Yes, assuming we are near enough. My telepathic ability is a physiological remnant of my original Pseudodragon form. I may need to look into a version of of the HexStone for my own purposes.
"Sounds like we'll need at least one regardless. Does the council approve the withdrawal of the funds required from the treasury?"
I vote yes.
"I'm not actually on the council yet, am I?"
"How much would it cost to add in Sir John and Myself?" Jiator asks.
"How much would it cost to add in Sir John and Myself?" Jiator asks.
Meredian jots down some calculations.
"Hummm. 105,000 just for the raw materials . The more you add it gets exponentially more expensive. "
Meredian adds,
" Though it's not like we don't have the resources for it. It'll take quite some time to craft though. Approximately 200 days. "
Meredian thinks to herself "Though if I were truly immortal I could change the flow of my time in my demiplane and accomplish it in half the relative time. Alas, I have not reached that yet. But that does give me a brilliant idea. I suppose I could create a construct whose sole purpose is to apply the Salve of Second Changes should I die. Then again who knows what wretched thing I could come back as. I'd hate to have to live even a moment as a troglodyte or gnome. *mental shrug* though I suppose it would be temporary and it's better than dying. "
Meredian visibly breaks her internal reverie and returns to the conversation.
"Speaking of which, is any portion of the spoils earmarked for each of our personal use or must we vote on every expenditure? "
"Maybe you could tone down the network. Have just a few key connections and assume we don't split up 100%. For example, one of John or Jiator to have a connection back here, one to Drisquar and to me, seeing we scout alone a lot, and then one to Meri or Anaxian or Inu... Iny.. Inubrix? Did I get that right, because they're often with the group. Total of four, and it's not perfect, but we get a decent range of connections. That hopefully our natural telepathies would extend. I think that'd do for the short term until my cohort finishes learning stuff."
"Maybe you could tone down the network. Have just a few key connections and assume we don't split up 100%. For example, one of John or Jiator to have a connection back here, one to Drisquar and to me, seeing we scout alone a lot, and then one to Meri or Anaxian or Inu... Iny.. Inubrix? Did I get that right, because they're often with the group. Total of four, and it's not perfect, but we get a decent range of connections. That hopefully our natural telepathies would extend. I think that'd do for the short term until my cohort finishes learning stuff."
"I can permanently connect two telepathic nodes effectively for free. If we wanted to have a group conversation it would be able of mentally reporting oneself. *brief pause for thought* Actually, In addition to the other connections I could connect us all to a single utterly loyal servant whose sole job is to relay messages. That would basically solve both issues and remove the need to create a rather expensive item.lets do that. "
"That sounds a lot like what my cohort is supposed to do, only they also double my speed and grant me extra fighting techniques!"
"That sounds a lot like what my cohort is supposed to do, only they also double my speed and grant me extra fighting techniques!"
"And when he can do that we will revisit the idea. " Meredian says unable to keep out the mild annoyance in her voice.
"I meant that in the sense of 'I don't really have any care about this person, and their meaning in life, I just abuse them to be able to communicate.' Not suggesting we should use them instead. Sorry Meri."
Meredian thinks a bit.
"Here is my proposal. I shall make a homunculus whose sole purpose is to relay our telepathic messages in our voices. It will cost 2550 in reagents to make. It'll be fragile, but that should be fine as intend to keep it locked away and safe. Then we'll telepathically link the council to it requiring 7 permanent telepathy. Then effectively we can all talk to one another as long as we're on the prime. "
"For an additional investment in reagents I can modify it to be worn and even increase it's durability. Also the wearer will benefit as though they are wearing a shield. Among other things. Then the telepathic link will carry to whatever plane the wearer is on."
"Total cost to make it heartier and wearable is approximately 50,000. Of course I can do more with it with additional investments, but I think that covers the basics."
"Which brings me to another point. Please review this catalog i've put together for all of you."
Meredian waves to a servant who proceeds to place a small folio in front of each council member.
"This is a basic explanation of the various constructs I can make. If you feel any are particularly useful for the city we can discuss the possibility of my making them for city use."
Illia-'s eyes look very daunted by the list, as she slowly slips it off the table and into her lap, and presumably out of sight forever.
Anaxian perused Meredian's catalogue.
"I find Rune Guardians to be extremely useful for purposes of civic maintenance. There are a great many low-power spells that can be used for beautification and construction."
