Remove ads

Warhammer Fantasy: Divided Loyalties - an Advisor's Quest

Voted best in category in the Users' Choice awards.
Voting is open
Reader mode
pucflek said:
I think saying Fozzrik's flying fastness is a building is like saying Ghal Maraz is a hammer. Its true, technically, but doesn't really encapsulate its immensity :V
Click to expand...
Click to shrink...
He didn't make just one building, he made several. There's a "common magic item" (not really common, but can be used by any army) in 8th Edition Rulebook called "Fozzrik's Folding Fortress", which is a magical item that you drop into an area on the field and then it folds out into a goddamn building. He wasn't a one hit wonder. He made several magical buildings. His love of buildings could not be contained.
 
People should have convinced him that Waystones are buildings so he would spread and make more of them all over the place
 
Codex said:
He didn't make just one building, he made several. There's a "common magic item" (not really common, but can be used by any army) in 8th Edition Rulebook called "Fozzrik's Folding Fortress", which is a magical item that you drop into an area on the field and then it folds out into a goddamn building. He wasn't a one hit wonder. He made several magical buildings. His love of buildings could not be contained.
Click to expand...
Click to shrink...
To be fair, if you had the option to make portable/flying castles en masse, why would you not?
 
This is Fozzrik's story from Blood in the Badlands 8th Edition Supplement:

"The legend of Fozzrik is swathed in mystery. He lived long before the establishment of the Colleges of Magic, yet the few surviving historical records agree he was a powerful wielder of the arcane. How he came to be tutored in magic remains unknown.

A magus of ancient times who lived when the Empire was still young, all that is really known about the wizard is gleaned from the only grimoire Fozzrik is known to have authored. On the tome's dusty pages – which is now located within the vaults of the Grey College, where it is held as an arcane curiosity – Fozzrik wrote of his desire to create buildings that would move from place to place, cutting out the need for roads; where trade between towns would flourish when they contacted each other – in a quite literal sense – and whole cities could take to the air to traverse dense and dangerous forests or avoid rampaging armies. Even in those more unstable ancient times he was derided as a strange eccentric. Nevertheless Fozzrik's obsession with creating eldritch architecture continued unabated. The manipulation of stone and imbuing buildings with magical energy became his specialty.

What scholars of arcane history do agree on is that at the height of his power he retreated into the Badlands and there built a great fastness with Archimancy. The fortress was as imposing as it was beautiful, and impossible to conquer as a few bandit kings and marauding greenskins found out to lethal cost. But the motives for Fozzrik creating his castle had yet to be realised.

Fozzrik began to experiment, using his Archimancy to make buildings mobile, first by folding them in on themselves, to reduce their mass so they could be carried in a pouch or pocket. His real breakthrough was when he concocted a spell that made stone lighter than air, and so the floating towers of Fozzrik have been seen intermittently throughout the world ever since.

However, it was with his final Archimantic spell that he freed an entire fastness off the ground. It is said that the mage entered his castle and it took flight, never to land again... until now."

The Grey College has one of his tomes, but if you think that'll give us anything, think again. I remember us asking Boney about it or something like that, and he gave us a Flight School meme. If you want to make this stuff, just be Fozzrik. That's what the book tells ya.
 
Last edited:
Codex said:
The Grey College has one of his tomes, but if you think that'll give us anything, think again. I remember us asking Boney about it or something like that, and he gave us a Flight School meme. If you want to make this stuff, just be Fozzrik. That's what the book tells ya.
Click to expand...
Click to shrink...
Now, being fair, I'm sure the book is filled with enthusiasm and an earnest desire to share his love of crafting architectural marvels. It's just also probably written by a mad genius with entirely too much time on their hands and who nobody was able to tell no, so a lot of it is filled with the equivalent of 'now you'll realize this enchantment is pretty unstable, but don't worry, you'll figure out how to stabilise it right quick once you notice how it's leaning'.
 
