High Rollers DnD - High Rollers: Aerois #114 | Gods and Queens (Part 1)

Episode Date: June 7, 2021

Back in Aerois with new and old friends! The Stormchasers must now listen to Valla to understand the Valkyrian threat! Grab your newest friend, Hug-Me-Quill, from https://freshmerch.fm/collections/high-rollers! Releasing at 4pm BST on Sunday 13th June! Limited supply, set your alarms! We're sponsored by D&D Beyond! The ultimate Dungeons and Dragons toolset. Clean up your dungeon delving life and speed up your games here: http://bit.ly/HRDNDBeyond2021 Support the High Rollers and get early access to podcast episodes (and more) on our Patreon: www.patreon.com/HighRollers Music courtesy of Epidemic Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Hug Me Quill Plus from an online store near you. Available at A-Plum's Toy Barn and Fresh Mush. Hello, welcome back to High Rollers, a Dungeons & Dragons podcast in the world of Erois. We're sponsored by D&D Beyond, the ultimate online D&D toolset for both players and DMs. Make your dungeon delving life a million times easier with D&D Beyond using the link in the episode description. Welcome back to Erois. Last time, our heroes, the officers of the Storm Chaser, had travelled into astral space and snuck aboard the flagship of the planar emperor Kallus Valkyrian in order to rescue a young girl called Valar. Valar traveled with the party and saved their life, but in doing so, revealed her connection to Kallus and the star goddess Siaska. Aboard the Tassadar, the party attempted to rescue Valar with subterfuge, but a last-minute change caused their celestial allies to back out,

leaving the crew with fewer options. Splitting up, one group attempted to access the Eterna at the heart of the ship in order to secure their aid. Meanwhile, the other group traveled ethereally and found Valor on the ship's bridge under heavy guard. The sudden arrival of Zarkira and the chief engineer recognizing half the party caused them to leap into action as two intense and deadly battles erupted across the Tassadar, with young Valor using her blossoming magic to reunite the parties together at the last moment. Having convinced the Eterna Tassadar and Valor's protector Maximilian to join them, the party were about to escape when Zarkira herself arrived with two simulacrums. As Lucius attempted to fend them off, his own magic shut down by the simulacrum, the real Zarkira

counterspelled their escape spell. But a lucky counter-counterspell from Valor saved the day, and the group returned to Erois. Now, all reunited, the party have a chance to learn more and plan their next steps and that my friends is where we begin uh now you i believe tom we will just check in when you use the way finders guide which is your kind of magical tome your magical book uh gifted to you as a last sort of gift from the god hespa before they died okay okay yeah you activate the button to transport you all to horizon am i correct horizon yeah and on horizon the location is set as your kind of quarters isn't it in the citadel of rebirth the the main citadel it's like your personal quarters there yeah okay so when you arrive there is this you all feel that sudden sensation of being sort of pulled yanked along the kind of multi-colored um uh cylinder around you

transporting you back to this place the way finders guide functioning in this manner when you arrive there is a moment where everything sort of settles for a moment. There is a brief moment of silence as everybody looks around. Accompanying you are the allies that you took with you. Moonstar, Lucius' sister Rodea, Ranna, who is a

Daever Celestial that you would accompany with you. And now, along with three, well, technically two other figures, one, Maximilian Taldros, a tall, sort of six and a half feet tall, kind of gray-skinned, bright red head knightly figure. Valar, who is a young girl,

although this is something that I didn't mention last time. Now that you kind of don't have the panic of the rescuing valor valor does look maybe a little older than you remember her to be um when you met her she was like 14 15 now to look at her she almost would look 16 to 17 maybe even a little bit older like it's a dramatic change um but it hasn't been that long it hasn't been that long. It hasn't been that long, no. The last thing is Nova is currently carrying a black staff, which is embedded with these kind of blue gemstones and power lines that run down this black crystalline staff.

Once everything is settled and, you know, you have this kind of clear moment of realization, Maximilian still has his sword drawn and is looking around uncertainly at everything that's transpired. You can see a kind of twisted mix of emotions across his face. The staff Nova, you feel it trying to pull it.

Well, it pulls itself free of your hands unless you want to try and, you know, physically keep a grip of it. It almost tries to pull itself away from you. It sort of just hovers in the air a few feet away uh valour uh will just hold her hands up and just say my friends before you say anything before you do anything you need to be aware of something lucius nova my father has been tracking you you

need we need to make sure that he cannot scry on you. He's been scrying on you all this time. Don't say where we are or anything that you feel that he shouldn't know. Just in case. Us two specifically? Yes. It's because you both carry things. He has things of yours that connect you to him. The dagger that you gave me, Lucius, all that time ago,

he took it and he's been using it as a focus for the scrying. And Nova, Tiangong, your connection, the shards, they connect you in the same way. Do any of you know a way to stop scrying? Or any sort of effect? I should

do. I thought it was Magic Circle, but I don't think it is. It's not. Which one am I looking for? Where is it? Where is it? I can't remember which one it is.

I can't remember. There's a couple of spells that can do it, but I don't know if you would have any of them prepared. What if I Arcana checked or something? I don't know if you would have any of them prepared. What if I Arcana checked or something? I don't know. Sure, yeah, if you want to roll an Arcana check, Nova can probably do the same as well. Lucius, like anybody who's got innate magic.

25. I reckon I could nail that Arcana check. Yeah, sure. I think I know a lot about it. Lucius is overwhelmed right now. I rolled a 17 plus 7. 24. Lucius is overwhelmed right now. I rolled a 17 plus 7. Yeah, Lucius is a bit overwhelmed, and also scrying is not really Lucius's forte in magic.

But Nova and Quill, there are definitely spells that help protect you from this. The easiest one is a spell called Non-Detection, which basically means that a target can't be scryed upon or divination magic can't be used against it. There is also the Tiny Hut, Mordenkainen's of mansion things like that that basically take you to these kind of spaces that are protected against scrying um okay okay i can't do either of the things that would help us right now um you see in in the messenger ring, not out loud?

