Pathetic King
"I Speak To The Audient Void."
- Location
- Colorado
Probably us not getting shanked in the chest, adding the SEW to our semblance, and getting all of the shinies in the tomb but that all depends on how good a roll we're talking here.
Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust (RWBY AU/CKII Villain Quest)
- Thread starter Redshirt Army
- Start date
- Location
- Hyperborea
I'm guessing we'd get just Knowledge at 10, we'd also get Ancient Artifacts at 50, and we would get Knowledge, Ancient Artifacts, and ??? (SEW Semblance Ghost) at 90. Crits would probably get us better everything.
I doubt @Redshirt Army is going to share any specific details on what we might have gotten, since we still have a chance to recover at least some of it.
- Location
- Germany
I think we make it like Glynda most of the time, no real weapon needed, just a Full Caster.
UbeOne
Daydreaming CPU
- Location
- Philippines
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Lots and lots of Dust.
- Location
- The Surface Of A Hostile Planet
Your "weapon" of choice is the high grade Dust Infusion throughout your clothes. The most visually impressive item is probably the opera gloves that are part of your "mingling in high society" getup. You have a set of leather gloves that fill a similar role, if slightly less stylishly, when you're out and about traversing the wilds.
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- Location
- Little Rock, AR
So we're hundred percent consular. I don't need a beatstick when I got magic.
Good thing Imagine Break the semblance doesn't exist outside silver eyes.
- Location
- The Surface Of A Hostile Planet
As a general rule of thumb, in my interpretation of the setting, Semblances in general aren't no-limits conceptual. There are Semblances that can negate or alter magic, or other Semblance effects, but they pretty much always have to overcome the opponents Aura to do their thing.
So Alice (who has such a Semblance) can break something made out of Dust only by expending Aura, at a minimum, equal to the undiscounted Aura spent on whatever effect was generated, plus a scaling factor based on the amount of Dust powering the effect. A similar restriction would be in place for pretty much any other "anti-magic" semblance.
You'll note that this means basically anything fuelled by unlimited Dust cannot be stopped by this kind of Semblance. But where would you get that...?
And yes, Arc's Semblance does have a limit to how much energy it can redirect at once. I doubt it'll come up, since the formula was an xx function based on Semblance mastery levels, but there it is.
- Location
- Europe
I would just poison Arc if you want to kill him.
I would prefer if Arc retired of his own volition, promoting or advocating us as his successor. We are strongly favoured to succeed him. But emergency promotion due to Beacon's acute case of headmaster existence failure syndrome is not as good of a message. Unless Arc's sudden and unexpected demise is related to a crisis (not necessarily of our doing) that we proceed to solve for ever greater fame.
We can kill him after, or just let him pass away.
We can kill him after, or just let him pass away.
- Location
- Europe
I wouldn't kill Arc to become headmistress.
I would kill him because:
- It removes a powerful combatant from the enemy side.
- It adds a powerful combatant (summon) to our side.
- He's obviously trusted with confidential information which we could always use.
- He should have access to interesting resources that we could certainly use.
- 'He' can still promote us as his successor.
chocolote12
A Penguin Flailing Against The Keyboard Of Life.
#Weareschneesamples.
Jaune? He will be our greatest weapon! Provided we ensure he is on the enemies' side.
If he blessed with Jaune Dice, then it'll be the cure for our terrible rolls.
Always Late
Lacking in coffee, sleep, and brains
- Location
- Ohio
Our dice have been, at worst, schizophrenic. Name one other quest where there's been a five-string-crit.
chocolote12
A Penguin Flailing Against The Keyboard Of Life.
We've got BBEG Plot Dice. Everything goes just as planned unless plucky young heroes of some sort are involved, and then we crush them anyways, because we haven't reached the climax of the show yet and are therefore invincible.
Our dice have been, at worst, schizophrenic. Name one other quest where there's been a five-string-crit.
Always Late
Lacking in coffee, sleep, and brains
- Location
- Ohio
... @Redshirt Army, you have a new tag for the thread.
Turn 9 Results Part 2
- Location
- The Surface Of A Hostile Planet
Turn 9: Plan Proper Priorities, Part 2
On The Origin Of Species
88 (Rolled) + 21 (Learning) + 10 (Omake) = 119
55 (Rolled) + 19 (Critical Spillover) = 74
Critical Success!
