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

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@Trek thanks again for the links, I'll handle the menagerie with its next update next IC month

For now vote closed.
Adhoc vote count started by DragonParadox on Nov 28, 2019 at 5:21 AM, finished with 94 posts and 12 votes.
  • [X] "Mine and mine alone, skill and power dream-born, not gifted upon another for all the fact that it can be, if the Gods deem it wise or the boon sound. It is not fire stolen, if that is your fear, my Lord. Every soul, ever person born in the world under the sun or in stranger spheres of being has the choice to live and breathe or set aside earthly bonds for whatever awaits them."
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Canon Omake: Lady of the Night
  • Threadmarks
    • Omake: Lady of the Night

    "I'm here for my time with the Sing Song Woman." The soft voice claimed as the owner of the voice set the Iron Marks on the counter. A hefty thump and clank of metal on the wooden counter announced it's obscene price.

    "Near a year's wages, or a minor ransom for a thirdborn son." The former owner of said coin grumbled to themselves mentally.

    The Madame of The House of the Lily simpered and collected the bag holding the formerly agreed upon deal. "Just a moment dear, and I'll announce your presence. She has been yearning for a proper suitor. None so far have seemed to measure up. She's heard you've come from far away, and after tonight hopefully you'll come again."

    "Subtle." '"     I heard tales of her talents. How one night with her leaves men seeing the heavens and feeling the touch of a goddess. I found myself needing to find out if these tales are nothing more than words or if my needs could finally be sated," the buyer's tone taking on a husky quality to it's earlier softness as the Madame disappeared into her backroom.

    "She eagerly awaits your presence. I will show to her accommodations, " The Madame spoke upon her return, and led her newest client to their destination.

    "Not gone long enough to have actually spoken to her directly or sent a runner. Magic to let the courtesans know their gentlemen callers are on their way."

    A few turns in the manse and they arrived at a rather odd door compared to most in the Realm of the Dragon Lord. A paper door with wood crossing like windows stood before the pair.

    "I'll leave you two to get better acquainted," laughed the Madam as she moved back towards the front of the establishment.

    "Paper's as hard as rock. No one is getting through this door without someone knowing. Alchemical hardener or wards to strengthen the paper?" The client thought to themselves as they slid the door open.

    The first thing that drew the eye was a woman lounging on a plush chair in a silk robe. Soft skin exposed by a scandalously large slit up the side of the leg would have been a crime in any other setting. Small hands grasped a wooden instrument with long neck and deep bowl. "Almost like a raindrop" Up the eyes traveled to reveal pale skin and ruby red lips with slanted eyes shadowed with a rich royal blue. Coal black hair done up in a bun with a large flower completing the hairstyle.

    "Come in and be most welcome. Tonight you are with Lu Fei, and I will take care of all your needs." A high sweet voice greeted her newest caller.

    Sliding the door closed and stepping in the client found a delightful mix of scents in the warmed air of the room. "Exotic yet comforting."

    Lu Fei started moving her fingers against the strings and a voice like a songbird rang out clear and captivating. In her native tongue her words enraptured the attention of her soon to be lover. Calming and soothing, begging the recipient of the song to let go of burdens of life and be in the care of their lover.

    Carefully taking off the outer robe and setting their belongings aside the suitor found themselves on the bed next to the Sing Song Woman Lu Fei. Enraptured by the performance they took in all the beauty that sat in front of them. Not only the lovely exotic features, but an almost enthralling surreal voice demanded attention. This was a woman well worth the price of the night.

    The song came to a close and the music trailed off shortly.

    Hands wiped away tears that they didn't know had fallen. "That was beautiful. What did it mean? That was Yi-Tish right? I only know a few words in that language."

    "It is a song of Lovers Greeting. It is said to mend wounds of the heart and invigorate those poor of spirit." Lu Fei responded gently.

    Before another question could be asked her delicate fingers caressed the instruments strings and began again. A much different song than previously played. This one was filled with raw passion and lust. A burning needs filled her voice as she sang out to her crowd of one. The room seemed to increase in heat as the robe slowly drifted off of Lu Fei's shoulder; exposing the soft pale skin of her neck and collar.

    A burning heat traveled through the body of the patron, one that wasn't sated even after Lu Fei no longer sang or played. Eyes wide and breathing deeply they watched Lu Fei stand up and cross the narrow distance, her robe slipping even more almost exposing her breasts.

    Lu Fei came to sit behind her lover pressing her body to them and softly spoke into their ear, "I see you enjoyed Lover's Joining, now let us make a new verse for the song," as she slowly pulled the shirt over her lovers head.

    "Oh, that is a most interesting surprise. A girl. I expected a little lordling to come to my bed tonight, but I know enough verses to leave my lady satisfied," Lu Fei exclaimed after seeing wrappings around the girls body. Her hands moving to take the bindings off; when hands with a firm grip caught them.

    "Leave the bindings on for a while longer, please." Her voice going deeper with need, and then released her hand.

    "Certainly my love. A surprise it might be, but not an unwelcome on. Do not be nervous, this is your first time is it not?" Lu Fei asked and after a small nod of affirmation continued moving her hands. "Let me put you at ease and relax you. I will take my time and we will enjoy our little secret tonight."

