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

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That's because it's a massively unbalancing spell. Made for campaigns that relish absurdity more than good story-telling.
 
Special Announcement: I've finally caught up to my dreaded nemesis, Snowfire, on omake count!

Also I believe I have, and have had, the largest number of canon omakes out of anyone in the thread.

@DragonParadox I'm curious, do I actually capture the feel of ASWAH with my writing? Because that's basically 90% of the point. I'm not the least tiny bit insecure if they don't match the atmosphere and aesthetic at all. :V

Regardless, I must be doing something right, because I think I've written nearly forty canon ones, a lot of them chronicling a colorful cast of characters from canon and without. And I haven't had you correct me over anything, which honestly makes me feel like I spend too much time around here. :lol2:
 
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OK vote closed.
Adhoc vote count started by DragonParadox on Oct 4, 2019 at 3:11 AM, finished with 204 posts and 20 votes.
  • -[X] Strategic Turn Plan Proposal For the 11th Month 293 AC - AKA Crake Takes A Victory Lap
    -[X] Military
    --[X] The 1st Legion, "Torchbearers", under command of General Torchwood, Colonel Flowers and Dragonlord Nettles will continue Enforcing Martial Law over the Western Flatlands.
    --[X] The 2nd Legion, "Chainbreakers", garrisons Braavos in anticipation of future attacks.
    ---[X] Two Batteries of Steam Cannons are constructed and installed in a series of harbor-based Bastions spread throughout the approach to the city proper, with quays big enough for a small ship to dock.
    ---[X] Plans are drawn to rapidly seal or fortify approaches by the bay into the city from canals or the harbor through use of construction items at-need. Fallback positions will be organized in an absolute crisis with the assumption of a worst case scenario--a train of civilians evacuated out onto the mainland, facilitated by a two-way easily defended highway which will eventually link up to the rest of the network.
    ---[X] It is, grimly, accepted that this would only save a fraction of the city if the Legion ever fell back that far, more if they fought to the last.
    ---[X] Appoint a General selected from a pool of candidates brought forward by High Command (currently a council of only one General, key advisers, and more Senior colonels). While a former slave with the right credentials would be preferable, if none are educated enough or experienced enough at present, another candidate will be selected.
    --[X] The 3rd Legion, "Brightscales", runs "military exercises" along the border, actually patrolling.
    ---[X] Do not appoint a General for this Legion yet. 1st Column Colonel assumes command.
    --[X] The 4th Legion, "Steel Tigers", ship out from Volantis to garrison the fastness of Gorgossos, where a fortress centered around the Leyline Tree is being constructed rapidly, and where a battery of ten Steam Cannons will be installed this month.
    ---[X] A Volantene General suggested by Zherys for competence and inclination toward the meritocratic nature of the Legion will meet Crown appointment during an official ceromony, taking over their first command to follow.
    ---[X] A harbor is repaired and given a smaller but no less well defended and fortified garrison, to base Saan's fleet for local patrols.
    --[X] The 5th Legion, as yet unnamed, begins to take final shape in Westhaven.
    ----[X] Consultation meeting with Darleth the Delver takes place to discuss Leylines, Operation Efreeti Bait and the Capital's defenses. Will allow for an opening for him to beg off meeting if more examinations need to occur, or near the start of the month if he has enough data already.
    -----[X] Westhaven retrains 6,000 Levies into 6,000 Legionnaires.
    -----[X] Greater Volantis retrains 4,500 Levies into 4,500 Legionnaires.
    -----[X] Tolos retrains 1,500 Levies into 1,500 Legionnaires.
    -----[X] Braavos retrains 2,100 Levies into 2,100 Legionniares.
    -----[X] Lys and Myr train an additional 2,000 Men-At-Arms to acts as garrisons.
    ------[X] Garrisons from reorganized Imperial Military officially create formal Reservists Program, drawing reduced pay (in line with Law Enforcement salaries as they are in low-danger environments), exceptions made for areas which remain combat zones or are otherwise hazardous (Valyrian Peninsula bordering, under intermittent attacks, etc.), to be distributed across the Imperium to take up their posts.
    ------[X] The Legion Reserve must always remain at a certain threshold, meaning not all who apply for the Legion will immediately be drawn to muster into a new unit, but those who are reservists will be given preference depending on how they filled out their paperwork.
    ------[X] Certain minimum requirements for admittance into the Legion would require, if not necessarily basic literacy, then enough for messenger work, with a minimum one day per week of schooling taking place, paid for by the Crown, and for those in Logistics, a vocational course.
    ------[X] There should be emphasis: This is no "militia". These men are soldiers trained as well as the most prized Household guards of Westeros. But they are not trained to fight in unusual or extreme conditions, or carry out complex commands, drilled only to patrol the land and hold fortifications. In a pinch, they can maintain a shield wall with more than reasonable discipline, but their security related duties do not allow enough drilling to produce crack troops.
    -------[X] Six Large Galleons, Six Medium Galleons and Seven Small Galleons are constructed.
    --------[X] 50 Military Engineers are trained.
    ---------[X] Rally the Twenty Tribes - Blight's Bane continues to make progress rallying the rest of the Tritons to the Narrow Sea, and you have seen fit to supply him with more aid for the endeavor, in the form of flesh-forged Mantas capable of warding off tentacled transgressions.
    -[X] Economy
    --[X] The Great Northwestern Trading Company is founded on Bear Island, with Menel taking over negotiations with Lady Maege Mormont.
    ---[X] The company will be engaged in logging forestry and conservation efforts, wharves and shipping, ship construction (fishing and whaling vessels), and fur-trapping. Ibbenese consultants will be hired for the effort.
    ---[X] As Viserys is fronting all of the capital, starting stakes start out at 60/40 in Red Scales Holdings' favor. Up to 10% stake will be sold to House Mormont over a period of time at a favorable price (too generous, even) considering the profitability of the venture (the highest, due to level of exploitation on the western coast of Westeros, which is to say none whatsoever).
    ---[X] This is done through use of a Braavosi shell company, which is in itself using a Lorathi shell-company. More than cursory inspection wouldn't hold up, but then it doesn't need to.
    ---[X] It goes without saying, but for this to be done, it essentially means a full-scale harbor and extensive warehousing will need to be constructed, enough to eventually employ likely the entirety of Bear Island in a multitude of synergetic industries. Let the Spice flow! Or coin, as the case may be.
    --[X] Crown Royal Vintages is founded in the Stepstones, a branding enterprise for a brewery marketing Dawn Mead, vineyards on highly fertile volcanic soil (to later produce magically engineered grapes) and alchemically refined liqueurs. (Add 1 Size, ?? Profitability to Stepstones Manufacturing, DM discretion).
    ---[X] Expansion of Earths Bounty Jewelry Manufactory.
    ---[X] Expansion of Everflame Ironworks.
    ---[X] Establish an ACSEC Branch in Volantis.
    ---[X] Establish an ACSEC Branch in Vialesk (dependent upon Full Action results).
    ---[X] Invest 2,000,000 IM of liquid capital into Silver Serpent Enterprise. This buy-out of Venture Captains and independent merchants increases the SSE fleet from sixty (60) ships to one hundred (100).
    -[X] Government
    --[X] Imperial Military Academy finishes expansion of course curriculum. Now training Officers.
    --[X] Imperial Military Academy begins expansion of course curriculum. Will start training Pilots.
    --[X] Increase Manpower in Sorcerer's Deep.
    --[X] Expansion of Tyrosh's Administratum.
    --[X] Continue Improving Infrastructure in Braavos.
    --[X] Continue Improving Infrastructure in Pentos.
    --[X] Begin Establishing Healthcare Services in Draconys.
    --[X] Construct Sanitation Systems in Naath.
    --[X] Establish Public Schooling in the Basilisk Isles.
