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

[Azel]

I mean, really, I can directly pick up some of the projects I kicked up as a player, be torn about nothing I did as a QM ever being mentioned again and still write on the bits about a few characters I made / introduced as omakes.

 

[Goldfish]

Which kinda correlates with the fact that I was gone for more then half a year and missed nothing of great importance.

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A lot of that can be chalked up to less than three months of time passing IC during that six month period. We've not been in any great rush.

 

[Azel]

A lot of that can be chalked up to less than three months of time passing IC during that six month period. We've not been in any great rush.

Click to shrink...

Given the numbers of pages filled, you've been in a tremendous rush to go absolutely nowhere.

 

[Goldfish]

Given the numbers of pages filled, you've been in a tremendous rush to go absolutely nowhere.

Click to shrink...

Were we supposed to make a huge amount of progress in less than three months? I can understand some parts of your earlier argument, but not this one.

We're having fun, and that's what matters.

 

[egoo]

less than three months of time passing IC during that six month period.

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[] When visiting Armun Kelisk and Opaline Vault for wares, try to find rare resources:
-[] Arkas Grass
-[] Nararoot
-[] Noqual
-[] Horacalum
-[] Living Steel
-[] Buy 20 more pounds of Thinaun in PoE. Trade one-for-one with Valyrian Steel, but also try to infer just what uses it has in Genie Empires, since we are only starting to look in it ourselves.

[] Visit Armun Kelisk, and set up a policy on extradition of criminals with Djinn Empire.
-[] Having resolved the issue with Shaitan laws meshing with those of your realm, now would be the time to visit your other allies, so as to ensure that criminals running from either of your Empires will not find a safe haven in others.

[] Attempt to hire a group of crafters in Armun Kelisk under same terms we hired the Shaitan crafters.

[] Send a few Companions to aid Alyssa Grafton and Danar Crowl in capturing Lyn Corbray, and have them deliver Corbray to Lord Grafton. Have them guide Lord Grafton in sacrificing Corbray to the Old Gods.

[] Make a formal decision on the legal status of magical companies, guilds and institutions in the realm.
-[] Specifically regarding the duty to share arcane knowledge any individual mage (or a group) has with the Scholarum.
-[] Additionaly, decide whether religious groups are required to share their lore and knowledge as well - like the Red Priests' rituals.

[] Speak with your foremost territorial Vassals when you can find the time, but early in the month, preferably after you are done with your transactions.
-[] Speak with Doran to arrange bringing in any recalcitrant obstacles in his own territory, or else do away with any threats that might linger.
-[] Denys Trainer and his comrades along with his brother Oberyn battled a deathless spirit who was quite powerful despite how newly risen it was.
-[] Yohn Royce also has his own demons, or devils as the case may be, to battle, and you should be wise to lend him any aid as you close to the time of invasion.

[] With your Empire growing steadily, even more importance falls upon your administrators and governors... And more lucrative targets they become for all your enemies.
-[] Assign Advanced Erynies on guard duty to the following individuals:
--[] Teana Strykos (1 Erynies) - Headmistress of Sorcerers Deep
--[] Ferrengo Antarion (2 Erynies) - Sealord of Braavos
--[] Alinor the Fair (2 Erynies) - Lady of the Clerks
--[] Hario of Tyrosh (1 Erynies) - Headmaster of Tyrosh
--[] Salladhor Saan (1 Erynies) - Archon of the Basilisk Isles
--[] Sir Gerold (2 Erynies) - General of the 1st Legion
--[] Alysande Redsail (1 Erynies) - Head of the Silver Eye
--[] Hermetia Aerebalys (2 Erynies, already present) - Magistrate of Lys
--[] Aemon Naremos (1 Erynies) - Vaeroseia in Draconys
--[] Vargor Alexi (1 Erynies) - Colonial Governor
--[] Total: 13 Advanced Erynies.
--[] The Erynies will have express orders to immediately move their charge to safety if any danger is present, or retrieve the body if their charge is killed and move it to a Resurrection-capable Companion no matter other circumstances.

[] Set up an exchange of lore between Shaitan's Spire of Wisdom and Sorcerer's Deep's Scholarum.
-[] Have Scholarum students accompanied by an Erynie and a Pen Dragon visit the spire, with commonplace knowledge and lore of Plane of Balance (but not present on Planes) carefully chosen by Lya, Teana, or Naria to afford best rate of exchange for just as commonplace Planar/Arcane lore.
--[] The students are to be throughly taught the ways to behave and act throughout the trip, so as to not cause an accident.
-[] Scholarum-grade lore/books are to be exchanged under much more care, ideally being done by an Arcanum or a Companion. Exchange rate of such materials is, of course, to be set for more important and specific knowledge - basises for new Scholarum courses, forays into unresearched branches of magic, rare ritual spells and exotic magical techniques.

[] Visit the labyrinth-fortress of Darleth the Delver upon Plane of Earth.
-[] This dragon might just be of great help in defending your realm against coming wars, both with Illithid and with Sultan of Brass... but first you shall take his measure in person.
-[] At minimum, try to trade for insights about building unusual and passive defenses against Illithid/Devil/Demon infiltration, as well as insights in Efreeti and Illithid fortifications, ways and methods of bringing such down... Or evading them altogether.
--[] Ideally, hire him.

[] Recover the hoard of Felzath from the Stonedance.