    Noticing a bruise on her back Lu Fei's hands rested on it for a moment when a small burst of magic healed her client. A small moan escaped in front of her.

    "There now. We both shared a little secret." Lu Fei's warm breath caressed her clients neck. "Why do you not tell me another secret of yours?" Her voice taking on a new aspect. One that thrummed with power.

    "I work for the King of this Realm. I protect the people's of his from those that would attack it." Her lover responded in a dreamy tone.

    "A woman Legionnaire? Tell me what would your commanding officer say about your visit here? What would it be to you to protect your image and reputation? Why don't you get your bag and show me what you can give me so I can keep your secrets?" Lu Fei's tone turning into one of condescension and greed.

    A small shake of the head and the woman rose walking to her belongings.

    "Not a Legonnaire." She replied as she collected her things. "An Inquisitor."

    Lu Fei stumbled to her feet off the bed in a second as the red headed woman pulled on a crows mask and pulled back on her previously discarded robe.

    "Magically charming citizens and extortion are serious crimes in our Realm. Come quietly and you will be given a fair hearing and trial. If King Viserys is feeling lenient he may even allow you to keep selling your services. He has a special place in his heart for courtesans if the rumors are true about his time in Bravos." Anya of Sorceror's Deep called out across the room.

    Lu Fei looked wildly around the room as if searching for somewhere to run.

    "I wouldn't bother. After I sent the signal the others will have collected the Madame and shut The Lily down for the night until we can sort this out. Now relax and don't attempt to escape. I'd hate to further ruin this evening." Anya commanded.

    Opening the sliding door revealed two more Inquisitors in the hall, and Lu Fei's demeanor changed to one of defeat.
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    "Congrats to Anya and her first brothel visit!" A raucous cheer emanated from the bar as other Inquisitors slapped the investigator of the night on the back.

    "Hopefully next time there will be a happy ending," Anya responded. Slightly disappointed such a lovely musician and talent wasted committing petty crimes.

    Coming out of her reverie she noticed the room had gone silent. After a quick whisper from Sharra explaining what 'Happy ending' usually meant in a brothel, and a furious blush encompassing her face; the rest of the room roared in laughter and bawdy jokes.

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    The report from the Inquisitor's mission into unlawful casting and extortion even altered memories sat at Garen Drekelis' desk as he pondered over the interesting report his wife came and sat in his lap.

    "The children are asleep and so should we dear husband. What keeps you up at this late hour away from our bed?" Selyse gently asked, slightly irked her husband and father to her adorable new twins was still working.

    Picking up the report and handing it over to Selyse, Garen wrapped his arms around her middle and pulled her close.

    Curiosity piqued she started reading.

    "Li Shishi alias Lu Fei... misuse of magic... extortion... from Yi-Ti province of... daughter of dishonored family of... Oh my my my. I can see why she would be interesting. A woman who was supposed to be killed because of her father's dishonor on a general who fled west and used her skills at song an manipulation to stay alive. Found herself in Sorceror's Deep where magic was plentiful and she thought she might slip by unnoticed. And she very well might have if she hadn't done it so often." Selyse said standing up and pulling her husband onto his feet.

    "The Inquistor that made the arrest said she nearly gave herself away until "Lu Fei" tried to magic her way into her head. A little training and modifying certain behaviors and she would make a scary Investigator." Garen countered as his Lady wife pulled him along.

    ----------------------------------------------

    That was a bit longer than I expected. Hopefully Anya's creator doesn't mind me using her in this situation.
    I figured courtesans wouldn't be too bad at gathering information and maybe one would want to join the Inquisition. Hope this one was alright.

    I wouldn't even know where to start with making a character sheet, but in my head she's a bard. At least level 4 with alter memory.
     
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    • You have to understand a simple thing. The ability for even a supernaturally skilled legal professional using either items or magic to become a better say lawyer, or maybe instead of a better florist, or hey maybe they branched feats and abilities and they're a fucking novelist-masterchef-playwright.

    The amount of money these professions all earn, even played at their most clever and creative, pale in comparison to the most SEDATE position of the lowest threshold of magical skill. A Scholarum graduate who grows complacent at Third Circle casting can earn something like 600 IM a year.

    That's just a random number, the floor can shift and be whatever, but it's already at a level where one can assume with time and good investments they can acquire whatever they need without risking their necks.

    To summarize:

    1) It's a waste of their time at any skill level. When you reach Level 10 you are already effecting the fate of nations. Any Archmage working in the court room is going to be making a comparatively tiny splash on the legal system if laws are already written by other Archmages. These things only start to be effected from the top-level downwards, not working your way up.

    2) It's like throwing a stone into an ocean.

    One hypercompetent expert in a niche skill like Law is going to scythe their way through dozens of cases a year if they're extremely passionate. There will be thousands of them. More...! And a lower-level professional enhancing their abilities with magic is not going to be able to work through more cases without being so stupidly skilled that they can reach a settlement or find the precedent from another obscure case pretty much every time they take over a new case. Sometimes acting in a profession that explicitly is not supposed to be extremely exciting, but rather extremely exacting, is going to result in nothing happening more than half the time, and no level ability can cross the threshold that the judges and the juries all have slowed down the process as they discuss and review the details.
     
