Chosen by the Dragon God

[Chandagnac]

Spoiler: Notes

"Insouciant."

Click to shrink...

I'm pleased I was able to teach you something you didn't already know, lol.

*

Interview with the God-Empress (Part Eleven)​

"Even before she came to me, I was vaguely aware of Lashierra's story. Parts of it, certainly. But I was never sure if I should do anything about it. There are multitudes of problems I am expected to deal with, many of which are more tragic than hers, so why should I prioritize her over anyone else? Besides, her mother is Anyssar, one of the most powerful deities in all of Creation, who is surely much better equipped to help her than I am, so why should I interfere? It was none of my business." She folds her arms, puts on a slight frown, and continues, "But then she came to ask for my help. Then it became my business."

Click to shrink...

"What about Ralena?" you ask. "What do you have planned for her?"

"I have offered her a chance to be educated at one of the Avanni Empire's finest universities, to study whatever she is most interested in and work towards whatever future career she has in mind. She asked for some time to think about it," says the God-Empress. "It was kind of you – and your patron – to offer to restore her lost limbs. I wonder if she will accept. The benefits are obvious, but it would upend her life completely, stripping away everything she is familiar with and forcing her to become something new. It's not easy to leave yourself behind and face the unknown."

"Speaking from experience?" you ask, with a raised eyebrow.

"Do you really think it's wise to tease her like that?" Raef hisses in your ear, sotto voce.

The God-Empress pauses, looking contemplative. "Perhaps. It's possible that she reminds me of one or more of my past selves," she admits. Then, after a moment's pause, she shakes her head and continues: "Ralena is remarkably clever and talented, but – perhaps because of her condition, or because she was intimidated by me, or because she was annoyed by her mother's well-meaning attempts to push her into doing things she doesn't want to do – when I met her, she seemed very unmotivated. I wonder what she will become when she is given a chance to take control of her own life and make her own decisions."

"My patron is planning to teach powerful life magic to some of his priests, so they can heal people like Ralena. And anyone else who really needs it," you say. "His priesthood is very powerful in Tatserai, so he was thinking of starting there."

"Very interesting," says the God-Empress, as if she hasn't heard about that before, though you're certain that one of her spies must have been listening in to your conversation with Ralena. "If he is willing to do the same for some of his priests here in the Avanni Empire, I will make sure they are well-guarded and financially supported – and have easy access to other amenities – and I would be happy to discuss such things with him, if he is willing to meet with me."

"I'll be sure to tell him," you say, with a nod. "But first, I'd appreciate it if you'd give me some advice. I'm convinced we'll win the war against Aspitolm sooner or later, but what should we do after that? We don't want to exterminate the Aspitis, but we also don't want to have to fight this war again in a few decade's time. How can we rebuild their society into something that can live in harmony with the rest of the world?"

"I'm not sure I'm the best one to ask, considering my repeated failures to do something similar with the Meri people of Tymeras," she says, ruefully. "Just remember that the majority of the Aspiti people are relatively poor and just want to be able to feed their families and carry on their humdrum little lives. You might criticize them for turning a blind eye to the suffering of slaves and the native Tolmari, but it's not as if they have the power to affect the slave trade one way or another. If they protested, they and their families would suffer horribly, so they remain silent. No, the ones you should punish are the rich and powerful, those who've benefited from the slave trade and the plundering of other nations. Punish the guilty, prohibit the worship of Zanaster, make sure the slave trade is outlawed and that former slaves and the native Tolmari are protected, and allow anyone who wants to live decently and harmlessly to do so."

You take some time to process her words. "Hmm. Thank you."

In a conspiratorial tone, she says, "Of course, to win the war, you need ships and skilled sailors. As it happens, in the Avanni Empire, there are a great many Varzi who are eager for a chance for glory and adventure, to earn gold and land, and to prove themselves in battle. And many of them are mercenaries who already have their own ships and weapons. If any of them decided to join your coalition, I could not stop them. I can hardly be blamed for the actions of a few private citizens–" Her smile takes on a vicious quality. "–any more than the Aspitis can be blamed for gangs of slavers attacking isolated coastal villages. Do you understand?"

"Well, that's interesting to know. If I wanted to talk to some of those Varzi mercenaries, hypothetically speaking, where would I go?"

She raises a dismissive hand. "There are gatherings of such people in every major city. They have their own taverns, social clubs and suchlike. It wouldn't take you long to find one, if you had any reason to do so. And after that… word gets around, you know?"