[] Meet with Stannis Baratheon. With the bargain you've struck with Storm God, he may yet play a part larger than being but a mere Lord...
-[] Try to have him turn to Storm God.

[] Ask the Shaitan to help us thoroughly examine the Adamantine Golem for traps or problems before purchasing a scroll to Awaken it and diplomance it.

[] Summon the independent Artificer Uniila that acted against you on many an occasion, in revenge for taking her sister captive and bound by powerful magics.
-[] Apply divination beforehand on a very minor chance she doesn't have a Mindblank.
--[] If she doesn't, plan around the fact accordingly (more Divination).
-[] Summon in Snare, with all Companions avaliable present - utilising Rings of Spellbattle to maximum counterspelling effect, while bombarding with all spells capable of non-lethal takedown.
--[] Apply additional precautions, like setting spell Refusal upon the place.
--[] Have the entirety of the cage surrounding the summoning circle covered in Hardened stone - rendering the metal beneath it immune to effects that would otherwise instantly corrode or melt through it, like the blood of the Fiends you fought over the Mercury Lake.
--[] Also make sure to be ready to act against any effects that may block line of sight - like a smoke bomb, for example.
---[] Have the casting Companions circled around the Snare's summoning circle, so as to ensure more easily keeping her under fire even if she somehow leaves the circle; or puts up a LoS-blocking effect.
---[] Have the melee Companions spread out around the room in a fashion that would impede Uniila from running in any direction if she manages to escape the circle and the cage- have a Companion capable of intercepting and swording her in moving distance, ideally also intercrossing each-other's segments of the room, so that they could attack from several angles.

-[] Run some inference and Divination to learn about the doings of Chosen of Warrior (Brienne of Tarth).
--[] Possibly supply her further, now that we are in a ceasefire, but only given she doesn't show any signs of having an inclination to actively undermine us (it is inevitable she'll be fighting and doing the will of the Warrior, so it but makes sense for us to ensure she succeeds in defending Seven Kingdoms from threats... that aren't us).
--[] Maybe share with her the information on WInter, Illithids, Daemons etc., if she shows herself being reasonable and cooperative?

[] Have some more Heart Trees grown:
-[] Healing Tree for Lady Phassen in Myr
-[] Healing Tree for Relath in Tolos
-[] Healing Tree for the Sealord in Pentos
-[] Healing Tree for Riz'Neth in the Snake Port
-[] Healing Tree for Bloom in Skane
-[] Healing Tree for Salladhor Saan in the Basilisk Isles
-[] Commerce Tree for the Sealord in Braavos
-[] Seven Trees in the hills of Andalos
-[] Healing Tree in the Opaline Vault in the gods district
--[] A source of constant Daylight for the tree has to be bought, or permanently enchanted (via diamond dust and excessive CL) onto the tree.
--[] Take care to inform the officials of the particularities the holy trees of Old Gods hold, and the depth to which their roots go - so as to ensure that you do not inadvertedly damage anything.
--[] Include a Advanced Druid Creature Lotus Leshy as a caretaker of the tree.
-[] Healing Tree for the Xorn
--[] A source of constant Daylight for the tree has to be bought, or permanently enchanted (via diamond dust and excessive CL) onto the tree.
--[] Include a Advanced Druid Creature Lotus Leshy as a caretaker of the tree.

[] Gather knowledge about followers of Mother Earth across Three Sisters.
-[] With the deal you made with Storm God, it would not go amiss to try and find his partner in an alike way... But the rumors of "blessings" spouted by the people living there, leave dark thoughts behind. It is possible, that whatever remained of faith in Mother Earth, has been extinguished by Deep Ones... Or, perhaps, even turned into something worse.

[] Sacrifice ~700 HD in a grand ritual to turn every existing Weirwood fireproof.
[] Visit your uncle again. You have things to talk about, and people to scheme against.
-[] Specifically visit the Mindblanked god-cave, some of the subjects of the discussion are too important to be left to chance, mind-link or not.
-[] Try to learn if there are any other Ancient Weirwoods that Old Gods remember about, which can be revived similarly to Tree of Age of Dawn. Divination as usual.
--[] Also ask if OGs seek any particular places of interest where raising a Heart Tree will be in our interest.
-[] Ask about Boltons. Their house is said to go way, way back, and unsavory as some practices may be, you are more interested in knowing if you have to keep them and Old Gods away from each-other.
-[] Ask him what his plan was for the Heart Trees that will inevitably be stranded beyond the Wall, completely defenseless and but easy prey once Winter comes in earnest.
-[] Ask about OGs ability to grow/create a vessel for a Wish spell, not unlike the one Tiamat granted for Shadow Dragon... and how much would it cost/how long would it take.
-[] Ask for his/OG's understanding on what would happen if:
--[] We attempt to grow a Weirwood in the Dreamlands.
--[] We attempt to sacrifice the king of the fey court. Would the Old Gods take control or would the court dissolve?
--[] We sacrifice a Lord of Hell to the Old Gods.
-[] Ask OGs what other gods existed in the early age of man, other than the Storm Lord and Mother Earth.
-[] Ask Bloodraven on the current state of affairs in Westeros - how things are going in King's Landing, Lannisters, Robert, reaction of the public to recent events, etc.
--[] Ask if he found any troublesome rumors about the rat-creatures we know to live beneath King's Landing. We left them in peace for now, since Inquisition had more important matters to attend to - but they are still an unknown element, and we wish to know if they are deserving of an immediate action.
-[] AQ:AD (Additional Questions: Ask Duesal)

[] With the truths revealed to you, there is is no more time to wait or be overly careful - Seek meeting with Gith - the forces of illithids upon Plane of Balance can be allowed no quarter - not with their empires spreading upon Broken Heavens itself.

