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

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zxzx24 said:
According to the map we have some pretty substantial gardens around dragons roost.

Hm. What would we even put in there? Phase spiders? Dinosaurs?

Hm...


Maybe we can get some of these things.
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Yeah, but those gardens will pale in comparison of both scope and quality.

Also, I'm all for Quickling Cactus-Leshies.
 
Does anybody know of a template that gives perform as a skill?

Oddly enough bard creature template doesn't do that...
 
DragonParadox said:
Sounds feasible, though it will take research to ensure everything is layered into a coherent whole.
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Excellent. We'll have the best wards ever. Ideally we can start poking around for Celestial and Fiendish wards but I honestly doubt we'll get access to those in a timely fashion, so Genie wards it is.
Azel said:
We used to make buildings with a discount of between 90% and 99% of the nominal construction cost, and we buy most metals at 1/1000th the price. Add to that that we can make literally impossible things, like making stained glass windows out of pure and perfect gemstones the size of a grown man...

The nominal value of the building itself, without land price, will probably be in the range between 40 and 400 billion €. Which isn't even taking into account the value of all those parks and gardens.

Which reminds me that we need to add a small legion of Leshy gardeners, truly exotic animals and so on and so forth.
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Regarding the Imperial Gardens, we're thinking a seamless blend of Prime Material and Extra-Planar creatures, right? For Prime Material I can dig up all the best exotic animals you'd keep in a garden (no predators, unfortunately). Between Westeros, Essos, Sothoryos, and the Summer Islands there are plenty of things that'd look great. Exotic birds, monkeys, tiny dinosaurs, etc.
 
Duesal said:
Regarding the Imperial Gardens, we're thinking a seamless blend of Prime Material and Extra-Planar creatures, right? For Prime Material I can dig up all the best exotic animals you'd keep in a garden (no predators, unfortunately). Between Westeros, Essos, Sothoryos, and the Summer Islands there are plenty of things that'd look great. Exotic birds, monkeys, tiny dinosaurs, etc.
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Considering the size of everything, we could include a few closed predator habitats.

Though I'm more in favour of making smart predators that double as security, such as a large school of Tuogou's living in the waters.

Also, Magebred and Advanced for everyone!
 
Azel said:
Considering the size of everything, we could include a few closed predator habitats.

Though I'm more in favour of making smart predators that double as security, such as a large school of Tuogou's living in the waters.

Also, Magebred and Advanced for everyone!
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Smart well-fed predator guards sound great. 👍 They'll keep the animals and the guests in line.
 
Made a very rough mockup of the palace.

 
Does anyone know where the pictures of the graphical layout of Sorcerer's Deep are located?
I've been searching through the informational tab for them in order to get a sense of scale for the capital's building projects but I couldn't find them.

Edit: Nevermind. I found them in the Media tab.
 
