I do not mean that you will find this sort of artifact, but things in the same weight class are certainly not out of the picture. As for Viserys, well the most powerful thing he got early he did not know the full value of, that was Yss' belt.
Age of Ice and Blood: A Pathfinder System Heroic Fantasy Quest
- Thread starter DragonParadox
- Start date
- Original Fantasy
-
- Tags
- pathfinder open voting
I do not mean that you will find this sort of artifact, but things in the same weight class are certainly not out of the picture. As for Viserys, well the most powerful thing he got early he did not know the full value of, that was Yss' belt.
- Location
- St. Petersburg
I am saddened by the loss of an ancient artifact. I didn't vote last time, given that I wanted to leave it here and rely on Aina to protect it -- it's not that far-fetched and if taking it with us was an option she certainly has more resources than the Fellowship. Besides, possession of such a tool could serve as a basis for powerful alliances.
But I get it, one's man risk is another man's opportunity, and there's no use crying over missing one.
[x] Alone
I can't think of a reason to suspect foul play from Aina of all people, but there's always a risk of being waylaid or bewitched, or a magic ritual going wrong. Silver's magic sight could come in handy. Still, a request is a request. She knows the extent to which we trust our companions, yet she still invites us alone. Must be something more sensitive than summoning demons.
But I get it, one's man risk is another man's opportunity, and there's no use crying over missing one.
[x] Alone
I can't think of a reason to suspect foul play from Aina of all people, but there's always a risk of being waylaid or bewitched, or a magic ritual going wrong. Silver's magic sight could come in handy. Still, a request is a request. She knows the extent to which we trust our companions, yet she still invites us alone. Must be something more sensitive than summoning demons.
[X] Alone
-[X] But establish a mental link with Esha, in case we need emergency reinforcements.
(Hopefully we will not need emergency reinforcements.)
Although it's not a bad thing that now no one can wage war over the relic, it's a shame there was no way to hide it inaccessibly, maybe to be recovered by people much, much later, when it wouldn't be such a magnet for conflict. One of the last remnants of an ancient peoples, and we turned it into coinage….
-[X] But establish a mental link with Esha, in case we need emergency reinforcements.
(Hopefully we will not need emergency reinforcements.)
Although it's not a bad thing that now no one can wage war over the relic, it's a shame there was no way to hide it inaccessibly, maybe to be recovered by people much, much later, when it wouldn't be such a magnet for conflict. One of the last remnants of an ancient peoples, and we turned it into coinage….
- Location
- United States
You were literally the deciding vote to turn it into coinage. It seems a little bit like rubbing it in people's faces to show shame about it now.
[X] Alone
Why risk upsetting an Ally? We're not the sort to weasel around words, especially with a friend. A paladin was chosen for this quest, not that shifty sorcerer king Viserys.
Melting the Goa'uld Regen box was the safest option for everyone and as DP pointed out, we're likely to come across more crazy artifacts given the trouble we like to find.
Why risk upsetting an Ally? We're not the sort to weasel around words, especially with a friend. A paladin was chosen for this quest, not that shifty sorcerer king Viserys.
Melting the Goa'uld Regen box was the safest option for everyone and as DP pointed out, we're likely to come across more crazy artifacts given the trouble we like to find.
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Goldfish
Friendly Spider-Fish Abomination
- Location
- Formerly of the Far Realm
I don't think he means it like that. The regret is in not being able to keep it safely, because we had no reliable way to hide it. That's the same reason I voted to destroy it. Sure, the money is nice, but that's merely a byproduct of removing the danger.
Guess what time it is everyone?
That's right, it's past midnight and I cannot sleep. Second update of the day incoming!
That's right, it's past midnight and I cannot sleep. Second update of the day incoming!
Arc 13 Post 25: Queen's Gambit
Queen's Gambit
Seventeenth Day of Elnu-Hamba (Elnu Descendent), 1349 A. L. (After Landfall)
In the end you choose to go alone. Perhaps it is bravado, not wanting to be seen hiding behind your friend, perhaps it is just that you are not sure how Aina would even take the prospect of you ahorse and her on foot. Or perhaps you are more curious to hear what she might have to say to you alone than you entirely want to admit to yourself, the thought comes to mind as a whisper, unwillingly heard.
