So what are we going to do for Dany's birthday? Do we want to do it in the new Imperial Palace or some were else? Also what are we doing for our old palace, is it turning into a military base or something else?
 
So what are we going to do for Dany's birthday? Do we want to do it in the new Imperial Palace or some were else? Also what are we doing for our old palace, is it turning into a military base or something else?
In the grand tradition of older brothers teasing their younger siblings, we have to make it something at least a little irritating and funny. Perhaps a useful item that is incredibly frilly and silly looking in its base state? Or a tongue in cheek gimmick gift like a Gremlin Bell with a justification like " we noticed more of them following her around than usual ". :V
 
Interlude DCCLXXIV: Tests of Faith, Trials of Rule
Tests of Faith, Trials of Rule

Second Day of the Frst Month 294 AC

From the outside the old temple of R'hllor appeared no different from dozens of others scattered throughout the old Gilded Quarter, crumbling and empty, just another fading scar of the plague. But if one dared to cross the old iron fence and walk among the willows weeping tears of green besides the too-still pool as indeed dared the trio of visitors who made their way upon the path with evening's growing shadows one might notice something strange.

The ruins did not wear as one might expect the careless hand of time to do so, nor yet the paths so overgrown as to mislead one's steps. Someone had been caring for this place, though not in a way any mortal hand might. Passing under the arch of the temple into the prayer hall beyond Hermetia had expected to see the six-armed woman draped in precious silks, her eyes as bright as coals. What she had not expected to see was the comparatively far more commonplace figure of a red-robed priest sitting on one of the benches and speaking in a low voice. He looked young but very earnest and far less anxious to find himself in the company of a fiend, four fiends counting her escort, but unlike the mistress of this place the black armored warriors did not look it.

"Hail Beatific One and Sage of Swords," she called out formally in the tongue of Hell. She was still working on her vocabulary, but she had gotten most of the formal greetings down well enough to use. After all, she was a great deal more likely to use Infernal in introductions and greetings than to ask for the nearest lavatory. Unless something went terribly wrong at least, the young sorceress did not want to imagine the prospect of asking for a lavatory in Hell.

"And Hail onto thee Keeper of the Pale City," the asura replied in a single voice, one pair of eyes turning to meet hers while the rest remained fixed on the priest. "I shall speak with you presently, once the testing is done..."

Being a curious sort by nature, perhaps more than was entirely wise, Hermetia wanted to ask 'what testing', but that soon became apparent as the fiend proceeded to tempt and prod the young priest with cunning argument and forbidden lore.

Much to her surprise the servant of R'hllor did not waver, meeting argument with argument and temptation with resolve. He even started trying to convert Amala. A daring attempt, she supposed, in the same way it was daring to hunt a tiger with a willow bow.

"Enough," the fiend finally said, though she sounded more amused than frustrated. "You pass, go and tend to the needs of your brothers and sisters in delusion."

"Did you strike some sort of deal with the Red God?" It was a mad notion Hermatia knew, but no madder than the fact that she had two baatezu guards and had taken tea with an alu demon yesterday.

"Yes, he will provide certain boons I desire once I have tested nine hundred and ninety nine of his thralls." Her tone was courteous, but it was clear the asura had no interest in expanding upon what those boons might be.

"I see..." And here I thought my request would seem strange, she thought but did not say. "I came to deliver an invitation to the Kindling Ball three days from now. It is meant to celebrate the varied kindreds that have found themselves at home within the Empire. My thoughts naturally fell upon you, my lady, for there are few beings as unique as you in all the realm."

"How thoughtful of you," three voices spoke as one. "Will there be any duels, any challenges of blood?"

"No, those would not be entirely proper at a ball by local custom," Hermetia replied without batting an eye and rather proud of the fact. "It shall also mark my departure from the city for a while, so I wished it to be memorable."

"A pity. Still, we are curious enough to attend," Amala replied after a moment's thought.

OOC: The reason for the departure is that Hermetia would like to be assigned away from Lys this month, though of course it is up to you guys where you put her.
 
