>>185991
Tell Arkus that there's still a lot left to talk about, but you've got to go meet the State Army and play nice with them.

Then, you know, go meet the State Army and play nice with them.

Let's go out to meet the State representatives. Also, tell Arkus that he can spend less time training with the axe now. Just enough to keep him familiar with it.

We should probably begin making crappy guns to sell, yes. As well as trying to get that door open, and determining how to produce more Morphic metal.

>>186005
As a note, crappy guns don't go to Mordreden. THey get good guns. Crappy guns go to other people and civilians.

>>186009
Considering Mordreden's military strength is basically translatable to OUR military strength, I agree.

I'm not so sure. The Spanish tried to do something similar to the Apache and Commanche as a way to keep them from causing so much trouble. In the end, the Apache would take the broken guns to a local gunsmith or such somewhere other than the Spanish and have them repaired. My fear since we're not dealing with wandering nomadic peoples like the apache and instead with a established nation with their own weapons already, we should use the cheaper, simpler guns but be aware that if we can make it and sell it that they can too, if not outright out design our top secret stuff.

>>185991

Well we've had these men trained pretty well from the looks of things. The place is neat and tidy so that's good. First impressions should be positive at how tight of a ship we're running here.

Can't just rely on how the place looks though, have our militia get ready for the arrival. Tell them to stand at attention officials walk near and in general be respectful as possible. Spread the word by having Derkin and his trainees tell the outposts and word should spread quickly enough.

Motion to Arkus to follow us and as we move down to the enterance to the Arcanoworks nod to Oggroth and Ugrokk as well to accompany us. Then greet the representatives eagerly and offer them a tour.

>>186016
Oh damn. Erm, ask if the miltila knows any dress drills or not. Those would be very good to use to impress.

not a lot we can do other than warn our people to be on our best behavior and try to be affable

Bob!t/UKid4z5s 2010/05/31(Mon)17:08 No. 186035 ID: d1210a
File 127535091116.jpg - (268.70KB , 650x919 , Lord Brigadier General Quinton Delevas.jpg )

>>186001
I make note of this Magnum Bang that stopped by, as he seems like the type of individual I would benefit from tracking down.... A most curious and lengthy title he left. In any event that is a matter for the future, as I fly down the stairs [figuratively, to clarify] while telling Arkus we shall resume this conversation later, but for now to follow me. Hm, so little time...

Once I get outside, I quickly grab a passing Premen, and tell them to inform Bokk and Krump I'll speak with them soon, but for now to stay in place, while I deal with the state representatives on their arrival.

>>186003
>>186004
>>186005
I check the area, finding the land to have been well cared for, and with only minutes left until the State force arrives, according to the sentries, any major action now would never have time to be completed. And so I wait, Arkus alongside me, as the rest of the Arcanoworks continues to work, some tending the fields, some sparring, others patrolling, but everyone working, partly to show industry... and partly because I expect to get sufficient use out of followers. It is not long that I must wait, before a man in pale gray armor, runed and dotted with gems, walks through the gates at the head of a small group of honor guards, some two dozen in number. Judging by the faces of the sentries looking beyond our walls, this is not at all the total forces brought with this individual.

>>186016
>>186020
Any soldiers to my name as the state forces approach turn and salute the state forces, barring those with completely full hands, and I see some surprised smiles amongst those following the one in pale gray runed and gemmed armor. On his face, I see nothing through his visor.

While I view his approach with some trepidation, the armored man seems unperturbed, opening his helmet as he grinds the point of his sword into the ground, coming to a stop before Arkus, Moss and myself [When did that creature get alongside me?]. Without pause, he begins speaking in a clear, carrying voice, and though I see him scanning the grounds with a scowl threatened from the start, he seems to find nothing to object to immediately.