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Adhoc vote count started by DragonParadox on Apr 23, 2020 at 10:46 AM, finished with 93 posts and 18 votes.
  • [X] Empire Day
    -[X] We will spend up to 100,000 IM on official state-sponsored celebratory events across the Imperium for the celebrations.
    -[X] We will announce first over Realm-wide broadcast, including our newly placed MirrorVision sets, both the holiday celebrations and the intent of the realm to grant non-essential or militarily engaged personnel to be granted leave for a day to partake in the events. Law Enforcement will likely be out in force still, but they like the Legion will likely be included in catering and feasting of some sort (and the Inquisition will likely be working overtime and granted commiserate pay for the inconvenience).
    -[X] State of the Realm: A news segment by Viserys playing off someone else to illuminate the people on what is currently happening, what has been done, and what will be done, sometimes it is a Companion, other times a vassal or high official. Today he will be speaking with Governor-General Ferrego Antaryon and Embra Rebys, if she should be available. The Sealord and Viserys have been through many things together, had ups and downs, though Ferrego has remained rather sanguine about most of the rougher portions. You think that he saw Viserys in a completely different light the day he voluntarily entered exile for Braavos' sake. In a strange way, you are as much friends as either could be given your respective positions, an ironic foil to Zherys in Volantis given all the similarities reflected in him, not that either would care to mention it. As for Embra, she equally compliments the subjects of today, and is a public darling already.
    -[X] Security: "The recent troubles brought on to sailing and shipping have not escaped my notice, and we will soon have viable responses to sudden and inclement weather that strikes upon the more vulnerable southern and northern routes, even despite use of divination to ensure safe travel." You will go over some of the details of the Moonchaser, using illusions to display some of its capabilities. You will also announce the creation of the Wyvern/Hastati variant, cheaper patrol craft who can ensure decent coverage for the Imperium's airspace without sacrificing combat capability. The more common Wyvern/Principes has already contributed to the War of Three Realms extensively given their relative newness as a combat arm, and you are always looking to innovate in order to better aid your allies, the Djinn.
    -[X] Religious Unity: "Many of you might have been subject to a moment of panic earlier in the last month, when a vibrant display of light flashed across the sky, prismatic and shifting colors. Worry not, for this is as much a cause for celebration as anything else. A guardian of life, an architect of innovation, and a stalwart friend to the realm has made their official entrance to the world stage." Go over some of the efforts Zathir has involved himself with, from creating a culture of education in Sorcerer's Deep that has contributed to making it one of the most comfortable, equitable and wealthy places to live, as well as among the safest. Then expand from the segment seamlessly into the efforts to raise the Sept of Reconciliation, a illusory panning of the dashing Seven Swords wielding their blades of Valyrian Steel, all to your knowledge quite involved in the community. Finish the segment with the easy cooperation between the Scholarum of Volantis and the Red Faith, their great cleansing of the fire-tainted manse earlier last month as well as efforts to rebuild it into a library to educate the people living there on the otherworldly. You will also of course mention the Grand Temple also recently constructed in Sorcerer's Deep and the charitable works they have conducted in the intervening months since the Conquest of Tyrosh.
    -[X] Realm Policy: Segway from that last portion into your intent to make public education at a primary level free and widely available across the Imperium, trying to go over some of the numbers, mostly for the sake of landowners and the more educated on why, with the extensive use of ritual lore, given there is less need for working hands in the fields, the youth of today will have more opportunities to improve themselves in ways that were previously unavailable to them, as well as the realm's rather streamlined recruitment efforts or the resources thrown into opening up the private sector to those seeking workers for equitable terms.
    -[X] Finance: You will go on to outline several improvements to the realm's fiscal policy made over the last several months, as well as the opening of recent branches of ACSEC and its effect on the winds of trade, from actual percentages to those who can follow the terms to more tangible benefits, goods that have been made available in different parts of the realm, almost common these days, when before they could be somewhat rare, not through mighty sorcery for the most part, though that contributed somewhat, but the sheer organization and logistics behind it all, directing trade with such ease as never before.
    -[X] Foreign Relations: You will outline some of the ongoing negotiations between Lorath, Saath and Omber, the warm welcoming from even as far south as the Summer Isles and entwined fortunes of Ibben, to the arrival of the Trade Fleet to the port of Yin. You will also spend some time discussing improving relations with some of the realms of Marid and the injection of skilled workers from Vialesk and other parts yet unknown to the world, going over their culture somewhat with the help of Embra, who has to have studied this extensively over the centuries, and then turn from that to your own diplomatic efforts with Armun Kelisk and the Opaline Throne, institutions trading technical knowledge and research already. Thank Embra sincerely for her various civic contributions over the last year, she has been a delight to work with.
    [X] Have festivities organized for the construction of the Temple of Unity and the Imperial Palace.
    --[X] Temple of Unity
    ---[X] To be build on the Bazaar - City Hall - Baths axis, halfway between the public baths and the Imperial Highway.
    ---[X] The temple will house shrines of every deity that is legal to worship in the Imperium, with larger shrines for those of greater favor or importance and smaller shrines for those of lesser prestige. All priests can freely preach in this temple, but they must maintain the peace, lest the guard contingent of Legionaires having to act.
    ---[X] The center of the temple is a huge dome constructed from steel and stained glass windows, depicting a city, it's surrounding rural lands, the sea and the people living there. They all toil and live and harmony, with groups of them praying before shrines and altars being prominently depicted. This dome is held up by marble pillars.
    ---[X] Beneath that, the floor is a mosaic depicting the known world with prominent cities being highlighted and named, above all of them Sorcerers Deep.
    ---[X] Around the central dome will rise smaller domes, which in turn divide into smaller and smaller domes, giving the building a certain fractal quality with each space subdividing into smaller spaces.