Codex said:
The Grey College has one of his tomes, but if you think that'll give us anything, think again. I remember us asking Boney about it or something like that, and he gave us a Flight School meme. If you want to make this stuff, just be Fozzrik. That's what the book tells ya.
Click to expand...
Click to shrink...
Just for reference, here are the posts in question:
Boney said:
No, but the success rate of gleaming any useful information whatsoever from Fozzrik's writings remains at a flat zero.
Click to expand...
Click to shrink...
Boney said:
Accurate depiction of the insights of Fozzrik's tome:

Click to expand...
Click to shrink...
 
Codex said:
The Grey College has one of his tomes, but if you think that'll give us anything, think again. I remember us asking Boney about it or something like that, and he gave us a Flight School meme. If you want to make this stuff, just be Fozzrik. That's what the book tells ya.
Click to expand...
Click to shrink...
Actually... Boney said that high magic for humans was impossible because it was statistical impossibility not to miscast and gain arcane mark. And yet, that seems to be exactly what Fozzrik did :V So maybe there will be a human wizard that is genius enough to do this whole boogaloo again.
 
Remove ads
Draconic Diplomacy
  • Apocrypha
    • Zhao Ming the Iron Dragon had lived a very long life. With that long life comes the ability to recognise patterns, and to track when the patterns were broken. For Zhao Ming, knowing when the patterns were broken was important, because it so often led him to something new. He couldn't stand it when things were static and unchanging. Perhaps that would be alright for his sister at the Bastion, but he desired companionship, new discoveries and exploration. He had duties and obligations however, so he took what he could get. And it seemed like he would be getting something, as he looked over the horizon past Shang Yang's walls.

    Caravans moving to and from Cathay were plentiful ever since those two Tilean fools bumbled their way into his lands. Few would make it through the perilous trip safe and sound. Success spelled endless fortunes, but failure was oh so prevalent. Which was why it was surprising to Zhao Ming to see not the first, or second, but the third caravan trail within the last year make it to his domain.

    Zhao Ming recalled that interesting Ogre Tyrant- Greasus- and the conversation they had in the Tower of Ashshair. The japes and jabs thrown back and forth as he found a worthy conversation in an Ogre of all beings. He had drawn a trade and non-aggression pact with the Tyrant as it was to his benefit to see more trade and increase his stature at court, but he did not expect that the Ogre's interest alone was capable of producing this much success. He knew that Greasus had recently become Overtyrant, but his agents also told him that he had significant opposition in the form of the Ironskins in the Northern Mountains of Mourne and the Eyebiters of the Sentinels, neither of which would submit to the authority of a relative newcomer.

    Zhao Ming's metallic claws ran through his own beard as he contemplated the situation. The Caravan was approaching his city walls, and he had told the Jade Warriors to hold off on the welcome for now. Zhao Ming could not personally welcome every caravan arriving to his city, but he could make an exception for such a large, well equipped one. Making up his mind, Zhao Ming resolved to make an impression. They had made such a long and dangerous trip, the least he could do is reward them with a story to tell their friends, children and grandchildren.

    Intake of breath was an essential part of Yang practice, and Zhao Ming had quite the exceptional lung capacity. Breathing in an astonishing amount of air, Zhao let out a guttural roar that started out humanoid and gradually transitioned into a reptilian hissing roar. His skin turned into scales as his features lengthened and changed tone and shape, fur growing out of his hair into a glorious mane as his mustache lengthened into antennae. Flames and scintillating magical energy of Yang surrounded him in a sphere, followed by his draconian form breaking through the shell to rocket into the air.

    Zhao Ming's white dragon form soared across the sky, performing circular loops and releasing the occasional burst of flame. He then dropped vertically down into the ground, creating a magical shockwave that he emerged out of with his hands spread out on both sides to encompass his city in the background, releasing a gout of flame from each of his hands upwards.

    Looking at his audience, Zhao Ming mentally restructured his lines as he took in their Imperial complexion as opposed to the Tilean he expected:

    "Welcome to Grand Cathay!" Zhao Ming exclaimed in thickly accented Reikspiel.

