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A Sword Without a Hilt: A Song of Ice and Fire/D&D 3.5 Crossover

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Adhoc vote count started by DragonParadox on Sep 29, 2019 at 5:27 AM, finished with 55 posts and 9 votes.
  • [X] Finishing Up
    -[X] Offer to purchase the horn for 20,000 IM along with his choice of Reinforced Segmented Adamantine Fullplate (+1) or Reinforced Segmented Valyrian Steel Fullplate (+2) for his personal use when time time comes to war against the Deep Ones.
    --[X] An offer to have his ancestral Valyrian Steel Axe runecrafted when time permits, with an enchantment that will be greater than what normal artificers can manage
    -[X] For the council, invite all available Companions, every governor (or equivalent rank), and the heads of all major institutions (Inquisition, Scholarum, Diplo Corps, etc). The goal is to discuss with your foremost vassals the ramifications of the Sundering and how to approach who gets access to the information and when.
    --[X] Any candidate for the meeting deemed too new or not yet proven trustworthy will only make it to the meeting if Viserys or the Companions deem them ready IC.
    --[X] This isn't yet a time to dictate our ruling, we intend to hear out all opinions and formulate a plan from there.
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Part MMMXC: Secrets of the Spheres Part One
  • Threadmarks
    • Secrets of the Spheres Part One​

    Thirty-First Day of the Tenth Month 293 AC

    As you set the horn of binding down in one of the lead-warded chests in Lya's laboratory you are satisfied with the purchase, but even more so of the fact that Lord Celtigar had suggested that the coin simply be kept in trust by the Iron Bank rather than having it delivered to his treasury where it might raise troublesome questions. He might have an eye for the finer things in life, but the man is clearly no fool about where he keeps his coin. Besides, you had promised him a set of Valyrian Steel Fullplate and Runeforged enchantments for his axe, the better to protect himself against the Deep Ones and bring the war to them.

    Lost 20,000 IM

    Gained Horn of Binding (Drained)

    "Are you ready?" Lya's voice calls out from behind you, reminding you that the time had come to deal with last month's damning revelations and how your realm might face them.

    "As much as one can be to deliver such grim news," you reply honestly. "Still, if nothing else I'm sure Relath and Amrelath will take the news in stride, and Saan has never had any aspirations of Heaven, nor any great interest in the souls of others." The jest falls flat, but the silence does not have long to linger.

    "We should probably invite Lady Melisandre, too," Lya says as the two of you begin the long descent to back to the plinth.

    "That's..." you trail off, startled. "I know she has been helpful in your studies and she has proven herself bold as well as clever in dealing with King Harren, but I'm not sure I trust her, or more precisely I am not sure I trust her god, and she listens most closely to Him."

    "I suspect she might already know," Lya answers thoughtfully. "I spoke to her about Yrael and his kin, about his Fall and what it means to lose that light within him and whether it be truly 'good' in the sense that men know it or simply a binding to some elemental force no different from fire or lightning."

    "What did she say?" you ask after a long pause as a pair of initiates race up the steps and practically trip over themselves trying to bow and slink off at once.

    "That fire has no soul, that light has no soul, though it may once have done so, that in a word so dark where the skies are scorched and blackened all must find a place around the fire, even those who once flew on wings of light. The gods would know, perhaps hers, perhaps the mages of Asshai also for they seemed to have kept old lore alive in their vigil against the Shadow." From Lya's expression you suspect she is pondering just what else the shadowbinders remember and how she might learn more of that lore.

    "Perhaps, but the very fact that we have to guess how much she knows seems cause enough to not tell her yet, not until we have taken counsel with those we do trust above all others."

    At this Lya nods, accepting the reasoning though doubtlessly devoted in learning the secrets of the shadowbinders and one among their number in particular by earning her trust.

    ***​

    The gathering is large enough that you cannot all fit comfortably in the map chamber, and so you meet your gathered friends and vassals around the feast table empty of any food though there is wine aplenty. You doubt anyone would wish to eat once the news had been given, though you can certainly understand the urge to drink. Most of your companions are here from Garin, Tyene, and Waymar returned triumphant from the east to Ser Richard whom you had with some effort in convincing to sit down in council rather than stand guard. Rina is sitting between Dany and Xor, looking faintly apprehensive at the prospect of what she might hear, while Malarys sits across from Zherys, conversing in near whispers about the swift approaching day when Volantis will pledge itself to the Imperium.