    --[X] Establish Orphanages in the Basilisk Isles.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in the Western Disputed Lands.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in the Northern Disputed Lands.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in the Eastern Disputed Lands.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in the Daughter's March.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Volantis.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Orange Shore.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Volon Therys.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Valysar.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Selhorys.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Volon Sar.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Braavos.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in the Braavosi Coast.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in the Sweetwater.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Morrogos.
    ---[X] Begin Establishing Messenger Service in Mantarys.
    ---[X] Begin Establishing Messenger Service in the Painted Mountains.
    ---[X] Begin Establishing Messenger Service in Tolos.
    ---[X] Begin Establishing Messenger Service in Andalos.
    ---[X] Continue Constructing Highway in Pentos.
    ---[X] Begin Constructing Highway in Rhoyne.
    ---[X] Begin Constructing Highway in Volantis.
    ---[X] Construct Fortifications in Gorgossos.
    ---[X] Expand Terrace Farming in the Stepstones.
    ---[X] Construction of Residential Districts in Sorcerer's Deep.
    -[X] Law Enforcement
    --[X] Continue Expanding Law Enforcement in Golden Fields.
    --[X] Begin Expanding Law Enforcement in Orange Shore.
    --[X] Begin Expanding Law Enforcement in Pentos.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Guard Posts in Lys.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Guard Posts in Myr.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Guard Posts in the Northern Disputed Lands.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Guard Posts in the Eastern Flatlands.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Guard Posts in the Andal Coast.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Guard Posts in the Velvet Hills.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Guard Posts in the Western Flatlands.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Guard Posts in Nontelos.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Guard Posts in Mantarys.
    -[X] Intrigue
    --[X] Continue Establishing Inquisition Base in Volantis.
    --[X] Continue Establishing Inquisition Base in Meereen.
    --[X] Establish Inquisition Base in Yunkai.
    --[X] Establish Inquisition Base in Astapor.
    --[X] Establish Inquisition Base in Greater Darry.
    --[X] Investigate Supernatural Activity in the Stepstones.
    --[X] Investigate Supernatural Activity in Tyrosh.
    --[X] Investigate Supernatural Activity in Lys.
    --[X] Investigate Supernatural Activity in Myr.
    --[X] Investigate Supernatural Activity in the Basilisk Isles.
    --[X] Investigate Supernatural Activity in Naath.
    --[X] Identify Enemy Spies in Braavos.
    --[X] Identify Enemy Spies in Pentos.
    --[X] Investigate Rat People in King's Landing.
    --[X] Engage in Subversive Activity in the Bay of Crabs.
    ---[X] Present Ceria Storm with the opportunity to learn more of the ins and outs of Intelligence operations in the Imperium, not only to make her more familiar with spy work, but to see if she is the right fit for the Inquisitor's badge.
    ----[X] A Rather Mercenary Hostile Takeover: Oberyn has caroused and cajoled enough information to get the pants off the worst of the mercenaries encamped outside Pentos, identifying the ones most likely to fit in with the uncorrupt and meritocratic Legion, balancing choice as reasonable as possible between competence and trustworthiness. Ascertaining both and dispatching the worthless is up to one with the means to root through their mind, or interrogate and rip away memory itself.
    -[X] Assigned: Garin
    ----[X] Golden Spy-Ring: Continue 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.
    -[X] Assigned: Tyene, Nuri, Azema, Orphne Feylord and 2 Umbral Spies.
    ----[X] The Hunt for Big Red: Send your people into Slaver's Bay in order to hamper the efforts of Cult of Asmodeus as much as possible, looking into it's roots and wreaking havoc on their plans (including those of turning the Spear Goddess into a servant of Hell through belief--look first for priests or holymen not in pact with the Nine Hells and use them), by any means necessary.
    -[X] Assigned: Malarys, Yrael, Oberyn, Glyra and the Roaming Chaos, Kira Windgraced, Tuin and Morwyn, Asura and 2 Umbral Spies.
    ----[X] Beneath the Gold: 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.
    -[X] Assigned: Aradia the Huntress, Mereth and Erinyes, Construct Ravens and 2 Umbral Spies.
    ----[X] Redoubt Upon the Shadow Mired: Investigate the Shadow Fortress of Tiamat within the Plane of Shadow--acquire plans for it and the territory surrounding it.
    -[X] Assigned: Melisandre, Anu and Tor.
    -[X] Research
    --[X] Lya - Creating a second body for herself.
    --[X] Lya learns ~5 Spells, -5 Progress on Research Action.
    --[X] Xor learns ~5 Spells, -5 Progress on Research Action.
    --[X] 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.
    --[X] Valeria - 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.
    --[X] The Mysterium - 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.
    --[X] Naria and Tyroshi Scholarum - 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.
    --[X] Bloom and Sorcerer's Deep Scholarum - 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.
    --[X] Dany, Lya, Naathi Scholarum and Tolosi Scholarum - 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.
    ---[X] 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.
    --[X] Svitran the Dreamer, Velen, Zathir and Mantarys Scholarum - 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-
    ---[X] 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.
    --[X] Saenna - That Which Stands Forbidden: search through Scrolls of Forbidden Lore recovered in Lyceos (Spellscale, Draconian, and Kobold templates)
    --[X] Aenie - 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.
    --[X] Elaheh Marita - Reforging the Brass Bull: restore the Hadhayosh spliced together with the ship by Efreeti Visier
    -[X] Education
    --[X] Teaching
    ---[X] x2 Teana Strycos
    ---[X] Sarah of Pentos
    ---[X] x2 Guardian Naga
    ---[X] Horio of Tyrosh
    -[X] Colonization & Immigration
    --[X] Colonize Sallosh
    --[X] Encourage Immigration from the Daughter's March to the Basilisk Isles.
    --[X] Encourage Immigration from the Western Flatlands to Golden Fields.
    --[X] Encourage Immigration from the Western Flatlands to Naath.
    --[X] Encourage Immigration from Braavos to Sorcerer's Deep.
    --[X] Encourage Immigration from the Southern Disputed Lands to Sorcerer's Deep.
    -[X] Crown Acts & Adventuring
    --[X] The official abolition of slavery in Greater Volantis and the Rhoyne.
    --[X] The Binding of Ceraxes to Zherys, and selection of a rider for Melys.
    --[X] Viserys charges the Misfits, Thoros of Myr, Ser Gerold Dayne, Ser Bonifer Hasty and Mors Umber with the dispatching of the Hag Coven in the Riverlands.
    --[X] Viserys charges Ser Kennos of Kayce, Argo the Clever, Ser Roger Reyne, Lady Jeyne Weaver, Lady Leila Goldenhammer and Dirriz Bluecloak with aiding Lord Adrian Celtigar in the defense of his people.
    --[X] Have Pycelle suggest Tygett Lannister to Cersei and at council session to be put forth as a prospective Warden of the East.
    ---[X] 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.
    -[X] Assigned: Viserys, Zherys, Sir Richard, Rina, Teana.
    ---[X] 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.
    -[X] Assigned: Viserys, Rhaella, Relath, Breath Taker, 2 Gigantean Fungal Manta Rays.
    ---[X] 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
    -[X] Viserys, Vee, Rina, Rhaella
    ---[X] 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.
    -[X] Assigned: Xor, Sandor, Danar and Alyssa Crowl, Softstrider.
    ---[X] 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.
    -[X] Assigned: Amrelath and his minions, Vee, Waymar, Riz'neth.
    ---[X] 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.
    -[X] Assigned: Rina, Sir Richard, Mercy of the Soul and 1 Guardian Naga.
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Crake said:
That's because it's a massively unbalancing spell. Made for campaigns that relish absurdity more than good story-telling.
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To be honest, Dewchaser had an Arcanist Exploit that allowed him to use that spell.

