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

[] Project Praetorian: WIth use of Fleshforges, create the sort of soldiers that could reasonably fight even Outsiders - elites and Champions the Empire will need in the coming years. (Progress 21/40, Cost 35,000 IM)

---- Quburn (4d6 Progress), Elaheh Marita (4d6 + 1d6 Progress as per Fleshcrafting specialization).



[] Stabilization of Sentient Undead: While the process to craft lesser undead has been greatly refined, those who still possess sentience are a different matter. Their state makes the process meant to stabilize a soulless husk impossible to apply, but further research might be able to find an alternative. (Progress 30, Cost 100,000 IM, needs at least one sentient undead as a test subject)

---- Wyla Drakelis (4d6 Progress), Naath Scholarum Branch (+2d6 Progress).



[] 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: 17/20, requires Dany, progress added by other characters is halved)

---- Aenie Caleris (4d6 + 1d6 for specialization, Dreamlands-related)



[] Reforging Anew the Secrets Lost: The technique of making Seeker-constructs was lost alongside Valyria itself... Until you took the forge of Gogoss and it's secrets. However, for all their utility, the method of their creation... is severely lacking.

-[] Re-create the ritual technique necessary to create Seekers, without a need for unborn children, or otherwise equally unethical resources, to be used.

(Progress: 21/25, Cost: )

---- Naria the Loreseeker (4d6 Progress),



[] Watchful Eyes, by Aeons Untouched: Attempt to create the Watchman-Creature template (Progress: 11/25 , Cost: ??)

---- Vee (4d6 Progresss), Mantarys Scholarum Branch (+2d6 Progress),



[] The Stone of Memories, The Stone of Visions: The mysterious Serpentstone Projector you recovered from the deeper parts of Riz'Neth's city may not look like much... But you have learned quite well how much but a little show before the audience as large as cities could mean for a ruler.

-[] Research the Serpentstone Projectors, emphasizing the function of recording visual and auditory signals - something that may well be priceless if a way is found to make more of such "recorders" cheaply, and also searching for a way to integrate them with the MirrorVision network - allowing to both (hopefully) make MirrorVision sets cheaper and easier to make, and to store transmissions shown - perhaps allowing for plays and speeches to be replayed in the future? (Progress: 21/45, Cost: 50.000 IM)

---- Riz'Neth (4d6 Progress), Tolos Scholarum Branch (+2d6 Progress).



[] Layering the Defenses: The composite mesh recovered from Varys was truly an ingenious work... Yet based on it, even more could be achieved.

-[] Develop the Composite Armor, combining the expertise of Fey artisans, Imperial magesmiths, and Celestial spellwork to create the sort of armor that has so far no equal in the world - not hindering the wearer in any way, yet leave no gaps or chinks in his defense. Light and inconspicuous, yet stopping even the blades of demonic warriors. (Progress: 20, Cost: 90,000 IM)

---- Valeria the Wondersmith (4d6 Progress), Tyrosh Scholarum Branch (+2d6 Progress), Beryl the Strategist (4d6 Progress).

----- Any spillover should probably go into the next level of armor-Research. At least half of it, anyway. Makes sense?



[] Connections Broken, Chains Undone: there are many more beings scattered across the Planes, who may find use in having the connection to what once was their home Planes subverted and becoming Native Outsiders to the Garden - be it because their home is no more, or they themselves have changed.

-[] Create a ritual designed to sever an Archon's connection to their sundered home plane, designating Prime Material as their new home plane and allowing them to reform there in safety.

(Progress: 15, Cost: 10.000 IM)

-[] Requires the "The Final Contravention"-Research to be completed.

---- Lya (2nd Body) (4d6 Progress), Stepstones Scholarum Branch (+2d6 Progress).



[] 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.

-[] Find out the mechanisms and effects of the process allowing Valyrian Steel to consume ambient magic and release it slightly changed. Potentially, VS could be used to store magical energies or to transform them to cause specific effects, also study the mechanics of the way that Valyrian Steel "devours" other metals. Especially how it is doing so with Gold, which doesn't corrode naturally, and magical metals like Mythral and Adamantine. (Progress: 12)

---- Zherys (2d6 Progress), Volantis Schoalrum Branch (+2d6 Progress).



