OK, vote closed. I'm going to try to get at least the corpses and fiend conversations you guys already voted on covered.
A Sword Without a Hilt: A Song of Ice and Fire/D&D 3.5 Crossover
- Thread starter DragonParadox
- Start date
-
- Tags
- a song of ice and fire a sword without a hilt d&d 3.5 dungeons & dragons 100% high octane dragon fuel ave corvidae battle action dragon diplomacy best sister bureaucromancy delicious soul-stuff dragon dreams come true dragon ta'veren greatest uncle hubris is a coward's word in defiance of gods and men mammon's folly mutually assured mage's disjunction qm murderhobo top tier coatl
Part MMMLV: Tales of the First War
Tales of the First War
Twenty-Sixth Day of the Tenth Month 293 AC
By the time you make it home from the Opaline Vault midnight had come and gone, the sky still dark as pitch, with hundreds of bodies, slaves and masters, common crew and Efreeti officers, tangled together into the hidden vault in Lys where they are to wait for their final internment in the depths of the Fungus Forge.
- 6 Noble Efreeti (CR 10; 13 HD)
- 24 Common Efreeti (CR 8; 10 HD)
- 44 Azer Fighter 7 (CR 9; 9 HD)
- 183 Ifrit and Azer Crew (CR 4; 5 HD)
- 26 Vayuphak (CR 5; 8 HD
The Erinyes on guard in the Godswood sigh in regret at the battle that passed them by, though they are cheered up somewhat when you ask for a personal account of the Asuras and their character to add to what you had pieced together from dreaming lore and secrets torn from dead lips. If there is one thing soldiers can be counted upon, no matter what the battlefield they fought upon, it is recounting war stories after all. As it happens, among the trio on guard tonight, you find those who have fought both for and against the 'Perfect Ones', as the Asuras great and small count themselves. Spirits on the road to perfection, to transcend unshackled by the wheel of fate or the whims of the divine, they are as often mercenaries as allies in the armies of Hell.
Alone of all the beings that can be counted gods, Asura Ranas respect Asmodeus, though that respect is matched by a desire to slay him and twist his vision to match their own even as they offer their services to the schemes of the Archdukes. All this the Lord of the Ninth sees and allows it for it serves his own design, for these spirits seeking dark enlightenment are bound by their own hierarchies and code of conduct. They offer deniable assets in the skirmishes of Hell without ever being so much of a disruptive influence as to threaten the Blood War or other grand plans. It is even rumored in Hell that Asmodeus sometimes delivers souls that would otherwise metamorphose into Devils to the Asurendras that they might craft more of their ever-thirsting kindred.
"They are not bound as we are... were bound," Erisiel, the most senior of the guards, explains, stumbling slightly at the mention of her still strange newfound freedom. "So you need not worry about the weight of the Pact upon them, but they all dream grand dreams, of divinity, of perfection."
You nod slowly, thinking of another seeker of perfection from beyond the borders of the world. You trust Elaheh so long as she is given the chance to exercise her art, but you are in no particular hurry to summon more of her kindred. That sort of all-consuming passion in a mind that does not dull with age is something to be handled with utmost care.
"What are you doing out here in the rain?" Hermetia's voice floats out of the dark. It is only then that you realize it had started raining gently.
"Considering future hiring practices," you reply with a smile in greeting.
"I'm sure the results will be fascinating," she says, only half in jest you would judge. "Can I watch the summoning? I've always been curious about how those negotiations went, but it feels gouache to ask of my guards. They already have to deal with my company after all, no need to deal with me prying into their past."
"False humility is the purest form of pride, my lady," Erisiel calls unexpectedly in jest. Obviously you are not the only one taken aback, though from the looks her sisters give her this is not the first time she has done so.
"I do aim to excel in all things," Hermetia laughs.
What deal do you offer the Upasunda Asura?
[] Write in
OOC: This should also include if you want to banish or kill her if she refuses. I know the vote was for getting her measure before making the offer, but I need some clue on what is on the table from Viserys' side to get his attitude right. This isn't like with Erinyes where all that is settled.
