Jack vile Ripper
The swellest guy in Creation.
- Location
- Indonesia
- Pronouns
- He/Him
THE ROMANIAN HAVE SPOKEN!!!
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
THE ROMANIAN HAVE SPOKEN!!!
Crake
I AM THE STORM THAT IS APPROACHING
- Location
- USA
You know, the bar for teaching English elsewhere isn't insurmountable, the real problem is immigrating or at least acquiring the work visa in the first place. If you are learning English in an official manner and are trying to get accredited, there's relatively cheap programs specifically to streamline you into that role in other countries. Granted I doubt they exist in Russia--again, also not an insurmountable barrier. Don't know what the situation is like in other countries, but the market for it must exist.
The pay is crap, as is the case with most of the education field, but if you're already looking at crap prospects completely unrelated to what you want to vocation in, you can at least apply yourself at what you think you're good at. And in some countries, being bi-lingual is just a plus on a resume that literally can't hurt your prospects.
egoo
Totally Not Creating Problems Where None Existed
- Location
- Russia
True, the programs are there.
Problem being, the standards set by countries other than those of post-soviet block tend to range drea+dfully from what we are taught.
Different methods, different goals.
Not to mention, teaching is hell and I can't stand children anyway.
*high-fives Goldfish*
But yes, this is a relatively useful ed that would look decent on a resume after I get a second one.
If only because I'll have the certification to translate for other people.
Because apparently one can't do even that without a paper proof of a higher-ed nowadays :/
Crake
I AM THE STORM THAT IS APPROACHING
- Location
- USA
Ugh, I just looked up going salaries for that job. It totally, totally is crap. Not beyond the ability to survive off of by any means, especially if your interests are high return low cost (like most internet usage TBH).
But even what I make right now is beyond it at entry level. And if I get promoted it's like two tall men beating up a toddler.
Seriously don't teach English... or try to teach it to adults.
But even what I make right now is beyond it at entry level. And if I get promoted it's like two tall men beating up a toddler.
Seriously don't teach English... or try to teach it to adults.
egoo
Totally Not Creating Problems Where None Existed
- Location
- Russia
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Shit's true for about any country, afaik.
Russia's teachers tend not to get even the minimal wage (~140 USD) in worse-off places tho, and starting at ~350 dollars/month in cities, so...
Sure, costs are lower too, but not to the point that 350 bucks a month is enough to buy more than food alone
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Crake
I AM THE STORM THAT IS APPROACHING
- Location
- USA
Geez, Russian plutocrats, calm down.Russia's teachers tend not to get even the minimal wage (~140 USD) in worse-off places tho, and starting at ~350 dollars/month in cities, so...
Sure, costs are lower too, but not to the point that 350 bucks a month is enough to buy more than food alone
Jack vile Ripper
The swellest guy in Creation.
- Location
- Indonesia
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Russia's teachers tend not to get even the minimal wage (~140 USD) in worse-off places tho, and starting at ~350 dollars/month in cities, so...
Sure, costs are lower too, but not to the point that 350 bucks a month is enough to buy more than food alone
With that sort of money alone you could have a comfortable life here in Java, Indonesia with a more reasonable price.
Seriously being a Teacher here can make you so rich that some of my teachers have 2 cars!
egoo
Totally Not Creating Problems Where None Existed
- Location
- Russia
...thanks for reminding me there are places worse-off than Russia.
Like, seriously, that helps.
Goldfish
Friendly Spider-Fish Abomination
- Location
- Formerly of the Far Realm
The daughter of a friend of mine moved to a different state so she could teach, since the state we live in (North Carolina) has a requirement for all teachers to pass a math qualification exam. Now that wouldn't be ridiculous if not for the difficulty of math involved. I know I would fail it with flying colors since I haven't needed anything beyond basic math in the better part of two decades....thanks for reminding me there are places worse-off than Russia.
Like, seriously, that helps.
It basically tests for one's ability to be able to teach high school level math, IIRC, but the vast majority teachers will never be teaching any math at all except for the absolute basics in elementary school before classes become more specialized and you have teachers who are actually focused on a subject. Why would a teacher who has focused all of their education on childhood development and instruction of children under the age of 9 ever need to be able to teach algebra, geometry, statistics, etc?
