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

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Tomcost said:
Hmm, we also need to finish the City of Brass thing. When is the full invasion supposed to happen?
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I'm not sure. Personally I think that whole thing is moving waaay too fast. Ideally it'd happen like a year down the line after Westeros is fully pacified. If we do it now or in the next few months then that entire war gets a hell of a lot hotter and we have to divert our attention there.
 
Duesal said:
I'm not sure. Personally I think that whole thing is moving waaay too fast. Ideally it'd happen like a year down the line after Westeros is fully pacified. If we do it now or in the next few months then that entire war gets a hell of a lot hotter and we have to divert our attention there.
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Sadly, unlike the date for the start of Reconquest, it cannot be retconned on basis of "we changed the system by which we run the quest".
The deadline given to us by the Shaitan Spymaster expires in the 2nd/3rd month of this year, IIRC.

Bottom line, we might really want to have ourselves ready to raid the CoB's mint for Living Brass by the 3rd/4th.
That includes the super-fortress prepared for the ritual, too.
 
egoo said:
Sadly, unlike the date for the start of Reconquest, it cannot be retconned on basis of "we changed the system by which we run the quest".
The deadline given to us by the Shaitan Spymaster expires in the 2nd/3rd month of this year, IIRC.

Bottom line, we might really want to have ourselves ready to raid the CoB's mint for Living Brass by the 3rd/4th.
That includes the super-fortress prepared for the ritual, too.
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Things like that have been changed before, dude. If things shift story-wise or system-wise, DP has altered the details of past bargains to account for it.

In this case, the narrative diversion of starting another major war in the middle of conquering and pacifying Westeros would definitely qualify given the havoc it would play with the pacing. It's up to DP in the end, but I really don't see him being deaf to the arguments here.
 
Duesal said:
Things like that have been changed before, dude. If things shift story-wise or system-wise, DP has altered the details of past bargains to account for it.

In this case, the narrative diversion of starting another major war in the middle of conquering and pacifying Westeros would definitely qualify given the havoc it would play with the pacing. It's up to DP in the end, but I really don't see him being deaf to the arguments here.
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While I agree, I also can't help but see that as "setting bending in favor of players for OOC reasons".
Sure, maybe there could be thought up some IC reasons for this, whatever...

But if we don't get into this tight situation, which, well, we brought upon ourselves. Entirely IC.
It'll feel... bad, plainly speaking, if we won't have to deal with it now.

When we have to handle Golden Company and Illithids in quick succession before going to Westeros (or they'll fuck us up) it makes just as much sense as us having to operate on the tight timeline the spymaster gave us.
So yeah, I'm conflicted about this. :/
 
I would prefer to push back the attack on the City of Brass if at all possible. There is so much other shit going on, that even another six months could be immensely helpful in strengthening our position in regards to our other enemies.

The time line for the raid was originally given to us by the Shaitan. There is no telling which events might occur to change their desired schedule, and there is always the option to simply back out, though I would like to avoid that necessity.
 
egoo said:
While I agree, I also can't help but see that as "setting bending in favor of players for OOC reasons".
Sure, maybe there could be thought up some IC reasons for this, whatever...

But if we don't get into this tight situation, which, well, we brought upon ourselves. Entirely IC.
It'll feel... bad, plainly speaking, if we won't have to deal with it now.

When we have to handle Golden Company and Illithids in quick succession before going to Westeros (or they'll fuck us up) it makes just as much sense as us having to operate on the tight timeline the spymaster gave us.
So yeah, I'm conflicted about this. :/
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This is one of those times where it just makes sense for the story not to push through on old plans. In regards to the narrative there's just too much going on for us to properly devote our full attention to this, and while this is a quest it's not just a quest, it's also a story. If following through on old plans seriously fucks with the narrative -- like this definitely would -- then that's something that needs to be carefully considered. There are too many things going on right now, and if we're spread that thin none of them will be covered in a satisfying way.