The inheritance of Faunus lineage has always been a contentious topic, but detailed statistics have long been difficult to come by, as intermingling among the species has been decried by purists on both sides of the cultural divide for quite some time now. Still, you and Usagi have formed an extensive study using what data you can find (ironically enough, the majority of the data stemming from the infidelities of those of noble birth, as those in Royalist Vale kept extensive records on the bastards from opposing bloodlines, the better to manipulate or pressure them if need be).
Two Faunus will always produce a Faunus child. The phenotype usually, but not always, closely matches the phenotypes of one of the parents - on rare occasions, it rebounds from much further back on the family tree. A Human and a Faunus may or may not produce a visibly Faunus child - the ratio appears to be approximately 3:2 with Faunus children predominating
And two apparent Humans... may, on rare occasion, birth an expressed Faunus child, with this probability increasing the larger the proportion of the child's bloodline stems from Fauni.
As might be expected, given these traits, the ratio of Faunus to Human has been steadily, slowly increasing across the centuries. Records are nonexistent during the time period you've found, falling directly into the Lost Millenium, but simply by extrapolation, you can see that the initial seed population of Faunus would need to have arisen approximately four thousand two hundred years ago.
As such, it seems clear that Faunus would already have existed by Aurion's time - and yet, none existed in Central Saunus. As such, rather then a world-wide phenomenon, the existence of Faunus seems to trace back to a singular event that took place somewhere in the world - perhaps a magical ritual, potent enough to form a true-breeding lineage that would spread over all of Remnant?
In several centuries, Humans will be the minority group, in a millenium, all of Remnants population will likely be Faunus.
Given population distributions, political marriages, and hidden infidelities... you very much doubt there is any bloodline that has no hint of Faunus in it anywhere on Remnant. Perhaps, at a chance, your own family line might still be purely human, as the last surviving Royal bloodline... but even then, you're doubtful. Records of your line only extend three thousand some years, and the early documents are spotty references at best.
No, you think that it's nearly a certainty that every living person on Remnant has both Human and Faunus heritage. There is no divide, not in any true sense, and you have the numbers to prove it.
You don't publish this yet. Not any of it. With racial relations as they are... even in Vale, the most progressive of the Kingdoms when it comes to Faunus rights, publishing this will cause a major shock. Abroad... massive outcrys. This is a tool with few peers, a verifiable truth that, spread at the correct moment, could send Kingdoms tumbling down. Or, spread with compassion, could mean an eventual peaceful end to discrimination against the Faunus.
Reward: "The Truth Cuts As A Blade" Project Unlocked. Usagi Mizuno loyalty locked at maximum.
External Pressure
10 (Rolled) + 7 (Stewardship) + 10 (Omake) = 27
Partial Success.
Collaboration
93 (Rolled) + 7 (Stewardship) + 10 (Omake) = 110
49 (Rolled) + 10 (Critical Spillover) = 59
Critical Success!
"The key difference between the styles is that of harnessing of emotion compared to suppression of emotion. Emotions must be controlled, they must be guided, and yes, whatever public opinion may be, if they are to empower your Dustcraft, they must at times be smothered. But if they are just locked away, then they cannot express their power in your casting."
You nod, focusing your senses on the ebb and flow of the flame as the fire in Silica Fall's hand slowly expands and contracts in time with her words. "Yes, I've read studies about that - triggering Dust is much easier when done while strong emotions are allowed to affect your Aura, and it's almost universal to associate differing Dust types with different emotions. But it's a tradeoff - power for control. And I daresay that control in the right place, in the right amount, can overcome quite a significant power disparity."
She nods herself, her eyes closed as she reaches with her other hand for her teacup. "Yes. But ultimately, exercising direct control over one's emotions, though hardly easy, can be improved with practice. And make no mistake, total suppression of emotions is very much not the same thing as control." She takes a sip. "I believe that the first step, for you, should be meditation. Reach a secluded location, set your emotional barriers down, let your Aura ripple and flow with the feelings within you, until it returns to stillness once more."
You consider the older woman's advice. "A secluded location?"
Her lips quirk up, just a bit. "Even without Dust, an Aura like yours running wild could do quite some damage."
