her tails like they’ve never been stroked before. And, uh, I guess I massaged her chest at one point. Though I was rather drunk at the time. Kind of like now.”

“Then maybe you should see her now and continue that. I mean, really, you massaged her tits, she didn’t scream the keep down and you just, what, ran away?” he asks you, laughter filling her voice.

“I didn’t run away. There were just other things to talk about,” you say. “And I can’t see her now, she’s with Noah.”

“Then send my lovely little fox down here while you make my sister happy,” he says. “Other things to talk about. I feel sorry for her. There she is, waiting for you to take her first time and you just brush her aside. For shame.”

>continued

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>>37609530
“Remind me again who got blueballed by Taira?” you snap back.

“And I gave you good advice on her. And I’m giving you good advice on Tsucchi right now,” he says, tilting his cup towards you and splashing some sake in the water. “Going to give me some in return? Tell me something about Noah she only shares diplomatically?”

You wince inwardly at that prompt. It’s doubtful that Noah’s actually told Ren, given how she’s been evading your questions on that point for a while. Part of you wonders if you should tell him – he doesn’t seem like that bad of a guy, even if he does grate on you when you’re sober. Then again, telling him that his lover gave you a handjob might not be the brightest diplomatic move. Assuming Mr Harem even cares.

>1. Fess up about what you did with Noah.
>2. Lie and say you don’t know anything interesting about Noah, completely changing the topic.
>3. Change the topic and bring up the confusion that Noah has caused for Vad.
>4. Custom

Next update will be the last for the Ren scene.

>>37609534
>3. Change the topic and bring up the confusion that Noah has caused for Vad.

Could probably achieve with a simple sigh.

>>37609534
>3. Change the topic and bring up the confusion that Noah has caused for Vad.
After that evacuate.

>>37609534
Can someone remind me when that happened.

>>37609683
When we visited embassy and she caught us in her shower.

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>>37609683
Literally last thread in the SOL. It's not something that matters for most of the quest, which is why it's being brought up here.

>3.

“Well, this isn’t really ‘diplomatic’ in origin but I do know that most of the problems you have with Vad are caused by serious confusion,” you say, bringing up a topic you suspect the eight-tailed fox would rather avoid.

As you suspected, he looks away with a scowl. The way his ears perk upwards makes you press on, however. It’s unlikely that he really knows why Vad was so upset with him. Given the rift between them, and the affectionate way that Ren speaks of Vad, you don’t feel that bad for making him uncomfortable over the topic. Plus, it’s Ren and you’ll never really feel bad for making him uncomfortable.

“You have a reputation for your… treatment of women. Vad saw that with Noah, and little else. He also sees Noah as his baby sister, and little else. I don’t know precisely what’s between you and Noah, but I think you simply tripped his oversensitivity and never corrected him,” you explain slowly.

He stares at you blankly. Then his expression changes to a shocked one. “He has no idea of how many men his sister slept with before me, does he? Or how many men she’s slept with in general? I love Noah, but she has more in common with Taira than her brother.”

You nod along at that. “Yeah, she is a minx. Vad views her through the eyes of a brother and little else. I don’t like seeing the rift between the two of you, especially because you seem like you should be close. I hope this can help you.”

Despite giving you a sidelong look at your comment on Noah, Ren nods and thanks you. With that you leave him to his drinking, stumbling your way back to your bedroom. You decide to take dinner in a private setting the next morning, having been exhausted by Caitlyn’s ambush that night, and run into…

>1. Adele and Laryya.
>2. Noah
>3. Sylph
>4. Custom

>>37609759
Aladria