enigma1995
Gentleman Beholder
[X] Crake
Here's the overall plan:While we're making a brand new race/beasty - could we bastardize the kobold and half dragon template and make Dragonborn as the chassis? Maybe it's my inveterate sense of aesthetics or irony, but this seems like the coolest possible way to create what we need in a freethinking, sentient chassis.
EDIT: Also, could someone link to the plan for the Tiamat trap? I can't seem to find it.
We got the amulet partially empwoered, and will ask 5 more Gods of ours next turn to finish up with it.This is a plan in several parts, and requires taking F!Aegon alive.
First, we get the amulet we took from Varys upgraded by every deity we're friendly with. This is Yss, the OG, the Merling King, possibly others if we can convince them to. If the Moonsingers are about freedom (I think they are?) we might be able to get them in on this too. We turn the amulet into a minor artefact, but in doing so, we modify it from a defence into a snare. The point of this is to turn it into a focus that all of our divine allies can connect to and use when the time comes.
In general terms, the amulet is designed to be a giant well for divine power. When we try to break F!Aegon free, Timmie will try to stop us. In doing so, she'll Act upon the mortal realm. The amulet, when around the neck of someone who is being Acted Upon by a deity, is designed to siphon off all of that power into itself. Due to how I'm pretty sure gods work, this means Timmie will have suddenly poured a considerable amount of power into what's basically a honey trap. She's also now metaphysically connected to the coordinates of the amulet, and where it currently is. This is important.
We do this at the location of the ruins for the Red Orb, built up into a full Snare around defences that we'll probably have to spend a long time researching in hopes of reactivating and bringing under our control. This is a research action all on its own. When Timmie hits F!Aegon in the hopes of hitting us too, we lock the part of her that reaches out in place with the amulet. Our Gods act as the hooks for this trap, latching on and keeping her there, a piece of her essence stretched out as far as we can. We then 'aim' the Worm at the thinnest point of that connection and...well...let it fly.
If all goes to plan, we shatter the link Tiamat has to F!Aegon, and also rip off a whole bunch of her power and trap it in the blessed Amulet. What we do with that power, be it use it as a way to give Mythic Power to more of our Companions or just feed it to one of our Gods to give them a new domain, is a matter for then.
In simpler terms, there are at least two Research Actions here.
Probably more, but I'm being hopeful. @DragonParadox would be the real arbiter for this.
- The Amulet that Varys wore is a potent defence, but with what you know the the Golden Company and Tiamat's investment in the false Blackfyre, it might be turned to use as a snare. Seek a way to modify the device in this way, and set the blessings of your divine allies upon it as hooks to catch the power of any god trapped by its presence.
- The fortress-ruin that held the Orb of Dragonkind still holds leashed power unlike anything you've ever sensed, but it remains dormant for now. With time, it might be possible to reconstruct the controls of that power, and with proper preparation use it as a weapon to slice away part of a god.
@egoo, this kind of seems like a waste of time? There are a lot more important things Rina could be doing, like adventuring, or figuring out how to make Weirwood Heart Trees immune to ice. I remember DP said that's now harder since they're immune to fire, so we need to get started on that sooner rather than later.[] Tools of the Trade: Through the ritual you gained in the Opaline Vault has revealed the secrets of many of the arcane treasures in your possession, yet some remain beyond the ritual's reach. Will you study them further?
-[] Star Seeker's Anchor (Arcana)
Researcher: Rina
Regarding institutional actions : most provinces should continue what they were doing last month, but SD should increase its Manpower. If we can get a secondary PC on that to make it go faster, it'll be worth it.
Just increasing our Manpower by one will save us almost 10 000 IM every Scholarum roll. That's what, 10 000 every month? Every 3 months?
Seriously, it's a big pile of money.
Eh, it's more of a "eh, I guess she can do it too".[X] Crake
@egoo, this kind of seems like a waste of time? There are a lot more important things Rina could be doing, like adventuring, or figuring out how to make Weirwood Heart Trees immune to ice. I remember DP said that's now harder since they're immune to fire, so we need to get started on that sooner rather than later.
