Slinky awoke with a start. Everything felt, strange, but not wrong. With a grunt of effort, she sat up and looked down at her legs. Her very long legs. It, had worked? There was an excited squeal from across the room, and Agatha rushed over.
After a lengthy checkup, Slinky walked out of the laboratory and settled into the temporary housing along with her liberated compatriots. It felt odd, having her own possessions. Regardless, she and compatriots were grateful to the Gwallawg's and Agatha for giving them that precious gift of freedom.
Learning how to use a bow to help defend the Gwallags wasn't very difficult. Archery seemed to come naturally to all her fellow elves and she was no exception. This supposed elven language on the other hand was more challenging. However, it did provide everyone with a unique source of names. Names that they could chose for themselves and establish themselves as free individuals with a common heritage. For her name, she chose Innil. Ind for inner thought, meaning, or heart coupled with a female suffix. Not just her body, but also her mind was free.
But all to soon, strength of arms was needed. Innil would join the force led by Lady Martha to aid an ally against the undead. She tied up her shoulder-length hair so it wouldn't get in the way, shouldered her bow, and marched north.
***
AN: @Kufufu I've done the writing. The drawing is now in your hands.
I'm not sure it's possible to play intrigue style and win in this quest imo or even have fun playing it. Intrigue needs a predictable situation and this quest has more and more variables added out of nowhere every turn.
you'd be surprised at how easy it is to play intrigue.
For example, Aimée's research about the hives netted her three get out of jail cards by way of Overlord. You've seen her use one to have him raze the ministry while she was framing Rufus.
It's a matter of gathering information and using appropriate actions.
you'd be surprised at how easy it is to play intrigue.
For example, Aimée's research about the hives netted her three get out of jail cards by way of Overlord. You've seen her use one to have him raze the ministry while she was framing Rufus.
It's a matter of gathering information and using appropriate actions.
For those who don't follow the Discord : I sprained my wrist and it sorta kinda affects my typing speed. Add to that the fact Uni's coming back next week and I don't have the time to do one update per 2 days like I usually do, so expect update rate to slow down a bit.
Also, feel free to blame Qeqre for what's gonna happen in 96 .
Horace was sitting on his sofa, using his spoon to mix his tea and sugar. His complexion was looking unhealthy and he had bags under his eyes
"Sorry for my lack of availability but something happened that required my immediate attention."
In front of him, Dace was drinking from his cup.
"I'm going to need more information than that to understand the situation, Horace." He answered lightly, before sipping once again as Martha was, as was usual, latching onto his arm like a limplet. Perception and Empathy checks passed by ally.
The older man adopted a strange expression, that Julian told him was one of inner conflict due to divided loyalties, before nodding in defeat.
"The attack on Malfoy Manor had two goals. First was to secure Lucius for their cause, and the other was to get a specific item in his possession. Most likely, he didn't even know what it was." His face twisted, yet again, regret mixed with shame. " The key to You-Know-Who's immortality."
"A Horcrux." Dace continued. Now, he wasn't the smartest when it came to people, but with the data Julian was feeding him through whispering spell and his own knowledge, the only reason why Dumbledore would get Horace's help on this would be...
"You were the one who taught the terrorist about them?" One could hear the raised eyebrow in his voice and Horace held himself back from flinching.
"He was a brilliant student." The retired teacher started, eyes clouded in reminiscence. "Excellent grades, no behavioral problems, seemingly stable, but most of all, charismatic. He knew he was destined for greatness, all of us knew, and he used it for all of its worth. Textbook, exemplary Slytherin, really. He came to me from time to times, and had questions about everything. Which is why I didn't immediately guess his motives for asking that question when he did." Horace closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. "Albus thinks he has seven horcruxes in total."
Dace's lips pursed.
Seven horcruxes. This is troubling news indeed. In the end, he couldn't begrudge Horace for taking responsibility and dealing with the situation he partially caused.
Does Dace get involved with the Horcrux situation?
[] No, this isn't his responsibility and he has enough on his plate right now
[] Yes, he doesn't trust them not to mess it up [Military action will be taken this turn]
+5 RP with Horace Slughorn
Further actions available next turn.
October 1st 1987
[X]Elementary, my dear
[X]Chaos, chaos everywhere
[X]A special kind of crystal
Agatha and him spent the whole month pouting over maks and archives to try and make heads or tails of what was happening, with Oliver's passive-agressive, yet helpful input. Julian tried to get the other man to open up, but it seems that if anything, he was even more put off by the ogling. It seemed Dace wouldn't have to worry about Julian trying to seduce his wife.