    Zhao Ming had practiced that line in multiple languages in the mirror in preparation for a moment like this. He felt proud to release the line in the typical grandiose manner expected of him.

    What he should have expected, however, was the bullet and bolt striking his chestplate and bouncing harmlessly off the enchanted metal.

    Zhao Ming looked over the offenders, the two bodyguards riding the front seat of the leading coach, aiming their spent weaponry at him. They nervously holstered their weapons as they took in his form and mentally consulted their internal notes on who he might be.

    "Uh, oops?"

    —---------
    After that frankly embarrassing ordeal was dealt with, the caravan was accepted into the city and led through the streets to the hostelries and accommodations that would take care of them. Zhao Ming, determined to leave the awkwardness behind him, asked for the leader of the Caravan to meet with him in his palace. He didn't dally much afterwards, simply turning into his dragon form to fly to his palace to sulk in his quarters.

    It didn't take long for the Caravan Master to arrive for their scheduled meeting. No one makes a Dragon wait. Except for another Dragon. His mother made him wait three hours to teach him patience once. He hated it.

    Anyways, Zhao Ming, now fully composed and reoriented, in his element, opened the doors to the palatial meeting room holding the seats of jade and gold that he used to impress visitors. Here he met with his quarry, a nervous twig of a man, his posture belying the cunning presented by his shrewd calculating gaze. Waving his hand for a servant to pour the tea, Zhao Ming took a seat to start the conversation.

    "I should expect that you know of me, but as a matter of formality, let me introduce myself. I am Zhao Ming, the Iron Dragon, Ruler of the Western Provinces and Master Alchemist of Jinshen. I have no need of your name or title, for you will not see me for the rest of your time in Cathay. All I desire is information, and I will pay handsomely to receive it. Attempt to deceive me and I regret to inform you that you will not see the next sunrise. Am I understood?"

    His words were received with a pronounced increase in nervousness and a quick succession of nods. The man's eyes looked left to right and saw no guards, only servants dressed in the finest of liveries, but he would be a fool to think himself safe in the dragon's lair.

    "Good. I hope you realise that Grand Cathay can provide the most wondrous delights, but every rose has its thorns,and I can assure you that ours are most deadly indeed. Now, let us speak of business. I am aware of a recent increase in caravans moving through the Ivory Road, which is no surprise to me considering the recent changes in the rulership of the Mountains of Mourne. The success rate, however, tells me that something has changed. If you have any insights, then please feel free to share them. I'd be delighted to offer you a bouquet of roses for your troubles."

    That statement inspired a babbling stream of words quite unbecoming of an individual who he held somewhat high hopes for, but Zhao Ming supposed that was the consequence of his word choice. He really should work on his Reikspiel. He didn't mean to come across so threateningly. Sometimes he wished he had his mother's gift for words.

    As Zhao Ming absorbed the information he was receiving, he came across a point that needed more clarification. Raising a hand to end the ceaseless babble, he asked his question:

    "This Karak Eight Peaks. I have heard of it, but never in so much detail. It is quite far away after all. Tell me more."

    What followed confirmed his suspicions. The Western Dwarves have made a breakthrough, with the support of the Empire, and restored one of their lost holds, gaining a foothold in the West-East trade.

    Things were changing. And Zhao Ming was in the prime position to help that process along.

    A grin broke across his face, more of a baring of teeth than a natural expression of a humanoid. Coupled with the blank expanse of his white eyes, and that expression frightened his conversational partner to silence.

    Cathay was a passive nation. A large part of that was their focus on defence and serving as a bulwark against Chaos. But the West were making strides and progressing forward, so Zhao Ming saw no reason for Cathay to not participate. His sister could deal with the ever expanding claws of Chaos, but he had an opportunity to exploit.

    Perhaps it was time to once again show the might of the Dragon to the Ogres of the Mountain. Greasus Goldtooth was a shrewd and amiable business partner, but those who refused his rule could not afford to survive. It seemed he had to make an example of them, so the path East would truly open to the West.