Also is there a reason we haven't just Identified that thing? We had it since before we got the ritual. I'm not sure why it's a mystery anymore. @DragonParadox?
And we can most defenitely wait with it.[] Frost-forged: Attempt to splice the essence of Heart Tree with the cold-resistant herbs and vegetation gathered by Djinn, ideally searchng to give Heart Trees Immunity to Cold. (Progress:3732 Cost ??) (Progress reduced to 32 after "The Tree Connection" was finished)
We will have six Umbral Spy Constructs available for use next month. I'm sure Malarys would find a couple of them useful in his task.@Crake, @Goldfish, is there a province whose Intrigue-action we can direct towards this too?
The people we are sending there (Malarys, Glyra and the Roaming Chaos, Kira Windgraced, Tuin and Morwyn (Drow Assasin brothers)) will need all the help, and inquisition's systematic nature may be priceless there.
The thing is literally anything is going to be better than having her research an anchor we got at level 8. That thing is the furthest thing from relevant.Eh, it's more of a "eh, I guess she can do it too".
I'm having Rina help us out at Ymeri's mansion.
I also kinda wanted to clean up the list of magical items we don't know the effects of.
We have lots.
Cold-immune Heart Trees are this:
And we can most defenitely wait with it.
Though, thinking about it, she may be better off finishing some other Researches...
I can't stop thinking about a possibility of bad rolls fucking up our preparations agaisnt Timmie >_<
I'm thinking of adding her on Dragon-orb action, lol.
With but 2 Progress missing there
Alright, that's hella good.We will have six Umbral Spy Constructs available for use next month. I'm sure Malarys would find a couple of them useful in his task.
Eberron Pathfinder - Umbral Spy
"This is insane. Why am I under arrest", the magistrate demand while being led by a contingent of Deneith guards. "Sir. You were the only one that knew where the prisoner was being kept, the command words to undo the wards to his cell and the combination to his locks. Whoever broke him outsites.google.com
Yeah, alright, I'm just annoyed at all the shit we are never going to research at this point.The thing is literally anything is going to be better than having her research an anchor we got at level 8. That thing is the furthest thing from relevant.
I'd say put her on one of the adventuring teams expecting to see combat. We want her to have as much XP as possible. Maybe Hardhome?
I'd argue that we shouldn't even have to research it. It's an anchor we got at level 8. I highly doubt it's something that would revolutionize sailing for us. This is something that should have been identified on the spot with our Identification Ritual.Yeah, alright, I'm just annoyed at all the shit we are never going to research at this point.
I'll look over what she can research, and if nothing else, she can halp with combat somewhere...
To be fair, we have lots of shit at this point that falls under roughly same cathegory.I'd argue that we shouldn't even have to research it. It's an anchor we got at level 8. I highly doubt it's something that would revolutionize sailing for us. This is something that should have been identified on the spot with our Identification Ritual.
[] Tools of the Trade: Through the ritual you gained in the Opaline Vault has revealed the secrets of many of the arcane treasures in your possession, yet some remain beyond the ritual's reach. Will you study them further?
-[] Minotaur Chains (Arcana)
-[] Star Seeker's Anchor (Arcana)
-[] Dream Serpent Skins (Nature)
-[] Livestone Sample (Dungeoneering)
-[] Alchemical beetles (Arcana)
-[] Drow Staff (Arcana CL 14)
[] Slumbering Blade: The dagger wielded by Sharra Rogare, the yet sleeping artifact of unknown power is a dangerous unknown constant. And with how perilous her life was to this day, it would be unwise to leave one such unattended. (Progress: 6)
I would prioritize using them against the GC in Yi-Ti and the cultists in Slaver's Bay. Sending any to work on the Shadow Fortress mission would probably just be a waste.Alright, that's hella good.
Can we have 2 on Asmodeus' forces, 2 on looking into Golden COmpany's numbers, and 2 seeking out GC's spies in Yi Ti?
Or would it'd be better to send 2 to look into Shadow Fortress than to Yi-Ti?
Albeit, if anywhere would be protected against Umbral Spies...
Yeah, alright, I'm just annoyed at all the shit we are never going to research at this point.