"Salutations, I am Lord Brigadier General Quinton Delevas, Warmage. I have come here both to relieve Warmage Densly of command and take residence in the reclaimed outpost, and to assess you. I was told you are the Mage Mordre, and in addition to possessing a Soul Grave, you devised some means of controlling it at range. I find myself skeptical of this claim, and of the reasoning behind your actions. However, as you removed the bandit presence here, and according to Densly were a 'vital aid' in besting the nearby collection of rebels, the state has ordered me to assess you, rather than simply interrogate or evict you from state property for squatting. As I am to potentially be your 'neighbor', I was chosen to perform your inspection. So, provide answer to the following, and I shall have more questions beyond them:

-What is your purpose in having come to the Azelhaedran State?
-Why did you take up residency in this outpost, and what have you done with it?
-What is the nature of the reports I have heard of 'giant soldiers' being seen in your vicinity?
-What do you know about the Republic of Trepany?
-And what was meant by your earlier comment to Densly about a Core Being?"

Lord Brigadier General Quinton Delevas simply regards me as he stops his tirade, awaiting my any and every answer.... he did not even give me time to introduce myself, am I to do that in addition to answering his queries? Hmm...


What should I say?

>-What is your purpose in having come to the Azelhaedran State?
Firstly to help with the reclaimance of order here. As a mage, it pains me to see such a place overrun as it is with lawlessness. Secondly, to gain feild data for the long distance program, as it still has some issues to work out. Notably, with cats.

>-Why did you take up residency in this outpost, and what have you done with it?
Because I claimed it from the lawless prescence that was here before, and leaving it be would invite bandits to take it. I've merely made it a small base of operations, research, and training for the forces I have accumulated thus far. I should note I would be happy to house any State officials and their men, for we all work for the same goal, yes?

>-What is the nature of the reports I have heard of 'giant soldiers' being seen in your vicinity?
You speak of my faithful alchemical soldiers, most likely my two best Uggroth and Oggroth. If you like I can introduce them, though I warn that their handle on our language is shaky at best.

>-What do you know about the Republic of Trepany?
A small town I helped free some time ago. I helped them get their feet under them and the name changing was part of that. If you take issue with it, tell them, not I. I am not in charge of them.

>-And what was meant by your earlier comment to Densly about a Core Being?"
Oh, that! It seems that one of the major lawless factions managed to summon a Core Being some ways from here... *point* roughly that direction. If you like, after you are done with your inspection, I will show you the scene and the area around it. I myself am quite perplexed towards the matter and what to do with it, and was hoping a chance would come to remedy it or at least let someone know.

Lastly, my name is Mordre Argus Forgeram, and I am captaining this golem from the safe area I have wrought in the ruins of Mosmordre. If you would like a tour of the Arcanoworks, please, ask Arkus, my apprentice, or Derkin, my personal assistant and trusted ally. Either way, I am glad to finally meet one of the State officials at long last, and I so dearly hope we can work together on reclaiming this land in the name of law and order.

>What is your purpose in having come to the Azelhaedran State?
"Test data, test data, test data. You have no idea how hard it is to test a Soul Grave when it's just standing around waiting to be used. Almost as bad as a gargoyle, eh? Ha!"

>Why did you take up residency in this outpost, and what have you done with it?
"Why, because I didn't want it befouled by squatters, more bandits, or yet more so-called mages for hire. Bastard wasn't even a mage! Bah! And him working with that...heh. Calling up a Core Being for what? Wait until I get my hands on him...Mhm? What was that?"

>What is the nature of the reports I have heard of 'giant soldiers' being seen in your vicinity?
"Oh, you mean them?" Gesture to Premen! "Or Keddic will be along shortly...well, a week depending on how irate Jezebel is." Cough, shake our head. "If you mean these chaps here, they are my warriors. As well as the art of Golem Control, known only to myself, I dabble in alchmey and as you can see, this great warriors were my...how would I put it...well honor guard migth be the correct term. They were to see that this Golem fell to no harm - Haha! I see how foolish that was now! - and to provide support to it. I...They have other uses of which I am less willing to speak about. Perhaphs in private? But...yes, yes, ahem. If you meant Sir Keddic Harksburton the 4th, well he is a mountian of a man, and a man after my own heart. He trained soldiers for The republic of...oh, what was it's old name, it keeps slipping my mind. Well, trained the Milita you see here, along with one of my men, and the Guard of Trepany."