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    Deliste said:
    The system change obviously had a huge impact, I try not to think about that too much to be perfectly honest.

    The design philosophy behind the new system clearly favoured a much lesser degree of granularity, this was also reflected in the thread discussion at the time, at one point floating the sidelining of Viserys to setting piece. This obviously did not come to pass.

    Some things were rolled back and detailed monthly actions were ensured to still be an option, "one-off" free actions per month etc to keep us at the level of champions rather than states.

    Azel has always believed that Champions are optimised for squad based tactics and rapidly fall in the face of scale but I personally think he's always underestimated DnD magic a little too much.
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    Re: Granularity.

    I'm not saying you're wrong, this could be down to a case of design philosophies for abstraction.

    But then you have to break down the individual cases of "how do I reflect the archmage breaking away from high adventure and high politics to kick a foreman off a government project and take it over completely"? Do you just say X amount of money is spent and roll 1d6 dice for days spent? Or do you go over every single instance where you motivated a team and gave them perfect directions? You magic'd away human error, and human stupidity?

    It just isn't worth it. Not our time, both IC and OOC.
     
    Trek said:
    I dont really agree with that, we have the magic, manpower and tools to rapidly cull corruption and bring the population under control with little to no bloodshed. We could easily in 1 week use our max social to reform a substantial portion of the ruling party and replace the rest. An entire town of the disputed lands could be completely pacified by just 1 squad of our legionnaires. Even our guard posts are staffed by people who should easily be able to handle a large amount of pop.

    If we can't even bring disputed lands under control how do we hope to do so with the lands of Westeros once we get them, filled with hostile houses and their people? Will it takes years just to build 1 guard post in 1 province of Westeros too? In a lot of ways Westeros pop is more hostile to us than the Disputed lands.

    The reason is, I saw how rapidly SD was turned into what it is, how mc changed entire hostile cities to his viewpoint so I really see no reason the same couldn't be done with places like the disputed lands. I also noticed that progress also slowed down a lot after you guys switched systems, a month yields far less than it used to. While in the past a month could contain entire mini-arcs now we cant even build guard posts or finish a major research action in 1 month even with our massively expanded forces and allies.
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    It's not just a matter of passing laws and telling everyone this is how things will be from this point forward. We can do all that, and so long as we actively supply enforcers to the area it will largely function like that, at least as long as you don't look too closely. That's a matter of culture and learned behavior. The US military can roll into a region with tens of thousands of troops and enough equipment to fight a war, then stay there for years while pissing away trillions of dollars in resources. They can try to uplift those who live in that region, but when they leave, things are generally going to back to how they always were because culture doesn't change overnight, or even in a decade.

    The Disputed Lands and a lot of other places in Essos are like that. They're simply too accustomed to being "the Disputed Lands". For them, what passes for laws in Essos are likely to change from one month to the next, along with who they do business, who they must pay respect to, what they can get away with, etc. It will take years for this attitude to change, along with education and lot of immigration into the region.

    The land is also so sparsely populated, at least compared to the overall size of the region, that it's basically a blank slate as far as infrastructure goes. That doesn't just mean roads linking major cities and trade routes, but wells and other water sources, trails between communities, sources of building materials and fuel within a reasonable distance, etc. Just preparing land which has never been actively cultivated can be a pretty huge ordeal without access to modern tools and equipment.

    Functional and productive communities don't just spring up whilly nilly, either. For the Disputed Lands to be truly settled, it will require years of organic growth, with towns and communities slowly spreading across the region in a manner similar to what European immigrants did in the US. They spread up and down the east coast because it was easy, then started working their way west, a process which took centuries.

    As for Sorcerer's Deep, when we started there the population was tiny. It was barely functional as a town. We didn't have to change much there to implement our new policies. We killed or chased off those who were unable to adapt then spent years lavishing the personal attention high level PCs, magic, and gold on the place while attracting new people from all over the world to settle there. Those inclined to move to and live in SD were willing to change or already closer to our own cultural ideal (thanks, Braavos, for being slightly less cunty than the rest of Essos), so the process of shaping a new culture there is much faster.

    The system change was kinda abrupt, I know, and it took a lot of getting used to, but it was necessary considering the scale we had begun to operate on. Managing everything in the old way was just unfeasible in the long run. One good way to rationalize the difference in results vs time and resource investment, at least for me, was to consider how focused we are on any given project. Sure, it's possible to rapidly build a new guard post if you devote a significant portion of your workers and soldiers to the task, expediting the transport of materials, rotating multiple shifts throughout the day, and so on, but that is only ever going to allow you to build up a few locations at any given time. When you spread your resources out over a much larger area, assigning a single work crew to a site while managing the logistics of shipping building materials, tools, food, etc. between dozens or hundreds of locations, the process slows down, but as a result your geopolitical and cultural footprint spreads much further at a much faster rate.

