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The Journey Never Ends (Original Fantasy Quest)

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guess ill grab a pre-exsting one, i got here as im ready to pass out

[X] Plan: All I Wanna Be Is Trendy
-[X] Immediate support: Pop Stars
-[X] Eventual support: Businesses
-[X] Eventual support: Independent Sophontarian Organizations
-[X] Eventual support: The Light
-[X] Investigate: Yashiman Refugee and Reclamation Association
 
Alright, I think I'll close the vote here. I'll be rolling some dice, but there won't be a specific DC that will need to be hit except the investigative one. Instead, I think I'll use something like a sliding scale of sorts. Some observant readers here might've noticed I've been grouping DC difficulties by 3, so 12 will be easyish/moderate, 15 will be moderate-hard, and 18 will be difficult and so on and so forth. This means you won't outright fail with any of these choices(unless the dreaded 1-1-1 appears...), but there will be varying degrees of success. 18 won't be the max here obviously as there'll be some modifiers at play here, but yeah. Hopefully it isn't too confusing and that it'll all work out in the next few chapters.
Stilling threw 3 6-faced dice. Reason: The Light Response Total: 8
3 3 4 4 1 1
Stilling threw 3 6-faced dice. Reason: ISO Response Total: 11
6 6 2 2 3 3
Stilling threw 3 6-faced dice. Reason: Magi Response Total: 13
6 6 6 6 1 1
Stilling threw 3 6-faced dice. Reason: YRRA Response Total: 10
6 6 2 2 2 2
Stilling threw 3 6-faced dice. Reason: Business Invest Total: 15
4 4 6 6 5 5
 
Sorry that I wasn't able to vote this time. A lot of stories decided to update near the same time and I have been feeling fairly anxious lately for some reason.

The rolls seem to be relatively good with the Light being the lowest sadly. I hope those bonuses and chosen backstory comes in handy.
 
I don't know what bonus is used here, but it's some irony that The Light, which we went with first, rolled the lowest, while Businesses, which we put last, rolled the highest. Such are the strange results that come from the impartial fickleness of the dice.
 
I'm imagining the stereotypical cop movie "You're a loose cannon! Give up this case or turn in your badge!" scene, but it's a high priest telling Deirdre she'll be excommunicated if she doesn't stop stirring people up about Yashima.
 
Well, Deirdre will most definitely be in for a bit of a surprise regarding her meeting with the Light. Not necessarily bad, but not ideal. I've done my best to limit wild variance, but the whole point of dice is to leave some things to chance aha. It's good that the business roll was really high though. I have something really good in store for that I was only planning on introducing later.

Andres Marrero said:
Sorry that I wasn't able to vote this time. A lot of stories decided to update near the same time and I have been feeling fairly anxious lately for some reason.
Click to expand...
Click to shrink...

Thought I should say there's no need to apologize, things happen and I'm very grateful for anyone that spends the effort to keep up, vote, and discuss things here. In fact, I've been wondering if I should perhaps slow down my writing pace. Its already been slowed down, but that's more me sort of dragging my feet and getting distracted rather an intentional decision to slow down and take more time to get everything right. I was sort of in the mindset that it was fine to close most votes in 1-2 days since it usually seems to be decided at that point with most posters voting, but unsure on that for now.

Not sure it'll bode well for some of my future plans though aha. I have some... ideas for new quests, but I'm iffy on starting them if I'm already sort of struggling with my writing schedule for one. I think I'll wait until New Years before I make any definitive decision on that though, so no need to worry for anyone concerned this will go on hiatus or slow down big time anytime soon. I really want to get at least two volumes done before making any big decisions like that. And probably finding someone to discuss it with instead of having all this just in my head all this time.

Anywho, next update will come... probably tomorrow. I got really distracted last night and wasn't in the right mindset today. Apologies for the false hope on an early update. Hopefully I can stir up some of the momentum I had for a lot of Volume 1, or finally find some consistency.

Edit: Have a lot of it done, but will edit tomorrow and release it then. Feel sort of sick today.
 
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Volume 2: Chapter 2 - United Peoples New
  • Threadmarks
    • [X] Plan: Armed for Aid
    -[X] Endorsement: The Light
    -[X] Support 1: Independent Sophontarian Organizations
    -[X] Support 2: Magi Society
    -[X] Support 3: Yashiman Refugee and Reclamation Association
    -[X] Investigate: Businesses

    In deciding who to ask to support you first on your first announcement, you naturally settle on the various institutions of the Light. There were practical concerns in this of course, with your reputation and fame among them significantly higher as someone who fought in the Crusades and was a close companion of the first Archbishop. In truth, you simply are more familiar and comfortable with the idea of cooperating with them than anyone else. The faith has provided you with a solace that had been missing ever since the Incursion ended, and there are some matters difficult to be objective about.

