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>>39429259
Date: Early-morning on February 21st, 1952PC

After the events of last night you had been hoping for a peaceful morning. Instead you’d woken up alone, as the girls avoided you – perhaps they thought that you would be in a foul mood. Sylvian had returned to Balkarin briefly to sort things out before returning – briefly being the keyword, as she said she’d be back within a day or two. Now your morning was getting more complicated with Alyce intruding in your study before you’d had any other female company. At least Merce wasn’t with her.

“Odd atmosphere here. I get the feeling it’s not like this all the time,” Alyce comments as she walks towards you, carrying a plate of food she’s likely stolen from one of the nearby dining rooms. “Then again, last night was… awkward on all parts. My apologies for reacting as I did – I know you well enough not to think that sort of thing of you.”

You shrug, swallowing the eggs in your mouth. “It’s no real trouble.”

“Sylvian, though,” Alyce says quietly.

“I caught up with her. We worked things out,” you say.

She gives you a sceptical look. “Well, if you say so. I’d advise you not to bend over too much for her, but I feel you’ve already taken that advice with poor results. Now, we,” she says, falling into the chair next to you with a serious look, “need to talk business.

>continued

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>>39429287
“The League will be moving towards formalising an alliance with you. Part of that will be responsibilities towards one another. I said I understood why you chose not to ask for my assistance with the demons, and that’s true, but it was still very foolhardy.”

You sigh inwardly, realising that your peaceful morning will never be. If Alyce is going to start with the hard stuff though, you might as well take the chance to push her on some topics.

>1. Ask her about the lack of mages in her party. Odd for an archmage. This will likely be pushing into political grounds.
>2. Talk military with her – namely, how does she intend on proceeding with the RSK, Lords and the Guard all in turmoil. She’ll likely push you in return for you military interests.
>3. Talk economics. The two of you have a lot of joint interests between the canal, magitech research and just general magic. She’ll want to know more about your research and economic projects, however.
>4. Custom

Also, I forgot to update the OP, so the last thread and next thread stuff isn't right.

Next thread will be in a fortnight, as I'll be writing an application for promotion next weekend (if they advertise this week as intended).

>>39429328
>>1. Ask her about the lack of mages in her party. Odd for an archmage. This will likely be pushing into political grounds.

>>39429328
>1. Ask her about the lack of mages in her party. Odd for an archmage. This will likely be pushing into political grounds.

>>39429328
>>1. Ask her about the lack of mages in her party. Odd for an archmage. This will likely be pushing into political grounds.

>>39429328
3

>>39429328
>>1. Ask her about the lack of mages in her party. Odd for an archmage. This will likely be pushing into political grounds.

Perhaps she is losing favor within the towers?

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>1.

“Alyce, why do you have almost no mages here?” you ask her bluntly.

Stiffening slightly, Alyce turns away. You catch the grimace on her face and decide to give her some time. Stepping to the side as she struggles with what to say, you pour two mugs of your coffee. You sip at your mug on the way back, noting the stronger taste – you don’t often make your own coffee lately, especially with Taira around to make her own blend.

“Thank you,” she says, as she takes the coffee, sipping it. Then she blinks. “Who made this?”

“Me,” you say. “Not to your taste?”

“My father would have hired you as a servant in a heartbeat if he tasted this,” she says, drinking almost half the mug rapidly. “I thought you were a soldier?”

“Adventurer, mostly. Mal is terrible cook so I did most of it – plus, when you spend so much time in the south you either learn to make your own coffee or live with the crap they have,” you say. “So, mages?”

She scowls, realising that you’re not going to let it go. “With Fenix losing his power base, politics has shifted. Shropham’s failed attempt to secede has quietened the secessionist towers but now I face a problem I didn’t expect.

“A… former friend, Grand Magister Eberlin, has been approached by a number of the western towers. Many of the towers in Blacktaffe and Sorbornt don’t want to be connected to Ahm as they are. They’re worried about seceding, so instead they’re trying to either create their own tower network or make Ahm less powerful.

>continued

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>>39430020
Ah, now you understand. “So, a political crisis in Ahm. The magical capital of the world might not be the magical capital of the League for much longer?”

“More or less. I suspect they’ll attempt to move power to Norsborough, as it’s central. Strictly speaking, that’s not your worry as Eberlin’s personal dislike for you won’t affect the League’s approach. Most of those supporting him are the pragmatic type – so long as you offer cooperation, they’ll stare down anybody taking an ideological stance. Mind you, I’m not sure they’ll succeed – there are a lot of mages in Ahm and most of the military is here, too. Torryus and Norsborough will need to be convinced they won’t be at threat.”

You don’t like the sound of any of this, to be honest. Especially the fact that Alyce only really talked about it when pressed. Then again, it also might not be a big problem.

>Any questions on this topic for Alyce?

>>39430041
>39430041
"Don't suppose Ahm wants to join the York Empire? Seems like you are too good for the western towers and It would be nice to have you with me".

>>39430041
Ask why Blacktaffe and Sorbornt are worried about succeeding? We certainly can't threaten them.
Why does he dislike us?

>>39430041
What can we do to help her powerbase seems to be the obvious one.

>>39430041
Personal information about Eberlin? His allies, enemies, mistresses, w/e

>>39430041

She didn't mention Albanon, any chance they might get uppity again as well? Albanon is an incredibly critical state. It borders Ahm, the potential western alliance, the Guard, and TYE. It looks like whoever controls Albanon will be able to control the entire nothern movement of both the League and TYE, something we don't want. Might it be time we begin to figure out a way to either solidify Ahm's control over it, or give it up for the Empire?

>>39430104
That seems an incredibly large jump, hell it would out right dissolve the League in doing so. Let's not ask that.

>>39430041
Maybe suggest she start consulting with Grand Magister Spoker? From what I understand he's a mage with a great head for politics, but doesn't have the personal power to hold a leading role in the Magi League (or any other major power) and he knows it. Frankly, she should have found someone like him years ago. I wonder if he has a protogee we can appoint to be the Magi league ambassador.

>>39430041
When we go to war with the MG, what will happen to her power base? Without a war with the RSK, threats from the guard and the Ember situation calming down, it doesnt seem like many people will want to work with her.

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>>39430104
>"Don't suppose Ahm wants to join the York Empire?"
She gives you a wry look. "You're doing well for yourself, Talon, but Ahm alone is a match for all of your cities put together. The nobles and mages of the city wouldn't be all that interested - even if the League completely collapsed."

"It was worth a shot," you say with a smile.

>Ask why Blacktaffe and Sorbornt are worried about succeeding?
"Malataine. They're growing increasingly antagonistic. Not to mention that nobody knows what the hell the sorcerers in Farlou are doing."

"Sorcerers?" you ask.

"There's a Farloun one, but supposedly there's a second. Information is scarce but supposedly they're using constructs. I... suspect that they might be connected to Darvui. Gnome might know something of it - Taren kept abreast of Darvui's paternalism of mages. Or Sylvian."

In other words, the mages causing a ruckus are connected to formal mage towers. This whole problem seems interconnected, in your view.

>>39430355
>Personal information about Eberlin?
His family came from the far north of Gauron due to the shadowbeasts and married into the RSK nobility. As such he carries two very old royal bloodlines, but holds no royalty himself. He doesn't fancy himself a king, but he values nobility more than I would think wise. Hence his dislike of a commoner-born ruler such as yourself. He also has a strong sense of... righteousness. We had a falling out in the early days of the League for that reason but he's always supported me until now simply out of pragmatism.

"As for weaknesses, he has a daughter still living in the RSK. I doubt they're very close given he hasn't left Blacktaffe for a good decade. He is a very talented combat magister, too. He would have become one if he hadn't had greater ambitions."

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>>39430384
>She didn't mention Albanon, any chance they might get uppity again as well?
She laughs, and not pleasantly. "They lost too much with Shropham's fall. Their political power is too little and they know that nobody will protect them from you if they secede."

You frown at that. "Am I some sort of bogeyman?"

"To them you are. You know they supported Shropham - you could easily claim that as a cassus belli and attack them, even now. The League would defend them, simply because we must. Without us... Well, Eberlin doesn't care much for them. They offend his sense of justice too much."

"If the League splits, who controls it?" you ask.

Scowling at the thought, she says, "If Torryus joins the new faction, I'll hang Albanon out to dry. Eberlin will either take them under his wing, and risk war with you, or ignore them. Otherwise, they'll have to remain in the League to prevent it fracturing."

You ignore the little voice in your head that says it might be a good thing for the League to fracture.

>>39430462
>When we go to war with the MG, what will happen to her power base?
Mind clarifying what you're really asking here? Do you mean to imply that you think that the mages will abandon Alyce if the Guard ceases to be a threat? Because Falwick still remains.

>>39430637
>You ignore the little voice in your head that says it might be a good thing for the League to fracture.

I like that voice, he knows what's good.