>What do you know about the Republic of Trepany?
"Not much, other then they wish protection and freedom as the next man, and they are why I routed the villains from this state property, as you so delightfully put it."

>And what was meant by your earlier comment to Densly about a Core Being?"
"Humph! Fine, I will show you. Come along Lord Brigadier General Quinton Delevas. You will see just what a unskilled, uncaring hand does to a land out of spite and greed. You may not feel it - lords I hope you don't - but you may see the deformations in the land. It is a beast of terrible power that will slay countless lives of this State if left...heh...to put it as one would speak of a cancerous growth, surgically removed."

we should give this guy as much truth as we can.

- i saw the plight of the people have decided to make it a better place.
- it was simply the one we ran into that wasn't broken and have only put it into order
- large men from the very far north, they are large and powerful, but honorable.
-[forgot this one]
- i have found a core being in a larval phase. still trapped within the earth but trying to get free.

>>186057
>Mordre Argus Forgeram
I...I kinda like. I don't know if Mordre should be our first or last name but...I kinda like.

The 'Republic of Trepany' name, as Keddick informed us, was simply a name change. There was no intention of it actually being a Republic. Just something to inspire the people, that sort of thing.

Let us not speak of 'Mage Mordre's physical location. It should remain secret.

>>186035
The second I saw his picture, I knew he was a self-righteous prick.

"I see you are not one for pleasantries. As you wish.

Let me see, now, which to answer first. Well, my reasons for coming to the State are several. One was to conduct field testing of my Golem in a location where such...rigorous trials might do some good.

As for the outpost, I required a facility with which operate from in this territory, and a rebel controlled outpost seemed a better choice than most. I wrested it's control from another insurgent group allied with the one staving off Sir Densly's forces. They had been extorting money and supplies from the nearby undefended villages.

Linking with that, one of those villages was the aforementioned Republic of Trepany. A good town of good people with no ill will towards the State that I've seen, just a desire to keep their loved ones and possessions safe, and beyond that I don't know what you could want to know.

For what I've done with the outpost, well, established basic levels of trade between it and neighboring villages, begun construction of a road system, housing for displaced peoples, furtherance of some key items of research interest, and training local militia and my own men.

Linking with THAT, the Giant soldiers mentioned likely refer to these fine fellows. Alchemically enhanced tribals under my supervision and authority. They pose little to no threat to anything I don't direct them to.

As for the Core Being, some of the insurgents here seem to be led by an Opposing mage by the name of Weinsho. A group of his apprentices attempted some manner of ritual, I've yet to divine WHAT, and summoned a CORE BEING into a farmhouse. I had it buried, and have been working from my facilities to ensure that it doesn't break out - a difficult thing to do when it starts tapping hidden leylines to fuel it's growth, I assure you.

Now, how about a tour? Your men must be tired from the long march, and as long as theres no trouble, with your permission they might like a rest, and meanwhile you can examine the local changes you asked about personally."

>>186057

I think we should just stick with the name of mage modre. Giving ourselves a fancy name that we have not used before and will easily forget is unwise.

>I am captaining this golem from the safe area I have wrought in the ruins of Mosmordre
Do not specify where we are piloting the golem from.

>>186066
If we use this, no mentioning Weinsho. Remember, he is a war hero and pointing fingers at a war hero in front of a, ahem, Lord Brigadier General might...be a bad idea.

As a note, we could express intrest in what kind of war-magic he uses.

Hmmm, You guys apparently don't understand the concept of 'saying only enough' >.>
man, I swear you would tell everyone we meet our life story and where all our money is, given the chance.

In any case, you should invite him and his honour guard into a chamber where you may converse in comfort and privacy.
"Before I answer your questions General, I would like to invite you to continue this conversation inside where you and your men may rest and perhaps have some refreshments. I would think it rude that I be the only one conversing in comfort now."

>>186140
There -is- a reason our wife held the purse strings, remember?

>>186057
>>186059
>>186066

"I see you are not one for pleasantries. As you wish. Let me see, now, which to answer first. Well, my reasons for coming to the State are several. One was to conduct field testing of my Golem in a location where such... Rigorous trials might do some good, such as removing lawlessness."

