And another time unit gone.
If we want to go to the manor and pick up red ruin on the way that is 4 time units.
5 left in this day.
1 tu left (unless we can overdraft the day)
Imho the update hints that we need
to find someone with "with powers of second sight"
skilled non-magic fighters that can deal with an ambush in an area of null magic
So the idea of ending cinna today is probably toast.
Wonder what an area of null magic would do to Catharne.
-[] Ask Nerya Fair-hair to join you in rescuing Phil's younger sisters and assassinating Cinna.
-[] Ask Wranolf the Bloody to join you in rescuing Phil's younger sisters and assassinating Cinna.
-[] Ask Drukhalion Deep-Eyes to join you in rescuing Phil's younger sisters and assassinating Cinna.
You overhear Raef say something about: "–my copy of The Accursed Nehwehyri Cookbook."
"It's probably in here somewhere," says Samaya, waving her arm around in a wide, sweeping gesture that takes in the entire room. "But I still think you're better off without it. Anyway, can we keep going? I'd like to finish cataloguing everything sometime this year."
That doesn't really take brilliance, or any effort at all really. Literally all you need to make Vistander seem monstrous and incompetent is to state the facts of things he did without any exaggeration or embellishment. Honestly, sometimes I wonder whether he or his brother have caused more damage; at least Zanaster is only monstrous, and only has like one nation seriously worshipping him at all.
"In conclusion, I'm willing to help, but I suspect your plan will result in my immediately having to defend myself and teleport out of there," says Raef.
-[] Ask Nerya Fair-hair to join you in rescuing Phil's younger sisters and assassinating Cinna.
-[] Ask Wranolf the Bloody to join you in rescuing Phil's younger sisters and assassinating Cinna.
-[] Ask Drukhalion Deep-Eyes to join you in rescuing Phil's younger sisters and assassinating Cinna.
Wh-Wranolf the Bloody!? HE'S here???
Somehow I keep forgetting that he ascended to minor godhood like Nerya did. Wow.
Well, we have one in with the guy; we're recruiting Red Ruin right afterwards, so could be a nice opportunity for them to reunite and fight alongside each other again! Yeah, voting for that:
[X] The Four Seasons (minus Astran) will be sending their own representatives to help out with the current situation. Take some time to meet with them, introduce yourself and share information you feel they need to know. (Cost: 1 unit of time)
-[X] Ask Nerya Fair-hair to join you in rescuing Phil's younger sisters and assassinating Cinna.
-[X] Ask Wranolf the Bloody to join you in rescuing Phil's younger sisters and assassinating Cinna.
-[?] Ask Drukhalion Deep-Eyes to join you in rescuing Phil's younger sisters and assassinating Cinna.
? for Drukhalion on account of, unlike Wranolf (who was part of Red Ruin's party, and was the source of his soul) and Nerya (who is particularly relevant to the current situation with Cinna's daughters, and is also another member of Red Ruin and Wranolf's party), we uhh... don't really know Drukhalion Deep-Eyes at all, not even vaguely. Since Nerya is with Lissa and Wranolf is with Strashan, I would guess Drukhalion is Nyssa's representative? But beyond that, they're kinda just, some random person who happens to be there. I mean, if the opportunity presents itself, I guess we could ask?
Though before we move on, would like to confirm that we are at least getting Raef's help in the assault on the mansion, even if the spying plan is not gonna work. Even if he doesn't actually fight directly, having another portal mage nearby, who is far better at it than Elys is, could come in handy in all kinds of ways.
[X] The Four Seasons (minus Astran) will be sending their own representatives to help out with the current situation. Take some time to meet with them, introduce yourself and share information you feel they need to know. (Cost: 1 unit of time)
-[X] Ask Nerya Fair-hair to join you in rescuing Phil's younger sisters and assassinating Cinna.
-[X] Ask Wranolf the Bloody to join you in rescuing Phil's younger sisters and assassinating Cinna.
-[?] Ask Drukhalion Deep-Eyes to join you in rescuing Phil's younger sisters and assassinating Cinna.
"It's a brilliant work of satire, a savage mockery of the god Vistander, written to make him appear monstrous and incompetent," says Raef. "Banned throughout Nehweyr, the Avanni Empire and various other nations. I was delighted to add it to my collection a few years ago."
No, but it doesn't hurt to ask. Especially since Sildur and Jorantil are, due to time constraints, now off the table.