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Or a tongue in cheek gimmick gift like a Gremlin Bell with a justification like " we noticed more of them following her around than usual ".
If we hang out some of those in our city I see two possible reactions:
Glyra accepts the challenge and works around those.
or
They are all gone by tomorrow and the day after that we find a statue of a Gremlin, made of molten bells, with an inscriptions saying "You have to do better than that to stop us".
 
If we hang out some of those in our city I see two possible reactions:
Glyra accepts the challenge and works around those.
or
They are all gone by tomorrow and the day after that we find a statue of a Gremlin, made of molten bells, with an inscriptions saying "You have to do better than that to stop us".
I wasn't thinking she'd actually use them as anything more than a decoration or knickknack , but it could be a problem I suppose. What about giving her a "circlet of office" that is the most overdone bedazzled tiara in existence with a Crown of Blasting enchantment? For when an official function is going on too long.
 
OOC: The reason for the departure is that Hermetia would like to be assigned away from Lys this month, though of course it is up to you guys where you put her. Not yet edited.
We are already voting to put her under Water, as an ambassador, if I read that correctly.

"Yes, he will provide certain boons I desire once I have tested nine hundred and ninety nine of his thralls." Her tone was courteous, but it was clear the asura had no interest in expanding upon what those boons might be.
These are Amala's social skills without any magical enhancements:
Bluff: 19 +5 (CHA) = 24
Diplomacy: 19 +5 (CHA) +4 (Syn) = 28
Intimidate: 19 +5 (CHA) = 24
Sense Motive: 19 +7 (WIS) = 26

I'm betting on a rate of 70-80% failures in her tests for the poor Rh'llorites.
Anyone wants to hold against it?
 
Didn't we discuss sending Hermetia to Vialesk as part of a diplomatic delegation to help establish an embassy there?
 
@Goldfish
Now that she's come up again, did we ever properly equip Amala?
She has weapons from her prior work, but nothing else.
We could give her some basic stuff out of the Armory right now, but we haven't crafted anything specifically for her yet. What kind of Asura is she again? I'll make a note to have some gear made for her this month.
 
So she's upgraded from chemical byproduct from the universe's waste dump to "irritating co-worker".

That's such a huge gulf crossed already though! They'll be best friends in no time if you're using that metric. :V
At this rate, they may be on a first name basis in another two or three years. That's practically an eye blink for either lady.
 
We could give her some basic stuff out of the Armory right now, but we haven't crafted anything specifically for her yet. What kind of Asura is she again? I'll make a note to have some gear made for her this month.
Somewhat costumized Upasunda.
forums.sufficientvelocity.com

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

A Sword Without a Hilt: A Song of Ice and Fire/D&D 3.5 Crossover In a world where magic has all but guttered to ashes, becoming the fare of charlatans, petty conjurers, and ragged illusionists, a mighty change is stirring. From small and fragile sparks a great blaze will be reborn and men will...

Edit: Monk's Belt would be nice for her. So much armor, just like that.
 
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Somewhat costumized Upasunda.
forums.sufficientvelocity.com

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

A Sword Without a Hilt: A Song of Ice and Fire/D&D 3.5 Crossover In a world where magic has all but guttered to ashes, becoming the fare of charlatans, petty conjurers, and ragged illusionists, a mighty change is stirring. From small and fragile sparks a great blaze will be reborn and men will...

Edit: Monk's Belt would be nice for her. So much armor, just like that.
Ah, cool. We can do a lot of good stuff for her with a bit of gear. I'll put her on the docket.
 
Inserted tally
Adhoc vote count started by Goldfish on Apr 26, 2020 at 3:41 PM, finished with 112 posts and 15 votes.

