The tension is palpable as you navigate the chilly limestone corridors of the Hall of the Elders, ascending the now-familiar staircase and crossing over the blue carpet which leads to the massive oaken table in the shape of a half-circle. 'Sindiira Torani, Speaker of the Town,' reads the steel placard set before your designated seat. Assuming your place, you double check the fastening of your gauntlets and await the arrival of the other members of the Council of Elders for this morning's meeting, shifting your armored weight uncomfortably. How the High Captain attends every meeting in full plate without fail is a mystery.It was established last night that an army of forces most nefarious marches on Everlund, House Delyl's own forces amongst them. While the possibility of petitioning neighboring cities for reinforcements was raised last night, the High Captain remained adamant that Everlund's army is sufficient to defend it from any threats that may arise. 'We can't run crying to to Alustriel every time the city is in danger,' he stated verbatim.One by one your peers shuffle in. Prompt to arrive is Sten, who has refused to abandon his armor, opting to drape a fur cloak over himself and consider the matter concluded. Likewise, the Priestess of Corellon attends in her ceremonial armor, foregoing protection from the cold entirely. Minutes later, Emitia arrives, favoring a coat of dark fur over a midnight green dress, as befits the season. The Keeper of the Bridgers assumes his place, wearing black padded armor over a wool shirt to retain his warmth.Predictably, the High Sorcerer arrives late, and has not altered a thing about his attire, arriving in the audacious marigold robes that befit him, his black gloves pulled securely over his hands. Taking his seat, he leans the chair back, resting his feet on the table and folding his arms, rocking to and fro. "Shall we get started?" He asks.
>>6439583The initial reports are reviewed. The enemy force is mostly composed of an orcish army, one that is suspiciously well-equipped, with a drow force composed predominantly of goblin slave-fighters attached. Where they are sourcing their substantial supplies is unknown, although that is not your immediate concern. As a former commander and Ilythiirra yourself, you take this time to offer your peers a primer on the Ilythiiri way of war. The default shape of battle adheres to the pattern of scout, ambush, skirmish, retreat, reorganize, repeat. Typically, small elite units will confuse, harass, break up, frighten, and pick off opposing forces until the enemy either withdraws or cannot maintain a meaningful battlefield presence. This is where the myriad of infamous poisons come into play - while you yourself favor heavier weapons, your people at large prefer to inflict superficial wounds with short blades and projectiles and let the alchemy do the difficult work.Less effectual against armored targets prepared to defend, but devastating against softer targets and those caught unawares. When it comes to foes in heavier armors, the poisoned crossbow bolt is the weapon of choice. A successful puncture can leave a human knight paralyzed or hallucinating.In the event that a set-piece battle or siege becomes necessary, the army formations are filled out with slave soldiers, typically goblins. These troops are meant to restrict the enemy's movement with pure volume whilst Ilythiiri units act as vanguards to break up opposing formations or attack flanks, and finish with pursuit.
>>6439586Were you to create a scenario where your people would perform especially poorly in battle, you suppose it would be a pitched battle in broad daylight against armored formations and shock cavalry. That is to say, the classic human option. Even with the support of a slave army, an Ilythiiri army oft has no alternative but retreat if the lines prove capable of holding. Consequently, your people have a complicated relationship with fortifications. While prolonged siege is antithetical to the Ilythiiri mindset, infiltrating walls and defensive infrastructure is possible, with many spells and devices dedicated to slipping through or navigating over walls and other such obstacles. This is most frequently done in darkness, either artificial or under the cover of night during a surface raid.There is also the orcish factor to consider. While the green sort are much more formidable in open war, the High Captain has repelled an orcish army successfully once before, and assures that his forces are sufficient to do so again. It merits mention that the orcs are the most ancient enemy of your people, and conflict with them precedes even the wars against the darthiir. Any coalition between House Delyl and the Thousand Scars would be fortunate to last the full duration of one battle, if it does not collapse during the middle. This will be doubly true if victory is not swift and certain.
>>6439588After a brief discussion, you conclude that there are two ways of addressing the threat. The first is to allow the enemy to assail Everlund. Even with their advantages, walls are still walls, and Everlund is equipped with several additional defenses against siege. This would also permit you the time to prepare in advance for the attack. On the other hand, the opposition will no doubt attack nightly rather than daily, putting the humans of Everlund's army at a distinct visual disadvantage.There is also the option to intercept the enemy during their approach to Everlund. Initiating a battle in an open locale at the break of dawn will deny your foes many of their greatest assets, and neither the orcs nor your people have a particularly strong defensive tradition. This would also minimize damage to the city. Of course, this would mean foregoing Everlund's existing defenses, and a pitched battle is never pleasant nor easy.After some consideration, it is decided that...>We will make ready Everlund's defenses, and shatter their army with our resolve.>We will march upon our foes and take the offensive to them, spoiling their plans for attack.
>>6439588Previous Adventures: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=Forgotten+Realms+Adventures The Rules™: https://pastebin.com/VRQHDHSr Abilities:https://pastebin.com/FaJABuJs
>>6439592>We will march upon our foes and take the offensive to them, spoiling their plans for attack.Let's get their asses
>>6439592>We will march upon our foes and take the offensive to them, spoiling their plans for attack.It's where our foes are weakest, and on our initiative.
>>6439592>We will march upon our foes and take the offensive to them, spoiling their plans for attack.The sooner we can inflict damage, the weaker the siege will be on our homes.
>>6439592>>We will make ready Everlund's defenses, and shatter their army with our resolve.
Vote closed. Looks like Phaere's plan to use Vierna and the Delyl army to soak up most of the casualties by attacking the walls won't be coming to fruition. But where there's a will...
"Atta girl. I'll tell my men to gear up now, and we'll be off tomorrow morning. They're all professionals, so no need to wait around for levies or worry about training," says Sten, agreeing with your assessment. He confidently places a cigarette in his mouth and rolls it to and fro idly. "I will join you in battle, Arael’Sha!" Exclaims Arara enthusiastically, resting her hand on the hilt of her sword eagerly. "It has been far too long since my steel has tasted the rancid blood of slaugh and dhaerow!" She pauses, glancing at you briefly as she steadily becomes cognizant of the meaning behind the words that left her mouth. "Er, the bad ones, that is." The priestess coughs."Twinkle, you're coming too," orders the High Captain sternly, preemptively refusing argument. The High Sorcerer's eyes bulge, threatening to evacuate his skull as he loses his balance, falling from the chair and colliding with the floor. A thud resounds throughout the council chamber as all eyes fall upon Lael. Clambering to his feet, he slams both of his palms onto the table in protest, although his flimsy physique is insufficient to cause much of an impact. "Are you daft? They might kill me! I'll die if I'm killed!" He says without the barest hint of irony. "You're the High Sorcerer, dammit! Yer job's not to sit on your ass and read books all day. You're supposed to be the most powerful elven mage in Everlund!" Shouts Sten, who bashes his mailed fist against the table, the collision loud enough to startle the half-breed, who immediately stands upright and folds his arms indignantly. "Fine, fine. I suppose that I'll have to carry you all to victory on my shoulders. I'll do it.""I'll fight," you affirm. Though none here know it, you've a most individual stake in the outcome of this battle.
>>6440129"That just leaves Master Cawley and I to maintain civic order in our heroes' absence!" States Emitia, her eyes burning with resolve. "Rest assured, we will see to it that the city continues operating and will remain prosperous for your triumphant return!" The Keeper of the Bridges nods, his visage as stony and unchanged as ever. Even in crisis, the man is miserly with words and difficult to read. He has always proven reliable and voted to assist the Eilistraeans, if nothing else."Looks like we got that settled. We'll be two days' march away from the city at most, so we can pack light and move fast without worryin' about supplies. We're leaving tomorrow morning at the break of dawn, so make sure you don't forget anything. Questions?" Asks the High Captain, clicking his tongue after a period of silence. "See you then."With today's council meeting adjourned, you are left to your own devices. Though you have the utmost confidence in your existing forces, as you depart from the Hall of the Elders and venture out into the rime-slick streets of the Bell Market, you are struck by an epiphany. You have campaigned and fought wars before, yes. But this is a matter most personal, and you cannot afford to risk defeat when you've gained so much after your flight from the Underdark. Mayhaps there are a few individuals capable of tipping the scales in your favor...Pick any whom you'd like to request join you in battle.>I hate to ask this of Amaranth, but I need him desperately right now. He may well decide this entire battle.>Luaue is ready for this. Now is the time for her to prove herself as the defender of our people against Lolth and our ancient enemies.>Though we have never agreed, there is no harm in asking Dulnur to offer his advice and guidance to the soldiers.>If only I could somehow find that burglar. He has aided me twice before, and his skills will prove useful.>What we have is enough. I cannot ask more from those around me.>[Write-in.]
>>6440132>I hate to ask this of Amaranth, but I need him desperately right now. He may well decide this entire battle.>Luaue is ready for this. Now is the time for her to prove herself as the defender of our people against Lolth and our ancient enemies.Ask around our own home first.>If only I could somehow find that burglar. He has aided me twice before, and his skills will prove useful.This one would be very good for countering the leadership. The last thing the Ilythiiri will expect is for we humies to out-play then at their own game!>I wonder where that displacer beast is, and if she could be tempted with the flesh of the enemy...
>>6440132>I hate to ask this of Amaranth, but I need him desperately right now. He may well decide this entire battle.>Luaue is ready for this. Now is the time for her to prove herself as the defender of our people against Lolth and our ancient enemies.I'll bet Jez's favorite sword that Ilanis is going to run off and join in the fight without our knowledge.Also, talk with Amaranth and everyone else about our idea about using the Dreaming Dragon's magic crystal light show as a means to trap or disable the drow forces. Heck, if the orcs have low light vision, they could be effected too. Just gotta talk to... (sigh) Dulnur, about hiring a bunch of adventurers to "kidnap" us to "negotiate" with the opposing forces, offering them sacrifices for Lolth to leave our town alone, and to do the trade at the stupid elf winery just to rub salt in the wound. Just gotta make sure that Jez, Luaue, and Arara get tied up in ropes that would be easy to break out of, and are equipped with magic blindsight potions or blindfolds beforehand.>Though we have never agreed, there is no harm in asking Dulnur to offer his advice and guidance to the soldiers.Convince him by offering up the creation of a dwarven district, for all the future Dwarves inevitably migrating to retake the old fort the Eilistraeans were holed up in. Say it's a way that the (elven) People will honor their oath with the Dwarves, as made long ago, and as thanks for it's protection of the Eilistraeans.With that much pomp and historical precedence behind it, he'd have a hard time not to consider it.>If only I could somehow find that burglar. He has aided me twice before, and his skills will prove useful.Oh, and to get our burglar ally to send a note to the commanders about said deal, made after we feign being routed, of course.