    Deirdre Fame Roll(The Light): 3d6: 3+4+1 = 8 (8+4(Great Fame)+1(Faithful)+1(Crusade Hero) = 14) Slight Success

    Unfortunately, it seems that time has done enough to erode the tie between you and the Light's leadership. It is perhaps unrealistic to expect the Archbishop to meet with you on a whim… but there was an undeniable hope for it that you couldn't quite quash. The silence in response to your request was telling, and you had to take a moment to yourself once it was clear you would not have the aid of the Archbishop.

    That Ismael was no longer here.

    Clara and you have prepared for this eventuality however, undesirable as it is. You've sent mail both physical and digital, calls, and even entered some temples and churches in-person to make your case. Predictably, the faith in Sumeri was for it, but not having support outside there would muddy your message and have others suspecting your motivations to be transactional in some manner due to your aid rendered to them.

    There is surprisingly strong support from the faith in Zhonghua, but the Light never quite reached the same level of strength in that nation as some others. The Jade Emperor was first above all there, and people of varying religions have either been persecuted or had their faith used by the imperial court to have an easier time controlling the populace. You remember the trials Ismael and you underwent even after the delegation sent by Zhonghua generally approved of the Great Council.

    In short, you gather that many Yashiman refugees in that nation flocked to the faith to help defend them against discrimination, and while heartening to know, you realize that the Light in Zhonghua would not be bright enough a beacon for what you need. That will come from an unlikely source. You're not sure if Clara managed to pull on the right connections or if they simply were interested in you, but the cardinal of Avista, head of the Light in that nation with influence all over Western Kiengir, cordially invited you to meet with him.

    "Ah, Ms. Pathstrider, it truly is an honor to meet with you in my very own temple here in Avista. Fate must have played a role in our meeting this day."

    You sit in an extravagant dining room of sorts with the merman, decidedly out of place with all the finery and decorations in it. The reflective golden utensils almost shining with light must've cost a fortune, and a meal consisting of the rarest edible sea creatures is casually served to you as if it is no great cost. Dressed in more conservative formal wear this time of golden leaves and plants covering your body, you feel more like a somewhat peculiar decoration in the room than a visitor.

    "Perhaps so," you allow, a polite coolness settling over you. "I am appreciative that you have granted me an audience."

    Cardinal Charles Edwards smiles, "But of course! I would not refuse such an earnest request from one of Ismael's companions. It may be so that others outside our country have forgotten, but the faithful here in Avista are taught of your teachings from an early age."

    "Oh?"

    "Indeed. Your descriptions of the elven celestials resonate well with the spirit of our people! The idea of choosing which divinity to help guide you and treating them as honored mentors rather than flawless beings is especially in line with the many diverse peoples here, allowing each to find their own path. All while paying heed to the one true force above all, the Light, of course."

    You lean back, hiding a slight frown in your face. Avista wasn't the nation it is now back when Ismael was alive, if it even really existed then. The Light never established a strong foothold in the region in those times, and the nation often had a somewhat fraught relationship with the faith due to the fact many of its enemies were ardent followers of it. In fact, Avista actually suffered a Crusade of sorts, one of the few such incidents after the religious turmoil that occurred when the Incursion was closed.

    Eventually, Avista and its people did adopt the faith, but in somewhat ironic fashion, they share similarities with Zhonghua in never letting the Light outshine their national identity even if many more adherents to the faith exist in Avista. You don't blame them. The Light is not, and can not, be flawless. Ismael did his best, but the flexibility and openness he so advocated often allowed more objectionable people to draw power from the faith. Charles claims on the appreciation the common Avistan may have for the Light may be a little overstated.

    Now, however, isn't the time to debate and counter this cardinal.

    "I am glad that the Light here is bright, Cardinal. " you say instead, nodding.

    "Yes, yes. Despite some of the… less faithful present," he says, barely holding himself back from saying something less charitable. "I am proud to say that Avista enjoys the Light's rays. But… I am sure you realize that many outside this fair nation are not so blessed."

    Taking the lead-in to the conversation you're both here for he offers, you nod, "Quite so. Let us speak of the matter at hand then. Yashima and its people have been left in the dark for too long. I believe it is high time we've banished the gloom choking that land. Do you agree?"