>>39430637
>Mind clarifying what you're really asking here? Do you mean to imply that you think that the mages will abandon Alyce if the Guard ceases to be a threat? Because Falwick still remains.

I would think if the Magi League stayed together and only had the threat of Falwick, Alyce' influence would take a significant hit. What does she plan on doing going forward?

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>Moving right along

“So, if the League might be fracturing, how does a formal alliance factor into it?” you ask.

She gives you a flat look. “Because it works for both of us and there’ll no doubt be one anyway. If it forms now it strengthens Ahm’s power within the League – we’re short on allies and Eberlin’s dislike of you is public knowledge. That, and we can start working on deals that must be more open.”

“Such as?” you ask, finishing your breakfast and placing your plates on the table for a servant to collect later.

“Magitech trade, agreements on tariffs, formal cooperation between our mage towers, agreements on cross-border investment,” Alyce says, rattling off a list of things that will benefit Ahm more than you. “We can’t make those sorts of deals without an open alliance. I imagine you might have a few things that you want, too.”

“Military, mostly.”

She nods at that, frowning into her empty coffee cup. You move to fill it up alongside your own as she asks, “How is that after the demons?”

“Not as good, obviously. Losses are… worse than I would have liked,” you say. “I lost less men that I thought I would, but more men of experience. Almost a third of my specialised knights.”

“Well, I have no shortage of those,” Alyce says wryly, referring to the mass of knights she’d brought with her. “In any case, we need to talk specifics. I know what my people want, but what is your focus?”

>1. Military, as you said. Purchasing equipment, more battlemages, more knights.
>2. Economic. Allowing investment and trade to flow better between the two – Vitria has a lot of wealth that could be productive in the League and Ahm has a lot of products that would benefit your empire.
>3. Diplomatic. You want to be involved in the League and greater politics more – an alliance means the fortunes of the League and TYE are bound tighter and that will give you more ability to influence continental politics.
>4. Custom

>>39430966

That doesn't seem to be the only concern of hers though. If the League stayed together Malataine remains a threat, a threat away from the long arm of Ahm, and if they do not attack the League do they go after Farlou instead? Would the League be called to action to save the sorcerors or dragged into in the conflict by proximity? Hell, the Empire remains a threat even by existing, an alliance is imperative to their continued existence as a whole.

>>39431056
>2. Economic. Allowing investment and trade to flow better between the two – Vitria has a lot of wealth that could be productive in the League and Ahm has a lot of products that would benefit your empire.

>>39431056
1. with the war with the Mage guard soon we nee to bulk up

after that 3

>>39431056
2

I'd like to go 1, but we have our own programs in the work that will bolster those soon. We need something to balance that out and begin to bring more money into the Empire. A wartime economy only lasts for so long and we'll need to think of how we provide for our trrops here soon.

>>39431056
>>2. Economic. Allowing investment and trade to flow better between the two – Vitria has a lot of wealth that could be productive in the League and Ahm has a lot of products that would benefit your empire.

>>39431167
Basically this.

>>39431056
>2. Economic. Allowing investment and trade to flow better between the two – Vitria has a lot of wealth that could be productive in the League and Ahm has a lot of products that would benefit your empire.

Economy give us resources, resources give us the ability to increase our army and work the political field. Besides I don't think we should share our military magitech toys with the Leauge or we might be forced to fight against them at a later time.

>>39431056
>1. Military, as you said. Purchasing equipment, more battlemages, more knights.
>3. Diplomatic. You want to be involved in the League and greater politics more – an alliance means the fortunes of the League and TYE are bound tighter and that will give you more ability to influence continental politics.

>>39430506
>He is a very talented combat magister, too.
How talented is very talented? Like Could give Merce a run for her money? Better?

The way this is phrased it seems that Military is something that will come regardless, but the options are the primary focus, with the ability to double up on Military. Is that correct?

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>>39431310
Probably around that level - around the same combat capability as Taren Hand (who was brilliant, but didn't specialise in combat). Weaker than Alyce and Darvui, however.

>>39430966
You get the feeling her plan is mostly just to shore things up with you and pretend that the League isn't going to fracture or take power away from her.

>>39431351
Well, you already have some deals that help your military. This is what your focus will be over the course of the timeskip (barring events that might change it).

>>39431056
>>2. Economic. Allowing investment and trade to flow better between the two – Vitria has a lot of wealth that could be productive in the League and Ahm has a lot of products that would benefit your empire.

>>39431397
>You get the feeling her plan is mostly just to shore things up with you and pretend that the League isn't going to fracture or take power away from her.
That is a fucking terrible plan. She seriously needs someone like Grand Magister Spoker.

>>39431397
>Well, you already have some deals that help your military.

And that's basically more mages, and the AA research sharing deal, right? I can't remember if we had anything specific for the Knights or not. I might need to brush up on our under the table dealings here soon.

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>>39431506
There's a difference between having advisors and actually listening to them.

>2.

You and Alyce discuss the potential economic benefits of an alliance for some time. Thinking that you should probably thank Sarah after this for all the education she’s given you on these matters, you push your interests. Namely the fact that you want TYE money to go a lot further and for there to be a lot more wealth in your hands.

“Just be aware that it will go both ways. You’ll benefit from the trade but Ahm has a lot of wealth that will reach into your territory,” she warns. “Still, it’s good for me. There are mages and nobles who want to relocate from the west but want less developed areas than are in Ahm. You have cities that could be further developed – and that lack much in the way of powerful mages. Expect your politics to change in your less developed cities if you’re not careful.”

You nod and are about to respond when there’s a knock at the door. It opens immediately afterwards, revealing a cautious Maloric. He glances between you and Alyce as if he’s worried he’s interrupting something.

“Oh, good, you got my message,” Alyce says with a smile. “This is our next topic, I suppose. It segues nicely.”

“I’m a little lost,” you say as Mal takes a seat and nods in agreement with you.

“Mage towers, Talon,” she says, as if that explains anything. “You lack properly developed ones. Or even many at all, really. Harrowmont lacks the magical presence it needs to properly attract and retain talented mages, in spite of all the chaos in Gauron. I want to help you change that.

>continued

>>39431056
>Almost a third of my specialised knights.”
This hurts me. RIP Knights of various Orders.

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>>39431778
“First, Maloric needs to be a grand magister. That’s easy enough, as nobody will bat an eye when a mage with two pure elementals takes on the rank even at his age,” she says, ignoring the shocked gasp from Mal. “Then you need to start expanding your presence. You need to network your towers better – make the Tower of Harrowmont your imperial tower and make a sister tower for more general mages, then create a second sister tower in Ahm. Pull your other immature towers in underneath them. It’s this sort of approach that made the Tower of Stars as powerful as it is, even before I started building an even larger network.

“Then we can start working together. I can give you excellent space in Ahm in exchange for a tower of my own in Harrowmont,” she continues, trying to catch you in her own tempo. “It might take a few years, but you should be able to strengthen your magical presence across the empire. All you need to do is work with me.”

Mal gives you a look that urges caution and you immediately understand what Alyce is really getting at. It’s true that you’ll rapidly build your base of mages, but they’ll largely be coming in with Alyce’s help. It’ll also be built on the same basis as the towers of old – meaning that if you intend on doing anything different, you’ll lose your chance rather quickly. Their economic and research focus is nice, but disruptive, as history has proved.

Plus, giving Alyce a powerbase within your territory and close connections with your imperial network of towers is a double-edge sword. It will make her closer to you and yours in the event that she faces trouble but it also makes it harder to take action she and hers disapprove of.

>Discussion of Alyce’s proposal

This is more or less the style of how I’m going to be doing time-skip events. Offers and events will occur, there will be a discussion and then a reaction.

>>39431801
Well, promoting Maloric seems obvious. The others, I'm afraid I'm not qualified to discuss. What do you guys think? Getting closer to Alyce doesn't seem bad.

>>39431801
Maloric seems a little hesitant here. Perhaps we should ask him if he would favor a more decentralized approach to magic; something more resembling our empire, I would think.

Jeez, where did all the posters go.

>Mal a Grand Magister
About fucking time, done.

>Tower of Harrowmont becoming the Imperial Tower
Also done, that should have been done awhile ago as well.

>Creating a sister tower
Easy enough, there is space in both the Noble Manors and Imperal Academy for this, and we honestly do need more magical presense. Shropham has a lot of displaced mages that could use a fresh start, and stealing from our own magical capital won't hurt as much. I'd go as far to say we go straight in and build two new towers in the Imperial Academy immiediately place them under the ToH and go forward from there with networking to Vitria, Taour and Darlesia.

>Magi League tower
Now this is where it gets tricky. How many of our actions grate against the League as is? We certainly took steps to avoid undue unrest while taking Shropham. However there was a lot of talk of reforming the towers to being less a political body, if that's even possible, which I highly doubt. I see benefit it utilizing the older system to build a base and establish strong ties to the magical capital of Gauron, and tthen build from there. There's good reason to cultivate these movements in a manner that directly benefits being under Talon's thumb as a political entity, as right now our politics are a mess with things spring up left and right to begin pressing their agendas. We need a strong ally in that field, and since we've done nothing but ignored the nobles of Vitria it's probably about time we created our own.