"Thanks again. You've been very helpful. I hope that in future there will be positive relations between my people – the Queli, the Wranni and others who are part of the Coalition – and the peoples of the Avanni Empire," you say. "And… one last question, if you don't mind: is there anything you wish you had known before you started reigning over the Avanni?"

"I wish I had known what it would lead to. In the beginning, I just wanted to protect my family, my tribe, and keep them safe from harm. I didn't expect to be ruling over a third of a continent and more than seventy million people."

In the silence that follows, Catharne pipes up: "Also, what do you like to do for fun?"

The God-Empress laughs at that. "I don't have much time for fun. I suppose I like to listen to music." Quietly, as if confessing to something shameful, she adds, "Sometimes I dance."

Spoiler: Notes

I think that would be a good place to end the current chapter. The only loose end I can think of is the possibility of hiring some Varzi mercenaries/luring some Varzi to join the Coalition with the promise of adventure and glory. What do you think?

 

[Indivisible]

I agree. That's a pretty good end.

 

[Zam]

This works well and I still love the God Empress.

 

[Flashkannon]

"Speaking from experience?" you ask, with a raised eyebrow.

"Do you really think it's wise to tease her like that?" Raef hisses in your ear, sotto voce.

Click to shrink...

On the contrary, this update makes me want to tease her more.

In the silence that follows, Catharne pipes up: "Also, what do you like to do for fun?"

The God-Empress laughs at that. "I don't have much time for fun. I suppose I like to listen to music." Quietly, as if confessing to something shameful, she adds, "Sometimes I dance."

Click to shrink...

Thanks Catharne! And, that's a cute answer. I hope she gets a little more leisure time, some time in the future.

The only loose end I can think of is the possibility of hiring some Varzi mercenaries/luring some Varzi to join the Coalition with the promise of adventure and glory. What do you think?

Click to shrink...

Yeah! That could be handled on-screen or off-screen in the usual post-month wrapup, though, unless you had a specific idea to air there.

 

[Chandagnac]

Yeah! That could be handled on-screen or off-screen in the usual post-month wrapup, though, unless you had a specific idea to air there.

Click to shrink...

I don't think an extra scene in which Elys meets some of the Varzi mercenaries would add anything to the story other than to confirm what the God-Empress has already said about them, so I think we can safely skip that.

Anyway, that's the end of the chapter, so...

The Aspiti Empire has a total of 28 Warscore. Their Warscore increases at a rate of 2 per month (and can be increased by various special events).

Because Admiral Moggsley has been removed from command, the God-Empress has agreed to stop her subjects from trading with the Aspitis, and this is a great opportunity to hire/lure some of the Varzi to join them, the Coalition (of forces leagued against the Aspiti Empire) has gained an additional 8 Warscore. Also, their Warscore increases at a rate of 1 per month (and can be increased by Elys's actions). They have a total of 48 Warscore.

Whichever side gains a total of 54 Warscore first will be the winner of this stage of the war. If the Coalition wins, they will retake the isles of Ismar and Windskil.

---

What do you want Elys to do next month? (Choose one)
[] Go to Mishrak's undersea palace and spend time meeting various representatives of the different groups that make up the Coalition. (+Warscore?)
-[] Ask Sildar and Jorantul how they're getting on.
-[] Meet some of the Varzi mercenaries.
--[] Observe how they interact with Jorantul.
-[] Meet some of the Wranni.
--[] Be pleasantly surprised to see an old friend.
-[] Talk to some of the Deep Ones.
-[] Meet Red Ruin and the few remaining orcs.

[] Join in the assault on Ismar and Windskil.
-[] Take part in the beach assault.
OR
-[] Sneak in beforehand and start sabotaging the defences.
OR
-[] Serve as air support.

[] DIPLOMACY MISSION: Meet with the high council of the Sisterhood of the Iron Orchid.
-[] Attempt to persuade them to that the remainder of their forces should join in the war against Aspitolm.
--[] Suggest that you can get a lot of new recruits for them (by providing armour and weapons for the wannabe lady knights from the orphanage).
-[] Also, arrange a meeting with Epiny's ruling council.
--[] Try to persuade them to make it illegal for their citizens to trade with Aspitolm for the duration of the war.

[] Start building up your own sources of wealth and income so you won't have to keep asking Uncle Mishrak for money all the time.
-[] Write in: how?

