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

[egoo]

(Will require a research action next month: 10 progress)

Click to shrink...

Fuck no.

*ahem*
Ah, sorry. Let me rephrase.
Fuck no, we have way more important things to focus on in the next month than a business scheme of a random Westerosi Lord - things that quite literally will save lives.

Anyone capable of coming up with good IC arguments?
Because all I have is OOC. :/

Can we just pay him off?

 

[MTB]

Better to use convicted war criminals than to be responsible for that crime against nature.

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Agree. Creating environment-neutral bone robots is one thing, but Vampires are sapient. We'd have to create and enslave them to use them safely.

Can we just pay him off?

Click to shrink...

Did we already invent work-force protection laws?

 

[065tdsa]

Fuck no.

*ahem*
Ah, sorry. Let me rephrase.
Fuck no, we have way more important things to focus on in the next month than a business scheme of a random Westerosi Lord - things that quite literally will save lives.

Anyone capable of coming up with good IC arguments?
Because all I have is OOC. :/

Can we just pay him off?

Click to shrink...

To be fair, the effects of ley lines are a useful thing to know. If we ever find ourselves trying to exploit one having this research already done will save time.

As for an argument for why he should tell them the truth, the most obvious is that they'll find out sooner or later either way.

 

[Goldfish]

Of Hidden Vaults and Lofty Towers ​

Twenty Third Day of the Eleventh Month 293 AC

Once the day had grown old enough that you can be assured you would not wake Lord Lychester with a letter, you send it off upon the wings of a messenger raven. Less than an hour later it returns with a response, guarded but courteous, an invitation. Leaving Ser Richard in the Deep, you walk veiled once more into the halls of a lord whose oath you would have.

Lychester Hall shows its age in ways that the great keeps of Westeros do not, a grey and narrow outcrop of cracked granite and crumbling crenelations that seems to be of a piece with the chalk hills all around it. Yet here too you see signs of recent change, a growing web-work of scaffolding across the southernmost tower filled with the hum and bustle of workers even at this hour. Varys shifts on your shoulder, curious to see if there might be more than brick and mortal being laid there, but you bid her to be still for the moment. It would be awkward indeed if some knight with an enchanted far-eye should spot her by chance.

Instead, you slip into Derman Lychester's study amid the familiar smell of ink and parchment, the sight of ledgers neatly stacked upon the shelves marking an ordered and diligent mind, or one who knows how to delegate, which is in some ways even more impressive given that the secret of his 'silver mine' had not been made public.

"Greetings, my lord, I am glad to see one who has been so swift to grasp the opportunities of this new age," you begin honestly as far as the sentiment goes, though you would have preferred he had done so in a manner less perilous to his people.

"I would not have had the opportunity without your... Terminus," he sounds out the word carefully. "A sobering thing to know there are realms so grand and wealthy as close as the ground beneath our feet or the flicker of a candle's flame."

He knows of the war of the Three Realms then. You wonder it Lord Lychester had traveled to Sorcerer's Deep in disguise himself and passed from there to the Opaline Vault to seek out chances to fill his emptying coffers. Had he seen roads of gold and towers of silver with his own eyes?

"Just so, my lord," you agree. "Like every tool, sorcery too has its dangers when used for the first time to a certain task."

Lord Derman nods warily, the heavy necklace around this throat clinking almost musically. "Yes, I know of the dangers of the dust, my partners among the earth folk warned of that, but they are no worse than the dangers of regular mining and so I pay a miner's wage. I've yet to receive a complaint on the matter, from my own folk at least." His heavy features settle into a glower. "If you listen to the damn snarks, I'm practically a slave driver to put silver in their pockets doing the work."

"There is a second danger, my lord, one I do not think the shaitan mages would recognize as they are not accustomed to the nature of magic in this world..." You go on to explain ley lines, their crossings, and as much as can be known or guessed at of the effects of wild magic.

In the end, the lord is convinced to the utility of breathing hoods which the shaitan themselves use for harvesting blood crystals. You suspect it is more the utility of keeping skilled workers alive rather than any great concern for their own sake, but whatever the cause the results remain the same. On the matter of protection against wild magic, however, he is more resistant. "You want me to pay a wizard to check them over every moonturn for who knows what strange warping?" He shakes his head. "Coughing up blood they understand, hells, dying they understand, but spread that tale around and I'd not have one man in ten willing to go under the hill."