"Homunculi are likewise very useful for such things. Beyond those, I find constructs that are worth their associated costs to be rare."
"I do find the Angel Guardian's ability to negate ranged attacks regardless of the respective power of the attack to the Guardian funny, but one good spell and you could wipe a dozen of them from the field."
Anaxian perused Meredian's catalogue.
"I find Rune Guardians to be extremely useful for purposes of civic maintenance. There are a great many low-power spells that can be used for beautification and construction."
"Homunculi are likewise very useful for such things. Beyond those, I find constructs that are worth their associated costs to be rare."
"Generally speaking I agree. There are some corner cases though. Namely very big and powerful or cheap and plentiful. The middle ground leaves something to be desired. "
"Anyway. The constructs are just food for thought. "
"Next order of business. Council members. Given their unique views and general usefulness i'd like to propose adding Illia and Inubrix to the council. As they're permanently setting up shop and contributing to the wealth and prestige of Escarra its's only fitting that they have a voice in it's running. "
"I think I've got enough voice. I mean, I've talked a lot."
"Who exactly is on this council, officially? I am unsure if Illia and I are, as we are not immortal, and is that not one of the main qualifications in order to have a seat on the Council of Colors?"
"You bring up a valid point. I think the council should be determined by strength and not simply age. Also, I'm not entirely sure who is considered on the council, which is why i've been vague about using the term. "
"I move to make the council seats official. If you can keep your position then you can have it. If you're too weak to do so then you deserve to lose it. Of course we'll need certain agreements in place, but overall the strongest will emerge victorious."
"In no particular order nominate myself, naturally, for a seat. Also, Illia, Drisquar, Jiator, Inubrix, and Anaxian. To be perfectly clear, Anaxian only gets one vote regardless of number of bodies. "
"Does anyone thing anyone else should be added to the council? "
"Um, Merri, pretty sure the Council of Colors already has the whole council thing going, and it's official. They've just been oddly silent while we jabber on."
"Um, Merri, pretty sure the Council of Colors already has the whole council thing going, and it's official. They've just been oddly silent while we jabber on."
Though Sir John and Jiator occasionally chime in on the conversation, the Red Queen is mostly silent; until, eventually, she answers a few of the party's proposals.
"We cannot simply open the council to those with 'the power to take it.' I set out, all those millennia ago, to create a city that could endure. Which means that leadership must remain restricted to those of talent, not power; and that we must have a council of rulers who have demonstrated their mastery over death, and eagerness to return should they be unexpectedly shoved into the afterlife."
"But that said—there is a power vacuum stretching across the entire continent to the north. Ending Shaorhaz and his legions was a work of exceptional craftsmanship and intelligence; there are crusader orders that will refer to it as the "Miracle of Greengrave" for centuries to come, though I suspect in the retelling, certain priests will maintain that Iomedae herself opened up a holy volcano under the demon's keep. Restoring what we have of this city is a great service indeed; and most of you have shown a certain resilience to dying."
"So, with that in mind: I, and the other elder members will follow me on this, am offering membership in this city—or perhaps this nation's—governing council to every member of your group. In Meredian's case, our priestess would remain a provisional councilor, with the full title contingent on solving her mortality problem, though Diamanda has a great deal of knowledge on Drow physiology and assures me there are several quick and painless ways to accomplish this."
"As decisions of the council, including admitting new members, have historically been decided by simple majority vote, this would give your group—I suppose I can no longer call you mercenary agents—control of our decisions from here on forward. I believe you are ready for such a responsibility, and hope that you do not choose to ruin what we rebuild here."
Meredian raises an eyebrow as she believes she's already achieved immortality, but she supposes Crimson may have a point.
"Cool! Say, I've forgotten, was I gated here or summoned or whatsit? I don't remember whether if I get killed I'll be dead, or if I'll just be back in hell."
Stability check(DC 26, can only fail on a 1) , add +1 BP to treasury, BP=61+25 skymetal.
Magic item chance(51-100): , so we get 2 minor items.
Type(1d100): Belt, Eyes.
Actual items: Heavyload Belt
Claim the forest hex right above the water hex with the fish in it, BP=60.
Terrain improvements: Sawmill, canal(can't seem to figure out how much a canal would cost. Its double a road, and it seems like you can build one on a plain. So 2? Maybe? If that's the case 5 total BP.)