    ---[X] The four largest of these domes will flow into long, colonnaded hallways that serve as the entrance of the temple. The smaller domes will hold the shrines of the major deities, while alcoves in the hallways are meant for small shrines of lesser deities.
    ---[X] The whole building is surrounded by lush gardens which are well kept near the pathways, but take on a more wild and natural shape further away from them.
    ---[X] Budget: 100,000 IM
    --[X] Imperial Palace
    ---[X] To be built on the Bazaar - Temple of Unity axis, beyond the Imperial Highway and the small river brook flowing there.
    ---[X] There are three main segments, the Outer Wings, the Palace Hill and the Palace Proper
    ---[X] Outer Wings
    ----[X] There are five wings, each housing mainly governmental functions and some other interests. Outwardly they are identical, with each of them a long oval in shape and pointing away from the Palace Hill like petals from a flower. The buildings will be six stories high and each wing has a inner courtyard that is organized in terraces each two stories high. The courtyards are roofed over with steel and glass, housing parks meant for the relaxation for the people working within each wing. In between the wings, further, public parks will be build.
    ----[X] When looking to the palace from the Imperial Highway, the first wing to the left will be focused on industry, housing the main offices of administration branches concerned with industrial development, research and regulation, such as the sky-dock administration, the imperial engineering department, relevant regulatory bodies, business tax offices and so on.
    ----[X] Clockwise follows the wing for trade and logistics, housing the administration of the imperial road and canal network, trade taxation, tariffs and toll administration, the offices for the unified logistics and supply administration of the imperial military and so on.
    ----[X] When looking to the palace from the Imperial Highway, the first wing to the right will be the wing of education and social development, housing the main offices for the education system, penal system, Scholarium offices, the office for the regulation of faiths and so on.
    ----[X] Counter-clockwise follows the judical wing, housing the main offices of the lawmen, Inquisition, court offices, the official legal library of the Imperium and attached legal departments of the other wings.
    ----[X] On the far side of the Palace Hill is the military wing, housing the high command of the Imperial Legions, Imperial Navy and Imperial Airforce, and attached offices for the administration of military installations through the Imperium.
    ---[X] Palace Hill
    ----[X] The Palace Hill is an artificial hill in the middle of the wings and on which rests the Palace proper. It is actually hollow and houses archives, libraries, vaults and storage rooms for high value objects, a small prison for political prisoners and the maintenance and supply infrastructure of the Palace Proper.
    ----[X] The upper floors of the hill are connected by steel and glass bridges to the different wings.
    ----[X] The outer side of the hill is taken up by glass and steel fronts, beneath which some of the most prestigious and lavish offices of the complex can be found. A constant flow of water from the park atop the hill flows over them and into the lavish fountain arrangement that surrounds the Palace Hill.
    ----[X] Housed within the depths of the hill are also the following:
    ---[X] An enormous luxurious kitchen staffed by world or even planar-class chefs and cooks. There will be a literal ice box lined with Blue Ice to keep certain foods cold, and general food storage will be conducted with purification rings in the pantries. It will have numerous ever-burning hearths.
    ---[X] A War Room which will have the main Gemstone Table as the centerpiece.
    ---[X] A Treasury (will specify protections later) which will contain your vast mounds of gold, coin and treasures.
    ---[X] Lya's Library will be moved here, equally huge and with room to grow (will specify protections later).
    ---[X] Lya's workshop will be moved here, equally well-equipped and with facilities for apprentices (will specify protections later).
    ---[X] Extensive piping and steamworks, culminating in the creation of an underground artificial hot-spring to feed into opulent baths throughout the residence.
    ---[X] Palace Proper
    ----[X] When walking up to the palace, one first enters the Great Plaza. It is overseen by a great balcony from which the Emperor gives public speeches.
    ----[X] Next comes the front wing of the palace, which houses the offices of the Imperial Council and the throne room. The throne room is laid out as a oval, with the throne sitting on one end of it, while the other half is made from tiered seating akin to a stadium, where the Imperial Council will sit when court is held. Above that, on balconies, visitors can watch the proceedings. Petitioners have to enter the floor and step before the throne, addressing the Emperor directly while standing in the middle of the council.
    ----[X] The palace then splits into the side wings, which house important guests of state and frame in the inner courtyard. Unlike the outer parks of the Imperial Palace, which are accessible to the public, this park is only accessible by high officials and guests of the crown. In the center of this park is the imperial greenhouse, which is divided into multiple sections and houses plants and small animals from every region of the Imperium and the wider planes.
    ----[X] Behind this comes the back wing of the palace, where the quarters of the Emperor and certain high state functionaries can be found, such as the Companions, Alinor and Gerold Torchwood, and so on.
    ---[X] The palace then splits into the side wings, which house important guests of state, rooms for meetings, banquets and balls, and frame in the inner courtyard. Unlike the outer parks of the Imperial Palace, which are accessible to the public, this park is only accessible by high officials and guests of the crown. In the center of this park is the imperial greenhouse, which is divided into multiple sections and houses plants and small animals from every region of the Imperium and the wider planes.
    ---[X] Included will be an opulent ballroom for hosting grand galas, balls and soirees.
    ---[X] A large museum to play host to curios, artifacts and trophies of war, mostly foes slain in battle.
    ---[X] A massive theater with a Mirror Vision display, for entertainment purposes, with a smaller receiver array in a nearby studio for broadcasting ones.
    ---[X] A Great Hall for hosting feasts.
    ---[X] Viserys will have a solar that would make even Planar rulers envious. There will be a hardened crystal floor, transparent, beneath which is an aquarium housing flesh forged sea life swimming amidst a colorful reef. This will be partitioned off so that beneath the feet of those within only colorful and, relatively, small sea-life swims. One of the walls will display momentos, volumes of books or ledgers, paintings and facades. Another wall will be a separate but contiguous aquarium housing larger and more predatory sea life, such as an elusive lesser sea serpent, also partitioned between specimens. Both will be maintained by servitors in the background, filtered carefully by magic. The desk will be of rare and expensive weirwood harvested from the island itself, furnishings equally lavish. A bank of floor to wall crystal windows will give a splendid view of the palace grounds below and the city beyond.