I'll look over what she can research, and if nothing else, she can halp with combat somewhere...
I'll be glad when my newbie is trained enough that I can once again go back to spending more time not working at work.Nothing happening at work right now... so I'm pretty much being paid to browse the internet.
It's not a bad deal.
I'd argue that we shouldn't even have to research it. It's an anchor we got at level 8. I highly doubt it's something that would revolutionize sailing for us. This is something that should have been identified on the spot with our Identification Ritual.
@DragonParadox, is there anything stopping us from just learning what the anchor is?
[] Spell-Crafting
-[] Attempt to create an "inverted" version of Icy Soul spell, negating Cold subtype instead. (Progress: 10)
[] Frost-forged: Attempt to splice the essence of Heart Tree with the cold-resistant herbs and vegetation gathered by Djinn, ideally searchng to give Heart Trees Immunity to Cold. (Progress:3732 Cost ??) (Progress reduced to 32 after "The Tree Connection" was finished)
[] A Broken Treasure: Plinth you found in treasury of Valyria, broken as it may yet be, holds great promise in its sheer power if nothing else.
-[] Find the purpose of the broken artifact, possibly repair given new information. (Progress: 22)
[] Secrets by devils' blood-wrought: Valyrian Steel holds many a secret, from what was the first seed that bore this metal-eating material... To what it can yet do.
-[] We know that Valyrian Steel interacts oddly with ambient magic, absorbing it and then re-emitting it slightly altered. We need to find out the mechanisms and effects of this process. Potentially, VS could be used to store magical energies or to transform them to cause specific effects. This is basic research and will not result in anything practical just yet, but it is likely that understanding this property could lead to magitek applications for VS. (Progress: 12)
-[] We need to study the mechanics of the way that VS "devours" other metals. Especially how it is doing so with Gold, which doesn't corrode naturally, and magical metals like Mythral and Adamantine. It's likely that this is linked to the first matter. (Progress: 12)
-[] The process of creating VS can be compared to the way Anu used to "quieten" Living Brass. As the making of both materials has similarities, using life-force and souls respectively to empower mundane metal, this study might give insights into the creation of VS or similar materials from scratch, without needing a pre-existing seed. (Progress: 16)
Alright, to run through this:To be fair, we have lots of shit at this point that falls under roughly same cathegory.
Unless we get an IC "breakthrough" on the ritual, it'd be weird for it alone to be known out of nowhere.
That is actually quite nice.Hmm... thinking about it you guys do have literally mythic skill, the anchor used to be enchanted as a ward against sea-born undead who would have to overcome a will save as though from Sanctuary to attack anyone on board, A but of research could restore the enchantment which could then be replicated
How much would it cost to make anchors like that? @Goldfish, is it worth it?Hmm... thinking about it you guys do have literally mythic skill, the anchor used to be enchanted as a ward against sea-born undead who would have to overcome a will save as though from Sanctuary to attack anyone on board, A but of research could restore the enchantment which could then be replicated
I can't even begin to guess the cost. If it was made using traditional crafting rules, even with the effect reduced to only affect Undead, it would be massively expensive.How much would it cost to make anchors like that? @Goldfish, is it worth it?