>>6440386We, meaning our army, not Jez by herself. Derp.
I'll start working on this now, though I'll leave the vote open a while longer for any surprise picks or suggestions. >>6440381Inviting Malar's eyes to witness the battle, are we?>>6440386>Heck, if the orcs have low light vision, they could be effected too. That's right, orcs are also sensitive to sunlight, although not nearly to the degree that drow are. The so-called forces of darkness prefer to operate at night specifically because their physiology is adapted to low-light conditions.
>>6440482I just thought of something... it's not an actual suggestion, but I just remembered the whole Zzar wine wrestling tournament, and how Jez mentioned it's like being covered in an ooze...>We give an additional mission to the thief, this one to find Xelthryn and convince him to betray our sisters with the payment of free Zzar wine for life and a spot in next year's wrestling tournament, or a job as a wine wrestling coach. Alternativly, us asking him to promise us never to enter the contest, for the sake of Everlund's comfort, sanity, and sanitation.
Vote closed.
"I just need you to do this for me. Only one this one time, please," you plead. It is mid-morning in Amaranth's study, the tyrant sun's light filtering through the pristine windows coated with a layer of frost as dull white rays. With your hands clasped, you incline your back toward the magician, hoping against hope that he'll lend you his power. You would never doubt him, not after everything, although the possibility of rejection has caused a knot to manifest in your gullet. The old Jezyrene would never even dare to consider asking, but you are her no longer.Amaranth, who had been basking in his overlarge chair mere minutes previously while enjoying his morning tea, rises and sets his porcelain cup by the on the window sill. The magician sighs, a long sigh languidly eking its way out from the depths of his lungs, until all of the air has escaped them. He inhales sharply, pursing his lips while pacing to and fro, the exasperation evident on his face. "I retired from adventuring only to be foisted into politics. I left politics only to be called to war."Pivoting toward you, he scrutinizes your features, delicately caressing your face before using the tip of his finger to lift your head. "I suppose there is simply nothing to be done about it. Please allow me the time to memorize my spells and retrieve a handful or my more potent implements. Hopefully we can get this adventure concluded by the tenday's end and spend some time indoors," he says. "I was hoping that we could observe the Demiplane of-"Seizing him mid-sentence, you roughly plant your lips against his cheek, sucking with enough force to leave a mark before releasing him. He runs his fingers along his face, his mouth agape, taken aback by the gesture. "We will do everything you wish and more, vallabha. Now, I have an idea to win this. Ilanis, she has crystals, and the lights blinded me. I was thinking-""Ah, you can leave everything to me. I have learned a handful of good evocations that work exceptionally well against creatures from the Underdark in my time. This would not be the first time that I have fought orcs or my dark cousins," he recalls, his tone bitter. "Although, I wish the previous time were the last. Now, where did I leave my Ring of Telekinesis...?"
>>6442323"This is so lame! What do you mean that I won't get to go?!" Protests Ilanis. It is midday. You sit at a circular table in the Dreaming Dragon, together with your students. With training postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, you have taken the time to explain the situation to them and commanded that Luaue accompany you. "This is no game, girl," you warn, turning your attention to Luaue. "This is about our gods and our people. Luaue is the priestess of Eilistraee, and it is her duty to protect the Ilythiiri.""I live here too! I'm gonna defend Everlund! Put me in, coach! I'm your girl!" Argues the Lathalas, vigorously slapping her palms against the table's surface. "You will remain here," you affirm, allowing no argument. The girl indignantly folds her arms, sinking into her chair. "Ugh, fine, whatever MOM," she huffs.Luaue clears her throat. "I- I'll certainly try my-""You will certainly win," you cut her off, correcting her before she can err."I'll certainly win! Although Ilanis does have the right to defend Everlund too, does she not? This is her city, her friends and loved ones, and her tavern. It is only natural for her to want to protect it," says the priestess. You shake your head, refusing to change your decision. "No. Now tell the Eilistraeans that you are leaving and get ready. We leave tomorrow in the morning.""I will. I am the protector of our people, and I will show our foes the worth of every lesson that I've learned."
>>6442324"Yae'd best look elsewhere, grayback. Not happening, not now, not e'er. Get ye gone, drow. 'Tis bad enough that that yaer little murkers are in the streets now, living off the earnings of right-living folk. Yae've got the stones ta come here and ask fer more, er maybe yae're just barmy." The atmosphere of the Stag at Bay is hostile, to say the least. Even at this hour during the late noon, when it is just the two of you, it is apparent that you are not welcome in this establishment.The dwarf who once occupied your current office sits in a booth, pipe in hand and features as craggy as when you first met. Blowing a ring of smoke in your direction, the two of you glare at one another with mutual disdain. "I ask for this city and its people," you say. This statement is more truth than untruth. "I can offer-""Bah. Got nothing left ta give the city. And yae've got nothing ta offer besides. My time's at its end. Can hear Valkauna's steps louder ever day. Now leave me be!" Throwing your arms up in resignation, you are more than happy to oblige, storming out into the winter cold. It was worth a try.
>>6442325You trudge through the layers of snow accumulated throughout the day, asking after 'a half-man thief' and 'a halfling burglar,' with no success, accosting every pedestrian you encounter for hours. Though you know next to nothing about him, he has come to your aid twice now, and his skill as a larcenist is indisputable. He even managed to pilfer from the Tenpenny Estate when the previous Master of Guilds still inhabited it, as you understand.Just as you prepare to abandon the search, you feel the light sting of a pebble knocking against the back of your temple. Surveying your surroundings for the origin of the projectile, you find yourself looking down at the cloaked profile of the burglar, familiar although obscured behind his hood. Succinctly, you explain your circumstances, and what you need of him, prepared to offer monetary reward in exchange for his talents."You be askin' quite a lot, luv. Twice as much considerin' that you're all pig-like these days," he says. Does he mean to imply that you have gained weight? "And it's gallows for me if I'm caught besides. I'm gonna need the whole caravan if I'm to be riskin' my neck for you. How's it gonna be?""Caravan?" You ask, unfamiliar with his vernacular."Blunt. Darby. Money, lots of it. This be a transaction, and you be askin' me to steal from an army. I'm gonna need the payment up-front, no fun, no amusement. Won't accept earnest neither. You'll get your money's worth. Deal?""Fine. How much did you want?"
>>6442326You dress down, donning your robe and retiring to your room for the evening. Amaranth has busied himself with memorizing his spells and assembling his arsenal of magical devices, meaning that you will be by your lonesome tonight. Seating yourself in front of the imported vanity gifted to you by your favorite magician, you stare idly at the silver mirror before you.Yet it is not your image reflected back at you. Sitting opposite to you on the other side of the argent surface is a statuesque woman with elegant features. Possessing impossibly long lustrous hair with a sheen that gives the impression of fire flowing down from her form and ruby-red lips to match, she is clad only in a white silk gown of daring transparency that shows enough to display yet conceals enough to invite speculation.She looks over you, her irises like two immaculately cut garnets raking over your form, before smiling coyly. You blink, reaching your hand out to place a finger on the mirror's cool surface, a gesture that she mimics. Wringing your hands anxiously, she leans forward, placing her hands on the mirrored image of the vanity on the other side.
>>6442327"There is no need to be afraid, dear. You are perfect exactly as you are," she says, her voice husky and low, with a delightful inflection that reminds of sweetened wine. "I merely wished to meet the first dark elf to appreciate the ideals of love and beauty. Many have loved, and even more still have been beautiful. Yet you are the first to appreciate the wonders of the heart and senses in their full splendor," she clarifies."Sune?" You ask clumsily, breaking out into a sweat as you find yourself unable to tear your vision away from her bewitching gaze. You had met Malar previously, and his presence was overwhelming. The figure before you likewise exerts a similar power, although she inspires a different feeling entirely. Your heart pounds against your chest, leaving you feeling both excited and inadequate."Hmm hmm. Sune. It is a pleasure to meet you face-to-face, Jezyrene. It will not be long before you set out to face one of the most defining challenges of your life. I want you assured that I love you dearly, and will watch over you every step of the way."You nod, "Oh, don't be so unfamiliar, darling. Your wear the mark of my favor well," she says. Instinctively, you intuit that she is referring to your hair, the definitive sign of your affiliation with the goddess. "Seldom do I intervene in the realm of mortals, but I promise that I am your greatest advocate. Surely there is something you would like to say? Or ask?">[Write-in.]We haven't forgotten Alantha, though it is not her time yet.
>>6442328>"You are love in all it's forms, obviously... are the feelings and the worry I have for the well being of Ilanis and Luaue one of their forms? Am I doing right by them in this way?">"And of Emitia? I know of her story, but has she ever felt familial love? Would she even accept it from me after what she's been through?">"...Do you think Lolth ever had that love? Once, before I knew her?">"Thank you. For so, so much."Basically I'm asking:Are we doing parenting right by our adopted daughters, despite us never really feeling familial love?Would Sune and Emitia be okay if we offered to be the parent she never had?And the last one is going to be specific... I'm imagining it's like said in the way of a little kid asking a relative what their parent or older sibling was like before they had the stroke, or another traumatic brain injury that altered their personality. A person they've never met, one that used to be in the body of the family member they now know.
>>6442382I like it! Which is good. I missed the vote, alas.
>>6442981You're in luck, I have only just started on the update, so I'll take any input for a while longer.The final battle of the quest opens after this and all that's left after are a few decisions about the conclusion, so now's the perfect time to add any last thoughts.
>>6442995The only thing i can think to ask beyond that is if there is any love in our sisters hearts. Can either be saved?
>>6442981Thanks, anon! I like what you suggested as well, kinda forgot about our sisters and whether we should forgive or forget them. Although I do have an idea on what to say if we do capture Vierna...
>>6442995QM?
>>6446811Update tonight.I'll be fully transparent and say that while I have an idea of the options and set-piece I'll present, writing and leading that to a conclusion that I think is GOOD has not been easy given that we'll be tying things up and I have felt a bit stuck.
>>6447542It happens to us all, but you've seen us through this far and I have faith in your ability to execute the ending.