[] Waves of the Sea, on Depths and Fire Turned: research the wardings of the Marid house of Mardja.

-[] Wards that could be of use in Efreeti Ritual Fortress (Progress: 15, Cost: 100.00 IM)

---- Benerro (2d6 Progress), Velen the Phoenix Bard(+2d6 Progress).



[] Forge of Creation: With Anu having finally restored the ritual necessary for the creation of his kin, much may change... But for now, that is but a single ritual. To truly bring his people to life, something yet grander Is needed.

-[] Organise a magi-industrial complex capable of producing Warforged en-mass. (Progress: 25/30, Cost: )

----Anu of Sallosh (4d6 Progress).



[] A Method to Madness: the body the Mind-Eaters crafted for Jeyne with infiltration in mind is an incredible piece of magic wholly unlike anything you've ever seen. Copying it won't be easy, but succeeding promises an ability to flesh-craft similar vessels as needed, granting you an in into mysteries of Psionic powers.

-[] Research into Psionic templates

(Progress: 40, Cost: 200.000 IM)

---- Urak the Forgemaster (4d6 Progress), Lady Saenena (4d6 Progress).

[Actually an RA, apparently] Research into the Reach Faepact - the people will investigate the effects of the pacts that already exist, find out where the rituals where enacted and how they are tied together (Progress: ??, requires knowledge of Fey and Magic)

---- Lya (1st body), Dany, Dirriz Bluecloak (Faerie Dragon Racial HD 3/Oracle 6), Glyra & her troupe, 2 Orphne Fey Lords (CR 15), Alysande Redsail (Wizard 3/Agent of the Silver Eye 6), Melisande, Rina, Sandor Clegane (Bodyguard duty),



[] Through the Depths, the Green, and the Wild: Have the following Fey-Courts known to us visited, and ideally brought into the fold (or at least turned on Court of Stars and neutral to us):

-[] Gooldengrove (the one where there's a Driad-queen guarding a Feywild entrance)

--- Viserys, Sir Richard, Rhaella, Rhaella-ship's Driad, Soft Strider, Waymar, The Seeker, Kira Windgraced, 2 Mind Dragons, 3 Furies, Danar & Alyssa Crowl
-[] Depths (asking for assistance from Merling King to smoothen things out and introduce us well).

--- Viserys, Sir Richard, Rhaella, the Breath Taker, Diana the Sea Sprite (Free Action), Waymar, The Seeker, Kira Windgraced, 2 Mind Dragons, 3 Furies, Danar & Alyssa Crowl


-[] Green (asking for assistance from Bloodraven to introduce us well)

--- Viserys, Sir Richard, Rhaella, Soft Strider, Waymar, The Seeker, Kira Windgraced, 2 Mind Dragons, 3 Furies, Danar & Alyssa Crowl

[] Reaching for the Reach (Cont.): There are many Lords in this Kingdom who still need to be brought into the fold. Continue from where you left off the previous month.

--- Viserys, Ser Richard, Rhaella, The Seeker, Kira Windgraced, 2 Mind Dragons, 3 Furies, Danar & Alyssa Crowl

[] To Reach for the Stars: The great darkness beyond the planet your empire stands on holds much promise... but it isn't yet time to blindly go towards the vastness. Have the Moonchaser and the onboard Wyverns thoroughly tested against the vacuum of space, and put through the necessary retrofits throughout the rest of the month.

---- Moonsong, the Moonchaser,



[] The Search for Heritage Long-Lost: With the vessels sister to the Moonsong's flagship coming steadily to service in your forces, yet no immediate conflict on the horizon, their capabilities can be exploited in many great ways. Have one of the sister-vessels to the Moonchaser attempt locating the Targaryen isles.