Yet for all your misgivings the conversation strays little from the demands of propriety, almost of formality at first. She asks about your plans for the morrow and your advice on how to bring the other villages to heel. You talk of home, dredging as a catch from the depths all you can recall of fishing in the narrow English Sea and offering such advice as you may on dealing with men more enamored with sailing and raiding then keeping safe their lands and people. Always have some skirmish to send one or another of them on, but never all, make it a reward to be sent out though to seem even handed offer the chance to all eventually. "And if it should happen that those captains you acually wish to reward find glory where fools find death more often, well such is the nature of fools."
"That seems a... ruthless counsel coming from your sir knight," she says at last, shaking her head in what might be confusion or it might be admiration.
To that you can only shrug, you had not proposed anything dishonorable, at least no more than a man might think that armor is dishonorable because it takes more courage to fight bare chested. "Battle tests men as fire tests steel, if a fool should come back the victor and crowned in laurels why then perhaps the dross has burned away, but if you should keep all of them close and expect of them only quiet days than all your lords shall plot. One rotten apple ruins the barrel..."
"What an odd saying, so I should set the apples rolling then and pick up the ones that scuff he least on the stones?" She laughs at the absurd expression of her own conjuring and you laugh alongside her, it is hard not to be charmed... not that you try too hard.
"You could stay you know," Aina offers with a lightness that is not reflected in her eyes. "Korman could use a lord like you for the strength of your arm and the edge of your wit both. Certainly I could find much use for magicians of every sort, a shadow is on this island that will not be easily lifted."
"Alas I cannot do this my lady," you answer, not without a pang of regret. "We have left two of our company in Orinilu on the shores of the Blue Sea and there we must return by the end of the season at the foot of a new raised tower."
"Then go and return with those men also," Aina presses, rising to her feet in a rustle of her too-heavy robes, wrought more for formality than sense. "A tower you built there in the land of strangers you know little of, another tower taller greater you can build on this land and with the blessing of its queen. Why be a sellsword in Orinilu when you can be a respected lord here on Korman?"
What do you reply?
[] Seriously consider the offer, contingent on Zaia and Antonio agreeing to it also
[] Reject the offer
-[] Write in reasoning (optional)
[] Write in
OOC: Behold the final consequence of taking all the options for positive relations with Aina.
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- Location
- United States
[X] Seriously consider the offer, contingent on Zaia and Antonio agreeing to it also
Having a base of power among people who actually favor us seems like a good idea; I imagine Ohun isn't very of fond of us right now, and we've made enemies on our former island.
Having a base of power among people who actually favor us seems like a good idea; I imagine Ohun isn't very of fond of us right now, and we've made enemies on our former island.
Good night guys.
Goldfish
Friendly Spider-Fish Abomination
- Location
- Formerly of the Far Realm
I really don't want to get too tangled up with Anwari politics on a long term basis, and this is how we end up doing exactly that. Not that the rest of the world is a whole lot better, but if we stick around here we'll be dealing with too many local problems, IMO, annoying local problems. Also, I don't want us to end up as Aina's troubleshooters, which is almost certainly exactly what would happen if we're around very often for her to call on for assistance.
[X] Reject the offer...for now.
-[X] "There is much to be said for having friends nearby, but settling the Fellowship here on Korman at this time would not be best for your rule or for those for whom we are responsible."
--[X] Go on to explain that, despite what aid we have provided in seeing Aina restored to her throne, the Fellowship remains strange to the Anwari, and the Anwari to Fellowship. Our ways are not theirs, and vice versa, and while the strangeness is hardly insurmountable, it's much more easily ignored in the short term rather than for seasons and years.
--[X] More importantly than a difference in cultures, however, is that Aina's rule is still a new and tenuous institution, despite her family's long history on Korman, and the upheavals of the past year have left much turmoil in their wake. She needs to be seen to rely on her own people, the lords of the land who were loyal to her when she had not yet secured her rule and those newly sworn, to bind them to her as her father did before her. If we remain on Korman for too long before she finds her footing, there are all too many who may believe it is we who rule through Aina, foreigners manipulating the Anwari in a manner not all together dissimilar from what the Anjo-oru tried.
--[X] That said, we are most certainly friends, and there is no reason we should not remain so for the remainder of our time upon the earth. We will return as often as is practical for men beholden to wind and wave and the vagaries of trade. When we are not so strange to one another and she is secure in her rule, then we might another tower among our friends on Korman.
[X] Reject the offer...for now.
-[X] "There is much to be said for having friends nearby, but settling the Fellowship here on Korman at this time would not be best for your rule or for those for whom we are responsible."