Your grip on your cup tightens. "Ah. And is the 'damage' I could cause what's on the council's mind as well?"
Headmistress Fall sighs, letting the flame above her palm vanish as she rubs her temples. "It's fear of economic influence from outside groups, more than anything else. And hypocritical to boot, given a good chunk of them are taking bribes from the SDC anyway. Still, Weyland may be scum, but he's quiet scum. You... you meddle, and while you've guided Vale on a better track, that still doesn't make Mistral's councilors happy to let you roam free."
You shake your head. "I can't accept the concessions they offered, and they know it. It would go against almost a decade of work in Faunus rights."
Silica nods tightly. "Yes, but the atmosphere in Mistral regarding Faunus is different. You'd find some support, but for most of the public... it would be you refusing to spread the innovations you can, uplift Mistral as you might, because you're a bleeding heart for a bunch of animals. With the council pushing for that narrative... they could sour your name amongst a lot of the populace."
You sit, contemplating, for a few moments. "If I released certain designs to Haven Academey directly... in my capacity as a private citizen... I'd be entitled to make certain demands on how those designs should be treated, and conditions on their release to the public."
She picks up on the train of thought. "You would. Further, Mistral's council does not have the authority to dictate what... "academic"... documentation my Academy purchases, as long as it fits within my budget. And I would then be contractually obligated to follow through on those obligations, as long as I was not given a direct order to the contrary from Mistral's council."
"But you would then be required, legally, to inform me of the breach of contract. And unless the contract explicitly states it, that communication does not need to be private. Indeed, it could be a clause in the contract that the communication must be though a public medium."
She's deciphered your aims. "And with the correct bill passed through Vale's Council... you could establish events such that Mistral can only prevent our agreement by invoking a breach of contract with you in a way that would also breach their larger trading agreements with Vale. You plan to force their hand through international pressure. But that still leaves Schnee."
You grin. "Leave Schnee to me."
Reward: +2 Piety. "Meditation" Personal Action unlocked. Increased influence in Haven. Events set into motion.'"The
Trap Springs" Stewardship action unlocked for next turn.
Grave Robbing
66 (Rolled) + 10 (Intrigue) + 10 (Omake) = 86
Major Success!
Cool and Shady
80 (Rolled) + 5 (Diplomacy) + 10 (Omake) = 95
Major Success!
Reaching Out
27 (Rolled) + 5 (Diplomacy) + 15 (Omake) = 47
Failure.
The raider twirls his glaive menacingly, whipping it fast enough to make the air itself crack. Your guide trembles behind you - you have been challenged to honourable combat, to prove your worth to venture into the passage of Shom'ra. You roll your eyes, and the unfortunate man is unceremoniously pulled beneath the sands and crushed to death. The observing crowd goes quiet.
The jewel-festooned skull bounces against your pack, as you run to avoid the entirely mechanical trap it seems you accidentally triggered. Even with your power, digging your way out through thousands of tons of rock would be highly inconvenient.
The man grimaces in pain, as you send barbed tentacles of sand to messily rip apart the remaining Elder Death Stalker, while mentally shooing away the other Grimm converging on your location. He had done quite well, managing to dispatch another four of the beasts before being incapacitated himself. "Your wife was concerned about you. Why did you set out on this path alone?"
He wraps the bandages against his chest tighter. "I am the greatest warrior of the tribe. I was the only one who could... who could reach the Oasis and let us live through this season."
The woman sobs, as burning through your supplies of Water Dust, you form enough of the precious substance to get her tribe though the remaining months of the dry season. "I'll... How can we ever possibly repay you?!"
You smile. "There is a school being built, to the north. It is to be a match for the Great Academies abroad, and it is in need of able men to spread their knowledge among the young."
Hidden amidst the twisting maze of passages, further concealed by the natural Dust flows scattered throughout the sands here, you follow up on perhaps your last lead amongst remaining Royalists in Vacuo. To a one, they have been chewed up and spit out by the harsh environments here - those amongst the Royalists here with the strength to fight already fought, and lost, at the very start of the War.
And indeed, hidden behind a mirage of Dust and Sand, within the depths of the canyon, you find it. A monument dedicated to the Royal family, hidden away in the depths of the desert. Within excavated space, among his maps and journals, Henry Sparrow's corpse lies.