"Clarify that. I am here for an official assessment, I'd prefer you speak clearly on your intentions, so there is no confusion on the matter.

"I have several combat-based tests to run, Concerning the function of my Soul Grave interface, As well as testing the golem's innate capabilities, And I chose a place where bandits, rogues, And other ne'erdowells could be found aplenty. Does that clarify the issue, Lord Quinton?"

"Continue."

"Well, as for the outpost, I required a facility with which operate from in this territory, And a rebel controlled outpost seemed a better choice than most, and have been busy restoring the place. I wrested it's control from another insurgent group allied with the one staving off Sir Densly's forces. They had been extorting money and supplies from the nearby undefended villages."

"Which villages?"

"To my knowledge, Glenston and Shellik both were forced to supply them under threat, Though I do not know yet if that is the whole of it, or if other towns were under their control as well. Linking with that, one of those villages was the aforementioned Republic of Trepany. A good town of good people with no ill will towards the State that I've seen, Just a desire to keep their loved ones and possessions safe, And beyond that I don't know what you could want to know."

"So you did not take part in their naming?"

"Oh no, they already bore that name when I arrived."

"I see. Carry on."

For what I've done with the outpost, well, established basic levels of trade, Between it and neighboring villages, begun construction of a road system, Housing for displaced peoples, and been attending to the training of local militia."

"These individuals here are conscripts?"

"No, my understanding is they came of their own free will, Seeking a better life for themselves, and desirous of a mage to follow, As I understand it such is something of a prerogative about here."

"It is, and it is well that I see no obvious evidence of abusing that trust of the people. The giant soldiers, what about them?"

"Ah, them. The 'Giant soldiers' mentioned likely refer to these fine fellows, alchemically enhanced tribals under my supervision and authority, With a few of their number more augmented than others. They pose little to no threat to anything I don't direct them to, as no harm has come to their sapience, So really, think of them as over-sized soldiers, more than anything else."

"So you claim responsibility for their actions, that shall be noted. And the Core Being?"

"A group of incompetent dabblers in magic attempted some manner of ritual, I've yet to divine the specifics of what they sought as much of their work was destroyed, And the fools managed to summon a CORE BEING into a farmhouse. I had it buried, and have been working from my facilities to ensure that it doesn't break out - A difficult thing to do when it starts tapping hidden leylines to fuel it's growth, I assure you."

"Where is this Core Being?"

"In an earth mound occupying a field north of Trekel"

"You said the Core Being is tapping leylines, explain what you mean."

"Well, it is trapped in a cellar, restricted in the same manner most Core Beings are, Needing someone to allow it entrance to the surface world, But it seems to be using the blood of those that summoned it, Connected with a particularly deep-running leyline, to power premature growth. It seems to be trying to fully manifest around the cellar it is trapped in, And thus bypass the restrictions it normally is bound by."

"I shall send men to verify your claim. If it is as you say, we have a severe problem."

Finally I see the piercing gaze of Lord Brigadier General Quinton Delevas crumble, worry creasing his brow. It would seem underneath his arrogance, he does have concern for the state and it's citizenry, an important thing to take note of. I take advantage of his moment of silent contemplation, and try to steer the conversation by my own hand.

"Now, how about a tour? Your men must be tired from the long march, and as long as there's no trouble, with your permission they might like a rest, and meanwhile you can examine the local changes, Those that you asked about personally."

"You offer my freedom to inspect this facility myself?"

"Of course."

"Very well. My guards shall stay by my side,
So I must reject your offer of rest for them
But your cooperation is noted.
I shall need no guide, I know what I wish to check."

For a time, Quinton busies himself with touring the warehouse and five buildings within the walls of the Arcanoworks, running into the Premen already engaged in their morning sparring, and stops for a while to observe as Oggroth takes the field, contesting against some eight other Premen barehanded. Finally completing his circuit, Quinton returns to standing before me, and inclines his head towards Arkus.

"Your apprentice?"

"As you say."

"Mm-hm. And what about this thing?" Quinton queries, indicating Moss, still attentively sitting at my side.