Researcher: Qyburn.[] The Secret of Life and Death: Analyze the lore obtained from Lord Bolton and Qyburn and see to bring the efforts made by the ex-maester to their conclusion, creating undead creatures that neither spread decay, nor need the constant attention of a skilled mage. (Progress 20/25, Cost 30,000 IM)
Researcher: Valeria Wondersmith.[] The Godhunter: The fortress-ruin that held the Orb of Dragonkind still holds leashed power unlike anything you've ever sensed, but it remains dormant for now. With time, it might be possible to reconstruct the controls of that power, and with proper preparation use it as a weapon to slice away part of a god. (Progress: 14/16)
Researcher: Volantine Mysterium/Scholarum Branch.[] Iron-bound Tome (Demon-caller's Spellbook): A book with covers wrought of thin sheets of black pitted iron marked with the sign of Abraxas. Though there is no lock binding the pages, the tome refuses to open. Even if with all the strength of your dragon-blooded form it feels like you are trying to move a mountain with your bare hands. (Progress: 6/8)
Researcher: Tyroshi Scholarum branch and Naria Loreseeker.[] Weaving Deepest Veils: Research the lore promised by Fey of Orphne court, wards capable of evading even a god's eye... even if not a perfect defense all by themselves. (Progress: 10/18 Cost: 11,000 IM)
Researcher: Sorcerer's Deep Scholarum Branch, Bloom the Brijidine.[] The Final Contravention: With how far you have come, and how many you broke off from Hells' leash, perhaps you can go around the Pact Primeval in a way none before you had - and utilise the Lawful nature of all Devils to create a Ritual that would be capable of severing their connection to Hells regardless of their exact kind, or strength. (Progress: 30, Cost: 20.000 IM)
Researcher: Dany, Naath Scholarum branch, Tolos Scholarum branch and Lya.[] A Dragon Chained: With Runelore of First Men, and secrets of Shadow Fey Wardings, it may be possible to close on the last hole in the trap you are laying out for Tiamat.
-[] Utilise the corpse of Tiamat's aspect to create a foci, that someone with sufficient skill could use to fight off Tiamat's "Dragon" Divine Domain, holding the power she exerts in check... even if for a short while.
(Progress: 12, Cost: ??)
Researcher: Svitran the Dreamer, Velen, Mantarys Scholarum branch[] Safety in Numbers: The Hell-forged talismans you recovered from slavers in Gogoss may just be the answer to the problem of protecting the soldiers of your Legions, or at least one not excessively expensive-
-[] Research a way for (earlier created) Valyrian Steel Banners be made into capactitors for spell Protection From Evil, covering hundreds of Legion members at a time.
(Progress: 35, Cost: 45000
Researcher: Lady Saenna[] That Which Stands Forbidden: search through Scrolls of Forbidden Lore recovered in Lyceos (Spellscale, Draconian, and Kobold templates) (Progress: 8)
Researcher: Aenie Caleris (Saenna's daughter, specializes in Dreamlands).[] Dreamscaping: The realm of dreams is an odd thing, shaped by the minds of mortals and shaping them in return, though some beings such as Yss have shown you that it can be altered in more direct ways. You will need to learn about such shaping before you can hope to leverage the dreamscape for your grand work. (Progress: 20, requires Dany, progress added by other characters is halved)
Researcher: Elaheh Marita[] Reforging the Brass Bull: restore the Hadhayosh spliced together with the ship by Efreeti Visier (Progress: 12, Cost 10,000 IM and 100 lbs. of Mithral and Adamantine)
Assets: Tyene, Nuri, Azema, Orphne Feylord, 2 Umbral Spies.[] "Name pending": Continue on infiltrating the ranks of Golden Company in Yi TI, ensuring they'll have no spies or hideaway unknown to us by the time we choose to stike at them, all while scrupulously divining everything possible.
Assets: Malarys, Glyra and the Roaming Chaos, Kira Windgraced, Tuin and Morwyn (Drow Assasin brothers), 2 Umbral Spies."Name Pending 2: "Fuck Slavers' Bay"-boogaloo": Send your people into Slavers' Bay in order to hamper the efforts of Cult of Asmodeus as much as possible, lookng into it's roots and wreaking their plans (including those of turning Spear Goddess into servant of Hell through belief - look for priests not in pact with hells and use them), by any means necessary.
Assets: Aradia the Huntress, Mereth and Erynies, Construct Ravens, 2 Umbral Spies."Name Pending 3: Golden Company's Revengeance": Look into the forces of Golden Company - learning the numbers, location, and general layout of their main force beyond the outdated data provided by Varys.
Assets: Anu, Shadow Tor, Melisande."Name Pending 4, I'm tired of this": Look into the Shadow Fotress of Tiamat upon the Shadow Plane - aquire plans of it and the teritory around it
Assets: Viserys, Zherys, Sir Richard, Rina, Teana.[] A Fire, snuffed out: With Volantis having sworn to you, perhaps it's time to openly close down a threat that persisted in the city ever since your first visit. Break into Ymeri's mansion, and clear out all of her remaining influence - with the mansion itself, if needed.