Build: Reactor(free), noble villa(free, for one of the original Councilors. If they don't want it, perhaps a cohort or other special character), alchemist(18BP, down to 42)
Collect taxes: divided by 3= 21.
Total BP=58(not counting skymetals, or any other special increase/bonus)
Meredian will request a private conversation with Crimson.
Meredian sends an invitation to Chrimson for tea at a specific time at Meredians Mansion. Presumably Crimson accepts.
At the appointed time Meredian has a selection of tea and snacks that would make a king weep with envy, even though Meridian know full well that it's unlikely Crimson will touch any of it. Basically it's a show of respect.
After some initial pleasantries and social niceties Meredian brings up the purpose of this meeting
"Resptctfully, You said something the other day that isn't entirely correct. Though not technically immortal my ...unique situation prevents me from aging. However, it's hardly a foolproof plan for immortality. I think I'd like to consider lichdom. I was hoping you may be able to shed some light on the specifics involved as welll as best practices you've learned over time.
I have some ideas I'd like to incorporate, but first I think I should master the basics. Would you be willing to share with me any sources of information that'll aid my transformation, should I decide to complete it? "
Anaxian was quiet as well. He had a... unique view of immortality. Ultimately, he had joined the Red Queen for the promise of treasure, a safe place to continue his work, and the opportunity to eventually find and subsume Hiesnar the Dracolich.
Hiesnar had been something of an inspiration to Anaxian so long ago, but there was nothing about Anaxian's nature that would lend him to respect Hiesnar. Years ago when he was alive and a lowly familiar, he coveted the great Dracolich's power. Now though, with a great deal more experience and a multitude of perspectives under his belt, Anaxian could see that Heisnar was a limited and short-sighted creature. A prototype at best. Something to be dismantled and incorporated into a newer, better design.
"I would have Hiesnar's former position." his multi-echoed telepathic voice said quietly.
Month 4, Week 2
In the week after Diamanda's return, the council sets to work claiming new lands outside the city, and building new underground mushroom farms. Being trapped in a torture prison for a century has taken its toll on the millenarian druid, but after a bit of magical intervention from the city's other magical experts, the fleshwarp holds, and by the end of the the week the first experimental mushroom grove is already five feet high, mycelia rigid enough to use as an ersatz lumber supply, while the few Drow with farming expertise set to work on seeding moss for lizard pastures.
Month 4, Week 3
After a week of ignoring the screaming pleas of the fungal nuisances, one of Illia-'s harpies brings her an unusual Vegepygmy corpse. The dangling arm of a torn-up torso clutches a two-foot-long strip of woven bark cloth in its rigor mortis, onto which the words "PEES WEE SURENDR" have been splashed with what appears to be berry juice.
Month 4, Week 4
In the fourth week, word reaches one of Drisquar's spies in Osirion about a circulating rumor that, somewhere deep under Garund, someone has successfully constructed a piece of ancient Numerian technology. The rumors are light on information, and whispered in an awed tone, but it seems the existence of Inubrix's new geothermal reactor may not be a complete secret.
Near the end of the fourth month, an astral projection of a richly-clad Drow appears in Escarra's city hall, immediately requesting a meeting with the ruling council.
"Huh, maybe we can get a little more formal about the slaughter of the Vegepygmys, farm them and then release them into cordoned off parts of the forest for hunts. Maybe an arena where they can try to fight a harpy. Maybe a lottery so they get some hope they won't die. We wouldn't want to run out."
week 3
To all via telepathic bond
"Apparently the mushroom creatures have surrendered. I imagine they'll do well in the fields cultivating our food supply. Per Illias suggestion we should keep
Some 'wild' ones to procreate and use as game for the harpies. Unless anyone else has any ideas.
Week 4
Meredian instructs the servants to show the visitor every courtesy and insure him that a council representative will meet with him at earliest convenience.
Via telepathic bond to all pcs and relevant npcs
"We have a visitor. We need to make him wait for a bit lest he believe that we serve at his behest. I'll meet with him in a few hours and inform him that the council will see to adding him to the agenda for tomorrow's meeting. This is a game of power. Please do not contact him prior to tomorrow. I'll keep you all updated telepathicly.
For about three hours the visitor is shown to a comfortable salon and shown every courtesy by the servants as instructed. After that time a servant announces Meredians entrance.