What do you reply?

[] Agree to test the effects of the hill's magic on living things first before warning the workers (Will require a research action next month: 10 progress)

[] Insist that they be told at once and the checkups begin
-[] Write in argument and incentives

[] Write in

OOC: And here we are, not exactly the nicest lord in Westeros but far from the worst.

Click to shrink...

Here's an edited version of the chapter, DP.

 

[Crake]

Fuck no.

*ahem*
Ah, sorry. Let me rephrase.
Fuck no, we have way more important things to focus on in the next month than a business scheme of a random Westerosi Lord - things that quite literally will save lives.

Anyone capable of coming up with good IC arguments?
Because all I have is OOC. :/

Can we just pay him off?

Click to shrink...

[X] Agree to test the effects of the hill's magic on living things first before warning the workers (Will require a research action next month: 10 progress)

Denys has extreme knowledge of biology and the arcane for his level. This should be a trivial experiment.

 

[egoo]

To be fair, the effects of ley lines are a useful thing to know. If we ever find ourselves trying to exploit one having this research already done will save time.

Click to shrink...

Yeah, sure.

But we literally don't have the researchers for it if we are to preapare for Illithid/Efreeti, repair the Fleshforge, learn how to forge Seekers without sacrificing human fetuses, preparing the brain-matter for the newly-looted Illithid-like worms we now have in the Bay, learning how to free all Devils serving Mammon, starting on Praetorian Project (for Westeros is soon), finishing the Mass-PFE-standards, make better guards against infiltration into our sensitive facilities, etc...
Here, a list I threw together last few days of "strategic priority, and stuff we just ought to do after so long":

Spoiler

Projects for completion:
[] Forge of Creation: With Anu having finally restored the ritual necessary for 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: 18/30)

[] The Final Contravention: With how far you have come, and how many you broke off from Hells' leash, perhaps you can go around the Pact Primeval in a way none before you had - and utilise the Lawful nature of all Devils to create a Ritual that would be capable of severing their connection to Hells regardless of their exact kind, or strength. (Progress: 23/30, Cost: 20.000 IM)

[] Safety in Numbers: The Hell-forged talismans you recovered from slavers in Gogoss may jsut be the answer to the problem of protecting the soldiers of your Legions, or at least one not excessively expensive-
-[] Research a way for (earlier created) Valyrian Steel Banners be made into capactitors for spell Protection From Evil, covering hundreds of Legion members at a time.
(Progress: 35, Cost: 45000)

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

[] The Forge Restored: Centuries of disuse and the waning of magic it survived done little good to one of the most potent weapons of Valyria... Something you had yet to fix.
-[] Increase in CR of creatures available to create in Fleshforge of Lys to 15 (Progress: 10)

[] Watchful Eyes, by Aeons untouched: Attempt to create the Watchman-creature template (Progress: 25, Cost: ??)

[] To Curb a Dreadful Hunger. The Far-Spawn being that had once been disguised as a chest hungers for the flesh of thinking beings, but it is more than its instincts however strange. Perhaps the forge could help it live on healthier fare (Progress: 5 Cost: 4000 IM)

[] Reforging Anew the Secrets Lost: The technique of making Seeker-constructs was lost alongside Valyria itself... Untill 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: 25, Cost: )

[] Waves of the Sea, on Depths and Fire turned: research the wardings if the Marid house of Mardja.
-[] Wards that could be of use in Efreeti Ritual Fortress (Progress: 15, Cost: 100.00 IM)
-[] Wards that would be able to protect the coastal regions and cities of Plane of Balance (Progress: 30, Cost: 80.000 IM)

[] The Heavy Thoughts: The Mindspeak that some creatues wield in this day and age has proven it's utility time and time again - and finding a way to grant ability to use it holds great promise for various fields.
-[] Find a way to evoke ability for Telepathy in those without inante talent for it.
(Progress: 8, Cost: 7500 IM)

[] The Bloodchain: The weapon Valaena vields is a powerful one indeed... Yet, with recent breakthroughts of yours, it clearly can be made better. Upgrade Valaena's Chain to Valyrian Steel (Progress: 6)

And it isn't even complete yet.