    Of your other governors you count only a few, Salladhor Saan sitting besides Riz'Neth, though more from the geographic proximity of their domains than any interest to converse. On the pirate lord's other side Wyla looked around the room with interest, smiling to see Garin back from his journey hale.

    Lady Dorera Phessan and Uthero had been among the last to arrive, sitting beside each other more by circumstance than intent, though the charming Myrish sorceress wastes no time trying to charm the governor of the Disputed Lands. Come to think of it it might not have been an accident after all and simply a case of neither of them willing to take the seat between Amrelath and Relath, the two Dragons having sought each other's company but not wishing to sit too close.

    Before you can call the room to order, Alysande flickers in to existence, carrying with her by sorcery Ferrego Antaryon, Sealord of Braavos. He takes one long look at the table, expression never shifting as he takes in the gathered company, then without a hint of hesitation takes the seat between the two Wyrms.

    "Can Aly stay?" Uthero speaks up. "I'm afraid I'd do a poor job of hiding anything from her regardless," he finishes, drawing a snort of laughter from Garin and a fond smile from Dany.

    "You are not supposed to admit that," you tease him in return. "Yes, of course Lady Redsail can stay." The moment's levity fades as you consider how to deliver the grim news you had gathered them here to hear and give counsel about.

    How do you present news of the Sundering?

    [] Write in

    OOC: The vote was a bit unclear on people like Riz'Neth and Alysande, but I figured they are trusted enough to hear this.
     
    Last edited:
  • Threadmarks
    • "Guys, you know that nice model of the planes down in the garden? It's a little out of date. The current state of things is as follows: ..."
     
    While we should tell them about the sundering I also think we should use this meeting to outline some of our ultimate goals.
    Fight the deep ones
    Restore heaven
    destroy the others
    talk about our war against the brazen throne
     
    DragonParadox said:
    Secrets of the Spheres Part One​

    Thirty-First Day of the Tenth Month 293 AC

    As you set the horn of binding down in one of the warded lead chests in Lya's laboratory, you are satisfied with the purchase but even more so the fact that Lord Celtigar had suggested the coin simply be kept in trust by the Iron Bank rather than having it delivered to to his treasury where it might raise troublesome questions. He might have an eye for the finer things in life, but the man is clearly no fool about where he keeps his coin. Besides that, you had promised him a set of Valyrian steel plate and runeforged enchantments for his axe, the better to protect himself against the Deep Ones and bring the war to them.

    Lost 20,000 IM

    Gained Horn of Binding (Drained)

    "Are you ready?" Lya's voice calls out from behind you, reminding you that the time had come to deal with last month's damning revelations and how your realm might face them.

    "As much as one can be to deliver such grim news," you reply honestly. "Still, if nothing else, I'm sure Relath and Amrelath will take the news in stride, and Saan has never had any aspirations of Heaven, nor any great interest in the souls of others." The jest falls flat, but the silence does not have long to linger.

    "We should probably invite Lady Melisandre, too," Lya says as the two of you begin the long descent to back to the plinth.

    "That's..." you trail off startled. "I know she has been helpful in yours studies and she has proven herself bold as well as clever in dealing with King Haren, but I'm not sure I trust her, or more precisely I am not sure I trust her god and she listens most closely to Him."

    "I suspect she might already know," Lya answers thoughtfully. "I spoke to her about Yrael and his kin, about his fall and what it means to lose that light within him, and whether it be truly 'good' in the sense that men know it or simply a binding to some elemental force no different from fire or lightning."

    "What did she say?" you ask after a long pause as a pair of initiates race up the steps and the practically trip over themselves trying to bow and slink off at once.

    "That fire has no soul, that light has no soul, though it may once have done so, that in a world so dark, where the skies are scorched and blackened, all must find a place around the fire, even those who once flew on wings of light. The gods would know, perhaps hers, perhaps the mages of Asshai also, for they seemed to have kept old lore alive in their vigil against the Shadow." From Lya's expression, you suspect she is pondering just what else the shadowbinders remember and how she might learn more of that lore.

    "Perhaps, but the very fact that we have to guess how much she knows seems cause enough to not tell her yet, not until we have taken counsel with those we do trust above all others."

    At this Lya nods, accepting the reasoning though doubtless undeterred in learning the secrets of the shadowbinders, and one among their number in particular, by earning her trust.