    ---[X] Budget: 2.0 million IM
    [X] Empire Day preparations
    -[X] We will spend up to 100,000 IM on official state-sponsored celebratory events across the Imperium for the celebrations.
    -[X] We will announce first over Realm-wide broadcast, including our newly placed MirrorVision sets, both the holiday celebrations and the intent of the realm to grant non-essential or militarily engaged personnel to be granted leave for a day to partake in the events. Law Enforcement will likely be out in force still, but they like the Legion will likely be included in catering and feasting of some sort (and the Inquisition will likely be working overtime and granted commiserate pay for the inconvenience).
    -[X] State of the Realm: A news segment by Viserys playing off someone else to illuminate the people on what is currently happening, what has been done, and what will be done, sometimes it is a Companion, other times a vassal or high official. Today he will be speaking with Governor-General Ferrego Antaryon and Embra Rebys, if she should be available. The Sealord and Viserys have been through many things together, had ups and downs, though Ferrego has remained rather sanguine about most of the rougher portions. You think that he saw Viserys in a completely different light the day he voluntarily entered exile for Braavos' sake. In a strange way, you are as much friends as either could be given your respective positions, an ironic foil to Zherys in Volantis given all the similarities reflected in him, not that either would care to mention it. As for Embra, she equally compliments the subjects of today, and is a public darling already.
    -[X] Security: "The recent troubles brought on to sailing and shipping have not escaped my notice, and we will soon have viable responses to sudden and inclement weather that strikes upon the more vulnerable southern and northern routes, even despite use of divination to ensure safe travel." You will go over some of the details of the Moonchaser, using illusions to display some of its capabilities. You will also announce the creation of the Wyvern/Hastati variant, cheaper patrol craft who can ensure decent coverage for the Imperium's airspace without sacrificing combat capability. The more common Wyvern/Principes has already contributed to the War of Three Realms extensively given their relative newness as a combat arm, and you are always looking to innovate in order to better aid your allies, the Djinn.
    -[X] Religious Unity: "Many of you might have been subject to a moment of panic earlier in the last month, when a vibrant display of light flashed across the sky, prismatic and shifting colors. Worry not, for this is as much a cause for celebration as anything else. A guardian of life, an architect of innovation, and a stalwart friend to the realm has made their official entrance to the world stage." Go over some of the efforts Zathir has involved himself with, from creating a culture of education in Sorcerer's Deep that has contributed to making it one of the most comfortable, equitable and wealthy places to live, as well as among the safest. Then expand from the segment seamlessly into the efforts to raise the Sept of Reconciliation, a illusory panning of the dashing Seven Swords wielding their blades of Valyrian Steel, all to your knowledge quite involved in the community. Finish the segment with the easy cooperation between the Scholarum of Volantis and the Red Faith, their great cleansing of the fire-tainted manse earlier last month as well as efforts to rebuild it into a library to educate the people living there on the otherworldly.
    -[X] Realm Policy: Segway from that last portion into your intent to make public education at a primary level free and widely available across the Imperium, trying to go over some of the numbers, mostly for the sake of landowners and the more educated on why, with the extensive use of ritual lore, given there is less need for working hands in the fields, the youth of today will have more opportunities to improve themselves in ways that were previously unavailable to them, as well as the realm's rather streamlined recruitment efforts or the resources thrown into opening up the private sector to those seeking workers for equitable terms.
    -[X] Finance: You will go on to outline several improvements to the realm's fiscal policy made over the last several months, as well as the opening of recent branches of ACSEC and its effect on the winds of trade, from actual percentages to those who can follow the terms to more tangible benefits, goods that have been made available in different parts of the realm, almost common these days, when before they could be somewhat rare, not through mighty sorcery for the most part, though that contributed somewhat, but the sheer organization and logistics behind it all, directing trade with such ease as never before.
    -[X] Foreign Relations: You will outline some of the ongoing negotiations between Lorath, Saath and Omber, the warm welcoming from even as far south as the Summer Isles and entwined fortunes of Ibben, to the arrival of the Trade Fleet to the port of Yin. You will also spend some time discussing improving relations with some of the realms of Marid and the injection of skilled workers from Vialesk and other parts yet unknown to the world, going over their culture somewhat with the help of Embra, who has to have studied this extensively over the centuries, and then turn from that to your own diplomatic efforts with Armun Kelisk and the Opaline Throne, institutions trading technical knowledge and research already. Thank Embra sincerely for her various civic contributions over the last year, she has been a delight to work with.
    ----[X] The palace then splits into the side wings, which house important guests of state and frame in the inner courtyard. Unlike the outer parks of the Imperial Palace, which are accessible to the public, this park is only accessible by high officials and guests of the crown. In the center of this park is the imperial greenhouse, which is divided into multiple sections and houses plants and small animals from every region of the Imperium and the wider planes.
    ----[X] Behind this comes the back wing of the palace, where the quarters of the Emperor and certain high state functionaries can be found, such as the Companions, Alinor and Gerold Torchwood, and so on.
    ---[X] The palace then splits into the side wings, which house important guests of state, rooms for meetings, banquets and balls, and frame in the inner courtyard. Unlike the outer parks of the Imperial Palace, which are accessible to the public, this park is only accessible by high officials and guests of the crown. In the center of this park is the imperial greenhouse, which is divided into multiple sections and houses plants and small animals from every region of the Imperium and the wider planes.
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Part MMMCDLXVIII: Treasures Beyond Price
  • Threadmarks
    • Treasures Beyond Price ​