--[X] Go on to explain that, despite what aid we have provided in seeing Aina restored to her throne, the Fellowship remains strange to the Anwari, and the Anwari to Fellowship. Our ways are not theirs, and vice versa, and while the strangeness is hardly insurmountable, it's much more easily ignored in the short term rather than for seasons and years.
--[X] More importantly than a difference in cultures, however, is that Aina's rule is still a new and tenuous institution, despite her family's long history on Korman, and the upheavals of the past year have left much turmoil in their wake. She needs to be seen to rely on her own people, the lords of the land who were loyal to her when she had not yet secured her rule and those newly sworn, to bind them to her as her father did before her. If we remain on Korman for too long before she finds her footing, there are all too many who may believe it is we who rule through Aina, foreigners manipulating the Anwari in a manner not all together dissimilar from what the Anjo-oru tried.
--[X] That said, we are most certainly friends, and there is no reason we should not remain so for the remainder of our time upon the earth. We will return as often as is practical for men beholden to wind and wave and the vagaries of trade. When we are not so strange to one another and she is secure in her rule, then we might another tower among our friends on Korman.
- Location
- St. Petersburg
I don't mind dealing with local problems... that's bound to happen wherever the Fellowship decides to build a base. Orinilu has a lot of perks being a major trading hub, but our next battles are likely to happen in the South.
Can we get a map of the known world, or at least a rough approximation of one? I keep forgetting who's where..
There is something to be said for building a base in a defensible location, and an allied ruler of an island nation with a decent fleet sounds more defensible than most. We need a safe place to keep supplies and valuable items besides Marcella. Wish I'd known about this offer beforehand.
What is involved in being a lord of Korman? We are a band of adventurers first and foremost. What are the expectations and responsibilities given that we'll be away most of the time?
Can we get a map of the known world, or at least a rough approximation of one? I keep forgetting who's where..
There is something to be said for building a base in a defensible location, and an allied ruler of an island nation with a decent fleet sounds more defensible than most. We need a safe place to keep supplies and valuable items besides Marcella. Wish I'd known about this offer beforehand.
What is involved in being a lord of Korman? We are a band of adventurers first and foremost. What are the expectations and responsibilities given that we'll be away most of the time?
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Goldfish
Friendly Spider-Fish Abomination
- Location
- Formerly of the Far Realm
I see the appeal, but things aren't quite that cut and dry. Ultimately, Korman is a small island, basically a decent-sized city state in Noromo that is serviced by a handful of much smaller satellite villages. Being a noble here is like being a big fish in a fish tank, one populated by belligerent fish who want to take our little castle overlooking the treasure chest that makes bubbles.
Orinilu is hardly paradise, and we're definitely small fish there, but there is much more room to grow. A lot of that growing can happen when we're not even there, too, through trade, establishing business contacts, and simply growing our wealth. Although we are not friends with the rulers there, we are friends with a major family, we have contacts with a couple of the larger churches (including the Hunters), and we're business partners with a wealthy group of folks (who may be linked more closely to the rulers of the city than they initially let on) looking to breed horses to oppose the nomadic barbarians who frequently plague Orinilu's hinterlands. We've also made contact and established a lucrative business deal with the Purple, who despite being jumped up criminals have a thin veneer of respectability to go along with their considerable wealth.
There is also the prince whose life we saved. I think he was something like a prince, right? The memory is embarrassingly fuzzy. Anyway, he's potentially an influential friend/ally once we help get him back to his home somewhere in the vicinity of Not!Greece, assuming he is able to restore his good name/fortune following the bad luck of his previous expedition.
All in all, I see much more potential in Orinilu than if we get bogged down in Anwari issues.
- Location
- United States
You say bogged down but the issues, such as they are, seem relatively minimal in comparison. Korman has just been forced to clean house by way of a foreign invasion, and we have the ear of the currently uncontested lord with no other advisors at her side. That is a ridiculously large amount of power comparatively (which would have had even greater synergy with keeping the relic intact, but alas), and is a good way to make use of our present goodwill to progress even further along.
As someone who wants to avoid small, local politics, how much further to you expect to get in Orinilu? Getting even where we were involved getting goodwill with movers and shakers like Ohun, and even then it involved us getting involved with local organized crime and dealing with petty nobility. Accruing even more status in the "bigger pond" would inevitably come with even more local issues to address; especially since we can no longer rely on the good graces of Ohun or the King.