    It's just like how modern road construction can take months or longer (that's a personal gripe I won't expand on for fear of going into a rant) to widen a small section of highway or replace a small bridge due to the relative handful of people involved in the project, with the minimum amount of equipment and construction materials involved, while 60 or 70 years ago the US interstate road network was growing at a rate of miles per day, along with all the necessary infrastructure to support its use (gas and service stations, motels, etc) because their was a much more heavy investment in manpower and resources.
     
    There's also another detail people aren't keeping in mind. @DragonParadox mentioned this one before a time or two when discussing what we did with our foremost vassals like Doran.

    It isn't a good look if the King is running around personally taking charge. We can get away with doing that randomly if it's a case of intervening in high level politics. It's weird and sending in agents to deal with that would be the norm, and also something our vassals would be more comfortable with, but once we demonstrate that we have the perfect solution to their problem and then execute the perfect solution, we're absolved of the sin of getting overly involved, because our involvement apparently is just that good.

    But if we do the same on a construction project... vassals are going to argue that we're wasting our time. And we will not have any good arguments otherwise. Everyone will have a different opinion of what the King should be doing (a lot are going to say "you should be ruling!" and everyone will have a different idea of what ruling entails, some like Otto Hightower would say that is being pretty, being compliant, and dying at the appropriate time so the heir can take over).

    And some of course might like that we intervene a lot in regards to our vassals, at least if the end result keeps being spectacular.

    But no one is going to say directing this work personally instead of several steps removed is a good idea.
     
    Trek said:
    A reminder to whoever maintains the scholarum sheets that this class should be added to the scholarum mage growth rate tracker sheet.
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    Not really?
    The wording suggests that a Research Action is needed to slap together a relatively "safe" curriculum for the batshit insane stuff the Wild Magic is.
    I'm not particularly interested in adding one like that, but sure, whatever, will ask DP.
    Trek said:
    Research action needs to be added to grow them
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    Reeeally not a priority, imo. We mostly bought them out because thread couldn't have left some cute kitties in peril.
    We will manage just fine without speed-growing them artificially.
     
    Rabbit said:
    Omake: Lady of the Night

    "I'm here for my time with the Sing Song Woman." The soft voice claimed as the owner of the voice set the Iron Marks on the counter. A hefty thump and clank of metal on the wooden counter announced it's obscene price.

    "Near a year's wages, or a minor ransom for a thirdborn son." The former owner of said coin grumbled to themselves mentally.

    The Madame of The House of the Lily simpered and collected the bag holding the formerly agreed upon deal. "Just a moment dear, and I'll announce your presence. She has been yearning for a proper suitor. None so far have seemed to measure up. She's heard you've come from far away, and after tonight hopefully you'll come again."

    "Subtle." '"     I heard tales of her talents. How one night with her leaves men seeing the heavens and feeling the touch of a goddess. I found myself needing to find out if these tales are nothing more than words or if my needs could finally be sated," the buyer's tone taking on a husky quality to it's earlier softness as the Madame disappeared into her backroom.

    "She eagerly awaits your presence. I will show to her accommodations, " The Madame spoke upon her return, and led her newest client to their destination.

    "Not gone long enough to have actually spoken to her directly or sent a runner. Magic to let the courtesans know their gentlemen callers are on their way."

    A few turns in the manse and they arrived at a rather odd door compared to most in the Realm of the Dragon Lord. A paper door with wood crossing like windows stood before the pair.

    "I'll leave you two to get better acquainted," laughed the Madam as she moved back towards the front of the establishment.

    "Paper's as hard as rock. No one is getting through this door without someone knowing. Alchemical hardener or wards to strengthen the paper?" The client thought to themselves as they slid the door open.

    The first thing that drew the eye was a woman lounging on a plush chair in a silk robe. Soft skin exposed by a scandalously large slit up the side of the leg would have been a crime in any other setting. Small hands grasped a wooden instrument with long neck and deep bowl. "Almost like a raindrop" Up the eyes traveled to reveal pale skin and ruby red lips with slanted eyes shadowed with a rich royal blue. Coal black hair done up in a bun with a large flower completing the hairstyle.

    "Come in and be most welcome. Tonight you are with Lu Fei, and I will take care of all your needs." A high sweet voice greeted her newest caller.

    Sliding the door closed and stepping in the client found a delightful mix of scents in the warmed air of the room. "Exotic yet comforting."

    Lu Fei started moving her fingers against the strings and a voice like a songbird rang out clear and captivating. In her native tongue her words enraptured the attention of her soon to be lover. Calming and soothing, begging the recipient of the song to let go of burdens of life and be in the care of their lover.

    Carefully taking off the outer robe and setting their belongings aside the suitor found themselves on the bed next to the Sing Song Woman Lu Fei. Enraptured by the performance they took in all the beauty that sat in front of them. Not only the lovely exotic features, but an almost enthralling surreal voice demanded attention. This was a woman well worth the price of the night.

    The song came to a close and the music trailed off shortly.

    Hands wiped away tears that they didn't know had fallen. "That was beautiful. What did it mean? That was Yi-Tish right? I only know a few words in that language."

    "It is a song of Lovers Greeting. It is said to mend wounds of the heart and invigorate those poor of spirit." Lu Fei responded gently.