I can ask Danica if she can find someone here. They did it for our room before, when the meeting was happening. I won't say out loud. That's a good idea, messenger ring. You don't have a messenger ring, do you, Quill? I didn't hear... What did you just... What? hear what did you just what i will probably i will probably like tap the the ring while saying it and then quill will at least know that i'm saying something there if someone gives me a scrap of paper i can write it down for him just like chicken scratch danica's probably spelled wrong

i mean i can also cast message as a thing like if i know that she's speaking in that then i'll just say hey what'd you say in message uh sure and then we can ask someone at horizon danica they did it to our room before for the meeting one of them should be able to you see the black staff uh shimmers for a moment and the spectral this kind of blue sort of spectral see-through figure kind of emerges around it of this bald-headed um elven to an extent but with very strange dimensions like limbs a little bit too long fingers a bit too long uh figure this kind of emerges um and tacitar the eterna the the kind of humanoid shape that the the item item can take on,

appears and just sort of looks around. Well, you should be aware that there are no scrying orbs currently present. You are safe for the time being. I would be able to see them if they were here. He's got a weird face. He's like buying both of his lips. He's almost flush red. He's just staring at Valor, just gripping his clothes and rocking back and forth.

Like he's about to explode. He's waiting for the okay. Okay, no scrying odds in here just yet. Just to check, is it Sentry? Is there anything from Sentry yet? I think Sentry would just make her way over to the door just stand as protective at the door while all this is going on just in case you never know sure all right lucius lucius springs towards valor and embrace the pixar up if he can

so when you spring towards valor maximilian immediately Maximilian immediately has his blade out and he moves to step in front of you. But when he sees Valor kind of step into the embrace as well, he kind of hesitates. But you see that reflex, that protector's instinct of like, oh, somebody's going for him. I'm dead. Yeah, I mean, there's a moment where he could have swung,

but I think when Valor kind of reaches up and she just wraps her arms around Lucius as well, there is this, he kind of almost seems to withdraw and shrink down as if unsure now what to do. He seems very out of sorts in this situation. Valor just sort of like rests her head against your chest. Lucius, it's so good to see you. I can't believe it. I can't. It's been so long. It's good to see you again, Valor.

We finally have you back. Well, let's not be too hasty. No, you're back. This is it. You're back now. I'm back. I'm back. Thank you, all of you, so much. I know I asked for this a long time ago, and I know that it must have been such an awful thing,

a great risk to come after me, and I can't promise you that this will this will not this will lead to consequences my father will not let this

he will not let this go we understood the risks I'll let Valet go step back with the others she kind of like lingers she kind of holds your hand maybe as you kind of let go she keeps a grip on your hand or something

she looks around Tassadar you can keep an eye out for scrying, yes? Yes, I'm also capable of protecting an individual from such matters for a few hours at least.

One person? I could cast the spell multiple times. Magic is familiar. I'm familiar enough with magic. I could cast it up to four times. Not that I would necessarily need to if there are only two subjects. Well, in that case, that would...

For how long would this last, this effect? The spell non-detection lasts approximately eight hours. It requires no concentration on my behalf. Normally an individual would require some sort of crystallized gemstone, but being an Eterna, I do not require such components. Well, that would make things very easy for us. It would. It would save you from looking around the room constantly, at least.

It would. Now, what about Maximilian and Vala? If we are protecting from scrying, surely Starbane has a very deep connection with, well, Vala, but also Maximilian. He could just scry on them, couldn't he? The Tassadar just says it is highly likely. I imagine that the Emperor's daughter, the princess,

due to the nature of her magic, it would be difficult to scry upon her. The knight, however, yes, is a suitable subject for such a spell. Okay. Three non-detections. Yes, I am capable of this. What about yourself, yourself tasadar would starbane's connection to the ship would would he be able to scry on you no scrying is uh scrying scrying upon object

objects is more difficult and the eternal nature is magical constructs rather than humanoid individuals makes it difficult for the spell to truly function in the same way. It is possible he could use a divination spell to locate my physical form, but it has far less of a range and no auditory or sensory elements to it. Great, great, great great great great uh in that case could we please have three non-detection now that you have requested my aid yes okay i misunderstood i believed you merely wanted information you actually request me to cast the spell uh information thank you for the information and thank you for also casting non-detection when you do.

Yes, this seems appropriate. In return, I demand that you provide me information as I require to decide upon my next steps. Absolutely. This is how trades work. You wish for something and I offer it. I would like something in return. This is a humanoid practice, yes?

Nova's the person to speak to. Nova, the symbiote with Tiangong, this is in agreeable terms. I'd be honoured to be the diplomat, I guess. Symbiote. Symbiote, negotiator, yes. Tassadar, this kind of shimmering form, will step up to

Lucius. Nova touches you and you feel like a kind of faint buzzing effect around you. Does the same to you, Nova. And then he approaches Max, who is just like, I do not... I'm not sure if I can center this. I may need the Emperor to find me

to return me and he just looks like he's backed himself up against a wall like away from all of you and you can see he's still really conflicted about everything Max if he comes to find you he's gonna kill you you're with us

I will surrender myself I will surrender myself. Just let us help. He looks at you, Aayla. He looks at Quill. He looks at Valor. And Valor just kind of says, please, Maximilian. Very well.

Let's Tassadar kind of touch him. He just sort of sits down on a nearby chair and just sort of looks glumly, not really sure what to do with himself. It's for Valor's safety too. That is the only reason I have agreed to any of this. My duty is still to protect the princess. I will not give you any information on the Empire

or on military matters. You can interrogate me, but I will not break. There will be no interrogations, Max. We stand here as well, I want to say friends, but at the very least allies. When you feel

ready to talk to anyone, you'll want to talk to Century. She knows exactly what you're going through right now. You say that, Keelak, but are you sure that whilst I may trust you and perhaps your companions here, can you really

say that the leaders of your world will not relish the thought of a military commander from their enemy, one who has military secrets and objectives? Do not make promises you cannot so idly keep you've helped us again

we also haven't told anyone that yet Max so all of us are the only ones who kind of know that you're here and who you are so eh it's all good we shall see we shall see we shall see

as for the rest of you eight hours the non-detection will last until then you will need to find another source of protecting yourself perhaps an individual who can cast these spells or a suitable location where you are protected against crying

okay we will look for that thank you Tassadar a suitable location where you are protected against scrying. Okay. We will look for that. Thank you, Tassadar. Yes. You are welcome. No problem. Okay.