"You are love. You know love. What I give to Ilanis, and Luaue - is that love? Do I love them like a parent should?" You ask reluctantly, uncertain of how to engage with your goddess. "My mother was no good," you add, implying that you may be unfit to act as a surrogate. With a knowing smile, she leans toward you conspiratorially, vanquishing your concerns instantaneously. "My Jezyrene, do not over-complicate things for yourself. A love that can be qualified is no love in the truest sense. There are a plethora of pretty words to identify what one loves about another, and plenty still to describe the acts of love one can perform. Yet love's essence? Mere vocabulary cannot capture it. No two loves are alike, and only the heart knows when it is true. Your love is true, is it not?""It is," you answer intuitively. It is what you feel, at least. "And... Emitia? I want to look after her too. She deserves more than what she was given." Sune does not answer immediately. Instead, the goddess shuts her eyes and rests her elbows on the mirror-vanity, placing her chin on her hands. Humming pensively, she purses her lips. "It is true. My darling child Emitia has lived a life most unjust. Those meant to help her flourish instead chose to use her up and cast her aside. But you have done more for her than any, and are more a mother to her than her own flesh and blood. I know that she would be elated were you to invite her into your family."
>>6447656"I can give her the strength she needs," you affirm. Where once you thought that maternal influence exclusively took the forms of command and punishment, today you are able to reimagine yourself imparting your accrued wisdom to the girl, teaching her to stand on her own and defend herself. This is how it ought to be, you realize. How unfortunate it is that you can only appreciate the truth now, after your youth is long gone."I mean to ask about my sisters..." you begin, your lexicon insufficient to properly convey the nature of your question. "You mean to ask if they can be redeemed?" Inquires Sune on your behalf. "After turning away from Lolth, you wonder now if you might convince them to do the same, if only they had the knowledge that you now possess. It is wonderful thing, to love one's siblings. But I know their hearts, and there is no chance for love in your elder sister's.""What about Phaere?" You ask. Despite her malevolent designs, she has helped you before on several occasions. It would not be uncharitable to say that she has saved your life a handful of times, although you have never thanked her properly."The heart of your younger sister is heavy with despondency. It is rich with color and light, and creativity. Yet it was stifled. She has lived so long in a world where there is no place for such things that she can recall them no longer," explains the goddess, shaking her head with disapproval. "Had only she the chance, I do believe that her heart may be swayed. As can a great many of your kin, should you desire it strongly enough."
>>6447657If it could be done... you had always had low expectations of Vierna, though Phaere may yet live. "What about Lolth?" You ask impulsively, hoping that Lady Firehair might clarify something that you have pondered now and again in recent days. "Has she loved? Can she?"The fire of Sune's eyes and hair dims ever-so-slightly as she leans back, folding her hands and resting them on the other end of the mirror-vanity. She looks you directly in the eye, her inflection sober. "Once, perhaps, when Lolth was known as Araushnee. But Araushnee is no more, and in her place is a creature whose heart lies fallow, never to see true love blossom from it." The Princess of Passion reaches her hands through the mirror, grasping yours. A comforting warmth radiates from her skin, alleviating your worries. "Now rest your head, darling. Love conquers all, and I want my finest elven warrior to demonstrate the power of the heart and senses. I will not be the only deity observing your battle from afar, hmmhmm."Planting a kiss on your hand which sets you ablaze with a passion for all that you have come to adore anew, she withdraws, her image in the mirror taking on the mundane appearance of your reflection once more.
>>6447658The biting cold of Deepwinter seeps through your winter cloak and into your bones as you march through the snow-draped landscape of the Silver Marches. For some time you had wondered what precisely was 'silver' about the once-green landscape, although you are now acutely aware of the truth. The layers of white shimmer in the cruel sun on a cloudless day such as this one, lending the land an argent sheen that obstructs your vision at certain angles. It is fortunate that you will not be campaigning through the entire season, for half your number would assuredly perish from the temperature alone, although the humans do not seem to mind so much.The High Captain's assurance about the quality of his army proved correct. An army of a little over a thousand equipped in quality winter gear braves the weather undaunted, with some few hundred equipped with lighter armor dispersed ahead of you to scout, many darthiiri and Arara among them. With the High Captain insisting that he travel at the fore to receive reports from the scouts immediately and the wagons hauling a generous mass of provisions behind, you find yourself at the center of the formation with Lael, Luaue, and Amaranth. Luaue has acclimated nicely to the armor you have purchased for her, and though her weapon remains in its scabbard, you can feel the power radiating out from it. Likewise, Amaranth has equipped himself seriously for the ordeal to come. He wears an odd ring on each digit, and has donned an azure cloak that leaves a trail of starry motes that fade and appear anew as he moves. In his right hand is an iron staff engraved with blazing violet runes which causes your spine to tingle when you draw too close. Lael, by contrast, looks the same as ever - too confident, this one.
>>6447659As the day comes to a close and the evening sun gilds the silvery land, the army makes camp for the night. The current projection is that you will be encountering the enemy army the day after tomorrow. Sten insisted that your forces maintain a slower pace than what is ordinarily expected from a campaign, both to conserve your strength and ensure that you are able to meet your foes at dawn, or at the least late morning. With little to do for the time being, you are left to your own devices. This is a fine time to have a chat with those traveling alongside you, or you can retire early should you like.You may select as many as two.>I very much want to talk with Amaranth right now.>I need to check in with Luaue and ensure that she is well.>Against my better judgement, I will talk with Lael.>What better time to speak with Arara than while we march for victory?>I should speak with Sten, to evaluate the strategic situation again.>Upon consideration, I would like to retire to my tent early tonight.
>>6447660>I very much want to talk with Amaranth right now.>I need to check in with Luaue and ensure that she is well.
>>6447660>I very much want to talk with Amaranth right now."Honey, is it alright if we adopt another twenty year old girl?">I need to check in with Luaue and ensure that she is well.Might as well admit we might be dealing with our sisters to her.>Against my better judgement, I will talk with Lael."If you see a Ilithiri who looks sort of like me casting magic and with... 'honking boobers'... that's my little sister. Try not to kill her, please, otherwise I can't schedule your date."
>>6447718Just had one more thought...>What better time to speak with Arara than while we march for victory?"Pretty sure my sisters are here. I'm going to fight my little sister, to see if she can give up underground life. If you're going to go after my big sister, be careful, stay away from her staff, and kill her if you need to.""Also, you're the best rival I've ever had that I don't want to kill. Tease and annoy, sure, not kill."
>>6447660>I need to check in with Luaue and ensure that she is well.>What better time to speak with Arara than while we march for victory?I am grateful for the help of the males, but war is women's work.
Vote closed.We've only seen them use a few of their tricks. But who do YOU think is the better magician between Lael and Phaere?
>>6447966Probably Lael, as much as I hate to admit it. Our boy wouldn't have relinquished his position to a half-baked apprentice.
>>6447718>You may select as many as two.I appear to be an idiot.Just the first two, please.
Amaranth has requisitioned a tent all for himself. Though now a civilian and council member no longer, his status as an archmage and seasoned adventurer have made him a valuable asset to Everlund's army, one worth appeasing. Predictably, the humble exterior of the simple wedge tent's undyed canvas belies the spacious interior more appropriate for a magician of his caliber. Warm despite the exterior chill, the wooden flooring serves as a barrier against the wet earth mere paces outside. Furnished with a bed, an overlarge round table, and an oak lectern, the interior is gently illuminated by heatless flames suspended in midair which seem to burn perpetually. Focused intensely on his book of spells, he flips through each page one by one, reciting the contents in that old magician language that is opaque to the uninitiated."Do you think we will win?" You ask idly, seating yourself on the bed and crossing your legs. He finishes a full minute's recitation before tearing his eyes away from the page to face you, his expression thoughtful. "We do have the stronger coalition," he says, pacing to and fro as he deliberates his answer further. "I have the feeling that our enemies have overplayed their hand, as the humans say at times. Or perhaps that was always the intention from the very beginning."
>>6448753"What do you mean?" You ask, repositioning yourself such that your entire body faces his direction. "Ah... seer talk. Pay me no mind," he says, trying to end the line of questioning. "Tell me," you insist, slinking toward him and resting your hands on his shoulders, giving him a suggestive look that forces him to capitulate."I merely have a sense that there is a substantial disparity between the capabilities of our opponents and their execution. I have no evidence of this, of course. Only an impression." You stare into his eyes, nodding along attentively. Intuiting that you haven't the slightest as to what he's just said, he rephrases for clarity. "I feel like they could be more clever than they are being. Still, we should be ready for the possibility that they have something bigger concealed."He isn't necessarily wrong. Phaere can keep the same elaborate scheme developing for decades, although she almost exclusively plays to play, not to win. Vierna is the more straightforward one, and the one more willing disregard practical considerations to pursue her ambitions. Malar did allude to her being willing to give everything to best you, provided you understood him correctly. Is she truly so petty that she would toss everything aside just to get back at you for humiliating her once?"D'anthe, there is something that I want to do after we have won," you start, pulling him close enough to feel the warmth of his skin. "I have been thinking about bringing someone into our family..."
>>6448754Rather than camp with the army, Luaue has ventured into the woods nearby, rehearsing the sword dance that you have performed with her countless times during your instruction with practiced ease. The Nelgetha gleams with the radiance of the crescent moon, humming softly as it slices through the surrounding dark. You observe her for several minutes, leaning against a tree for support as she traces sinuous motions with her blade, unaware of your presence. Only when she concludes the flawless routine does she notice you from the corner of her eye, nearly jumping in place until she comes to recognize you seconds later. "S-Sindiira. Don't sneak up on me like that," she says, her profile reflexively minimizing itself.You chuckle, a rare laugh from you that has grown more common in recent days. "Stand tall, girl. You wield your weapon as a true Ilythiiri warrior. Let me train you for twenty more years, and you will be deadly enough to become a qu'el'saruk."The girl beams, rushing to embrace you. Before you can ward her away, she has already captured you in her arms, her constriction threatening to suffocate you. For once, you reciprocate, returning her affection and wrapping your arms around her. It feels right.