    ***​

    The gathering is large enough that you cannot all fit comfortably in the map chamber, and so you meet your gathered friends and vassals around the feast table empty of any food though there is wine aplenty. You doubt anyone would wish to eat once the news had been given, though you can certainly understand the urge to drink. Most of your your companions are here, from Garin, Tyene and Waymar returned triumphant from the east, to Richard whom you had with some effort convinced to sit down in council rather than stand guard. Rina is sitting between Dany and Xor, looking faintly apprehensive at the prospect of what she might hear, while Malarys sits across from Zherys conversing in near whispers about the swift approaching day when Volantis will pledge itself to the empire

    Of your other governors you count only a few, Saladhor Saan sitting beside Riz'Neth though more from the geographic proximity of their domains than any interest to converse. On the pirate lord's other side, Wyla looked around the room with interest, smiling to see Garin back from his journey hale.

    Lady Doreah Phessan and Uthero had been among the last to arrive, sitting beside each other more by circumstance than intent, though the charming Myrish sorceress wastes no time trying to charm the governor of the Disputed Lands. Come to think of it, it might not have been an accident after all, but simply a case of neither of them willing to take the seat between Amrelath and Relath, the two dragons having sought each other's company, but not wishing to sit too close.

    Before you can call the room to order, Alysande flickers in to existence, carrying with her by sorcery Ferengo Antaryon, Sealord of Braavos. He takes one long look at the table, expression never shifting as he takes in the gathered company, then without a hint of hesitation takes the seat between the two wyrms.

    "Can Aly stay?" Uthero asks. "I'm afraid I'd do a poor job of hiding anything from her regardless," Uthero speaks up drawing a snort of laughter from Garin and a fond smile from Dany.

    "You are not supposed to admit that," you tease him in return. "Yes, of course Lady Redsail can stay." The moment's levity fades as you consider how to deliver the grim news you had gathered them here to hear and give counsel about.

    How do you present news of the Sundering?

    [] Write in

    OOC: The vote was a bit unclear on people like Riz'Neth and Alysande, but I figured they are trusted enough to hear this. Not yet edited.
    Click to expand...
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    Here's an edited version of the chapter, @DragonParadox.
     
    Goldfish said:
    "...and they never left."
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    "But that's fine, at least it isn't breaking to pieces like other planes ..."
    <some explanation later>
    "And why does that concern us?"
    "Besides the fact that we all are going to die sometime, and then our souls are, well, out there, the Other's are agent of Oblivion, and this plane is the fulcrum. If it is unmade, the rest of existence follows. Not into hell, not into something like the Far Realm Xor knows, simply into literally nothing. That's why it concerns us."
     
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    Preliminary plan. Dunno if this says everything we want, too little or too much, but it's a start.

    [X] "My friends and allies, I have asked you here to share news of grave import, of truths that have recently come to light which I fear might shake the foundations of civilization upon this world."
    -[X] "There is no easy way to say this, no pretty words to ease your minds, so I will share what we have learned. If you do not wish to retain this knowledge after we adjourm, you have but to ask and I will personally remove the information from your mind. None should think lesser of you for the choice, I assure you."
    --[X] Viserys takes a deep breath, sweeping his eyes across those attending the gathering. "The Celestial Planes are broken, shattered beyond all hope of recovery by forces of near unimaginable power and malignance, and have been for many thousands of years. Heaven itself is occupied by the armies of Hell..." Go on to explain the fates of the other Celestial Planes, the semi-functional River of Souls which no longer all but guarantees one's soul will be delivered to the proper afterlife, and the besieged Divine Realms of those gods still able to protect the souls of their worshipers. Ask for corroboration from those already aware of the situation, if any attendees appear doubtful. Take this opportunity to share pertinent information we have learned relating to the Void, it's relation to the Others, and the Bloodstone Emperor, who may not be related to the Void, but still represents a fire threat to mortal souls.
    ---[X] "Death is not a guarantee that one's soul will be unjustly claimed by a Devil, stolen by a hungry Daemon, or worse. There are still forces trying to return some order to the afterlife, but their efforts are limited by the scope of their task and their finite numbers. For all intents purposes, there is no sure hope in the Outer Planes save what we make for ourselves."
    ----[X] "For now I can make you no promises, but we have not given up on setting this lamentable situation aright, even if only in some small corner of existence where the souls of our people may rest in peace, undisturbed by the turmoil of the Upper and Lower Planes. That will be an endeavor years in the making, however, one on which I cannot further speculate at this point."
    -[X] Once our piece is said, invite everyone to ask any questions they may have.