What should I say?

>"Mm-hm. And what about this thing?"
Rest a hand gently on Moss's head.
"At the cost of sounding like a schoolboy, it followed me home. I'm looking into what it is precisely, but it does no harm and it is friendly. You're free to guess as to its identity, but I assure you it will bring you no harm. Right, Moss?"

>>186164
"Ah, that is a creature I found in the forest, consuming World energy... I have sated its hunger using an item I found in my travels and it seems to have become very attached to me through this golem, and loyal. Even when not under my supervision it has been very amiable... I believe it to be harmless to the general populace, and intend to study it further when my field tests are done."

world motes to be specific.

>>186164
"Now now, Lord..erm...Brigadier Gen - ahem. Yes. Now now, if I may call you that, Quinton you'll hurt his feelings. He is Moss." Rub Moss's head. "He is...a uniqueness I found while investigating these lands. Harmless, I assure you, and so...well, I wouldnt' call him cute, but he does remind me of my Mauser. Come along, He doesn't bite. Anyway, you wish to visit the Core Being? Please, let us go soon. As a mage, I must deal with this beast quickly." Pat our revolver.

>>186173

Let's not give out information that we don't have to. If he asks about moss' diet, then we can decide what to say.

>>186177
This!!! We need to reestablish ourselves as in charge of everything and this works perfectly.

>>186177
How do we know for certain it is a male? haha...
but other then that, do it!

>>186171
I like this one.

>>186171
>>186173
>>186177

"At the cost of sounding like a schoolboy, it followed me home. And I'd appreciate it if you did not call Moss 'that thing', I've found Moss to be a loyal follower and companion.... Even if I still do not fully understand WHAT Moss is."

"You do not know what this 'Moss' is?"

"Not currently, no, though I assume Moss to be related to World Motes, And the magic of leylines in general, based on what I have seen. Either way, Moss has been completely harmless, And I doubt it could prove much risk. Now, unless the State has fixed the problem itself, there is still the issue of the Core Being, So what say we move to deal with it presently? I have some ideas of how to remove it's connection to the deep running leyline, And I am eager to test them."

"That will not be necessary. The State shall be taking over handling this particular incident. ....Well, your story corroborates that which we heard from the other villages and Densly's report.... alright, you shall retain rights to use the outpost here as a staging grounds, on the provision that I, as a representative of the state, can call upon you and your forces for assistance in further military actions within state borders. Do you find this acceptable?"

"Would that categorize me as a vassal or member of the State military?"

"You would be treated as a vassal, largely left to your own devices, but with any State orders you receive through me or any other official representative superseding your own machinations. This is a non-negotiable part of retaining ownership of this outpost, this was made very clear by those who assigned your assessment to me. Further, if you have any more questions, now would be the time to ask, unless you are willing to travel to the outpost I am taking control of to request an audience."


What should I say, should I accept Lord Quinton's offer?
And do I have any questions for him, either as a high-ranking State military officer, or as a State official?

>>186225
Firstly, can we oversee the...excising of the Core Being? "I desperately wish to help in anyway I can. I already attempted some brief...surgery on it not more then a week ago. I know it is a bit much, but I would want to help in anyway I can and if I couldn't help, then to watch to try and learn what do do, should I ever meet another foul creature in my journeys."

Second: Ask him if there is anything we may immediately do. "Lord Brigadier General. Ah, there surely must be a shorter title I can call you. Lord Delevas? Quinton, if it's not too informal? Either way, is there any...ahem... assistance in further military actions within state borders that we may provide? Or if non-military action is desired, is there anything we may investigate when I continue with my...how did you put it? Machinations? Or even being given the state command of letting you and your men have a rest here before you continue on? Or maybe you would rather spar with My Mountain, Oggroth?"

Third, how would we know who to take orders from? "Pardon my curiosity. I just, well, become curious when I think. Odd, I know, but there you have it. Just well, wondering how I would know if a stranger riding up to the Outpost - the Kyogrock Arcanoworks as I call them - is actually an official representative of the state?"