>>6448755As the night deepens, the first watch shift assumes their posts while the majority of the army retires for the night. You briefly have a strategy meeting with the other key figures to determine your roles for the inevitable confrontation, affording you the choice of how to participate in this battle. You are most comfortable in the vanguard. It is how you are accustomed to fighting and will put you at the very forefront of the conflict, as well as where the Orb Alur style is at its most effective - engaging multiple opponents and breaking up groups and formations for your allies to pick off. Oddly, Amaranth has volunteered to stand at the front. A prepared magician can be difficult to kill, yet his willingness to be in melee distance is a testament to his confidence and experience.The option is also available to join Sten in the cavalry. While you yourself have no horse, one of his men will be able to ferry you such that you can contribute to flanking, shock, and pursuit. It would be rather dramatic, and assuredly where you could be the most disruptive, even if it would involve delaying your entry into the battle.Last, you can join the rearguard. The least exciting place in the formation, you nevertheless understand as a commander that it is among the most important. As your force has the better defense and superior shock, the best chance that your enemy has of defeating you is encirclement or ambush. Moreover, Arara and the fabled darthiiri marksmen will be in the center of the formation, making defending the rear doubly imperative. As such, both Luaue and Lael will be at the back to ensure the safety of the center and shore up any gaps should it come to it.After some consideration, it is decided that you will be joining...>The vanguard.>The cavalry.>The rearguard.
>>6448757>The vanguard.Wouldn’t have it any other way.
>>6448757>>The vanguard
>>6448757>The CavalryOur guy fucking loves horses.
>>6448757>The cavalry.
>>6448757>The cavalry.So we can counter any tricks and ride in o the rescue
"Can you ride a horse?" Asks Sten, looking at you quizzically as he scratches his beard."I can ride a lizard. And a bat," you answer with confidence. Surely a surfacer creature trained for war is not so dissimilar from a riding lizard, although such lizards would fare poorly in this climate. Something that will work in your favor, as House Delyl could field no reptiles in the snow. "I just need you to take me into the battle. Only that.""Arright, fine. You can ride with me. If you fall off and break your ass, your funeral.""I will not."
>>6454110Another day of travel passes you by uneventfully. It makes you feel young again, to campaign like this, although a dull ache in your joints reminds you of your age. The Underdark likewise has pockets of algid air and frost, though it was easier to endure three score prior. At least the company is pleasant this time. None of your allies have killed another prior to the start of the battle.As the sun's light dwindles, you make camp again. preparing for another night in the wilderness. By current estimations, your course will intersect with your enemies' tomorrow morning. The scouts have yet to report encountering any signs of your foes, which assures that you have not wandered into an ambush if nothing else."Lady Speaker," says one of Sten's men, his immaculate armor gleaming blue-white in the evening's brilliant glow. "The High Captain requires your presence posthaste," he announces impassively, already departing as he beckons you to follow. Ensuring that your armor is properly affixed, you fall in, preparing yourself for the worst.
>>6454111Assembled around an amorphous lump in the snow are Arara, Sten, Amaranth, and Lael, accompanied by a dozen darthiiri rangers and a handful of Sten's men. Though the hour is still early in the evening, the sky is darkened with ominous clouds from which a steady snow precipitates. Weaving your way through the crowd of onlookers, your eyes fall upon none other than the erstwhile Master of Guilds himself, Rupert Tenpenny.Tied up like some sort of animal prepared for the slaughter, he struggles in vain against his bindings, grunting frantically. A gag of cloth has been affixed to his mouth to ensure that he remains silent, while betwixt his bound hands he clutches an envelope against his will. "We... found him like this," explains Arara, gently prodding the helpless mass of flesh wrapped in a winter coat."Least we know where they've been getting their supplies. Brandt, you damn traitor," curses Sten, who rolls an unlit cigarette to and fro between his lips. "How the Hells did he end up here, though?" Asks the High Captain, looking to those present for an answer. Lael snatches the envelope from the halfling's clutches, giving it a quick inspection. Snapping his fingers, it unfurls of its own volition through some magecraft. Removing the contents, he skims them, raising an eyebrow."Well, well. Looks like we have everything here. Enemy numbers, units... they even have gargoyles to throw at us," he says, raising an eyebrow. "Lemme see that," insists Sten, leaning in as to inspect the documents himself. "Uh... what language is this?" He asks, scratching his beard. "Ilythiirra," answers the mage-boy. "I've been practicing with the Eilistraeans for my date with Sindiira's beautiful sister," he elaborates, glancing at you meaningfully and smirking.You had assumed that he had forgotten. He is in for quite the surprise, you reckon.
>>6454114Instructively, he presses a gloved finger on the report. "As you can see here, they have a thousand goblins with a thousand more in reserve uncommitted, and an auxiliary unit of gargoyles-" The paladin cuts him off before Lael can proceed. "Get me a translated copy. And send this one to the rear," the commands, gesturing at Tenpenny. Bowing ostentatiously, Lael departs, set to his task."We're hauling his ass back to stand trial." It takes two burly Helmites to heft up the half-man and drag him off, leaving a trail in the snow that cuts through the army. Waiting until Rupert is out of sight, he turns to those present, folding his arms. "You think it's a trap?" He asks no one in particular."I have a good feeling about this, though cannot attest to how he ended up here," offers Amaranth, looking to Arara expectantly. The darthiir priestess shrugs, oblivious to the circumstances around the odd find. "It was my thief. I asked him to bring this to me," you explain. Arara casts a suspicious eye in your direction, although manages to refrain from making any accusations. You suppose that is sufficient enough to constitute trust from her.
>>6454115Come the very first light of dawn, you happen upon your enemy in the distance. Whilst your enemies have no need of light - indeed, they would prefer to travel after dusk - they nevertheless have need of warmth in this harsh clime, and you can spy the flickers of their fires on the horizon. The battlefield is to be a sparsely wooded area, mostly fields with irregular patches of trees. Less ideal for your army than a barren plain, although your force still has the overall advantage. By now the House Delyl army must know that you intend to face them in open battle and reevaluated their strategy accordingly. Were you to guess, they will order the Ilythiiri units to remain in the trees wherever possible and have the goblin orcish components of their coalition advance to act as an anchor while harassing your main force with projectiles, spells, and ambushes, though you feel confident that your allies present the superior force comprehensively.The sky is dimmer than you might hope, the sheets of clouds concealing the morning sun, yet Amaranth and Lael assure that everything is proceeding nicely. You suppose that you'll simply have to defer to the judgement and play your part. Presumably, they are some means of illuminating the battlefield.
>>6454116For once, you are not charged with the burden of command. The High Captain orders his men into formations, which take shape with surprising ease. Amaranth assumes his place at the fore with the vanguard, whilst Arara and the darthiiri arrange themselves at the center and the rearguard assumes its place under Lael's supervision joined by Luaue. Satisfied with the shape of the army at his command, Sten leads the cavalry into a patch of forest nearby, where you are to lie in wait with them until further notice.This is it. From the moment you emerged from the Underdark into the surface world, everything has been leading up to this hour. Clambering onto the High Captain's horse, you take hold of his spaulder for balance and survey the landscape, watching as the infantry prepare to advance. "Just try not to get too handsy. My wife would kill me," he says.As prepared as you will ever be for the upcoming battle, you feel...>... intrepid. (+2 Strength)>,,, invigorated. (+2 Agility)>... focused. (+2 Intellect)>... determined. (+2 Will)Sorry for the long wait, I had the update for a while but wasn't satisfied with it until a few revisions.
>>6454118>>... intrepid. (+2 Strength)
>>6454118>... determined. (+2 Will)All the better to convince our little sister with.>Tenpenny's backCan't wait to help reunite Tenpenny with his ex-wife by tossing him in the river.
>>6454118>... determined. (+2 Will)We will not lose all that we have built here. Not today.
>>6454240Do people hate Tenpenny that much? When I created him he was just supposed to be a short craven whose misdeeds were instrumental and the secondary antagonist of the Sam quest.
>>6454259Well, it's probably just me, but I figured Jez would have wanted to kill him ever since the ass grab. I'd imagine being raised in Lolthite society would have almost required her to kill a male so audacious immediately, and that she showed impressive restraint in holding back, even with his bodyguards protecting him. It wouldn't have protected him from her eventual retribution, it's just that she found more reasons to kill him after she made friends with surfacers.>Ilanis was at risk due to the loan she took from Tenpenny for her magic light show.>Luaue's hindquarters would have also been at risk, considering how he went for ours.>Emitia was being taken advantage of, and while she was just an acquaintance when we first met, her story of being unloved and abused by her family for no good reason might have tugged on Jez’s feelings due to her own upbringing.>Finally, Tenpenny’s murder of his wife probably would go against Sune’s doctrine regarding love, and him taking advantage of Emitia, someone who she definitely favors, probably doesn't help his case.
Vote closed.>>6454367Wait until they find out about Korfel Lathalas.
Resolve wells up in your heart as you gather your courage. Today you will emerge triumphant, and bring this family matter to its deserved conclusion. Vierna will fall, and you will turn Phaere away from the poisonous ideology that has sent innumerable souls of your kin into the roiling belly of the Spider Queen. Gripping the hilt of the Eclipsebreaker with your free hand, you inhale the crisp surface air and watch as Everlund's army takes the field.Marching lockstep, the army demonstrates its discipline with the vanguard advancing steadily, composed predominantly of men with pikes and crossbows, with Amaranth's distinctive hair set against the winter-white background confirming that he is at the very fore. The main battle follows not far behind, with the darthiiri force and circles of pikemen to support them, with the rear prepared to fend off any ambushes and shore up the flanks.As if on cue, the enemy force emerges from the treeline opposite your allies. Predictably, they have chosen to stick to the orthodox Ilythiiri strategy by fielding a mass of goblins. A tide of green washes over the Silver Marches, armed with whatever crude weapons were afforded to them and whipped into compliance. With neither hesitation nor fear, they break into a mad dash, eager to engage.
>>6454901The magicians had long foreseen this. As the goblin wave is a half minute from collision with the Everlund vanguard, the sky parts as if by its own volition, unleashing the tyrant sun's wrath upon the denizens of darkness. A mighty wind picks up at your back while Amaranth works his magics. Rows of dense haze colored fetid yellow rise from the earth, carried onward by the wind, preceding the advance of your own army. The green mass is in no position to maneuver as the wicked vapors swallow their front ranks whole. As it passes them by, you squint, attempting to discern what is transpiring. Where there was a rabid throng mere moments ago, there remains only death. Those goblins who had the misfortune of inhaling from the toxic cloud perished immediately. The cruel spell continues to sweep over them, the miserable little wretches clustered too tightly to flee easily.Those lucky few that manage to escape certain doom at the hands of Amaranth fare little better, peppered by crossbow bolts from the van as they tromp over the green dead who perish dozen after dozen. You look on in fascination and horror - by now, half of the initial goblin mass has perished, the remainder attempting in vain to flee. Still, it is too early to rejoice - as you understand, there is a second goblin force still uncommitted.
>>6454902Your kin arrive to restore order to the army. Nearly two dozen groups of Ilythiiri sized from eight to twelve take the field, dispersed and mobile. The lethal clouds flicker and dissipate, squelched by the Delyl magicians as they attempt to approach the vanguard from the side opposite you. At the very rear you spy a banner displaying the emblem of the Spider Queen, under which the priestesses discipline the goblin tide and set them to advance again with twice as much fury in short order.The bulk of the Delyl army meets with the Everlund army at last, the goblin waves throwing themselves at the human formations without relent. Neither side gains ground as the melee erupts, although the Everlund lines are maintained nicely despite the onslaught. Amaranth is momentarily able to push the goblins back, decimating their ranks with streams of fire and arcs of lightning, though this proves short-lived.He is first harassed by conventional weapons, though even from this distance you are able to deduce that neither blades nor bolts have any effect on him, as is oft the case with master magicians. Instead, he is soon isolated from the main army, trading spells with two or at times three Delyl mages at once, another stepping in to keep him occupied whenever another falls. You far too little about spellcraft to tell who is winning the engagements, although he stands his ground which must account for something.
>>6454905The Ilythiiri units probe the flanks of the vanguard, exchanging crossbow shots and occasionally skirmishing in pockets, neither side prepared to commit to a melee as of yet whilst the goblins push against the fore. Judiciously, the main battle does not enter the fray just yet, holding at what you assume to be Arara's insistence. This proves to be the correct call. From across the field, you spy what could only by the orcish Thousand Scars and their ogre allies, maneuvering around the goblin tide that keeps the van arrested and approaching from the side nearest you.Without delay, the darthiiri warriors act, prepared to fight their oldest and most hated foe. Reorienting themselves, they move to meet the Thousand Scars eagerly, already loosing a volley of arrows upon the warriors of the One-Eyed God that thins their numbers. "Wait for the signal. We're gonna be breaking up the orc army when we get the signal," Sten reminds, gesturing for the cavalry to stand by.Just as you have surprises in store, so too do your foes. Descending from above are dozens of grotesque winged creatures with stony flesh, launching themselves toward the main battle with singular purpose. Alas for them, you had courteously been alerted by the half-man burglar of this very attack, and the High Sorcerer had prepared accordingly. Before they can so much as pass over the vanguard, they collide with an invisible wall of force, plummeting into the goblin mass, where they become caught up in the frenzy.
>>6454906Momentarily tearing his attention away from his ongoing struggle with House Delyl's magicians, Amaranth works his craft, shooting a sparkling mote toward the sky above. For the briefest instant, it appears to die out, only to blossom into a luminous sphere much like a second sun, causing your foes to collectively recoil. Indeed, you would assuredly be struck by a violent seizure were you not gradually accustomed to the surface light with time.The thunder of a hundred hooves resounds throughout the battlefield as the High Captain's horsed warriors descend upon their foes. While their intended trajectory is the body of the orcish army, still reeling from the intense radiance and mere moments from meeting with the main battle, you may decide to jump off prematurely if you feel it would be productive.The choice is yours.>I will dismount near the goblin horde. I will get to the priestesses of Lolth to face Vierna, and must cut a swathe through the goblins to do it.>We need Amaranth freed up again to contribute his talents to the struggle. I will dismount near him and carve through the Delyl magicians.>I go all the way to face the Thousand Scars! If the orcs sustain too many losses, it will break the coalition, and leave Vierna's army to fend for itself.>[Write-in.]
>>6454907>>We need Amaranth freed up again to contribute his talents to the struggle. I will dismount near him and carve through the Delyl magicians.>The mages will probably know where we can find our little sister, so it'd make sense to grab one or two of them.Also, I definitely want Jez to do a battle couple scene with Amaranth.
>>6454907>>We need Amaranth freed up again to contribute his talents to the struggle. I will dismount near him and carve through the Delyl magicians.
>>6455004+1
>>6454907>>I will dismount near the goblin horde. I will get to the priestesses of Lolth to face Vierna, and must cut a swathe through the goblins to do it.
Boldly, the cavalry flies through the snowy fields, forcing the battlefield to reorient itself around the introduction of a new threat. Ilythiiri armies seldom have to content with heavy shock in the geography of the Underdark, and your foes find themselves woefully underprepared for the charge. A group of Ilythiiri warriors is trampled wholesale while still recovering from the searing light, and their harassment of the van has come to a halt while they frantically reposition.Circling around the vanguard to cut ahead of the main battle, Sten skillfully maneuvers the beast and sets his men on a collision course with the orcish army, their lances at the ready. This is where you get off - with a mighty leap, you land yourself in the snow and make a sprint for the front where Amaranth is preoccupied, the hideous sound of horses and lances colliding against iron assailing your ears as you trudge through the snow. Some short distance away from the vanguard, Amaranth faces up against three magicians who have managed to isolate him from the battle. Positioned such that they encircle him, the mages trade spells back and forth. The eldest of the three, a male of advanced years with ebon skin and unkempt sallow hair whose wrinkled skin betrays that he has survived the better part of a millennium, seems to be the most foridable of the trio. He inhales deeply, shouting an incantation while pointing his finger at Amaranth, launching a ray of umbral black forth that causes you to break into a cold sweat, the potency enough to make your heart stop momentarily even at a distance.
>>6456359Calm and steady, Amaranth raises his hands, palms outstretched toward the approaching ray. He focuses, causing the ray to unravel into dozens of tiny tenebrous strands as he uses his own arcane might to pull apart the spell. The act produces the ugliest screech your ears have ever had the displeasure of experiencing, and those remains of the spell sent astray shower a nearby group of goblins. The pitiful creatures are set alight with black flames that burn frigid and brief, leaving behind only a dozen frozen, desiccated corpses. The exertion leaves both magicians panting, a testament to the power on display.Following up is the journeyman, a younger man with white hair cut to his shoulders and skin with a violet-gray tinge. You cannot feel the same magnitude of ambient energy in his spells, although what he lacks in magnitude he makes up for with youthful vigor and pure volume. Relentlessly, he hurls daggers of razor-ice and raises up mists of primordial cold that cling to Amaranth's clothing, leaving a solid layer of rime on the fabric. Though Amaranth deflects each attempt on his life with shimmering wards and bursts of green flame, the journeyman is successful in dividing the archmage's attention between defense against the frost spells and his ongoing duel with the elder magician.Last and assuredly least, a girl who could very well be younger than Ilanis with violet tresses and eyes to match. Already, she is at her limit, gasping for air and trembling as she struggles to muster the requisite energy to work her magecraft. She summons up binding webs and flashes of light in an attempt to restrain and blind Amaranth, though accomplishes little more than serving as a persistent distraction from his ongoing duel while her spells appear to wash over him harmlessly.
>>6456362Arriving promptly, you brandish the scarlet blade of the Eclipsebreaker, its heavenly aura flaring as you adopt an aggressive stance. "Are you having fun?" You ask, joining Amaranth's side as both he and the magicians reset for their next exchange. "It's just like old times," he states, chuckling bitterly. "I cannot say that I have missed this, at all." Despite his words, there is the most minuscule trace of a smirk on his face, betraying his excitement."Then we'll finish this quickly. Shall we?""Yes, let's."Time to demonstrate your skill.>[Agility, Attack] Die, old one! I move swiftly to strike down the elder mage, easily the most dangerous of their number..>[Strength, Attack] The journeyman will fall easily. One cut will be all it takes to rend him in twain.>[Perception, Attack] I will shoot a bolt at the apprentice girl - one hit to the leg will be sufficient to remove the nuisance from this fight.>[Write-in.]
>>6456363>[Strength, Attack] The journeyman will fall easily. One cut will be all it takes to rend him in twain.SHWACK!!
>>6456363>[Strength, Attack] The journeyman will fall easily. One cut will be all it takes to rend him in twain.Go time.
Rolled 20 (1d20)(Strength 15, +3 Art of the Blade, +3 Mage Killer, +3 Z'ress A'thalak Style) vs (Defense 16) Hit on 18 or lower.SWUSH
>>6456618
Rolled 10 (1d20)>>6456618(Agility 14, -6 Wrath of the Cywir Elders) Success on 8 or lower.The gods are fickle. Let's see if Amaranth can one-shot this guy or if our enemies are lucky today.
Rolled 6 (1d20)>>6456620(Perception 15) vs (Defense 16, No Armor Bonus) Hit on 9 or lower.Let's hope Jez can dodge.
Rolled 2, 3 = 5 (2d6)>>6456622She in fact cannot.
Great start!
Closing in on your prey, you lower your profile and advance on the journeyman magician who has yet to recover from his glacial barrage. Tracing the Eclipsebreaker through the air in a clean arc, you angle the weapon at his torso. Magician though he may be, however, he is still Ilythiiri, and no Lolthite survives to adulthood without some meager survival instinct. At the last moment, he is able to stumble back, narrowly avoiding certain demise.Finding his bearings, he gathers his concentration, extending his arm toward you and unleashing a heatless ray of cyan-white from his hands as he retreats. The spell hits you dead-center, bypassing your armor entirely and chilling your body to the very marrow, inflicting a biting pain very nearly causes you to topple over. Alas for him, the blow is not lethal, and the hurt proves worse than the damage. Already you are able to level your weapon toward your opponent, poised to strike again.Your efforts are not in vain, however. With the journeyman pulled away from Amaranth, his full attention returns to his duel with the elder mage. Wasting no time, he retaliates, speaking a clear incantation and pointing his finger toward his foe, sending forth a thin ray of sickly moss-green. Realizing the threat immediately, the elder magician attempts to abandon his position and dive off to the side.
>>6456756Ill luck rears its ugly head, however, and the old one's fate is sealed. The ray collides with its target, emitting a flash that lasts the duration of one blink of the eye. Instantaneously, the elder magician's form is reduced to a fine gray dust, his very being wholly disintegrated and scattered in the winds that sweep through the battlefield.The two surviving magicians are plainly at the limits of their reserves. The apprentice girl has resorted to hurling caustic streams that smell vaguely of alchemical reagents that rinse harmlessly off of Amaranth's person, desperate and ineffectual. The journeyman has more fight remaining in him, although he too struggles to catch his breath.Amaranth rolls his shoulders. "I need to focus on the situation up ahead. Could you kindly-""Done," you state, eager to return the punishment you've received at the journeyman's hands tenfold. These two should be dealt with fairly easily - the only question is how.>[Agility, Attack] I will sever his head from his neck this time, with certainty.>[Will] I shall offer to spare their miserable lives, if they tell me what Phaere is up to.>[Write-in.]