    The Cardinal smile grows wider, "Beautifully put, Ms. Pathstrider. We here in Avista will of course offer what we can to our faraway fellows in Yashima. I have spoken with the lost Yashimans that have come all the way here, and many are those with which the Light shines so brightly within them despite the horrors they have faced!"

    Your eyes narrow slightly. You are of course happy that he accepted so easily, but…

    "I am glad to lead the way for the faith in this virtuous endeavor. The Light shines brightest here, and we shall demonstrate that to the world. Long have the others tolerated unfaithfulness outside here, unknowing of the dangers such a stance allows. Of course, the Archbishop has my respect, but the texts have always warned us of the dangers of blind obedience to any single authority. I say that our success in this mission ordained by the Light and... partnership will pave the way for some changes in the current status quo, do you not agree?"

    There it is. Keeping your expression even in the face of the slightly too passionate smile and eyes from the cardinal, you consider the implications of this. In response to the struggles of the religion establishing itself in Avista, the faithful here have often been a bit more fervent than others. Nothing too extreme, you think, but there's no denying the differences that have divided it from other interpretations and practices of the Light along with the Avistan people.

    Cardinal Charles's zeal has certainly spurred him to harbor certain ambitions, and you do not miss him mentioning "changes in the current status quo" right after bringing up the Archbishop. Politics. Your lips want to curl in distaste. This is definitely not what you desired. Of course, there is a certain degree of expectation of such things even if you had met with the Archbishop, but participating in internal division and affairs isn't what you expected.

    But… ambition is not a sin. It is easy to say this man is just power-hungry, but if someone genuinely believes that they can do a better job than someone else, is it wrong that they would want to oust them? Change and growth are the domain of mortals as well, for better or worse. At the very least you do not doubt that he is a genuine follower of the Light. He would not have his position and be in this church if he wasn't. Religious figures with genuine, demonstrable power are easy to test after all.

    "Indeed. Let us discuss how best to bring it about, hm?"

    The Cardinal's eyes gleam as he leans forward, "Excellent. May this spur us to new heights with which to shine from…"

    It may be good to keep him close. Just as the Light allows somewhat unsavory people to follow it at times, so too does it allow them to change. If he steps off the virtuous path, you'll at least be in position to stop him. You will cooperate with him for now however. After all, you cannot afford to be picky with Yashima on the line, and perhaps deep down… even if the Archbishop had their reasons, you would prefer working with someone who actually answered you in your and Yashima's time of need regardless of his motivations.

    Deirdre Reputation Roll(ISO): 3d6: 6+2+3 = 11. (11+5(Phenomenal Reputation)+1(Breaker of Chains)-1(Light Affiliation)-1(Avistan Light Endorsement) = 15) Moderate Success)

    "Quite frankly, we were not enthused to see your endorsement by The Light, especially by its Avistan side."

    Sitting across from you is the concealed director of WATCH, one of the largest non-Light or UP affiliated sophontarian organizations in Orbis. They are dedicated towards upholding sophontarian rights, particularly in helping disenfranchised and marginalized peoples while fighting discrimination everywhere it appears. It may not be the largest or most powerful organization, but their strong public image and platform often rallies many more people than their resources alone might be capable of. While they may not be successful every time, anything that has earned their ire in some way will always have a black mark that leaves doubt in people sympathetic towards WATCH.

    You have already obtained the support of a few organizations as well as some endorsing you on their own initiative, but there's been a few questioning your motivations. Some of them you have dismissed as lost causes or bad faith actors, but WATCH is a group you have to confront.

    You lean forward on the desk, "But you have accepted my request for an audience anyways. Why? I will not cater to you or beat around the bush if that is your intention. If you are not open for even negotiations, then I do not have time for this."

    The director looms over you threateningly, but you stand firm. While you may respect their hardline stance, you cannot allow yourself to be swayed by it. Showing weakness and a lack of resolve will only confirm their view of you. You know their type, having fought alongside and against them at times. The people likely to be in WATCH will break before bending, and they have a dim view of any who do not share that will.

    "Yashima has been something we have been working on for quite a while. You are not the first to call for aid to be sent there, but you have possibly stirred the most amount of interest and attention to it in a long while."

    Looking away disinterestedly, you state, "Ah, so you have been swayed by popular opinion then? I had thought that WATCH was unaffected by such factors…"

    "Tch, then you know very little about us, Deirdre Pathstrider," you hear the biting response. "We perhaps care the most about the majority opinion, for we have often been the only ones fighting against it. It just so happens that for once our stance may be matching yours in this."