Imagine, for example, if while we were covering the conquest of Westeros we were also covering the conquest of Slaver's Bay and Norvos and Elyria etc etc etc. A split narrative is not a good thing in this case.

Also, the Golden Company is one thing, but it will seriously strain my SOD if we're able to just handle the Deep Ones of all factions in a few months. I can see us dismantling a few bases here and there, but they're one of the only factions who beat us in Flesh Forging and can spam monsters just like us.
Goldfish said:
I would prefer to push back the attack on the City of Brass if at all possible. There is so much other shit going on, that even another six months could be immensely helpful in strengthening our position in regards to our other enemies.

The time line for the raid was originally given to us by the Shaitan. There is no telling which events might occur to change their desired schedule, and there is always the option to simply back out, though I would like to avoid that necessity.
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I think we should just be able to extend the deadline until the fortress is built with the most robust wards. That'd be a feasible IC explanation.
 
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DragonParadox said:
Tests of Faith, Trials of Rule​

Second Day of the Twelfth Month 293 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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The only thing more insidious than making a deal with a devil - is a devil making a deal with God.
 
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Duesal said:
I can see us dismantling a few bases here and there
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That's literally the only thing I ever mean whenever I bring up "dealing with them", as I continuously explain.
It was always that we don't want to be drowned by the Saguain hordes so we may want to break the facility making them.

I will keep my doubts about moving the date, but whatever, I will not argue either.
Goldfish said:
The time line for the raid was originally given to us by the Shaitan.
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There was one for settling deep enough spy-network throughout the CoB that we'd be able to attack the Mint though, wasn't there?
We are fairly behind on that task, for all that Maelor's shop is useful in it's own ways.
2nd month, I'd really like to assign some more intriguers to dealing with it.
 
egoo said:
That's literally the only thing I ever mean whenever I bring up "dealing with them", as I continuously explain.
It was always that we don't want to be drowned by the Saguain hordes so we may want to break the facility making them.

I will keep my doubts about moving the date, but whatever, I will not argue either.
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I know that's what you meant. My stance on that is I really don't think it'll be as crippling to the Deep Ones as we're hoping it will be. They could just buy minions from their Deep Ones friends in the Celestial Planes or call in reinforcements. We can deal them a heavy blow, but until we do some sort of apocalyptic assault on their cities and wipe them from the face of the earth they're not going down. The Elder Brain would never stand for it.

That said I am looking forward to that sort of long drawn-out conflict, and the Elder Brain sacrifice at the end. It must go to the Merling King.
 
Oh huh, it's really interesting to see Rh'lorr working with an asura to test his followers. Getting his own Satan/Adversary figure? The questioning and forcing doubt reminds me of Catholic Apologetics and scholarship. Wonder if some of those it breaks will be getting some intervention to reaffirm their faith.
 
A_Somebody said:
Oh huh, it's really interesting to see Rh'lorr working with an asura to test his followers. Getting his own Satan/Adversary figure? The questioning and forcing doubt reminds me of Catholic Apologetics and scholarship. Wonder if some of those it breaks will be getting some intervention to reaffirm their faith.
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He's probably still a bit wary after that one priestess of his ended up going full Void-tainted a few years ago. If he can nip that stuff in the bud early, that would be better for everyone.
 
I'm skeptical of how well this works as a pruning mechanism. Even with all of the experience and expertise an outsider like that would have, she's still very obviously a six armed being made of two parts blasphemy and one part spite. Temptations are most effective when they start subtle and indirect; a debate like this is essentially ideal conditions for resisting this kind thing.
 
BronzeTongue said:
I'm skeptical of how well this works as a pruning mechanism. Even with all of the experience and expertise an outsider like that would have, she's still very obviously a six armed being made of two parts blasphemy and one part spite. Temptations are most effective when they start subtle and indirect; a debate like this is essentially ideal conditions for resisting this kind thing.
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Even then, Amala has the raw stats and skills to be likely to convincea decent percentage of priests anyway, so it should work to some degree.
 