Denys has extreme knowledge of the biology and the arcane for his level. This should be a trivial experiment.

Click to shrink...

And would he not be better put on a support of a group dealing with Asmodeus plans in Slavers' Bay? Or the group killing off GC spies in Yi-Ti?
Or researching, well, literally any of the massive Fleshcrafting-based projects describeda above?

 

[DragonParadox]

[X] Agree to test the effects of the hill's magic on living things first before warning the workers (Will require a research action next month: 10 progress)

Denys has extreme knowledge of the biology and the arcane for his level. This should be a trivial experiment.

Click to shrink...

He should be able to knock this out in one month and it's been a while since he did any sort of research so he would personally be quite pleased with the assignment.

Speaking of research though I really should get to those unknown magic items. Cloud someone link me the list?

 

[Deliste]

OOC: So I'm trying out the place, name, and idea someone came up with a while back to give a better idea of where interludes are happening. What do you guys think?

Click to shrink...

Here's an edited version of the chapter, DP.

I put the location headers in italics to separate them from the actual content of the interlude, if that's all right?

I think they're a good reminder and really helpful for keeping up with the transition from one locale and POV to the next. Also cool to see the Umbral Spies in action.

Click to shrink...

I like the location note a lot and back up the italics idea.

It's great to see the Umbral Spies in action and now that they're in it's going to be near impossible to root them out.

The Umbral Stalker with a bit more individual capability and agency could likely piggyback their way into the Shadow Fortress.

 

[Duesal]

We're overlooking the obvious solutions. Viserys could probably convince every last worker to keep going if he gathers them all in once place.

 

[egoo]

Cloud someone link me the list?

Click to shrink...

[] Tools of the Trade: Through the ritual you gained in the Opaline Vault has revealed the secrets of many of the arcane treasures in your possession, yet some remain beyond the ritual's reach. Will you study them further?
-[] Alchemical beetles (Arcana)
-[] Drow Staff (Arcana CL 14)
Requirements: Must be performed by a mage with the requisite skill
Action: Research
(Progress: Item Caster Level*0.5)

Click to shrink...

[] Slumbering Blade: The dagger wielded by Sharra Rogare, the yet sleeping artifact of unknown power is a dangerous unknown constant. And with how perilous her life was to this day, it would be unwise to leave one such unattended. (Progress: 6)

Click to shrink...

[] Dark Sun Dagger: It clearly was once a weapon of incredible potency. But who made it? And for what purpose?
-[] Find the purpose of the blade, possibly recreate it based on the new information. (Progress: 8)

Click to shrink...

 

[Crake]

Yeah, sure.
But we literally don't have the researchers for it if we are to preapare for Illithid/Efreeti, repair the Fleshforge, learn how to forge Seekers without sacrificing human fetuses, preparing the brain-matter for the newly-looted Illithid-like worms we now have in the Bay, learning how to free all Devils serving Mammon, starting on Praetorian Project (for Westeros is soon), finishing the Mass-PFE-standards, etc...
Here, a list I threw together last few days of "strategic priority, and stuff we just ought to do after so long":

Spoiler

Projects for completion:
[] Forge of Creation: With Anu having finally restored the ritual necessary for 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: 18/30)

[] The Final Contravention: With how far you have come, and how many you broke off from Hells' leash, perhaps you can go around the Pact Primeval in a way none before you had - and utilise the Lawful nature of all Devils to create a Ritual that would be capable of severing their connection to Hells regardless of their exact kind, or strength. (Progress: 23/30, Cost: 20.000 IM)

[] Safety in Numbers: The Hell-forged talismans you recovered from slavers in Gogoss may jsut be the answer to the problem of protecting the soldiers of your Legions, or at least one not excessively expensive-
-[] Research a way for (earlier created) Valyrian Steel Banners be made into capactitors for spell Protection From Evil, covering hundreds of Legion members at a time.
(Progress: 35, Cost: 45000)

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

[] The Forge Restored: Centuries of disuse and the waning of magic it survived done little good to one of the most potent weapons of Valyria... Something you had yet to fix.
-[] Increase in CR of creatures available to create in Fleshforge of Lys to 15 (Progress: 10)

[] Watchful Eyes, by Aeons untouched: Attempt to create the Watchman-creature template (Progress: 25, Cost: ??)