Last edited:
- Location
- United States
Okay, if she proves to be a halfway decent subordinate with no intention of betraying us, basically the same deal we gave Mereth.
Subordination and protection if she serves as a leal vassal. Resurrection if she's killed. Vengeance if she's treacherous.
Of course, this depends on her. If she's not a viable subordinate we can just interrogate her and then decide what to do with her, whether that's banishing or killing her.
[X] More or less the same deal we offered Mereth
-[X] She would be entitled to our protection so long as she serves as a leal vassal
-[X] She would be resurrected if killed in our service
-[X] She would be paid for her services
--[X] Along with a starting bonus of a few thousand IM which she can do whatever she pleases with so long as our laws are obeyed
-[X] She would eventually be equipped by our artificers
-[X] In our service Outsiders like the Erinyes have grown in months what they haven't in millennia in the Blood War. We don't just offer a job, we offer a future of nearly unlimited growth.
-[X] If she were to betray her oath to us we would hunt her down
-[X] If you determine she is unsuitable for recruitment she is to be interrogated until all her knowledge is transcribed and then banished
This is the gist of it. @DragonParadox, I felt like I didn't need to go into too much detail for this due to the precedent we already set with Mereth.
Subordination and protection if she serves as a leal vassal. Resurrection if she's killed. Vengeance if she's treacherous.
Of course, this depends on her. If she's not a viable subordinate we can just interrogate her and then decide what to do with her, whether that's banishing or killing her.
[X] More or less the same deal we offered Mereth
-[X] She would be entitled to our protection so long as she serves as a leal vassal
-[X] She would be resurrected if killed in our service
-[X] She would be paid for her services
--[X] Along with a starting bonus of a few thousand IM which she can do whatever she pleases with so long as our laws are obeyed
-[X] She would eventually be equipped by our artificers
-[X] In our service Outsiders like the Erinyes have grown in months what they haven't in millennia in the Blood War. We don't just offer a job, we offer a future of nearly unlimited growth.
-[X] If she were to betray her oath to us we would hunt her down
-[X] If you determine she is unsuitable for recruitment she is to be interrogated until all her knowledge is transcribed and then banished
This is the gist of it. @DragonParadox, I felt like I didn't need to go into too much detail for this due to the precedent we already set with Mereth.
Last edited:
This is fine, I just did not feel like I could assume for an entirely different class of fiend.
- Location
- United States
This is all assuming the divinations and interrogations confirm that an oath will be honored and the Asura won't do her best to stab us in the back.
So long as that checks out, she'll fit in.
egoo
Totally Not Creating Problems Where None Existed
- Location
- Russia
Just to be clear - so far as we know IC, Asuras do not have the metaphysical connection to Archdevils/Asmodeus/Hells the way Devils do, yes?
Is there a distinct need for us to worry about their previous master (I assume Asmy) keeping some sort of a hold over them?"
If no, then
[X] Duesal
They are not bound to Hell by the pact primeval, the first Asuras were formed of divine error long long ago. Few indeed remember the nature of that primordial sin but it was enough to fill the asuras with a soul-deep loathing of all things divine.
- Location
- Argentina
How would she react to our plans to make an unthinking deity and using its power? (we aren't going to tell her but I'm curious).
- Location
- United States
@DragonParadox, can we get the Asurendra's loot identified tomorrow? We've got to decide if it spawns research projects or if it gets pawned off to subordinates.
Goldfish
Friendly Spider-Fish Abomination
- Location
- Formerly of the Far Realm
Tales of the First War
Twenty-Sixth Day of the Tenth Month 293 AC
By the time you make it home from the Opaline Vault, midnight had come and gone. The sky still dark as pitch when you examine hundreds of bodies, slave and master, common crew and Efreeti officer, tangled together into the hidden vault in Lys where they are to wait for their final internment in the depths of the forge.