Artemis1992 said:
Even then, Amala has the raw stats and skills to be likely to convincea decent percentage of priests anyway, so it should work to some degree.
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Occasionally, you are going to see the social combat system here flex back a bit, not only because it was supposed to reflect story had a hold over mechanics, but because you'll have even normal people with enough defining experience with religion, enough to form an opinion of what they believe is true, what they know is true, where the line is drawn and where and how they'll be stepping over it, and finally those rare maximum modifiers to Opinions from the things that has to be true no matter what or it will cause their world view to crumble.

With someone like Melisandre this is taken as given because the law of narrative declares that crisis of faith is a central conceit of her character, but crisis of faith is not at all a rare core facet for a religious person to have some strong feelings over.

Given this challenge can be applied at any number of people, the ones you want to test are those who are actually useful to your ideals as a deity. So the grand majority will either have talent or strength of character even if they lack skills, which produces a hefty modifier for her to work past.

The test also stops working if the person independently realizes the series of events that led them to being there was the test. At that point the young priest trying to convert her is taking it as-given that this is something he now needs to overcome by just following what he learned no matter what, no matter what is offered or how unusual it is, and given how nervous he was it was with the realization he was gambling based on his own knowledge rather than any sort of divine revelation that he was being tested.
 
DragonParadox said:
3 Atropocustra (Servants of Mammon)
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Erynies are a ready-made deal, but should we even bother trying to recruit these guys?
@everyone?

The abilities honestly feel much more like something we'd want to chuck into the Flesh-firge, than something to see on a "citizen" of the Empire (that isn't Elaheh at least, and then some).
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The Mephistopheles' servant is the "final link" of that particular chain, so while we'll summon the guy, we won't be questioning him for more.
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I'm surprised to see as many unaffiliated Devils, iirc, we got the names from the guys stationed in City of Brass...

@DragonParadox, how does contracting go around unaffiliated Devils?
Compared to, for example, Asmodeus' and Mammon's devils?

We already have some idea on it working around Barghests and Lillends (though faaaar less in the latter so far), but they arent really Devils themselves, just often denizens of Hells.


G'night all.
 
It's at least worth a few divinations to check if they can become productive members of society.

Set them to make Alchemists Kindness and contraceptives. Letting people indulge in their vices is their thing after all and it frees up more trustworthy individuals to instead serve our military.
 
Devil true names have been updated with sources in the last update.

Vote closed.
Adhoc vote count started by DragonParadox on Apr 27, 2020 at 4:17 AM, finished with 162 posts and 17 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
Click to expand...
 
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Part MMMCDLXXII: Memory of Stone, Whispers of Ice
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    • Memory of Stone, Whispers of Ice ​

    Third Day of the Frst Month 294 AC

    One could scarce imagine a place more remote from festive Sorcerer's Deep than Thennhold at the turning of the year. They are a part of your realm, the grim stiff-baked folk of the Far North, of that there can be no doubt for the Magnar had sworn himself to your service in his own hall in sight of kith and kin. Yet for them there is no celebration this day, only the prospect of abandoning hearth and home for an uncertain future. When the Thenns speak of eternity they say 'as long as the weirwoods stay rooted', yet now preparations are being made and rituals woven so that even those pale trees will be drawn from the living earth and carried south by sorcery.

    Not yet though for there is work yet to be done here, the halls of the damned and the fallen to be cleared, the mountains purged of old evils. When Winter comes rolling out of the mountains it will find no old allies here, no tools ready to turn against the lands further south, that you vowed to Styr Magnar of Thenn and that you shall do. And you would certainly not be doing it alone.