    [X] Xor Level Up
    -[X] Class: +1 Beholder of Wonder
    -[X] Feat: Nymph's Kiss
    -[X] Skills (8+1 points): +1 Knowledge(Arcana), +1 Knowledge(The Planes), +1 Perform(Singing), +1 Spellcraft, +1 Spot, +4 Sense Motive

    [X] Rhaella Level Up
    -[X] Skills: +1 Bluff, +1 Concentration, +1 Diplomacy, +1 Intimidate, +1 Knowledge (Arcane), +1 Perform (String), +1 Sense Motive, +1 Spellcraft
    -[X] Draconic Lineage: Greater Draconic Bloodline
    -[X] 9th Level Feat: Epic of the Lost King
    -[X] 4th Level Spell Known:     Voice of the Dragon
     
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    Goldfish said:
    Preliminary plan. Dunno if this says everything we want, too little or too much, but it's a start.

    [X] "My friends and allies, I have asked you here to share news of grave import, of truths that have recently come to light which I fear might shake the foundations of civilization upon this world."
    -[X] "There is no easy way to say this, no pretty words to ease your minds, so I will share what we have learned. If you do not wish to retain this knowledge after we adjourm, you have but to ask and I will personally remove the information from your mind. None should think lesser of you for the choice, I assure you."
    --[X] Viserys takes a deep breath, sweeping his eyes across those attending the gathering. "The Celestial Planes are broken, shattered beyond all hope of recovery by forces of near unimaginable power and malignance. Heaven itself is occupied by the armies of Hell..." Go on to explain the fates of the other Celestial Planes, the semi-functional River of Souls which no longer all but guarantees one's soul will be delivered to the proper afterlife, and the besieged Divine Realms of those gods still able to protect the souls of their worshipers. Ask for corroboration from those already aware of the situation, if any attendees appear doubtful.
    ---[X] "Death is not a guarantee that one's soul will be unjustly claimed by a Devil, stolen by a hungry Daemon, or worse. There are still forces trying to return some order to the afterlife, but their efforts are limited by the scope of their task and their finite numbers."
    ----[X] "For now I can make you no promises, but we have not given up hope on setting this lamentable situation aright, even if only in some small corner of existence where the souls of our people may rest in peace, undisturbed by the turmoil of the Upper and Lower Planes."
    -----[X] "In the meantime, know that every unnecessary death among your people should be avoided. Despite our great wealth and the growing breadth of our resources, we simply cannot Resurrect or Reincarnate everyone who dies. To even attempt such would beggar the Imperium and remove all hope that we could ever make any impact on the efforts to repair the damaged Planes. That said, competent, trustworthy allies, and loyal friends are few and far between, and by my estimates of far greater value than mere material wealth. Know that so long as it is within my power, none of you should fear the permanence of death so long as you remain willing to live, not from accident or misadventure, or even the creeping march of years."
    Click to expand...
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    Maybe focus more on the fact that this is nothing new, and the practical matter of asking what they think we should do?

    This might be grave news, but we need to provide hope... maybe the project of the imperial deity could be hinted?
     
    Goldfish said:
    -----[X] "In the meantime, know that every unnecessary death among your people should be avoided. Despite our great wealth and the growing breadth of our resources, we simply cannot Resurrect or Reincarnate everyone who dies. To even attempt such would beggar the Imperium and remove all hope that we could ever make any impact on the efforts to repair the damaged Planes. That said, competent, trustworthy allies, and loyal friends are few and far between, and by my estimates of far greater value than mere material wealth. Know that so long as it is within my power, none of you should fear the permanence of death so long as you remain willing to live, not from accident or misadventure, or even the creeping march of years."
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    That seems kinda weird.
    "avoid unecessary death"?
    Every sane person does that.

    And these people should be well aware of the costs of Resurrection and that their own lifes are secure as long as they are useful.
     
    I say that after we decide what to do with the info we call an that Monadic Deva and talk about creating safety nets for souls and tje importance of Imperial symbolism
     
    Goldfish said:
    Preliminary plan. Dunno if this says everything we want, too little or too much, but it's a start.