    Before another question could be asked her delicate fingers caressed the instruments strings and began again. A much different song than previously played. This one was filled with raw passion and lust. A burning needs filled her voice as she sang out to her crowd of one. The room seemed to increase in heat as the robe slowly drifted off of Lu Fei's shoulder; exposing the soft pale skin of her neck and collar.

    A burning heat traveled through the body of the patron, one that wasn't sated even after Lu Fei no longer sang or played. Eyes wide and breathing deeply they watched Lu Fei stand up and cross the narrow distance, her robe slipping even more almost exposing her breasts.

    Lu Fei came to sit behind her lover pressing her body to them and softly spoke into their ear, "I see you enjoyed Lover's Joining, now let us make a new verse for the song," as she slowly pulled the shirt over her lovers head.

    "Oh, that is a most interesting surprise. A girl. I expected a little lordling to come to my bed tonight, but I know enough verses to leave my lady satisfied," Lu Fei exclaimed after seeing wrappings around the girls body. Her hands moving to take the bindings off; when hands with a firm grip caught them.

    "Leave the bindings on for a while longer, please." Her voice going deeper with need, and then released her hand.

    "Certainly my love. A surprise it might be, but not an unwelcome on. Do not be nervous, this is your first time is it not?" Lu Fei asked and after a small nod of affirmation continued moving her hands. "Let me put you at ease and relax you. I will take my time and we will enjoy our little secret tonight."

    Noticing a bruise on her back Lu Fei's hands rested on it for a moment when a small burst of magic healed her client. A small moan escaped in front of her.

    "There now. We both shared a little secret." Lu Fei's warm breath caressed her clients neck. "Why do you not tell me another secret of yours?" Her voice taking on a new aspect. One that thrummed with power.

    "I work for the King of this Realm. I protect the people's of his from those that would attack it." Her lover responded in a dreamy tone.

    "A woman Legionnaire? Tell me what would your commanding officer say about your visit here? What would it be to you to protect your image and reputation? Why don't you get your bag and show me what you can give me so I can keep your secrets?" Lu Fei's tone turning into one of condescension and greed.

    A small shake of the head and the woman rose walking to her belongings.

    "Not a Legonnaire." She replied as she collected her things. "An Inquisitor."

    Lu Fei stumbled to her feet off the bed in a second as the red headed woman pulled on a crows mask and pulled back on her previously discarded robe.

    "Magically charming citizens and extortion are serious crimes in our Realm. Come quietly and you will be given a fair hearing and trial. If King Viserys is feeling lenient he may even allow you to keep selling your services. He has a special place in his heart for courtesans if the rumors are true about his time in Bravos." Anya of Sorceror's Deep called out across the room.

    Lu Fei looked wildly around the room as if searching for somewhere to run.

    "I wouldn't bother. After I sent the signal the others will have collected the Madame and shut The Lily down for the night until we can sort this out. Now relax and don't attempt to escape. I'd hate to further ruin this evening." Anya commanded.

    Opening the sliding door revealed two more Inquisitors in the hall, and Lu Fei's demeanor changed to one of defeat.
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    "Congrats to Anya and her first brothel visit!" A raucous cheer emanated from the bar as other Inquisitors slapped the investigator of the night on the back.

    "Hopefully next time there will be a happy ending," Anya responded. Slightly disappointed such a lovely musician and talent wasted committing petty crimes.

    Coming out of her reverie she noticed the room had gone silent. After a quick whisper from Sharra explaining what 'Happy ending' usually meant in a brothel, and a furious blush encompassing her face; the rest of the room roared in laughter and bawdy jokes.

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    The report from the Inquisitor's mission into unlawful casting and extortion even altered memories sat at Garen Drekelis' desk as he pondered over the interesting report his wife came and sat in his lap.

    "The children are asleep and so should we dear husband. What keeps you up at this late hour away from our bed?" Alinor gently asked, slightly irked her husband and father to her adorable new twins was still working.

    Picking up the report and handing it over to Alinor, Garen wrapped his arms around her middle and pulled her close.

    Curiosity piqued she started reading.

    "Li Shishi alias Lu Fei... misuse of magic... extortion... from Yi-Ti province of... daughter of dishonored family of... Oh my my my. I can see why she would be interesting. A woman who was supposed to be killed because of her father's dishonor on an Emperor, who fled west and used her skills at song an manipulation to stay alive. Found herself in Sorceror's Deep where magic was plentiful and she thought she might slip by unnoticed. And she very well might have if she hadn't done it so often. Hmm I'll send this on to the King for you. He might want someone that knows the ins and outs of the Yi-Tish courts." Alinor said standing up and pulling her husband onto his feet.

    "Or he might want someone talented in gathering secrets. The Inquistor that made the arrest said she nearly gave herself away until "Lu Fei" tried to magic her way into her head. A little training and modifying certain behaviors and she would make a scary Investigator." Garen countered as his Lady wife pulled him along.

    ----------------------------------------------

    That was a bit longer than I expected. Hopefully Anya's creator doesn't mind me using her in this situation.
    I figured courtesans wouldn't be too bad at gathering information and maybe one would want to join the Inquisition. Hope this one was alright.