>>6456757>Write-In>[Agility, Attack] I will sever his head from his neck this time, with certainty.>Then offer the same fate to the younger one unless she spills the beans on Phaere.Doable?
>>6456757>[Agility, Attack] I will sever his head from his neck this time, with certainty.
>>6456757>>[Agility, Attack] I will sever his head from his neck this time, with certainty.
Rolled 16 (1d20)(Agility 16, +3 Art of the Blade, +3 Mage Killer, +3 Z'ress A'thalak Style) vs (Defense 16) Hit on 19 or lower.Surely lightning cannot strike twice. Unless...?
Rolled 5, 5, 4 + 2 = 16 (3d6 + 2)He can technically survive this, if we roll all 1s.
The poor fool does not receive a second chance. Drawing your weapon in a broad arc, you sever the mage's head from its neck, sending it sailing off into the snow whilst his body slumps uneventfully. It was not the most exciting end, though the pitiful male should be glad that he did not have the opportunity to realize that he had been killed.Your timely intervention has corrected the pace of the battle. Amaranth returns to his task of quite literally burning through the goblin mass and the gargoyles scattered therein, steadily pushing them back as the pressure is relieved from the vanguard. Though the outcome of the battle is still largely indeterminate, you are once again dictating the cadence of the conflict. Marching over to the girl, who weakly raises her jittering arms in some feeble attempt to loose one final magic spell, you seize her by the hair, roughly jostling her around as she is vulnerable. "Phaere. Where is Phaere?" You ask, giving her another shake for good measure. She sobs violently, a pathetic display from a Lolthite - they certainly do not make children like they used to..."M-Mistress Jezyrene!" She squeals, recognizing you despite your new scarlet tresses. "Focus, child. You are to tell me where Phaere is immediately, and perhaps I may delay your journey to Lolth's maw if I feel magnanimous after," you say. It is good to speak in your native tongue, if only briefly. "Well?"
>>6457682She sniffles, tears streaming down her cheeks. You give her another shake until she manages to compose herself. "I- I don't know! Mistress Phaere needed us for her project and nothing more! We were told n-nothing, I swear to you! You know how she is!" She exclaims.Unfortunately, you do."What project? Explain."Gulping, she continues. "A gate! She wanted us to prepare a gate to the plane of Carceri, and we did so! I know nothing more!" Admits the girl at last. You know little enough about the planes, although it sounds vaguely bad, you think. You yank her hair again for good measure. "She's at the rear! With the orcs in their leader's retinue! Please, let me go!"Finally, something useful. Vierna is behind the goblins with the priestesses, whilst Phaere is with the Thousand Scars, who are currently engaging with the main battle. It is up to you to prioritize the threats, but your targets are clear.After some consideration...>I will join the main battle against the Thousand Scars and cut a bloody swath through their ranks in search of Phaere.>Helping Amaranth dispense with the goblins will get me to Vierna, and I wish to see her dead sooner, not later.>[Write-in.]And the girl...>She has served her purpose admirably, though ultimately she chose her allegiance poorly. Her life ends here.>Her magics has been expended. She can flee - her survival is in her own hands.>I will permit her to surrender to Luaue and the rearguard, provided she can make it there alive.>[Write-in.]
>>6457683Rg1yASDS here at work.>I will join the main battle against the Thousand Scars and cut a bloody swath through their ranks in search of Phaere.>I will permit her to surrender to Luaue and the rearguard, provided she can make it there alive.>”The only reason why I’m permitting you to live is because I hope one of the gods of the surface take you in, and that I applaud your efforts in coordinating your hair dye with your eyes. Excellent choice.”
>>6457683>>I will join the main battle against the Thousand Scars and cut a bloody swath through their ranks in search of Phaere.>She has served her purpose admirably, though ultimately she chose her allegiance poorly. Her life ends here.
You toss the girl aside, allowing her to fall face-first into the snow. She meekly pushes herself up, awaiting her fate. "I like you, girl. You have sophistication - the dye you've selected for your hair pairs excellently with the color of your eyes. Pray to the surfacer gods, and flee for our back lines. Surrender to the priestess of Eilistraee they call Luaue, beg for her mercy, and you may yet live. Run," you command. The pitiful specimen before you does not argue. With what little stamina she has remaining, she retreats as instructed - her fate is in the hands of whatever surfacer god will take pity her now.However much you'd like to join Amaranth in doing away with the goblins and striking at Vierna, you reckon that Phaere is the greater threat. Running to catch up to the main battle, you take in the state of the conflict during your approach. The lines hold valiantly against the persistent brutality of the orcish army, whose burly physiques confer a unique advantage. The two forces push against one another, trapped in a war of endurance, though the darthiiri at the center rain death upon their ancient enemies at regular intervals with their bows that thins the orcish formation steadily.At the flank of the Thousand Scars army, the cavalry has struck a fine blow, leaving a score of dead orcs in their wake as Sten's men withdraw to reequip, reorganize, and charge again. Nevertheless, the orcish warriors have managed to reform their ranks following the devastation, if weakly, a testament to their strange discipline. Their ogre mage allies remain toward the back of the main orcish army, uncommitted, a sign that their leadership still feels confident that they are not yet needed.Having only just reached them, you have a few options on how to approach this.>[Strength, Attack] I will carve through the forward orcish lines with the main battle and scatter them.>[Agility, Attack] They've reformed the flank, yet it remains weak. Now is an excellent opportunity to harass it.>[Agility, Attack] I could maneuver through their formation and slay the ogre mages before they become an issue.>[Write-in.]
>>6459340>[Agility, Attack] I could maneuver through their formation and slay the ogre mages before they become an issue.Dark Fantasy can cloak our approach, no?
>>6459340>>[Agility, Attack] I could maneuver through their formation and slay the ogre mages before they become an issue.
Vote closed. Trying something new with the combat by counting the entire group as one large HP blob, which may be relevant to the next quest for large combats.>>6459356You could, though it may be worth saving Power for the upcoming fights.
Rolled 20 (1d20)(Agility 16, +3 Art of the Blade, +3 Mage Killer, +3 Z'ress A'thalak Style) vs (Defense 10, No Armor Bonus) Hit on 19 or lower.Turns out the improved armor they got from the repaired mythal doesn't protect against the Brilliant Energy property. Feels bad man.
Rolled 20, 14 = 34 (2d20)>>6459575(Strength 17) vs (Defense 22) Hit on 5 or lower. x2PRANKED. Let's see if Jez can dodge.
>>6459575>>6459577What did you do to piss off the dice gods to have them fuck up your rolls so badly?
>>6459580Meddle with the Dark Powers, of course.I'll ask this question in the general thread soon as well, but I'd like to know what existing readers think first. Is there a particular domain or location that YOU especially like the concept of or want to see?
>>6459602
>>6459604I don't know the setting well enough yet
In a display of your peerless acrobatic ability, you leap over the foremost orcish line, planting your boot firmly on the creature's helm of ugly dark iron. Before the fool can register what has transpired, you use him to propel yourself onward, stepping from one helmet to the next, evading stray swings of axes and blades as you circumvent the body of the orcish force. Moving with as much alacrity as your body will allow, you hop from the back row into the midst of the ogre mages, surrounded by them on all sides.Standing at nearly thrice your height, the sinewy blue giants now wear garish iron plates with heavy blunt armaments to match, the products of the magma forges in the ancient dwarven ruin which you escaped from together with the Eilistraeans. Alas for them, no amount of plate can defend against the Eclipsebreaker. Moving efficiently, you heft the blade up, bringing it down vertically. The blade rakes across the ogre's face and carves its chest beneath its armor, passing through the iron as though it were entirely absent. Unfortunately, it seems as though you've only managed to inflict a superficial injury, and the giant is no worse for wear. Before you can reset and strike back, you find yourself attacked by the mass of foes.
>>6459959Deftly, you weave between attacks. Mages though they may be, the ogres exercise surprising precision while trying to bludgeon and cleave your body, although no blow manages to connect. Your experience with fighting several opponents at once proves invaluable as you evade two or even three simultaneous attempts on your life.Just as you've managed to reset your stance and prepare to strike again, the ogres encircle you, keeping their distance such that you are out of their range. The sweet convivial laugh of a woman with a zest for life cuts through the battlefield clamor. You recognize the warm, vivid tune of Phaere's voice instantaneously. Raising your weapon defensively, you survey your surroundings for her location."Jezy! How do you fare, sister of mine?" She calls out from a nearby tree. Seated upon a branch far above you, she grins and extends her arms outward in elation. "Vierna was so eager to see you that we came aaaallll the way up here to the surface and brought the whole of House Delyl for a rousing good time! Love what you've done with your hair, by the by!"
>>6459961Capitalizing on the momentary lull in the fighting, you decide to trade words with her. "I am not the same Jezyrene who fled from the Underdark, sister. I confess that there is a part of me which does not want to see you dead. There is a world away from the twisted predation of Lolth and the perverse dogma of her clergy."Phaere responds, her voice coming from another direction. Upon a hill, she paces idly, moving her hands dramatically as she speaks. "You and I both know that's a lie, Jezy. There is but one fate for our kin. Our efforts alter the course, never the destination - just like mother taught us," she says with a saccharine inflection that does not quite mask her bitterness."To the Hells with mother! She was wrong!" You argue. "Perhaps," she says, her voice coming from directly behind you, Repositioning yourself to face her, it occurs to you that there are three separate 'Phaeres' speaking with you. As expected, she enjoys flaunting her talent with magecraft. "But why must we squander our reunion with such serious matters? Let us play a while, for old times' sake!"The snap of her fingers sends the ogre mages into battle once more as they converge on you. Is it mundane influence she exerts over them, or does she have some more arcane means of control?You've yet to decide whether you intend to kill Phaere, though this does not preclude beating her within an inch of her life with the flat side of the Eclipsebreaker.>[Perception, Attack] The one on the tree is the real one. With one well-placed shot...>[Agility, Attack] There, on the hill! That one is her! I need to close the distance and strike.>[Strength, Attack] That one behind me is within reach, and I feel reasonably sure that she is the real Phaere.>[Strength, Attack] Phaere can wait. I must focus on dispatching these ogre mages first.>[Write-in.]
>>6459887Hmm, perhaps it may be worth making a primer with a quick explanation with a 1-2 sentence explanation of the main realms and their inspirations or unique elements for newcomers for the quest. I'll work it out soon.
>>6459963>[Strength, Attack] Phaere can wait. I must focus on dispatching these ogre mages first.First the mooks, then the boss. I know this dance.
>>6459963>"For all your hopes of leaving Lolth in her cave with her toys and plots to make your own way, you still act like there's a ceiling above you.">[Strength, Attack] Phaere can wait. I must focus on dispatching these ogre mages first.
>>6459963>>[Strength, Attack] Phaere can wait. I must focus on dispatching these ogre mages first.
Vote closed. Will pick up right after my next shift.
Rolled 6 (1d20)(Agility 16, +3 Art of the Blade, +3 Mage Killer, +3 Z'ress A'thalak Style) vs (Defense 10, No Armor Bonus) Hit on 19 or lower.Dice, don't fail us now.
Rolled 6, 6, 3 + 2 = 17 (3d6 + 2)>>6461341Impressive, very nice. Let's see if Jez can deal enough damage to get through them in one go.
Rolled 4, 1 = 5 (2d4)>>6461342So apparently I can only roll one type of die in the options, cringe. I'll just roll it separately going forward.
Rolled 11 (1d20)>>6461343(Will 16, +3 Mage Killer, -6 Master Specialist: Illusion) Success on 13 or lower.It's ogre for the ogre mages. Let's see how Jez fares against some of Phaere's spells...
Rolled 13 (1d20)>>6461347(Agility 16, +3 Mage Killer, -6 Master Specialist: Illusion, -3 Enhanced Shadow Reality) Success on 10 or lower.That's one. But what about the other?
Rolled 4, 3 = 7 (2d4)>>6461349Rolling damage, then I'll start writing.
Your unwitting foes boldly approach their doom. Surrounding you from all angles, they approach in tandem, like rothé to the slaughter. Once they enter the reach of the Eclipsebreaker, you set to work, committed to your bloody task. One by one, you butcher the ogre mages, hewing heads and limbs from bodies as the giants collapse in serial. The once pure-white canvas of snow is stained by the ruddy red of the creatures as you leave a heap of blood and viscera in your wake.Whatever threat the ogre mages may have posed has been swiftly dealt with, leaving none alive sans those creatures who had the good sense to flee. The main army steadily pushes back against the Thousand Scars. With the body of the Delyl goblin army growing dangerously thin and the Ilythiiri unable to break up Everlund's vanguard besides, the forecast of the battle is in your favor. While it is best practice to keep goblin reinforcements ready to commit, you do not feel as though fielding a second Delyl army could reverse the pace of the battle at this juncture.All three Phaeres whistle in unison whilst the one seated in the tree kicks her legs idly. "Impressive. You were always the strongest of us, Jezy." Lowering your weapon to address her, you look between the three, uncertain of which to speak at. "Indeed I am, and I intend to beat some good sense into you, sister. Always have you hated Lolth and sought to make your own way, yet you act as though there is still a ceiling above you. There is no roof to this world, Phaere, and I-""Hoh! You expect me to take you at your word? You forget our ways, Jezy!"Indeed, you do. However clear the truth may seem today, you yourself did not turn from the Lolthite way so readily. Only with time and through the efforts of those around you did your views diverge. Bringing her around will require more than an invitation, should you still feel that she can be saved.
>>6461522"We still have so much catching up to do! Show me that tenacity of yours!" From atop the hill and behind you, two of the Phaeres work their magics, raising up darkness from nothing and giving it form. Phantom images creep in at the edges of your awareness, attempting to wrest control of your senses and plunge you into some dreadful waking dream. Mustering up your willpower, you steady your breathing and banish your surroundings from your awareness, grounding yourself until the sensation passes.As you come to your senses, the follow-up approaches. The amorphous shape hurled at you from the Phaere atop the hill bubbles furiously, converting from shadow into a mass of transparent energy that shimmers in the sun's rays. Quick as you are, the force connects, slamming into your abdomen and knocking you on your back, kicking up snow as you slam against the ground. The blunt impact leaves you pained and winded, though most definitely alive. Your sister cackles deviously, as befits her. "I suppose that I am satisfied with winning this exchange. As much as I enjoy bullying you, Jezy, I have another matter that demands my immediate attention. Do try to stay alive - we'll be playing again shortly." The Phaere perched in the tree snaps her fingers. One after the other, the images of Phaere lose their definition before fading into tenebrous liquid and fading from existence entirely, leaving you alone. All three were phantasms, it seems. At the least, she decided not to kill you.
>>6461524On your feet and trying to recover your breath, you must decide your next move. The Thousand Scars remain a formidable threat, and you are confident that cutting through their back rows should prove easy with your talents. With the goblin ranks sufficiently thinned, assaulting Vierna and the priestesses commanding them is available as an option as well.Some distance away, you also spot the distinctive silhouette of Wurgoth Twice-Scarred, warlord of the Thousand Scars, surveying the conflict with his retinue. You've the opportunity to approach, if you dare.What is next on the agenda?>[Agility, Attack] Death to the old enemy! I will cut down the orcish back lines and leave none alive.>Time to pay my elder sister a visit. I mustn't keep Vierna waiting, and I am eager to repay her kindness.>I shan't miss the opportunity to confront the leader of the Thousand Scars a second time, and perhaps behead the beast.>[Write-in.]You can decide if you'd like to use one of the potions of healing right now.
>>6461525>I shan't miss the opportunity to confront the leader of the Thousand Scars a second time, and perhaps behead the beast.+>Drink a potion firstWe'll need all our HP for a miniboss.
>>6461525>Time to pay my elder sister a visit. I mustn't keep Vierna waiting, and I am eager to repay her kindness.Potion ourselves and continue our family reunion.
Rolled 2 (1d2)Vote closed. Let's see what happens...
>>6461553+1
>>6462384You know what, why not.
>>6462392Hell yeah!
Rolled 13 (1d20)(Perception 14) Success on 14 or lower.Hmm, going to make a Perception roll here.
Seeing an opportunity to decide the battle now, you trudge through the snow, urging your legs to carry you swiftly to the orcish warlord and his retinue. Weapon at the ready, you draw near, beholding them properly up close. With him he has a pair of ogre mages, as well as a host of his most elite fighters. Two dozen strong, give or take, they are equipped with that same crude, heavy iron as their peers, although they carry with them arms of fine steel that share no uniformity between them, plundered treasures awarded to those who will no doubt make the most use of them.At the center of it all stands Wurgoth Twice-Scarred, his features obscured by his closed helmet. Ordinarily those of orcish blood consider scars a sign of prestige, endurance, and experience, though so horrific was his mutilation in the past that he elects to conceal his visage, or so he alleges. Though his profile is noticeably leaner than those surrounding him, he is no less imposing, remaining deathly still with his double-axe resting comfortably over his shoulder. Contrary to what you had expected, the warlord does not attack during your approach, his warriors likewise holding their position.The slight incline of his posture indicates that he recognizes you. Speaking with a steady cadence, the armor lends his baritone voice a metallic hum that can be felt in your bones. "The gods have seen fit to bring us together again as enemies, drow. I will accept no surrender from your ilk, though I can promise you a glorious death should you fight well," he says, though retains his neutral stance.
>>6462639You consider your options. You feel reasonably confident that his intention is to duel you, although you did not have the opportunity to get the measure of his strength during your previous encounter. Moreover, there is also the matter of your sisters to consider. Vierna is at least as strong as you, as you recall, and has Lolth's favor besides, whilst Phaere assuredly has several contingencies planned. Expending too much effort here may prove unwise.A glint in the corner of your eye draws your attention away from the orc momentarily. Following the light, you are able to make out a pair of lustrous green dots from a nearby patch of forest. Perhaps your eyes deceive you, but you suspect that you can make out the silhouette of a large feline, joined by several other creatures. Patiently, they lie in wait, making no movements. It could be that they have been stalking Twice-Scarred and his retinue long before your arrival here, and perhaps even before the start of the battle."You hesitate. Is it fear that stays your hand, or are you considering the best way to strike at me?">It is time to sever the serpent's head. I shall duel you, orc, and mount your weapon above my fireplace.>[Intellect] The battle is already won, and Everlund's army is the victor. He and his merely need to understand this.>He believes that I am alone. If I am right, I have reinforcements lying in wait if I feel inclined to call them down upon him and his retinue.
>>6462512I recall keeping up with a Warcraft quest quite a few years ago that I don't recall the name of. It never finished, ultimately, but I quite enjoyed the writing and it was sad to see it go. I don't know why this specific image reminded me of that.In any case, we have other adventures ahead of us.
>>6462640>He believes that I am alone. If I am right, I have reinforcements lying in wait if I feel inclined to call them down upon him and his retinue.Hey, Alantha! Here, kitty kitty...>>6462647Warcaraft does have some cool lore behind it and a distinct feel, even if it's not my fave. I just posted the pic for the classic battle of elf and orc.
>>6462640>>He believes that I am alone. If I am right, I have reinforcements lying in wait if I feel inclined to call them down upon him and his retinue.
"Alantha! With me!" You shout. An assortment of unlikely allies emerges from the treeline, encircling your position. Alantha, together with a host of surfacer wolves, bare their fangs at the retinue of the orcish warlord. The jaws of the gray-furred canines accompanying your six-limbed feline forest companion are lined with razor fangs, to say nothing of the beasts' size and weight, which exceeds that of a human man's twice over. Dozens strong, they move with an eerie intellect, awaiting a sign to engage."Hate Scarred One! Like Sin-diira! Today we feast on blood-death-slaughter!" Exclaims the creature, who joins you at your side. Doubtless, the beasts have been following the orcish army for quite some time, likely hoping to exact their revenge for being driven from their lands and into the Silverwood. Your battle no doubt presents a unique opportunity for Malar's children, and you will not be refusing their aid in this hour.Though the warlord's visage remains hidden, the change in his demeanor is plain. He no longer taunts you, instead bringing his weapon to bear. At once, the beasts fall upon his retinue, cutting them off from from their leader as a bloody skirmish erupts amongst them. Alantha moves with the alacrity of shadow, positioning herself at his flank as you take up a position opposite her. The beast will help you hunt your quarry. If you work together, this will be a swift victory.>[Strength, Attack] Let us see which of us possesses the greater might. Have at you, orc.>[Agility] Alone though he is, that double-axe of his means trouble in a melee. Perchance I could disarm him.>[Write-in.]
>>6464383>>[Strength, Attack] Let us see which of us possesses the greater might. Have at you, orc
>>6464383>[Agility] Alone though he is, that double-axe of his means trouble in a melee. Perchance I could disarm him.