And lastly, a very basic question: Where will he be stationed? "Anyway, before you go, fi I do want audience with you...where should I go? I don't quite know these lands as well as I should, so simply 'The Next Outpost' strikes me as rather confusing."

And, bob, does this now mean that we are a high-ranking State military officer and a State official? If so, I'd like to ask him what our title would be.

And to everyone else: Should we ask about how to get into the top room? I'm a little wary, but I don't think it wouldn't hurt to ask.

We should accept that offer. Being a vassal is not so big a sacrifice in return for keeping such a valuable outpost.

>>186259
It's actually a very good increase. Now we will be working closer with the state. The easiest way to bring something down is from the inside.

>>186225

Haha, clever opportunistic bastards. They remind me of ourelves. 'He wants the outpost, we want help clearing the rebellion.'

"A few questions, then: Should my services be requested, am I to undertake these operations alone, or in conjunction with genuine State Military forces?

Also, am I to be at all privy to what attempts are made to contain the Core Being? It is a matter that gravely concerns me as well since...well, Outpost or no, I imagine things would not go well for those here should it end up freed. If nothing else, my golems sensory abilities are useful in tracking it's progress.

Finally...this is more a request, really, but as an individual who clearly knows about this outposts layout: Do you know how to gain access to the locked floor of the facility?"

We were going to clear the whole place anyways, why not?

Also, ask if there is any sort of grace period before you can expect the first requests for assistance.

>>186225
"Good, good. Well, at the very least, I'll have more resources to claim... Oh, I forgot to mention. These outlaws, would claiming their blood, souls, and skins be legal to help with the fueling and augmentation of this golem if I slay them under your orders? I would hate to offend the state's sensibilities."

>>186275
I don't think we have to ask, just not be obvious about it.

I honestly can't imagine someone just going "sure, you can harvest their bodies" without being freaked right the hell out, and we've got a good thing going with Quinton here.

We should also ask where his outpost will be.

>>186291
It's the outpost Densly was attacking.

oh right duh, sorry about that.

It's late.

>>186292
Are we sure about that? I thought Quinton would have said if that was the case rather then leaving us guessing. And he did imply it was a bit of a distance away, not less then a day's walk.

>>186245

"Forgive me, but I have already worked on this particular issue, And would like to see the issue resolved, see it through to the end, You know how it goes."

"As much as your enthusiasm is appreciated, that will not be happening. Despite your thus far acceptable record of aiding the State, you are not beholden to us, nor are you well known enough to our administration to be trusted with such an issue. Trust must be earned, not simply given freely, if it is to have any substance. If the issue is still not resolved at a later point when you have gained such trust from the State, your offer of assistance may be accepted, but that is currently an impossibility."

"How would I know someone to be a true State representative, Bringing me official orders and not an opportunist?"

"Any State representative cleared to bypass my own command to directly give you orders would be able to verify their service to the state by a dagger on their personage made of bone and crystal, with a symbol of a sword and gem-topped staff within a crown with peaks reminiscent of roofing. The daggers I speak of would be completely and incontrovertibly unassailable, fully immune to any form of magical manipulation or even detection. Anyone lacking such a knife would not have the appropriate clearances to dispatch direct orders to you."

>>186265

""A few questions, then: Should my services be requested, Am I to undertake these operations alone, Or in conjunction with genuine State Military forces?"

"While it is conceivable there may be commands made wherein you will be acting alone, unless otherwise noted any military action you participate in would be a joint military venture with other state forces, most likely my own."

"Also, am I to be at all privy to what attempts are made to contain the Core Being? It is a matter that gravely concerns me as well since...well, Outpost or no, I imagine things would not go well for those here should it end up freed. If nothing else, my golems sensory abilities are useful in tracking it's progress."

"You may eventually be made privy to what actions we take on that front, but for now it is the State's concern alone, with several specialists already sent for. If the situation changes, and you are given access to knowledge concerning the subject or commanded to aid us, you will be informed."

"Finally...this is more of a personal request, really, But as an individual who clearly knows about this outposts layout: Do you know how to gain access to the locked floor of the facility?"

"Ah, the key for this outpost is missing, then?"