So yeah, teachers get shat upon all over the place. It's really not fair. Bad enough they have to deal with a bunch of ungrateful little monsters for much too little pay, but then they also have to deal with people making it harder for them to even start doing their job.
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egoo
Totally Not Creating Problems Where None Existed
- Location
- Russia
*shudders*
As someone who barely scraped himself a C-grade on a basic math test at school's finals (structured quite alike to the one linked, curiously), I now certainly know where not to go, ever-ever.
Thanks!
Though from what I've got from skimming the article, it's really the private company that seems to be at fault.
Story of US life, eh?
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- Location
- Germany
- Pronouns
- He/Him
My preferred literature is earlier and cheaper available in English, that was my initial motivation.
Nowadays I'm working in a company which corporate language is English ...
Eh? That just looks like the general knowledge stuff I took to get into Business College. Well apart from the logical and linguistic portions anyway. What's the passing grade? 75%?
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Inserted tally
Part MMMCXCVIII: Courage Beyond Swords
Courage Beyond Swords
Twenty Third Day of the Eleventh Month 293 AC
Finding a Braavosi solicitor in the service of a Westerosi lord is far from the most difficult investigation you have ever made. Lord Keath's subjects are naturally interested in their lord's guests, and this far from the sea an Essosi may as well be an Essarian or one of the Children of Yss for how uncommon they are. Even without listening for it you hear no end of tales about why they are here, some claim they are in fact wizards preparing to fight the 'Dragon's men', others that they are agents of the Iron Bank come to grant some great loan. By far the most outlandish rumor is the notion that they are in fact assassins sent by the Iron Bank to collect on some dept 'in coin or in blood' and Lord Ashwin is only putting off his own demise by keeping them in the lap of luxury.
"That fellow needs to write mirror plays, he's a genius," Dany says while fighting against a giggle. "I can just see it, the polite assassins, not like those rude ones who try to take you by surprise..."
All jests aside you are relieved to discover from one of the more wordily merchants that the solicitors in question are from Stefazo and Sons,a reputable firm if not one of the oldest or most well connected. While you have never had any business with them personally, a quick message back to the Deep confirms that the Silver Serpent Enterprises' Braavosi headquarters made use of their services against a rash of spurious claims. "'Sinking ships by foulest sorcery...'" you shake your head, as much in amazement as disgust. "They thought accusing Silver Serpent of that would work?"
"They were going bankrupt in any case," Dany points out. "What did they have to lose?"
Hopefully that would not prove prophetic for the shake of Lord Ashwin Keath. After sending Varys in advance with a message for the most senior of the solicitors you translocate to his tower chambers seeking answers.
"Welcome, welcome, Your Excellence," you are met with courteous words by a man perhaps on the waning side of forty, his curling hair and and beard shot through with grey, his build still hinting at a bravo's prowess, though starting to thicken around the middle as he settles into less exciting pursuits. "Loreso of Highwater, at your service. "
"Happy I am to find myself in such company, though the circumstances might be... odd." You pause for a moment, considering your options. Confidentiality is part of not only the usual contract of a Braavosi solicitor but also the custom of the Secret City and various firms, guarding their reputation for keeping it zealously, whether it be by honest dealings or silencing those who might be able to prove the contrary.
Thankfully your divination provides a neat loophole, you already know the gist of the case he has been contracted to argue and need nothing more than details that you might better help his client, or to be more precise, knowing if he wants to be helped.
"The Lord Ashwin... he was most distraught at the death of his son," Loreso explains. "He has naught but daughters otherwise and all have already been married to other lords and knights, and young Horwin himself did not leave any heirs of his body, thus leaving the lands to fall under another House, yes, another name unless his goodsons should choose to to give up one of their children to bear the Keath name. They do not so desire."