Lucius is just swinging the held hand of Valor and just looking at Valor. There's no scrying on us. We can talk hopefully freely now as long as you don't spot anything, Tassadar. Valor, really quick. It's so good to have you back. Your language back there, though. I need you not to repeat that. You'll have to forgive me.

Oh, you're forgiving. It was great. Loved it. You'll have to forgive me. Oh, you're forgiving. It was great. I was going to say, but I'm not. It's how to describe this. I know it's not been that long since I last saw you, but as my powers have been growing, I've been getting older quicker. And not just physically, but mentally as well. It's strange i i feel in two three maybe four years older than i were when i last saw you all i've grown a lot so it's

well swearing and language it's not really that inappropriate for me anymore do you do you feel drinking now can we take our drinking night, let's not go things too quickly. There are other things to worry about. But see me... It's hard to describe, but I think that because of who I'm connected to, my powers, they seem to be tied in with with uh with space and time as i've gotten older it's it's like my body's trying to catch up to the the power that i've got in me it's like it wants me to

be ready to use it um it's a little hard to describe. Interesting. I'm sorry, I'm not... I know it might be strange that I'm not the little girl that I was when we first met, and I know that's probably odd for the rest of you, but to me, it feels so natural. I don't care. It's Valor. Valor's back. It's good to have you of whatever form. I don't care. It's Valor. Valor's back.

It's good to have you of whatever form. I don't care. Valor's allowed to swear now and Valor's back. You can say naughty words if you want. It's a win-win. Valor can make portals. Valor can make portals. That is a very good point. What

sort of powers have you actually developed? I don't think i've ever seen anything like that you know it's it's it's magic i i can certainly cast spells like like you can but i mean you saw that i i could counter that i countered zarkir's magic although i've never managed to i've never managed to to stop something that powerful before i think that maybe she was distracted or maybe lucius's attempt weakened the spell i think i don't think i could have done that normally but it's hard to describe um i the world the planes it's like i can see them in a different way i can bring points together i i can it's not like i really teleported us from the bridge.

It's more that I shrunk the space between the engineering and the bridge together to make it one space. Oh no. It was like you were tearing the air open. It was incredible. More like the fabric of the plane,

but not too dissimilar. Nova, you probably will understand it better than I even can, but it's just sort of a thing I can do. Nova's furiously writing notes. This sounds fascinating. If we have time, I must have you do an example so I can see what it looks like and take some readings. This is amazing!

I think I understand. I have a paper plate here and a pen. I fold the paper plate over. That's exactly it, yes. It's like bending the planes, the plate. And when you bend it, I can punch a hole between the two. Punch a hole right between the two, I understand. With a quill.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, that makes sense. I just know that she kind of saved our butts, because, yeah, if we were left down there any longer if honestly without all of you to to create that moment there's no way i would have gotten off of the tassadar even with these powers i'm still learning how to use it and well most of the forces there were familiar with what i could do they were waiting for it i think with you you managed to give me a distraction and and people to protect me while I was using it.

Quill and Sentry, while it takes me time to manifest this power, it's only because they were protecting me that I was able to do it. Otherwise, I would have been trapped too. Also, Maximilian bought us a lot of time as well. I know you probably don't want to speak to us right now or

necessarily know your place, Maximilian, but we do owe you that. Thank you. My place is with the princess. I swore an oath as a knight of Gideon to protect her. If she is here, then I must be here. I am concerned with the actions of some of the officers in the Empire. They were too eager. Many of them resent her highness

and the emperor currently. It is difficult. Maximilian, I don't know if you know, I don't know what conversations you had on the bridge, but Zarkira has betrayed the Emperor.

She has sided with Hadar, and we all fully believe that she was on the Tassadar to capture Vala, to take her. Zakhira is cunning and devious. I do not trust her,

but she has served the emperor for centuries. She has commanded his troops. Yes, we know even the emperor is aware that she does experimentations behind his back. She has her own agendas, but

to ally herself with an enemy that she has fought for centuries, I just can't believe that she would turn so easily. She would have had plenty of opportunity to do so before now. Why now? We may have a part in that. Quill, do you want to explain? Accidental part, didn't mean that.

Well, Zarkira attacked Gusthaven and in the process captured me. Imprisoned me on one of her ships. In the process, interrogated me with one of those mind things that get into your mind

and they looked into my mind and saw some visions that I had. Visions of Starbane throwing the world engine into Hadar and Hadar growing much more powerful than he ever has been before and devouring everything. Zarkiris saw that.

These visions, you can't know that they are... You cannot know that they are fully accurate. You cannot know for certain that these will come to pass. This must be just what the Titans here have believed to happen, surely.

You cannot have such a power. I mean, it hasn't been... It was enough for her. See, Max kind of, like, seems crestfallen. Also, it's happened a lot in the past. We got told about these visions

that Quill had, and then they did actually happen, so... Yeah. I had to, you know, become a bit of a lightning rod once that was sore that happened and he saw it way before yeah valor will kind of step forward um quill this this gift came from hesper yes uh yes surely hesper would be hesper can can tell us if these visions have a chance of failure. Well... Awkward.

Unfortunately not, Valor. Unfortunately not. In the process of rescuing me from Zarkira, Hesper used up all and the last of his power he's with siasca now this is that's grave news uh there's a lot that we need to discuss but i was hoping that hespa would hespa would be able to tell us what to do with there's much that we need to discuss um tassadar will also step forward i too am curious of these visions the only reason that i agreed to accompany you is because nova vegia confirmed uh and tiangong have confirmed symbiote nova vegia and and tiangong have both confirmed these visions to reveal this

indiscrepancy this this anomaly within my calculations. You say that you witnessed Calus using the world engine as a weapon against Hadar and it empowered them, yes? Yes. But Tiangong believes you to be accurate. There is one anomaly. Tiangong has changed.

My old friend, he looks at Nova. You are different to when we last met. This symbiosis with this humanoid, it has changed you. Once you were a creature of logic, of reason, of science,

now I sense there is much emotion. There is optimism. There is faith in something. He looks at Nova. Are you aware of Tiangong's true nature, Nova Vija? I know that Tiangong is part of the Eternal Triumvirate, the leader. I found the first shard in a shuttle crashed near Vordensar, and they spoke to me. And since then, yeah, I've been trying to reunite Tiangong.