In any case, the data acquired was well worth the effort.
To be more precise, they could now predict where and when the elemental crystals would appear, something that was becoming necessary, because if they weren't harvested to allow for a surplus energy discharge, the imbalance would cause massive destruction, such as Ireland sinking under the sea, random fires burning Scotland to the ground, Wales being swallowed by the earth, of England being ground to the ground by uncontrollable winds.
The elemental nexuses were supposed to be stable though, according to the carefully recorded data, and it was Oliver who pointed out a giant red dome had swallowed the isles in their entirety, the emitted energy being swallowed by the nexuses, causing a surplus of energy. After more calculations, the center fo that dome was located near the middle of England. Oliver commented offhandedly that the Overlord's base was in the nearby underground cavern system.
On one of the locations Dace was considering to settle on for his base.
He really needed to have a talk about information sharing with Oliver.
More actions available next turn.
More research options available.
Megaproject available.
November 6th 1987
[X] Scour the area
[X]Survey the land.
Urie was sighing once again, cursing the roll of the dice of Fate that led him to where he was right now. Following the trail to the place was easy enough, but when he looked at the mountain, his eyes began to hurt. The whole space looked like a cubist's fever dream. He then decided to give up and found a tree to nap on.
Sharon gave him a flat stare, grey eyes shining behind her brown curls, but relented when the man lowered a hand towards her, helping her to climb up to his position. For all of her faults, which were numerous, Urie mused, she did understand that naps were sacred.
It all went fine and dandy, and the tree was blessedly squirrel free, when the sound of hooves hitting the ground woke him up. He then saw a hooded figure, female, riding what had to be a unicorn. It lookes like a horse, only thinner, with a silver horn and silver hooves.
The creature stomped on the ground and began neighing, before its horn began glowing slightly, caysing a thin silvery wave to ripple over the barrier. It then advanced and broke through, both rider and mount disappearing from view by going through.
Urie and Sharon looked at eachother for a moment, before staring more, the gears in their brains moving as the corners of the silvery circle began wobbling.
If he waited any longer, the portal would close, and he'd fail the mission. If he failed, Sharon would be unsufferable. Even worse, Martha would get on his case. In the end, Sharon herself took the decision making within her hands and jumped down, dragging him through the portal.
Also, unicorns are dangerous, so there's a chance he'd die if he got caught.
The tunnels were strange and overrun with vegetation, the map he was provided with was useless, and he was fairly sure he was lost. Still, he arrived to what Dace described as the ruins of the Rampart. It did look like the castle did before it was converted to a swamp. According to Dace's notes, there was one place they didn't have time to check, and it was the forest. It was dark, and there were whispers coming from it, looked delightfully dangerous, so of course he went ahead to explore the place while sharon was looking around, ready for a fight.
It was eerily quiet, the whispers having disapppeared, and the light didn't manage to go through the foliage.
Their footsteps echoed slightly, the atmosphere feeling oppressing, until a flash of silvery light in the corner of his eye got his attention. There, staring at them without moving, was a moon doe.
Urie stared. Sharon's mouth opened.
The beast stared some more.
Then, an echo of a neigh made the doe turn her head and run away, moving swiftly and easily through the trees.
Urie decided it would be too troublesome to try and recapture them for the boss and continued on his travel despite his companion's protests, which was very short, because he found more ruins. It looked quite a lot like the homestead, except it seemed it used to be in the air, against the tree's bark.
He approached, wondering how the wood hasn't rotten yet, and inspected the place. The empty patches among the dust indicated that it had been cleaned up recently, however, there were a few things he found that could be of use.
Usable wooden planks, old weapons and armor, one or two old schematics, yellowed by time and half destroyed, a strange parchment and, hidden inside of a tree, in a cache Sharon found that needed Nature magic to open, a bow, that seemed more powerful that the other ones they'd found, albeit it still felt incomplete.
+10 wood
Longbow: Increases a unit's ranged attack by 5. Slot: Misc
x20
Elven chainmail: Increases the unit's Melee and Ranged Defense by 10. Slot: Torso
x3
Recipes for Longbow, Elven chainmail, wooden shield, petrified breastplate acquired.
Plans for Homestead upgrade (50/100) acquired.
Bow of elven cherrywood: Allows Hero to use ranged attacks
Gives +1 Rank to hero's archery skill. If a hero does not have the skill, the artifact has no effect.
Slot: misc
-Part of the Bow of the Sharpshooter set.
Parchment of Pathfinding:Teaches the hero holding it the spell Pathfinding after a turn, provided they have the appropriate skill. ( Basic Nature Magic) Reusable.