    Raising an eyebrow, you side eye them, "Then you agree to assist Yashima and its people?"

    The director exhales, "Don't think I don't understand what you're doing and your attempts to frame the situation in a certain way. We have always supported the displaced Yashimans and refugees while exploring options on what to do about the quarantine. Currently, we think you represent a chance in which we may be able to do more for both."

    "But?"

    "We shall publicly endorse you if you will allow a few of our members to come with you on this potential expedition to observe and ensure nothing untoward is done to the Yashimans back in Yashima, as well as being invited to coordinate with you to make certain whatever you advocate for or speak on are in alignment with common sophontarian values."

    "Fine," you agree, irritation building up within you. "Do you honestly believe I am advocating for the quarantine to be lifted so that I, what, can exploit the Yashimans somehow?"

    They glare back at you, "Pathstrider. It is only because of your almost spotless reputation that we are considering this at all. If you had been anyone else, we would rightfully be skeptical of you. Someone who has never publicly said anything about Yashima suddenly speaking out and earning widespread support from various mainstream institutions and establishments? Please. Not to mention whoever else may be coming with you on the potential expedition."

    "In this world of Orbis, you of all people should know best that few with power and influence should be trusted. Well? Do you accept our terms? There is much for us to do and little time to complete them all if we are to cooperate on this."

    Biting down your annoyance, you nod and shake their hand. If you have to endure a little scrutiny to get the help Yashimans need, then so be it.


    When you and Clara finalized your message to the Magi Society, they contacted you just before it was about to be sent. Claiming that you have met the accepted "criteria" for an appointment with the Archmages, they happily accepted your request for a meeting regarding their support on lifting the quarantine on Yashima. Or to be more specific, a meeting with only one of them. They strangely specified for you to meet at the closest society building first where they would arrange transport to the meeting room.

    That's how you find yourself currently about to be teleported to some unknown location. Obviously not fully trusting such a request, you've come equipped with your bow and quiver, along with a few other trinkets. You were relatively confident you can make it out if this turns out to be some trick, though things are never a sure thing with mages. Watching with trepidation as the glyphs and runes flash with light, you keep calm as the scene suddenly swirls around you in… a surprisingly quiet fashion, with colors and streams of energy shifting in an almost serene manner.

    "Please keep calm and stay still as you are transported to your destination. The Magi Society has ensured that the teleportation process is as seamless and comfortable as possible, but they are not liable for anything caused by passengers intentionally disturbing the process."

    Ironically enough, the announcement echoing around you almost makes you jolt and disturb the process due to being primed to react to anything suspicious. The very ill-fitting music somehow playing doesn't help either. Removing your hand from your bow and taking deep breaths, you wait and watch the scenery around you. This is not your first time encountering something magical like this so it doesn't quite awe you, but you are somewhat stunned at how smooth the process is. Not even Ophelia could have transported you like this.

    Deirdre Reputation Roll(Magi Society): 3d6: 6+6+1 = 13. (13+5(Phenomenal Reputation)-1(Avistan Light Endorsement) = 17) Moderately Strong Success.

    Eventually, the swirling colors and mist dissipates, slowly revealing the new room so that you may adjust to it. Taking in everything, you… are somewhat perplexed at what you see. It is a cross between some wooden parlor and workshop with countless dolls, toys, and plushies strewn across the tables and floor. There are bookshelves and tools like in a normal magician's laboratory if you look carefully, but it is overshadowed by the creations here. Stepping off the teleportation platform once its effects have disappeared, the wooden floor creaks in the deathly silent and dark room lit by a single magical light on the ceiling.

    "Greetings."

    Swiftly turning in the direction of the voice, you… see nothing but more toys staying completely still. Stretching your senses, you almost flinch from the sheer magical energy being emitted from all of them. Pushing past the sensory overload, you manage to narrow in on a single vaguely human doll sitting in a corner surrounded by plush and furry toys, glossy eyes staring emptily at you. Impossibly smooth skin is framed by long flowing green hair perfectly combed and maintained. Simple but well-made robes are all that they wear. The one odd thing that you note though are the tiny cracks surrounding one eye, and the pure black orb within it in stark contrast to the green orb on the other side.

    Then, the doll's mouth… "moves".

    "Very impressive. Not even experienced magicians find me so quickly."

    Their voice echoes and resonates across the room. Despite sounding somewhat ethereal, the intonation and tone of the being is unsettlingly even and exact. It would almost match the automated voices you hear in various announcements if not for the slightly breathy quality to it. Suppressing a shudder, you clear your throat and step forward.