[] DIPLOMACY MISSION: Try to make peace between the people of Rivayne and the local nature spirits.
-[] Arrange a meeting with the Riders of Famine and Pestilence, who will be acting as the nature spirits' representatives.
--[] Remind them that in the past they have worked together with Lissa and Nyssa to improve the lives of humans so they don't need to encroach on the lands that already belong to various nature spirits. (Possibly invite Lissa and Nyssa to the meeting?)
---[] Try to convince them to improve the lives of Rivayne's poor.

[] Go with Mishrak to the city of Suantum, in the Dragon Empire.
-[] Meet with some of his priests and find out what they have been learning from him.

[] Devote much of your time and energy to learning water magic at the Engelram Academy.
-[] Study together with Tassin Tayde and any of Jana's other friends who want to learn.

[] Meet with the Demon Lord Achamat, who will tell you everything he has learnt about the Mystic Path.

[] Do something else (write in)*.
*If there's anything I've forgotten to add to this list, that doesn't mean that you can't do it.

 

[Zam]

[X] Meet with the Demon Lord Achamat, who will tell you everything he has learnt about the Mystic Path.

 

[Toboe]

[X] Devote much of your time and energy to learning water magic at the Engelram Academy.
-[X] Study together with Tassin Tayde and any of Jana's other friends who want to learn.

[X] Do something else: Reach out to Shaori
-[X] Ask her if she would be willing willing to take the innocents who will suffer in the coming siege of the Aspiti Empire.
--[X] Ask If she is able to and if spreading hear name in the army and requesting people pray to her would give her enough presence here. Also check If the flock would need anything in that unusual situation (Safe place, food)

 

[Eternal_0bserver]

[X] Do something else: Reach out to Shaori
-[X] Ask her if she would be willing willing to take the innocents who will suffer in the coming siege of the Aspiti Empire.
--[X] Ask If she is able to and if spreading hear name in the army and requesting people pray to her would give her enough presence here. Also check If the flock would need anything in that unusual situation (Safe place, food)

 

[Indivisible]

[X] Meet with the Demon Lord Achamat, who will tell you everything he has learnt about the Mystic Path.

We're pretty close to reaching the next phase of the war, where the Mystic Path will feature more heavily.

 

[Flashkannon]

They have a total of 48 Warscore.

Whichever side gains a total of 54 Warscore first

Click to shrink...

Whoof. Even if we do nothing for warscore, we're 6 away from the next stage.

[X] Do something else: Reach out to Shaori
-[X] Ask her if she would be willing willing to take the innocents who will suffer in the coming siege of the Aspiti Empire.
--[X] Ask If she is able to and if spreading hear name in the army and requesting people pray to her would give her enough presence here. Also check If the flock would need anything in that unusual situation (Safe place, food)

Click to shrink...

I like this idea, but I think that's something we can put a little closer to the actual siege. Or perhaps... well, in any case, this is an idea worth remembering. The capacity to remove civilians from warzones is amazing.

We're pretty close to reaching the next phase of the war, where the Mystic Path will feature more heavily.

Click to shrink...

[x] Meet with the Demon Lord Achamat, who will tell you everything he has learnt about the Mystic Path.

 

[Toboe]

I like this idea, but I think that's something we can put a little closer to the actual siege. Or perhaps... well, in any case, this is an idea worth remembering. The capacity to remove civilians from warzones is amazing.

Click to shrink...

Otoh:
More time could help handwave/reduce challenges.
While getting the info on mystic path is probably more of a time thing.

Getting her a foothold could take time.
(Consistent prayer trying to make up for lack of numbers and fervor)
If Shaori is keeping her flock fed through a minor miracle (i.e. costs her divine Energy) or foraging (i.e. has an effect on her environment) or a mix of the two:
Organizing for (paid) farmers letting her flock feed on their fields can probably be arranged, but could use some time, too.

 

[Flashkannon]

More time could help handwave/reduce challenges.

Click to shrink...

Hm, you make a good argument. Maybe Achamat will have a little more info if we wait, too.