Tiangong was divided into many pieces. Tiangong represents one of... Tiangong's abilities were in leadership, but also science and curiosity, learning, understanding. Tiangong believed themselves, if they were divided into multiple parts, this would make their function easier. This would allow them to process more information about Erois, about the Valkyrian Empire.

You have collected, I believe, five of these shards, if I'm not mistaken. Is that correct? Correct. Yes. Split into pieces separated from the rest of its component parts i believe that your relationship this understanding these trials and tribulations that you have endured have shaped tiangong the tiangong that you now carry is very different to the Tiangong that I remember.

The Tiangong that brokered the deal between Calus Valkyrian and the Eterna. Calus retains many of the pieces of Tiangong. In fact, Calus has reunited several of them. I believe that only one piece is still outstanding if you carry five. Only one piece is still outstanding if you carry five. The Tiangong that remains with Calus is more close to the original, though it too has changed. It has taken on more of Calus's personality traits,

his conviction, his dedication to accomplishing goals at any cost. I... This raises a question. I wouldn't want that to happen. You could not have possibly have known, of course. Besides, growth is a part of all life, even magical constructs. It is interesting. I believe Tiangon would find this revelation to be curious. Very fitting for them.

I am a being of law, of logic, of calculation. My question is this. Has your relationship with Tiangong shifted its opinion? Perhaps it tells me it believes in this Kelex's visions because you believe in their visions. I cannot be certain if this future that has both been foreseen is

accurate. It does raise a question. Tiangong... Tiangong has been witness to Quill's visions coming true. That is immutable. Furthermore to this, we've spoken to other powerful beings and divine sparks. Root Prime was one.

And Root Prime told us that it would take a divine spark to defeat Hadar, not the world engine. Hmm. Tassadar will look in Sentry's direction. Guardian, you carry the Prime Matrix. I'm familiar with the device. This is correct, yes? Yes.

The previous owner, to use such a crass term, of the Prime Matrix resides within you, yes? Correct, yes. May I speak with them? I will be able to communicate directly through your Prime Matrix. What would you wish to say? I wish to ask them if what Nova Vija says is true,

if they believe that only a divine spark can defeat Hadar truly, if they believe that the world engine has any possibility of destroying Hadar. Root Prime is not an irrefutable source of knowledge, but I believe that it is important to gather as many data points as possible so I can make my final calculations.

The process will not be painful or harmful. If it will help you make your decision, then you can speak to them. Thank you. Tassadar moves over to you. And it's weird. This is a figure who's moving and walking, but you know that in the middle of it is just this staff

that's just hovering in the air. And the figure steps over to you and places a hand on the Prime Matrix. but you know that in the middle of it is just this staff that's just hovering in the air and the figure steps over to you and places a hand on the prime matrix and you see there is a kind of connection like a spark of magic flows between the two uh the figure kind of shimmers for you know a few seconds and then it pulls its hand back it appears that rule prime does indeed believe this to be the case that the world engine will not suffice. This raises many interesting data points. Many interesting data points. You understand, of course, that your odds of surviving any sort of attack

against the Valkyrian Empire are extremely small. Even with this limited position, even if his vast armies, even if Zarkira were to turn against Calus Valkyrian, he still yields an incredible power and fleet, which is capable of, more than capable of, overwhelming the planet of Eros. And you still intend to fight against him,

even knowing that these odds, that the odds are against you? Any chance of fighting, no matter how small, is always worth fighting for. An illogical conclusion, but I have come to understand that humanoids do not firmly base their decisions upon logic,

a fatal flaw in your being, I believe. I will consider this. I and the Eterna made an agreement long ago. Tiangong understands this. We gave our word to Calus Valkyrian. In exchange for saving our people, we would serve them. And we have done so. I have no intention of breaking my word to Calus Valkyrian.

He has done exactly what he promised, saving many of my people and aiding us. And I believe that once the threat of Hadar is gone, he would honor his agreement to find us a new home. Dara's gone, he would honour his agreement to find us a new home. However, this agreement does not forbid me assisting Herois either. The agreement is simply to offer my aid to the Valkyrian Empire. This does not mean that I am prevented from offering you information, or perhaps offering you assistance in dealing with some of these matters. Perhaps even, I believe it is more important now

that I present these facts to Callus himself, try and convince him to understand that his conviction may have repercussions. Do you think he'd listen to you, though? Do you think... It is unlikely. He's pretty sad, isn't though? Do you think... It is unlikely. He is. It is very unlikely. But this is all I can do.

Whether or not is the case, I will not break my word. That's great. Thank you. We'd appreciate all kinds of assistance that we can get and we know that our odds are very small indeed your odds are small indeed however the universe's odds become smaller with this knowledge that callus's uh callus's plan for dealing with zarkira are flawed. It is a terrible revelation. Still, it's not a matter.

Sentinel Prime, I believe, would be the appropriate designation now? That's correct. I see that you carry, you are bonded to one of our people. May I speak with them? You may, yes. Helios? You feel, yeah, Helios kindios at the mention of his name. Emerges the golden cape around your shoulders,

splitting apart and reforming into this large alien inhumanoid. On seeing, Tassadar immediately gets on knees. Tassadar, it is great to be in your presence once more. I'm afraid that it has been too long. Yes. You are accompanying these humanoids. Designation

Helios, I believe? That is correct. I have promised to serve them as a guardian. Excellent. Continue assisting them. If you find any more of our people upon Erois, make sure that they provide the same aid as well. I believe that Tiangon in their current state,

they're not quite suitable to lead our people. Therefore, assume that this is my judgment as a member of the Triumvirate. We are to offer assistance to the people of Erois as well. Do you have any important information for me and report on this matter? Yes, yes indeed, Tassadar.

The Valkyrian Empire, they have betrayed us. Many of their factions here on Aroas have drained our people. They have turned them into nightmarish creatures. I must stop you there, Helios. These factions, they are no longer part of the Valkyrian Empire, correct? They were disconnected from the Empire. They had no means of communication. They have no means of repowering our brethren. Is that correct? But they still serve the Valkyrian Empire. They still serve Kallus without Kallus's guidance, without Calus's interpretation.