I say we ask Raef and Samaya if they want to just come along and use their non-shapeshifting magic to assist us. If they've got a few hours free, you know.
[x] The Four Seasons (minus Astran) will be sending their own representatives to help out with the current situation. Take some time to meet with them, introduce yourself and share information you feel they need to know. (Cost: 1 unit of time)
-[x] Ask Nerya Fair-hair to join you in rescuing Phil's younger sisters and assassinating Cinna.
-[x] Ask Wranolf the Bloody to join you in rescuing Phil's younger sisters and assassinating Cinna.
-[x] Ask Drukhalion Deep-Eyes to join you in rescuing Phil's younger sisters and assassinating Cinna.
Drukhalion is Nyssa's rep, so he's gotta be at least kinda cool, right?
Very nice Twilight Zone reference and also a lot of intriguing points being made!
[X] Travel to Tyrepheum. (Cost: 3 units of time)
-[X] Go to the Nameless Mansion.
--[X] Attempt to kill Cinna Beli-Zephalos.
---[X] Attempt to rescue Phil's younger sisters, Ferocity and Indulgence.
Honestly, sometimes I wonder whether he or his brother have caused more damage; at least Zanaster is only monstrous, and only has like one nation seriously worshipping him at all.
Wranolf and Nerya blur the boundaries between 'being Chosen' and 'actual godhood'.
we uhh... don't really know Drukhalion Deep-Eyes at all, not even vaguely. Since Nerya is with Lissa and Wranolf is with Strashan, I would guess Drukhalion is Nyssa's representative?
Drukhalion is a demigod, one of Nyssa's many children. I think this is the first time I've mentioned him.
Though before we move on, would like to confirm that we are at least getting Raef's help in the assault on the mansion, even if the spying plan is not gonna work. Even if he doesn't actually fight directly, having another portal mage nearby, who is far better at it than Elys is, could come in handy in all kinds of ways.
Since you reminded me, I've had to go back and check that I'd given it exactly the same title in both quests. I've had to change the title that appears in the above update, just slightly. Still, thank you.
Or did he steal it from Raef when he imprisoned him? If so, it was destroyed in the other timeline.
I think Raef would be much less enthusiastic about it if he realised that its author, Alikada Zinistari, went on to become a member of the Mystic Path. Lol, dramatic irony!
I would imagine unlicensed necromancers would have elves, so I have little doubt where exactly she got that experience.
You realise you don't have to attack Cinna's mansion today, right?
I say we ask Raef and Samaya if they want to just come along and use their non-shapeshifting magic to assist us. If they've got a few hours free, you know.
[X]Plan: Hold council on the Cinna situation
-[X] First: gather everyone, have the locals you already fetched help you gather the rest
-[X] Second: Explain the situation to everyone and make your requests
-[X] ask Mishrak to attend and give adivce
--[X] ask Catharne to accompany you
-[X] ask your parents to attend and give adivce
-[X] pray for Nerya Fair-Hair to attend
--[X] after explaining the situation, ask that she protects Cinnas kids until he is dealt with
-[X] ask Raef to attend
--[X] request Raefs help rescuring Phils siblings
-[X] once he is freed, ask Simony to join
--[X] ask him what he knows about Cinna & his siblings
--[X] ask him to come with you when freeing
-[X] once Simony is free, ask Bellona to attend
--[X] ask her to help with any soulmagic questions that may come up.
-[x] ask Greenflame to attend,
I say we ask Raef and Samaya if they want to just come along and use their non-shapeshifting magic to assist us. If they've got a few hours free, you know.
[x] The Four Seasons (minus Astran) will be sending their own representatives to help out with the current situation. Take some time to meet with them, introduce yourself and share information you feel they need to know. (Cost: 1 unit of time)
-[x] Ask Nerya Fair-hair to join you in rescuing Phil's younger sisters and assassinating Cinna.
-[x] Ask Wranolf the Bloody to join you in rescuing Phil's younger sisters and assassinating Cinna.
-[x] Ask Drukhalion Deep-Eyes to join you in rescuing Phil's younger sisters and assassinating Cinna.
Drukhalion is Nyssa's rep, so he's gotta be at least kinda cool, right?
Do we want to ask all of them?
Nerya of course, that is so hard in her domain that us trying to free them probably is also a favor to Nerya.