    From there, wealth would flow, curiosities would be acquired, and perhaps they could make a link to the West. He remembered that young man who had stood up to him so many years ago, who had managed to make his way to his Father and gained so much power and influence as a result.

    He wondered how Dragomas was doing. Perhaps he could find out.
     
  • Apocrypha
    • What I dislike the most about the direct comparison between Winds and Wu Xing phases is that the Warhammer lore already has a framework to describe how philosophical states of being interact with magic - that of the elven pantheon.

    The Chinese elemental wheel makes overwhelmingly more sense as a guide to describe how the Winds interact with the environment and each other. For example, Mockery of Death, Law of Gold and Hysh being used to freeze something in ice all invoke the stagnation of Water, while most Winds have the full spectrum of phases and their transitions among their arsenal even before we consider that the interpretation can change contextually and situationally, such as Law of Form being part of the creative cycle in terms of intent, Earth as pure transformation and Metal in terms of utility or Tale of Metal calling on the creativity of Fire for research or the dark side of Water for intrigue or Metal for finding a weakness needed to destroy something etc.

    That's just purely my opinion though.
     
    Lampshade said:
    What I dislike the most about the direct comparison between Winds and Wu Xing phases is that the Warhammer lore already has a framework to describe how philosophical states of being interact with magic - that of the elven pantheon.

    The Chinese elemental wheel makes overwhelmingly more sense as a guide to describe how the Winds interact with the environment and each other. For example, Mockery of Death, Law of Gold and Hysh being used to freeze something in ice all invoke the stagnation of Water, while most Winds have the full spectrum of phases and their transitions among their arsenal even before we consider that the interpretation can change contextually and situationally, such as Law of Form being part of the creative cycle in terms of intent, Earth as pure transformation and Metal in terms of utility or Tale of Metal calling on the creativity of Fire for research or the dark side of Water for intrigue or Metal for finding a weakness needed to destroy something etc.

    That's just purely my opinion though.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    Yeah sure recycle the Elven Pantheon for an entirely different society that learnt magic in a completely different way. I'm sure that'll be very interesting, fascinating and loreful. I can't wait to play High Elves 2.0.
     
    Effectively Magic works a lot on establishing a mental/cultural framework that follows whatever base rules of magic are, but beyond that, they are relatively limitless in potential applications. So then after establishing a few ground rules, which is relevant for the Waystones, what differs meaningfully from each paradigm and how do those differences impact the end result? As the Elves, for example, consider their Gods to be a distinct part of themselves, yet also separate independent entities, but also take form in their cultural stories as ideas and 'memes' if you will, if I'm not horribly misrecalling. So how does that impact their viewpoint on the Winds if they associate with themselves would be a good question to ask.
     
    The Void said:
    So how does that impact their viewpoint on the Winds if they associate with themselves would be a good question to ask.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    It's also the type of question that gets a condescending non answer, as has been demonstrated before several times with the Elves. Dwarves will make it clear to you where the line is where they won't tell you anymore. Elves will just smugly tell you an answer that leaves you no better than you were before you asked it without a conclusion that you can draw, you'll just agonise over it.

    I have read a lot of Warhammer material. I can tell you that Elven lore is some of my least favorite (High and Dark Elves, I actually like a lot of Wood Elf stuff). It has a lot of material that simultaneously says so little. I learnt at some point that I know more about Lizardmen society and the details of their organisations and structures and cities and all that stuff than I do Elves.

    It doesn't help how GW flip flops on them from time to time. The Elves are whatever the writer wants them to be. How many are there? As many as the writer wants there to be. What are they like? Whatever the writer wants them to be. What's their society like? Whatever the writer wants them to be. What are the details of their organisations and cities and hierarchies? Whatever the writer wants them to be.
     
    My brother offered to make me an art piece for my birthday. In celebration of my first birthday as a trans woman I'm thinking of something relating to a relationship that's been dear to my heart and helped me crack my egg ("I wish I was like them" was a common thought).

    @Boney To that end, would you mind if I ask what the scene of Mathilde's first kiss with Panoramia was like?
     