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>>39431946
You step aside with Mal for a minute, Alyce understanding and stepping out of the study while you chat.

"I'll be honest, it's a good deal," he says, his words contradicting his expression. "A fantastic deal, really. We're basically being giving a big lift up the totem pole of mage towers."

"But?"

"You'll still probably get the same sort of politics. Vitria doesn't have it, probably because the mage towers don't have anywhere near as much power and Spoker doesn't care for the League's style of politics. Mage towers tend to be rather insular, which is why most mages come from noble backgrounds. A strong leader, like Alyce, can make a temporary shift in their tendencies but you'll never get something cohesive as it is.

"Plus, the fact that Alyce is clearly building a nest here. Or a retreat, depending on how you look at it. I think she's more spooked by the politics of the League then she's admitting. That might be why there aren't many other mages."

The biggest issue is the tower networks. It works wonderfully for ML because that was what the rebellion and government were founded on. It would give mages who disagree with us a great place to cause trouble. It would make Alyce indisputably part of our system. So issues include.

1 trusting Alyce' loyalties
2 trusting her abilities to control the towers
3 trusting that our decisions going forward wont make the mages unhappy

That being said I think trusting her is a good idea. Start our own network like she suggests and have good relations with towers of moon/stars. I would like our network to be separate outside of that and add more towers as politics with them warms up.

>>39431801
Interesting. The other route is to focus and expand on the academy system, and offer large numbers of basic training. Effectively, the academy(s) would handle the basic training for a substantial portion of mages (especially comonners), who would then be poached by mage towers for further training alongside those that they've trained from the beginning.

>>39432051
We're back now.

>>39432160
>Effectively, the academy(s) would handle the basic training for a substantial portion of mages (especially comonners), who would then be poached by mage towers for further training alongside those that they've trained from the beginning.

The Imperial Academy seems absolutely primed to do this.

I'd argue this would work with both systems really. We'd hold a higher degree of loyality from mages, that might have been turned away otherwise, that we've given the option to train and learn and they'll remember that as they enter the network. We basically make a long term commitment to building a powerful poltical entity. However we do risk watering down our pool of mages with poorer performers.

So Alyce is going to throw it all in with us in exchange for having a strong influence in our mages. I'm not sure how willing she would be to be subordinate, she has already rebelled once.

>>39432151
>Start our own network like she suggests and have good relations with towers of moon/stars. I would like our network to be separate outside of that and add more towers as politics with them warms up.

I agree with this notion. We'll need to build up first to be able to stand against the tidal wave of political clout that the stronger towers of the League would bring.

>>39432236
>However we do risk watering down our pool of mages with poorer performers.
Yes and no. We certainly wouldn't be forcing any mage towers to accept mages they don't think are good enough.

>>39432277
It was talked about before in previous threads. As long as we don't oppress mages and stay away from creating a royal lineage, she would be happy in a sense.

>>39432293
we will lose most of the recruiting advantage she could give us if we do that though.

>>39432312
>We certainly wouldn't be forcing any mage towers to accept mages they don't think are good enough.

True enough. I'd imagine there would still be entrance exams to the mage towers proper. But then what do with the rest of them? Press them into Battlemage/Agrimage services?

>>39432160
In a way I would suggest flipping that around. I think that the academy shouldn't really have students shifted anywhere. Just so we can have a insular mage powerbase that no one can touch.

That and with the source so close by it makes more sense for others to stay there longer to gain the most gains at once.

I do not like Alyce approach. Much better if all mage towers in our territory are imperial towers instead of the more free approach of the League. We need TYE mages to be firmly under our control and loyal to us.

>>39432367
We could offer some sort of state research/ education position. Those who can't do..

>>39432367
Or the IEC or the Merchant Marine. Or they flunk out.

>>39432357
It's a give a take, we'll lose a bit, but it doing so we'll be able to create more of our own in positions of prominence and power that are directly loyal to Talon in political terms so they can stand against them when we do expand to more of the League's towers. It's unlikely we'll be able to limit it just to Sun/Moon, but taking a smaller amount at first may work to our advantage in creating this political entity.

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Okay, so you guys seem to have broken the problem down into a few chunks. Nobody seems too worried about promoting Mal or creating a second tower in Harrowmont (not that I expected that).

1. Whether to create a mage tower network within TYE at all.
2. If a network is created, how should it function? This would tie into changing the focus of mage towers. Do you want to tie them more closely to your rule or leave them independent like the League towers.
3. Do you let Alyce extend her tower network (not the League, just her towers) into Harrowmont?
4. Do you let your network extend into the the League? If you do, you get a big recruiting advantage. You'll also be pulling in existing mages with their own agendas and getting a lot of Alyce's influence too.

Also, there's the separate point of using the Academy (or academies) to open up mage towers more.

I'll put up a vote on these points after a little more discussion.

>>39432277
Well, you more of a nest she builds here the easier it is for her to retain power in Ahm even if she loses influence in the rest of the League. So long as relations between you and her remain strong, that is. If she was to lose Ahm she'd obviously move in here, though.

In other words, she'd become closer but also less of a subordinate and more of a vassal or very close ally.

>>39432391

But then we lose the political power masses of mages can innately bring. Being their own insular imperial towers only benefits the tower, not the whole.

>>39432481
what towers does she control personally? Are they all in Ahm?

>>39432481
>2. If a network is created, how should it function? This would tie into changing the focus of mage towers. Do you want to tie them more closely to your rule or leave them independent like the League towers.

I definitely think we tie them more closely into our rule. Mages have political clout and abilities that other entities simply lack, they are precious recourses just themselves. If we're going to continue not working closely with the nobles of Vitria and beyond it's high time we get into bed with another entity as equally powerful that can provide our rule with more authority, economic stability, and progress.

New poster here. Did we ever clear up the line of succession in our empire? It might be relevant considering we might be adding another faction.

>>39432481
>4. Do you let your network extend into the the League? If you do, you get a big recruiting advantage. You'll also be pulling in existing mages with their own agendas and getting a lot of Alyce's influence too.
I agree with allowing them to trickle in. But I'd say we go with Alyce's network, and then opening up to Albanon first, then afterwards to the other territories. We can dispel any fear of Talon being a boogeyman by opening relations with them and giving them that sense of security in knowing we won't blow them up over past mistakes. All the while we slowly sap away their power by recruiting mages more easily bent to Talon's rule and in general more amiacable. We've already ruined them politically, might as well take it a step further.

>>39432638
I think the plan so far is not dying. Once we start having kids with everyone it will be a clusterfuck though.

>>39432638
>Did we ever clear up the line of succession in our empire?

There really isn't one. Seeing as Talon plans on living for a very long time, as in forever.

>>39432481
>2. If a network is created, how should it function? This would tie into changing the focus of mage towers. Do you want to tie them more closely to your rule or leave them independent like the League towers.
I kinda want them to be making a few connections with the nonhuman magic practitioners as well. At least to the point where they'll be reliably directing customers to nonhuman specialists where appropriate.

>>39432638
Pretty sure Sarah is the de facto heir. If only because noone else can run the empire.

>>39432481
3. Do you let Alyce extend her tower network (not the League, just her towers) into Harrowmont?
I think we should take advantage of this. As long as we have a good hold on the rest of the towers so that she can't take them over.

>>39432705
If Mal wants to put a few Cealfin enchanters in his own tower I wouldn't mind.

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>>39432560
The Towers of Moon/Stars are more or less the same tower, just segregated along the lines of influence.

The Tower of the Sun in Ahm is the only other Amnian tower she has. Tower of Night is in Blacktaffe, Tower of Day is in Norsborough as is the Tower of Twilight. And yeah, these are some very old towers.

>>39432638
There isn't really a line of succession. You're probably in an Alexander the Great situation. Sarah runs the place, but Finn would probably have the most clout. Not to mention potential power players such as Taira, Maloric and Caitlyn.

VOTES
See >>39432481 for more detail.

MAGE TOWER NETWORK
This will increase the cooperation between mages in the empire but also increase their reputation and capability.
>1. Create a tower network within TYE.
>2. Don't create a network.

WHAT SORT OF NETWORK
>1. Like the League has. Political and financial connections, but towers are independent enough not to be truly focused. Most towers are more or less equal.
>2. Military focus. Clear lines of command through the network, with towers having a hierarchy that encourages military feats in exchange for greater recognition and promotion.
>3. Empire focus. The towers are independent but clearly underneath the empire itself. Closely linked with courts, governors and even non-human and non-mage areas.
>4. Custom

ALYCE TOWER
>1. Let Alyce place a tower form her network in Harrowmont.
>2. Refuse (at least for now).