[x] Do something else: Reach out to Shaori
-[x] Ask her if she would be willing willing to take the innocents who will suffer in the coming siege of the Aspiti Empire.
--[x] Ask If she is able to and if spreading hear name in the army and requesting people pray to her would give her enough presence here. Also check If the flock would need anything in that unusual situation (Safe place, food)

 

[Chandagnac]

Flock Together (Part One)​

"Thanks again. You've been very helpful. I hope that in future there will be positive relations between my people – the Queli, the Wranni and others who are part of the Coalition – and the peoples of the Avanni Empire," you say. "And… one last question, if you don't mind: is there anything you wish you had known before you started reigning over the Avanni?"

"I wish I had known what it would lead to. In the beginning, I just wanted to protect my family, my tribe, and keep them safe from harm. I didn't expect to be ruling over a third of a continent and more than seventy million people."

In the silence that follows, Catharne pipes up: "Also, what do you like to do for fun?"

The God-Empress laughs at that. "I don't have much time for fun. I suppose I like to listen to music." Quietly, as if confessing to something shameful, she adds, "Sometimes I dance."

Click to shrink...

After that, your meeting with the God-Empress comes to an end. She has several more appointments to get through and duties to fulfil. And you have to report back to your parents and Uncle Mishrak so they know what happened during your visit to Ontopophis and can act accordingly.

Your father wonders aloud what effect being prevented from trading with the Avanni will have on the Aspitis: "Will they find it more difficult to feed and supply themselves? If so, will the effects be visible anytime soon?"

"Trying to starve them into submission could take years. And their slaves and poorer folk will starve first," says your mother with a dismal sigh. "Besides, judging by some of the rumours I've heard recently, I suspect that a number of ports and small villages along the coasts of Besigny and Borthea have been taken over by the Aspitis or their slaver gangs. That'll help to keep them supplied, at least for a little while."

"That's something we need to tell King Marc and his advisors, if they don't know already," your father concludes. "He could send his armies to deal with that, rather than have them sitting around doing nothing for months on end."

***​

Mishrak seems intrigued when you tell him about Ralena. "Some of my students could heal her," he muses, referring to those of his priests who have been learning life magic from him. "I would watch and supervise, of course."

"As long as she wants to be healed," you say, trying to remind him that sometimes people don't like it when their bodies are changed into an unfamiliar shape. "Promise me you won't do anything like that without her consent."

"Well… yes, of course. I doubt I will ever see her unless you arrange a meeting, so it's not as if I'm about to rush over to her and do something she doesn't want me to," he says, looking mildly affronted that you felt the need to mention it.

"I only said that because… Lavokthagua isn't happy in his current shape. He doesn't want to be a sea serpent," you inform him.

There is a thoughtful pause. "I had always intended to change him back eventually," says Mishrak, after much deliberation. "I imagine that an enormous earth dragon with huge digging claws will be very useful when the time comes to assault the walls of Aspitolm. For now, though… I'll teach him how to shapeshift. Then he can be whatever he wants to be."

"You did an excellent job of teaching Catharne," you say. "I don't think anyone at school has realised that she isn't human, even if some of them think she's a bit weird. She seems to have more friends than I do."

"I'm very proud of her. I can only hope Lavokthagua will be as good a student as she was." You're sure that if he was human he would be wearing a beaming smile. His tiny dragon form is useful in many ways, but conveying emotion is not one of them.

***​

Sometime later, when you're back at school with Jana, it occurs to you to ask her, "How are you getting on with Isolia, by the way? I haven't seen you with her recently."

"That's because I haven't seen her recently. We just kind of drifted apart," she says, looking bemused. "I guess it just wasn't meant to be."

"I'm sorry to hear that," you say, hoping that it's the right thing to say.

"Don't worry about it. She's pretty and all, but…" She shrugs her shoulders. "She's so timid that I could never be sure if she went along with whatever I said because she wanted to or because she was afraid to say no. I'd have thought a former street rat would have a little more bite to her."

"Maybe she survived on the streets by making herself small and unnoticeable?" you suggest.

"I often felt like I was just talking to myself," says Jana, moodily. "And I think she could tell that my enthusiasm had waned, so we just… left it at that."

"It doesn't sound like she did anything wrong, so I hope you didn't upset her," you say, with a raised eyebrow. While you've been at the Engelram Academy, you've seen a number of romances between different students and they never seem to last very long, so it's not like this is unusual. But both Jana and Isolia are your friends and you don't want to have to choose between them. It's not as if you have so many friends that you can afford to lose any of them.

"I'm sure she's fine." Jana sighs. "I envy you sometimes. You're perfectly happy by yourself. You don't need to be loved by anyone."