Slot: Hand
They had just finished cleaning up the place, when he could feel somebody behind him. It was the unicorn and its rider.
"It looks like we have found some rats." The androgynous voice rang, the humanoid figure almost eerily still. Behind them, a flock of unicorns and does appeared, emitting a soft silver glow. The unicorns were already preparing to attack, scratching the ground with their hooves as they lowered their heads, horns pointing at the druid.
Urie just looked, his heart fluttering.
Was this the time? Finally?
For once, he felt happy!
"Interesting creatures you have there" Sharon noted, her voice deceptively calm. " Gonna try to eliminate competition?"
Then, the figure laughed.
"You are more useful to us alive." They produced the same bow Urie was holding, only for him to realize he lost his. " Take it as our thanks for finding this one for us. The boss was right about the place not being fully cleaned out, even after the sweeps. You can keep the parchment though."
Urie wanted to point out that he did not, in fact, find the bow for them, but he was so disappointed he could not summon the strength to protest.
"Are you sure your 'boss' would want you to antagonize us? I mean, we could be allied! We have the same means and philosophy! With all that's going on around there, neither of us can afford any more enemies!"
This elicited another laugh from the hooded figure.
"Our means and philosophies couldn't be any more different, little girl. Still, I will respect your idealism. Do try to hold onto it when your darkest hour comes upon you." They threw the bow onto the pile of items in a nearby cart
Bow of Elven Cherrywood lost!
The rider was kind enough to lead him to the exit of the place, and he noticed that some of the unicorns were dragging carts full of items too. Staves, parchments, a few shiny baubles, green and gold dragonscales, several obviously magical weapons and armor, but the most obvious was a shield.It was covered in green dragonscales, with a golden border and a giant ruby embedded in its middle. Another one was a golden square, surrounded by more golden squares, that seemed to eat up the darknesss and emit light instead.
The figure noticed Urie looking at the carts full of loot and laughed.
"It seems the previous explorers did not have time to finish, probably because of the battle that took place underground. Do not worry, I took care of the remaining undead, both in the caves and the area, so it is unlikely that you will be attacked from the East. I would very much worry about your Southern flank, though." The figure's uncovered mouth twisted in a knowing smile. " As for who we are and our objectives, you may call us the Renegades, we are the ones who learned from your mistakes and strive not to repeat them. Our concern does not particularly lie with the current situation, however, we are not opposed to taking action should it become necessary."
They raised their hand, an indigo book tucked under their other arm glowing and the air rippled, a similarly colored portal opening. The unicorns and does entered it when the figure snapped their fingers. A slight breeze pressing the cloak against their body revealing a slender, androgynous frame.
From where he was, he could see plains, forests and rolling hills, and on the top of it, a solid Rampart. But not much of anything else, a small settlement, not even worthy of being called a village, and that was it. Though, plants were growing, small trees appearing here and there and the wildlife flourishing. Urie idly noticed the place had lots of hawks and owls, and he could see a wildcat staring at thim from its perch on a thin branch. All of them were notorious squirrel predators. The color of the grass revealed that the 'Renegades' hadn't even linked up Nature and the Rampart yet, meaning they were likely very new. In fact, he could even see little people with wooden hammers and pickaxes building some sort of structure within a nearby hill.
"Indeed, we finished building it this year." the figure commented nonchalantly. "Not like it matters, since the other factions are unaware of our existence." They stopped for a moment. " No, that is not quite exact. Another group knows of us, as we know of them, but it is unlikely you will ever get the zealots to talk."
"Then why are you telling me that? I'm going to tell my boss about it, you know?" Urie stated, making the figure to turn towards him fully, before Sharon could tell him to shut up and not antagonize the person who has them prisoner.
"We're counting on it." They said gleefully. "There are three kinds of reactions your boss can have, and all three will be to our benefit."
Urie felt an immense tiredness invaded him. He hated dealing with chessmasters.
"We will see you people again next year. " The figure ignored the young woman, squeezed their mount's flanks ant they galloped through the portal, that collapsed after them.
He also hated showy people. Nevertheless, they trudged through the exit, the barrier feeling like pudding and snapping closed behind them. When they got back to the castle, people looked at them like they were ghosts, and they got led to a small room where they were interrogated, then brought up to speed.
It seemed they disappeared for the entire year and missed all of the action.
Contact made with the Renegade Nature faction.
More actions available next turn.
November 6th 1987
[X]Sneaking training with Chibi
When Dace entered his granddaughter's bedroom, he knew something was off. The situation looked normal enough, the little girl wearing a sparkly, frilly abomination of a dress and posing while her pets were looking at the scene and Oliver was taking photographs.