    First Day of the First Month 294 AC

    The turning of the year is heralded with an air of frantic anticipation, with light and song and olive branches, or so the bards would sing. There are all those things it is true, but also more drinking to go with the feasting you paid for across the realm and somewhat overworked lawmen for when the drinking gets out of hand. In Sorcerer's Deep the fey are out in force, louder and brighter than ever before, none more so than the mischief makers out to make a name for themselves, many apparently looking to catch Glyra's eye. There was a thought that would have once sent a chill down your spine, these days... well it's more of a cool breeze.

    There will doubtless be more chaos abroad tonight thanks to them, but the targets will at least somewhat deserve it in some shape or form and the worst that is likely to come of it is broken bones. The Sealord follows your gaze over the head of a veiled djinn merchant to the wicked-eyed fey juggling flaming balls with a rueful look that says louder than words: Better you than me.

    Of course there is a celebration in Braavos also, lanterns hung upon the prows of serpent boats and in Volantis banners of black and crimson hang upon the ancient Black Walls. So it is in Tyrosh where the Red Priests give praise to R'hllor the Red, in Myr where the Glassmakers' Guild had set out spinning bright figures of glass in all manner of fanciful shapes and in Lys where the forge-guardians move freely through the streets draped in flowers. Even in Lorath, newly accepted into the realm, and distant Sallosh you had made coin available to pay for festivities to mark the day and you do not regret a single penny of them.

    Lost 100,000 IM

    Though for Sorcerer's Deep this celebration may seem akin to the tourney three months past, though this is far more. It is the Empire's Day more than it is yours and you have never been prouder for it, a warm comforting feeling in your chest that you would say is your heart if you did not know that in draconic form it would be the fundamantum, seat of one's breath and elemental power. Generally a feeling associated with a dragon beholding his or her hoard...