A list of royalist contacts, both from Vacuo and abroad, many of whom you had once thought to establish ties with, remains open, to the side. Almost every name has been crossed out. Within Sparrows partially mummified hand is his own revolver, matching the wounds inflicted to his skull. You believe that, overcome by despair, he committed suicide at least 18 months ago.
Reward: Increased Reputation with Jade Serpent. +100 Income. Increased influence, reputation, control with Shade Academy. Increased influence with Vacuo. Vacuo Royalist network is currently effectively nonexistent.
AN: This update brought to you by a multi-hour train ride and 3 hours of sleep across 52 hours. Oh, and "Family Matters" went interestingly enough to get an interlude of it's own.
On The Origin Of Species
Aurion the Valient does not recognize the word "Faunus". Given that you're speaking directly with his soul, a means of communication far beyond needing a translation convention, this is somewhat disconcerting. You have no idea what this might mean, but you trust a first hand account over any amount of theory, and the facts seem clear - four thousand years ago, there were no Faunus in central Saunus, in what would become Vale. Investigate why. Cost: 50 Upkeep: 0 Success on: 30/60/90. Rewards: Information on the origins of Faunus.
88 (Rolled) + 21 (Learning) + 10 (Omake) = 119
55 (Rolled) + 19 (Critical Spillover) = 74
Critical Success!
The inheritance of Faunus lineage has always been a contentious topic, but detailed statistics have long been difficult to come by, as intermingling among the species has been decried by purists on both sides of the cultural divide for quite some time now. Still, you and Usagi have formed an extensive study using what data you can find (ironically enough, the majority of the data stemming from the infidelities of those of noble birth, as those in Royalist Vale kept extensive records on the bastards from opposing bloodlines, the better to manipulate or pressure them if need be).
Two Faunus will always produce a Faunus child. The phenotype usually, but not always, closely matches the phenotypes of one of the parents - on rare occasions, it rebounds from much further back on the family tree. A Human and a Faunus may or may not produce a visibly Faunus child - the ratio appears to be approximately 3:2 with Faunus children predominating
And two apparent Humans... may, on rare occasion, birth an expressed Faunus child, with this probability increasing the larger the proportion of the child's bloodline stems from Fauni.
As might be expected, given these traits, the ratio of Faunus to Human has been steadily, slowly increasing across the centuries. Records are nonexistent during the time period you've found, falling directly into the Lost Millenium, but simply by extrapolation, you can see that the initial seed population of Faunus would need to have arisen approximately four thousand two hundred years ago.
As such, it seems clear that Faunus would already have existed by Aurion's time - and yet, none existed in Central Saunus. As such, rather then a world-wide phenomenon, the existence of Faunus seems to trace back to a singular event that took place somewhere in the world - perhaps a magical ritual, potent enough to form a true-breeding lineage that would spread over all of Remnant?
In several centuries, Humans will be the minority group, in a millenium, all of Remnants population will likely be Faunus.
Given population distributions, political marriages, and hidden infidelities... you very much doubt there is any bloodline that has no hint of Faunus in it anywhere on Remnant. Perhaps, at a chance, your own family line might still be purely human, as the last surviving Royal bloodline... but even then, you're doubtful. Records of your line only extend three thousand some years, and the early documents are spotty references at best.
No, you think that it's nearly a certainty that every living person on Remnant has both Human and Faunus heritage. There is no divide, not in any true sense, and you have the numbers to prove it.
You don't publish this yet. Not any of it. With racial relations as they are... even in Vale, the most progressive of the Kingdoms when it comes to Faunus rights, publishing this will cause a major shock. Abroad... massive outcrys. This is a tool with few peers, a verifiable truth that, spread at the correct moment, could send Kingdoms tumbling down. Or, spread with compassion, could mean an eventual peaceful end to discrimination against the Faunus.
Reward: "The Truth Cuts As A Blade" Project Unlocked. Usagi Mizuno loyalty locked at maximum.