But he had the niche to make it work, while Viserys would be slapping it on a good-at-everything chassis.
 
Jack vile Ripper said:
No worries, his mother compensates that fact with a charm.

Now to TRULY make herself into a Good and Proper Bard, she needs to woo half of the Prime Material and Makes Archons fall from sheer singing voice alone.
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She's closer to good than evil in alignment, I don't think she would want to make Celestials fall with her performances, now if she she get Mythic ranks, she might make Fiends rise into goodness(or at least neutrality) with her best performances.
 
tarrangar said:
She's closer to good than evil in alignment, I don't think she would want to make Celestials fall with her performances, now if she she get Mythic ranks, she might make Fiends rise into goodness(or at least neutrality) with her best performances.
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Even better! I could all to well imagine the sort of dialogues that would happen.

"Oh Great Angel, Holy-Spirit-That-Was." A voice crooned.

It was a beautiful voice. It was a kind voice. It was a melody for the lost and damned.

Damned he was, and lost he did. Whether through sweet lies or dark initiative the fact that he fell was indisputable. A truth writ upon blood and smoke.

A truth just as real as the warm hands cupped his face.

He was lying down. His back against the sand. T'was neither coarse and rough, nor soft and pleasant. It was a weird feeling. Filled with neither disgust, hate or anger... he was unable to reply back. Through words or force.

The hands placed his head upon fleshy mounds. Which body part he knew not, though he would gander a guess that it was a lap. A woman's lap.

"So painful. So sorrowful thou art. My heart bleeds for you."

He scowled his brow. Narrowed his eyes—though he can't see. And bared his teeth—fangs now. Jagged arsenal amongst his jaw. A mutation, a prove of his sin.

"You speak of things you do not understand. Who are you, to feel pity upon me?"

His eyes were not closed, only blurred by the light—since when was it there?—and so he can't see the face of the person he is now conversing. But he could feel as if the woman was smiling at him.

Was it a mockery, a true visage revealed? An intent?

"Ah, Fallen One, I am many things. A mother, a Queen, a Warrior-Poet, and a Once-Has-Been. Though mortals called me [Lady of Flame and Sky]."

Great wings of Almost-Fire emerge from her back, maroon—nay, Blood, in their colour. And power surges forth. Unlike a tide, more of a trickle.