  • [X] They grow up so fast.
    -[X] For the next month, Joran and Ember will train with the Griffin Knights. This is intended not only to further develop his own abilities as a rider, but to also give Ember a chance to learn to fly alongside other aerial allies while allowing her to improve her endurance.
    -[X] If Joran and Ember can do this satisfactorily, and he doesn't fall behind in his academic studies, we will clear him to become a Journeyman mage and equip him and Ember as suits their new station.
    [X] Propaganda
    -[X] The Imperial Times Issue #3: Included in the link is a variation of that logo with a depiction of Viserys in Dragon-form and Planetos guarded by his wings during his rest, depicted upon the title page.
    -[X] Details: The Broadsheets will each have an Arcane Mark differentiated with each Issue #. This will make tracking them with a proper ritual and foci (the Marker key) simple for any properly trained mage or expert. The Broadsheets will be hardened by sorcerous means, the batches not being overly bulky, enough that there's no reason that Viserys couldn't do it himself to maximize potential Hardness rating.
    -[X] Editorials: Continue providing information seeking to inform people of the state of the world, nothing that a well-traveled sailor could not pick up in a port, but purged of the most outlandish inaccuracies and seeking to educate and inform--hopefully the fact that most of what is happening in the world is actually quite riveting when given the right prose will keep people passing it along as-written.
    --[X] Continue with the serialized set of stories and fables, supported by visually expressive art.
    ---[X] They will tell about Fey, the kind we deem acceptable, about how to spot Devil/Demon/Daemon cultists, about the spheres and so on and so forth (the point is twisting the narrative of those supernatural creatures that are seriously affected by it, to more sensible and useful direction, while also giving general population a minimal understanding of basic concepts we want them to know).
    -[X] The Fall of the Golden Company!: The main article will feature our destruction of the Golden Company and the death of the last Blackfyre pretenders in far off Yi-Ti outside the walls of Tradertown.
    --[X] Highlight the multiple factors which allowed us to dominate the engagement, including the Moonchaser's first true combat mission, the Wyverns screaming through the skies, the brave and stalwart Minotaur assault force, our Dragons and Dragonriders, as well as many others who played a pivotal part in the battle.
    ---[X] Conclude the article with a brief recounting of the defeat of an earthly avatar of the Golden Company's dark goddess at the hands of the Dragon King and his loyal Companions.
    -[X] Imperial Airforce: Have a dedicated article that puts a spotlight on the Moonchaser-class ships, the Wyvern-class fighters and the current efforts to expand the force by the construction of the Dauntless.
    --[X] Include an interview with Captain Moonsong and the usual propaganda and recruitment information.
    -[X] Yi-Ti Expedition: After many months at sea, the massive trade fleet composed of Imperial ships and those representing many of our allies has reached the distant port of Yin. A smashing success, the expedition will soon return to Imperial territory by way of magic, the holds of each ship laden with goods from the far east.
    --[X] More than a simple economic triumph, the arrival of the trade fleet also marked the establishment of official ties between the Imperium and the Azure Empire. An embassy will soon be established in Yin that will work to foster even greater ties between the two powers.
    -[X] Announcing the Temple of Unity: Construction will soon begin on a new temple. Rather that being devoted to a single god, however, or an established pantheon such as the Seven, this temple will honor all friendly gods worshiped within the Imperium. It is the hope of the Dragon King that the Temple of Unity will encourage friendship and cooperation not only among the devout, but among the gods themselves.
    -[X] Announcing the Imperial Palace: Not merely a magnificent home befitting the Dragon King, the palace which will soon begin construction is meant to house critical government offices, laboratories, the Imperial treasury, and many other necessities of the state.
    --[X] Along with a brief description, include high quality concept images that will show the palace as it will appear upon completion.