Her bedroom was different from what he remembered it to be. The naked stone with mana veins had been covered by plaster, then by a gradient of sky blue and pastel pink wall paper, with clouds painted over it. The floor was covered with a wery thick, deep purple carpet, and shelves upon shelves, were covered with books and toys, that he didn't remember buying her. On the side, her pet tiger cub, called Mister Fluffles, was having fun riding a wooden horse while the baby unicorn was laying on the ground, leisurely eating apples and watching the spectacle, its pure golden coat and stubby horn catching the light and making it look like a giant, living sculpture. Then, Hassan was sitting behind Oliver and howling each time Oliver encouraged this granddaughter.
Yes, the scene was quite bizarre.
Dace cleared his throat to get their attention. Playing around didn't help to develop appropriate skills after all, and she sorely needed the help. She'd play around when she didn't alert half of the castle when she was trying to be discrete.
The reaction was immediate. The little girl squeaked in panic and immediately jumped off the bed that was her improvised scene and touched down on the ground and ran to her closet to change while Oliver jumped to his feet.
"Oh for f- Boss, what did I tell you about going off on your o- Oh, hello there Oliver, long time no see~" His muscular assistant, Julian, had arrived, looking harried, before immediately switching tracks.
"Julian. Dace." The half Australian spat out, his agitation causing all of the animals in the room to take aggressive postures.
"Now now, don't scowl so much or you'll become an old man, and wouldn't that be a crime~" Julian exaggerately batted his eyelashes, his voice almost in a falsetto as he behaved like an overly muscled parody of a blushing maiden.
Oliver had a visible, full body shiver at that remark and Hassan whined.
"More seriously though, sorry about that." Julian pointed at Dace, his behavior becoming 'normal' again. "Didn't know you had some fabulous bonding time with the little one, though, you ought to bring her to me from time to time, so that she learns how to use her assets to the maximum like I do!" The man puffed up proudly, earning himself a flat stare.
"I don't think I ever want her to be spoken in the same sentence as 'assets'."
Julian nodded sagely, bold posture melting into something more thoughtful.
"I figured. You got schooling figured out yet? I don't thing the classicals are going to cut it for her, considering the amount of chaos her mother caused by simply existing."
Oliver relaxed a bit.
"Yeah, I've contacted Maman and she told me there were a few other halfs running around with similar problems, so they set up a family school, of sorts. Push come to shove, she'll want to meet her, but it should be okay. Aura's legit."
The closed door creaked open, the girl peeking though the crack cautiously, before going out silently, wearing much more sober and sensible clothing, and half hiding behind Oliver.
Julian almost seemed to shring and crouched, looking less threatening.
"Why hello there princess, may I ask what you were doing?"
Scathach just looked at him, taking in his appearence, before she began squeezing Oliver's leg and staring harshly.
"It won't work on me."
Julian's grin became slightly fixed, before he shook his head and smiled wrily.
"No, I suppose it won't."
She nodded haughitly, before continuing.
"I am, however, open to bribery."
He snorted, then guffawed, before rolling onto his back and laughing madly. Well, not to ruin such a heartwarming moment or anything, but I'm on a schedule right now, so off you pop. Nothing personal, squirt.
The atmosphere finally relaxed, then Dace blacked out. When he finally came back to himself, he was on the ground, his nose broken, and Julian was desperately holding back Oliver who was looking hell bent on trying to strangle him.
His granddaughter and the animals were nowhere to be seen.
"Ollie, no, murder isn't the answer, no matter how much you think it's warranted!" His voice was strained from the effort and Dace could see fire befinning to form on the hybrid's hands.
"It seems I had another episode." He stated, getting the attention of both men, causing Oliver to stop struggling, before Julian let him go. Oliver just looked at Dace, his usually open face expressionless, and vibrant green eyes boring holes into his skull. A faint air of danger came from him and chills began to creep up his spine. Then it stopped and Oliver ran out, not even sparing him a parting glance.
Julian sat on the bed, arms and legs crossed and looking at Dace.
"Now, I heard the rumors, but it seems reality is stranger than fiction."
Dace put his wand on his nose and it snapped back into place with a wet pop.
"What have I done now?"
"Well, besides cranking up the creep-o-meter to the maximum, you kinda tried to take her away by force and ended up hurting her, then papa bear intervened and the animals went crazy. Next thing I know, you start speaking in tongues, which makes Ollie go ballistic, and I'm trying to keep the guy from killing you. And let me tell you, as awesome as I am, Ollie's strong."
Well, that was worrying.