He was shocked out of words, no Childe of Light was this! Death, Fire, and Darkness born from the infernal womb of She-Of-Many-Hues, she is.

He shuddered... and laughed. Laughed and laughed. Laughed in contempt, in despair, in resignation.

"Haha... most incompetent am I, that a Fire Wyrm would feel sorrowful for me. Have I not wronged enough? Have I not corrupt enough? Take solace me! For your last coherent thought before being sundered completely, is to be felled by a Dragon."

He expected blows to come from his mockery. He expected to die the moment he near-shouted those words. To face Oblivion, where nothing would be painful ever again.

So why is it that he could feel that same hands ruffled his hair.

"Oh Fallen One, why must you speak ill to thyself? Have thou not suffered enough?"

The hands stopped, and then with the light dimmed a little, he could finally see his assailant.

Amethyst. The first word that sprang to mind. Jewel of purest make, her eyes was. A mirror of vanity that is surprisingly humble when he gazed it fully.

Faceline, sharp. Angular. Never round. Never fat. Never ugly. Scars she bore not of body, but of mind. Unseen by weaklings and mortals, disguised by arcane means.

And Rivers of Platinum is her locks.

A beauty. A one that would be cause of some of his brethren falling.

"...why do you care?"

His question, jabbed the air.

"I did not... understand?"

"Forgive me, mighty one. But why? Why do you care? I am a sinner of crimes unpardonable. I am a killer, butcher, slaughterer. I am the (Sword that was supposed to Protect the Weak) and yet I fall to halls of madness and altar of depravity. So why..."

His voice carried no strength this time. No defiance. Nothing.

"...why do you care?"

—And it was ended with a breaking sob.

"...I could pretend as if I know thy plight, to bring words of peace to thy mind, but t'would be a lie. Nay Fallen One, I'm here only to bring salvation."

The light came back, but this time it was accompanied by a song.

A melody, a hymn then a lyric. Telling the tale of greatness shadowing all, a bulwark against evil and chaos, a towering figure endowed with holy strength and absolute might. The song change, it then tell the hint of madness, the lust for battle he craved all his life. And to pursue it, is to fall under it's yoke.

The song is solemn then, it reches is end as the figure was defeated not by any sword and arrows, not by magic and prayers. But by a touch of a woman.

And from that LIGHT truly shines.

Story becomes reality, allegories twist their words and existence to be something more, and pain dissipates to nothing.

As the Archon raises his body, he look at her with his Newly Ascended eyes and then kneel.

"...Betrayer, Kinslayer, and Oathbreaker am I. A Blade made to Kill, I have become. Till the Earth turns to dust and molten rock. Till time breaks and infinity comes. I shall be thy Edge of Execution. Arael the Unbreaking, I am. My enemies, despair for I have come!"




A.N. I don't know how it ends up like this. Just that it does.
 
@Crake, is Ting going with the Misfits and their temporary crew to deal with the stuff in the Riverlands, or is he sticking around to further enlighten the Adamantine Golem on the path to Monkhood?
 