But Wranolf and Drukahlion we don't have any connection and they don't have a domain connection. (As opposed to the cult issue, where everyone that is against demons has a connection with the issue)
And we still need to ask around for that magic sensing ability. @Chandagnac
Raef theorized about anti magic traps. Would those affect Nerya, Wranolf and Drukhalion?
[X] Travel to Tyrepheum. (Cost: 3 units of time)
-[X] Go to the Nameless Mansion.
--[X] Attempt to kill Cinna Beli-Zephalos.
---[X] Attempt to rescue Phil's younger sisters, Ferocity and Indulgence.
Lets not run head first before the preparations are done.
Errors here could lead to Cinna getting to kill his kids. Or Elys being captured and then needing much time to escape, time Melphiors cult can use to kill the moon goddess.
(I'm opposed to going before we have tried to get help dealing with what Raef warned us about)
Hmmmmmmmmmm... that gives me an idea! Hey, once she ranks up, maybe Elys should start thinking about what sort of domains she would have if she ever goes full deity!
We (as in we the readers who have been following this since AHMIY) know Nyssa by far the least out of all Four Seasons, and she seems to have been generally on the side of the good guys for most of history, so I don't want to judge her too soon... buuut considering exactly what she did to Urosh, it's kinda hard to forget or forgive that.
Of course, regardless of what Nyssa is really like, I'm certainly not gonna blame Drukhalion for anything his parents or anyone else did. Unlike at least one of those parents (was Vistander the dad? oh wait no, demigod, but maybe it was some mortal who was just as bad... now taking bets on the details of Ramona Flowers' Nyssa's "Seven Evil Exes"!). So yeah, let's meet the dude, see why he's called "Deep-Eyes", especially since that sounds like the kind of name that should really be more associated with our deep sea dragon god.
I think Raef would be much less enthusiastic about it if he realised that its author, Alikada Zinistari, went on to become a member of the Mystic Path. Lol, dramatic irony!
"Zinistrari! For your crimes against my family and reality, you're going down!"
"What if I... signed your first edition copy?"
"...I'll give you a 30 second head start."
I was under the impression that we were sliding steadily towards a Zora Alishandra flashpoint, and that, while this needs to happen ASAP before Cinna can dig in or flee the country to set up an elaborate revenge scheme in the next few months that drags Elys kicking and screaming into another sundry imbroglio, it's important not to dally too much, since the ZA clock is also ticking. So we're assembling what is likely the necessary pieces on a short timescale.
I was under the impression that we were sliding steadily towards a Zora Alishandra flashpoint, and that, while this needs to happen ASAP before Cinna can dig in or flee the country to set up an elaborate revenge scheme in the next few months that drags Elys kicking and screaming into another sundry imbroglio, it's important not to dally too much, since the ZA clock is also ticking. So we're assembling what is likely the necessary pieces on a short timescale.
I think before our actions this turns the cult had 1 month to go for catastrophe.
We made it harder for them by an uspecified amount (maybe net 0 if we also made them start everything with lower secrecy standards)
The timeunits and daycounting is because of my worries for Cadre 1Fs happy ending (that they all can stay in Tyrepheum, without Green Flame has to leave issues)
If we mess up our preparations that could mess up the kill Cinna operation, with unforeseen down stream effects
All in all doing it tomorrow morning instead of this evening is uncomfortable, but much favourable over today if we didn't prepare enough.
And Raefs explicit mention of seeing magic to deal with traps and nullmagic fields makes me think we didn't prepare fully.
It occurs to me that it may be possible to combine this idea with the 'meet with the representatives of the Four Seasons' option.
You see, the meeting with Nerya, Wranolf and Drukhalion will take place in Tyrepheum's goblin town, which Elys can get to very easily. (She could just open a portal to the room in the undersea palace where the portal that will take her to goblin town is.)
Red Ruin will probably already be there, since Elys asked to meet with him earlier. And I'm sure he'd be glad of the opportunity to meet up with a couple of old friends (Nerya and Wranolf).
Raef and Samaya will probably want to come with Elys. Raef because he's already agreed to take part and Samaya because she's not going to stand idly by while demons are trying to take over the world of dreams. (Which is something I'll have Elys explain to her and her brother at the beginning of the next update.)
Bellona has probably finished working on Simony, but he's going to be unconscious for a while. Maybe leave him in Mishrak's care (since he is an incredibly powerful life mage who could easily heal him if there were any complications). After that, you'd need to spend a little time explaining the situation to Bellona and Green Flame and then bringing them along to the meeting. And I suppose you could invite Sildar and Jorantul as well.