It is tragic to hear the other Eterna, the ones who were not trapped here on Arois, have been treated as they were before. Well, we have found many ways to make sure that they are not to work together with Calus's Magitek to avoid the energy draining effect that plagued us for so long. with Kallus's Magitek to avoid the energy-draining effect that plagued us for so long. It is unfortunate that you have been abandoned on this planet for so long, trapped behind this

barrier. I wish only that we could have found you sooner. Perhaps aided you in some way. Tassadar, do you know what happened to the third member of the triumvirate?

yes, Aleha, yes she is, Aleha is well, she currently serves aboard a station around Gideon Prime that shares her name Aleha's station acts as a medical facility, an arbitorium and training facility for children of the Empire

she manages the she manages it quite well. Where I am responsible for fleet logistics and scientific endeavors, Aleha has always been more concerned with growth and protection, security, healing.

She provides such services to the Empire. If Tiangong was reformed was completed would that change your allegiance to starbane would you want to unite your people and find a corner of the universe to just tiangong being reformed does not change our agreement with callous valkyrian and in fact in overvija i do not believe it is even possible to formally return Tiangong to the version that they were. It would be like twins. Humanoids have twin offspring occasionally. Yes, you have two from one. You cannot combine them into one individual being anymore. They are the same, but separate.

I believe that this is what has occurred with Tiangong. You have your Tiangong, and Kallus has a Tiangong that has become his Tiangong. Two individuals may grow, they may be created

with enough magical energy, or with enough time, they would blossom into their own unique individual personalities, but they will never be the same Tiangong as once was. So you're saying I can't... If I was to find Starbane's version, I couldn't recombine them and restore Tiangong to what they were? No, I do not believe so. But this is no bad thing.

As I mentioned, this is growth. I believe that Tiangong would find the whole experience to be curious, an opportunity. It is rare for my people. The Eterna are, as is our name, we are eternal. We are beings of magic.

We do not reproduce. We do not change. We are the same as we are eternal we are beings of magic we do not reproduce we do not change we are the same as we are from the day that we were created by the divine energies that created the universe until the moment that our life force ends we never change we never adapt we are who we are. But Tiangong, this is unheard of. To form a symbiosis with two living beings and to develop into two unique versions of the same individual. Truly a marvel.

A miracle. Tiangong, how do you feel? Obviously, I thought I could complete you. I thought I could complete you. I thought I could put you back together and restore you, but I don't know what to do now. This calculation from Tassadar has been a revelation,

previously unknown. However, it is not unpleasant. My time with Nova Vida has been welcome. To adapt, to change, to become new. It is an experience no Eterna has had. Nova Vija has given us something new. But I...

My idea was to restore you and to let you go, to lead the Eterna again, but if the Eterna again. But if the Eterna still want to be in Legion with Starbane... Nova Vigia, if I may, do not think of it as an alliance, a military alliance. Eterna are... we are not humanoids. We do not think in your terms. We serve Calus because we made a deal,

because an agreement was reached. Calus saved us. You must understand this. I know that Calus Valkyrian is your enemy, is the enemy of Erois. Without Calus Valkyrian, there would be no Eterna. We would have been eradicated, consumed by Hadar, doomed to a fate that no living thing can truly understand, to be entirely obliterated. And so, we fulfill this bargain. And eventually, once Hadar's threat is no more, the Eterna will be released to explore the universe as we once were. Whether I lead them, whether Aleha leads them, or Tiangong leads them,

a new Eterna may be promoted in Tiangong's place, or perhaps the two new Tiangongs will lead us in harmony. Such a matter we cannot forget. We cannot... We cannot... Word. Predict? Prepare. Predict. Thank you uh words for me we cannot predict until that time comes but

as it is as it is uh tiangong then speaks to you nova vija progress does not always follow paths we expect. Experiments do not always go as we plan. To adapt, to understand, to grow, to change. This is the path of discovery. I, uh... Whoa! I need some time to think about this. Wow. Um...

I understand. I do, but it's just... I had one aim in mind, and now that's not it. And, oh, wow. Vala will kind of step up to you and sort of like, you know, kind of put her hands on your shoulders.

Nova, I think all of us have had, I think that this is a lot for a lot of us, and especially this with you. I know how important Tiangong was to you. This is all things that I don't think any of us could have understood. Is. I think we all need a bit of time and if we're safe

from scrying, we should use it I certainly need to get my bearings being back and understanding all of this about Hesper there's also things that all of you, and she looks around at all of you, there are also things I've learned about my father that I

want you to know, things i've learned about my father that i want you to know things that i feel you should understand um okay there's also this plans yes let's take this energy valor that's great um i like what you're doing right now and i want to know exactly down to the minute everything you've ever done since you left uh we'll get to that however let's continue this discrepancy this scrying let's go to danica um she is the leader here on horizon can continue yes i would like to formally ask for her asylum i suppose uh to be here i am worried that it will bring attention from my father but well it may help that if I'm here I don't think that he will use any destructive

means to attack Horizon. I don't think he would put me at risk in that way. But it does mean that Horizon may become a target for ground assaults or infiltrators. Well this target Valor can move. That's good to know. That's good.

Slowly but it can move. Very very slowly. It will good to know. Slowly, but it can move. Very, very slowly. It will prevent him from locating it, quickly at least. We should all take some time. I feel that this is all a bit much. And like I said,

I'd like to find out what everything's happened with you. I mean, Sentry, you look different. And Quill, you have two wings and an eye. Yes.

I made that. Not the eye, the wing I made the wing I want to catch up with all of you we should take a moment yes, absolutely we should also figure out, obviously there's people in this room that

well, shouldn't go outside or we should be very careful with who we bring into this room. Danica, obviously, we trust. If you are concerned with the scrying, my non-detection will protect the individuals, even if they leave this space. The protection is upon themselves, if that is your concern, Kilokad Kalar.

The concern is more in Maximilian. I'm naming names. Maximilian, you're wearing the armor you look very Valkyrian yes I will not be removing my armor see now that poses a problem we can't just have you go outside

walking horizon streets and not I will wear this armor proudly if I'm arrested or attacked and so be it, I earned this armor I will not remove it I agree even if the princess herself requests me wardrobe changes aside we can bring people here why don't I just nip out find you know Danica bring her here do a little bit of explaining and then we can see what the best course of action is. She's a good girl. She'll know what to do.