External Pressure
Mistral has attempted to deny your company entry, but they've done it in a clumsy and foolish way, ripe for exploitation. Teach your opponents why attempting to bar your way will only lead to worse consequences, and obtain control over another kingdoms Faunus population. Cost: 50 Upkeep: 0 Success on: 10/40/70 Rewards: Greatly increased influence in Mistral. Increased influence with Mistral Faunus. Increased reputation worldwide. Increased production capacity. +120 income.
10 (Rolled) + 7 (Stewardship) + 10 (Omake) = 27
Partial Success.
Collaboration
Silica Fall has expressed her desire for Beacon and Haven to share notes on Dust research, and Arc has agreed. Naturally, the bulk of the work dealing with this has fallen on your shoulders. Get this collaboration running smoothly and quickly, and reap the benefits. Cost: 0 Upkeep: 0 Success on: 20/50/80 Rewards: Increased influence with Haven. Dust Casting Progress. Possibility of refining a Dust Casting style.
49 (Rolled) + 10 (Critical Spillover) = 59
Critical Success!
"The key difference between the styles is that of harnessing of emotion compared to suppression of emotion. Emotions must be controlled, they must be guided, and yes, whatever public opinion may be, if they are to empower your Dustcraft, they must at times be smothered. But if they are just locked away, then they cannot express their power in your casting."
You nod, focusing your senses on the ebb and flow of the flame as the fire in Silica Fall's hand slowly expands and contracts in time with her words. "Yes, I've read studies about that - triggering Dust is much easier when done while strong emotions are allowed to affect your Aura, and it's almost universal to associate differing Dust types with different emotions. But it's a tradeoff - power for control. And I daresay that control in the right place, in the right amount, can overcome quite a significant power disparity."
She nods herself, her eyes closed as she reaches with her other hand for her teacup. "Yes. But ultimately, exercising direct control over one's emotions, though hardly easy, can be improved with practice. And make no mistake, total suppression of emotions is very much not the same thing as control." She takes a sip. "I believe that the first step, for you, should be meditation. Reach a secluded location, set your emotional barriers down, let your Aura ripple and flow with the feelings within you, until it returns to stillness once more."
You consider the older woman's advice. "A secluded location?"
Her lips quirk up, just a bit. "Even without Dust, an Aura like yours running wild could do quite some damage."
Your grip on your cup tightens. "Ah. And is the 'damage' I could cause what's on the council's mind as well?"
Headmistress Fall sighs, letting the flame above her palm vanish as she rubs her temples. "It's fear of economic influence from outside groups, more than anything else. And hypocritical to boot, given a good chunk of them are taking bribes from the SDC anyway. Still, Weyland may be scum, but he's quiet scum. You... you meddle, and while you've guided Vale on a better track, that still doesn't make Mistral's councilors happy to let you roam free."
You shake your head. "I can't accept the concessions they offered, and they know it. It would go against almost a decade of work in Faunus rights."
Silica nods tightly. "Yes, but the atmosphere in Mistral regarding Faunus is different. You'd find some support, but for most of the public... it would be you refusing to spread the innovations you can, uplift Mistral as you might, because you're a bleeding heart for a bunch of animals. With the council pushing for that narrative... they could sour your name amongst a lot of the populace."
You sit, contemplating, for a few moments. "If I released certain designs to Haven Academey directly... in my capacity as a private citizen... I'd be entitled to make certain demands on how those designs should be treated, and conditions on their release to the public."
She picks up on the train of thought. "You would. Further, Mistral's council does not have the authority to dictate what... "academic"... documentation my Academy purchases, as long as it fits within my budget. And I would then be contractually obligated to follow through on those obligations, as long as I was not given a direct order to the contrary from Mistral's council."
"But you would then be required, legally, to inform me of the breach of contract. And unless the contract explicitly states it, that communication does not need to be private. Indeed, it could be a clause in the contract that the communication must be though a public medium."
She's deciphered your aims. "And with the correct bill passed through Vale's Council... you could establish events such that Mistral can only prevent our agreement by invoking a breach of contract with you in a way that would also breach their larger trading agreements with Vale. You plan to force their hand through international pressure. But that still leaves Schnee."
You grin. "Leave Schnee to me."
Reward: +2 Piety. "Meditation" Personal Action unlocked. Increased influence in Haven. Events set into motion.'"The
Trap Springs" Stewardship action unlocked for next turn.