    [X] "My friends and allies, I have asked you here to share news of grave import, of truths that have recently come to light which I fear might shake the foundations of civilization upon this world."
    -[X] "There is no easy way to say this, no pretty words to ease your minds, so I will share what we have learned. If you do not wish to retain this knowledge after we adjourm, you have but to ask and I will personally remove the information from your mind. None should think lesser of you for the choice, I assure you."
    --[X] Viserys takes a deep breath, sweeping his eyes across those attending the gathering. "The Celestial Planes are broken, shattered beyond all hope of recovery by forces of near unimaginable power and malignance. Heaven itself is occupied by the armies of Hell..." Go on to explain the fates of the other Celestial Planes, the semi-functional River of Souls which no longer all but guarantees one's soul will be delivered to the proper afterlife, and the besieged Divine Realms of those gods still able to protect the souls of their worshipers. Ask for corroboration from those already aware of the situation, if any attendees appear doubtful.
    ---[X] "Death is not a guarantee that one's soul will be unjustly claimed by a Devil, stolen by a hungry Daemon, or worse. There are still forces trying to return some order to the afterlife, but their efforts are limited by the scope of their task and their finite numbers."
    ----[X] "For now I can make you no promises, but we have not given up hope on setting this lamentable situation aright, even if only in some small corner of existence where the souls of our people may rest in peace, undisturbed by the turmoil of the Upper and Lower Planes."
    -----[X] "In the meantime, know that every unnecessary death among your people should be avoided. Despite our great wealth and the growing breadth of our resources, we simply cannot Resurrect or Reincarnate everyone who dies. To even attempt such would beggar the Imperium and remove all hope that we could ever make any impact on the efforts to repair the damaged Planes. That said, competent, trustworthy allies, and loyal friends are few and far between, and by my estimates of far greater value than mere material wealth. Know that so long as it is within my power, none of you should fear the permanence of death so long as you remain willing to live, not from accident or misadventure, or even the creeping march of years."
    Click to expand...
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    It's not comforting, but they should be told this is the way it's been for tens of thousands of years, that the Void has always been slowly corrupting everything in its path. The Red Dragon Empire and the Valyrian Freehold after it both rose and fell millennia after the Breaking. The scale we're on is massive.

    @Tomcost has the right of it, we need to segue into:
    1. Who do they think should be told, and how much should they be told?
    2. How do they think the news should be broken down?
    3. It's pretty important that false gods are torn down, because the only way your soul isn't sucked straight to the lower planes or captured to be sold is if you have a god.
    Artemis1992 said:
    That seems kinda weird.
    "avoid unecessary death"?
    Every sane person does that.

    And these people should be well aware of the costs of Resurrection and that their own lifes are secure as long as they are useful.
    Click to expand...
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    I agree, that part does seem weird.
     
    Tomcost said:
    Maybe focus more on the fact that this is nothing new, and the practical matter of asking what they think we should do?

    This might be grave news, but we need to provide hope... maybe the project of the imperial deity could be hinted?
    Click to expand...
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    Plan edited. I've added in that this has been the state of things for thousands of years, added a request for suggestions and questions, and expanded on the section that mentions our nebulous hope to fix things, though without giving any details. It's much too early for that.
    Artemis1992 said:
    That seems kinda weird.
    "avoid unecessary death"?
    Every sane person does that.

    And these people should be well aware of the costs of Resurrection and that their own lifes are secure as long as they are useful.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    Duesal said:
    It's not comforting, but they should be told this is the way it's been for tens of thousands of years, that the Void has always been slowly corrupting everything in its path. The Red Dragon Empire and the Valyrian Freehold after it both rose and fell millennia after the Breaking. The scale we're on is massive.

    @Tomcost has the right of it, we need to segue into:
    1. Who do they think should be told, and how much should they be told?
    2. How do they think the news should be broken down?
    3. It's pretty important that false gods are torn down, because the only way your soul isn't sucked straight to the lower planes or captured to be sold is if you have a god.

    I agree, that part does seem weird.
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    Removed that section entirely.
     
    I'd like to throw "There is no hope in the Outer Planes save the one that we make ourselves" somewhere. Nobody will take care of us, there is no greater force silently watching the Spheres and maintaining the balance. It is up to mortal and immortal alike to shape what remains of Creation. It is our job to carve a better place out of what remains
     
    Tomcost said:
    I'd like to throw "There is no hope in the Outer Planes save the one that we make ourselves" somewhere. Nobody will take care of us, there is no greater force silently watching the Spheres and maintaining the balance. It is up to mortal and immortal alike to shape what remains of Creation. It is our job to carve a better place out of what remains
    Click to expand...
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    Added that in with a bit of editing to make it fit.
     
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