---- 1 Moonchaser-class ships, 4 Heralds, 2 Furies



[] An Alley, Vacant: By the end of the month, evacuate the Thenns (via the Moonchaser and the sister-vessels).

--- Moonsong, Moonchaser and it's sister-vessels, also whoever's free to ensure the transport's safety at that point



[] The Hunt for the Big Red - Part 2: A task-group dedicated to managing the situation in Slavers' Bay.

--- Garin, Tyene, Malarys, Waymar, Teana, Mereth (give her a Mindblank for the duration of taking part), 5 Mind Dragons, Liomond Lashare, Morwyn & Tuin - the drow assassins, Nuri, Aradia the Huntress, Azema, Yrael, Chun Ting Lo (Monk 9), Ser Criston Storm (Human Paragon 3/Fighter 5/Occult Slayer 1), Ceria "Storm" (Favored Soul 8/Sacred Exorcist 1), Ser Denys Trainer (Rogue 1/Alchemist 8), 1x Asura Upasunda (CR 9), 4x Asura Vayphaks (CR 5), 4x Umbral spies, 1x Umbral Stalker,



[] The Culling of Ghoyan Drohe: The battle group sent is to deal with the Undead disturbed by the group of Scholarum mages - one way or another.

(Opposition: ??; Rewards: ??)

---- Xor, Shara the Inquisitor, Valaena Velaryon, 1 Yssian Guardian Naga (CR 10), Mercy of the Soul, 3 Furies, Argo the Cunning Bull (Fighter 5/Occult Slayer 1)



[] A Cult of Personality: In Cinderwood Glade near Ashford, what seems to be a small cult dedicated to a charismatic enchanter with little interest beyond fulfilling his base desires through his arts appeared. Marked for possible recruitment by the devils due to being clever enough to keep his hand away from the high nobility unlike most such power-drunk mages, this man needs to be dealt with – one way or another.

(Opposition: ??; Rewards: ??)

---- Mia the Inquisitor, Anya the Inquisitor, 1 Yssian Guardian Naga (CR 10), Aubert Flowers (Cavalier 10), Thoros of Myr (Paladin 10), Oberyn (Fighter 3/Swashbuckler 8), Ser Gerold 'Darkstar' Dayne (Fighter 10), Ser Bonifer Hasty (Fighter 10), Mors 'Crowfood' Umber, 4 Furies




[] Waves of Intrigue: Hermetia has held serious reservations about spending long periods of time on administrative matters and the duplicitous ways of Lyseni nobility. Vialesk holds myriad opportunities, both for adventure in relatively civilized and safe environs which still requires a light touch by someone trusted to carry out your will there. Her main focus will be to further investigate the activities of the Deep Ones as they try to gain a foothold over the governing council of Vialesk, to deepen official ties between us and the city and give us a stronger hand in negotiations, develop trade contacts between us and local trade magnates in preparations for expansion of our trade network there, and finally to entice mercenary forces, artificers and enchanters or mages to join us for the Imperium's economic, military and industrial benefit.

---- Hermetia, Kennos of Kayce, 2x Furies, 2x Umbral Spies, 1 Yssian Guardian Naga,



[] Into the Fire: A task-group dedicated to continued action against the efreeti in Plane of Fire (do tasks to their discretion, from fighting on the front, or helping rebel Salamanders to raiding and privaterring).

---- Amrelath, Siduri of Dis, Yurten, 1 Mind Dragon, 4 Furies @Azel's battle-group of the Undead,

[] Grabbing any unaligned non-court Fey we get to know of while dealing with Reach.

[] Contacting the Wild Hunt, paying them as necessary for information and/or actions against Court of Stars.

[] After grabbing the Thenns, Viserys should visit the Giants and diplomance at them.

[] Viserys spends a few days removing the expedition from Yi-Ti via Greater Teleports and a Gate or two.

[] Viserys, Lya and Richard visit the auction on Hellven in an attempt to snag some of the books. Pointedly not going for anything that's liable to get us in trouble with the local forces/movers. A quick trip in-and-out. *insert R&M meme here*

[] Have 1 Mind Dragon assigned to Maelor's crew in City of Brass

[] Viserys will handle any Reach Lords that Rhaella couldn't diplomance for whatever reason.