You nod, an understandable concern and one you can untangle by bringing the young man back. Alas that the Braavosi is not finished. "I must warn you, my lord, that this is not all. The old lord, he was the one to bid his son to 'hunt brigands' and the brigands killed him. Thus it is either their fault for driving the blade, or his for placing him in its path. I have heard from the servants that he prays long and mournfully for his son's spirit to find paradise and for forgiveness. A man in the grip of such great sorrow could easily lash out in strong anger, of such things are old and bitter feuds born, and some not so old for they are mad in the taking up, yes?"
You nod in understanding. The feuds of the Secret City are almost as famed as its ships, some ancient beyond measure where all sense of the original grievance has gone. A solicitor would know them best, save perhaps for sculptor who carves grave stones.
"You should be wary of seeming too much on this Ser Benjocot's side, I would think," Loreso advises. Then, to your surprise he offers. "Do you wish me to accompany you, perhaps to mediate the conflict?"
What do you reply?
[] Accept the solicitor's offer
-[] Write in approach
[] Decline the solicitor's offer
-[] Write in approach
OOC: And here we are, as you guys surmised an accommodating solicitor, very accommodating thanks to the rolls it turns out.
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Goldfish
Friendly Spider-Fish Abomination
- Location
- Formerly of the Far Realm
Here's an edited version of the chapter, DP. I've highlighted one part in red because it doesn't read well and I'm not sure what it is supposed to me.
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'They are mad in the taking up' means they are mad from the start, but Loreso does not have a perfect grasp of Common so it came out as an odd turn of phrase.
Goldfish
Friendly Spider-Fish Abomination
- Location
- Formerly of the Far Realm
I think we should bring the solicitor with us, but I'm not sure how we should actually approach Keath. Should we just outright offer to Resurrect his son? Magical mental manipulation? Maximum "there's a chance we accidentally awaken you as a mage of some sort" social magic shenanigans?
[X] Crake
[X] Crake
- Location
- E-Girl Deseret
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Why not all of them?
- Location
- Reno Nv
If it is possible, we could use the Solicitors as an in, to the lord, and get a favorable deal for his fielty.
Well here are the magic items I promised you guys
Alchemical Beetles
Description: Crafted of Brass and glass by the ancient Serpent-kin of Sothoryos in the age of magic's waning, these diminutive guardians were likely an alternative protection to the oozes found deeper within the labyrinthine city, whether and abandoned path or a redundancy in the protections none can now tell, but the injection mechanisms are surprisingly intact allowing for the creation of similar tools not just for battle but medical purposes
Utility: Glass Syringes Discovered (Fragile/Difficult to make)
Slumbering Blade
Description: Wrought of shimmering crystal not forged seemingly cut of broken from some greater whole this blade seems to have an awareness of its victims and it master's needs guiding the hand and the mind.
Utility: The blade was never meant to hold a spirit Lya says, it was perhaps never meant to be as weapon at all, but something more something older, a shield, a protector perhaps? Even the light of a seer's eye fails before the fog of ages, but one thing is clear, the weapon holds no malice to its bearer, its songs are lost and broken
Dark Sun Dagger
Appearance: This weapon was clearly once an arming sword of the kind favored by the Freehold, such as the swords meant for dueling, but now it is sundered six inches above the hilt, the steel oddly pitted by some curse or sorcery as the mere march of time cannot harm dragonsteel. The etching of a rising sun is still clear upon it, but it casts not light but tendrils of black sorcery that eat at the flesh of the living and darken their soul.
Curse: A living wielder who holds the sword must make a DC 18 Fortitude save each day at sunset or gain one negative level. A wielder that dies from this curse rises three nights later as a sentient undead (type dependent on his strength). After failing his first save against the draining effect a bearer of the sword may only willingly let it go by making a DC 20 Will save. This save can only be made once.
Ability: Adds one sneak attack dice against evil enemies, two against neutral enemies, and three against good enemies. Killing a sapient enemy (INT 3 or higher) with the dagger restores one negative level currently afflicting the user including those that may have been gained from the weapon's curse.