[] To Curb a Dreadful Hunger. The Far-Spawn being that had once been disguised as a chest hungers for the flesh of thinking beings, but it is more than its instincts however strange. Perhaps the forge could help it live on healthier fare (Progress: 5 Cost: 4000 IM)

[] Reforging Anew the Secrets Lost: The technique of making Seeker-constructs was lost alongside Valyria itself... Untill 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: 25, Cost

[] Waves of the Sea, on Depths and Fire turned: research the wardings if the Marid house of Mardja.
-[] Wards that could be of use in Efreeti Ritual Fortress (Progress: 15, Cost: 100.00 IM)
-[] Wards that would be able to protect the coastal regions and cities of Plane of Balance (Progress: 30, Cost: 80.000 IM)

[] The Heavy Thoughts: The Mindspeak that some creatues wield in this day and age has proven it's utility time and time again - and finding a way to grant ability to use it holds great promise for various fields.
-[] Find a way to evoke ability for Telepathy in those without inante talent for it.
(Progress: 8, Cost: 7500 IM)

[] The Bloodchain: The weapon Valaena vields is a powerful one indeed... Yet, with recent breakthroughts of yours, it clearly can be made better. Upgrade Valaena's Chain to Valyrian Steel (Progress: 6)

And would he not be better put on a support of a group dealing with Asmodeus plans in Slavers' Bay? Or the group killing off GC spies in Yi-Ti?
Or researching, well, literally any of the massive Fleshcrafting-based projects describeda above?

Click to shrink...

Denys will never not be more effective than currently in the middle of researching something.

And he can support the Misfits by handing them Infusions and potions and alchemical products before they head out. About the only thing they'd be lacking from him is bombs, and working in Slaver's Bay isn't the type of environment for flashy lights and big booms.

As to, "yeah but if that's the case HAVE HIM RESEARCH SOMETHING ELSE", now you're just being contrarian. I'm actually interested in getting more information on what these blood-crystals will do to things in this wild magic zone.

 

[Duesal]

Denys will never not be more effective than currently in the middle of researching something.

And he can support the Misfits by handing them Infusions and potions and alchemical products before they head out. About the only thing they'd be lacking from him is bombs, and working in Slaver's Bay isn't the type of environment for flashy lights and big booms.

As to, "yeah but if that's the case HAVE HIM RESEARCH SOMETHING ELSE", now you're just being contrarian. I'm actually interested in getting more information on what these blood-crystals will do to things in this wild magic zone.

Click to shrink...

I'd like a healthy mix of research and sending him out adventuring. He's our foremost alchemist, I want him at the high levels eventually.

 

[065tdsa]

And would he not be better put on a support of a group dealing with Asmodeus plans in Slavers' Bay? Or the group killing off GC spies in Yi-Ti?
Or researching, well, literally any of the massive Fleshcrafting-based projects describeda above?

Click to shrink...

Several of those projects look more like nice-to-haves to me, Valaena's chain is literally a thing we only have one of.

We want to front load Team Slaver's Bay with Companion tier people so he'd be useful but not vital there, and our guys in Yi-Ti seem to be doing fine as is.

 

[DragonParadox]

I have to say it's really nice to see more discussion and investment these last few updates. I was concerned I would not be able to make the lords and ladies interesting enough, but it looks like I've managed to strike something of a balance so far.

Also I'm really happy to see debate without any hard feelings.

 

[Deliste]

Is there a way to check our own shadows for these guys?
And do demons/daemons have something similar?

Click to shrink...

Close inspection with Truesight while naked in a completely empty, sealed, well-lit room. Don't discuss finding them and don't strip until inside the room and wear disposable clothing because you'll be burning it to ensure they aren't hiding inside of it.

Then you can be like 98% sure.

Edit:

Mindsight should be able to detect them

Click to shrink...

Only while unattached.

 

[Crake]

I'd like a healthy mix of research and sending him out adventuring. He's our foremost alchemist, I want him at the high levels eventually.