EXPANDING INTO THE LEAGUE
>1. Set-up a sister tower in Ahm, increasing recruitment potential. Will be less effective if you don't let Alyce expand into Harrowmont.
>2. Don't expand into the League. This will protect your towers form external influences better.
>3. Custom

>>39432705

This is actually a good point. And brings up another, do we as of right now have a stance on whether or not non-humans may join Towers? We've already opened up the Orders with Lynn's appointment and plans to make a Daywalker Knights. But Towers are a trickier sort, so do we just go and make that change now while building the network, or utilize them as third party entities without formal towers of their own?

>>39432817
>1. Create a tower network within TYE.
>3. Empire focus. The towers are independent but clearly underneath the empire itself. Closely linked with courts, governors and even non-human and non-mage areas.
>1. Let Alyce place a tower form her network in Harrowmont.
>3, >>39432653

>>39432817
>1. Create a tower network within TYE.
>3. Empire focus. The towers are independent but clearly underneath the empire itself. Closely linked with courts, governors and even non-human and non-mage areas.
>2. Don't expand into the League. This will protect your towers form external influences better.
>1. Let Alyce place a tower form her network in Harrowmont.

>>39432817
>>1. Create a tower network within TYE.
>>3. Empire focus. The towers are independent but clearly underneath the empire itself. Closely linked with courts, governors and even non-human and non-mage areas.
>>1. Let Alyce place a tower form her network in Harrowmont.

>>39432817
1
3
1
1

>>39432817
>1. Create a tower network within TYE.

>3. Empire focus. The towers are independent but clearly underneath the empire itself. Closely linked with courts, governors and even non-human and non-mage areas.

>2. Refuse (at least for now).

>2. Don't expand into the League. This will protect your towers form external influences better.

>>39432817
1
3
1
2

>>39432817
1
3
1
2

>>39432817
>1. Create a tower network within TYE.

>4. Custom
How about having an administrative body to manage the towers. Gives the mages enough freedom but they still have to report to some kind of authority.

>1. Let Alyce place a tower form her network in Harrowmont.

>3. Custom
>>39432653

>>39432817
>1. Create a tower network within TYE.
>3. Empire focus. The towers are independent but clearly underneath the empire itself. Closely linked with courts, governors and even non-human and non-mage areas.
>1. Let Alyce place a tower form her network in Harrowmont.
>2. Don't expand into the League. This will protect your towers form external influences better.
I'm not totally against recruiting from the leage but we don't want to start pulling lots of powerful people from Ahm in while we are in startup mode, they would be able to gain a lot of control.

>>39432817
1
3
2
2

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1, 3, 1, 2 wins.

Writing now.

>>39433155
Are Dragon mages any different from Human mages?

>>39433245
even if they didn't have stronger magic their physical toughness would make them much harder to deal with.

>>39433245
Far more powerful on average.

>>39433155
Oh, one possible thing we could also do at the accademy is offer a course on non evocation magic to our mage students. Not teaching them it obviously, but a good background on the strengths and weaknesses of other types of magic, and how a mage can use other types of magic to compliment his work. I seriously doubt even the Tower of the Stars could offer education matching us in that area.

>>39433245
evocation vs transmutation

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>1, 3, 1, 2

You have the workings of a plan for your towers going forward. Namely, that you’ll agree to Alyce’s proposal but without extending your towers into Ahm. You feel that would be dangerous.

“I’m glad that we came to an agreement on this,” she says, smiling broadly. “The Tower of Night was the centre of a number of research projects and I’m wary about leaving them too close to Eberlin. The Tower of Dawn in Harrowmont will work nicely for both of us, in that respect.”

You raise an eyebrow at that. “Should you really be moving League research into my territory? And shouldn’t ‘Dawn’ be taken?”

“It is, but my network is more recognisable. It makes the connection to the other towers in the network obvious,” she explains. “And its’ not League research that I’ll be moving. Most of that involves magitech – this is tower research, and only my towers have been working on it.”

You nod, and discussions move on. At least until you refuse her offer for a tower in Ahm. She gives you an odd look over that.

“Really? That would be the best way to raise your profile,” she says, sounding grumpy.

“It would also do several other things. I think I need my towers to be concrete in their identities first,” you say.

You figured that would be the end of things, having made your decision, but Alyce was determined to get down to the details. It’s not until well after the sun has set that you’re free of her and negotiations. You...

>1. Visit the hot springs to relax.
>2. Visit Noah’s mansion to speak to her about diplomatic affairs with the SSA.
>3. Check up on Finn.
>4. Custom

I have again lied in the archive description. I keep bumping timeskip events into the present. Probably going to handle the dwarves before the thread is done and next thread will either be a numbers thread or events.

>>39433440
>1. Visit the hot springs to relax.
I need this as much as Talon does.

>>39433440
>>2. Visit Noah’s mansion to speak to her about diplomatic affairs with the SSA.

>>39433440
3

>Tower of the Dawn
Couldn't ask for a better name. Now where to put it...

>>39433440
>>3. Check up on Finn.
Elf Pride

>>39433440
>1. Visit the hot springs to relax.
Who will disturb Talon this time I wonder?

>>39433440
3

>>39433440
>1. Visit the hot springs to relax.

Work hard, Play harder.

>>39433440
>1. Visit the hot springs to relax.
Bit easier to make an empire than to rule it, I bet.

>>39433440
>1. Visit the hot springs to relax.

>>39433440
Will the speech Talon began in the one shot be something that happens in a future thread?

>>39433440
Is Sylvian still around?

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1 wins.

Who do you want to be interrupted by (or interrupt)?

>1. Sylvian.
>2. Alyce.
>3. Sarah.

I'll accept a custom if somebody can propose something interesting or amusing.

>>39433669
That's literally going to be the first part of the timeskip events. It'll be determining how to respond to the damage inflicted by the infernals.

>>39433699
>1. Sylvian.
>2. Alyce.
Why not both?

>>39433699
>3. Sarah.

>>39433699
>>1. Sylvian.
>>2. Alyce.

We interrupt Sylvian and then Alyce interrupts us

>>39433699
>2. Alyce.

>>39433699
no Mercenie + Alyce option?

>>39433699
>Sarah

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>>39433717
This is also acceptable.

>>39433699
>>3. Sarah.

Convince me to like her again please ;_;

>>39433699
>>1. Sylvian.

>>39433766
>Sarah is the shit dude

>>39433764
lets do this, since Alyce is going to find out about Sylvian's changed mind eventually we might as well all be naked when it happens.

>>39433837
I don't even know how to respond to this line of logic. It pains my head. Because it's not wrong.

>>39433699
>>3. Sarah.

>>39433699
>>2. Alyce.

>>39433837
backing

>>39433294
>>39433419
>>39433328
Why don't we have a Dragon Mage?

Who is responsible for that?

Who do we have to Fuck smack to get one

>>39433925
We got something better, Dragon Knights.

>>39433837
>>39433864
Also my sides.

>>39433925
Raza pretty much is a dragon mage. She definitely leans towards the magic more the the physical.

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>>39433761
Merce would have been the Finn scene.

>>39433925
All dragons are mages, technically. That's how their magic works. Rayza uses tons of it.

CONTENTIOUS VOTE

OPTION ONE
Interrupt Sarah in the hot springs. The scene will probably focus either on her personally or the empire in general. A standard harem scene.

OPTION TWO
Both Sylvian and Alyce in the hot springs. Will likely become a tense scene, given Sylvian's state of mind. Could also become something else. Probably a heavier scene, at least at first.

Rules for voting are to make a post with a link to my post declaring the vote and the number you are voting for. No other text, no greentexting the number. All informal votes will be discarded. Voting window will be five minutes after the first vote.

>>39433983
2

>>39433983
1

>>39433983
2

>>39433983
>1

>>39433983
1

>>39433983
2

>>39433983
2

>>39433983
2

>>39433925

I think its because their magic tends to lend itself more towards a Spellblade type build, or in Lynn's case a Knight. Rayza has also shown they can give a unit of powerful soldiers a serious boost, so they fall into that support role as well. But outright magic caster, outside of their dragon form I'd suppose, doesn't seem to be their forte, as far as we know. Rex might be more along those lines but he seems to utilize his magic for a different purpose being in the IECs and all.

>>39433983
1

Get your butts ready guys

Shits about to get heavy

>>39433983
1

>>39434064
>But outright magic caster, outside of their dragon form I'd suppose, doesn't seem to be their forte, as far as we know

That's what I was talking about doubt they exist tho

>>39433983
2

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>>39434144
Last vote that counts. 2 wins. I'll do a Sarah scene after this, simply because she hasn't had one for a long while.

>>39434085
You would think we would get tired of walking into the same quest destroying situations repeatedly.

>>39434197
All we have to do is not misread character dynamics or the situation. We can do that.

>>39434197
I for one am. Though I guess now it's less of an issue. I guess. I would have rathered put it off a little still.

>>39434197
Its Fiiiiiiiine

I forgot how to panic along time ago

>>39434268
You say that, up until we mind alter someone for repeated failure to do so.

