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[Rockeater]

Increase Skill At Forms Meaning : (1) Happerry
Increase Skill At Attack Meaning:(1) Rockeater

Give us cheaper poision arrows, so it's not bad.

[NUKE9.13]

So, DGR (the guy running the Xi-Shan) has contacted me with an offer:

dgr11897 Today at 4:29 PM
Iqua, I've come to bargain
NUKE9.13 Today at 4:31 PM
Do tell
dgr11897 Today at 4:31 PM
passage through the mountains, and support from my troops, in exchange, you give me back the land you took, and promise to allow me to continue on as a sovereign nation, simply one allied with you
NUKE9.13 Today at 4:31 PM
Hmm.
dgr11897 Today at 4:31 PM
A trade of tech and knowledge could also be arranged to sweeten the pot
NUKE9.13 Today at 4:32 PM
I'll have to consult with my team, obviously.
dgr11897 Today at 4:32 PM
yeah

Considering our troops are going to be cut off and vulnerable this turn anyway, I think giving up that land may be worth it to secure at least a non-aggression pact, giving us time to drill in the High Passes without worrying about the Xi-Shan interfering (nor the Loji, unless DGR offers them passage through his city as well). If we can get some information out of him whilst we're at it, all the better.
A full alliance may be less desirable, if only due to the potential for betrayal. But perhaps we could get the Xi-Shan's help in fighting the Loji in the Hills, in exchange for our troops in Arcanis helping to keep the Loji out of the city (which we want anyway)?


As for this turn, I'd actually like to investigate Earth. Two reasons: one, it might make our efforts to find more Ore more fruitful. Two, it leads to golems, which we may want to consider moving towards with more haste, as that could be a way to counter their manoeuvrability advantage.
I can see the argument for Form, though. It'd be interesting to see what bonus Mastery gives us.

I'd like to use our hint token to do the following Runic System Experiment:
Chant: Ward(Wood), Control(Fire), Form(Shadow)
That is, changing Attack(Wood) to Ward(Wood), in the hopes of getting an AoE.

[Rockeater]

Agreement with DRG +1

Discovery, I may change my vote, but I'm not sure between the two options offerd and some of my own (like Shadow investigation), but I am willing to change.

Hint use, not sure that what will happen, sounds a bit too easy, I expect it to be much weaker effect in the very least.

[NUKE9.13]

Actually, now that I think about it, I'm not sure Ward(Wood) would give an AoE. Reinforcement of Cutting uses Ward(Wood), and I believe it's single-target as well.

[NUKE9.13]

Right, well, I should probably vote. I've come around on investigating Form, based on information from DGR. Apparently, mastery in a meaning will (amongst other things) give us more information about what a Form rune does in a given spell- which would be useful feedback to help decipher the magic system.
I'm half tempted to leave the hint token until after we've investigated Form... but then we would lose any chance of being able to deploy the results.
...I dunno, I dunno. I kinda want to try using Shape(Wood) as the first rune, but what if it doesn't work, then we've wasted a hint token...
Okay, no. Whilst it would be great to luck into a working AoE fear chant, I think I'm just going to accept that we aren't getting it this turn. Let's investigate Form, see what information that gives us.

Discovery:
Increase Skill At Forms Meaning : (2) Happerry, NUKE9.13
Increase Skill At Attack Meaning:(1) Rockeater

[Rockeater]

Right, well, I should probably vote. I've come around on investigating Form, based on information from DGR. Apparently, mastery in a meaning will (amongst other things) give us more information about what a Form rune does in a given spell- which would be useful feedback to help decipher the magic system.
I'm half tempted to leave the hint token until after we've investigated Form... but then we would lose any chance of being able to deploy the results.
...I dunno, I dunno. I kinda want to try using Shape(Wood) as the first rune, but what if it doesn't work, then we've wasted a hint token...
Okay, no. Whilst it would be great to luck into a working AoE fear chant, I think I'm just going to accept that we aren't getting it this turn. Let's investigate Form, see what information that gives us.

A. Fuck me and my curiosity

Discovery:
Increase Skill At Forms Meaning : (3) Happerry, NUKE9.13, Rockeater
Increase Skill At Attack Meaning:(0)

B. Alchemy technically gives us a form of aoe if we can get a big enough splash to hit multiple targets, a catapult with big enough container and the water will pass through the cracks.

[NUKE9.13]

So, at the advisement of the GM, I'm going to write down some of my theories for how this all works.

My best guess at what order runes go in is thus: Vector-Substance-Method. Alternatively, Where-What-How.
To elaborate, working backwards, the Method/How is what kind of effect the magic has. So, like, in Black Dragon's Lethargy, the Method is Attack(Fire), which results in the aggressive 'devouring' (fire) of stuff. In Reinforcement of Cutting, the Method is Attack(Shadow), which results in aggressive separation... I think.
The Substance/What is what the magic happens with. In BDL, the Substance is Form(Water), so the stuff is 'devoured' by creating water. In RoC, the Substance is Form(Air), which (I think) means that the way the separation happens is by creating air- I think that RoC works not by making the physical blade harder, but by overlaying a 'blade' of air.
The Vector/Where is to what/through what the magic happens. In BDL, the Vector is Ward(Earth), so the stuff that is devoured by creating water is vitality (earth). In RoC, the Vector is Ward(Wood)... which I think means the separation by creating air is applied to a living target...?

However, this is obviously not entirely correct. When we asked about making a fear-causing spell, the hint results indicated that the first rune had more of a How effect than I thought- indicating that the use of a Water rune would 'drown' the fear, and a Fire rune would 'burn' the fear, whilst we needed a rune to 'grow' the fear. 

---

We have information about what the various elements do, or at least a rough description, but the only thing we have for the meanings is what shape they have (super useful). The only meaning whose... meaning I have a good handle on is Form- Form(Stuff) means to create stuff, at least it seems to in many cases. Hopefully attaining Form Mastery will either confirm or deny this.

[Talion]

Discovery Phase

Investigate Runic Component: Form Meaning
Complex Meaning ‘Life’ Discovered
Found within the foundations of Form lies Life that which gives Form definition. Life is the beginning of independent action, health and growth. Life encompasses myriad possibilities whose number are only matched by the difficulties in grasping them.

Form Mastery brings with it a greater understanding of the use of the Form Meaning in use of Alchemy. In particular we have determined that the use of the Form Meaning in the second Rune causes the alchemical concoction to target the blood.

Our Chanters are having a more difficult time determining the advantage provided by mastery of the Form Meaning. They suspect there is some secret they are missing that would allow them to get more out of it.

It is now Winter, Turn 3 Design Phase
Resources: Land 3, Ore 1, Mana 2, Hint Token x2

Spoiler: Rune Skills (click to show/hide)

Rune Skills are a measure of your nation’s understanding of the Runes. They are measured as Unskilled, Apprentice, Adept and Master. You cannot make use of Meanings or Elements until you have at least an Apprentice level understanding of them.

Meaning
Ward - Apprentice
Form - Mastery - Mana Discount, Life
Attack - Apprentice
Shape - Apprentice
Control - Apprentice

Complex Meaning
Life - Unskilled

Terrestrial Element
Water - Mastery - Alchemy, Shadow
Wood - Apprentice
Air - Adept - Chanting
Fire - Apprentice
Earth - Apprentice (Path to Golems)

Celestial Element
Shadow - Apprentice

Spoiler: Discoveries (click to show/hide)

Discoveries are magical effects you have discovered that you can put to practical use inside Designs.

Alchemy
Ward(Wood), Form(Water), Attack(Air) - