Myth: A New Age CYOA

[Nevill]

Well, I don't want to tell them about the fort (now is really not the time), but I would expect that being close to the Watcher's fortress, as well as being pursued by another of the Watcher's slaves would hold them in shape.

Taking back the fort is an interesting idea. I wonder how much time would it take for one of our eagles to fly back to Myrgard and request aid.

Also, with our rampant use of eagles, how come Albrecth still pretends he does not know about them?

Also, Fangshi, how much can 'easily be carried'?

 

[Fangshi]

Also, with our rampant use of eagles, how come Albrecth still pretends he does not know about them?

You used one to send a message to Gareth.

You took two with you on this outing.

Other than that you have done nothing (that I can remember) with them so he might not have found out yet. Or he may have some other reason for not coming clean, who knows?

Well, I don't want to tell them about the fort (now is really not the time), but I would expect that being close to the Watcher's fortress, as well as being pursued by another of the Watcher's slaves would hold them in shape.

Well they won't desert or anything (at least not until you get back to a city) but their morale will be low. They have been gutted, stolen from, marched around in the dark and now their home is under attack/has fallen. They won't exactly be in high spirits as one can imagine.

Taking back the fort is an interesting idea. I wonder how much time would it take for one of our eagles to fly back to Myrgard and request aid.

Two days to Myrgard if they hide from the crows. They could do it in one or less if they did not have to worry about being attacked.

The King could probably muster a proper army to attack the fort in a couple days if he tried. Now if you want warmachines and the like it would be longer and if you wanted him to just send what he has to hand out then it could be done in a day but it is highly doubtful he would agree to that. He would be reluctant to race out into the unknown and leave the city exposed to an attack. He would also be naturally concerned that it is a trap.

I mean, Ori could handle one just fine.

Ori is not a mage as far as you know.

 

[Nevill]

You took two with you on this outing.

We used them to communicate with our Royal Escort just now.

Not to mention they roosted under his very roof, and Lyssa constantly tends to them. I know the Palace staff is portrayed as a bit incompetent, seeing how the attack on the Palace happened in the first place, but that would be too much even for them.

I think the cat should be long out of the bag by now.

The King could probably muster a proper army to attack the fort in a couple days if he tried. Now if you want warmachines and the like it would be longer and if you wanted him to just send what he has to hand out then it could be done in a day but it is highly doubtful he would agree to that.

What about our Pathfinder bros? Should they require a permission from the King if we send for their help?

Also, how far is fort Blackrock from Myrgard? From what I've read, it is six hours away from the capital if you ride in a carriage. Am I correct?

Ori is not a mage as far as you know.

So is the captain of the Royal Escort, who I suggest should be carrying this instead of us. Supervised by two guards.

 

[Grimgravy]

ACAA

 

[Fangshi]

We used them to communicate with his Royal Guard just now.

But they can not give him any sort of report unless they make it back alive. I see no reason for Albrecht to raise the issue until such time as he has been 'told' of it. Anything less would be rude.

Not to mention they roosted under his very roof, and Lyssa constantly tends to them. I know the Palace staff is portrayed as a bit incompetent, seeing how the attack on the Palace happened in the first place, but that would be too much even for them.

You and your people have been given run of the palace with the exception of the royal suites, the armoury and the treasury. The staff know about Lyssa and her eagles but that is no guarantee that they have told the king or 'told' the King as the case may be.

What about our Pathfinder bros? Should they require a permission from the King if we send for their help?

"Prisoners," your friend begins, "Cultists actually. They were worshipping some sort of demon in their compound."

You nod, "We confronted them and destroyed their cult."

"Well fuck!" Bari stamps a foot, "You mean you were off fighting evil cultists and you did not invite us! That is cold ladies, ice cold!"

You cock your head, "Next time Bari. Next time."

What do you think?

They could not keep Bari away if they tried.

Also, how far is fort Blackrock from Myrgard? From what I've read, it is six hours away from the capital if you ride in a carriage. Am I correct?

Six hours by the King's fastest carriage and chariots yes.

If you had heavier chariots or a regular carriage it might be seven or eight.

If you had to do it on foot double that, maybe triple if you were not in a rush as long as you stick to the roads.

So is the captain of the Royal Escort, who I suggest should be carrying this instead of us. Supervised by two guards.

Right, I can add it if you want. How do you want him to carry it?

Also, Fangshi, how much can 'easily be carried'?

About half (60-70 WPs).

 

[Nevill]

Right, I can add it if you want. How do you want him to carry it?

How did Ori carry it? We want it in an obsidian box, put in another box, in a lot of cloth wrappings, put into a small chest (and have him swallow the key, too), and finally tucked into a backpack.

If I am exaggerating, then only slightly. Basically, we don't want to open the container the stone would be transported in, we don't want anyone opening it, and if it operates under the same principles as the necklaces, we want something to block its influence and/or signal, hence the layers of fabric and metal and whatnot. It seems to help, though not by much.

It takes you a moment to fight off its influence and gather your senses, "Ori. Could you please put that stone back in its bag..."

The two dwarves look at you, then at Thaïs. Ori snatches it up and shoves it back into his pouch. It seems to help a little though you can still feel the presence pulling at you.

And don't have him carrying this thing near us.

Also, how much time have passed since we sallied forth from the fort?

 

[Kz3r0]

1. A)
2. C)
3. A)
4. C)
5. A)
6. BB)

 

[Nevill]

4C - take the Watcher's stone but give it to the Captain of the Royal Escort. Have him keep it in the obsidian box and inside his backpack at all times. He is not a mage and should not be affected by it.

ACAC

Also, I propose 5 - Send an eagle to Myrgard for help. Currently the only ones that would be able to help us quickly enough are the Pathfinders, and only in the case we would be the ones laying siege to the fort.

I am not really sure why the journey to Myrgard would take half a day for a carriage, but a day for an eagle, even if it flies straight through the crows. Is our carriage faster than our eagles?

Can't say I am too upset about the results, except for the potential fall of our fort. There were so many ways for the plan to go south that donating about 100 WPs to the ghol resistance fund seems tame by comparison.

A smarter person would write the fort off as a loss... but hey. When did we behave smart?

 

[Jester]

1C for now - Cant we send Eagle to check on fort? In what direction is compound?
2C
3A
4B

Berty didnt warm up to Derryth? Expected him to fall for her insane planing skills.

 

[archaen]

I agree that this went particularly well, especially if blunt the Watcher's armies in the future. We lost out on some immediate cash and gained some esoteric magic spells and avoided a battle. Even if we get caught with our Ghol relationship we can say we planted the seed of rebellion in her and let her go to forment a civil war among the Dwarve's enemies. Make your enemies' strength your own and why wast the lives of real people when you can spend the

Our men in the fort were already in deep trouble as soon as we sallied forth. We can hope that Jawbone saw he was screwed and had an exit tunnel to get out. IF this is the case, he will be running for his life and us returning immediately could save him. If he elected to stay in the keep then they are all probably dead.

If they are dug into the fort we are going to need massive amounts of magic and a siege weapon to get in. I propose we send a message back as fast as possible and ask Bari to hire a siege crew and buy us energon cubes if he is able to.

A) Head back to the fort. You might have to fight the source of the signal that has been following you and then there would be whatever is waiting for you at the fort itself but you may be able to save Jawbone and the rest of the defenders. The journey will take several hours provided you avoid a fight. If you are attacked you are not sure how long it will take.
C) You take it all and load it in the carriage. You will not be able to use the carriage to transport soldiers or yourselves this way (This option is not available in any choice 1 option that abandons the carriage.)
A) No, you are not about to go chopping up corpses when you have more important things to do.
C) Take the Watcher's stone but give it to the Captain of the Royal Escort. Have him keep it in the obsidian box and inside his backpack at all times. He is not a mage and should not be affected by it.
5A) Get word back to Bari and the Pathfinders as fast as possible, either a lone chariot, eagle, or both. Have them hire a bombard if it can get to us in a reasonable amount of time and to buy energon cubes and bring them and we will reimburse him.

 

[Nevill]

Even if we get caught with our Ghol relationship we can say we planted the seed of rebellion in her and let her go to forment a civil war among the Dwarve's enemies.

Nope. Ghol relationships, much like necromancy, result in an immediate death penalty as far as the dwarves are concerned, regardless of how noble you think was the reason that made you do this. So your best bet would be to deny your involvement by whatever means possible.

Our men in the fort were already in deep trouble as soon as we sallied forth. We can hope that Jawbone saw he was screwed and had an exit tunnel to get out. IF this is the case, he will be running for his life and us returning immediately could save him. If he elected to stay in the keep then they are all probably dead.