- 6 Noble Efreet (CR 10; 13 HD)
- 24 Common Efreet (CR 8; 10 HD)
- 44 Azer Fighter 7 (CR 9; 9HD)
- 183 Ifrit and Azer Crew (CR 4; 5 HD)
The Erinyes on guard in the Godswood sigh in regret at the battle that passed them by, though they are cheered somewhat when you you ask for a personal account of the asuras and their character to add to what you had pieced together from dreaming lore and secrets torn from dead lips. If there is one thing soldiers can be counted upon, after all, no matter what the battlefield they fought upon, it is recounting war stories. As it happens, among the trio on guard tonight you find those who have fought both for and against the 'Perfect Ones', as the asuras great and small count themselves. Spirits on the road to perfection, they believe, to transcendence unshackled by the wheel of fate or the whims of the divine. They are as often mercenaries as allies in the armies of Hell.
Alone of all the beings that can be counted gods, asura ranas respect Asmodeous, though that respect is matched by a desire to slay him and twist his vision to match their own, even as they offer their services to the schemes of the Archdukes. All this the Lord of the Ninth sees and allows, for it serves his own design. These spirits seeking dark enlightenment are bound by their own hierarchies and codes of conduct, offering deniable assets in the skirmishes of Hell without ever being so much of a disruptive influence as to threaten the Blood War or other grand plans. It is even rumored in Hell that Asmodeous sometimes delivers souls, that would otherwise metamorphose into devils, to the asurendra so that they might craft more of their ever-thirsting kindred.
"They are not bound as we are... were bound," Erisiel, the most senior of the guards explains, stumbling slightly at the mention of her still strange newfound freedom. "So you need not worry about the weight of the Pact upon them, but they all dream grand dreams, of divinity, of perfection."
You nod slowly, thinking of another seeker of perfection from beyond the borders of the world. You trust Elaheh so long as she is given the chance to exercise her art, but you are in no particular hurry to summon more of her kindred. That sort of all-consuming passion in a mind that does not dull with age is something to be handled with utmost care.
"What are you doing out here in the rain?" Hermetia's voice floats out of the dark. It is only then that you realize it had started raining gently.
"Considering future hiring practices," you reply with a smile in greeting.
"I'm sure the results will be fascinating," she says, only half in jest you would judge. "Can I watch the summoning? I've always been curious about how those negotiations went, but it feels gauche to ask of my guards. They aleady have to deal with my company, after all, no need to deal with me prying into their past."
"False humility is the purest form of pride, my lady," Erisiel calls unexpectedly in jest. Obviously you are not the only one taken aback, though from the looks her sisters give her this is not the first time she has done so.
"I do aim to excel in all things," Hermetia laughs as the two of you walk off.
What deal do you offer the Upasunda Asura?
[] Write in
OOC: This should also include if you want to banish or kill her if she refuses. I know the vote was for getting her measure before making the offer, but I need some cue on what is on the table from Viserys' side to get his attitude right. This isn't like with Erinyes where all that is settled. Not yet edited.
Viserys does not know enough about asuras in general or this one in particular to hazard a guess.
@DragonParadox, can we get the Asurendra's loot identified tomorrow? We've got to decide if it spawns research projects or if it gets pawned off to subordinates.
Sure
Good night guys, see you tomorrow with more from the Lys fey and the City of Brass.
Goldfish
Friendly Spider-Fish Abomination
- Location
- Formerly of the Far Realm
Can you tell us how the Asura we captured was upgraded, @DragonParadox?
- Location
- United States
Yes. I am so excited for both of these things.
The Goblin Market will be conquered and whatever Fey working against us bottled, and the City of Brass shall finally have its markets unveiled to us. I want forbidden lore, I want slaves to free and vassalize, I want unique beasts, etc. I bet we can find some truly exotic shit in there. Maybe there's a random Phoenix or something for sale.
I'll have a sheet in the morning.
- Location
- ?????????