>>39434329
Compare Sylvian's exhaustion to Alyce's when we first met her. Except Syvlian's world has basically been going downhill ever since she grew up with Kushan Murdering her entire species.

>>39434329
Just think it build up long term character. What we learned was that Anons are shitty as hell at reading certain characters. We haven't had many issues with archmage.


Unless something amazing happens here.

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>1 followed by 2

You’d thought that going to the hot spring would be a relaxing break after a long day of negotiations. As it was, it was a relaxing sight but you weren’t sure your mind would get the same benefit.

“Did you get back this afternoon?” you ask Sylvian as you slip into the hot spring from the opposite side.

“An hour ago. I figured I would relax after a day of travel,” she says, looking very relaxed.

This wasn’t the first time you’d been in the hot spring with Sylvian, so her body wasn’t a surprise. There was a… lack of tension compared to last time, however. The woman bathing here seems younger, despite the fact your eyes tell you that she’s exactly the same – you’ve got a lot of experience in that area, after all. It’s her expression and manner, you think. Instead of a calculating and heavy gaze, she instead gives you a clear and pleasant one.

You hear some splashing after settling in and notice Sylvian crossing the hot spring. She nestles next to you and you wonder briefly if this is a side-effect. There are no sultry looks or caresses, just a look of trust the same as she gave you last night. It seems a little different when she’s not wearing anything.

“When you said you had worked things out, I didn’t realise you meant that you convinced her with your bedroom skills,” comes Alyce’s voice from the entrance, and you turn around to see the archmage undressing to join the two of you.

>continued

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>>39434551
“That hasn’t happened,” Sylvian answers brightly, and you swear you hear another word spoken under her breath. “I’m surprised you’re so immodest, however. Just striding in.”

“It’s not like it’s anything you haven’t seen before,” Alyce says sharply, giving you a glance as she slips into the spring on the other side of you. “Plus, if the two of you are going to be here all night I’ll never get a chance to relax here. Gnome didn’t tell me about this until this morning, the minx.”

“Haven’t seen before?” Sylvian repeats, a bemused smile on her face as she glances between Alyce and yourself. “Ah, so that’s how the alliance works.”

Even without threatening violence, Sylvian seems more than capable of getting under Alyce’s skin. The archmage has gone completely red, glaring at her counterpart. For her part, Sylvian doesn’t even seem to notice, her attention having returned to you. Maybe Alyce will be too blinded by her rage to notice Sylvian’s change…

“So, what were you busy with while I was gone?” Sylvian asks you.

“Gone?” Alyce asks, frowning.

You…

>1. Talk to Sylvian about what happened today, ignoring Alyce.
>2. Let Sylvian answer Alyce’s question.
>3. Continue the earlier topic, trying to explain that you aren’t sleeping with Alyce as part of the alliance.
>4. Custom

>>39434572
>3. Continue the earlier topic, trying to explain that you aren’t sleeping with Alyce as part of the alliance.

Neutral route! Neutral route!

I don't think we can let Alyce in on our mindshaping yet, since there's not 100% trust. And we can't snub Alyce.

>>39434572
>>3. Continue the earlier topic, trying to explain that you aren’t sleeping with Alyce as part of the alliance. yet

>>39434572
>1. Talk to Sylvian about what happened today, ignoring Alyce.

>>39434572
>3. Continue the earlier topic.
Alyce has not been inducted into the Bedroom politics of my empire. Though I do recall a conversation regarding political marriages...

>>39434572
>3. Continue the earlier topic, trying to explain that you aren’t sleeping with Alyce as part of the alliance.
Lets try and defuse this before we reach critical levels of catty comments.

>>39434572
>3. Continue the earlier topic, trying to explain that you aren’t sleeping with Alyce as part of the alliance.

>>39434572
4. "I'm not sleeping with Alyce. I worry too much about any commitments she may decide I may or may not need to fulfill. commitments far stronger then any alliance between nations."

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>3.

“That’s not how the alliance works, Sylvian,” you say, sounding exasperated. “There’s no sex involved, though Alyce does talk about marriage a lot.”

“Bastard,” Alyce swears, tone soft despite the harsh words. “You’ll never shut up about that, will you?”

“Well, you certainly do seem a bit obsessed about whether or not you should marry and who…” you say, trailing off in an obnoxious manner.

As Alyce seethes at you, Sylvian cocks her head, her long silver hair falling across your shoulder from the motion. “Marriage, really?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Alyce asks, her tone becoming noticeably more dangerous than when she was speaking to you.

“It doesn’t seem like the sort of thing you’d do, really. Not unless you’ve hidden a loving partner somewhere,” Syl says innocently.

That gets a few blinks from Alyce as she tries to follow what Syl was saying. Feeling that you don’t need more stress, you move back ‘on-topic’.

“Given your reaction, I take it you’ve received more offers?” you say dryly.

“Only one, though I’ve been told that I should be making an offer,” she says, scowling as she turns red again, not meeting your eyes.

“You know, if the two of you are keen on an alliance then you should just marry one another,” Sylvian says out of the blue. “That would bring both of your goals closer to fruition, after all. I doubt that either of you are strangers to sharing partners, anyway.”

“Make that the second time I’ve been told,” Alyce mutters as she stares at Syl in confusion. For your part, you’re reacting the same way. You’d expected to get a more easy-going dragon, but Syl was a little too forthright. Then again, there was probably a reason she was a just a royal guard captain.

[DC17 Alyce’s Wits]

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>39435036

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>39435036

I'm not sure if we want to win this one or lose

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>39435036
I like comedy rolls

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>39435036

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>39435036
Do we want failure or sucess here?

>>39435084
Haha hooray

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>>39435084

>>39435084

I like where this scene is going.

>>39435084
this should be amusing.

>>39435084
I dun goof'd fellahs

>>39435122
no, its good when its not us

>>39435105

Well whatever we want we are getting failure anon!

God this is so awkward. Someday, someday messing with her mind is gonna fuck us in the ass, but til then we might as well enjoy the ride with Sylvian's new attitude.

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>Dramatic failure (for Alyce)

Alyce’s expression slowly changes from confusion to embarrassment as what Sylvian said sinks in. Her face is red and she seems to be rubbing the back of her head. Sylvian’s smile seems to become sharp, though not in an antagonistic manner.

“That’s earnest advice, I take it,” Alyce says, her voice uncertain. “That’s… appreciated. I guess you were right, Talon.”

You feel lost. Didn’t Alyce just notice how strange Syl is behaving? What is she saying?

“I… should apologise, Sylvian,” Alyce says.

“For?” Syl asks, genuinely interested.

“My manner. I didn’t believe Talon when he said he had worked things out,” Alyce says. “Given our past, I didn’t really think we could cooperate.”

“Oh. Well, the past is the past. I’m sorry for the things I’ve done, but by serving Talon I know it can be improved,” Sylvian says, dropping a bombshell you had hoped wouldn’t be dropped for a long time.

>continued

>>39435490
It will, with the Inquisitor Captain.

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>>39435505
Instead of a panicked reaction, Alyce just nods with a bashful smile, still not looking at the two of you. “Yes, it is better to let somebody else take the lead sometimes. I don’t think we could talk like this otherwise. Do you, uh, really think what you said earlier?”

“Yes, though only politically. Like I said, you don’t seem like the sort for political marriages,” Sylvian responds seriously. “Talon is proof that passion can best politics.”

“Passion…” Alyce says, staring at the water in front of you.

Somehow you become aware of the situation you’re in. Sylvian is nestled on your left side, her head next to yours and a bright smile on her face as she’s firmly in control of the situation. Alyce is lost in thought but within arm’s reach. You’re all naked and talking about marriage.

Also, Alyce seems to think that Sylvian has had a genuine change of heart.

You…

>1. Get some alcohol. You feel that you need it.
>2. Try to move the conversation back to business, talking to Sylvian about what you talked to Alyce about today.
>3. Agree that a political marriage might not be what’s best for both of you. It’s certainly not how you’ve approached things so far.
>4. Custom

>>39435530
>3. Agree that a political marriage might not be what’s best for both of you. It’s certainly not how you’ve approached things so far.

>>39435530
>>1. Get some alcohol. You feel that you need it.

"I didn't ask for this. I just wanted to rule an empire."

>>39435530
>4 Threesome smut option
"maybe sometimes its best to let passion get the better of us"
AND THEN WE FUCKED OUR WAY TO THE BIG LEAGUES

>>39435530
>1. Get some alcohol. You feel that you need it.
>2. Try to move the conversation back to business, talking to Sylvian about what you talked to Alyce about today.
>3. Agree that a political marriage might not be what’s best for both of you. It’s certainly not how you’ve approached things so far.

The moment Talon announces he's getting married is the moment we're getting our dick chopped off by our harem. Keep the ball rolling, lighten the mood with some drinks and distract Alyce's thoughts. The less she focuses on Sylvian's personality, and more on the warm vibes we've set, the better.