- Pronouns
- He/Him/His
[x] Perhaps in time… But not now.
-[x] We thank you for your offer, but alas, we have other duties elsewhere. Other friends to aid, other foes to fight, other battles to win, other things that we must do for the good of all.
-[x] Daemonic plots we already have seen, both here and in the far north, and whispers of the same from the south. There may still be more such plots that we have yet to uncover, festering in silence.
-[x] Perhaps in years to come we might be able to settle down here, but even now darkness lies on the horizon, and I can not, will not, stand aside and let it devour all before it.
We are adventurers now, and that means that we will fight for those who cannot fight for themselves, and that will necessarily take us far afield, possibly for long periods of time. That would seem to interfere a great deal with us attempting to be any sort of major lord, with all of the responsibilities that that would bring.
-[x] We thank you for your offer, but alas, we have other duties elsewhere. Other friends to aid, other foes to fight, other battles to win, other things that we must do for the good of all.
-[x] Daemonic plots we already have seen, both here and in the far north, and whispers of the same from the south. There may still be more such plots that we have yet to uncover, festering in silence.
-[x] Perhaps in years to come we might be able to settle down here, but even now darkness lies on the horizon, and I can not, will not, stand aside and let it devour all before it.
We are adventurers now, and that means that we will fight for those who cannot fight for themselves, and that will necessarily take us far afield, possibly for long periods of time. That would seem to interfere a great deal with us attempting to be any sort of major lord, with all of the responsibilities that that would bring.
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- Location
- Texas
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] Goldfish
Goldfish
Friendly Spider-Fish Abomination
- Location
- Formerly of the Far Realm
Basically, I think we would end up needing to stay closer to Korman for longer periods of time, rather than being able to sail around more freely if we remain based out of Orinilu. Local Anwari issues are likely to be fairly minor in the grand scheme of things, but we would inevitably get wrapped up in more clan politics and probably end up with another blood feud or two sworn against us. Also don't want to end up as Aina's problem solvers.
I don't expect us to get very far in Orinilu, but that's not a bad thing, IMO. I want us to have a secure base, one near a place like Orinilu where various resources are plentiful (contacts, temples, magic, trade opportunities, etc.) but not one we'll be tied too tightly to.
[X] Seriously consider the offer, contingent on Zaia and Antonio agreeing to it also
A place to rest closer to wherever we may want to go and under friendly reign seems alright. Just as long as we aren't integrated into the politics of this place, I don't think people will see it as amiss that the Queen's letting us buy some land a bit outside the city to create an outpost.
A place to rest closer to wherever we may want to go and under friendly reign seems alright. Just as long as we aren't integrated into the politics of this place, I don't think people will see it as amiss that the Queen's letting us buy some land a bit outside the city to create an outpost.
- Location
- Germany
[X] Reject the offer
-[X] Mostly because Korman is out here on the edge of the Atlantic and the known world, while Orinilu is right in the Mediterran and heart of a net of trade-routes and different policies. I don't want to cross the Mouth of the world and have a months-long journey every time something interesting happens outside my immediate vicinity
I also want to reject the offer, but for different reasons from Goldfish.
Korman is pretty much the end of the world, exept for some of the northern villages near future-England.
If we go to Africa to fight daemons there, if we visit the other mediterran cities, if we look how not-Greece or Agypt are doing, that's all much easier done from a base in the middle of the mediterran sea.
Right now that name "mediterran" is actually correct, it is the center of our world.
-[X] Mostly because Korman is out here on the edge of the Atlantic and the known world, while Orinilu is right in the Mediterran and heart of a net of trade-routes and different policies. I don't want to cross the Mouth of the world and have a months-long journey every time something interesting happens outside my immediate vicinity
I also want to reject the offer, but for different reasons from Goldfish.
Korman is pretty much the end of the world, exept for some of the northern villages near future-England.
If we go to Africa to fight daemons there, if we visit the other mediterran cities, if we look how not-Greece or Agypt are doing, that's all much easier done from a base in the middle of the mediterran sea.
Right now that name "mediterran" is actually correct, it is the center of our world.
The center of this world is actually further south. Agriculture spread from West Africa and not the Middle East which means that is where you would find the major empires with city states and small kingdoms radiating outwards. There are cities all along the coast of Africa at least as far as the southern band of deserts and maybe beyond, that is just the limit of the maps you have here.