    "Try not to fall a asleep atop it now, that would be awkward to explain,"     Varys hisses slyly in your thoughts. Traitor that she is she also projected the thought aloud, to judge from Dany's giggle and the smiles on Garin, Lya and even Vee's faces. Ser Richard manages to maintain his composure, though from the gleam in his eye you suspect it a hard-fought battle.

    Jests aside you are very much awake standing in front of the mirror projector, aware that countless citizens are watching across the realm through newly installed mirror. At your left sits Embra Rebys, more than happy to help spread glad tidings in silvered glass and to your right the Sealord, the Governor-General in the formal parlance of the wider Empire.

    Much had changed since that day you and Dany had come to present yourselves before him for the first time, though not perhaps from the day you had gone into voluntary exile from Braavos. That had been the day Ferrengo Antaryon had begin to see you as something more than just another player of the game of kings and princes, an ally to be trusted. More than that perhaps, you would go so far as to call him a friend as much as your respective positions allow.

    You begin with the matter of security: "The recent troubles brought on to sailing and shipping have not escaped my notice, and we will soon have viable responses to sudden and inclement weather that strikes upon the more vulnerable southern and northern routes, even despite use of divination to ensure safe travel." Continuing with an figment illustrated presentation of the Moonchaser and wyverns, including the cheaper Hastati variant of the craft that is to be providing much of the aerial security of the Empire without sacrificing combat power. The more common Princeps variant had already contributed significantly to the War of the Three Spheres, particularly considering the relative newness of the design.

    "Goodness yes, you do have a gift for understatement," Embra says cheerfully. "On the time scale the war has been fought it would be as if, hmm... someone designed and built ann entirely new sort of ship between one of your sunsets and sunrises."

    "High praise and I thank you for it, my lady, though it is more properly delivered to Wisdom Lya and the other Scholarum mages who made it possible, mingling old lore from this world and beyond with new innovation. We have forgotten much in these past ages it cannot be denied, but through hard work and perseverance we may yet remember much of it and add to it new arts undreamed."

    The discussion continues in this vein with the Sealord asking many of the questions you would have expected from him, matters of cost, maintenance and infrastructure. He may not be any sort of military commander, but he has a fine eye for logistics, even arcane logistics, that leaves Embra almost shocked, though you doubt most people watching would be able to tell.

    The next bit of news you deliver is likely to have less of an immediate impact on the lives of many citizens, though you suspect it will be more spoken of: "Many of you might have been subject to a moment of panic earlier in the last month, when a vibrant display of light flashed across the sky, prismatic and shifting colors. Worry not, for this is as much a cause for celebration as anything else. A guardian of life, an architect of innovation, and a stalwart friend to the realm has made their official entrance to the world stage."

    You then go over some of the efforts Zathir has involved himself with, from creating a culture of education in Sorcerer's Deep that has contributed to making it one of the most comfortable, equitable and wealthy places to live, as well as among the safest, as well as the ways those innovations will spread to other parts of the Empire in the months and years to come.

    From there you expand from the segment seamlessly into the efforts to raise the Sept of Reconciliation, the Seven Swords bearing spell-steel for a moment present in illusory seeming. Lastly you linger upon the efforts earlier this month between the Scholarum, Volantis and the Red Faith in cleansing the fire-tainted manse of the malice that had cost so many lives, as well as hopeful efforts to rebuild it into a library, that the light of knowledge may shine in place of devouring flames.

    Of course, preserving knowledge is well and good but you need people who can make use of it and that means education on what would have previously been an unimaginable scale. For the sake of the landowners you go over the numbers, explaining how the extensive use of ritual lore requires fewer working hands in the fields.

    The youth of today, you explain, will have more opportunities to improve themselves in ways that were previously unavailable to them and of course many doors opening due to state recruitment. A small part of you wonders if you look a touch absurd talking about 'the youth', being not quite seven and ten yourself, but it has been a while since someone who is not a dragon, deathless spirit... or the Sealord called you young.

    From there you go on to outline several improvements to the realm's fiscal policy made over the last several months, as well as the opening of recent branches of Astral Currents and its effect on the winds of trade, from actual percentages to those who can follow the terms to more tangible benefits, goods that have been made available in different parts of the realm, almost common these days, when before they could be somewhat rare. All this, you hasten to add, was not done through mighty sorcery for the most part, though that contributed somewhat, but the sheer organization and logistics behind it all, directing trade with such ease as never before.