    I wouldn't even know where to start with making a character sheet, but in my head she's a bard. At least level 4 with alter memory.
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    Haha, nice twist there, dude. That is not what I was expecting, but it worked out really well.

    One issue, however, is that Alinor is not Garin's wife. He is happily married to Selyse, while Alinor is married to Gerold. A simple name swap and removing or revising the one line about her sending the report on to Viserys should be enough to fix it.
     
    Goldfish said:
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    You have to consider that we teach the children, we own the schools, with mandatory education laws we can shift the entire culture in just 1 generation. Which is still a long ass time but at least its in sight in IC timeframes if not OOC timeframes.

    I don't know where you got the sparsely populated bit, disputed lands has like 3 times more population than SD.

    Its not really comparable to modern road networks, they are way too costly and take way too long to make, while we here have titan tools that can churn out roads and materials at running pace or more. Our roads also dont really degrade too much because of the crystal layers.
    Crake said:
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    Hahaha, If the king didn't do stuff like that the entire realm would burn, we are already way out of the mold of a normal king. Plus I really doubt any of our vassals would question us about anything we do, we already so so much weird stuff.

    Edit:
    egoo said:
    Not really?
    The wording suggests that a Research Action is needed to slap together a relatively "safe" curriculum for the batshit insane stuff the Wild Magic is.
    I'm not particularly interested in adding one like that, but sure, whatever, will ask DP.
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    Eh, my mistake, might as well check and add a RA even if we dont do it anytime soon it needs to be tracked somewhere.
    egoo said:
    Reeeally not a priority, imo. We mostly bought them out because thread couldn't have left some cute kitties in peril.
    We will manage just fine without speed-growing them artificially.
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    I don't really care about that RA bit, I know we have way too many already, I just wanted to add them to the mystical subjects page so that they are tracked somewhere. Once we take over the flesh forge in the faywild we can just place the cats there so that they can grow on their own.
     
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    Trek said:
    You have to consider that we teach the children, we own the schools, with mandatory education laws we can shift the entire culture in just 1 generation. Which is still a long ass time but at least its in sight in IC timeframes if not OOC timeframes.

    I don't know where you got the sparsely populated bit, disputed lands has like 3 times more population than SD.

    Its not really comparable to modern road networks, they are way too costly and take way too long to make, while we here have titan tools that can churn out roads and materials at running pace or more. Our roads also dont really degrade because of the crystal layers.
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    A generation would be enough for major changes, I agree, but that's beyond the time scale of the quest, so only something we can work toward as part of the empire building narrative.

    SD is just a small though rapidly growing island-based city. The Disputed Lands are tens of thousands of square miles of mostly empty terrain. You can't reasonably compare the population of the two.

    My road comparison wasn't meant to compare our building of roads, which we blatantly cheat at using the Titan Tools, but merely an example of what can be accomplished with light resource investment in many locations simultaneously versus heavy investment in a handful. We have roads and large scale infrastructure covered, but it's the fiddly bits, the support network, buildings, people to live in the area and use them, etc. which takes time.
     
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    Trek said:
    I dont really agree with that, we have the magic, manpower and tools to rapidly cull corruption and bring the population under control with little to no bloodshed. We could easily in 1 week use our max social to reform a substantial portion of the ruling party and replace the rest. An entire town of the disputed lands could be completely pacified by just 1 squad of our legionnaires. Even our guard posts are staffed by people who should easily be able to handle a large amount of pop.

    If we can't even bring disputed lands under control how do we hope to do so with the lands of Westeros once we get them, filled with hostile houses and their people? Will it takes years just to build 1 guard post in 1 province of Westeros too? In a lot of ways Westeros pop is more hostile to us than the Disputed lands.

    The reason is, I saw how rapidly SD was turned into what it is, how mc changed entire hostile cities to his viewpoint so I really see no reason the same couldn't be done with places like the disputed lands. I also noticed that progress also slowed down a lot after you guys switched systems, a month yields far less than it used to. While in the past a month could contain entire mini-arcs now we cant even build guard posts or finish a major research action in 1 month even with our massively expanded forces and allies.

    Its still fresh in my memory how in just a few months a large amount of stuff could be accomplished. It just feels like even with all the extra forces we have we are spread too thin to accomplish things like we used to in the past. It could just be bias as everything used to be on screen in the past and now a lot of actions happen off-screen.

    Well no matter, I guess we just have to prioritize where we spend time way more with the new system. If we wanted to make something useful out of the disputed lands we would have to spend PC actions on it which is pretty much a wasted effort as we have way more important things to do.
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    The other thing about all of this is that while you can in fact just have your enforcers run around smacking down lawbreakers, it's a suboptimal way to actually manage the law.

    The police can't be everywhere all the time looking over everything anyone is doing, they are primarily a reactive force. You need to make people want to follow your rules on some level. That's a task that takes more than just convincing them you have the right to be in charge. It's also not something hyper socials can brainwash an entire population into loving, even if we get the elites.

    The best ways to get people on your side long term are generally incompatible with the kinds actions involved in letting loose jackbooted thugs to stomp on the local populace. The slow way is almost certainly the best way in this kind of situation.
     