I don't think you'd have time for a proper conversation with Mishrak at this point (other than to say, "Look after Simony while he's unconscious, please"), but I suppose you could ask Catharne to come along.
I'd allow you to do all that for a total of 2 time units, if you like. (And then the assault on the Nameless Mansion will take up the rest of the day, assuming that's still what you want to do.)
It occurs to me that it may be possible to combine this idea with the 'meet with the representatives of the Four Seasons' option.
You see, the meeting with Nerya, Wranolf and Drukhalion will take place in Tyrepheum's goblin town, which Elys can get to very easily. (She could just open a portal to the room in the undersea palace where the portal that will take her to goblin town is.)
Red Ruin will probably already be there, since Elys asked to meet with him earlier. And I'm sure he'd be glad of the opportunity to meet up with a couple of old friends (Nerya and Wranolf).
Raef and Samaya will probably want to come with Elys. Raef because he's already agreed to take part and Samaya because she's not going to stand idly by while demons are trying to take over the world of dreams. (Which is something I'll have Elys explain to her and her brother at the beginning of the next update.)
Bellona has probably finished working on Simony, but he's going to be unconscious for a while. Maybe leave him in Mishrak's care (since he is an incredibly powerful life mage who could easily heal him if there were any complications). After that, you'd need to spend a little time explaining the situation to Bellona and Green Flame and then bringing them along to the meeting.
I don't think you'd have time for a proper conversation with Mishrak at this point (other than to say, "Look after Simony while he's unconscious, please"), but I suppose you could ask Catharne to come along.
I'd allow you to do all that for a total of 2 time units, if you like. (And then the assault on the Nameless Mansion will take up the rest of the day, assuming that's still what you want to do.)
So that would then become a meeting on the Cinna issue and the Melphior issue, did I understand that right?
If the others are certain they want to end Cinna tonight, that sounds like the best option.
If the others are ok with delaying the Cinna fight to tomorrow, i'd rather get everyone relevant (Elys parents, the mercenaries, maybe Mishrak if Simony is stable enough) from the undersea palace to that meeting, too. (Or do it in the undersea palace and just fetch Red Ruin).
Sounds peachy keen to me! I like the idea, and it seems pretty wieldy narrative and objective-wise. Though, for the future, maybe we should help Jana acquire magic-vision, that seems very useful to have, and she seemed interested.
Sounds peachy keen to me! I like the idea, and it seems pretty wieldy narrative and objective-wise. Though, for the future, maybe we should help Jana acquire magic-vision, that seems very useful to have, and she seemed interested.
I wanted to get Elys magic vision, but getting it for both sounds really good.
Btw, what do you think about later (after these emergencies are done and the aspitolm war is in the green again) looking for a water magic teacher and founding a deep ones knight organization?
"I wonder if Green Flame knows how to do it," you say, thinking aloud. "I'm sure her squadron must have had a spotter or someone to tell them when demons were about to invade. They probably called him or her 'Green Eye'."
"In which case, they are surely long dead," says Raef.
"Green Squadron had cause to regret losing their healer. Maybe that led them to try to teach each other their specialized skills, so they could fill in for each other if need be."
"Possibly." Raef nods. "You'll have to ask her about that."
"I would appreciate it if you would both help me with this," you say, "even if my original plan of having you scout ahead wouldn't work."
"Just how many people have you recruited into your raiding party already?" asks Samaya, continuing to sort through a stack of books.
"Well, I'll need Bellona – and Green Flame has asked to be involved – and I'd like to bring Jana and Catharne with me." You consider, for a moment. "I'd like to recruit Sildar and Jorantul too. They're extraordinarily skilled warriors."
"Do you really need the two of us well?" asks Samaya. "Are you aware of the concept of 'overkill'?"
"There's something else you should know," you say, after a moment's pause. "Have I told you that the Demon Lord Melphior is planning to kill Zora Alishanda after destroying all her masks? And his cultists are definitely planning something, so the Night Blades and their allies are going to try to put a stop to it. There's going to be a meeting to discuss it, which I think the two of you should attend."
"I… I was aware the goblins of Tyrepheum were building a 'space gonne' designed to take them to the moon so they can rescue their mother goddess," says Raef. "I was not aware that events had progressed since then. I presume Melphior's attempts to destroy Zora Alishanda's masks are a relatively new development?"