[] Check with Mereth about how Azirah, the first Erynie you resurrected, is doing - she seemed seriously out of herself after the fact.

[] Meet with Lady Uraka in Braavos early in the month to discuss transferring half of your newly emitted coinage and the Silk Note and Glass Scepter reserve into Imperial Vaults.
-[] Then discuss upgrading the Iron Bank's defenses extensively, the construction of a more appropriately sized and defensible branch in Sorcerer's Deep in preparation for eventual transfer of these accounts, and the assignment of an Imperial Herald to guard the Deep Vaults in the interim.

[] Communicate with Danelle. Relay to her, that Djinn of Armun Khellisk have been looking into creatures of Winter, and anything with such a connection may be helpful in learning how to treat the taint most of Winterborn carry these days... Like the connection we noticed her companion has.
-[] If decency of Djinn is not an argument in of itself, give our word that nothing untoward shall happen to her companion. This research going smoothly is in everyone's best interest.
-[] Keep in mind a possibility of offering her an alliance against Deep Ones and/or Tiamat, as well as Sending Stone (for use in critical situation).

[] Start producing and releasing the propoganda with the TrueSpeech Press (a separate vote is needed for exact topics, and targets of distribution)

[] Keep an eye out for Siduri's further report on Efreeti activity - especially so on the Efreeti Vizier's component-gathering convoy.
-[] Also, question the captives from the raid for information on Adamantine Mine - the amounts it produces, the location, the guards, how often it sends out convoys and what routes are usually taken, who works in the mine, if there are any particilar semi-secret mining methods they are aware of, etc etc.

[] Have Malarys and Maelor browse the markets of the Bazaar of Beggars and the City of Brass and let you know about any goods, lore, or even slaves that are unique to the area and that you may be interested in.
-[] Additionaly, have them sufficiently discreetely (to a level not causing suspicions beyond "A mortal wishing for power") inquire about any lore unique to the City of Brass that may be for sale.

[] Use Yss' help to break the connection to pit of the Yaenit Demons you bought out on Heaven.

[] Look into what Armun Kelisk has as an analogue to Opaline Vault's Spire of Wisdom.
-[] Ideally, a deal has to be set up if such an establishment exists, that will mirror that with Spire of Wisdom - but targeting the knowledge we don't already have from there, using our limited supply of commonplace Plane of Balance-lore and Scholarum materials efficienty for this exchange.

[] Make an inquiry on what establishments are responsible for teaching mages in Opaline Vault and Armun Kelisk.
-[] Take a cursory look in how the systems operate, keeping an eye for anything Scholarum can effectively copy and implement (how students are awakened to magic, ingenious use of common spells/rituals in teaching, effective methods, etc.)

[] Have someone sent to the mass grave of Golden Company in Essaria to recover their remains.
-[] Their bodies' carcasses may yet serve a good purpose still, and rotting away there doesn't help anyone for sure - especially with Undead on the rise there. It is prudent to take them away before they are raised as well.

[] Have Lya read the Light of Creation
-[] The secrets of this book have been swaying you ever since you got it... But until recently, you had not the time to even look through it. Yet, with the horrible and grand truths of the Spheres opening to you in these times, it is more important than ever to find what truly lies within the depths of understanding this book may impart.
-[] Have Philosopher's Tree, all avaliable buffs, and reality-shifting magic (Alter Fortune, Bloodwish, Mythic Power. etc.) used to ensure the 3rd tier of understanding is achieved.
--[] Have Melisande assist at parsing through the book's secrets.
--[] If nothing else, ask Benerro's assistance.

[] Ask the Lord Adrian Celtigar about the horn he keeps, one rumored to summon Krakens from the sea.
-[] We'd like to study if the item is magical, and ensure that it bears no taint... for these days one should be careful of most things that come from the sea.
-[] It is possible that we'd buy it out for an appropriate amount of wealth based on it's power/safety if it is magical.

[] Many of your enemies can be used for projects other than simple blood sacrifice. Perhaps now is the best time to be finished with them all at once.
-[] 1 Sorcerer Creature Blood Maiden (to unlock Sorcerer Creature template in Fungus Forge)
-[] 1 Wizard Creature Pleasure Devil (to unlock Wizard Creature template in Fungus Forge)
-[] 1 Desert Devil, 1 Zebub and 1 Sand Devil (to ease the process of Praetorian Project; 6 less Progress needed)
-[] 1 Obsidian Devil (in order to learn to create constructs similar to this en-mass, as a promising weapon against Others)
-[] 1 Advanced Glided Devil Cleric Creature (to unlock Cleric Creature template in Fungus Forge)
-[] 1 Mighty Ghonhatine (to unlock Mighty template in Fungus/Flesh-forge)

[] Reconvene with your most trusted allies and subjects on the matter of Heaven's Fate - and how much of it should be known to general populace.
-[] Arrange a meeting with your Governors and/or Companions and/or Allies.
--[] Decide the exact list when the time comes.
--[] The state of Heaven and the rest of the Spheres was distorted in the system of education of your realm so far - and where Inquisitors shall be informed of the truth regardless, the current students and members of Scholarum, as well as any future ones, may be in need of being brought into the matter slowly/carefully, so as to not cause undue... problems the revelation may hold.