    Goldfish said:
    The system change was kinda abrupt, I know, and it took a lot of getting used to, but it was necessary considering the scale we had begun to operate on. Managing everything in the old way was just unfeasible in the long run. One good way to rationalize the difference in results vs time and resource investment, at least for me, was to consider how focused we are on any given project. Sure, it's possible to rapidly build a new guard post if you devote a significant portion of your workers and soldiers to the task, expediting the transport of materials, rotating multiple shifts throughout the day, and so on, but that is only ever going to allow you to build up a few locations at any given time. When you spread your resources out over a much larger area, assigning a single work crew to a site while managing the logistics of shipping building materials, tools, food, etc. between dozens or hundreds of locations, the process slows down, but as a result your geopolitical and cultural footprint spreads much further at a much faster rate.
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    When we have conquered Westeros it'll get worse.
    Cultural change takes generations. At least one.
     
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    BronzeTongue said:
    The other thing about all of this is that while you can in fact just have your enforcers run around smacking down lawbreakers, it's a suboptimal way to actually manage the law.

    The police can't be everywhere all the time looking over everything anyone is doing, they are primarily a reactive force. You need to make people want to follow your rules on some level. That's a task that takes more than just convincing them you have the right to be in charge. It's also not something hyper socials can brainwash an entire population into loving, even if we get the elites.

    The best ways to get people on your side long term are generally incompatible with the kinds actions involved in letting loose jackbooted thugs to stomp on the local populace. The slow way is almost certainly the best way in this kind of situation.
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    Yup, just taking over the education of all the kids should work, but that is pretty much out of scope of this quest. It's not like we are willing to use the mind control spells even if we have them, that would likely cause more problems than it solves.
     
    And at some level, the abstraction works as a go-between player desire and story conventions.

    Achieving immediate results does, on a large enough scale, cheapen the accomplishment, whereas actively managing wide-sweeping changes!! ACROSS THE ENTIRE IMPERIUM!!! That has a different context entirely, and is altogether more impressive from a story-telling perspective.
     
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    Happy Turkey Day, folks!

    I'm thankful that I don't have to go to a family gathering today. My sister and my grandmother are in New York City to see the Rockettes and watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade (convincing my 89 year old grandmother who has never flown before to get on a plane, even a private charter jet, was an ordeal), so all I have to do is take my dumbass brother out for lunch. Otherwise, I'm free of family obligations and can just laze around during my vacation.
     
    I'm thousands of miles away from my family, so holidays are kind of depressing. That's why I'm working today and volunteered to work pretty much all holidays. Time and a half and a distraction is always nice.
     
    Inserted tally
    Adhoc vote count started by DragonParadox on Nov 28, 2019 at 5:21 AM, finished with 94 posts and 12 votes.
    • [X] "Mine and mine alone, skill and power dream-born, not gifted upon another for all the fact that it can be, if the Gods deem it wise or the boon sound. It is not fire stolen, if that is your fear, my Lord. Every soul, ever person born in the world under the sun or in stranger spheres of being has the choice to live and breathe or set aside earthly bonds for whatever awaits them."
    Click to expand...
     
    Part MMMCC: King's Gifts
  • Threadmarks
    • King's Gifts​

    Twenty Third Day of the Eleventh Month 293 AC

    A question you had heard before, if not quite posed the same way, but one you know is of gravest import to the man before you, hope and fear warring upon his features. So it is with utmost care you answer: "Mine and mine alone, skill and power dream-born, not gifted upon another for all the fact that it can be, if the gods deem it wise or the boon sound. It is not fire stolen, if that is your fear, my lord. Every soul, ever person born in the world under the sun or in stranger spheres of being has the choice to live and breathe or set aside earthly bonds for whatever awaits them."

    Shoulders sag in relief, but in Lord Ashwin's gaze fear is transfigured, not snuffed out. One to consider the greater implications even at a time like this. A world in which the sovereignty of souls is above the gods is less ordered and harder by far than one in which the ultimate arbitrators of fate are known to all.

    Whatever his realization his thoughts do not linger upon it long with the promise of having his son restored. "What is required for this... sorcery?"

    "Ordinarily a bone or other remains, but Viserys can manage with a likeness of the one being called from beyond," Dany replies, causing the lord to start, either just remembering she is present or surprised at a child speaking confidently on such a macabre a topic as wresting corpses from their graves. No one goes on to explain that you ordinarily could perform the raising with naught but the young knight's name, save for the fact that you have never met him and his name is likely shared with many others of his House.

    "Pray wait a moment longer while I find one then," Lord Keath replies before turning on his heals and leaving at a walk that is almost a run, paying no mind to the fact that he is leaving you and your companions alone in his solar.

    As the door clicks closed your mother sighs in relief of her own. "I never thought I would be so relieved to see a lack of piety among the lords of Westeros. You took a risk with him."

    "I told the truth," you counter. "This power alone is likely to cause whispers and turmoil aplenty without trying to veil it in lies and half-truths. Better to begin with how one means to go on in matters of the gods and the soul."