    In regards to foreign policy you outline some of the ongoing negotiations between Lorath, Saath and Omber, the warm welcome from even as far south as the Summer Isles and entwined fortunes of Ibben, to the arrival of the Trade Fleet to the port of Yin.

    Further you also spend some time discussing improving relations with some of the realms of marid and the injection of skilled workers from Vialesk and other parts yet unknown to the world, going over their culture somewhat with the help of Embra. Though she had not studied the realms of the sea-born as much as others she has come prepared for the discussion today, presenting expert accounts of their culture and history in a manner that is neither overwhelming nor alien to most of your watchers. In fact, you suspect many people might find Omber stranger than Vialesk when this is done. You conclude with an account of your own diplomatic efforts with Armun Kelisk and the Opaline Throne, institutions trading technical knowledge and research already shared.

    Lastly you thank Embra and the Sealord for their presence and of course their efforts in helping to build all that you have just spoken of a reality. "And thank you, all citizens of the realm, for all you have done to build the Empire we are all a part of, and all that you shall no doubt do in the days to come."

    What do you do next?

    [] Write in

    OOC: The palace did not fit in this update but it will be covered. There is some really cool fluff there.
     
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  • Threadmarks
    • [X] East and West rumors.

    Let's save the turn vote for the overnight one, so I have time to present the Strategic Turn plan proposal.
     
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    DragonParadox said:
    Treasures Beyond Price ​

    First Day of the First Month 294 AC

    The turning of the year is heralded with an air of frantic anticipation, with light and song and olive branches, or so the bards would sing. There are all those things, it is true, but also more drinking to go with the feasting you paid for across the realm and somewhat overworked lawmen for when the drinking gets out of hand. In Sorcerer's Deep, the fey are out in force, louder and brighter than ever before, none more so than the mischief makers out to make a name for themselves, many apparently looking to catch Glyra's eye. There was a thought that would have once sent a chill down your spine... these days, well it's more of a cool breeze.

    There will doubtless be more chaos abroad tonight thanks to them, but the targets will at least somewhat deserve it in some shape or form, and the worst that is likely to come of it is broken bones. The Sealord follows your gaze over the head of a veiled Djinn merchant to the wicked-eyed fey juggling flaming balls with a rueful look that says louder than words: Better you than me.

    Of course there is a celebration in Braavos also, lanterns hung upon the prows of serpent boats, and in Volantis banners of black and crimson hang upon the ancient walls. So it is in Tyrosh, where the Red Priests raise praise to R'hllor the Red, in Myr where the Glassmakers' Guild had set to spinning bright figures of glass in all manner of fanciful shapes, and in Lys where the forge-guardians move freely through the streets draped in flowers. Even in Lorath, newly accepted into the realm, and distant Sallosh, you had made coin available to pay for festivities to mark the day and you do not regret spending a single penny of it.

    Lost 100,000 IM

    Although for Sorcerer's Deep this celebration may seem akin to the tourney three months prior, this is far more, it is the Empire's Day more than it is yours, and you have never been prouder for it, a warm comforting feeling in your chest that you would say is your heart if you did not know that in draconic form it would be the fundamantum, seat of one's breath and elemental power. Generally a feeling associated with a dragon beholding his or her hoard...

    "Try not to fall asleep atop it now, that would be awkward to explain,"     Varys hisses slyly in your thoughts. Traitor that she is, she also projected the thought aloud, to judge from Dany's giggle and the smiles on Garin, Lya, and even Vee's faces. Ser Richard manages to maintain his composure, though from the gleam in his eye you suspect a hard-fought battle.

    Jests aside, you are very much awake amd standing in front of the mirror projector, aware that countless citizens are watching across the realm through newly installed mirrors. At your left sits Embra Rebys, more than happy to help spread glad tidings in silvered glass, and to your right the Sealord, the Governor General in the formal parlance of the wider Empire.

    Much had changed since that day you and Dany had come to present yourselves before him for the first time, though not perhaps from the day you had gone into voluntary exile from Braavos. That had been the day Ferrengo Antaryon had begin to see you as something more than just another player of the game of kings and princes, an ally to be trusted. More than that perhaps, you would go so far as to call him a friend as much as your respective positions allow.

    You begin with the matter of security: "The recent troubles affecting sailing and shipping have not escaped my notice, and we will soon have viable responses to sudden and inclement weather that strikes upon the more vulnerable southern and northern routes, even despite use of divination to ensure safe travel." Continuing with a figment illustrated presentation of the Moonchaser and Wyverns, including the cheaper Hastati variant of the craft that is to be providing much of the aerial security of the Empire without sacrificing combat power. The more common Princeps variant had already contributed significantly to the War of the Three Spheres, particularly considering the relative newness of the design.