-[] Run some inference and Divination to learn about the doings of Chosen of Smith and his goals, for you cannot afford to be hasty in your judgments on any of them anymore.
-[] Take care to not be noticed in your efforts, since Danelle or Lucan may just visit since ceasefire was settled.
--[] An alarming possibility is that the Chosen of Smith is being manipulated or in league with the Devils, or bankrolled by Tywin Lannister, so caution is to be kept either way.

[] Your Empire faces constant tribulations these days, and it's not likely to ever stop. Still, where mortal hands aren't able, or just aren't there to deal with problems... Beings from outside the Garden may.
-[] Dedicate some of your time usually spent on summoning hostile Fiends to summoning Phoenixes instead.
--[] Summon Phoenixes to act as teachers and tutors for SD's, Tyroshi, Naath, and Tolos Scholarums, as well as teachers for various educational establishments, mental help councilors, and fire-whale collectors (refer to gem-harvest project)
-[] Summon some Preceptor Archons.
-[] Summoning is to be set at 20% from absolute background summoning capacity.

[] With the Outsiders that you plan on summoning this month, a lot of help can be given to those in need...
-[] Have the summoned Preceptor Archons, and some Phoenixes, set up a system of mental help to citizens of your Empire, from deep-routed trauma, to effects of Eldritch magic and Deep Ones' influence.
--[] Leave the general detail to the experts (summons), with obvious exception of them all following the laws of your realm... And not interfering with each-other's work, like those two you met upon broken Heaven.

[] While seemingly a work of vanity, successfully starting an art movement inspired by The Emperor works both as propoganda and provides unparalleled access to the streets of our Empire.

[] Collect on the following:
-[] A book on Green Dragons and Chromatic Dragons in particular, adding on to the Draconis Compendium that Relath and Amrelath have already written.
-[] Histories of the Days of Dawn and the Age of Heroes. (Started: 1 months ago)

[] Have Felzath closely cooperating with House of Mirrors.
-[] A seer of his magnitude can surely be of use, considering that Yss-granted divination is limited in quantity, and the ritual used by House of Mirrors is somewhat limited, albeit still capable when used en-mass.

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[X] Attempt to summon the familiar Fiend of the Efreeti Sorcerer, one that overtook it's master's empty body and ran from you in Valyria.
-[X] Utilise both it's True Name, and the remaining connection of Efreeti's soul (now a book) to the body (using Yss' curse-staff to pierce the Mindblank/summon effectively)
-[X] To be attempted around the start of the 11th month.

[X] Proceed with the binding of several Valyrian dragons:
-[X] Meleys the Red Queen - Zherys, Malarys, or Ceria depending on the desires of the three.
-[X] Caraxes the Blood Wyrm - Zherys, Malarys, or Ceria depending on the desires of the three.

[X] Dany's birthday is coming up this month. You haven't made a habit of missing them, and you're not going to start that now.

[X] Have Vee, Lya and Dany help Selyse Drekelis, and give all necessary support to give birth to Garin's child(ren?)

[X] Make a massive order of Flesh-crafted and Plantforged creatures (needs a vote and discussion)

[X] Do acts necessary to gain the help of the remaining deities you planned to use against Tiamat (6 total, Yss already contributed):
-[X] Goddess of The Silver Moon (use up the Favor)
-[X] Merling King (Sacrifice: Greater Mind Devourer, +more).
-[X] Jazzirian
-[X] Weeping Lady of Lys (use up the Favor - needs to be met first)
-[X] Old Gods

[X] Ascertain the reliability and the trustworthiness of remaining high-standing mages of Mysterium (the Necromancer, The Fire Caller (Summoner ~7+ level), etc)
-[X] Ensure the gathering of the magical and non-magical lore gathered by Mysterium as per regular Scholarum rules, as well as swift integration of the existing system into one set by our Empire.

[X] Collect on the research done by Shaitan Spire of Wisdom, as a first joint research project between your Empires.
-[X] A possibility exists of starting on a new, much more massive joint project - but the price for exotic and difficult research would be equally exotic lore from our side (Runecrafting, Qyuburn's Undeath research, Saena's draconic fleshcrafting works, etc...)

[X] Collaborate with Extraplanar Empires in order to further joint understanding of various subjects, magic and common (military) alike:
-[X] Accept the offer from Djinn Order of Cryomancers to hold lectures in Sorcerer's Deep, paying fairly for the privilege of course.
-[X] Collect on the lore necessary for training Djinn Auxiliaries (Mystic Rangers) the Captain of Sultan's Bows offered unilaterally but paying fairly for the privilege.

[X] Have Lya transcribe Battlemagic Perception spell for the Jinn Archmage that helped us against the Efreeti expedition into Valyria.

[X] The collection of lore you gathered is vast indeed... And it's about the time those far from matters supernatural started to profit from it.
-[X] Share the lore and books from your Library with your Vassals and loyal Westerosi lords.
--[X] Share the following:
--[X] Canticle of Decay (Daemons)
--[X] Journals of the Betrayed (Others)
--[X] In Memory of Death (Undead and Vampires specifically)
--[X] Reign of Madness (Illithids)
--[X] The Bitter Cub (Undead)
--[X] Bestiary of the Bizarre (Magical animals)
--[X] Notes on Devils, Fey, Demons, Rakshasa, and other assorted beasties (roughly equal in bonus to Canticle of Decay)
-[X] Make it clear for the Westerosi lords, that not only are they to supply their troubleshooters with this knowledge, but to learn it themselves. In this day and age, nothing less can be asked from a person in power than to know how to recognize the signs of dangers lurking near them.