"The love of my friends and family is very important to me," you say, frowning at her. "Life would be very difficult if I didn't have all of you."

"Romantic love, I mean. You watch the rest of us with wry amusement whenever we daydream about someone we fancy, but it's not something you want for yourself. You don't care about kissing or cuddling or any of that stuff."

"Well, not in a romantic way," you admit. "I've got more important things to worry about."

She nods. "I suppose I do too. As your handmaiden, I should be with you, spending all my time thinking about how to save the world. But I can't help wanting someone for myself, you know?"

"You'll find true love eventually, Jana," you tell her. "But you're only fourteen years old. You've got plenty of time. There's no need to rush into anything."

"Yeah, you're right. I'm being silly," she says, with a rueful grin.

***​

On multiple occasions, you've been told that there are a lot of poor, downtrodden people in Aspitolm, some of whom are slaves while the rest are barely more than slaves, who will be the first to suffer when food stocks run short, when disease is rife and their masters are looking for someone to blame for their recent defeats. You want to protect those who are blameless victims in this war. That's why you're standing on a deserted beach, listening to the screeching of seabirds, along with Jana, Catharne and a member of the Kelwe clan who has offered to help you perform a ritual that will enable you to commune with Shaori, goddess of freedom.

---

What exactly do you want Elys to say to Shaori?
-[] Write in.

Spoiler: Notes

I was considering adding an 'asexual protagonist' or 'ace protagonist' tag (or something similar) to this thread, so I was surprised to find that there isn't anything like that. Not yet, anyway.

 

[Zam]

Oooh some interesting and nice stuff here!


Just woke up so not sure what to write XD

 

[Flashkannon]

"I only said that because… Lavokthagua isn't happy in his current shape. He doesn't want to be a sea serpent," you inform him.

There is a thoughtful pause. "I had always intended to change him back eventually," says Mishrak, after much deliberation. "I imagine that an enormous earth dragon with huge digging claws will be very useful when the time comes to assault the walls of Aspitolm. For now, though… I'll teach him how to shapeshift. Then he can be whatever he wants to be."

Click to shrink...

Good luck, you don't have a lot of brothers left, so be good to this one.

"That's because I haven't seen her recently. We just kind of drifted apart," she says, looking bemused. "I guess it just wasn't meant to be."

Click to shrink...

Aw, poor Jana. We gotta find someone else to set her up with.

"Romantic love, I mean. You watch the rest of us with wry amusement whenever we daydream about someone we fancy, but it's not something you want for yourself. You don't care about kissing or cuddling or any of that stuff."

"Well, not in a romantic way," you admit. "I've got more important things to worry about."

Click to shrink...

It's a real time-saver, frankly.

Not yet, anyway.

Click to shrink...

We're a good while away from mainstream knowledge and acceptance of ace people, I'm afraid. But we can be closer, at least here.

As to what to say to Shaori, I'd say we start with a few pleasantries, though I don't think she's much one to stand on ceremony. From there, if she's antsy about time, we can move directly to the plan - this is basically a bug, elaborate heist to help all the poor, innocent people of Aspitolm, granting them freedom from their ruling class and at the same time crippling the Aspitolm war effort - can't have soldiers without a functioning supply chain, for which you need a functioning economy.

If she's feeling chattier, I'd like to ask her some things about herself and about Zora Alishandra, and maybe about Telthalus.

 

[Toboe]

It's a real time-saver, frankly.

Click to shrink...

Romance?
Aint nobody got time for that!

As to what to say to Shaori, I'd say we start with a few pleasantries, though I don't think she's much one to stand on ceremony. From there, if she's antsy about time, we can move directly to the plan - this is basically a bug, elaborate heist to help all the poor, innocent people of Aspitolm, granting them freedom from their ruling class and at the same time crippling the Aspitolm war effort - can't have soldiers without a functioning supply chain, for which you need a functioning economy.

If she's feeling chattier, I'd like to ask her some things about herself and about Zora Alishandra, and maybe about Telthalus.

Click to shrink...

This.
We can also mention what she'd get besides acting in her domains:
After liberation of Aspiti Empire, when the former slaves/former almost-slaves can live freely, that will be a lot of people who gladly remember her saving their lives from (almost) slavery, i.e. many people likely to become her worshippers.

I was considering adding an 'asexual protagonist' or 'ace protagonist' tag (or something similar) to this thread, so I was surprised to find that there isn't anything like that. Not yet, anyway.