    "Goodness yes, you do have a gift for understatement," Embra says cheerfully. "On the time scale the war has been fought it would be as if hmm... someone designed and built an entirely new sort of ship between one of your sunsets and sunrises."

    "High praise, and I thank you for it, my lady, though it is more properly delivered to Wisdom Lya and the other Scholarum mages who made it posibile, mingling old lore from this world and beyond with new innovation. We have forgotten much from past ages, it cannot be denied, but through hard work and perseverance we may yet remember much of it and add to it new arts undreamed."

    The discussion continues in that vein, with the Sealord asking many of the questions you would have expected from him, matters of cost, maintenance and, infrastructure. He may not be any sort of military commander, but he has a fine eye for logistics, even arcane logistics, that leaves Embra almost shocked, though you doubt most people watching would be able to tell.

    The next bit of news you deliver is likely to have less of an immediate impact on the lives of many citizens, though you suspect it will be more spoken of: "Many of you might have been subject to a moment of panic earlier in the last month, when a vibrant display of light flashed across the sky, prismatic and shifting colors. Worry not, for this is as much a cause for celebration as anything else. A guardian of life, an architect of innovation, and a stalwart friend to the realm has made their official entrance to the world stage."

    You then go over some of the efforts Zathir has involved himself with, from creating a culture of education in Sorcerer's Deep that has contributed to making it one of the most comfortable, equitable, and wealthy places to live, as well as among the safest, along with the ways those innovations will spread to other parts of the Empire in the months and years to come.

    From there you expand from the segment seamlessly into the efforts to raise the Sept of Reconciliation, the Seven Swords bearing spell-steel for a moment present in illusory seeming. Lastly, you linger upon the efforts earlier this month between the Scholarum, Volantis, and the Red Faith in cleansing the fire-tainted manse of the malice that had cost so many lives, as well as hopeful efforts to rebuild it into a library, that the light of knowledge may shine in place of devouring flames.

    Of course, preserving knowledge is well and good, but you need people who can make use of it and that means education on what would have previously been an unimaginable scale. For the sake of the landowners, you go over the numbers, explaining how the extensive use of ritual lore requires fewer working hands in the fields.

    The youth of today, you explain, will have more opportunities to improve themselves in ways that were previously unavailable to them, and of course many doors opening due to state recruitment. A small part of you wonders if you look a touch absurd talking about 'the youth', being barely more than seven and ten yourself, but it has been a while since someone who is not a dragon, deathless spirit... or the Sealord called you young.

    From there you go on to outline several improvements to the realm's fiscal policy made over the last several months, as well as the opening of recent branches of Astral Currents and its effect on the winds of trade, from actual percentages to those who can follow the terms to more tangible benefits, goods that have been made available in different parts of the realm, almost common these days, when before they could be somewhat rare. All this, you hasten to add, was not done through mighty sorcery for the most part, though that contributed somewhat, but the sheer organization and logistics behind it all, directing trade with such ease as never before.

    In regards to foreign policy, you outline some of the ongoing negotiations between Lorath, Saath, and Omber, the warm welcome from even as far south as the Summer Isles and entwined fortunes of Ibben, to the arrival of the Trade Fleet to the port of Yin.

    Furthermore, you also spend some time discussing improving relations with some of the realms of Marid and the injection of skilled workers from Vialesk and other parts yet unknown to the world, going over their culture somewhat with the help of Embra. Though she had not studied the realms of the sea-born as much as others, she has come prepared for the discussion today, presenting expert accounts of their culture and history in a manner that is neither overwhelming nor alien to most of your watchers. In fact, you suspect many people might find Omber stranger than Vialesk when this is done. You conclude with an account of your own diplomatic efforts with Armun Kelisk and the Opaline Throne, institutions trading technical knowledge and research already shared.

    Lastly, you thank Embra and the Sealord for their presence and of course their efforts in helping to build all that you have just spoken of a reality. "And thank you all, citizens of the realm for all you have done to build the Empire we are all a part of, and all that you shall no doubt do in the days to come."

    What do you do next?

    [] Write in

    OOC: The palace did not fit in this update but it will be covered. There is some really cool fluff there. Not yet edited.
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    Here's an edited version of the chapter, DP.
     
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