What was more worrying was that Martha ran into the room, shouting about Elizabeth being taken hostage at the Ministry by someone who said they wanted to meet face to face with Dace, and that they'd kill her if he doesn't come.
What does Dace do?
[]Go
[]Do not go.
Intrigue Interrupt.
Figures it's when I say I'll write less I end up writing more.
Well. This turn kinda sucked. Loot was stolen, relationships damaged and our prospects for expansion have been hampered. By chaos. Who is now our neighbor.
Also, Oliver was aware of our regulerly being possessed and never thought it prudent to tell us. He then gets pissed when something goes wrong as a result of his silence.
Kinda a shity move on his part.
[X] Yes, he doesn't trust them not to mess it up [Military action will be taken this turn]
[X]Go
I don't think Chaos is our neighbor. It's a reference to the nat 1 we got on one of the real estate picks a while back. It would have been in the same province as the Overlord's base. Middle of England is roughly that spot.
It's possible Oliver did tell Dace about creepy cultist stuff and Cherry just mindwhammied Dace even harder afterwards.
I don't think Chaos is our neighbor. It's a reference to the nat 1 we got on one of the real estate picks a while back. It would have been in the same province as the Overlord's base. Middle of England is roughly that spot.
It's possible Oliver did tell Dace about creepy cultist stuff and Cherry just mindwhammied Dace even harder afterwards.
The gains are to small for the advantages we can get from it. Urie won't be usable this turn. Meaning we can only send Dace and Lily can handle it .
I doubt Lily can stay level headed Vs Chaos. Which will probably cost us since this situation we need to be a bit more discreet . That leaves Dace. I dont want to send him anywhere.
Dace sat in a chair in front of a table. In front of him sat Urie Blake. They where a square little room. It was located deep inside his mansion, and was warded against all sorts spells that dealt with espionage and scrying. As per usual he had separated the two he had sent out on a mission to tell if their stories matched up. Usually he would have assumed they had gone an joy trip, or gone on a trip for self discovery in the mountains. Somehow, with this man he doubted that would be the case.
Urie Blake, 25 years old. Long black curly hair, a sharp nose, and a glare that stated how much he didn't want to be hear. Almost one year had gone by since he had last seen him, and he didn't look a day older. That should have proven his word, but then again. He hadn't aged a day since Martha had defeated Riddle in the attack 3 years ago, a battle only he, Oliver, and Martha survived. One of the side effects of the Grail.
His partner during his vacation, he looked at his paper, someone named "Sharon". She hadn't been present during the attack due to breaking up with him? and had returned soon after, and had also stopped aging, somehow. Much had been lost during the dark ages of paperwork. Information about his employees, which could have been very useful, gone.
"People thought you where dead" He stated
"I wish I was dead" Urie mumbled back.
and he hadn't changed in the slightest either. He had returned, and after having a talk with Sharon, he had found out they had come back with plans for an Elven building, a document for teaching a spell, and chain mails and bows of decent quality for said elves. The most interesting news where that of this new nature faction, and how they had taken his Does.
Petty it might, but when they revealed themselves he would enjoy bringing them to court. Theft, abduction, and murder.
Several squirrel agents gathered at a secret location somewhere in England. Supposedly, it was to discuss infiltration techniques on the various organizations of Great Britain. But in reality, it just an excuse to drink butterbeer and swap stories.
At the moment, Chip regaled his audience about an adventure he had in the mountains of Wales. He spun a tale about being chased around the fortress by the terminator lady, a pack of wolves, and a cat. When he paused to take a sip of his butterbeer, one of his companions jumped in.
"It's been much easier for me up in Scotland. The guy we're supposed to spy on, he just lets me into the castle and get this." Lion leaned forward, "He feeds me muggle candy." The other squirrels nodded appreciatively, getting paid twice was good business. "I have to be careful though, there's a couple cats I have to watch out for, and the old guy'sh pretty good at giving me the slip whenever something comes up. Sometimes, I could even shwear he understands me."
Milly laughed, "Lion, you were just telling me the other night about all the giant spiders and centaurs you have to dodge! My assignment is way better! The muggles never suspect that a small animal could be dangerous. Bribing the ratsh to do all the work is so easshy!"
Across the room, a squirrel with an eyepatch and an acorn full of firewhisky glared at the rambunctious youngsters. "Fools," He muttered, "Spying's not for fun and games. None of them would last a single minute out in Cornwall."
Julian tried to get the other man to open up, but it seems that if anything, he was even more put off by the ogling. It seemed Dace wouldn't have to worry about Julian trying to seduce his wife.