Inserted tally
Adhoc vote count started by DragonParadox on Oct 4, 2019 at 3:11 AM, finished with 204 posts and 20 votes.
  • -[X] Strategic Turn Plan Proposal For the 11th Month 293 AC - AKA Crake Takes A Victory Lap
    -[X] Military
    --[X] The 1st Legion, "Torchbearers", under command of General Torchwood, Colonel Flowers and Dragonlord Nettles will continue Enforcing Martial Law over the Western Flatlands.
    --[X] The 2nd Legion, "Chainbreakers", garrisons Braavos in anticipation of future attacks.
    ---[X] Two Batteries of Steam Cannons are constructed and installed in a series of harbor-based Bastions spread throughout the approach to the city proper, with quays big enough for a small ship to dock.
    ---[X] Plans are drawn to rapidly seal or fortify approaches by the bay into the city from canals or the harbor through use of construction items at-need. Fallback positions will be organized in an absolute crisis with the assumption of a worst case scenario--a train of civilians evacuated out onto the mainland, facilitated by a two-way easily defended highway which will eventually link up to the rest of the network.
    ---[X] It is, grimly, accepted that this would only save a fraction of the city if the Legion ever fell back that far, more if they fought to the last.
    ---[X] Appoint a General selected from a pool of candidates brought forward by High Command (currently a council of only one General, key advisers, and more Senior colonels). While a former slave with the right credentials would be preferable, if none are educated enough or experienced enough at present, another candidate will be selected.
    --[X] The 3rd Legion, "Brightscales", runs "military exercises" along the border, actually patrolling.
    ---[X] Do not appoint a General for this Legion yet. 1st Column Colonel assumes command.
    --[X] The 4th Legion, "Steel Tigers", ship out from Volantis to garrison the fastness of Gorgossos, where a fortress centered around the Leyline Tree is being constructed rapidly, and where a battery of ten Steam Cannons will be installed this month.
    ---[X] A Volantene General suggested by Zherys for competence and inclination toward the meritocratic nature of the Legion will meet Crown appointment during an official ceromony, taking over their first command to follow.
    ---[X] A harbor is repaired and given a smaller but no less well defended and fortified garrison, to base Saan's fleet for local patrols.
    --[X] The 5th Legion, as yet unnamed, begins to take final shape in Westhaven.
    ----[X] Consultation meeting with Darleth the Delver takes place to discuss Leylines, Operation Efreeti Bait and the Capital's defenses. Will allow for an opening for him to beg off meeting if more examinations need to occur, or near the start of the month if he has enough data already.
    -----[X] Westhaven retrains 6,000 Levies into 6,000 Legionnaires.
    -----[X] Greater Volantis retrains 4,500 Levies into 4,500 Legionnaires.
    -----[X] Tolos retrains 1,500 Levies into 1,500 Legionnaires.
    -----[X] Braavos retrains 2,100 Levies into 2,100 Legionniares.
    -----[X] Lys and Myr train an additional 2,000 Men-At-Arms to acts as garrisons.
    ------[X] Garrisons from reorganized Imperial Military officially create formal Reservists Program, drawing reduced pay (in line with Law Enforcement salaries as they are in low-danger environments), exceptions made for areas which remain combat zones or are otherwise hazardous (Valyrian Peninsula bordering, under intermittent attacks, etc.), to be distributed across the Imperium to take up their posts.
    ------[X] The Legion Reserve must always remain at a certain threshold, meaning not all who apply for the Legion will immediately be drawn to muster into a new unit, but those who are reservists will be given preference depending on how they filled out their paperwork.
    ------[X] Certain minimum requirements for admittance into the Legion would require, if not necessarily basic literacy, then enough for messenger work, with a minimum one day per week of schooling taking place, paid for by the Crown, and for those in Logistics, a vocational course.
    ------[X] There should be emphasis: This is no "militia". These men are soldiers trained as well as the most prized Household guards of Westeros. But they are not trained to fight in unusual or extreme conditions, or carry out complex commands, drilled only to patrol the land and hold fortifications. In a pinch, they can maintain a shield wall with more than reasonable discipline, but their security related duties do not allow enough drilling to produce crack troops.
    -------[X] Six Large Galleons, Six Medium Galleons and Seven Small Galleons are constructed.
    --------[X] 50 Military Engineers are trained.
    ---------[X] Rally the Twenty Tribes - Blight's Bane continues to make progress rallying the rest of the Tritons to the Narrow Sea, and you have seen fit to supply him with more aid for the endeavor, in the form of flesh-forged Mantas capable of warding off tentacled transgressions.
    -[X] Economy
    --[X] The Great Northwestern Trading Company is founded on Bear Island, with Menel taking over negotiations with Lady Maege Mormont.
    ---[X] The company will be engaged in logging forestry and conservation efforts, wharves and shipping, ship construction (fishing and whaling vessels), and fur-trapping. Ibbenese consultants will be hired for the effort.
    ---[X] As Viserys is fronting all of the capital, starting stakes start out at 60/40 in Red Scales Holdings' favor. Up to 10% stake will be sold to House Mormont over a period of time at a favorable price (too generous, even) considering the profitability of the venture (the highest, due to level of exploitation on the western coast of Westeros, which is to say none whatsoever).
    ---[X] This is done through use of a Braavosi shell company, which is in itself using a Lorathi shell-company. More than cursory inspection wouldn't hold up, but then it doesn't need to.
    ---[X] It goes without saying, but for this to be done, it essentially means a full-scale harbor and extensive warehousing will need to be constructed, enough to eventually employ likely the entirety of Bear Island in a multitude of synergetic industries. Let the Spice flow! Or coin, as the case may be.
    --[X] Crown Royal Vintages is founded in the Stepstones, a branding enterprise for a brewery marketing Dawn Mead, vineyards on highly fertile volcanic soil (to later produce magically engineered grapes) and alchemically refined liqueurs. (Add 1 Size, ?? Profitability to Stepstones Manufacturing, DM discretion).
    ---[X] Expansion of Earths Bounty Jewelry Manufactory.
    ---[X] Expansion of Everflame Ironworks.
    ---[X] Establish an ACSEC Branch in Volantis.
    ---[X] Establish an ACSEC Branch in Vialesk (dependent upon Full Action results).
    ---[X] Invest 2,000,000 IM of liquid capital into Silver Serpent Enterprise. This buy-out of Venture Captains and independent merchants increases the SSE fleet from sixty (60) ships to one hundred (100).
    -[X] Government
    --[X] Imperial Military Academy finishes expansion of course curriculum. Now training Officers.
    --[X] Imperial Military Academy begins expansion of course curriculum. Will start training Pilots.
    --[X] Increase Manpower in Sorcerer's Deep.
    --[X] Expansion of Tyrosh's Administratum.
    --[X] Continue Improving Infrastructure in Braavos.
    --[X] Continue Improving Infrastructure in Pentos.
    --[X] Begin Establishing Healthcare Services in Draconys.
    --[X] Construct Sanitation Systems in Naath.
    --[X] Establish Public Schooling in the Basilisk Isles.
    --[X] Establish Orphanages in the Basilisk Isles.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in the Western Disputed Lands.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in the Northern Disputed Lands.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in the Eastern Disputed Lands.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in the Daughter's March.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Volantis.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Orange Shore.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Volon Therys.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Valysar.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Selhorys.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Volon Sar.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Braavos.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in the Braavosi Coast.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in the Sweetwater.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Morrogos.