    "Would I be correct in assuming you are Archmage Drosselmeyer?"

    The doll slowly levitates off the ground, limp arms laying at their sides while their legs dangle in the air. Their bare feet and hands reveal several subtle joints and lines hinting at their nature. As the plushies and their fellow dolls fall to the ground around them, their head ever so slightly tilts.

    "Indeed, I have served as an Archmage for quite some time in the Magi Society and currently sit on the council," they confirm. "And you must be Deirdre Pathstrider… I have heard much about you in the past few centuries."

    You were nodding along to their words before freezing at their last two. Almost immediately your guard is raised back up as you step back with a hand on your bow. That does not bode well. Any mage researching life-extension magic or immortality is immediately suspect, and you are very quickly realizing why they might have agreed to meet you. You draw an arrow in warning as they float closer towards you, but the doll is undeterred. Their voice, despite being devoid of emotion, still seems as if it is barely holding something back.

    "Your skin… is so perfect. Flawless. Ah… even after millennia, you are like a statue… nay, even better… a living, breathing, feeling masterpiece…"

    The tip of an arrow presses against their throat.

    "Archmage Drosselmeyer. I am uncomfortable with you so close to me. Kindly float back a few meters, now."

    The doll stops but does not look away from you. Your grip tightens around the arrow as those terribly empty eyes bore into your own. You know not whether this will kill them, but you are prepared to shred every toy in this workshop to pieces if you have to. It is somewhat commonly accepted wisdom that magicians who sit and focus on matters other than studying magic are often weaker for it, but any mage who has lived this long must have some tricks. Especially within their workshop. You curse, what a terrible situation this is…

    "My apologies."

    Drosselmeyer floats back to their previous position, still not taking their eyes off you.

    "An imperfect being like myself has no right to tarnish such perfection. Pray forgive this wretched thing."

    You frown, "That is not the point, Archmage. Just… do not do that again. I have not come here for your 'admiration'."

    They finally break eye contact and bow their head.

    "Of course, of course. I struggle with... feeling in my current form. It leads to unfortunate situations such as this. There can be no excuse. Let us move on, then."

    Holding back a sigh, you retract your arrow and stand up straight.

    "Yes, quite," you start. "May I know what the Magi Society's stance is on Yashima, and if they are amenable to my request for their aid and public support?"

    Drosselmeyer lifts their head back up unfortunately as they respond, "There is, of course, much interest in exploring what exactly occurred with the Impact. I suspect you may have earned a unanimous vote if not for the… fervent support from the Light. That has raised some petty concerns from those with a grudge against our fellows of the cloth."

    You resist groaning. Magic and faith have always been at odds with each other to the detriment of everyone else. You thought Orbis might've outgrown that, but it appears not.

    "Fear not. I rallied those of like mind and cast the deciding vote in favor of your request. You have the entire Magi Society's support now, even if some may do so reluctantly."

    You blink as you say, "But I did not even send my request yet…"

    They float back down to where they once sat and magically levitate everything back to their previous positions.

    "We have… a predictive system of sorts for matters such as these. Not to mention that there was already interest in your announcement. More information will be forthcoming in the future, but I hope that this is enough to set your mind at ease. For now, however, I must… rest. The past few days have been rather tiring for me. Stand where you were teleported here to be sent back. My apologies again for my earlier behavior."

    Watching as the doll goes limp and still in the corner, as lifeless as the toys around them, you shake your head and return to the platform. Drosselmeyer's unsettling interest in you aside, it seems you have what you wanted from the Magi Society. Hopefully you'll be able to meet with someone else from the society later for discussions

    Deirdre Reputation Roll(YRRA): 3d6: 6+2+2 = 10. (10+5(Phenomenal Reputation)+3(Desperate Hope) = 18) Strong Success.

    You and Clara decided to contact the YRRA a little later after the initial announcement. The message that you genuinely wanted to lift the quarantine in particular rather than wanting to just support the organization and refugees was deemed too important to muddy the waters with. You shut Clara down when she suggested spending more time to draw a big celebrity however. Any effort to help Yashimans had to have some oversight by Yashiman else unsavory implications of your efforts start taking root.

    Besides, you simply cannot countenance not getting in touch with them for the matter of reopening the way to their home. You've known few Yashimans compared to other peoples in your long life, but the ones you befriended would've returned from the dead to beat you into the ground if you ignored their descendants. Rightfully so.