It was more a question of who do we bring in here. Obviously, Danica, Sky Prince Aradan, is probably not here, obviously, but people we trust. Arvel, we can bring. Arvel! Vala! Arvel!

Is it all right? I'm assuming he's okay by your reaction. He's here! He is gonna want to see you. It'd be good to see him. We have to bring him here. We have to bring him here. Once and at a time, Quill.

Let's get us associated and known by Danica. Make sure Valor is safe here. And then let's move from there first before all the reintroductions are made. Whilst you are going about these political endeavors, I am

going to use the next 24 hours to explore Roas. I believe I wish to see things, perhaps find some of the lost Eternus, see if I can rescue them. Good luck. I will return within a few hours. Have fun, I guess? It's okay.

Why do I feel like we can't stop you? Yeah, I don't think we can do anything. I do not believe it is even possible for you to stop me. Okay. But I respect your curiosity at the question. Symbiosis over.

Enjoy. I will. Yes not believe there is any threat on Aroas to myself are you a threat to Aroas oh heavens no I would not dream of attacking anyone here Tessadar I recognize that this is going to be a very big ask

but you mentioned that there is one final shard of Tiangong somewhere. If you can pinpoint it, if you can find it, please. Oh, yes, of course. I can do so now. The spectral figure kind of waves its hand and it conjures an illusion, a magical image of the world of Eros, like a globe. The shard is located, I know, a magical image of the world of a rois, like a globe. The Shard is located I believe in this region. It is difficult to prove. I cannot

find its exact coordinates, but Qian Gong and I have served millennia. We have been, we were created at the dawn of the universe. It would be rather silly if I could not feel their presence now that I am beyond this divine barrier

that has blocked my sight until now. It is located in a mountainous region near a large, prosperous city, I believe on this continent, and it's Suvona, and it's a series of mountains near Goldthrone. Oh, totally the place you want to go now. The first place Nova was going to um yeah i should warn you i should well not warn you but i should let you know that as i mentioned callus has discovered the other shards that were either

located here on aramis or elsewhere this will be the only shard that he does not possess even if you acquire this one nova v, you will have six to his remaining number. I understand. Don't suppose you want to go get it for us? For old time's sake?

Make a persuasion check. Wow. Get it. I rolled an 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. It ain't good. It ain't good. Even if I was so inclined

to do so, even as a, even in this form, I have no physicality. I can use magic, but physicality is difficult. I would have no way of bringing it back to you i can locate it can i can i roll for tiangong can tiangong no he doesn't have physicality it's fine um no you you made the roll the role was the role yeah i will return to this place this horizon yes

yes yeah very good now I shall investigate this planet. Let's see what all the fuss is about. The image returns, so it's just a black staff, and then the black staff just teleports away. It just... Tassadar is a whole energy. I know. It's a whole energy.

Just as a point, so you guys can understand it, Tassadar's power, like, you know, if we were, like, talking power levels here, Tassadar is basically on the same level as, like, an Archfey or a Titan. Like, that's, like, how big a deal they are. They're very old, very, very powerful, and just is like, yep, I can do what I want.

I mean, this is, like, the being that literally Nova has made a pact with, and she made a pact with a shard, a tiny piece, and it was able to give her all this magic and do all this cool stuff and this guy's like a fully functioning you know no injuries completely reformed version so

that'd be fine we can trust him I've just got this image of this black staff popping up at all the tourist locations in Eros and just like taking a selfie taking pictures popping up at all the tourist locations in Eros and just like taking a selfie like just like taking pictures kind of what he's doing

kind of what he's doing like holding up the tower of Giza Eros version looking around the room you still have you still have Valor Maximilian I think that

Edea and Rana kind of moved off to the side and just let all these big conversations npcs do that uh they're just like those guys are having a conversation you can see those two are kind of chatting to each other i think that being on a nearly you know near death dangerous mission together they're sort of trying to get to know each other a bit and be like oh so what do what do you do? I'm Lucius's sister. I make magic items. You know, oh, I'm an angel. Oh, very nice.

You know, it's that kind of conversation. And they kind of look back and say, if you would prefer to stay here, I can go and fetch Danica. This is Edea. And if I could go and fetch Danica, if prefer if you wish to stay and protect things and I look at Vala sister Lucius is this Vala? this is my sister, come in

and I grab Edea and pull her in please, unlike my brother I'm not particularly fond of physical interaction she offers a hand to Vala, Vala shakes her hand understandable you are very different to Lucius of physical interaction she offers a hand to Valor Valor shakes her hand understandable

you are very different to Lucius I couldn't the familiar resemblance is there in looks yes she's far smarter than me yes thank you brother

I yes I am to understand that my brother is very fond of you, and I believe I owe you his life a number of times, so thank you. Oh, you're going to get on great, I know it. Just treat Valor like a little sister. They both look at you, both of them raise eyebrows.

Well, I'm not that little anymore anymore thank you uh she does not look that little to me still i will go and fetch danica um and perhaps also let you have these conversations with and she looks at max certain individuals rana are you able to disguise your wings would you like to accompany me or would you prefer to stay here? Rana's just like, I'll hide the wings. I think that it's not best if I stay here. And she's looking at Max as well. I think it best if I leave this place as well.

Very well. Thank you, Rana. They'll head off. For everything that you assisted us with. Quill, you all saved me from that prison and i honestly i honestly thought that i would die up there on the tassadar and again quill saved my life so thank you i am i'm sorry that sorry the wings of Ishtar never came to take you back. I understand. Logically, I understand their decision.

But I don't think I can forgive them for it. Yeah, I intend to send a message. Let them know that we survived without their help. Let Zellian know. Let them know that we survived without their help. But their decision... Let Zellian... Let Zellian know... Tell Zellian to consider my resignation from the wings of Ishtar formal.

I'm a member of the Storm Chasers now. She knows. Oh, snap! Oh, we got an angel, though! Woo! Well, Rana, it's time you learned the salute. There's a salute. There's definitely a place for you on the the salute there's a salute there's definitely a place for you on the ship

there's a whole thing whole training regimen we're happy to have you aboard sure we'll go over that later Edea shall we go and then the two of them will head on out we have a ship hopefully that one doesn't crash

unlike the first one we were on. It almost did. Fun story. That was our Kira. But don't worry. Backup engine. Backup engine. Who knew? Best decision.