>>39435530
>>1. Get some alcohol. You feel that you need it.

GET ME THE ENDLESS JUG!
CUPS!?
WHERE I'M GOING WE DON'T NEED NO DAMN CUPS!

>>39435530
>3. Agree that a political marriage might not be what’s best for both of you. It’s certainly not how you’ve approached things so far.

MAXIMUM OVERWTF

Also, it's a bit hilarious to me that Sylvian is acting like some sort of young adult enamored than a mature woman in control of her feelings

>>39435530
>4. Custom.

What the fuck

>>39435530
1

I regret nothing

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I figure to just do 1 and 3.

>>39435709
She dram failed her 'notice strange behaviour' roll. I figured I'd just make it funny. Also, she's probably had a few drinks.

>>39435696
That's kind of the point. Hence Talon's comments earlier about her appearing younger. People already noticed that she had an interest in Talon (her actions towards Kyria, for instance) - now she's more confident and without all the savvy/fear from her past failures.

>>39435801
So was I the only one reading a threesome option or what

>>39435837
nope

>>39435801
>3

I was literally thinking about making a proposal write in

A few years down the line, Talon will get wracked with depressed as he guilt-trips over mindfugging Sylvian, unable to bear witness such fake innocence and subservience every time the dragon snuggles against him.

So did we just get married?

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>>39435878
A joking one or do people really want Talon to marry Alyce?

>>39435896
He didn't brainwash her to want to screw him, she wanted to do that in the first place but knew it was politically unwise. It's hard to place yourself as a trusted but unbiased advisor if you're having sex.

>>39435837
It was being played with, yes, but you'll need more if you really want to get that. Alyce doesn't get handed around on a silver platter.

>>39435896
Ya'know, down the line, after we've resolved the conquest and shadowbeasts and everything's chill, I'd try to unlock her memories again.

>>39435966
I would not be opposed as long as she is okay with polygamy

>>39435966
>A joking one or do people really want Talon to marry Alyce?

Yes

>>39435966
Really.

>>39435966
>A joking one or do people really want Talon to marry Alyce?

I see value in the idea yes. That said, I need significantly more alchohol to pursue the idea further and so does Talon.

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>1 & 3

You’re not really sure what’s going on. For one, you need to steer Alyce away from the marriage talk. Not all of your girls would appreciate it – you certainly wouldn’t look forward to explaining it to Sarah. Or Caitlyn. Or Merce, even though you’re not sleeping with her.

You really wouldn’t want to explain marrying Alyce to Merce. She already had problems with you being with Undine.

On the other hand, you’re really worried about serious conversation making Alyce a little too aware. She may have completely misread things earlier but you can’t guarantee that would continue.

Your solution to both is alcohol. Surely that will solve things. You scramble out of the hot spring, telling them that you’re going to get some drinks. Their eyes follow you, probably noticing a certain something. Luckily, the trip isn’t long – Ren comes here often enough to relax to have just left his sake jug here. The first time you’ve been thankful he teleports here every other night.

“An endless jug of sake? That’s certainly a curiosity,” Sylvian says, inspecting the jug.

You take the opportunity to talk to Alyce, “Sylvian’s right, you know. About political marriage not being a wise option.” You take a slug of sake, followed by two more as you talk. You need more of a buzz for this.

“Maybe,” she says, taking the offered cup with a frown. “I’m not sure I should drink any more.”

More? That would explain the ease with which she was blushing then. You still encourage her to drink more, along with Sylvian.

[DC12 Talon’s Endurance]

[DC18 Alyce’s Endurance]

Roll 2d20 please.

Rolled 18, 1 = 19 (2d20)

>>39436104

Rolled 6, 3 = 9 (2d20)

>>39436104
OH BABY

>>39436126
OH GOD

>>39436126
I love you anon

Rolled 4, 9 = 13 (2d20)

>>39436104

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>>39436126
How? HOW?

It just keeps getting better

>>39436126
I'm dying over here. This scene was everything I ever wanted.

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>>39436126
>>39436135
>>39436164
Alyce failing was supposed to have her bow out for the night. I'm not sure what to do with this...

Gimme a few minutes to think.

If we had rolled double ones would we have woken up already married?

>>39436187
threesome time?

Tonight, Talon bones two world leaders, arch enemies, at the same time and have them become best friends. I can't get more hype for this right now

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>>39436187
The dice gods have seen the dark path that our actions took us on, and the sad future that we chose. They intervened. Rejoice.

>>39436239
Indeed

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>Talon’s Endurance: Target met; 18, 6, 4

Sylvian continues pouring more and more sake as the three of you while away the night. You’re not even talking about anything of importance, with Sylvian and Alyce giggling about the various shops you can find in Ahm. You add in bits of pieces as you follow them, but you don’t have the same knowledge of the city as they seem to. Instead, you maintain your focus even with all the alcohol going through your system. You had wanted to use magic to keep yourself sober, but neither girls seemed to be doing that so it seemed weak.

>Alyce’s Endurance; Dramatic failure; 1, 3, 9

On the other hand, Alyce could have done with that trick. She’s leaning against you, not really noticing her own drunkenness. Undine had told you that she would probably retire early if she got too drunk but that didn’t seem the case tonight. This seems troublesome.

“Are you sure you should keep drinking?” Sylvian asks Alyce, pouring another cup of sake regardless. She looks enamoured with the stamina that the archmage is showing.

“I’m fine,” Alyce says, still sober enough to talk straight. “I refuse to be outdrunk by you, of all people.”

“I am a dragon,” Sylvian says, her hands creeping underwater after pouring the sake.

Yeah, you definitely felt that. Sylvian might be looking at Alyce but her interest is firmly on you. And her hands are on you. Alyce is too drunk to notice what is happening, instead talking about nothing of importance rather happily. You feel you should say something to her, before things get any more complicated.

>What do you say?

Next scene will be the last. The write-in will be reasonably important. There will be an FTB (which I will hopefully write in less than 6 months), but the contents will vary.

>>39436458
>confess your love

>>39436458

Alright, let's take a minute to brainstorm. Can anyone think of the possible consequences of bedding Sylvian? Alyce? Both at the same time? We need all angles analyzed here.

>>39436504
Nah what could possibly go wrong

>>39436504
Literally nothing could go wrong.

Now where's my whiskey...

>>39436504
>syl
When the fact that we mind raped her and added her to the harem everyone in said harem will get pissed
>alyce
She might say no and then its like super awkward. Like going to parties and stuff with her there. You kinda look at each other for that half second then both look away pretending nothing happened. But maybe she is to drunk to remember it. Also she might be to drunk to remember getting banged by Talon and thats an issue we should avoid.

>>39436529
>>39436548

Anything could go wrong, anon.

>>39436458
"I regret nothing"

>>39436548
Indeed, I got two bottles here bro.

>>39436504
Alyce is too drunk at the moment, we need to find a way to send her off to bed. Then we can have sexytime with Sylvian.

>>39436458
I'd like to say something along the vein of,

"The last few weeks have been hard on all of us, and I'm totally fine with you ladies leaving politics and factions at the doorway. We can determine whether or not this leads anywhere deeper tomorrow morning."

But, like, even more concise.

>>39436458
Well we need to ask how Alyce and do the finger test and I mean hold our fingers infront of her and ask her how many she is seeing if she is totally fucked then get someone to take her to her room and bang dragon afterword

>>39436583

>"I regret nothing."
>Talon York 1952PC, in regards to all things

>>39436653
>>39436625
>>39436458
This sounds neat. Let's finger test her in the nonsexual way.

>>39436626
I like it. Although I don't really know what he wants to be said.

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>>39436653
>>39436667
>I'll do this to take away some of the ambiguity.

"Alyce, how many fingers are you holding up?" you ask her, while holding up three fingers with one hand and another in her peripheral vision.

[DC13/16 Alyce Sobriety]

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>39436742
I critfailed once. I'LL DO IT AGAIN!

BY GOD, WE WILL HAVE ALYCE IN OUR BED TONIGHT!

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>39436742
She was merely pretending to be retarded

>>39436667
I think we should find a less obvious method of showing she should go to bed. She's acting competitive with Sylvian so she might get upset if we seems to be showing her as the loser

>>39436768
She's a good actress

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>39436742
>>39436761
Actually, a high roll is better in this case. Ya'know, for the purposes of not being a creeper.

>>39436768
Well, tonight just keeps getting better, doesn't it?

>>39436768
....well okay then

>>39436768
I guess she knew the magic trick after all.

>>39436768
HAHAHAHA you only thought I was drunk

>>39436768
oh god

social rolls are the best in this quest

>>39436768
>>39436126
>>39435084
>>39429259
What even is this thread?

>>39436768

I have no face, but I must laugh.

Well this scene has developed into something else.

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>>39436768
Yeah, okay, clearly the dice are telling me to give this to you, just like they did with Gnome so long ago.