You nod and proceed to describe the dream you had in which the Riddling Knight was torn apart by Melphior himself, who told you that the world of dreams will become "a place of horror and despair" for his enemies.
"I wish you'd told me that before," says Samaya, crossly, taking a step back and away from her work. "That sounds much more important than… anything else, really. Why are you worrying about Cinna whatsisname while one of the Demon Lords is threatening to take over such an important part of Creation?"
"Um… I have good reason to suspect Cinna knows something about Melphior's cult. Or at least he's hired one of them to work for him. Besides, he's the ruler of Tyrepheum's shadowy underworld, the sea in which demon-worshipping cultists swim, so it's likely he's been keeping tabs on them. Anything we can find out about the cultists is likely to be useful information that will help to thwart Melphior's evil plans. That's why…" You wildly fumble for inspiration and are surprised when you find it: "…I'm setting up a meeting, in Tyrepheum's goblin town, where we can discuss all of this."
"When will this meeting be?" asks Raef.
"In a couple of hours," you say. "I need to let everyone know first."
"Well, of course we must go," says Samaya with a frustrated sigh. "Now, I suggest you run along and do whatever you need to do to prepare."
You take that as your cue to leave and scurry away, dragging Jana along with you.
Returning to the set of rooms where the member of Cadre 1F are currently staying, you ask Green Flame, "Will you come to a meeting to discuss how we're going to assault Cinna's mansion? As well as how we're going to thwart Melphior's plans to take over the Dreaming World?"
"Of course." She inclines her head. "When and where?"
"Tyrepheum's goblin town in about an hour."
"I'll be there," she promises. "But what about my pupils? Should they come too?"
You glance around at Dorian, Isolia, Venta and then Phil. After a moment's thought, you say, "Probably not. Best to keep them as far away from Cinna as possible."
"Understood," says Green Flame.
"I'd like to visit Simony, see how he's getting on," says Phil.
"I'm going there next," you say, opening a portal. "Why don't you come with me?"
He and his friends are glad of this opportunity take a break from their studies. They pile on through the portal after you.
"Simony is fine," Bellona assures you. "I've removed the chains around his soul. He's just resting."
"That's good," says Phil, nervously eyeing his brother's unconscious body lying on a hospital bed. "I know I didn't feel too well after you did the same for me."
"I want to have a meeting to discuss how we're going to assault Cinna's mansion and also what we can do to oppose Melphior's attempts to take over the Dreaming World," you say. "I'd appreciate it if you would attend. In about an hour, in Tyrepheum's goblin town."
Bellona hesitates. "I don't want to leave Simony on his own."
"We'll look after him," says Phil, looking around at his friends, the other members of Cadre 1F. "Isn't that right?"
They all nod their assent.
"Are you a qualified healer?" asks Bellona, raising an eyebrow. "Are any of you?"
"Well, no," Phil admits.
"Is he in any danger?" asks Jana.
"Probably not. But I'd like to stay with him just in case."
"What if I asked Uncle Mishrak to look after him?" you suggest. "He's probably the most powerful life magic in all of Creation."
"I think… that would be an excellent solution," says Bellona, slowly. "Thank you, Elys."
"So long as he doesn't get bored and decide my brother's life would be greatly improved if he had a pair of fins and a fishy tail," Phil mutters.
You swing by Mishrak's workshop and ask him to look after Simony while Bellona is away, to which he agrees. Then, you notice Catharne curled up by his feet, like a large and scaly cat.
"Aww, you're adorable!" you gush.
"Uhh? Elys?!" She rolls over and springs to her feet. "What are you doing here?"
"I've organized a meeting to discuss how we're going to assault Cinna's mansion," you say. "And what we're going to do to stop Melphior from taking over the Dreaming World. It's at the Tyrepheum goblin town in less than an hour. Do you want to come along?"
"I suppose I'd better," she replies. "I don't want to be left out."
Finally, you head to a great hall given over to the men and women who've been fighting the war against Aspitolm: a place where they can rest and recover after their endeavours, where there is plenty of good food and drink, camaraderie and entertainment. You try to ignore the loud music, sidle past a small crowd who are cheering and taking bets on two men who are arm-wrestling each other, and look around in the hope of seeing a pair of familiar faces. In fact, you see several more familiar faces than you had expected to see: there's Hafjon and Rekka, Bug and Grunt, and a burly grey-bearded old man you feel that you definitely should recognise, but… Well, no matter. You're here to find Sildar and Jorantul, not anyone else.