[X] Visit Armun Kelisk and Opaljne Vault, searching for any mercenaries, crafters, or teachers who might be willing to join our service.

[X] Collaborate with Extraplanar Empires in order to further joint understanding of various subjects, magic and common (military) alike:
-[X] Attempt to set up students' exchange with Shaitan Academy of War (Warmages, Diviners, Officers, and Engineers), and the Guild of Shapers (Magewrights).
-[X] Attempt to set up students' exchange with Djinn Order of Arcane Seal (Abjurant Champions) and Order of Stormweavers (Stormcasters).
--[X] Both Djinn and Shaitan establishments will possibly require specific arguments - if any arise, refer from Diplomacy corps to Viserys directly for hashing out an exact deal.

[X] The lore Lya uncovered within the Light of Creation is truly fascinating... and opens many magnificent possibilities. Still, the first order of business should probably be seeking out similar sources, now knowing what to look for:
-[X] Question the Merling King, perhaps through one of his daughters, if he has such knowledge, and what price would he ask for in return for it.

[X] When visiting Armun Kelisk and Opaline Vault for wares, try to find rare resources:
-[X] Entangle Weed
-[X] Livewood
-[X] Obaddis Leaf
-[X] Cassil
-[X] Djezet
-[X] Voidglass
-[X] Mindglass
-[X] Obdurium
-[X] Serren
-[X] Pearlsteel
--[X] Creatures (bodies are acceptable):
---[X] Roseling
---[X] Strangle Weed
---[X] Cassian Angels
---[X] Choral Angel

[X] Curse the 2 knowledge-keepers of Asmodeus you summoned last month to the same form their wretched cousin from Summerhall resides in.
-[X] Have them thoroughly investigated for anything that can help the group sent to Slavers' Bay, immediately notifying them if any relevant information comes to light - but also keeping an eye out for any other plots of Fiends they may reveal.
-[X] To be done at the start of 11th month

[X] Thoroughly question the Gelugons and the Cornugon of Asmodeus summoned and captured last month.
-[X] Any and all information relevant to the task of the group in Slavers Bay is to be relayed to them immediately- but also search for knowledge of powerful magics, rare resources, or nefarious plots unconnected to Slavers Bay.
-[X] To be done at the start of the 11th month.

[X] With the help of Yss, attempt to summon the Advodaza that once slew Thoros and tried to corrupt Westeros through works of Alchemist Guild.
-[X] Have Yss look back into time to the connection Advodaza's summoning amulet once had (6 in 9 chances of succeeding).
-[X] If successful, commence summoning in The Snare, no matter if dead or captured, this thing cannot be allowed to spread it's influence again, as it without a doubt will try.
-[X] To be attempted around the start of the 11th month.

[X] Ask Jazzirian if he would be able to cleanse the corrupted Rose's of Heaven without changing them closer to his nature - like we assume every god would naturally as a part of the process.

[X] Set up a meeting with either a powerful enough servant or manifestation of Weeping Lady of Lys' power.
-[X] Ask for help against Tiamat, via the empowerment of Well of Souls.

[X] Visit Red Priests of Volantis.
-[X] Get the rest of the lore they have, as per Scholarum rules.

[X] Attempt to come in direct contact with R'hlor, seeking out a presence once met before - or inquiring Melisande/Benerro about setting such a meeting up.
-[X] You have questions to him, and a possibility of an alliance (at the moment - mainly against Tiamat, with R'hlor possibly empowering Well of Souls alongside other Gods of the realm - if we can trust him with this, that is) between you exists, but trusting mere priests' word on the matter as delicate as this simply won't do.

[X] Raise Heart Trees:
-[X] Healing Heart Tree (Panacea, Heart's Ease, Healing Warmth) in:
--[X] Stepstones:
---[X] Western Disputed Lands
---[X] Southern Disputed Lands
---[X] Northern Disputed Lands
---[X] The Daughters March
---[X] Eastern Flatlands
--[X] Greater Pentos:
---[X] Western Flatlands
---[X] Velvet Hills
---[X] Nontelos
--[X] Greater Braavos:
---[X] Sweetwater
---[X] Morrogos
---[X] Braavosi Coast
--[X] Greater Volantis:
---[X] Volantis
---[X] Volon Therys
---[X] Orange Shore
---[X] Valysar
---[X] Eastern Disputed Lands
---[X] Selhorys
---[X] Volon Sar
--[X] Northern Valyria:
---[X] Painted Mountains
-[X] Tree of Crows (Positive Energy Aura, Ancestral Gift, Summon Ancestral Guardian) in:
--[X] Nightfort (castle of Nightwatch)
--[X] The Shadow Tower (castle of Nightwatch)
-[X] Philosopher's Heart Tree (Discern Lies, Tongues, Wisdom of the Ages) in:
--[X] Naath (Scholarum branch)
--[X] Tyrosh (Scholarum branch)
--[X] Mantarys (Scholarum branch)
--[X] Volantis (Mysterium/Scholarum branch)
--[X] Tolos (Scholarum branch)
-[X] Total: 26 Tier-3 Hear Trees, the equivalent of 520 CL of items or 1404 HD of sacrifices necessary.