Click to shrink...

We'll be the change we want to see in the world!

 

[Indivisible]

I think that we should focus on the benefits to the slaves/serfs if she acts now, possibly with a mention of how spreading her influence like this would mean that she'd be able to help more people in more places.

 

[MagewyrmMira]

I really liked how the meeting with the God-Empress went! Hopefully the Avanni will be amieable to future contact too. And I think that's a pretty good impression, or at least there were much, much worst ones that could have been left.

Awww, poor Jana! There'll be plenty of people you'll meet in the future to befriend and one day find love with, I'm sure of it.

Don't have much to say here, except that I would definitely be interested to see what Shaori's thoughts are about Zora Alishanda.

 

[Chandagnac]

Spoiler: Notes

I've been feeling tired and unmotivated this week, sorry.

Aw, poor Jana. We gotta find someone else to set her up with.

Click to shrink...

Awww, poor Jana! There'll be plenty of people you'll meet in the future to befriend and one day find love with, I'm sure of it.

Click to shrink...

Most of the teen romances I've ever witnessed seem to end in much the same way. I remember when I was a teenager… uh, I suppose I'm still 'technically' going out with at least two girls I knew back then since we never officially broke up; they just shut me off and stopped speaking to me.

*

Flock Together (Part Two)​

On multiple occasions, you've been told that there are a lot of poor, downtrodden people in Aspitolm, some of whom are slaves while the rest are barely more than slaves, who will be the first to suffer when food stocks run short, when disease is rife and their masters are looking for someone to blame for their recent defeats. You want to protect those who are blameless victims in this war. That's why you're standing on a deserted beach, listening to the screeching of seabirds, along with Jana, Catharne and a member of the Kelwe clan who has offered to help you perform a ritual that will enable you to commune with Shaori, goddess of freedom.

Click to shrink...

The Kelwe clan are Wranni, but their headquarters is in Vashiira and they seem to have added Shaori to the pantheon of gods they worship. When you made a few discreet inquiries, they pointed you to a woman named Fayra, who is apparently the closest thing they have to a priestess. She is quiet and stoic, with faded blonde hair and a face lightly dusted with freckles. You've barely spoken more than a few words to her, other than explaining what you want to do, but she carries out her appointed role with admirable dedication and efficiency.

Here on the beach, she scrapes an arcane circle in the sand; with smooth pebbles, stubs of driftwood and shreds of seaweed, she traces over the lines, making them more clearly defined, but still as rough and ramshackle as if it had been put together by accident. It almost seems like a deliberate mockery of the neat and precisely-drawn arcane circles you see every day at the Engelram Academy, which are demonstrated for you by priggish little tyrants who insist that magic should be done properly or not at all. It amuses you to think of how you could show it to them and then watch them suffer from collective apoplexy.

At last, Fayra adds a few finishing touches: a seagull feather, a sycamore pod and a rusted length of broken chain, all of which are symbols of Shaori, the goddess of freedom. Then, she begins the ritual. You hear her chanting occult phrases in a language you don't understand, which sounds oddly harsh and strangely lyrical in almost equal measure. Shaori's name is mentioned several times.

Silence follows. The grey sky takes on an oppressive quality, which the feeble sunlight does nothing to dispel. The wind blows, stirring the top layer of sand, leaving dusty trails in the air. You wait with bated breath for something to happen. Are there more seabirds wheeling in the sky than there were a moment ago? You can't be sure.

A dark cloud appears on the horizon, spreading and growing until you realise that it consists of a vast flock of birds, of many different types. You hear the murmuration of thousands of pairs of wings. Flying this way and that, circling and spiralling and dancing in intricate patterns across the sky, Shaori's flock is a magnificent sight to behold.

Dozens of birds come in to land, dropping down on to the sand and surveying you with yellow, brown or beady black eyes.

Taking a bold step forward, you speak loudly and clearly, saying, "Goddess of freedom, I want to speak to you on behalf of the slaves and innocent civilians of Aspitolm, those who have been horribly treated by their overlords, who never had a choice about the recent war but are likely to suffer the most because of it."

The reply comes from dozens of beaks. It is a cacophony of caws, croaks, screeches, twitters, wails and whoops that nevertheless forms these words, quite distinctly: "What… do you… want me… to do?"