Yup. If Nanshe could have taken a couple dozen dwarves with her Iron Body spell, 16 warriors stood no chance against her teacher, who could easily pass for a minor archmage. I suppose they are fucked. Well, maybe Rand have gotten away, that's what he does.

Still, I have no idea what forces the mage hit them with, but I kind of doubt he could have sneaked in a big enough army and remain absolutely unnoticed. We were away for just several hours. If they got to the fort, maybe we can lay siege to them, or at least ambush them as they are trying to leave. Though I am kind of beginning to worry about getting sandwitched between the White Mage and whatever it is that is tailing us.

In any case, I think we need to put something with a lot of bang in one of our rings. Healing spells are fine and good, but we don't have a lot of tools that would be effective against the Creature.

 

[Fangshi]

How did Ori carry it? We want it in an obsidian box, put in another box, in a lot of cloth wrappings, put into a small chest (and have him swallow the key, too), and finally tucked into a backpack.

If I am exaggerating, then only slightly. Basically, we don't want to open the container the stone would be transported in, we don't want anyone opening it, and if it operates under the same principles as the necklaces, we want something to block its influence and/or signal, hence the layers of fabric and metal and whatnot. It seems to help, though not by much.

Alright added, some small part of me was hoping you would just let him wear it.

I am not really sure why the journey to Myrgard would take half a day for a carriage, but a day for an eagle, even if it flies straight through the crows. Is our carriage faster than our eagles?

Well you asked how long it would take them to fly to Myrgard and get aid. That is how long it would take. They have to reach the city, find someone that can help, get a message to them and wait for help to be organized. Taking the quickest help you can find (the Pathfinders probably) and the fastest travel time (straight to the city without worrying about crows) it would take about a day. Where as it would take about two to four days to get help by carriage at this point. My apologies if that was not clear.

Also, I propose 5 - Send an eagle to Myrgard for help. Currently the only ones that would be able to help us quickly enough are the Pathfinders, and only in the case we would be the ones laying siege to the fort.

Added.

Cant we send Eagle to check on fort? In what direction is compound?

You can try if you want but there are a lot of crows between you and the fort. They might not make it.

If you want to though then let me know and I will add it as an option.

Berty didnt warm up to Derryth? Expected him to fall for her insane planing skills.

Derryth still is not too sure about Berty. He seems nice and he has saved her life but he is also a bit unhinged.

In any case, I think we need to put something with a lot of bang in one of our rings. Healing spells are fine and good, but we don't have a lot of tools that would be effective against the Creature.

If you want I can add the option to change your ring's spells.

Even if we get caught with our Ghol relationship we can say we planted the seed of rebellion in her and let her go to forment a civil war among the Dwarve's enemies.

This is where Albrecht being incredibly pragmatic may come in handy. He might just accept such an excuse as long as he is the only one that finds out (you would have about even odds there). If it becomes public knowledge though then you will be charged with high treason and if found guilty you will be hung, decapitated, and quartered. Your remains will then be burnt.

Current Tally:

Spoiler

Grimgravy: A,C,A,A,A,xx
Kz3r0: A,C,A,A,x,xx
Nevill: A,C,A,C,A,A(Greater Energy Bolt)B
Jester: C,C,A,B,x,xx
archaen: A,C,A,C,A,xx

1. Where to go:
A) 4 votes
B)
C) 1 vote
D)
E)

2. Wealth:
A)
B)
C) 5 votes

3. Skulls:
A) 5 votes
B)
C)

4. Watcher's Stone
A) 2 votes
B) 1 vote
C) 2 votes

5. Eagle Message
A) 3 votes
B)
C)
D)

6. Rings:
Derryth's Ring:
A) 1 vote (1 vote Greater Energy Bolt)
B)
Thaïs' Ring:
A)
B) 1 vote

 

[Grimgravy]

Add 5A to my vote. Can't leave Bari out of the mayhem agian! Abstaining from 6 unless someone comes up with a good alternative.

 

[Kipeci]

If it becomes public knowledge though then you will be charged with high treason and if found guilty you will be hung, decapitated, and quartered. You remains will then be burnt.

oh boy

I just don't get this. We invest so very much into the dwarf kingdom only to establish a relationship with the ghols that can destroy everything for a benefit that has only a slim chance of occurring, and on top of that they steal from us.

And we could have just sold their carcasses for huge money!

I'll just not vote for now, there are just too many options.