    I am interested in Wilhelms card thought. Think we could ask around if the rumours exist here too and then maybe put out feelers for them? They sound fun, thought probably too much effort for Boney to place somewhere all over the world just for kicks that will never get discovered.
     
    Thats where i had read about the high magic using human. @Codex thanks for finding that ive posted before about that character but couldnt find which book had him as id lost some of my collection years back.
     
    Codex said:
    My brother offered to make me an art piece for my birthday. In celebration of my first birthday as a trans woman I'm thinking of something relating to a relationship that's been dear to my heart and helped me crack my egg ("I wish I was like them" was a common thought).

    @Boney To that end, would you mind if I ask what the scene of Mathilde's first kiss with Panoramia was like?
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    Neither of them were very experienced or in any hurry and both are fairly busy people, so it probably would have been a little while after the tarn date. So, early autumn or thereabouts, so in front of a fire at one of their places, engaged in a level of snuggling that would have been the product of quite a lot of gradual escalation. There's a lull in the conversation, they look at each other, and one or the other or both go for it, and then they sit there blushing for a while.

    It wouldn't have been a magical experience with fireworks or anything like that. Theirs wasn't a big epic romance where the first kiss was the culmination of a long and arduous journey. Their first kiss was simply the starting point, and experience and familiarity has built up from there.
     
    Boney said:
    Neither of them were very experienced or in any hurry and both are fairly busy people, so it probably would have been a little while after the tarn date. So, early autumn or thereabouts, so in front of a fire at one of their places, engaged in a level of snuggling that would have been the product of quite a lot of gradual escalation. There's a lull in the conversation, they look at each other, and one or the other or both go for it, and then they sit there blushing for a while.

    It wouldn't have been a magical experience with fireworks or anything like that. Theirs wasn't a big epic romance where the first kiss was the culmination of a long and arduous journey. Their first kiss was simply the starting point, and experience and familiarity has built up from there.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    Personally, I think that's perfect. Thank you for that. I have a very good idea of what it looks like now.
     
    Codex said:
    There are minaturised Wu Xing Compasses that Astromancers ride into battle which explicitly draw in or repel the Winds of Magic too. There is a Technology in the game that says there are magnets inside actually. Don't know if they're part of the process, but using magnets to attract or repel the winds is a funny thought.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    I'm not sure why magnets are associated with the winds but they do seem to be. The biggest example of the phenomenon is, of course, the Polar Gates.
     
    I'm asleep but she's talking to me
    She's walking 'round wearing all of my clothes
    As she runs out of things to say
    And grabs her robe to walk away

    How 'bout another first kiss, she said
    How 'bout another first kiss, I said
    I want another first kiss like this
    How 'bout another first kiss

    Other dragons were too temperamental
    Always worrying about their lair*
    Got tired of wasting all my time
    Now I'm not worrying at all

    How 'bout another first kiss, she said
    How 'bout another first kiss, I said
    I want another first kiss like this
    How 'bout another first kiss

    You could tell me we belong together
    And I could tell you, you belong with me
    But we've run out of things to say
    And we'll be happy anyway, so

    How 'bout another first kiss, she said
    How 'bout another first kiss, I said
    I want another first kiss like this
    How 'bout another first kiss

    How 'bout another first kiss, she said
    How 'bout another first kiss, I said
    I want another first kiss like this
    How 'bout another first kiss


    *Adjust as needed for your (dis)favorite failed ship,
    Some suggestions:

    Other runelords were too temperamental
    Always focusing about their glare
    Other wizards were too ornamental
    Always flexing hard without a care
    Other golems were too elemental
    Always worrying about Error Not Found
    Other High Kings were too Grudgement-mental
    Always worrying about their chair
    (Got any more I missed, I'll cheerfully edit them in)

    Another First Kiss, by They Might Be Giants. Credit to @Codex for putting this thought in my head, although it turned out to be another spectacularly lazy one apart from endless tinkering with that one line.
     
    Reader mode
    You must login or register to reply here.
    Voting is open
    Remove ads
    Back
    Top