    ---[X] Begin Establishing Messenger Service in Mantarys.
    ---[X] Begin Establishing Messenger Service in the Painted Mountains.
    ---[X] Begin Establishing Messenger Service in Tolos.
    ---[X] Begin Establishing Messenger Service in Andalos.
    ---[X] Continue Constructing Highway in Pentos.
    ---[X] Begin Constructing Highway in Rhoyne.
    ---[X] Begin Constructing Highway in Volantis.
    ---[X] Construct Fortifications in Gorgossos.
    ---[X] Expand Terrace Farming in the Stepstones.
    ---[X] Construction of Residential Districts in Sorcerer's Deep.
    -[X] Law Enforcement
    --[X] Continue Expanding Law Enforcement in Golden Fields.
    --[X] Begin Expanding Law Enforcement in Orange Shore.
    --[X] Begin Expanding Law Enforcement in Pentos.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Guard Posts in Lys.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Guard Posts in Myr.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Guard Posts in the Northern Disputed Lands.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Guard Posts in the Eastern Flatlands.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Guard Posts in the Andal Coast.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Guard Posts in the Velvet Hills.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Guard Posts in the Western Flatlands.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Guard Posts in Nontelos.
    ---[X] Continue Establishing Guard Posts in Mantarys.
    -[X] Intrigue
    --[X] Continue Establishing Inquisition Base in Volantis.
    --[X] Continue Establishing Inquisition Base in Meereen.
    --[X] Establish Inquisition Base in Yunkai.
    --[X] Establish Inquisition Base in Astapor.
    --[X] Establish Inquisition Base in Greater Darry.
    --[X] Investigate Supernatural Activity in the Stepstones.
    --[X] Investigate Supernatural Activity in Tyrosh.
    --[X] Investigate Supernatural Activity in Lys.
    --[X] Investigate Supernatural Activity in Myr.
    --[X] Investigate Supernatural Activity in the Basilisk Isles.
    --[X] Investigate Supernatural Activity in Naath.
    --[X] Identify Enemy Spies in Braavos.
    --[X] Identify Enemy Spies in Pentos.
    --[X] Investigate Rat People in King's Landing.
    --[X] Engage in Subversive Activity in the Bay of Crabs.
    ---[X] Present Ceria Storm with the opportunity to learn more of the ins and outs of Intelligence operations in the Imperium, not only to make her more familiar with spy work, but to see if she is the right fit for the Inquisitor's badge.
    ----[X] A Rather Mercenary Hostile Takeover: Oberyn has caroused and cajoled enough information to get the pants off the worst of the mercenaries encamped outside Pentos, identifying the ones most likely to fit in with the uncorrupt and meritocratic Legion, balancing choice as reasonable as possible between competence and trustworthiness. Ascertaining both and dispatching the worthless is up to one with the means to root through their mind, or interrogate and rip away memory itself.
    -[X] Assigned: Garin
    ----[X] Golden Spy-Ring: Continue 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.
    -[X] Assigned: Tyene, Nuri, Azema, Orphne Feylord and 2 Umbral Spies.
    ----[X] The Hunt for Big Red: Send your people into Slaver's Bay in order to hamper the efforts of Cult of Asmodeus as much as possible, looking into it's roots and wreaking havoc on their plans (including those of turning the Spear Goddess into a servant of Hell through belief--look first for priests or holymen not in pact with the Nine Hells and use them), by any means necessary.
    -[X] Assigned: Malarys, Yrael, Oberyn, Glyra and the Roaming Chaos, Kira Windgraced, Tuin and Morwyn, Asura and 2 Umbral Spies.
    ----[X] Beneath the Gold: 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.
    -[X] Assigned: Aradia the Huntress, Mereth and Erinyes, Construct Ravens and 2 Umbral Spies.
    ----[X] Redoubt Upon the Shadow Mired: Investigate the Shadow Fortress of Tiamat within the Plane of Shadow--acquire plans for it and the territory surrounding it.
    -[X] Assigned: Melisandre, Anu and Tor.
    -[X] Research
    --[X] Lya - Creating a second body for herself.
    --[X] Lya learns ~5 Spells, -5 Progress on Research Action.
    --[X] Xor learns ~5 Spells, -5 Progress on Research Action.
    --[X] 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.
    --[X] Valeria - 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.
    --[X] The Mysterium - 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.
    --[X] Naria and Tyroshi Scholarum - 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.
    --[X] Bloom and Sorcerer's Deep Scholarum - 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.
    --[X] Dany, Lya, Naathi Scholarum and Tolosi Scholarum - 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.
    ---[X] 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.
    --[X] Svitran the Dreamer, Velen, Zathir and Mantarys Scholarum - 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-
    ---[X] 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.
    --[X] Saenna - That Which Stands Forbidden: search through Scrolls of Forbidden Lore recovered in Lyceos (Spellscale, Draconian, and Kobold templates)
    --[X] Aenie - 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.
    --[X] Elaheh Marita - Reforging the Brass Bull: restore the Hadhayosh spliced together with the ship by Efreeti Visier
    -[X] Education
    --[X] Teaching
    ---[X] x2 Teana Strycos
    ---[X] Sarah of Pentos
    ---[X] x2 Guardian Naga
    ---[X] Horio of Tyrosh
    -[X] Colonization & Immigration
    --[X] Colonize Sallosh
    --[X] Encourage Immigration from the Daughter's March to the Basilisk Isles.
    --[X] Encourage Immigration from the Western Flatlands to Golden Fields.
    --[X] Encourage Immigration from the Western Flatlands to Naath.
    --[X] Encourage Immigration from Braavos to Sorcerer's Deep.
    --[X] Encourage Immigration from the Southern Disputed Lands to Sorcerer's Deep.
    -[X] Crown Acts & Adventuring
    --[X] The official abolition of slavery in Greater Volantis and the Rhoyne.
    --[X] The Binding of Ceraxes to Zherys, and selection of a rider for Melys.
    --[X] Viserys charges the Misfits, Thoros of Myr, Ser Gerold Dayne, Ser Bonifer Hasty and Mors Umber with the dispatching of the Hag Coven in the Riverlands.
    --[X] Viserys charges Ser Kennos of Kayce, Argo the Clever, Ser Roger Reyne, Lady Jeyne Weaver, Lady Leila Goldenhammer and Dirriz Bluecloak with aiding Lord Adrian Celtigar in the defense of his people.
    --[X] Have Pycelle suggest Tygett Lannister to Cersei and at council session to be put forth as a prospective Warden of the East.
    ---[X] 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.
    -[X] Assigned: Viserys, Zherys, Sir Richard, Rina, Teana.
    ---[X] 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.
    -[X] Assigned: Viserys, Rhaella, Relath, Breath Taker, 2 Gigantean Fungal Manta Rays.
    ---[X] 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
    -[X] Viserys, Vee, Rina, Rhaella
    ---[X] 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.
    -[X] Assigned: Xor, Sandor, Danar and Alyssa Crowl, Softstrider.
    ---[X] 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.
    -[X] Assigned: Amrelath and his minions, Vee, Waymar, Riz'neth.
    ---[X] 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.
    -[X] Assigned: Rina, Sir Richard, Mercy of the Soul and 1 Guardian Naga.
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Part MMMXCVIII: The Queen of Cities
  • Threadmarks
    • The Queen of Cities ​