[X] It is long past the time to meet and deal with Faceless Men of Braavos.
-[X] They are a part of the realm now - and so as they fall under the laws of Scholarum, they shall submit all the lore they have.
--[X] Ensure all the lore of Faceless Men is submitted to review.
--[X] Trade for artifacts and/or magic items, if they possess any.
-[X] And while we are at it... Their organization shall either have a tight set of limits on what they can do within the confines of your Empire - or have no place in it at all. We cannot afford the unaffiliated cult of Assasins running around.
--[X] Talk to the leadership of the Faceless Men, and try to find a middle ground - we'd waste far too much time purging them, after all, and there will always be better targets to turn their ire towards, than mere mortal men.

[X] If at all possible, attempt to set up a personal meeting with the Traitor-General of Yi-Ti.
-[X] General purpose: raising awareness on the matters of Golden Company, Illithids, Devils, Bloodstone Emperor acting actively and Long Night coming - ensure that he sees the true dangers to his people - and doesn't interfere with our coming war with Golden Company.

[X] Make sure to take some time to look over the marriage law and the inheritance-related laws of the Emperium.

[X] Have a personal meeting with the Chosen of Smith.
-[X] Extensively divine irregular points of interest about him and his works - just in case, since one favored by Smith can prepare far more of a trap than a regular cleric.
--[X] Check his supply routes, from where he gets the materials for enchanting - and the people he interacts with along the way, including those he gives the items to, and who gave him the order of Dragon-slaying weaponry. Such spell as Hindsight may come especially in handy if he interacted with someone protected by Mindblank, giving us at least a clue to investigate.
--[X] With Chosen of Crone having been helping him, also try to affect the same general points about her and сompany she keeps.
---[X] Learn the interests and priorities of Chosen of Crone, the people they keep company with - a usual thorough investigation in search of clues for a possible trap.
-[X] If no suspicious activity is detected via divination, meet with him - the focus of the meeting is to set up at least mild relationship with the Chosen, and ensuring he focuses on bigger threats to people of Westeros than us.
--[X] Sharing with him our wast array of Lore on Enemies of All (Devils, Demons, Daemons, Others, Illithid, Fey, Rakshasa, Tiamat, etc.-) is a big aspect of this. There is also the potential of directly sponsoring him (see: Warrior's Chosen) if all goes well...

[X] Have Divinations run targeting Denys Mallery - ensuring his safety wherever his father decides to send him.
-[X] It might be a good idea to visit him as the cleric of the Earth Mother in person (be it in reality or but a dream) - in the light of the deal you set up with the Storm God, he is your best chance at reaching his patron... And, perhaps, ensuring that her blessings spread far and wide, ensuring both her and your realm's prosperity.

[X] By sending people to look into Tiamat's Shadow Fortress, you are no doubt setting a very difficult task before them - even if they aren't there to actually get in, but just to learn the plans and a quick way to enter later.
-[X] At the start of the 11th month, ask Undead of Sallosh to assists Melisande, Shadow!Tor and Anu in their task, if only because one of the guarding measures seem to be engaged Undead of their long-lost nation.

[X] Have a report on activities of Court of Stars, and the progress on the task we left him on, by Candlekeep Courtier.

[X] Check the Lys' Flesh-forge's Feywild reflection.
-[X] If possible, have it brought under Imperial supervision and protection, given a possibility of it being able to repeat the feats of Mossforge - but from a whole new angle, so fitting the Feywild it resides in.
--[X] If the situation "on land" proves to be in any way volatile, contact Viserys.

[X] Use Discern Location, Greater Scrying, and Greater Teleport to find and deal with the Wisps that you encountered so long ago in swamps of Braavos... One way, or another.
-[X] It'll be a very short trip for someone of Viserys' power these days unless the Wisps take care to reside in local Feywild.

[X] Ask Siduri for True Names of Devils serving Dispater. Having saved Zathir, and taken Siduri's oath, you all but ensured your eventual enmity. Once he openly makes a move against you, you will have just as little left to lose with him, as you do with Mammon.
--[X] Take care to learn the names of Devils most likely to operate on Plane of Balance, or otherwise hurting our interest, via divination and interference with other sources (Uniila, Erynies, other captives), and target them first if a move is made against you. Continue operations as standard from there, with the questioning of captured Devils leading further into dismantling their operating cells to a maximally available degree.

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Yeah, alright, I have no right to weigh in on this discussion.

 

[Azel]

Were we supposed to make a huge amount of progress in less than three months? I can understand some parts of your earlier argument, but not this one.

We're having fun, and that's what matters.

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You are having fun.

The reason I'm vocalizing my issues is that there are very few regular faces left here and you constantly have to nag people into voting for the one option that exists.

So, maybe other people don't have that much fun anymore?

 

[Goldfish]

You are having fun.

The reason I'm vocalizing my issues is that there are very few regular faces left here and you constantly have to nag people into voting for the one option that exists.

So, maybe other people don't have that much fun anymore?

Click to shrink...

Could be. The quest has been going on for nearly four years and a lot people still read it, though we don't have as many active participants as we used to.

It's true that there aren't often contested votes. A lot of that is due to the cooperative nature of those who do still participate actively. We come up with plans and alter them based on everyone's opinion rather than fighting over diametrically opposed options. Personally, I don't mind being part of a smaller group, as it makes the quest feel more like a long running gaming group.

I do hope everyone who reads and participates is having a good time.