    That beginning is not long in coming, Lord Ashwin returns soon after clutching a miniature clasped in a silver pendant, the image of a young knight, with his father's coloring of hair and eyes but a slighter build, perhaps inherited from his mother. You fix the face in mind and twice call forth the greatest of your magics like twined strikes upon some cosmic gong. Once to forge a body unsouled, garbed in white that is emptiness, twice to cast the light of a shattered diamond to call forth from his wanderings the young knight's spirit.

    Lost 1,000 IM

    He reaches for a sword that is not there, eyes wide in confusion looking around the room. "What is this? Father, I... I had the strangest dream."

    Ashwin Keath embraces his son and after a moment frozen in surprise Horwin returns the gesture.

    Knowing that they have much to say to each other that your presence would only impede you excuse yourself and your companions for a couple of hours, knowing that you would find both father and son far better disposed in the end.

    Likely enough this deed alone will have secured House Keath's loyalty, even if it was a knight in your service who first slew the young knight, but you might be better served strengthening it further. Dany's words from this morning come to mind. Aenys' decree is foolish on the face of it and it would cost you nothing to reverse it save perhaps the displeasure of House Tully, and they will have far greater reason to be displeased given your plans for the Riverlands.

    What if any further promises do you make to House Keath?

    [] Nothing more

    [] The right to build a keep at Oldstones to better secure their lands

    [] Royal aid to build a keep at Oldstones

    [] Write in

    OOC: It felt a little voyeuristic in character and not very interesting out of character to show the Keath's reacting to the return of their son so I'm skipping that. Next update will be the wrap up here and then off to deal with the Blackwoods and Brackens.
     
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  • Threadmarks
    • DragonParadox said:
    King's Gifts ​

    Twenty Third Day of the Eleventh Month 293 AC

    A question you had heard before, if not quite posed the same way, but one you know is of gravest import to the man before you, hope and fear warring upon his features. So it is with utmost care you answer, "Mine and mine alone, skill and power dream-born, not gifted upon another for all the fact that it can be, if the Gods deem it wise or the boon sound. It is not fire stolen, if that is your fear, my Lord. Every soul, every person born in the world under the sun or in stranger spheres of being, has the choice to live and breathe or set aside earthly bonds for whatever awaits them in the afterlife."

    Shoulders sag in relief, but in Lord Ashwin's gaze fear is transfigured, not snuffed out. One to consider the greater implications even at a time like this. A world in which the sovereignty of souls is above the gods is less ordered and more difficult by far to accept than one in which the ultimate arbitrators of fate are known to all.

    Whatever Ashwin's realization, his thoughts do not linger upon it long, not with the promise of having his son restored. "What is required for this... sorcery?"

    "Ordinarily a bone or other remains, but Viserys can manage with a likeness of the one being called from beyond," Dany replies, causing the lord to start, either just remembering she is present, or surprised at a child speaking confidently on so macabre a topic as wresting corpses from their graves. No one goes on to explain that you ordinarily could perform the raising with naught but the young knight's name, save for the fact that you have never met him and his name is likely shared with many others of his House.

    "Pray wait a moment longer while I find one then," Lord Keath replies before turning on his heels and leaving at a walk that is almost a run, paying no mind to the fact that he is leaving you and your companions alone in his solar.

    As the door clicks closed, your mother sighs in relief of her own. "I never thought I would be so relived to see a lack of piety among the lords of Westeros. You took a risk with him."

    "I told the truth," you counter. "This power alone is likely to cause whispers and turmoil aplenty without trying to veil it in lies and half-truths. Better to begin how one means to go on in matters of the gods and the soul."

    That beginning is not long in coming. Lord Ashwin returns soon after, clutching a miniature portrait clasped in a silver pendant, the image of a young knight, with his father's coloring of hair and eye but a slighter build perhaps inherited from his mother. You fix the face in mind and twice call forth the greatest of your magics like twined strikes upon some cosmic gong. Once to forge a body unsouled, garbed in white that is emptiness, twice to cast the light of a shattered diamond to call forth from his wanderings the young knight's spirit.

    Lost 1000 IM

    He reaches for a sword that is not there, eyes wide in confusion as he looks around the room. "What is this? Father I... I had the strangest dream."

    Ashwin Keath embraces his son and after a moment frozen in surprise Horwin returns the gesture.

    Aware that they have much to say to each other which your presence would only impede, you excuse yourself and your companions for a couple of hours, knowing that you would find both father and son far better disposed in the end.

    Likely enough this deed alone will have secured House Keath's loyalty, even if it was a knight in your service who first slew the young knight, but you might be better served strengthening it further. Dany's words from this morning come to mind. Aenys' decree is foolish on the face of it and it would cost you nothing to reverse it, save perhaps the displeasure of House Tully and they will have far greater reason to be displeased given your plans for the Riverlands.

    What if any further promises do you make to House Keath?

    [] Nothing more

    [] The right to build a keep at Oldstones to better secure their lands

    [] Royal aid to build a keep at Oldstones

    [] Write in

    OOC: It felt a little voyeuristic in character and not very interesting out of character to show the Keath's reacting to the return of their son so I'm skipping that. Next update will be the wrap up here and then off to deal with the Blackwoods and Brackens. Not yet edited.
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    Here's an edited version of the chapter, DP.
     
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