[X] Duesal
Crake
I AM THE STORM THAT IS APPROACHING
- Location
- USA
Lord of Shadows
Alignment: Any non-good alignmentSkills: Move Silently 12 ranks, Hide 12 ranks, Gather Information 8 ranks
Special: +6d6 Sneak Attack, Evasion, Penetrating Strike, access to the Plane of Shadows.
Skill Points At Each Level: 8 + Int
One who stalks the night and cloaks themselves in shadows can easily tread off the beaten path into depravity and paranoid madness. While keeping secrets from to rattle around inside ones skull can forge a prison stronger than steel and bars, one who has mastered this domain can in turn wield darkness as their faithful hunting hound, like a Lord on the Hunt.
Weapon and Armour Proficiency: They are proficient with the crossbow (hand, light, or heavy), dagger (any type), dart, rapier, sap, shortbow (normal and composite), and short sword. Lords are proficient with light armor but not with shields.
Spellcasting: At each new Lord of Shadows level you gain an increase in caster level as if you had progressed in the class you belong before adopting the prestige class. You do not gain new spells per day or spells known.
Sneak Attack: This is exactly like the rogue ability of the same name. The extra damage dealt increases by +1d6 every other level (2nd, and 4th). If a Lord of Shadows gets a sneak attack bonus from another source the bonuses on damage stack.
Dark Armory: At 1st level, your connection to the Plane of Shadow grants you certain insight to confounding your enemies from seeking your vitals with no more than shaping the shadows around you. You add Armor of Darkness to your list of Spells Known.
Shadow Jump (Ex): A Lord of Shadows can travel between shadows as if by means of a Dimension Door spell. This transport must begin and end in an area with at least some shadow or darkness. They can jump up to a total of 20 feet per class level per day in this way. This amount can be split up among many jumps, but each jump, no matter how small, counts as a 5-foot increment. He can choose to do this either as a Move Action or as a Swift Action. If the Lord of Shadows benefits from Shadow Jump from another source, the maximum distance traveled per day is added together rather than overlapping.
Shadow Projection (Su): At 5th level, you infuse your life force and psyche into your shadow, causing it to separate from your body and act as an independent creature. This ability functions as shadow projection except as follows. Your shadow has the outsider type and the phantom subtype instead of the undead type. As a result, this ability does not have the evil descriptor and your shadow cannot be turned or affected as undead (though it can be affected as an outsider). You can use this ability for a number of hours per day equal to your Lord of Shadows level. These hours don't need to be consecutive, but they must be spent in 1-hour increments. Your shadow's hit points are not replenished between uses, although your shadow can be healed in the same manner as any other outsider. When this ability isn't in use, any healing done to you also heals your shadow for an equal amount.
| Level | Base Attack Bonus | Fort Save | Ref Save | Will Save | Special |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1st | +0 | +0 | +2 | +0 | Dark Armory |
2nd | +1 | +0 | +3 | +0 | Sneak attack +1d6 |
3rd | +2 | +1 | +3 | +1 | Shadow Jump (Ex) |
4th | +3 | +1 | +4 | +1 | Sneak attack +2d6 |
5th | +3 | +1 | +4 | +1 | Shadow Projection (Su) |
Last edited:
Goldfish
Friendly Spider-Fish Abomination
- Location
- Formerly of the Far Realm
Looks interesting. Needs a bit of tweaking here and there, but I wouldn't mind it.
The armor bonus from Body of Shadows, for example, needs to be typed (Deflection would be my preference) because regular armor.bonuses don't stack and he's already wearing good enchanted armor.
Wings of Shadow is neat, but something we can easily provide via enchanted item, like Richard's cloak. Enhancing Garin's ability to Teleport would be more useful, IMO.
Crake
I AM THE STORM THAT IS APPROACHING
- Location
- USA
Can you post with your tweaks? If there's anything else you'd rather change feel free.
- Location
- Australia
[X] Duesal
Goldfish
Friendly Spider-Fish Abomination
- Location
- Formerly of the Far Realm
When I get back to my computer I'll post something.
- Location
- Chicago
I can tell this was inspired by the Shadow mystery for PF Oracles.