You find them near the back of the room, in a cosy nook, sitting and drinking together. It appears that Sildar is partway through telling a story, gesticulating wildly and grinning at his own wit. You're only in time to hear the end: "–tried to say that the word 'hopefully' should only be used to mean 'in a hopeful way' and not 'it is to be hoped', despite the fact that it's been used like that for most of the last century, never mind the fact that he was holding up the meeting with his pointless pedantry, so I said, 'The meanings of words change all the time. New words are invented or borrowed from other languages while others fall into misuse and others acquire new meanings. For instance, many years ago, the word "condescending" meant that someone of superior rank, such as a nobleman, was able to lower themselves to speak kindly to people of a lower social class, which was considered to be a positive characteristic. However, over time, it took on connotations of arrogance, snobbery and a desire to humiliate others. And so, Admiral Moggsley, I'd must inform you that I find you very condescending, which – considering your love of outdated meanings for words – I'm sure you'll take as a compliment."
"Hilarious," says Jorantul, in a deadpan tone, taking a sip of his drink. "So… I take it you're not a fan of Admiral Horace Moggsley of Rivayne?"
"The man's an incompetent!" Sildar scoffs. "He had one of his sailors hanged from the yardarm for mutiny, just for daring to suggest that the fleet was off course – and then bam! – three ships wrecked off Sunstone Rock. He should be cashiered!"
The Aspiti Empire currently has 14 Warscore. As a consequence of Rivayni naval incompetence, they will gain an additional 2 Warscore this month (on top of the 2 Warscore they gain every month).
"I appreciate your strength of feeling," says Jorantul. "And I wish I could offer a solution. But… hmm, perhaps now is not the time." He gestures towards you and Jana. "I think these young ladies are waiting patiently to speak to us."
"Yes, I'm in need of brave and stalwart heroes to aid me," you say, solemnly.
Sildar groans at that. "I suppose that means no fee. We're just supposed to do this out of the goodness of our hearts?"
"Of course I'll pay you! I'm the Chosen of Mishrak, the god of wealth and treasure, among other things!" you protest. "How much do you want?"
"What's the job, first?" asks Jorantul.
You explain who Cinna Beli-Zephalos is, what he has done, and how you intend to bring his unnaturally long life to an end. Then, you explain Melphior's plan to destroy all of Zora Alishanda's masks, kill her and take over the Dreaming World.
"I've organized a meeting to discuss how we're going to tackle these problems," you say. "In a few minutes or so. I'll show you the way, if you like?"
Sildar and Jorantul exchange apprehensive glances.
"Fine, we'll attend," says Sildar. "We can discuss payment later."
You open a portal to the room where Samaya set up a portal to the temple of Zora Alishanda in Tyrepheum's goblin town. "All right, let's go!"
Conveniently, it seems that the temple of Zora Alishanda is the only possible location where your proposed meeting can take place – because none of the other buildings in Tyrepheum's goblin town have enough space. You speak to a representative of the Night Blades, who tells you that their goddess's eldest children have sent their Chosen champions; you suggest that they should attend the meeting and she promises to tell them about it.
Before long, Samaya and Raef arrive, and then Bellona and Green Flame. You, Jana, Catharne, Sildar, Jorantul and an elderly priest are already there, so the room is getting quite crowded and you wonder if you should start the meeting. Then, you meet the Chosen of Strashan, Lissa and Nyssa. They introduce themselves one by one.
Wranolf the Bloody is a large, brawny man with a bare chest, a bearskin cloak and a necklace of bear's teeth. He has shaggy black hair and a vivid red birthmark splashed across his face, partially concealed behind his beard.
Nerya Fair-hair is a stout, matronly woman with faded blonde hair, a careworn face and a sorrowful look in her eyes. If you saw her in the street, you probably wouldn't even notice her.
Drukhalion is an imposingly tall and muscular black man with deep-set eyes like pools of darkness. He is dressed in fine silks, with the faint glint of silvery armour underneath, and leather sandals that seem to flap when he walks. His skin has a texture that reminds you of bark, which is probably a sign of how Nyssa has blessed him.
It appears that the Night Blades have sent their own representative to the meeting. You are unsurprised to see that it is Dakendar Lugat, presumably because you and he have spoken several times before, so he knows you better than any of his colleagues. Or maybe they've assigned him to you on a semi-permanent basis, as their liaison.