    In addition to nine of your companions, ranging in skill from Lya's sorcery and growing lore of runecraft to Garin's deadly shadow weaving and Vee's deep knowledge of the Old Gods and their works, you had also called upon six of your most powerful vassals. Battle-craft forged in Heaven and Hell, yours to call upon alongside the hex-carft of the serpent folk, Wyla's deep insight into the living dead and the fires of R'hllor's wrath burning all the brighter at the nearness of His Great Enemy. Even in the sky above Amrelath is joined by Saenena atop Korizon and Nettles upon Sheepstealer.

    Lesser in power, though understanding more than most of the land, and its people is Dannar Crowl, joined by his wife and partner in many a perilous journey, Alyssa. Velen, his bright wings already familiar to many of the Thenns, at least as familiar as a bird of living flame can be to those not yet used to spirits of the spheres. Of the twin fey lords, monochrome reflections in a darkening mirror, there is no sign under the noonday sun, just as they prefer it. More than even Garin or Wyla these particular fey dislike the sun's light, preferring night's shadows or those that lurk beneath the earth.

    Companions: Viserys, Dany, Lya, Ser Richard, Waymar, Xor, Vee, Rina, Garin, Malarys
    Vassals: Yrael, Mereth, Wyla, Riz'Neth, Melisandre, Benerro
    Dragons and Dragonriders: Amrelath, Nettles, Saenena
    Agents: Danar Crowl, Alyssa Crowl, Velen, Twin Feylords

    Though the Magnar certainly seems awed and wary of such might gathered besides and above his hall, he is not one to stare wide-eyed as so many in the hall do when there are duties of a host to perform. He formally greets each of you, offering the protection of his longhouse, even going so far as to ask Amrelath if he prefers the form of a dragon or a man, and when he answers 'dragon' Styr orders that a fat ram be butchered for the dragon to better enjoy his meal.

    "One wonders whether the Great Builder did not mistake where he placed his Wall, Styr of the Thenns, for it seems he has left an overabundance of sensible folk on the wrong side," the dragon rumbles, drawing a giggle from Dany.

    Ordinarily you imagine some of the Free Folk would probably take being told that they should have been a southerners rather poorly, but when faced with several thousand pounds of scale, fang, claw and simmering flame no one in the hall fails to take the compliment in the spirit it was made.

    Once the food had been eaten, by each in their preferred manner, and mead had been drunk Xor rolls out a map of the Vale of the lost clans and the surrounding mountains. Partly drawn from last month's exploration and partly from the lore of the Thenns' skalds and scouts, with Vee having added her own contributions earlier this morning by calling upon the memories of the land. It offers as complete a picture of this corner of the Far North as any you could hope for.

    The most obvious points of interest are the ones you had already searched last month and which the more daring of the Thenn warriors have sought treasures of the past in for centuries, the barrows of kings and rune-crafters of old, separated by a wide dry gorge that must have once held a river wider than any in the valley of the Thenns. Second and found only through Velen's questioning of the elders and Xor's careful divination is an old fortress of the lost tribes, buried in an avalanche of ice and stone thundering down the mountains. Given its sudden end one might find remnants of its builders' culture and arcane lore absent from barrows and long since looted from other settlements.

    South of the fortress, atop a rocky hill that may or may not be a barrow, lies a dead weirwood frozen to the ground which none of the Thenn hunters dared to approach for fear of curses and ill luck. Though there are plenty of tales of how those who did not heed the warning met their end it is impossible to divine the truth through sorcery alone.

    Last and perhaps strangest of the places marked on the map is a tower one of the construct dragons had found when blown off course by an unexpected storm. From what the false dragon is able to recall and Lya can translate of the worn runes around the base of the tower the place had once been meant to observe not the passes through the mountains or the vales below, but the sky. Whatever its original purpose it is now covered in a tick layer of ice, far heavier than one would expect at its elevation.

    Who do you assign to each area?

    [] Barrows of the Kings

    [] Barrows of the Mage-Smiths

    [] Buried Hall

    [] Dead Godswood

    [] Ice Crowned Observatory

    OOC: Given the sheer amount of people you guys sent and their combined skills, you unveiled a lot more of what is around the vale than last month.
     
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