 

[Nevill]

5A - Yes, you send an eagle to the Pathfinders.
6AB: Derryth's ring - Greater Energy Bolt. Leave Thais' as is.

I also hope we reconsider taking the stone ourselves. This thing calls to us, and although our willpower is enormous, we can still fail two checks in a row, as we did at the court session. It's the last thing we want to happen in the middle of the battle.

oh boy

I just don't get this. We invest so very much into the dwarf kingdom only to establish a relationship with the ghols that can destroy everything for a benefit that has only a slim chance of occurring, and on top of that they steal from us.

It's not like we didn't know what we are getting into - hence all the precautions we took. I really hope we won't have to revisit our relationship again.

As for the benefit - the gamble have already paid off. It is Nanshe's soldiers lying dead on the pyre instead of ours. The infighting is already happening. Nanshe is very resourseful, and she is determined to win this. She has no other choice, too - once you go against something like the Watcher, you either win or you and everything you ever cared for is exterminated, and she made it a point she won't end like the Oghres. Whatever she is up to, I bet she will be a major thorn in the enemy's side.

Was it worth to exchange massive profits for this? We'll see. My take is that allies are harder to come across than jewgoldz.

Derryth still is not too sure about Berty. He seems nice and he has saved her life but he is also a bit unhinged.

That should be a requirement for joining our Circle. You have to be either an outlaw or a madman. Or both.

Fangshi, if we wanted a spell to blast the crows out of the sky, what are our options? Did we recognize the lightning spell Nanshe used? Is there something like this among the conventional spells? I figured our eagles would appreciate it if we decimated the crow population before letting them operate.

By the way, can our eagles cast spells from the rings? I remember it was said anyone could cast from them even without a proper magical training. I have some nasty plans.

Spoiler

 

[Fangshi]

Fangshi, if we wanted a spell to blast the crows out of the sky, what are our options? Did we recognize the lightning spell Nanshe used? Is there something like this among the conventional spells? I figured our eagles would appreciate it if we decimated the crow population before letting them operate.

Your options to try and hit the crows:

Derryth and Thaïs are not really built to take on large groups (in the hundreds). Neither one has an AOE spell that causes actual physical damage so killing enough crows to make a difference could be quite difficult.

Derryth: Assault and Mass Assault could drop one or a small group respectively. Compulsion and Suggestion might also do some harm if you could get them to fight each other but you would be targeting individual birds and small groups only. Magical Zap could probably drop crows if you aimed right. Firebolt and Energy Bolt definitely could if you could hit them with it though again that is one crow at a time.

Thaïs: She has much the same spell list as you do so she is bound by the same limitations. Greater Energy Bolt is good against a single strong target but it is not an area spell so it would do her little good.

Now Lyssa may actually have a few things that could help:

Lyssa: Some of her illusions could probably trick the crows into getting themselves killed or at least fleeing and a powerful enough illusion might even get them to clear off for a while. Crows are quite intelligent and these cows are more intelligent than most but they are definitely easier targets than fully 'sentient' species like humans, dwarves, mauls or ghôls. Her Strong Wind and Freezing Wind spells could also likely harm a number of crows in a single casting but Lyssa would tire quickly. She could also try to 'win the over' with her animal based spells but you can vaguely tell that there is magic at work there so you are hesitant to invest the time and resources necessary to convert the crows.

Now aside from your mages you do have a couple resources to consider in the mid to long term.

The spells you received from Nanshe might contain something and you also have that elemental spellbook. The Spellbook does not have a index or anything so you would just have to open it to a random page and see what you get if you wanted to use it without careful study.

If you give Berty the task and some time and resources he might also be able to create something to use against the crows but it is doubtful he could do too much in the next couple of hours.

By the way, can our eagles cast spells from the rings? I remember it was said anyone could cast from them even without a proper magical training. I have some nasty plans.

As long as the instructions you give them are specific and simple they should be able to manage it. So sure you can equip the rings on the eagles and make laser 'energy bolt throwing' eagles.

Just be aware that there are only two eagles and hundreds of crows, if you are not careful you could lose an eagle or two and one or both of your rings.

 

[Nevill]

If you give Berty the task and some time and resources he might also be able to create something to use against the crows but it is doubtful he could do too much in the next couple of hours.

The question is more of a long-term one... assuming we need to think long-term after deciding to go to the fallen fort, that is.