    -[X] Propaganda Posters (Continued from previous issue): Pro-Imperium propaganda along the lines of recruitment for the the imperial institutions—Legion, the Scholarum, the Inquisition, the Imperial Administration, the Diplomatic Corps, etc. These will come in the form of illustrated posters captioned by truespeech.
    --[X] For the Inquisition the posters will be along the lines of security and trust, focusing mainly on the need for citizens to cooperate and share intel for the good of the empire. (the Inquisition recruits on their own, that shouldn't be messed with). The themes of this poster will focus on the various threats that the Inquisition regularly squares off against -- mainly fiends, but also Deep Ones.
    --[X] For the Legion the posters will focus on the need citizens to cooperate, but also on recruitment. These will be images of glory and righteousness, of liberation and justice. Your basic army recruitment stuff, but embellished as much as we can. They'll illustrate how the Legion defends the Imperium, brings law to godforsaken cities, frees whatever slaves they come across, etc. It's a rallying cry to join in, to see the nearest recruiter, etc.
    --[X] For the Scholarum again the need to cooperate, but this one is more an advertisement that they're a legal and certified means of magical expertise, be it for crafting or other things. This could be split in two different approaches—the first being like some university's advertisement, detailing the courses and the resources (geared towards those who are more interested in learning and research), and the second being a call to duty for all eligible mages to rise to serve (this would mirror the Legion posters in a way, with an obviously arcane bent to it).
    --[X] For the Diplomatic Corps and the Imperial Administration the general idea is to portray how vital their jobs are and what lives they touch. For the latter, for example, focus on the imperial works in progress, how the materials are being shipped there, the roads being built to connect the Imperium in full, etc. "One Empire". It basically writes itself.
    -[X] Continue adding to the newly serialized "Monster's Manual", focusing on common threats to the individual regions.
    -[X] "An Exile's Journey, Part Three"
    --[X] The previous part of our tale ended as we freed Mantarys from the yoke of Demons, letting Good Archons take over. We left on good terms, and helped arrange an alliance between the Archons and the Dragon of Tolos against the slavers and harpies.
    --[X] Having Archons on our side let us make stranger allies still. Khal Rhango swore to us, and an Archon joined his khalasar for several months. Unsurprisingly, even the Dothraki could not be the monsters from children's tales when travelling with an Archon, and they pretty much became normal mercenaries, gathering other Dothraki and leading them into a way of life without slavery and with honorable employment as well as honorable battle.
    --[X] We extended the hand of friendship to all who would face the darkness. Westerosi Lords fought devils alongside us after a peaceful meeting in Tarth and in the North, Dothraki fought alongside us against the undead, and we coordinated with the Sealord against more subtle threats.
    --[X] We even struck forth against the enemies of all, seeking out and destroying a Deep One fortress deep beneath the sea after cooperative raids with Tritons. We went forth beyond the Wall to see the army of the dead that stirs in the North and to renew our support of the brave defenders who guard the Realms of men, providing them with supplies, knowledge, but more importantly weapons and sorcery.
    --[X] However, those who stood against all that is just and right faced the Dragon's wrath. Slavers and pirates were burned out of the Stepstones as our Realm grew. When the Westerosi Usurper unleashed wildfire upon the innocent people of Sorcerer's Deep and sent a fleet to murder us, we defeated him utterly.
    --[X] But while we believe that there is hope for the future, we do not forget the past. We journeyed to Essaria the lost, and there we faced the Golden Company, or rather the monsters who bore its name. Having sworn their souls to a dark goddess which had plagued the nightmares of men since the days when Valyria was young, they were awakening the legendary Sleepers of Essaria to join them in worship of the Bitch Queen and aid them in their foul crimes. There we defeated them, casting down their sorcerer-priests and even an avatar of their twisted goddess. Those who had rejected her blandishments and fought for what was right entered our service, while those who fled our wrath vowed to grow deadly and feast upon the innocent once again.