 

[Tomcost]

I'm having a wonderful time. It just happens that this past year I've been working 10 to 11 hours a day sometimes and I can't contribute.

I still do read all the updates, and try to contribute when I strongly disagree with a particular vote.

 

[Crake]

I wouldn't mind taking a break if it meant some fresh perspective was offered more often by other posters.

 

[egoo]

Alright.
Say, we cut down on (any further past this month) Minor Actions in a major way.
Say, we come back to reasonably lengthy plot-arcs, with most of the stuff like travelling PoW being swept into the "background actions"-category, the one that doesn't even have mentions on-screen, it's just "handled".

What do we do about a phantasmagorical amount of road-trips we send our minions off on, and all the RAs being done, etc.?
The "chapter-interlude-chapter"-daily routine seems to be taking a lot of screen-time for comparatively little gain, @DragonParadox usually has to force himself through writing about 30% of those if my observations are correct.

 

[Miriam]

For what it's worth, I don't comment much, but I'm having fun. I do think that all of these different balls y'all are juggling might be a tad overambitious but if those writing them feel they're up to them, I say more power to them. I do like the rich narrative that has been created and the worldbuilding that's been expanded past GRRM's stories. I actually prefer it to the original ASOIAF at this point.

As for the contested votes, I would love to see more plans, but the cooperative plans also seem to work well, so I have no strong objections to how that is working.

And as someone who loves this story enough that I tried to essentially make my own (before realizing how hard that was), I'm pretty satisfied as long as the writers are satisfied.

 

[T_of_A]

I agree with Azel about story beats, enemies waiting for us to attack, flash-worldbuilding all at once, and Viserys repeating the "meet/chat/win" formula.

Conveniently, all of these things can be solved the same way : more proactive enemies messing up our schedule. Still, this isn't news to anyone, and I have typed the same comment in the past.

Whatever. I am still having fun, still like reading this, and still like a huge swathe of our massive cast of characters + DP's world building.

On another note, I disagree with the idea that "we have fewer regular posters". I can literally count the big posters who vanished on one hand, AFAIK. Looking at who has posted a lot in this thread, most seem to still be around.

Oh, and cutting down on the minor a ton bloat sounds good. I love all the character piece interludes, but maybe we could offscreen more stuff? Or simply make turn votes to focus on one thing each month, assuming the enemy won't start to mess up our turn plans?

Efreet and GC are the big enemy right now. Devils, Deep Ones, Void and all that? Those are obviously still around and should be popping up in secondary interludes and Inquisition a toons, but seeing as their plans are more long-term there's nothing stopping us from focusing the narrative away from them for a few months if needed.
Rinse and repeat.

 

[Goldfish]

What do we do about a phantasmagorical amount of road-trips we send our minions off on, and all the RAs being done, etc.?
The "chapter-interlude-chapter"-daily routine seems to be taking a lot of screen-time for comparatively little gain, DP usually has to force himself through writing about 30% of those if my observations are correct.

Click to shrink...

I get the impression that DP enjoys writing the interludes. They're much more freeform and let him explore other characters and events without us overly influencing things before he can finish them. We have had some really great interlude arcs lately.

 

[egoo]

but maybe we could offscreen more stuff?

Click to shrink...

I really tried my best to shuffle more things into such a category lately.
We seem to mostly have ran out of MAs to do, however, so that's a moot point for now.

Diplo-corps help, but they aren't extraplanar enough to shuffle the stuff we are doing right now to them.
Maybe in 4-6 months, after the organization gets really experienced, and/or we equip our diplomats with fuck-off-huge boosters...

 

[Goldfish]

Efreet and GC are the big enemy right now. Devils, Deep Ones, Void and all that? Those are obviously still around and should be popping up in secondary interludes and Inquisition a toons, but seeing as their plans are more long-term there's nothing stopping us from focusing the narrative away from them for a few months if needed.
Rinse and repeat.

Click to shrink...

I wouldn't mind focusing on the Efreeti and GC, along with Devil shenanigans in Slaver's Bay, while quietly preparing for a war with the Deep Ones a year or more from now. We clearly aren't their priority, either.

We don't have a definite time table for that like we do the Efreeti, and de-prioritizing them for now shouldn't be difficult narratively. It would also give us reasonable time to build trust and further affiliations with the Plane of Water and Githzerai, so that we can have them as allies in that coming war.

 

[Crake]

We did unfortunately miss out on what could have been a great story arc with Harras Harlaw going motherfucking hard on some Deep Ones.

 

[Takesis]

I am enjoying the quest still. I just have been hooked on a mobile game, so less participating but I still read the chapters a lot.

I really hate having messed up schedules, so please no surprise attacks when we actively have the House of Mirrors check for them.

I really do agree though that the goals seem ludicrous. Please deal with threats one at a time, focus on one enemy first and not try to fight all fronts...

 

[Azel]

Could be. The quest has been going on for nearly four years and a lot people still read it, though we don't have as many active participants as we used to.

It's true that there aren't often contested votes. A lot of that is due to the cooperative nature of those who do still participate actively. We come up with plans and alter them based on everyone's opinion rather than fighting over diametrically opposed options. Personally, I don't mind being part of a smaller group, as it makes the quest feel more like a long running gaming group.

I do hope everyone who reads and participates is having a good time.

Click to shrink...

Honestly, after reading this exact same post for years, I'm kinda running out of things to say about it.