[] Clearing out the Barrows in the Thennlands

---- Viserys, Dany, Sandor Clegane, Lya (2nd body), Sir Richard, Velen, Xor, Waymar, Vee, Riz'Neth, Malarys, Garin, Melisandre, 4 Mind Dragons, Rina, 1 Harbinger, 1 Adamantine Golem, 1 Hadhayosh, 14 Heralds, Mereth, Yrael, Lady Saenena, Wyla Drakelis, Roose Bolton, Nettles - Rider of the Sheepstealer, Amrelath, Benerro, Zherys, 2 Orphne Fey Lords (CR 15), Liomond Lashare, Alyssa Crowl (Ranger 13), Danar Crowl (Bard 6/Lyric Thaumaturge 7)

[] The Imperial Times Issue #3: Included in the link is a variation of that logo with a depiction of Viserys in Dragon-form and Planetos guarded by his wings during his rest, depicted upon the title page.
-[] Details: The Broadsheets will each have an Arcane Mark differentiated with each Issue #. This will make tracking them with a proper ritual and foci (the Marker key) simple for any properly trained mage or expert. The Broadsheets will be hardened by sorcerous means, the batches not being overly bulky, enough that there's no reason that Viserys couldn't do it himself to maximize potential Hardness rating.

-[] Editorials: Continue providing information seeking to inform people of the state of the world, nothing that a well-traveled sailor could not pick up in a port, but purged of the most outlandish inaccuracies and seeking to educate and inform--hopefully the fact that most of what is happening in the world is actually quite riveting when given the right prose will keep people passing it along as-written.
--[] Continue with the serialized set of stories and fables, supported by visually expressive art.
---[] They will tell about Fey, the kind we deem acceptable, about how to spot Devil/Demon/Daemon cultists, about the spheres and so on and so forth (the point is twisting the narrative of those supernatural creatures that are seriously affected by it, to more sensible and useful direction, while also giving general population a minimal understanding of basic concepts we want them to know).

-[] The Fall of the Golden Company!: The main article will feature our destruction of the Golden Company and the death of the last Blackfyre pretenders in far off Yi-Ti outside the walls of Tradertown.
--[] Highlight the multiple factors which allowed us to dominate the engagement, including the Moonchaser's first true combat mission, the Wyverns screaming through the skies, the brave and stalwart Minotaur assault force, our Dragons and Dragonriders, as well as many others who played a pivotal part in the battle.
---[] Conclude the article with a brief recounting of the defeat of an earthly avatar of the Golden Company's dark goddess at the hands of the Dragon King and his loyal Companions.

-[] Imperial Airforce: Have a dedicated article that puts a spotlight on the Moonchaser-class ships, the Wyvern-class fighters and the current efforts to expand the force by the construction of the Dauntless.
--[] Include an interview with Captain Moonsong and the usual propaganda and recruitment information.

-[] Yi-Ti Expedition: After many months at sea, the massive trade fleet composed of Imperial ships and those representing many of our allies has reached the distant port of Yin. A smashing success, the expedition will soon return to Imperial territory by way of magic, the holds of each ship laden with goods from the far east.
--[] More than a simple economic triumph, the arrival of the trade fleet also marked the establishment of official ties between the Imperium and the Azure Empire. An embassy will soon be established in Yin that will work to foster even greater ties between the two powers.

-[] Announcing the Temple of Unity: Construction will soon begin on a new temple. Rather that being devoted to a single god, however, or an established pantheon such as the Seven, this temple will honor all friendly gods worshiped within the Imperium. It is the hope of the Dragon King that the Temple of Unity will encourage friendship and cooperation not only among the devout, but among the gods themselves.

-[] Announcing the Imperial Palace: Not merely a magnificent home befitting the Dragon King, the palace which will soon begin construction is meant to house critical government offices, laboratories, the Imperial treasury, and many other necessities of the state.
--[] Along with a brief description, include high quality concept images that will show the palace as it will appear upon completion.