Click to shrink...

Not disagreeing, but as DP just pointed out, he's motivated by discovery. There's only so many you can make by killing shit.

 

[egoo]

now you're just being contrarian.

Click to shrink...

Nah, not really.
I've heard everyone's concerns on what should have been done logn ago, and what is "strategic".
Apparently, that's near damn everything.

So, even with all the researchers we have, we are a bit constrained.
If I can fit one more man doing "better Lys FLeshforge" then hot damn will I try.

But, since DP hismelf wishes to see him researching this, fine.
Feel free to write him in in the plan-sheet, I'll remove him from any of my write-ups.

 

[Duesal]

Not disagreeing, but as DP just pointed out, he's motivated by discovery. There's only so many you can make by killing shit.

Click to shrink...

Sometimes discovery can happen in the middle of combat as well. Inspiration that's sparked by a transcendant moment, which is later solidified with followup research.

I'm seeing him the way I see Lya, basically.

 

[egoo]

Valaena's chain is literally a thing we only have one of.

Click to shrink...

True enough.
It is also a special case, becasue I promsied someone (can't remember whom ) that we'd have it done "next month" and it's been 1.5 inq-quest months now.
I feel bad, and I'll try to include it now, even if we don't exaclty need it.

A single Schoalrum branch can handle that, anyway.

Can't comment on "fine as is" in Yi-Ti becasue, well, we haven't gotten any update on them rooting out spies and getting to the main players there.
We'll need a healthy "1-2 Companions, several minions and constructs" group there, and will ahve support from Azure!Emperor.
Misfits, well, fit that.

 

[Crake]

Sometimes discovery can happen in the middle of combat as well. Inspiration that's sparked by a transcendant moment, which is later solidified with followup research.

I'm seeing him the way I see Lya, basically.

Click to shrink...

You can also get XP for doing extraordinary things that aren't necessarily killing things. Like Rhaella managing to clutch some diplomacy crits in a manner that is important to her character arc.

@DragonParadox Or at least I think that's the case.

 

[Captainwolf]

@DragonParadox Unrelated to what we are doing, but will the creation of the mind dragons get an interlude?

 

[DragonParadox]

You can also get XP for doing extraordinary things that aren't necessarily killing things. Like Rhaella managing to clutch some diplomacy crits in a manner that is important to her character arc.

@DragonParadox Or at least I think that's the case.

Click to shrink...

That is indeed the case. I'm handing out XP for non-combat successes too.

 

[Duesal]

You can also get XP for doing extraordinary things that aren't necessarily killing things. Like Rhaella managing to clutch some diplomacy crits in a manner that is important to her character arc.

@DragonParadox Or at least I think that's the case.

Click to shrink...

I won't have complaints so long as he's developing smoothly. I want him level up sooner rather than later and get us those sweet alchemical perks.

 

[DragonParadox]

@DragonParadox Unrelated to what we are doing, but will the creation of the mind dragons get an interlude?

Click to shrink...

It will yes. You are making and entirely new breed of True Dragons. That is not the kind of thing that can happen off screen.

 

[Goldfish]

[X] Insist that they be told at once and the checkups begin
-[X] "My own mages will perform the examinations, my lord, and at no cost to your coffers. Should they learn the Wild Magic confluence is having a negative effect on your employees, then we will seek to cure them of the damage or determine how long a worker may be exposed before the damage becomes truly dangerous."
--[X] "This is not merely a matter of protecting the lives of consenting adults who choose to risk themselves in your mines, my lord. Wild Magic can be dangerous in any number of ways. That is precisely why it is termed 'Wild', and among those dangers is the potential for...metamorphosis, of both the mind and body. You should not discount the possibility of willing miners becoming unwilling monsters. I certainly would not."
---[X] "Warn your workers of the dangers, tell them that you have arranged for outside experts to monitor their health, and make them aware that they should report any unusual symptoms or afflictions immediately."
-[X] In the meantime, we will arrange for a more in-depth study of the Wild Magic effects in the coming weeks. If we are not mistaken, Denys Trainer should be up to the task, with Mercy along to provide assistance, conduct the examinations, and provide medical care should it be needed. (Will require a research action next month: 10 progress)