You see Red Ruin following behind him, looking sterner and more serious than you've ever seen him before. Should you be worried or relieved by that? You can't be sure.
Perhaps you should give a speech. Now we're all here…
Wranolf gives you a wide grin. "So, you called this meeting, did you?" he booms. "What do you want to talk about? We've got plenty to do, you know. Can't stand around chatting all day!"
What should Elys say? What are the main points you want to bring up at this meeting?
Please tell me if there's anything I've forgotten to include so far. (I almost forgot to include Red Ruin until the last moment.)
Please do have her put up an anti-eavesdropping ward before starting.
Hm.. opening words for the the meeting...
*take a deep breath*
The ruler of the local underworld is using soulmagic and torture on his children so he can absorb their souls and avoid death, Bellona, Chosen of Teryn, here can tell you more details on how, we want to attack his mansion tonight to stop him from hurting his kids ever again and to get any evidence there may be about his connection to the cult of Melphior that wants to usurp the dream domain from Zora Alishandra by killing her masks one by one until she is too weak to resist, which we obviously want to prevent until the spacegonne project finishes and frees Zora Alishandra so she can defend herself.
We hope for the help of Nerya in ending Cinna and freeing his kids, and for the help of your respective patron gods in protecting Zora Alishandra and defeating Melphiors cult.
Bellona can answer questions on what magic Cinna used.
We should mention that from what we know that Cinna hires other mages for everything complex, which would probably include the soul magic he used against his children.
Probably also what she told Raef and Samaya why stopping Cinna is important for the Melphior issue.
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Also, i forgot to add mentioning the issues Raef and Samaya brought up, i.e. having someone who can fight mercenaries Cinna may have in an area of null magic (Sildar, Jorantul) and someone with powers of second sight, if possible. But the latter is probably a "does anyone present have that power and is willing to help?" at this point.
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"Um… I have good reason to suspect Cinna knows something about Melphior's cult. Or at least he's hired one of them to work for him. Besides, he's the ruler of Tyrepheum's shadowy underworld, the sea in which demon-worshipping cultists swim, so it's likely he's been keeping tabs on them. Anything we can find out about the cultists is likely to be useful information that will help to thwart Melphior's evil plans.
for Melphior...
The Space gonne project that aims to free Zora from the moon. (short)
Melphior attacking that project and that we hired the Nightblades to protect the project and fight the cult. (each more a quick fact than a story)
How we tried to confront 3 pupils that are members of the cult in the academy (where they should be cutoff from the rest of the cult), but Elys was hit with a sleep spell and Jana can tell of how 2 of the pupils turned out to be a life magic abomination.
And of course what Elys saw while being asleep, very important.
And how we believe that the Riddling Knights "remember me" may mean that the remembering her and worshipping Zora Alishandra may help her survive the attacks. Ask the Chosen of the Seasons to relay that to their patrons so their faithful can keep Zora Alishandra in their prayers.
And i think at that point we are out of stuff to pre plan and really need to take in the reactions of the chosen.
"The man's an incompetent!" Sildar scoffs. "He had one of his sailors hanged from the yardarm for mutiny, just for daring to suggest that the fleet was off course – and then bam! – three ships wrecked off Sunstone Rock. He should be cashiered!"
Anyway, Toboe's outline sounds pretty good to me. Leaving her parents out of this seems fine, though; here they'd be playing at least as much catchup as everyone else so they wouldn't be that good for speeches/diplomacy/organization beyond what they've already coached us on, and despite how badass they are they would be overshadowed in the power department by most of the people in here. And more importantly, they already have enough to deal with right now with organizing the Aspitolm war. (though, speaking of which, should probably bring up the thing about the deranged admiral to them when we get the chance, that's something they'd be more equipped to handle than us)
So yeah general outline of, protect Cinna's kids, block Cinna's bodysnatching, kill Cinna so thoroughly that half of the "fight" will just be everyone beating up a black stain burned into the ground, investigate mansion's contents and interrogate surviving guards and staff for stuff on Melphior's cult, move on to destroying that cult.
"You mean the appropriate way to react to someone that hires the kind of mages that can enable you to absorb the souls of your kids (and may also be involved with a demon lord)?"
Leaving her parents out of this seems fine, though; here they'd be playing at least as much catchup as everyone else so they wouldn't be that good for speeches/diplomacy/organization beyond what they've already coached us on, and despite how badass they are they would be overshadowed in the power department by most of the people in here. And more importantly, they already have enough to deal with right now with organizing the Aspitolm war.