Utility: The blade is old the etchings faded, but between the studies of the soul and the works of the fire bright and dark it is clear that this weapon might yet be reforged in the blood of one who has never willingly taken a life who bears the dagger for thirty days and it not swayed by its power, in blood and fire might the curse be then broken, the weapon's true power unveiled.
No drow staff for now though, I want to do an interlude with that.
Alchemical Beetles
Description: Crafted of Brass and glass by the ancient Serpent-kin of Sothoryos in the age of magic's waning, these diminutive guardians were likely an alternative protection to the oozes found deeper within the labyrinthine city, whether and abandoned path or a redundancy in the protections none can now tell, but the injection mechanisms are surprisingly intact allowing for the creation of similar tools not just for battle but medical purposes
Utility: Glass Syringes Discovered (Fragile/Difficult to make)
Slumbering Blade
Description: Wrought of shimmering crystal not forged seemingly cut of broken from some greater whole this blade seems to have an awareness of its victims and it master's needs guiding the hand and the mind.
Utility: The blade was never meant to hold a spirit Lya says, it was perhaps never meant to be as weapon at all, but something more something older, a shield, a protector perhaps? Even the light of a seer's eye fails before the fog of ages, but one thing is clear, the weapon holds no malice to its bearer, its songs are lost and broken
Dark Sun Dagger
Appearance: This weapon was clearly once an arming sword of the kind favored by the Freehold, such as the swords meant for dueling, but now it is sundered six inches above the hilt, the steel oddly pitted by some curse or sorcery as the mere march of time cannot harm dragonsteel. The etching of a rising sun is still clear upon it, but it casts not light but tendrils of black sorcery that eat at the flesh of the living and darken their soul.
Curse: A living wielder who holds the sword must make a DC 18 Fortitude save each day at sunset or gain one negative level. A wielder that dies from this curse rises three nights later as a sentient undead (type dependent on his strength). After failing his first save against the draining effect a bearer of the sword may only willingly let it go by making a DC 20 Will save. This save can only be made once.
Ability: Adds one sneak attack dice against evil enemies, two against neutral enemies, and three against good enemies. Killing a sapient enemy (INT 3 or higher) with the dagger restores one negative level currently afflicting the user including those that may have been gained from the weapon's curse.
Utility: The blade is old the etchings faded, but between the studies of the soul and the works of the fire bright and dark it is clear that this weapon might yet be reforged in the blood of one who has never willingly taken a life who bears the dagger for thirty days and it not swayed by its power, in blood and fire might the curse be then broken, the weapon's true power unveiled.
No drow staff for now though, I want to do an interlude with that.
egoo
Totally Not Creating Problems Where None Existed
- Location
- Russia
...this is about as uninformative as it was before.
Fluffy though.
Since it isn't particularly powerful, sacrifice it is, I sayeth.
Yeah, no.
Sacrifice, too.
All against?
All for?
Yey.
Huh. Now that's neat.
Fabricate ftw?
Only, what for would we use these?
@anyone?
Thanks, @DragonParadox.
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Goldfish
Friendly Spider-Fish Abomination
- Location
- Formerly of the Far Realm
Huh, that's neat. I imagine the Serpentfolk would have a bit more insight into the creation of a syringe mechanism, given the prevalence of fangs capable of injecting venom among various snake species.
- Location
- United States
@DragonParadox, I thought we got these in the Plane of Fire during our assistance in the Salamander Kingdom Rebellion?
EDIT: It's a bit of a hint that they were made of brass.
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Goldfish
Friendly Spider-Fish Abomination
- Location
- Formerly of the Far Realm
Useful for medical purposes which won't really impact us one way or another, but is cool just because it's one more bit of knowledge and technology added to the Imperium, minor as it may seem.
For practical (ie adventuring or combat) purposes, I imagine they could be weaponized to deliver poisons and Alchemical substances without much trouble. We could also maybe recreate Construct Beetle Swarms, with each tiny beetle being able to inject something nasty into an enemy.
egoo
Totally Not Creating Problems Where None Existed
- Location
- Russia
Watsonian explanation: Efreeti raided Serpentfolk and utilized their constructs afterward.
Doylist explanation: We had too much loot over the quest's time