Assets: Misfits and Thoros[] The Hagswood: Found about a day's ride south of Pinkmaiden Keep this dreary stretch of woods was according to local legend the site of amass hanging of either and outlaw band or a peaceful village, depending on who is telling the story. Of late some of the darker denizens of the of the Feywyld have been drawn there, by the lingering miasma of death and decay amid the stagnant waters, earning the woods a new name and far more travelers seeking it on secret midnight journeys. Many do not return and of those who do none are unchanged.
Likely Foes: Green and Anis Hags
CR: 8-9
Assets: Viserys, Relath, Breath Taker, 2 Gigantean Fungal Manta Rays.[] Into the City of Glass: Having established the economic relationship with two other Genie Empires, perhaps it's time to visit Marids as well – not to mention, that they once succeeded in driving out Mind-Eaters, and Marid mercenaries may prove invaluable in future conflicts with them. Have our people establish contact with leaders of groups that seem promising and call up Viserys if successful. (Opposition: ??; Rewards: ??)
Assets: Viserys, Vee, Rina, ??[] The Court of Goldengrove: A Driad queen resides in Rowan's Nest, guarding an entrance to Feywild – and alongside her a Court of nymphs and satyrs. Go there, and learn more of what place they seek in this world of returning magic – if they can be trusted, or relied upon with deals fairly made (Opposition: ?? Wylkfae, A Driad Queen, Satyrs, Nymphs; Rewards: ??).
Assets: Xor, Sandor, Danar and Alyssa Crowl, Softstrider.[] The Barrow of the First King: Generally speaking most ancient barrows of the First Men are conveniently out of the way that the intrepid explorer does not have to disturb more than the odd flock of sheep to enter them, unfortunately the largest and most famed in all the North happens to have a town on top, Barrowtown where the living laugh, sing, weep and sigh above the bones of the ancient dead. Perhaps unsurprisingly given the tales of riches and magic found in other tombs the people of Barrowton have in recent weeks begun digging down, the ancient entrances having long since been forgotten and built over.
Strangely enough rather than the vengeful dead their desecration seems to have drawn the attention of twisted and malicious fey, perhaps the last of the barrow's ancient guardians, for he whose bones lie at the heart of the ancient complex was once beloved of the land spirits.
However rather than avenging themselves upon those who would disturb the tomb the fey have taken to tormenting the weakest and most vulnerable of the locals, beggars, urchins and petty thieves, beneath the notice of Lady Dustin if not Bloodraven. The ancient Sorcerer explained that if you do not end help he likely will likely in the form of Dannar and Alyssa, before some fool actually does manage to disturb the tomb and its wrthful king.
Likely Foes: Tooth Fairy, Lamp Blighter, Redcap (Malicious fey) and Undead (Barrow)
CR: 6-8 (Malicious fey) and 10-12 (Barrow proper)
Assets: Amrelath and his minions, Vee, Waymar, Riz'neth.[] The mystery of Hardhome: The only true city of the Free Folk, it supposedly fell to Essosi raiders, though what manner of raiders would bother to make flames that could be seen as far as the Wall? The birds that are Bloodraven's eyes fly uneasily over the ruins of Hardhome, and one was even so overcome by fright it slipped the ancient Greenseer's control, to be found hours later. Still, whatever dwells still in the ruins of the town seems content to stay there, and so Bloodraven has not meddled while other more urgent tasks demand his attention. He advised caution if curiosity would drive you there. (Opposition: ??; Rewards: ??)
Assets: Rina, Sir Richard, Mercy of the Soul and 1 Guardian Naga[] Frozen Ground beneath the Hills: Hork's Hill, a small hillock approximately three miles outside Saltpans, named for the giant's tomb at its heart, though the locals no longer remember it. An inquisitive and uncannily fortunate Ink Devil brought word of its existence to Eowith after its master, a Riverlander diabolist of paltry skills, perished at the hands of the restless dead. The unnatural cold witnessed within the barrow proper would seem to indicate the hand of Winter at work, though divinations into this matter have shown that nothing will emerge from the barrow for at least the next year." (Opposition: ??; Rewards: ??)