>>6464383>[Strength, Attack] Let us see which of us possesses the greater might. Have at you, orc.https://youtu.be/fWX00qpLnak
Rolled 10 (1d20)(Strength 15, +3 Art of the Blade, +3 Z'ress A'thalak Style) vs (Defense 18, No Armor Bonus) Hit on 13 or lower.Come on Jez. Let's see a good hit.
Rolled 4, 6, 2 = 12 (3d6)>>6465099Impressive. But how good?Including the extra damage from the Eclipsebreaker in the attached image.
Rolled 11 (1d20)>>6465102(Strength 20, +3 Weapon Focus, +3 Elfhunter) vs (Defense 24) Hit on 12 or lower.The warlord strikes back!
Rolled 6, 7 = 13 (2d8)>>6465103Surely this won't hurt Jez too bad.
Rolled 14, 8, 7 = 29 (3d20)>>6465104(Strength 18) vs (Defense 21) Hit on 7 or lower. x3 From Rapidstrike.Alantha goes last. We just need a good hit - come on girl.
You rush toward Twice-Scarred, keeping your profile low and your blade before you. Alantha follows suit, her approach like a shadow passing weightlessly over the snow, leaving only the faintest tracks. The orc adapts quickly, positioning himself such that he can keep both of you in his view. Wielding the double-axe with power and finesse in equal measure, he nearly catches you off-guard, drawing one head of the axe in a low sweep that you are just able to leap over whilst he fends off Alantha's advance with the other.A lesser man would tire at the exertion, but Wurgoth does not relent. He maintains his brutal pace, swinging one head of the axe after another at you, forcing you on the defensive as you retreat one pace at a time. You duck beneath the axe's blade, preparing to retaliate, only to draw your weapon back to fend off the opposite head riding off of the first swing's momentum, narrowly guarding against a rending vertical strike that would split you in twain. As your weapons collide, you feel an ache in the bones of your arms which indicates that they are at their limit.What you cannot win through strength, you will win through experience. You lower your frame and shift your weight to the side, allowing the axe head to collide with the ground. Swinging the Eclipsebreaker upward with as much power as your muscles can afford, you watch as the blade passes through his armor and bites deep, severing something important within him, eliciting an agonized howl.
>>6465142As blood trickles through Twice-Scarred's plates, you attempt to reset your stance while he stumbles, clearly in great pain. Yet he intends to pay you back in kind - while you double back, he brings the flat side of the axe head around. A successful hit, it collides directly with your abdomen, knocking you into the snow and depriving you of breath. A wet crunch during the impact informs that something inside of you was broken. Though you yet live and feel fit to fight, another hit like that will spell your doom.Before the warlord can capitalize on his success, however, it is too late. The momentary lapse in his guard when he struck true is exploited by clever Alantha, who pounces onto his back before he can raise his weapon against her. Managing to remain stranding despite the added weight, the orc struggles, landing an elbow to the creature's abdomen. The blood loss caused by your earlier blow has deprived him of too much strength, alas, and his resistance dwindles as her fangs sink into his neck, twisting until something gives out. Rather than despair, the orc laughs a genuine, boisterous laugh as his life fades. "Well struck, beast," he manages, before his body collapses. Rising to your feet, you lean on your weapon as Alantha tears our his throat, growling ferociously in triumph.
>>6465145Though the glory was not yours, the Malarite has fulfilled her vengeance, bringing you another step closer to final victory. The beasts make a sport of chasing down the scattered remains of the warlord's retinue, true to the precepts of their favored deity, affording you an opportunity to catch your breath and survey the landscape. The battle is turning out in your favor, as you surmise, and victory is at hand.Though the majority of the orcish army remains, they cannot seem to shatter main army's formation, and the hail of arrows raining on them at regular intervals continues to thin them out steadily. Without their ogre mage allies to support them, it is unlikely that they will manage to break through.At the forefront, the Delyl goblin army has scattered, and the survivors are being pursued and run down by Sten and his men. The Ilythiiri component has formed up around the priestesses, and though they keep the vanguard at bay with spells and projectiles, the advance upon their position is slow and steady. The second Delyl army has taken the field intent on flanking the vanguard, though the rearguard has managed to intercept and engage them. Composed of only half the number of goblins as the main army, you suspect that Vierna has put her daughter in charge of them, else some other Lolthite priestess. Hopefully, Luaue is up to the task of fending them off.Weighing your options, you consider how best to proceed.>With the death of the warlord, Vierna is my next target. I intent to decide this now.>I shall aid the main army in scattering the remaining orcs, freeing them up to conclude this conflict.>[Write-in.]I would give more options, but we're almost done.
Almost forgot, we're at 13 Health presently. Now's the time to use a potion if you want.
>>6465148>With the death of the warlord, Vierna is my next target. I intent to decide this now.>>6465150>swing potion
>>6465362+1I would've posted earlier, but 4chan blocked my home's new IP for some unknown reason
Vote closed.>>6466230You got a license to be posting on this site?
While Alantha delights in tearing apart the warlord's remains, you set your sights on another target. With the collapse of the main goblin army, you are able to approach the Delyl position from the side. Your people have formed up around the priestesses, deterring any attempt by the vanguard to run them down with a hail of poisoned bolts and spells of lightning and acid. However lethal such things are, their range is finite, and thus they must merely content themselves with keeping the vanguard at a distance.Having spotted you on the approach, Amaranth presses forward into the steady barrage to draw the attention away from you. Those magics and missiles which do not slide off of him like water on smooth stone are unraveled or deflected. The van advances not far behind, putting the Ilythiiri force on the defensive. A retreat may still be possible, you reckon, although abandoning their position puts them at risk of being pursued and trampled by the cavalry. By now even they must realize that this is the beginning of the end for the Delyl army.Initially, you expect fierce resistance in attempting to break through to the center of the formation. Instead, Vierna takes it upon herself to step out from behind the ranks, situating herself at the very forefront of her remaining forces. Phaere joins her, remaining several paces behind, her hands clasped behind her back. Raising her hand, House Delyl ceases its attacks, though keeps their weapons at the ready. Likewise, the vanguard slows, with Amaranth gesturing for them to halt.
>>6466819As you draw near, you finally behold the face of Vierna Delyl. The spitting image of Mother however many centuries ago, whatever beauty she may possess is squandered by the petulant scowl that defines her visage. Phaere, by compare, seems rather cheery, despite the disadvantageous position she now finds herself in. "Vierna. Phaere," you say. It feels as though an eternity has elapsed since the three of you were last together, despite the brief span that has passed. If only Tatherin were here - that would include all of the Delyl siblings that survived to adulthood. Vierna narrows her eyes, tightening her grip on her iron staff. "Jezyrene. How long I have waited for this opportunity. I shall drag you back into the Underdark by your hair and sacrifice you at Lolth's altar, as I should have a century ago," she says, he voice acrid and bitter."Are you still angry Vierna? Tortured by your defeat in our duel however long ago?" You ask, observing her reaction. Your elder sister grits her teeth, leveling her staff toward you. "Between us, I have always been the better, Jezyrene. You are in every way my inferior. A failure as a priestess and a woman. And now you surround yourself with the weak ilk of the surface world. Pathetic.""I am going to kill you," you say flatly.
>>6466820The two of you step toward one another, weapons at the ready, though do not engage. Amaranth inhales deeply, holding the breath for a moment before releasing it. Despite decimating the unfortunate goblin army minutes prior, he appears close to the apex of his strength. Before he can loose a spell, Phaere calls out to him in the surfacer tongue, her tone mawkish. "So, you must be Amaranth Cywir. Greycastle told me about you.""Only good things, I hope," he chuckles, though his eyes study her movements carefully. He seems well aware of the danger that she poses. "A great many good, good, good things, in fact. Though he neglected to mention how positively pleasing you are to the eyes. Are you an enchanter by any chance?" She asks. You tear your attention away from Vierna to glare daggers at her, though she responds by waving her hand dismissively."A diviner, actually, and I'm afraid that I'm taken," he answers. Phaere pouts, placing her hands at her sides. "What a shame. I don't mind sharing, but diviners are such a huge turn-off. Buh-bye!" Flicking her wrist, the ground opens up beneath Amaranth. Beneath him manifests a rift to another world, reeking of sulfur and humid rot. The swelter of pungent hot air flows out from the foreign plane into yours as he is devoured by the portal. "Lael-" he manages to shout, before the portal shuts as swiftly as it was opened, offering him no opportunity to react.
>>6466821"Portal to Carceri, oldest trick in the book," she boasts, examining her nails. The vanguard retreats several paces, afraid that any one of them could be swallowed up next, though you remain undaunted. You still do not want to kill Phaere, not really, although she is testing her luck. "Bring him back," you demand, angling your weapon toward her whilst keeping Vierna in your sight. Your eldest sister has visibly relaxed, observing the scene with sadistic delight."One does not simply 'bring someone back' from Carceri. Although if you ask nicely, I may try to fish him out. Did you really believe that I wouldn't have a contingency in place to deal with the most dangerous magician in Everlund?" She asks rhetorically. "I spent an entire month preparing that, by the by. He'll be fine... most likely. In the meantime, we can play! Just us girls!"While you have no doubt that this is but one among several tricks that your younger sister has prepared in advance, remaining still does nothing. Neither the vanguard nor the Delyl fighters have made their move, and Vierna seems to be taking the moment to assess the situation, just as you are. After consideration...>I challenge her to a duel. Just us two. Her shame and vanity will not allow her to refuse the opportunity.>I'll not fight her fairly. Not today. My allies and I will charge, and our weapons will drink deep of House Delyl's blood!>[Will] Surely my kin are aware that they have lost this day. Perchance they can be persuaded to abandon the farce of Vierna and the priestesses, to serve a worthier mistress - that is, me.>[Write-in.]We'll go over the options for dealing with Phaere specifically later.These could be the last decisions of the quest.
>>6466822>>[Will] Surely my kin are aware that they have lost this day. Perchance they can be persuaded to abandon the farce of Vierna and the priestesses, to serve a worthier mistress - that is, me.
>>6466822>[Will] Surely my kin are aware that they have lost this day. Perchance they can be persuaded to abandon the farce of Vierna and the priestesses, to serve a worthier mistress - that is, me.>I challenge her to a duel. Just us two. Her shame and vanity will not allow her to refuse the opportunity.These seem to go together. Real Necromonger "you keep what you kill" stuff.
Vote closed.>>6467118Hmm, you know, I'm of two minds about this. But I think I have have a good compromise.
Rolled 18 (1d20)(Will 16, +3 Certain Victory) Success on 19 or lower.Can Jez convince her people?