I'm fine with either, but Elys could want someone experienced considering how stressful this situation must be.
Also, i forgot to add mentioning the issues Raef and Samaya brought up, i.e. having someone who can fight mercenaries Cinna may have in an area of null magic (Sildar, Jorantul) and someone with powers of second sight, if possible.
Btw, what do you think about later (after these emergencies are done and the aspitolm war is in the green again) looking for a water magic teacher and founding a deep ones knight organization?
"I wish you'd told me that before," says Samaya, crossly, taking a step back and away from her work. "That sounds much more important than… anything else, really. Why are you worrying about Cinna whatsisname while one of the Demon Lords is threatening to take over such an important part of Creation?"
Because Melphior is a problem for This Week and we want Green Flame to be able to live her life in peace, and also, the man is a dagerous rogue player in the middle of a delicate operation, and one likely to side with our enemies. If we can sweep him off the board, in addition to solving a lot of personal problems, it also simplifies the battlefield.
And so, Admiral Moggsley, I'd must inform you that I find you very condescending, which – considering your love of outdated meanings for words – I'm sure you'll take as a compliment."
I like a lot of what Toboe has to say, but I think we should discuss Melphior first, and then, when the topic is exhausted, we move on to Cinna. We can bill it pretty well as a in-and-out kind of thing, and tie it to the main topic by mentioning that, in addition to his many crimes against his own children, he's the head of the local criminal element, and taking him out, in addition to what Toboe said, would throw some of the carefully organized local criminals into dissarray, an excellent time to pump them for info while they're desperate, scrambling for power, infighting, and their infosec is shot to hell.
I think, as an opener, we should lead with what happened at the Academy, to set the stakes in a very personal way, and then lead into a general summary for those unaware, laying out some important details, and I think we'd want to bring in Simony's notes - I presume the Night Blades have looked over them in the last few hours and prepared a dossier?
Would be fine with that, though i think there is a reason to start with the (to them) less important Cinna issue:
It is probably a quick discussion, whereas Melphior and the theological implications and the best strategies is a big topic that probably goes on after we left.
They're very busy people and Elys probably doesn't want to bother them. Still, the next update should probably have Jana say something like, "Why didn't you invite your parents to this meeting? Don't you think they'd have anything useful to say?"
Hm.. opening words for the the meeting...
*take a deep breath*
The ruler of the local underworld is using soulmagic and torture on his children so he can absorb their souls and avoid death, Bellona, Chosen of Teryn, here can tell you more details on how, we want to attack his mansion tonight to stop him from hurting his kids ever again and to get any evidence there may be about his connection to the cult of Melphior that wants to usurp the dream domain from Zora Alishandra by killing her masks one by one until she is too weak to resist, which we obviously want to prevent until the spacegonne project finishes and frees Zora Alishandra so she can defend herself.
I think it would be a good idea to underline the fact the main priority is to stop Melphior's attempts to murder Zora Alishanda and take over the Dreaming World, but then say that perma-killing Cinna would be a major step towards that (and then explain why, who he is, what he has been doing and so on).
Also, i forgot to add mentioning the issues Raef and Samaya brought up, i.e. having someone who can fight mercenaries Cinna may have in an area of null magic (Sildar, Jorantul) and someone with powers of second sight, if possible.
I like a lot of what Toboe has to say, but I think we should discuss Melphior first, and then, when the topic is exhausted, we move on to Cinna. We can bill it pretty well as a in-and-out kind of thing, and tie it to the main topic by mentioning that, in addition to his many crimes against his own children, he's the head of the local criminal element, and taking him out, in addition to what Toboe said, would throw some of the carefully organized local criminals into dissarray, an excellent time to pump them for info while they're desperate, scrambling for power, infighting, and their infosec is shot to hell.
They're very busy people and Elys probably doesn't want to bother them. Still, the next update should probably have Jana say something like, "Why didn't you invite your parents to this meeting? Don't you think they'd have anything useful to say?"
Thematically fitting to the comment if you squint enough to only see "with power comes responsibility". The situation of Elys and the Character singing are nothing alike, though.
It is probably a quick discussion, whereas Melphior and the theological implications and the best strategies is a big topic that probably goes on after we left.
Considering that Elys is organizing the efforts to fend off Melphior, I think it would be highly irresponsible for her to leave before that is discussed in full.