"Key?"

"I shall take that as a yes. The door you cannot surpass, if it is in fact the one on the top floor of this central tower here, does not actually lead anywhere: Instead, opening it with the appropriate key and supply of magic allows the bearer of the key to create a new floor of the tower. All of the six tower-based outposts in the State follow this protocol. I shall make mention in my report that you do not possess a working key. If at some point you prove sufficiently valuable to the State, a new key will be issued to you, in addition to documentation of what kind of magic is required to successfully activate this function."

Lord Brigadier General Quinton Delevas glances about, the earlier suspicion on his face more muted now.

"Well, I have several matters to attend to, and I believe I have gathered sufficient data on you for an initial appraisal by the State. Mage Mordre, if you have any further questions, now would be the time."


What should I say or do?

>>186294

I submit the following:

>>186035

>Salutations, I am Lord Brigadier General Quinton Delevas, Warmage. I have come here both to relieve Warmage Densly of command and take residence in the reclaimed outpost

"Hmm, well, not so much a question as a fair warning: While my golem IS still undergoing combat tests here, there may be times I must have it and a minor number of my forces leave the region for a small time to see to other important matters. I imagine you would wish for me to send messengers to alert you when this is the case, then?"

>Instead, opening it with the appropriate key and supply of magic allows the bearer of the key to create a new floor of the tower.

Ok that's pretty badass.

>>186299
Wow, it is late.

>>186298
So nothing we can immediately do for the state and Are we offically state officals?

>>186298
Oh, one other question: What do the keys -look- like?

>>186310
The 'Is there anything we can do' using this:
> "Lord Brigadier General. Ah, there surely must be a shorter title I can call you. Lord Delevas? Quinton, if it's not too informal? Either way, is there any...ahem... assistance in further military actions within state borders that we may provide? Or if non-military action is desired, is there anything we may investigate when I continue with my...how did you put it? Machinations?"

Yeah, it is really late so I'm probably posting like a fool with these. Please forgive that.

>>186305
[There is a reason the Azelhaedran State, prior to it's fall to it's current state, was the go-to nation for magic research amongst those allied against Mosmordre.]

>>186317

"What do these keys look like?"

"They are opaque like any conventional metal, but in terms of coloration, could be more easily compared to a prism, their tones constantly shifting relative to any light source. Further, World and Will magic will be sensed within the key, if one looks carefully enough."

>>186310

"So nothing we can immediately do for the state?"

"I was only ordered to assess you, so yes, no current orders for you."

"And are we officially State.. officials?"

"No, you are provisional state forces now. This means that at any time the State can choose to rescind it's permission to you, but otherwise your deduction is correct, you are effectively a Mage in service of the state, partly in a military function."

>>186301

"Hmm, well, not so much a question as a fair warning: While my golem IS still undergoing combat tests here, there may be times I must have it and a minor number of my forces... Leave the region for a small time to see to other important matters. I imagine you would wish for me to send messengers to alert you when this is the case, then?"

"So long as you do not have conflicting State orders preventing such ventures, that is acceptable, but if at any time we come to give you orders and find you not present without having forewarned us of your coming absence, there will be repercussions."

Lord brigadier general Quinton Delevas, warmage now in charge of the nearby State outpost, nods to me as he begins to turn away, his attentive guards moving as one to continue warding him from harm.

"Well, if that is everything, I shall take my leave. ...It was interesting to meet you, Mage Mordre, and I feel confident you shall be seeing more of me, and State officials as a whole, in the near future. Good day."

With no further comment, Quinton leaves, and as I move to the gates of the Arcanoworks to watch his departure, I see the scale of the army he brought with him, thousands of armed and armored men, all bearing the heraldry of the state, who slowly form up and follow the general in his march south, after he and his guards remount the horses they left outside in the recently constructed stables.

So, I have weathered the visit of State forces, and gained some form of approval in the eyes of the Azelhaedran State. ...But there are still many problems to deal with....

[GOLEM QUEST ARC 4: MEETING THE STATE COMPLETE!]
[UPCOMING ARC 5: BUILDING POWER POLITELY?]