    The YRRA have come out in support of you already however. One of the first groups to respond in fact. You imagine that they are especially active in pouncing on what support they can find. A meeting was arranged between the two of you in short order, but since you already had other appointments scheduled due to not knowing their reaction beforehand, it was pushed back a while. They didn't seem to mind however as you are immediately greeted upon arriving at their headquarters. Bowing while expressing their thanks, they lead you to the meeting room.

    Entering through a slightly less nondescript door with the name Aoki Junko written in both the Yashiman and Common language labeled on it, you are faced with a very spartan room containing few identifying features. You assume that the YRRA must've been granted this soon after the Impact and their formation, but it still seems a little too bare. As if its occupant just moved in and didn't plan on staying for long.

    Speaking of the occupant, the mokujin sitting at the desk quickly stands at your entrance and makes her way towards you. There's not a bit of hesitation as she offers her wooden hand to shake.

    "Hello, it's good to meet with you, Ms. Pathstrider," she says in near-perfect Common.

    You take her hand and bow slightly while speaking in fluent Yashiman, "No, it is an honor to speak with those who have been fighting for their homeland so long. Would you prefer to speak in your native tongue?"

    There is a pause and hint of surprise, but she surprises you back by responding with Common again, "A-ah, I appreciate the sentiment, but I'm fine with continuing our discussion in Common. It'll make certain things easier later."

    A little worried you might've inadvertently caused offense, you merely nod as the two of you separate and take your seats. Yashimans usually didn't like to speak in Common as well as having the lowest proficiency in it on average, which is a point of contention with the many refugees streaming into various nations of Orbis. Many are relieved to talk with someone who can speak their mother tongue, but you suppose you shouldn't have assumed.

    "We at the YRRA have been keeping track of everything going on since your sudden announcement," she starts. "The attention you've managed to drum up has been quite astonishing to see."

    You shake your head, "I've merely shone a light on the issue. I have doubts I could have done this on my own."

    "Mmm, yes. It was smart to have the Light back you so early, especially its most… passionate side."

    Looking at Aoki carefully, you say, "I apologize for any offense caused by not coordinating with the YRRA beforehand."

    She laughs, a slightly bitter tone to it, "No, no. I get it. You wouldn't have gotten nearly the same amount of attention if you had started with us. If we had the ability to pull in the Light and other influential organizations, I suspect the quarantine would have already been lifted. We have no leverage or incentive to offer others."

    "This shouldn't be an issue where such things are needed," you counter, frowning.

    "It shouldn't, but it is. Perhaps you may have been able to persuade others with your unique reputation and novelty, but it's already been years for us. Everyone has decided to ignore us years ago, but would've tried to use us as weapons against you if we haven't spoken in your favor already."

    She sighs, "I'm sorry. Don't get me wrong, we are very grateful for what you are doing. It is just… difficult to see what we've been trying to do for ten years done just like that."

    You rest your hands on the desk, "It is not done, Ms. Aoki. The UP has not yet called upon me, and I am reluctant to go forward without the YRRA's support. I realize you have already given it, but is there anything else we need to discuss? I would hear the concerns of the Yashiman people on this matter."

    Aoki draws circles with her finger on the desk, "This is mostly a formality, but yes there are a few things we need to hash out. First, you will of course continue to enjoy our public support on this matter, and most are currently satisfied with you leading the effort."

    "Most?"

    "Just some bitter people, pay no mind to them," she waves it off. "The main things we want are firstly for you to coordinate with us on your messaging and have us present for your potential UP hearing."

    "Done."

    She nods and adds on, "If the quarantine is lifted, we would like to organize an effort to return as many refugees and volunteers as possible to our home."

    This time, you frown slightly, "Are there many?"

    "No," she denies. "Enough people to warrant some organization, but I imagine the majority of refugees will be staying here until a safe path to Yashima has been confirmed. This however might represent the last possible chance for us to return home if things do not end well. Some long for it so deeply they are willing to face the danger."

    Thinking it over, it isn't too much of a surprise. You never expected to go on an expedition to Yashima without Yashimans. You feel some concern about the idea of people that may not have combat or other related experience coming along, but is it right to refuse those wishing to return home?

    "I am open to the idea," you allow. "Though this seems like something we must discuss further…"

    Aoki nods, "Of course. I suspect the details won't be hashed out on our side until confirmation of the quarantine lifting is announced."

    A brief silence descends upon the room on that note. After a brief hesitation, the mokujin stands up from her seat and steps to the side. Matching her, you prepare to give your farewells, but are stopped short when she suddenly bows before you deeply, her paper-like hair swishing from the swift movement.