    First Day of the Eleventh Month 293 AC

    Volantis gleams in the light of the bright southern sun like the jewel it is so often called by poets who sing its praises. The Black Walls, high and strong, stand as the bones of the past still guarding its present. The Rhoyne, like a river of silver opening up onto the sea, and the vast span of the Long Bridge binds the Old City to the New. Travelers, traders, and locals alike crowd it even on this day, or perhaps especially on this day, for if Volantis is a jewel then it is about to be affixed to a crown of Valyrian Steel. Zherys has prepared the way just as you had agreed upon. The Assembly of the Forty, that for so long tilted evenly between the Tigers and Elephants, is now firmly in the hands of the former, with the last remaining Elephant faction is more like a figure of fun and ridicule than serious political opponents of Zherys' rule. It is a common saying in Volantis these days that the Tower of the Mysterium is taller than the Archon's Palace, but 'you just can't see the top 'cause of the magic.'

    Yet there is more to the change in the First Daughter than magisters in tiger-skin cloaks who bear swords at their side rather than being borne in a hathay or upon the backs of slaves. There are no more slaves in Volantis. While the marks carved in flesh may endure, the chains are gone. No more do the Unsullied guard the Great Gate, no more do men and women with flies tattooed onto their cheeks pick through the refuse of the mighty, knowing that at any moment their lives might be forfeit on a whim. There is much yet to be done, of course, in this city as in any other, but the High Speaker's ambitions have led it more than a few steps along the path you would see it tread.

    "She looks beautiful," you admit to the man standing beside you on the balcony.

    "I have always found her so," Zherys replies, then with a moment's flash of a smile, he adds, "At least one can see Volantis from above, unlike other cities that hide their charms behind a veil of mist."

    "So you admit that Braavos has its charms," you counter, an eyebrow lightly raised in mock-surprise. "How uncommonly generous of you."

    "Even a bastard daughter might be legitimized and use her craft for the betterment of her family," he counters instantly, a jest you are thankfully certain he would not have made to a Braavosi. He certainly had not objected to the notion of Braavos having a parade by the Torchbearers after the one here in Volantis, even though it is almost certain the Sealord will do his utmost to eclipse Volantene efforts, and quite likely succeed.

    Ultimately, that is the point of the delay in claiming the city, to allow Zherys to get his own house in order and build up the Mysterium all to the point that its culture and connections would likely endure for generations in the Scholarum system, just as many Braavosi Inquisitors proudly wear the badge of the Silver Eye alongside the book and sword. The two cities that defined western Essos after the Doom will not simply fade into your dominion, rather they will add something of what made them great to your growing realm, and in so doing you hope make it all the stronger.

    "What do you have planned for today, Wisdom?" you ask, just to be sure there have not been any last moment changes.

    "The parade of the Legion first, of course, with the standards of those who took the Sorrows mixed in with those of your own legionnaires. In their armor of black and crimson, they will halt before the Great Gate as the guards ask them by whose invitation they are to enter. That is your moment to sweep in, either in your Dragon form or riding upon the Black Dread." Zherys hesitates a moment. "I would normally suggest the latter for the familiarity, but that was the dragon that your ancestor Aegon used to burn the fleets of our ancestors, so some might think ill of the comparison."

    You nod thoughtfully, not yet decided on whom to call upon to accompany you or how you should fly. "That is when I might give the invitation not only to them, but to all those not of the Dragon Blood to walk the streets of the Old City freely." You had been surprised when Zherys suggested it himself, but he had clearly meant to be rid of that stricture for a while now to judge from the long list of grievances against it he aired, starting with stifling trade and ending with isolating the city's rulers from the rest of Volantis.

    "Yes," he continues. "From there you may fly to the palace by whatever means suites you to offer a speech to the crowds and one to the court if you wish." Seeing your questioning look, he snorts. "I am hardly blind, Your Grace. I have seen how strenuously you avoid the more baroque protocols and how your lady mother has worked to make the court in Sorcerer's Deep more supple in that regard. If you do not wish to deal with the court, I assure you they are well in hand."

    How do you perform the annexation of Volantis?

    Form:

    [] In Dragon Shape

    [] Atop Balerion the Black Dread

    Companions:

    [] Alone

    [] With Company
    -[] Write in

    Speeches:

    [] Only to the crowds
    -[] Write in

    [] To crowd and court
    -[] Write in

    OOC: You can, of course, include other embellishments. The above is just to give basic structure of the vote.
     
    Last edited:
  • Threadmarks
    • ...I expected a vote for Minor Actions.
    I wasted, like, few hours waiting for a perfect moment to drop it off, right after the chapter, where even lurkers won't be able to ignore it >_<

    Oh well.

    @Crake, @Goldfish, I had a shitpost-y idea that might just be crazy enough to work.

    Can we have our Adamantine Golem ride Hadhayosh (once we restore that Brass Bull these coming months)?
    That'd be the very definition of unstoppable cavalry, I feel :V
     
    [X] In Dragon Shape
    -[X] Arrive in style, enjoying the freedom and dominion of the skies just as naturally as you might fly above the Deep, but when it comes to speaking to the people take the form of man, for that is the form with which you rule and make common cause with most.

    [X] With Company
    -[X] All Companions make at least a brief appearance as we are making a show of it and they are famous, as well as Rhaella who deserves to share your triumphs just as much as they. Lady Saenena, Rhaella and Nettles will buzz the city in formation atop dragonback near the end of the day before returning to their business.