Remember the thing we were carrying around for ages? Yeah. I got really strong from that. Just lugging that everywhere. You don't look that strong, ages. Yeah. I got really strong from that. Just lugging that everywhere. You don't look that strong, Nova. Nope. She's totally lying. I've seen Trotz rolled a deception check,

so I'm waiting for him to tell me what it's for. I haven't rolled anything. Oh. That's weird. Came up on my screen and he rolled a deception check. That was Nova. Yeah, that was Nova. I gotcha. Very deceptive alright Sentry

anything you want to do obviously it's been pretty hectic I just want to make sure that you've got an opportunity if there's anything you want to do I think Sentry's looking kind of he's what's the word for it reflective because last time

Sentry and Valor met, Sentry was dead. So... She's just... That was so blunt, I'm sorry. I mean... So to her, it feels like an entire lifetime has just gone by.

Also, you became Sentinelinel prime since then right you now have all this wisdom and all of this like responsibility that you didn't have before which is absolutely yeah it's gonna weigh on your mind and stuff so yeah it's a lot of stuff you've got to think about sure okay um anything else anybody anybody got anything in particular they want to talk about or say or should we just kind of cut to Danica arriving or yeah this is really you guys opportunity to ask questions and you know do anything you guys want to do so you gave me that freedom

mark I just be just Lucius Valor gushing that's all it would be so I think we should just give the room to someone else it makes sense that like Lucius is like maybe telling Valor about everything that's happened and asking anything that's happened with her and stuff excited chat about way too much information and just listening intently like a dog to everything that valor is saying in return

sure anybody else yeah just pretty much sharing the entire story since uh since episode 26 sure which is what he calls it he calls it episode 26 it's weird you know not to role play not to role play the whole conversation out but a lot of it valor seems to know it seems that like where starbane has been scrying on you valor has been basically trying to find out what's been going on and so she knows about certain things right um she knows a little bit about like the valley of the storms she would know a little bit about um uh some of the stuff in astral space that you guys did and stuff like that like there are little things that like she does is like yep i heard about that or you know she kind of makes it clear that she you know

starbain knows about that so she kind of found out about it that's why she's acting the way she is like it almost seems like she knew. If he's been watching all this time, then can he make himself known in chat, please? Jeez. Fucking lurker. So, yeah. So, we kind of get all these conversations.

Max stays pretty silent throughout all of it. He does kind of, like, he listens to everything that you kind of tell him and everything else he listens in quite heavily um he i think if you guys want to make insight checks um i'll give you a bit of a bigger read but to most of you he just appears to be listening intently but if you want to make insight checks to kind of read his his body language a bit more 18 okay well yeah 18 from me was plus 11, so not an amazing roll, but still 18. I rolled a 2.

Max isn't exactly... I don't think he's trying to hide this. Okay, so if 18's our highest, anybody else rolling, or is just going to leave it to Will? I rolled less than that, so... I rolled bad. I think Nova's too thinking about

all the Tiangong Tassadar stuff so wouldn't usually look in yeah so I think that as part of the quill you're kind of keeping an eye on Max there is a hint of not necessarily jealousy but like admiration

kind of mixed in with longing in the way that Valor kind of speaks to you all and this camaraderie that you all have. You get this sense that he's kind of amazed by it, but also it makes him feel very sad at the same time.

He doesn't have it. Something that Valor never gives to him. Well, maybe not even Valor specifically. Starving. I mean, this is almost like he's never had a group of companions like this before like you know there's that element to it as well so maxi waxy want to huggy woggy oh huggy woggy maxi wax good luck trying that he's so flawed and he's so hot

it's definitely kim's new crush to speed things up a little bit danica stops by um she comes with armed guards stops by yeah so you got bad i see ya yeah i think that the the resolution of that conversation because i don't think it needs to be fully role played out because danica is pretty So you got a ball to see you. Yeah, I think that the resolution of that conversation, because I don't think it needs to be fully role-played out because Danica is pretty pragmatic and pretty clever and she knows that you guys were going to go and do this. The only real tension is what to do with Maximilian, right? Danica wants him arrested

and they want to get information out of him. Like, that's what they want to do if you guys don't want that to happen i'm gonna need to see some skill checks or something to to prevent that because danica's like listen we'll we'll protect valor because we get the value there but this guy is a soldier of the enemy he he isn't you you know... No. I am 100% standing in the way of that. Sure. Are you just verbally or physically like, if you take him, I will fight you?

Physically, I mean, I'm not going to fight. I mean, like, I'm just like, he is staying with us. He has made his point. He's proven like he is staying with us he has made his point he's proven who he is he belongs to the storm chasers now he is with us protector of valor and standing against Starbane make a persuasion check

I think I'd add to this Lucius would okay well in that case either Lucius or Quill can make the role and have advantage because you're helping each other out. I think Aayla would probably stand behind Quill and in front of Max as well. What I would say though to Danica to make it reasonable

is he would be with us and you trust us and any information that we can get from him diplomatically and normally through our allegiance together of course we'll share that with eros because we have eros best interests at heart lucius you know that it's not a matter of distrusting you i i obviously trust all of you but we have to see how the other... I mean, we know that we're on a fragile... We're on a knife edge with many of the other factions,

with many of the other continents and kingdoms. If they know, if they discover that we have an agent of Kallus Valkyrian, we have somebody who is one of his military officers, one of his knights, his personal knights, and we're just letting him walk around Eroes free? That's a hard sell. Tell me what you want to know. Well, make a persuasion

check first. Okay. Yeah, Lucius, you want to make that for me, please? How about I step in? I mean, either of you can make it, and then the other one's helping you out, so have advantage. Situation, yeah?

Yep. A one! With advantage. With advantage. Jesus Christ. No! Not two ones! Oh my god! what the hell two ones

well it's not a matter of us using i mean your eye we know it's limited we know that you can only use this a number of times a day but also it's not necessarily even about predicting what's going to happen it's also about what this says to our allies it's not just a matter of the knowledge itself it's this is this is i mean century this is an agent of of calisphal kirin this is one of his closest knights you are a you are a very verbal vocal enemy of of calluses and now imagine that others in your position would look at this how would it look to have our champions working with this agent allowing him to walk around freely because they like him, because they think that he's trustworthy.