    "Deirdre Pathstrider. I had and will do everything in my power to reopen the way to Yashima. I long sacrificed everything else in my life to help my fellows. If you hold the key to everything I have been working towards the past ten years, then I shall grasp and turn it with all my might. There is little I may do compared to the people you must surely know, but you will have my eternal debt and gratitude nonetheless if you succeed."

    Slightly taken aback, you watch as she stiffly rises from her bow to stand up straight, looking up into your eyes.

    "May the sun rise on Yashima once more."


    You have reached the point where now everyone with an opinion on the Yashima quarantine has been speaking about it. Clara says that every news outlet and "podcast" is talking and debating the topic. Speaking to any one organization probably won't do much more at this point, especially when you feel like you've spoken to just about everyone you can. This is the time to target some specific nations on the UP Council.

    But… there is one last thing you want to check up on. You put off meeting with business and corporations to avoid any of their bad name from tarnishing the cause, especially after the mixed reaction from the Light. Clara is right however that you can't just ignore them. They are simply too powerful and influential, and you worry what they might do without you knowing. The two of you have been combing through some of the companies that have contacted you since the announcement, but you just can't seem to make a decision on which to meet with.

    DC 15:
    Deirdre Intelligence Roll: 3d6: 4+6+5 = 15. (15+2(Decent Intelligence) = 17) Great Success!

    There has been something bothering you though. You don't quite remember which one it was, but one of the businesses name's seemed to ring a bell. A distant memory of helping a struggling alerion merchant some decades ago in Avista rises to the surface, but you aren't sure of the details. Was she the founder of one of these companies? Going through the list of names again, your eyes widen as you recognize one that you initially dismissed, as well a vaguely familiar logo. They seem to be…

    [] …a manufacturing, electronics, and information technology company
    Responsible for much of the technology that many in Orbis own, including the tablet in your pocket right now. They have made great strides in developing advanced devices, software, and magitech, especially after their acquisition of several Yashiman technicians. A pioneer of still new fields of study, they have the potential to help reintroduce certain technologies they must've surely lost at this point as well as reconnecting them with the rest of the world. The company would also be greatly interested in rediscovering any lost, valuable technology as well…

    [] …an energy and environmental company
    Renowned for their efficient and clean energy production, this company seems to have cracked the code on how to power modern industry and society without wreaking havoc on the environment. With the most advanced extraction and refining facilities in Orbis, none can match their sheer importance to the stability of the world. With experience in maintaining infrastructure in various nations, they would surely be of great help in restoring and rebuilding the broken remains of Yashima. Their great knowledge of the inner workings of magic and energy that has led them to success even in the Mana Scar may lend them unique insights in the strange miasma now surrounding Yashima…

    [] …a transportation, shipping, and distribution company
    It somewhat boggles your mind that a company like this exists and is so powerful, but it seems to offer a widely known service that everyone may use to order anything online and have it shipped to their home. Wealthy and with connections to a wide variety of other businesses and organizations, they would probably be the most helpful in actually getting the resources Yashima needs transported there. The trip there will surely be dangerous, and you are unsure how much the expedition will be able to bring. This company will ensure that at the very least the Yashimans there will have a little of everything they might need to survive. After all, they always "deliver on time no matter the circumstances" apparently, and they might appreciate the big PR win in proving that.

    [] …something else (Write-In)
    If you have another idea that may be more helpful in your mind than these options, feel free to write one down. It'll need to be approved by me though, and it can't be some mega-corporation that does everything perfectly.
     
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    • Yeah, I'll update tomorrow.
    Yeah, I'm gonna update tomorrow.
    Yep, I've almost got the update ready for tomorrow.
    Nah, I'd update tomorrow.
    *doesn't update*:oops:

    I am very sorry that this took so long after saying that I'd get it out early aha. I'm not quite sure what it was exactly, but a mix of a bunch of little things sort of put this further and further back. It was also just a lot more difficult to write out than I believed, and more stuff kept being added whenever I thought it was almost done. I think it's fair to say that I will probably not promise an update unless I'm 100% sure it'll be out then.

    On this update's vote, I think I should probably say that while there are of course no wrong answers, there is maybe a more "correct" answer here, at least with regards to Yashima. All will help of course though(and someone may come up with a better idea), and of course the relationship with this company will last after this volume. I had planned to introduce this after Yashima, but rolling so well on the business vote sort of got me to just give it to you early. There may be later events exploring the mementos that were not chosen earlier, but we'll see.