Servant: "Dutchess Adriantic"
Meredian enters the salon adorned in an extremely flattering and opulent gown. A wooden humanoid approximating a halfling follows behind carrying a small box.
She crosses the room and stares at the man. She says nothing. Her expression is stern, but she motions for the visitor to speak. The implication of her body language is that she requires an explanation for the rude and unannounced interruption.
"Is there a particular reason we're slaughtering the Vegepygmys? Seems to be rather wasteful." Dris asks, as he lazily floats by in cloud form.
"My harpies need something to keep them busy. And you don't want them hanging around the city unless you particularly like stench."
"You can't find something useful for them to do? Or are they only good at killing helpless little plant people?"
"At first I thought I could train them into like, flying soldiers that could accompany me, but I am quickly finding that my rate of growth far outstrips my rate of teaching. They're becoming more obsolete with every passing week, as I become more and more capable of shredding entire armies. My latest training session shows I can shred about 30,000 square feet of army per minute. Still, they could be another force to help defend the city simply by weight of bodies, and I do find them entertaining to keep tabs on. So, unless you've particularly got something you want to do with the Vegepygmys that isn't compatible with what me and Meri were talking about, I'd like to keep them."
"I have no idea what you just said. Shredding 30,000 square feet of armies per minute? That doesn't even kind of make sense. As for training/teaching, have you thought about choosing one(or a few) of the more competent harpies, and training that one(them) to be the teacher(s) for the rest?
I say turn the Vegepygmys into a work force. We just build a new sawmill, and I plan on creating a few farms soon. They would make great workers, and could then actually be useful."
"Oh, I thought it did. My bad. Anyway, I don't see how that's non-compatibible... compartable.. Darn it, I just said it a minute ago, um... I don't see why that wouldn't work with what I said. When I said to farm them, I don't see why we could have them farming as part of the farming."
"Say what you mean then. All you talked about was needlessly, and wastefully killing them, in various different ways. Farming them and releasing them into a specific area, having a lottery or an arena, right?
Honestly, I see no reason to cull them whatsoever. If your harpies need victims, why don't we find them better targets? Places they can raid, caravans they can hit, etc."
Week 4
"I believe we're all in agreement about the Vegepemes being used in an agrarian capacity. Plus they can double as shock troop slaves should the need arise. "
"Illia, if the harpies are more trouble than they're worth please simply dispose of them. However, flying troops are valuable. Perhaps we should simply corner off an area for them and keep them in reserve."
"Unless anyone has any objections lets make that decree official. We'll build a sawmill and have the Vegepenes be the primary workforce."
Week 4
Meredian instructs the servants to show the visitor every courtesy and insure him that a council representative will meet with him at earliest convenience.
Via telepathic bond to all pcs and relevant npcs
"We have a visitor. We need to make him wait for a bit lest he believe that we serve at his behest. I'll meet with him in a few hours and inform him that the council will see to adding him to the agenda for tomorrow's meeting. This is a game of power. Please do not contact him prior to tomorrow. I'll keep you all updated telepathicly.
For about three hours the visitor is shown to a comfortable salon and shown every courtesy by the servants as instructed. After that time a servant announces Meredians entrance.
Servant: "Dutchess Adriantic"
Meredian enters the salon adorned in an extremely flattering and opulent gown. A wooden humanoid approximating a halfling follows behind carrying a small box.
She crosses the room and stares at the man. She says nothing. Her expression is stern, but she motions for the visitor to speak. The implication of her body language is that she requires an explanation for the rude and unannounced interruption.
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
I wish to know the rituals and what it requires. I'll see if I can leverage what I currently have in order to attain the requisite materials.
"You know, I may not be the smartest person here, but you don't have to say things in a way that makes me feel even less smartypants. Anaxian's the smartest among us, and he doesn't have to make me feel bad to correct my errors. More and more, I'm getting to the point where I don't like you, Drisquar." Illia- crossed her arms and her body language was in general angry. Which wasn't all that terribly frequent for Illia-. It would not take a sense motive check to sense this hostility was more than simply losing an argument.
"Regardless of that, however, you're right, I'll move my harpies out of the way. Do what you want."
"You know we're evil, right Illia? That means we're not always nice people. In fact, I'm pretty sure Anaxian lacks a good bone, in all his various bodies."