There's very little security in that. I understand where you're coming from completely. As a witness to the Sundering, I know how you feel. But this isn't a black and white situation here. Maximilian has been an ally to us in the past. He helped us in the City of Glass. He helped us rescue Valor. His actions speak louder than the uniform he wears currently and i i find myself conflicted here but i think i think he i think he's got a good heart i think we can trust him

make a persuasion check for me century kind of i'm treating this as a bit of a skill challenge in my head I've already got like one failure 22 reused real dice I used real dice finally perhaps a compromise

this knight of Gideon this knight, this Valkyrian knight will be confined to the Citadel of Rebirth. He will not be allowed to leave to explore Horizon, to gain access to any of our information. However,

I will place him under your care. That sounds fair. Hmm. that sounds fair hmm she looks at Quill Kelek this cannot simply be about your own personal trust this has to be bigger than that I have to be bigger than that

I trust you, if you trust this man I am happy to allow him to stay in this city but this be bigger than that. I trust you. If you trust this man, I am happy to allow him to stay in the city. But this is bigger than that. I have to be bigger than that. I have to think about how this may be seen or how this may impact other things. And I think that keeping him here so that we can at least claim that he is a prisoner, even if he is not one in actuality. I agree. The image, it's perfect.

A high-ranking officer imprisoned by the Erosians, but a high-ranking officer betraying his leader. That speaks much stronger, I think, and helping the storm chasers. I think that perhaps when there is opportunities, if, I mean, she looks, you're making a lot of assumptions for this man here. If I were to say, yes, of course, we've discovered a Valkyrian base.

We want the storm chasers to go and attack it. Would you agree to attack them, Sir Knight? I would not. Case in point, this is not a man who has betrayed his emperor. This is a man who has simply followed you for the time being.

If this Valkyrian base had captured Valor, what then? Are you asking Max or...? Yeah. I will go where Her Highness goes. I will protect Her Highness from anyone, whether that is Erosians or even the soldiers that I once served with. That was my oath.

That was my agreement with my lord. We know that you're not bound with us. You're bound with Valar. And Valar trusts in us. I don't know. I'd like to keep you around. I trust you. I have no means of escaping this place.

I am no mage. I channel magic, but not to the same extent. I go where Her Highness goes. If it is to be confined to this citadel, then so be it. Okay. I... Okay.

Quill, time may change this perspective this position but for now I can't let him go I can't let him leave this place I'm sorry I understand

I understand your perspective and thank you for seeing our side on it This Her Highness I don't really know what to call you girl this valor you are welcome to stay here my understanding is that you were taken by your father somewhat against your will and your home is a rowis i would ask you to remain here i cannot protect you if I do not know where you are. Likewise, as I'm sure you know, this makes my city a target. Even if it means that cows will not bring greater weapons against it,

I must now prepare for infiltrators, for ground assaults. I must prepare for assassins. Things that perhaps we had considered, but now are a higher a greater probability you are welcome to stay but i would ask that you remain within the citadel as well unless you travel with the storm chasers if you are with them i believe you to be safe great yes yes i am let's not let's not false pleasantries i know that this is exactly what you would hope for i'm fine with this agreement personally i understand your situation in the interest of you know not being a big target uh we need to keep out of old calluses scrying ways.

So currently we have some measures against it, but we've got about, what, eight hours? Less than that now. I know you did it before for the room. Yes, we can prepare your room. I can have this

protected by magics against scrying if you leave the room if you leave the citadel you may need to find your own ways of protection yourself there are there are magical relics that you can have created or enchanted there are scrolls of of non-detection um that you you can perhaps make or purchase uh that may be able to aid you it may even be something that it may be a magic that Keelic himself can have access to. I know other clerics can often prepare these spells or other mages may be able to. I don't know, but your rooms I can certainly have protected as we did for the summit. Once you leave here, I'm afraid that my protection will end.

The Citadel itself is mainly protected against crying it is difficult to scry within the citadel uh these are precautions that we took but once you leave horizon that is where it becomes unfortunately you are on your own understood we'll get the storm chaser protected somehow. As I should feel, I feel obliged to point out, scrying is, it cannot be done consistently. It does not last for a whole day, for example. The difficulty with scrying is you do not know when you are being scryed upon unless you are particularly mentally resistant against it.

This means it can happen at any time. So there may be long periods. If you have the ability to see invisibility, This means it can happen at any time. So there may be long periods. If you have the ability to see invisibility, you would be able to see the scrying sensor around you. So you would at least know when you are being observed. Only when we have that ability. Yes, only when you have that ability, however. But things to consider.

Thank you. That's very useful. Thank you. Until then, however. But things to consider. Thank you. That's very useful. Thank you. Until then, I will leave you to it. If you have any requests or needs, do come and find me. Is the intention still to travel towards Giselle to assist the Guardians? I have been making preparations for

Horizon to move, but we wanted to wait until you returned. I believe that this was something we discussed previously. I don't see why not. Right, Sentry? Sentinel Prime? Yeah, if that's okay. With Valor back, I don't know if that changes anything, but

if we're still okay to go ahead... I believe that it is important that we keep Horizon moving now, that we must consistently keep our location changing. I will not be able to keep the city moving 24 hours seven you know as many days there are uh but i can keep it i can keep our location changing and giselle is as good a location as any for the time being and if there is an objective there if we can assist the guardians i think we should um but perhaps you

should consider other objectives that you wish to pursue, other things that you wish, next steps that we must take. We must also begin preparing. It's only been a few days since Kallus' proclamation, but we are already having reports of Valkyrian troops moving into town, cities securing their position. There will come a time when I will need to begin using you sending you on into battles we will need to dispatch you in in various different ways uh but i believe that there

should be time to at least go to giselle and resolve these matters before such uh necessities become required right thank you okay understood very well uh with that um have a think about what you guys like to do whilst we take a little breaky break uh we're gonna take a five minute break uh awesome all right intermission intermission i don't know what that music is you said love was only true in fact, it was that song.