    Next update will contain the social media posts if any were curious as to their absence. I wanted to include them here, but I just did not want to spend more time on this one update aha. And if anyone has any questions on any of the new information introduced in this update or the vote, feel free to ask.
     
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    [X] …an energy and environmental company

    I'm curious about the miasma , any effort to make yashima habitable will require reducing and eliminating as much of the mana scar and the monsters it has made
     
    [X] …a transportation, shipping, and distribution company
    We have the wizards and the clerics to try to understand the esoteric effects, but transporting refugees to or from Yashima seems something the modern era can help the most with.
     
    Stilling said:
    -1(Avistan Light Endorsement)
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    -1(Avistan Light Endorsement)
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    As it was my plan this turn, I have regrets. :(
    Pushing past the sensory overload, you manage to narrow in on a single vaguely human doll sitting in a corner surrounded by plush and furry toys, glossy eyes staring emptily at you
    Click to expand...
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    ...I have regrets. :o
    Stilling said:
    Yeah, I'll update tomorrow.
    Yeah, I'm gonna update tomorrow.
    Yep, I've almost got the update ready for tomorrow.
    Nah, I'd update tomorrow.
    *doesn't update*:oops:
    Click to expand...
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    You have nothing to worry about. Those of us who read serial fiction online are used to waiting weeks or even months between updates. We don't expect or demand updates on a schedule. And as you're doing this all for free, you have no obligation to do so either. I know you want to update quickly and frequently, but it's truly not a problem at all if you're unable to.
     
    [X] …an energy and environmental company

    Unlimited Powah!

    Had trouble picking which one to go for, but in the end I chose this not because of any effectiveness, but due to a creeping sort of dread that what happened to Yashima might be permanent, and if so, this seem the most effective choice to help them make better adjustments to their (potential) new normal in a way that would make them a unique culture, beyond even their nature as mokujins.
     
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    [X] …an energy and environmental company

    Wizards and clerics might be better suited to figure out what fuckery is going on, but an energy/environmental company will hopefully help industrialize the fix.
     
    [X] …an energy and environmental company

    It's not just their potential ability to deal with the miasma, although there's also that, yes. But the description makes them sound like a very capable infrastructure company, and since Yashima sounds like it's going to need rebuilding from the ground up, we may be needing their services for the next generation or so.
     
    Derpmind said:
    You have nothing to worry about. Those of us who read serial fiction online are used to waiting weeks or even months between updates. We don't expect or demand updates on a schedule. And as you're doing this all for free, you have no obligation to do so either. I know you want to update quickly and frequently, but it's truly not a problem at all if you're unable to.
    Click to expand...
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    Thank you for the understanding words. As someone who has also read a lot of works online, it feels a little strange to be the one in that position of trying to update semi-regularly aha. I suppose I'm trying very hard to avoid a potential spiral where my updates eventually start becoming rarer and rarer to the point where I just stop writing. I find that the writers who have completed the most works often have some sort of actual schedule, but perhaps it's a bit much for me to match that on my first work.

    Derpmind said:
    As it was my plan this turn, I have regrets. :(

    ...I have regrets. :o
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    As for this, let me say that it isn't quite as bad as it seems. The Light isn't really hated or disliked on a wide-scale, but the institutions surrounding it get a bit more criticism. It's very possible for a member of WATCH for example to have their own beliefs about the Light but still work to fight against what various officials or temples might say, and they might even go to bat for non-Light religions against them. Nevertheless, even with a mediocre roll, the Avistan/Western branch of the Light still earned you a lot of attention, and started a snowball effect where other parts of the faith start at least giving lip service to it publicly. The cardinal is quite well-connected too as someone angling to become the next Archbishop.

    Everything is connected, and there will always be some friction between competing influences. In return for the pretty much guaranteed good result from the Light, you'll have to deal with some more discontent from others that often conflict with them. I... probably should've mentioned or at least hinted at it in the previous update, but honestly I don't know if even Deirdre entirely realizes just how complicated views on the Light's institutions are. She might have a bias of her own blinding her a little there. It might have been even worse though if you all chose businesses for example first, and I probably would of left it to a dice roll on whether the pop idols would be controversial. ISO and YRRA are less controversial, but would require higher rolls to be as effective.

    The Magi Society was almost a very good roll, and is still a nice one. Archmage Drosselmeyer is definitely creepy, but they are at least right in saying you pretty much have the society's backing in this. You just have a slightly(very) passionate admirer to deal with along with maybe some grumblings instead of a cool, nice Archmage personally backing you.
     
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