I am well-aware that we don't have AoE, which is why I wanted to know what would be the quickest way to do something about it. Freezing Wind looks like the best spell we currently have available, but it isn't good enough. We'll have to invest some time in the research when we get back to the capital - the birds are becoming a problem when every adversary brings hundreds with them.

 

[Jester]

Berty didnt warm up to Derryth? Expected him to fall for her insane planing skills.

Derryth still is not too sure about Berty. He seems nice and he has saved her life but he is also a bit unhinged.

Other way round. Why he didnt warm up to her?

 

[archaen]

Berty didnt warm up to Derryth? Expected him to fall for her insane planing skills.

Derryth still is not too sure about Berty. He seems nice and he has saved her life but he is also a bit unhinged.

Other way round. Why he didnt warm up to her?

We haven't got him to reveal his tragic back story and Shepardized him with our teenage-angst-level psycho babble. Wait, this isn't ME3...

 

[Nevill]

Fangshi, I am curious - had we gone with a general Ai statement in the previous choice, what would have been the plan? Putting aside how well it would have worked, what would the characters come up with? I remember a mention of faking Nanshe's death, but I don't know if it was a part of the plan or not.

 

[Fangshi]

Other way round. Why he didnt warm up to her?

He likes her but he does not trust her and he is not as straight forward as someone like Myora who is only concerned with Derryth's competency. He could very well become quite a good friend without ever stepping out of the neutral category, it is just his way.

He has also known you for less than a month and even though he works for you he does not consider himself your subordinate. So those are also likely factors.

Fangshi, I am curious - had we gone with a general Ai statement in the previous choice, what would have been the plan? Putting aside how well it would have worked, what would the characters come up with? I remember a mention of faking Nanshe's death, but I don't know if it was a part of the plan or not.

There would have been a couple differences off the top of my head:

1. You would have faked her death as it would have cost you fewer Energon cubes but it might have led to complications if she ever turned up in a public role.

2. You would not have used the gloves/necklace to communicate so the rolls she would have had to make would have been more difficult. If she could not figure out how to block the signal herself then she would not have robbed you and instead would have waited for your instructions.

3. There would not have been the stipulation about heading southeast with the loot. Though it did not matter in the end as she was attacked and deviated from your plan anyway.

4. ????? - can't tell you yet.

5. ????? - also can't tell you yet.

There might be a couple other points of difference but I would not worry about it too much. You are still in a rather dangerous position so I would focus on what you are going to do if the fort has fallen.


The vote will close in twenty four hours or so.

Spoiler

Grimgravy: A,C,A,A,A,abstain
Kz3r0: A,C,A,C,A,BB
Nevill: A,C,A,C,A,A(Greater Energy Bolt)B
Jester: C,C,A,B,x,xx
archaen: A,C,A,C,A,xx

1. Where to go:
A) 4 votes
B)
C) 1 vote
D)
E)

2. Wealth:
A)
B)
C) 5 votes

3. Skulls:
A) 5 votes
B)
C)

4. Watcher's Stone
A) 2 votes
B) 1 vote
C) 2 votes

5. Eagle Message
A) 3 votes
B)
C)
D)

6. Rings: (2 out of 4 votes, 1 abstain)
Derryth's Ring:
A) 1 vote (1 vote Greater Energy Bolt)
B) 1 vote
Thaïs' Ring:
A)
B) 2 votes

 

[Nevill]

There might be a couple other points of difference but I would not worry about it too much. You are still in a rather dangerous position so I would focus on what you are going to do if the fort has fallen.

I don't suppose we can use our superior mobility to run past the enemies?

Anyone wants to consider changing the spells on the rings? If we are going to engage the Watcher's Creature, we'll need some way to attack it.

 

[Fangshi]

I don't suppose we can use our superior mobility to run past the enemies?

Sure, if you leave the loot and all your infantry behind you and your escort should be able to escape in the carriage/chariots.

Did you want me to add it as an option?

 

[Nevill]

Did you want me to add it as an option?

Not before we take a look at what is happening there. I suppose we could always flee with a tail between our legs if things get hairy.

I can't see Derryth leaving the infantry unless she suffers a bitter defeat and has no other options. These are our soldiers. They are both our assets and charges.

The girl just does not know how to let go, whether it is treasure, or people.

Then again, depending on what kind of army awaits us there, even the infantry might be able to outrun them.

 

[archaen]

For the crows the dwarves already have all the resources to make flak cannons. Just a fused mortar with shrapnel attached would get the job done. We need to wake Melete and let her loose on it.