    [X] To crowd and court
    -[X] To the plebs:
    -[X] "Citizens, I offer greetings to you. Some of you may know me for my deeds, and some of you might have come to experience my works first hand already. It is to you this day is a triumph to, for it is the first page in the annals of our forefathers when Western Essos stood as one."
    -[X] "And it is as one body that we march into the future, into the winds of change. It is not merely sifting through the ruins of the past that we might gain glory, for just as the common adage goes that we must learn from history in order avoid its mistakes, one must look to the future where dreams not yet envisioned might reach the light of day."
    -[X] "Networks of roads forged by sorcery even now take shape across the continent, straight and wide to bind the realm together, trade is stronger today among signatories of this accord than it has been for centuries. Never before have we had this opportunity for prosperity and peace secured with common bonds of good fortune as much as the protections of strong armies and uncommon guardians as dragons."
    -[X] "But not all is as it seems. These mechanisms of empire, this artifice of war is not merely for welding Essos together as Aegon of old might have dreamed of Westeros. We are a people besieged not by our own ambitions but by darker things, the pitiless baleful gaze of aberrant ilk lurking beneath the waves, the restless dead haunting the plains and steppe, the cold blowing of the Northern Wind, the ancient sins of our forefathers, and more, inexorable in its march to bring an end to our way of lives. And if they should stand unopposed, civilization as we know it."
    -[X] "But we are not defenseless before the night. We are not without our defiance, shouting it into the distance before the contempt of pitiless gods and monsters. We are the firmament of the earth, reforged as iron is to steel. We are the burning flame to ward off the darkness that encroaches upon us from all quarters. We are first rays of the sun on the horizon. We, all marching together, for no one man alone is responsible for our survival. Only together can our deeds committed here and now stand as a testament."
    -[X] "We are at a turning point today. This is the pivot upon which history will remember that when we came under attack from those without, rather than turning upon each other like a pack of hyenas as the sons of Ghiscar have, we will have stood together."
    -[X} "To face the dawn of a new day."
    -[X] To the Court:
    -[X] Voted on separately, because I have to work for a bit now.
     
    Last edited:
    DragonParadox said:
    The Queen of Cities ​

    First Day of the Eleventh Month 293 AC

    Volantis gleams in the light of the bright southern sun like the jewel it is so often called by poets who sing its praises. The Black Walls, high and strong, stand as the bones of the past still guarding its present. The Rhoyne, like a river of silver opening up onto the sea, and the vast span of the Long Bridge binds the Old City to the New. Travelers, traders, and locals alike crowd it even on this day, or perhaps especially on this day, for if Volantis is a jewel then it is about to be affixed to a crown of Valyrian steel. Zherys has prepared the way just as you had agreed upon. The Assembly of the Forty, that for so long tilted evenly between the Tigers and Elephants, is now firmly in the hands of the former, with the last remaining Elephant faction is more like a figure of fun and ridicule than serious political opponents of Zherys' rule. It is a common saying in Volantis these days that the Tower of the Mysterium is taller than the Archon's Palace, but 'you just can't see the top 'cause of the magic.'

    Yet there is more to the change in the First Daughter than magisters in tiger-skin cloaks who bear swords at their side rather than being borne in a hathay or upon the backs of slaves. There are no more slaves in Volantis. While the marks carved in flesh may endure, the chains are gone. No more do the Unsullied guard the Great Gate, no more do men and women with flies tattooed onto their cheeks pick through the refuse of the mighty, knowing that at any moment their lives might be forfeit on a whim. There is much yet to be done, of course, in this city as in any other, but the High Speaker's ambitions have let it more than a few steps along the path you would see it tread.

    "She looks beautiful," you admit to the man standing beside you on the balcony.

    "I have always found her so," Zherys replies, then with a moment's flash of a smile, he adds. "At least one can see Volantis from above, unlike other cities that hide their charms behind a veil of mist."

    "So you admit that Braavos has its charms," you counter, an eyebrow lightly raised in mock-surprise. "How uncommonly generous of you."

    "Even a bastard daughter might be legitimized and use her craft for the betterment of her family," he counters instantly, a jest you are thankfully certain he would not have made to a Braavosi. He certainly had not objected to the notion of Braavos having a parade by the Torchbearers after the one here in Volantis, even though it is almost certain the Sealord will do his utmost to eclipse Volantene efforts, and quite likely succeed.

    Ultimately, that is the point of the delay in claiming the city, to allow Zherys to get his own house in order and build up the Mysteriumallo to the point that its culture and connections would likely endure for generations in the Scholarum system, just as many Braavosi inquisitors proudly wear the badge of the silver eye alongside the book and sword. The two cities that defined western Essos after the Doom will not simply fade into your dominion, rather they will add something of what made them great to your growing realm, and in so doing you hope make it all the stronger.

    "What do you have planned for today, Wisdom?" you ask, just to be sure there have not been any last moment changes.

    "The parade of the legions first, of course, with the standards of those who took the Sorrows mixed in with those of your own soldiers. In their armor of black and crimson, they will halt before the Great Gate as the guards ask them by whose invitation they are to enter. That is your moment to sweep in, either in Dragon form or riding upoon the Black Dread." Zherys hesitates a moment. "I would normally suggest the latter for the familiarity, but that was the dragon that your ancestor Aegon used to burn the fleets of our ancestors, so some might think ill of the comparison."

    You nod thoughtfully, not yet decided on whom to call upon to accompany you or how you should fly. "That is when I might give the invitation not only to them, but to all those not of the Dragon Blood to walk the streets of the Old City freely." You had been surprised when Zherys suggested it himself, but he had clearly meant to be rid of that stricture for a while now to judge from the long list of grievances against it he aired, starting with stifling trade and ending with isolating the city's rulers from the rest of Volantis.

    "Yes," he continues. "From there you may fly to the palace by whatever means suites you to offer a speech to the crowds and one to the court if you wish." Seeing your questioning look, he snorts. "I am hardly blind, Your Grace, I have seen how strenuously you avoid the more baroque protocols and how your lady mother has worked to make the court in Sorcerer's Deep more supple in that regard. If you do not wish to deal with the court, I assure you they are well in hand."

    How do you perform the annexation of Volantis?

    Form:

    [] In Dragon Shape

    [] Atop Balerion

    Companions:

    [] Alone

    [] With Company
    -[] Write in

    Speeches:

    [] Only to the crowds
    -[] Write in

    [] To crowd and court
    -[] Write in

    OOC: You can, of course, include other embellishments, the above is just to give basic structure of the vote.
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    Here's an edited version of the chapter, @DragonParadox.
     
    Got the speech to fall into the "hopeful" -> "fearful" -> "rope to cling to" pattern we used so much to great effect in the past.
     
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