"Can you take them into your flock so they can escape Tolmar? Fly away and be free at last? If they pray to you, I mean?"

"Perhaps… I have… little power… in this part… of the world," the chorus of birds admits. "Not much authority. Hardly any. The slaves taken by the Aspitis… worship a thousand different gods… from all over. Their overseers… are always careful… to stamp out the worship of anyone… who gains enough power… to help them."

"Obviously, we'd have to spread your worship in secret," you concede. "What about the peasant folk who aren't slaves? Do the upper classes make sure to stop them from worshipping anyone other than Zanaster? Or are they allowed to worship anyone they want to?"

"If the… worship of anyone other than Zanaster… was widespread… it would be… stamped out. Exactly the same… as if they were slaves. Besides… whenever anyone from… the Aspiti lower classes… has gained wealth and power… they have become… just like the rest. Indistinguishable. Just another… cruel and selfish noble. That is… what all of them… want to be."

"Not a fan of the Aspiti lower classes, huh?" You're not sure how to feel about that. It's more cynical and less forgiving than you'd expected the goddess of freedom to be. But then she's the goddess of birds as well – and many of them are extremely wary of predators – so maybe it's not out of character. "I still think converting them to your religion might be worth a try. If they've got any sense, they should realise that it's the only hope they have of getting away before the invasion."

"If you succeed… I would be willing to help," she replies, through dozens of mouthpieces.

"Mishrak's Deep Ones could quite easily sneak a few missionaries into Tolmar – and out again, if necessary – and they could spread the word about you to the slaves and lower classes," you say. "It'll be dangerous, but worth it in the end, I hope."

"And if their rulers find out about it, they'll find it difficult to 'stamp out' without crippling their war effort," says Jana. "Whatever happens, it'll cause problems for them, which should make it easier for us to defeat them in the long run."

You acknowledge Jana's comment with a nod, then say to Shaori's flock: "When the Aspiti Empire is no more, when the slaves are freed, when many people have been saved thanks to you, you will have plenty of worshippers in this part of the world. You might even be one of the strongest. Greater than Zanaster, to be sure."

"A heady dream. Worth hoping for," she replies.

"Uh… one last question." You shift awkwardly. "Recently, I was part of the group that freed Zora Alishanda from her prison on the moon. I was wondering what you thought about that."

"A decisive blow… in the war… against the demons. That's good. Much better than… if Melphior… had taken over… the Dreaming World." There is a pause. "Personally? It means very little. I am not Suriyende. I barely remember her."

Before you can ask anything else, there is a mighty beating of wings. The entire flock takes to the air and speeds away, faster than you can think of anything else to say. In a few moments, it disappears over the horizon, leaving you far behind.

"Kinda creepy," says Catharne, with a shiver.

"So, if we can get the slaves and common folk to start worshipping her, she'll take them into her flock and spirit them away," says Jana, summarizing the entire conversation in just a few words. "Fair enough, I guess."

Turning to Fayra, you say, "Thank you for your help."

She inclines her head, just slightly. "Happy to."

You open a portal that will take you and your friends back to Mishrak's undersea palace. Already, you are considering what to do next, plotting your next move. Where do you go from here?

---

What do you want Elys to do next month? (Choose one)
[] Go to Mishrak's undersea palace and spend time meeting various representatives of the different groups that make up the Coalition. (+Warscore?)
-[] Ask Sildar and Jorantul how they're getting on.
-[] Meet some of the Varzi mercenaries.
--[] Observe how they interact with Jorantul.
-[] Meet some of the Wranni.
--[] Be pleasantly surprised to see an old friend.
-[] Talk to some of the Deep Ones.
-[] Meet Red Ruin and the few remaining orcs.

[] Join in the assault on Ismar and Windskil.
-[] Take part in the beach assault.
OR
-[] Sneak in beforehand and start sabotaging the defences.
OR
-[] Serve as air support.

[] Organize the sending of missionaries to Tolmar to convert slaves and peasants to worship Shaori.
-[] Recruit missionaries from Vashiira.
--[] Ask some of the Deep Ones to sneak the missionaries into Tolmar without being noticed.

[] DIPLOMACY MISSION: Meet with the high council of the Sisterhood of the Iron Orchid.
-[] Attempt to persuade them to that the remainder of their forces should join in the war against Aspitolm.
--[] Suggest that you can get a lot of new recruits for them (by providing armour and weapons for the wannabe lady knights from the orphanage).
-[] Also, arrange a meeting with Epiny's ruling council.
--[] Try to persuade them to make it illegal for their citizens to trade with Aspitolm for the duration of the war.