VOTE
>1. Have sex with Sylvian, but not Alyce.
>2. Have sex with Alyce, but not with Sylvian.
>3. Have a threesome with Alyce and Sylvian.
>4. Have sex with neither.
>5. Custom

Pick your poison.

I think we finally broke Aspie

>>39436842
>>3. Have a threesome with Alyce and Sylvian

>>39436842
>3. Have a threesome with Alyce and Sylvian.

Reciprocate every move Sylvian makes until Alyce notices, then use your other hand to start on her in the same manner.

>>39436842
>5. Custom

WAKE UP!

>>39436842
>3. Have a threesome with Alyce and Sylvian.

It's what the dice gods would want

>>39436842
>>3. Have a threesome with Alyce and Sylvian.

>>39436842
>3. Have a threesome with Alyce and Sylvian.

The dice gods really, really, *REALLY* want Talon to patch things up between Alyce and Sylvian. With his dick. It would unwise to go against their will.

>>39436842
So, can you describe with a rough metaphor how off we are from the plan? Just how far did the dice gods jump the rails on this one?

>>39436842
>2. Have sex with Alyce, but not with Sylvian.

>>39436842

I can't even vote, I'm just laughing so hard. Take it away anons.

Get yourself a stiff drink Aspir, this is a hell of a night.

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>>39436842
>3. Have a threesome with Alyce and Sylvian.
I hear and obey, oh mighty dice gods!

>>39436842
>3. Have a threesome with Alyce and Sylvian.
I can't see Talon missing this opportunity.

>>39436817
Next Level Damage-Control

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So yeah, vote is what I expected.

>>39436921
Saying too much about Alyce's reaction would be spoilers, but I had expected this to result in a Sylvian FTB. You weren't supposed to get close to Alyce at all.

As for a metaphor, this is multi-track drifting with a train.

>>39436944
Unfortunately, I need to drive in a couple of hours. I wish I could drink.

>>39436842
>5. Have a threesome with Alyce and Sylvian.and bait Merce with Undine.

>>39436981
So um... Are we getting that FR point for banging Alyce? Or does it not count because she's drunk? Maybe?

>>39437034
Lets roll for it

[DC19 Aspirational's Sanity]

>>39437034
I thought we needed to have a threesome with Alyce and Mercie to get it.

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>>39437034
You're at max FR points. Consider it converted into something else.

>3.

“You’re holding three fingers in front of me, and one by my head,” she says. “And now you have a hand behind your back.”

Then she blinks as she follows your hand and see Syl’s hand on you. There’s a long moment where the two women look at each other, as though you’re not there. Then…

>Syl and Alyce FTB will go in the below pastebin when done. Check twitter for updates. Hopefully won’t take half a year this time.

http://pastebin.com/nwF2ygjU

You wake up the next morning by yourself and find the two women chatting in your study, of all places. Stepping inside, you greet them. Sylvian gives you a bright smile, while Alyce gives you a more bashful one.

“I’m not going to say to forget it ever happened, but let’s not have this hang over our heads,” Alyce says.

At least there’s no problems the next day, you suppose. It’s not like Alyce hasn’t been promiscuous before, judging from what Gnome and Undine have told you about when they’ve had a few too many drinks. Now you just need to work out how to explain this to others, and prevent Merce from ever finding out.

>Dwarf scene next, which will hopefully segue into the Sarah scene

There will be longer term consequences of this. At least in a character sense (not an empire-shattering one).

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>39437144

>>39437170
Oh lord one of them is pregnant did we forget to take the brew!?

>>39437170
Wedding Bells eh?

>>39437254
>>39437272
Why am I ok with both of these horrible events?

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>>39437170

>>39437170
I can't wait to see Merce's reaction. Alyce will probably go so red she will melt.

>>39437254
>One.
I think you mean >both.

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>Discussion with the dwarves

“We have investigated the sample you provided of us of the dwarven artifacts that the infernal host possessed, Imperator,” Ambassador Logreb tells you. “Our artificers are still testing the quality of the steel and enchantment, but they are certain from the make, age and style of enchantments and weapons that these are dwarven made and long lost.”

You nod at that, noting the way that Sarah instead frowns. It’s just you, Logreb and Sarah in the meeting room behind the great hall. That, and several of the dwarven weapons. Logreb was standing, holding one of the great hammers aloft with both hands – you wonder if he should have brought along his rune knight to do that for him.

“These runes along here,” he says, running a finger along the cheek of the hammer and causing small runes to appear, “are of a style that has been long lost to us. The great artificer, Mogrille Taffirn, of the lost northern dwarven city of Sirtholm was the only dwarf who created these. They allowed heads far greater than previously allowed.”

“I notice the heads of dwarven war hammers tend to still be rather large, ambassador,” you say, not liking where this is going.

“That is through other means. These runes enabled a master smith to create hammers far too large to be safely used for fears of their durability, especially once enchanted. The steel would break and warp without correct reinforcement, and providing that meant making the haft bigger, which made it harder to wield…” he says, trailing off as he feels he’s made his point. “We now achieve this through other means in the manufacturing and enchantment process, but these runes could unlock an entirely new path of artificing!”

>continued

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>>39437656
“How were they lost?” Sarah asks. “Surely there would be other examples if he was such a great smith?”

“Artificer, milady. The term is important,” Logreb corrects her offhandedly, still excited. “Sadly, Mogrille did not make many weapons. He excelled in the construction of armour. He only made weapons for one expedition, one intended to explore the ruins of ancient Ruathym, the lost capital of infernals from before the Cataclysm.”

“And they too became lost,” you say. “Presumably because infernals still resided there and killed them.”

“Most likely,” Logreb says. “We never found where their expedition led them, or even if they found Ruathym, let alone recovered any remains. These artifacts are more than just pieces of dwarven history, of artificing long lost and of the perils of exploratory greed, but also of vital importance to technological advancement. We wish their return. All of them. They need proper maintenance and care, to be venerated in dwarven halls as proof of the power of our industry over time.”

And so you come to the heart of the matter. The dwarves want their artifacts back, but you also know that these are some of the best magical weapons and armour you’ve ever laid hands on. You had enough to equip five hundred knights, and the weapons put to shame almost anything you’d ever seen in the hands of a noble knight. If you were to give any of them up, you’d need a fair price.

>Discussion of the weapons, thigns you might want from the dwarves if you trade etc.

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>>39437254
>One of them

Why not both?

>>39437671
I'm thinking we want a cut of the weapons forged though the new method later on.

>>39437671
How about we give it to them and they allow us to send with them men and women who they can teach their methods of forging the armors and weapons or instead a reasonable portion of skilled dwarven smiths?

>>39437693
Actually hell just having the dwarves sell their custom armor would be amazing.

>>39437693
>>39437777
These

>>39437671
These are historical artifacts, and we appreciate your desire to have them returned, however they were won through shed blood, and would be powerful tools to ensure that we shed less in the future.

If we were to return them, we should get 5 replacement weapons forged with the new techniques learned from the study of these (begin haggling we'd need to get a decent number more of similar power back to make the deal worthwhile.)

>>39437671
Well clearly this is an opportunity to get on good with our dorf friends. While the weapons and armor are magnificent, giving them back in exchange for an artificer or two, to outfit a much larger amount of Knights with what still is fantastic quality goods for pretty much free on our end would be the better long run deal. Offering to aid in our ways to discover these lost techniques and then we'll get suitable copies.

Really though, I'm interested in that infernal ruin, can it still be located? Could we perhaps offer a joint expedition with the dwarves to clear it out and recover all that loot?

>>39437777
Humans basically can't use the dwarven style of magic which would enable artificing like they do.

>>39437824
>5

That would be low ending it. Personally I kind of feel like this is a great chance to get them to open up their enchantment market.

We didn't have the leverage last time but this time we should.

>>39437671
Ask for more dwarvern engineering teams as well. To quicken our building ques.

>>39437671
Supply of dwarven enchanted items.

Ask for an artificer of renown, and 5 of his apprentices, once the apprentices are of suitable quality with the new technique they may have their master artificer back.

>>39437841
Well didn't Aspie said we had some dwarves in our territory? I could've swore he did how about we send them?

Well at least everyone is thinking long term here. Opening up enchantment and their higher level products us definitely what we want, with of course a lump sum to compensate for this loss.

Actually, the previous dwarves offers have always been fair and straight up. Surprising he wouldn't make one immediately in hopes we'd latch onto it thinking the same. Perhaps even the ambassador knows he asks much.

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>>39437835
Ruathym would be on the northern side of the Barrier of Marie. It's the nigh-mythical capital of the infernals from before the Cataclysm that collapsed into the ground during the Cataclysm. Of course, it might be protected well enough to keep the shadowbeasts out.

>giving them back in exchange for an artificer or two
Logreb shakes his head. "I could make the offer but I know it would be rejected. The artificers are the lifeblood of the dwarven economy. Even should we provide one, they would not have the necessary infrastructure to do their work nor would they know how to set it up. Our industry is complex and requires many professions."