    [X] Military
    -[X] The 1st Legion, "Torchbearers", under command of General Torchwood, along with the Harbinger and three Heralds, and the Dawnstar will subdue and execute the brigands in the Eastern Flatlands. (Martial Law)
    -[X] The 2nd Legion, "Chainbreakers", maintains standing orders.
    -[X] The 3rd Legion, "Brightscales", maintains standing orders.
    -[X] The 4th Legion, "Steel Tigers", maintains standing orders.
    -[X] The 5th Legion, "Silver Sentries", will subdue and execute the brigands in the Eastern Flatlands. (Martial Law)
    -[X] The 6th Legion, "Astral Hounds", will subdue and execute the brigands in the Eastern Flatlands. (Martial Law)
    -[X] The 7th Legion, "Doom Wardens", patrols Mantarys and Draconys.
    -[X] The 8th Legion, "Dawn Guard", parades through Sorcerer's Deep during Empire Day.
    -[X] The 9th Legion, starting to take shape, continues training in Westhaven.
    --[X] Westhaven retrains 6,000 Levies into 6,000 Legionnaires.
    --[X] Greater Volantis retrains 6,000 Men-at-Arms into 6,000 Legionnaires.
    --[X] Tolos retrains 2,000 Men-at-Arms into 2,000 Legionnaires.
    --[X] Braavos retrains 2,800 Men-at-Arms into 2,800 Legionnaires.
    --[X] Lys and Myr train an additional 1,000 Men-At-Arms to acts as garrisons and retrains 800 Men-at-Arms into 800 Legionnaires.
    --[X] Lorath Retrains 400 Men-at-Arms into 400 Legionnaires.
    ---[X] 1 Large Galleon, 1 Medium Galleon and 27 Small Galleons are constructed.
    ----[X] 150 Military Engineers, 50 Pilots and 50 Officers are trained.
    -----[X] (Cont.) Three Points, Three Kindred, One People: For too long have the twenty tribes of Blight's Bane people been divided. Safety and succor is offered, and the call will be made. He has made great progress, but there are more to gather, more to save. Last month, Blight's Bane and those he escorted were preyed upon openly by the foulness that lurks below. No more will you countenance a senseless loss of life from mere movement over the open ocean towards your waters, when it was safety from their depredations that was promised. You will move them through the sheer might of your available magic after he has obtained their agreement, through use of your Demiplane if necessary.
    ------[X] A Brazen Defense: You will begin construction of Darleth's Super-Fortress, to his specifications. This will involve at least one set of Titan's Tools and the aid of Lya's second body, for Runecrafting the Wards.
    -------[X] Skies of our Allies: Deploy one squadron (16 Wyverns) on combat missions on behalf of the Admiralty of Armun Kelisk. The Squadron is led by Commander, Air Group Lucerys 'Skywalker' of the Imperial Air Force 1st Air Group.
    [X] Economy
    -[X] The Great Northwestern Trading Company continues to expand.
    -[X] Crown Royal Vintages continues being set up.
    -[X] Everflame Ironworks expands twice with the help of your parent company, Red Scales Holding.
    -[X] Invest 14,500,000 IM of liquid capital into Silver Serpent Enterprise. This buy-out of Venture Captains and independent merchants increases the SSE fleet from one hundred and ten (110) ships to four hundred (400).
    -[X] Sell 75,000 Ibs of Adamantine in the Opaline Vault for 4,500,000 Scepters, added to reserves.
    -[X] Sell 75,000 Ibs of Adamantine in Armun Kelisk for 4,500,000 Silk Notes, added to reserves.
    -[X] Issuing and emitting of 9,000,000 Imperial Marks, added to treasury.
    [X] Government
    -[X] Imperial Tax Code will begin being written by Alinor with the aid of the Stepstones Administrative apparatus, Governor-General Ferrego Antaryon, Governor-General Uthero Agrelys and Menel Goldentooth, working as a project manager, gofers, municipal adviser and rural adviser and a financial and foreign trade consultant respectively.
    --[X] Continue Improving Infrastructure in the Basilisk Isles and double previous expansion.
    ---[X] Increase Manpower in Sorcerer's Deep.
    ----[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Western Disputed Lands.
    ----[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Northern Disputed Lands.
    ----[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Daughter's March.
    ----[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Orange Shore.
    ----[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Volon Therys.
    ----[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Valysar.
    ----[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Eastern Disputed Lands.
    ----[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Selhorys.
    ----[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Volon Sar.