Why do you always feel the need to immediately push back against criticism as soon as it comes up? That's not helping everyone to have a good time.
That's helping to homogenize the thread further, to push out dissenters and to ensure everything keeps moving in the same direction.

But apparently that's what you want. So...

On another note, I disagree with the idea that "we have fewer regular posters". I can literally count the big posters who vanished on one hand, AFAIK. Looking at who has posted a lot in this thread, most seem to still be around.

Click to shrink...

I'm also considering smaller posters there and I do think back a lot further then half a year. The process has been on-going for a while.

 

[Duesal]

I agree with Azel about story beats, enemies waiting for us to attack, flash-worldbuilding all at once, and Viserys repeating the "meet/chat/win" formula.

Conveniently, all of these things can be solved the same way : more proactive enemies messing up our schedule. Still, this isn't news to anyone, and I have typed the same comment in the past.

Whatever. I am still having fun, still like reading this, and still like a huge swathe of our massive cast of characters + DP's world building.

On another note, I disagree with the idea that "we have fewer regular posters". I can literally count the big posters who vanished on one hand, AFAIK. Looking at who has posted a lot in this thread, most seem to still be around.

Oh, and cutting down on the minor a ton bloat sounds good. I love all the character piece interludes, but maybe we could offscreen more stuff? Or simply make turn votes to focus on one thing each month, assuming the enemy won't start to mess up our turn plans?

Efreet and GC are the big enemy right now. Devils, Deep Ones, Void and all that? Those are obviously still around and should be popping up in secondary interludes and Inquisition a toons, but seeing as their plans are more long-term there's nothing stopping us from focusing the narrative away from them for a few months if needed.
Rinse and repeat.

Click to shrink...

The minor action bloat is something I've spoken up against time and again, yet there's an insistence to continue covering this IC instead of relegating it OOC. The results are pretty clear. As Azel said, the quest slowed to an absolute crawl.

 

[Goldfish]

We did unfortunately miss out on what could have been a great story arc with Harras Harlaw going motherfucking hard on some Deep Ones.

Click to shrink...

That entire chain of events seems like it would have been a great interlude arc.

Y'all want to ask DP to move out focus away from the Deep Ones as an immediate threat/goal in the next few months? We've done a lot of build up with them in mind, but little of it that can't simply be justified as securing our defenses against threats we know to exist.

There is plenty of other stuff for us to focus on more thoroughly, after all. I certainly wouldn't mind getting more involved with the Efreeti war.

 

[T_of_A]

Another idea : the narrative would feel a lot less crowded if we did not have Viserys do so much random stuff each month.
For example the current plane of water stuff is fun, but also feels very disjointed by its very nature. We could have sent underlings and gotten a report, or something... Or just focused on a single city, or something.

What if we focused Viserys and companions on a smaller number of big projects, instead of a big number of small ones? We can fix this ourselves without even getting DP into it, just by making the turn plan with this in mind.

 

[Crake]

I'm just gonna say I'm fine with whatever. I know that's really not helpful, but I work full time as it is and there's only a handful of things I truly care about, so I don't feel like my "voice" should drown out other people, wants, or inclinations, though I also don't feel like anyone is actively "pushing out" other voices or shouting anyone down. Maybe that's happening, I can't sincerely claim to be watching out for that.

 

[Goldfish]

Why do you always feel the need to immediately push back against criticism as soon as it comes up? That's not helping everyone to have a good time.
That's helping to homogenize the thread further, to push out dissenters and to ensure everything keeps moving in the same direction.

Click to shrink...

Huh? I have never interpreted my actions like that. My apologies if that's how I come across.

I just respond to comments, especially if they were made in response to something I already said or something I'm interested in.

 

[Azel]

Another idea : the narrative would feel a lot less crowded if we did not have Viserys do so much random stuff each month.
For example the current plane of water stuff is fun, but also feels very disjointed by its very nature. We could have sent underlings and gotten a report, or something... Or just focused on a single city, or something.

What if we focused Viserys and companions on a smaller number of big projects, instead of a big number of small ones?

Click to shrink...

Just to explain the funny rating. This exact thing is what I tried to do when I designed the action system the thread is still using.

It was immediately hollowed out to allow for ludicrous amounts of minor actions because nobody wanted Viserys to be unable to do not at least 10 different things a month.

 

[Duesal]

That entire chain of events seems like it would have been a great interlude arc.

Y'all want to ask DP to move out focus away from the Deep Ones as an immediate threat/goal in the next few months? We've done a lot of build up with them in mind, but little of it that can't simply be justified as securing our defenses against threats we know to exist.

There is plenty of other stuff for us to focus on more thoroughly, after all. I certainly wouldn't mind getting more involved with the Efreeti war.

Click to shrink...

That just goes further in the direction of stomping on my SOD. The Deep Ones are massively overdue to attack us already. The longer they are quiet the more I wonder what the hell they're waiting for. If they wait even longer the only thing that makes sense is them spending all this time planting those psionic sleeper agents and Flesh Forging utterly massive armies in preparation in response to our movements.

I'd be ecstatic if this turns out to be the case, because narratively the Deep Ones would start making sense as enemies rather than being tucked away neatly into a box until we need them onscreen.

Just to explain the funny rating. This exact thing is what I tried to do when I designed the action system the thread is still using.

It was immediately hollowed out to allow for ludicrous amounts of minor actions because nobody wanted Viserys to be unable to do not at least 10 different things a month.

Click to shrink...

Yeah, the minor actions are the most responsible for how slow the quest ended up getting.