"I'm sure I could manage to create something that they could work with," you say, thinking of your Dominion.

"That would be even more worrisome, I suspect," Logreb says, grimacing. "There may be provision for a runesmith or smiths, but not a true artificer capable of producing true dwarven products. Especially without our forges."

You weren't aware of the differences between the industrial processes, but it seems that an artificer is doing more than just a dwarf who can craft runes or work a forge. You suppose it's the difference between an enchanter who merely casts simple enchantments and one who develops and casts more advanced ones.

>>39437951
It's highly unlikely they'd be able to work with runes. Not many dwarves can use magic.

>>39437988
Logreb is jumping the gun a bit, mostly because the Sithran dwarves don't have a formal offer. He's likely sounding you out.

So we've got the idea of trying to get them to open up their enchanted weapons/armour market (I'll write that up next). Anything else?

>>39437988
>Perhaps even the ambassador knows he asks much.

Well yeah we got our butt cheeks rubbed by infernals over them and it could outfit 500 of the best knights. I'd like to think we have a lot of wiggle room considering how important it is to them. But relations and long term are more important

>>39438070
Well other than getting some runesmiths of our own nothing comes to mind.

>>39438070
Well I'd still take the Runesmith or two. Those are pretty good anyway.

Regardless of how this goes down I think it requires a formal visit to the dwarven kingdom itself to present said artifacts, shake some hands, kiss some babies, etc.

>>39438154
>Kiss some babies

I swear to you I read that as make some babies

Could we finagle an honor guard of Rune-Knights out of this as well? You know, for infernal related advising. And dwarf stuff.

>>39438070
Can he offer any upgrades/redesigns to our own forges or any specialized building techniques?

>>39438176
Hey man you want to make babies with dwarf ladies that's all you.

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Okay, so ideas to present are:
1. A runesmith or two. This would let you outfit a large-ish unit of elite knights, but not much more. (Easy.)
2. Opening up the market for enchanted weaponry and armour. (Easily possible, as a trade like this would be more than enough to make you a valued trade partner.)
3. Honor guard of rune-knights. (Difficult trade. Rune-knights aren't exactly plentiful, and they would have to poach a group of individuals from a variety of units to put together a willing group.)
4. More IEC teams. (Easy for another two.)

Logreb is adamant that you won't be allowed an artificer or forge technology, but says he will present the ideas to his king nevertheless. It's probably not the first time somebody has ever asked for that sort of thing.

I might do this as a long-ish scene involving visiting the dwarven capital (briefly, not an extended visit) so no decisions made yet.

>next post will be the last. I'll do the Sarah scene at the start of the next thread

>>39438346
Yeah those ideas sound good to me boss.

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>last scene

Logreb gives you a deep bow after the lengthy discussion. “I will speak to my Princeps upon return and give him the good news that a trade is possible. Something as grandiose an event as the return of so many artifacts will assuredly need a full ceremony, so I will do my best to remain in touch and keep you aware of when we shall arrange it.”

You see Logreb off with your thanks, before sinking into your chair. “Well, at least we don’t need to haggle with him now. Unfortunately, we need to haggle with the ruler of all dwarves later.”

“It will be a good opportunity, Talon,” Sarah says, rubbing your arm. “Speaking of good opportunities, why don’t we take the afternoon off together?”

She smiles at you and you agree, feeling a little exhausted after so much negotiation and diplomacy lately.

>That’s the thread. Will resume with the Sarah scene next thread.

Next thread will probably be on the 2nd of May, as I’ll be writing a promotion application next weekend. If I decide to do one earlier, it’ll be on the 25th April and advertised on twitter probably only about 12-16 hours in advance.

Thanks for participating. I’ll be around for 20 minutes if you have any questions or comments. Aside from the fact that my pacing is as terribad as usual.

Good thread man, glad last weeks fiasco didn't put you off your game too much.

I assume next thread will be an events thread, then we'll get the numbers thread?

So since we're getting more made towers would now also be a good time to look into starting up a new Knightly Order as well? Or is that something you have in the cards for our decisions over the timeskip?

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>>39438473
>I assume next thread will be an events thread, then we'll get the numbers thread?
Yeah, I at least want to get some fo the events out of the way before I do the numbers. Once the worst of the numeratic action is out of the way I'll probably intermingle some of the nitty-gritty with the events. I expect about three threads to cover the six year timeskip I plan on.

>Good thread man, glad last weeks fiasco didn't put you off your game too much.
I was a bit worried about the playerbase early on but things got back to normal pretty fast.

>>39438512
Knightly orders will come up as a major event, particularly given the losses they took and the growing interest in TYE from multinational orders.

>>39438070
Perhaps a small unit of dwarves added to our command?

>>39438526
I been meaning to ask but honestly where do you think our army was "lacking" pre Infernal siege? Range, Speed, Offensive, Defense, or Magic?

I'd hate to ask but I plan on going over as much detail as I can over the setting units and see if I can duct tape and glue something together.

>>39438526
Just to ask what was the diplomatic reaction to Talon repelling a demon invasion? I would imagine it would shift a lot of priority's.

>>39438697
I'm pretty sure our butt-buddy Fenir? Fenris? Felic? Oh right Fenix is laughing his ass off

As is our "friend" the ruse lord

Pharos hears whispers of a new lord rising to power but brushes it off as un confirmed rumors and hearsay

Ember couldn't be reached for comment

The other lords chose not to comment

And there's a demon Queen furiously masturbating off her hate for us

How close was I Asp?

>>39438768
Forgot to add

Some of the peasant folk believe us to be a god even more so

The nobles don't know how to react. They're as grateful as the average noble can be for being alive and not enslaved by demons

The dwarves are still partying

More Dragons are considering us as a haven after hearing about the "elite" dragon unit that battled here. Others remain ever skeptical

The shadow beast continue to SKREEE into the night

Felix is... content

Blackwater is amused but claims he could've done better. He refused to expand on that statement

>>39438526
One a one to ten scale how irate would merce be if she hears about this one?

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>>39438691
>I been meaning to ask but honestly where do you think our army was "lacking" pre Infernal siege?
Well, specifically for fighting the infernals you were lacking the number of heavy-hitters you really needed to engage them. The problem with fighting them is that you need to be able to defeat them or else you're barely a speed bump (because they don't tire or feel pain). Magic, outside fo your hero units, was the other thing you lacked. AAs work well against human threats, not so much against infernals so you needed some artillery.

With that said, the major armies are going to be a bit different. You can't just go 'AAs are awesome, make an army of them'. You need a broad mix and be willing to switch the army up.

Fighting God-knights is like fighting super-heavy knights, but they'll go down if you punch through their armour with an arrow (they still use their organs). On the other hand, they're very strong against magical assault. The Great Knights and their elite knights will vary a bit, potentially being invulnerable against the wrong type of assault (well, unless Talon is present). An army of foxes would be unable to harm Garynth's elites, for instance.

Malataine are spoilers, but they will have some of the nastiest units in the quest.

Pharos are all about bullshit, esoteric tricks. Teleportation, unending armies, anti-magic, anti-magic monster slayers etc.

Falwick will have a conventional army, but he'll be hard as balls.

Darvui will change the longer you leave him alone.

The Farlou sorcerors use constructs. Very nasty constructs.

>>39438768
Fenix probably finds the victory delightful.

>As is our "friend" the ruse lord
Wat?

>Pharos hears whispers of a new lord rising to power
Oh, believe me when I say that Pharos knows all about you. They turned Shropham against the Six-Star Alliance, so they're very aware that you have sided against them (so to speak). I'm just waiting for the best time to introduce the Imperial General watching you.

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>>39438856
You'll just have to wait and see how Merce reacts when she finds out.

>>39438848
>The dwarves are still partying
I wouldn't say partying. The fact that the infernals were able to teleport in as they did probably has them checking any and all ruins they can find for possible teleportation or summoning. Many of the Sithran cities date back to pre-Cataclysm, after all, even if they have expanded and rebuilt.

That, and they're probably checknig all the fortresses that guard the path to the depths below where the shadowbeasts still lurk. Probably a little reminded of the dangers in the world.

>More Dragons are considering us as a haven
I'll need to consider what impact Sylvian will have on this. Lairos will need to appear at some point, too.

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>>39438858
>Wat?

The inquisitor who name escapes me but I always refer to as the the ruse lord


>Oh, believe me when I say that Pharos knows all about you.

Oh... Well... Oh.

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>>39438858
Alright thanks for the heads up now I need to dive back through the google docs and pastebins and try and come up with something

Can helldragons have children again? I know feldragons naturally can't or it's just a normal dragon.

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>>39439103
Helldragons can have children so, yes, that means Sylvian can have helldragon children.

>>39438922
>The inquisitor who name escapes me but I always refer to as the the ruse lord
Harold Tormann. He's probably not going to be an inquisitor for much longer, as the heat's a bit too hot for him. He'll probably move onto some other scheme for fame and fortune.