-[] Propaganda Posters (Continued from previous issue): Pro-Imperium propaganda along the lines of recruitment for the the imperial institutions—Legion, the Scholarum, the Inquisition, the Imperial Administration, the Diplomatic Corps, etc. These will come in the form of illustrated posters captioned by truespeech.
--[] For the Inquisition the posters will be along the lines of security and trust, focusing mainly on the need for citizens to cooperate and share intel for the good of the empire. (the Inquisition recruits on their own, that shouldn't be messed with). The themes of this poster will focus on the various threats that the Inquisition regularly squares off against -- mainly fiends, but also Deep Ones.
--[] For the Legion the posters will focus on the need citizens to cooperate, but also on recruitment. These will be images of glory and righteousness, of liberation and justice. Your basic army recruitment stuff, but embellished as much as we can. They'll illustrate how the Legion defends the Imperium, brings law to godforsaken cities, frees whatever slaves they come across, etc. It's a rallying cry to join in, to see the nearest recruiter, etc.
--[] For the Scholarum again the need to cooperate, but this one is more an advertisement that they're a legal and certified means of magical expertise, be it for crafting or other things. This could be split in two different approaches—the first being like some university's advertisement, detailing the courses and the resources (geared towards those who are more interested in learning and research), and the second being a call to duty for all eligible mages to rise to serve (this would mirror the Legion posters in a way, with an obviously arcane bent to it).
--[] For the Diplomatic Corps and the Imperial Administration the general idea is to portray how vital their jobs are and what lives they touch. For the latter, for example, focus on the imperial works in progress, how the materials are being shipped there, the roads being built to connect the Imperium in full, etc. "One Empire". It basically writes itself.

-[] Continue adding to the newly serialized "Monster's Manual", focusing on common threats to the individual regions.

-[] "An Exile's Journey, Part Three"
--[] The previous part of our tale ended as we freed Mantarys from the yoke of Demons, letting Good Archons take over. We left on good terms, and helped arrange an alliance between the Archons and the Dragon of Tolos against the slavers and harpies.
--[] Having Archons on our side let us make stranger allies still. Khal Rhango swore to us, and an Archon joined his khalasar for several months. Unsurprisingly, even the Dothraki could not be the monsters from children's tales when traveling with an Archon, and they pretty much became normal mercenaries, gathering other Dothraki and leading them into a way of life without slavery and with honorable employment as well as honorable battle.
--[] We extended the hand of friendship to all who would face the darkness. Westerosi Lords fought devils alongside us after a peaceful meeting in Tarth and in the North, Dothraki fought alongside us against the undead, and we coordinated with the Sealord against more subtle threats.
--[] We even struck forth against the enemies of all, seeking out and destroying a Deep One fortress deep beneath the sea after cooperative raids with Tritons. We went forth beyond the Wall to see the army of the dead that stirs in the North and to renew our support of the brave defenders who guard the Realms of men, providing them with supplies, knowledge, but more importantly weapons and sorcery.
--[] However, those who stood against all that is just and right faced the Dragon's wrath. Slavers and pirates were burned out of the Stepstones as our Realm grew. When the Westerosi Usurper unleashed wildfire upon the innocent people of Sorcerer's Deep and sent a fleet to murder us, we defeated him utterly.
--[] But while we believe that there is hope for the future, we do not forget the past. We journeyed to Essaria the lost, and there we faced the Golden Company, or rather the monsters who bore its name. Having sworn their souls to a dark goddess which had plagued the nightmares of men since the days when Valyria was young, they were awakening the legendary Sleepers of Essaria to join them in worship of the Bitch Queen and aid them in their foul crimes. Their we defeated them, casting down their sorcerer-priests and even an avatar of their twisted goddess. Those who had rejected her blandishments and fought for what was right entered our service, while those who fled our wrath vowed to grow deadly and feast upon the innocent once again.
---[] To Be Continued