[] Start building up your own sources of wealth and income so you won't have to keep asking Uncle Mishrak for money all the time.
-[] Write in: how?

[] DIPLOMACY MISSION: Try to make peace between the people of Rivayne and the local nature spirits.
-[] Arrange a meeting with the Riders of Famine and Pestilence, who will be acting as the nature spirits' representatives.
--[] Remind them that in the past they have worked together with Lissa and Nyssa to improve the lives of humans so they don't need to encroach on the lands that already belong to various nature spirits. (Possibly invite Lissa and Nyssa to the meeting?)
---[] Try to convince them to improve the lives of Rivayne's poor.

[] Go with Mishrak to the city of Suantum, in the Dragon Empire.
-[] Meet with some of his priests and find out what they have been learning from him.

[] Devote much of your time and energy to learning water magic at the Engelram Academy.
-[] Study together with Tassin Tayde and any of Jana's other friends who want to learn.

[] Meet with the Demon Lord Achamat, who will tell you everything he has learnt about the Mystic Path.

[] Do something else (write in)*.
*If there's anything I've forgotten to add to this list, that doesn't mean that you can't do it.

Spoiler: Notes

That's the end of the chapter, so...

The Aspiti Empire has a total of 30 Warscore. Their Warscore increases at a rate of 2 per month (and can be increased by various special events).

The Coalition (of forces leagued against the Aspiti Empire) has a total of 49 Warscore. Their Warscore increases at a rate of 1 per month (and can be increased by Elys's actions).

Whichever side gains a total of 54 Warscore first will be the winner of this stage of the war. If the Coalition wins, they will retake the isles of Ismar and Windskil.

 

[Toboe]

[X] Organize the sending of missionaries to Tolmar to convert slaves and peasants to worship Shaori.
-[X] Recruit missionaries from Vashiira.
--[X] Ask some of the Deep Ones to sneak the missionaries into Tolmar without being noticed.

Next would be talking to Achamat, imho.

I've been feeling tired and unmotivated this week, sorry.

Click to shrink...

Hope you are feeling better.

uh, I suppose I'm still 'technically' going out with at least two girls I knew back then since we never officially broke up; they just shut me off and stopped speaking to me.

Click to shrink...

Shutting you off and stopping speaking to you sounds like breaking up.

 

[Indivisible]

[X] Meet with the Demon Lord Achamat, who will tell you everything he has learnt about the Mystic Path.

If we learn this now we might have something for the missionaries to look out for. They're pretty dangerous unknowns.

 

[Flashkannon]

"And if their rulers find out about it, they'll find it difficult to 'stamp out' without crippling their war effort," says Jana. "Whatever happens, it'll cause problems for them, which should make it easier for us to defeat them in the long run."

Click to shrink...

Thanks Jana, good idea!

There is a pause. "Personally? It means very little. I am not Suriyende. I barely remember her."

Before you can ask anything else, there is a mighty beating of wings. The entire flock takes to the air and speeds away, faster than you can think of anything else to say.

Click to shrink...

I dunno, running off before anyone can get a word in edgewise doesn't sound like nothing to me, Shaori.

[x] Organize the sending of missionaries to Tolmar to convert slaves and peasants to worship Shaori.
-[x] Recruit missionaries from Vashiira.
--[x] Ask some of the Deep Ones to sneak the missionaries into Tolmar without being noticed.

I say we do step 2 now, and let that build over time. Perhaps it might be best to stress to the missionaries that this is going to be a rapture-type event - that when the Coalition is at their door, the faithful will be apirited away. To avoid a purge, you know.

 

[MagewyrmMira]

Alright, just to check, after this vote, we have 4 more months of "action" left to go before the war ends, right? What are the things we should be prioritizing?

 

[Toboe]

Alright, just to check, after this vote, we have 4 more months of "action" left to go before the war ends, right? What are the things we should be prioritizing?

Click to shrink...

Next phase, not end of war (yet).

 

[MagewyrmMira]

Next phase, not end of war (yet).

Click to shrink...

Ohhh, my bad.

Still, I've been wondering if we have some pressing short-term goals for Elys, between my, uh, frequent hiatuses and how a lot of the things we've been planning on trying to do lean towards being long-term goals.