Grave Robbing
There's an awful lot of artifacts lying around in Vacuo, and not all of the tombs are open to foreign visitors... legally. But the antiquities trade is one of the Jade Serpents hallmarks, which means involving yourself in their dealings in Vacuo could lead to a most profitable partnership, for everyone. Success on 20/40/80. Reward: Help the Jade Serpent identify and move Vacuan artifacts. Increased reputation with Jade Serpent. +100 Income. First pick of any particularly juicy artifacts.
Major Success!
Cool and Shady
Shade Academy needs teachers. Team HERO, including the tragically injured Ozpin, remain on tap to begin teaching once the Academy completes construction (scheduled for this year), but they're hardly the only candidates. Have a look at who else might be willing to teach - and while you're at it, scout Vacuo for talent that might be of use to you, personally, as well. Success on: 20/40/60 Rewards: Increased influence and control over Shade Academy. Increased reputation with Shade Academy and Vacuo. Potential recruitment?
Major Success!
Reaching Out
With your recent actions, you've spurred anti-Royalist sentiment and screening back into action - but you've also likely galvanized those that remain dedicated to the cause. Act quickly, and snatch them up now - or lose potential allies forever, as the new kingdoms redouble their efforts to stamp them out. Success on: 50/80/90. Rewards: Establish ties with foreign anti-establishment groups. New actions available outside of Vale. ???.
27 (Rolled) + 5 (Diplomacy) + 15 (Omake) = 47
Failure.
The raider twirls his glaive menacingly, whipping it fast enough to make the air itself crack. Your guide trembles behind you - you have been challenged to honourable combat, to prove your worth to venture into the passage of Shom'ra. You roll your eyes, and the unfortunate man is unceremoniously pulled beneath the sands and crushed to death. The observing crowd goes quiet.
The jewel-festooned skull bounces against your pack, as you run to avoid the entirely mechanical trap it seems you accidentally triggered. Even with your power, digging your way out through thousands of tons of rock would be highly inconvenient.
The man grimaces in pain, as you send barbed tentacles of sand to messily rip apart the remaining Elder Death Stalker, while mentally shooing away the other Grimm converging on your location. He had done quite well, managing to dispatch another four of the beasts before being incapacitated himself. "Your wife was concerned about you. Why did you set out on this path alone?"
He wraps the bandages against his chest tighter. "I am the greatest warrior of the tribe. I was the only one who could... who could reach the Oasis and let us live through this season."
The woman sobs, as burning through your supplies of Water Dust, you form enough of the precious substance to get her tribe though the remaining months of the dry season. "I'll... How can we ever possibly repay you?!"
You smile. "There is a school being built, to the north. It is to be a match for the Great Academies abroad, and it is in need of able men to spread their knowledge among the young."
Hidden amidst the twisting maze of passages, further concealed by the natural Dust flows scattered throughout the sands here, you follow up on perhaps your last lead amongst remaining Royalists in Vacuo. To a one, they have been chewed up and spit out by the harsh environments here - those amongst the Royalists here with the strength to fight already fought, and lost, at the very start of the War.
And indeed, hidden behind a mirage of Dust and Sand, within the depths of the canyon, you find it. A monument dedicated to the Royal family, hidden away in the depths of the desert. Within excavated space, among his maps and journals, Henry Sparrow's corpse lies.
A list of royalist contacts, both from Vacuo and abroad, many of whom you had once thought to establish ties with, remains open, to the side. Almost every name has been crossed out. Within Sparrows partially mummified hand is his own revolver, matching the wounds inflicted to his skull. You believe that, overcome by despair, he committed suicide at least 18 months ago.
Reward: Increased Reputation with Jade Serpent. +100 Income. Increased influence, reputation, control with Shade Academy. Increased influence with Vacuo. Vacuo Royalist network is currently effectively nonexistent.
AN: This update brought to you by a multi-hour train ride and 3 hours of sleep across 52 hours. Oh, and "Family Matters" went interestingly enough to get an interlude of it's own.
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All the more reason to remove Remnant's population.
- Location
- The Surface Of A Hostile Planet
Mistral instead of Vacou at the end?
- Location
- The Surface Of A Hostile Planet
What can I say... I agree with her. Particularly on the matter of furries.