    ----[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Braavosi Coast.
    ----[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Sweetwater.
    ----[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Morrogos.
    ----[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Pentos.
    ----[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Andal Coast.
    ----[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Velvet Hills.
    ----[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Western Flatlands.
    ----[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Mantarys.
    ----[X] Continue Establishing Messenger Service in Tolos.
    ----[X] Establishing Messenger Service in Lorath.
    ----[X] Establishing Messenger Service in Lorath Bay.
    ----[X] Establishing Messenger Service in Nontelos.
    -----[X] Expand Administration in Tyrosh.
    ------[X] Continue Establishing Healthcare Services in Lys.
    ------[X] Continue Establishing Healthcare Services in Ar Noy.
    ------[X] Continue Establishing Healthcare Services in Ny Sar.
    ------[X] Continue Establishing Healthcare Services in Ghoyan Drohe.
    ------[X] Continue Establishing Healthcare Services in Golden Fields.
    ------[X] Continue Establishing Healthcare Services in Painted Mountains.
    ------[X] Continue Establishing Healthcare Services in Draconys.
    ------[X] Establishing Healthcare Services in Chroyane.
    -------[X] Continue Constructing Sanitation Systems in Myr.
    -------[X] Continue Constructing Sanitation Systems in the Painted Mountains.
    --------[X] Establish Orphanages in Naath.
    [X] Law Enforcement.
    -[X] Continue Establishing Guard Posts in the Southern Disputed Lands.
    -[X] Continue Establishing Guard Posts in the Eastern Flatlands.
    -[X] Continue Establishing Guard Posts in the Western Flatlands.
    --[X] Continue Expanding Law Enforcement in Pentos.
    --[X] Continue Expanding Law Enforcement in the Orange Shore.
    --[X] Continue Expanding Law Enforcement in Mantarys.
    [X] Intrigue
    -[X] Continue Subverting Goldcloaks in King's Landing.
    -[X] Spread Imperial Times in Saltpans.
    -[X] Gather Information (Nobility) in Meereen.
    -[X] Gather Information (Nobility) in Yunkai.
    -[X] Gather Information (Nobility) in Astapor.
    -[X] Gather Information (Priesthood) in Norvos.
    -[X] Gather Information (Priesthood) in Qohor.
    --[X] Interrogate Mages captured in Eastern Flatlands.
    ---[X] Establish Inquisition Base in the Dornish Marches.
    ---[X] Establish Inquisition Base in Harrenhal.
    ---[X] Establish Inquisition Base in Darry.
    ---[X] Establish Inquisition Base in Lorath Bay.
    ---[X] Establish Inquisition Base in Morosh.
    ---[X] Establish Inquisition Base in New Ghiscar.
    ---[X] Establish Inquisition Base in Andalos.
    ----[X] Investigate Supernatural Activity in Stepstones.
    ----[X] Investigate Supernatural Activity in Tyrosh.
    ----[X] Investigate Supernatural Activity in Lys.
    ----[X] Investigate Supernatural Activity in Myr.
    ----[X] Investigate Supernatural Activity in Chroyane.
    ----[X] Investigate Supernatural Activity in Ar Noy.
    ----[X] Investigate Supernatural Activity in Ny Sar.
    ----[X] Investigate Supernatural Activity in Ghoyan Drohe.
    ----[X] Investigate Supernatural Activity in Golden Fields.
    ----[X] Investigate Supernatural Activity in Naath.
    ----[X] Investigate Enemy Spies in Volantis.
    ----[X] Investigate Enemy Spies in Braavos.
    ----[X] Investigate Enemy Spies in Lorath.
    ----[X] Investigate Enemy Spies in Pentos.
    ----[X] Investigate Enemy Spies in Eastern Basilisk Isles.
    ----[X] Investigate Enemy Spies in the Three Snakes.
    ----[X] Investigate Enemy Spies in Western Basilisk Isles.
    ----[X] Exterminate Cult in Mantarys.
    ----[X] Exterminate Cult in Tolos.
    [X] Research
    [X] Scholarum
    -[X] Alysande Establishes a Scholarum branch in Braavos.
    -[X] Sarah Establishes a Scholarum branch in Pentos.
    --[X] Teaching
    ---[X] x1 Teana Strycos
    ---[X] Horio of Tyrosh
    ---[X] Worg Magus
    ---[X] Azata, Astehedos
    ---[X] Svitran the Dreamer
    ---[X] Leila Goldenhammer
    ---[X] Breathtaker
    [X] Colonization & Immigration
    -[X] Colonize Sallosh
    -[X] Colonize Gorgossos
    --[X] Encourage Immigration from the Western Disputed Lands to Sorcerer's Deep (Stepstones).
    --[X] Encourage Immigration from the Daughter's March to the Golden Fields.
    [X] Party Intervention
    [X] Minor Actions
    [X] Free Actions
 
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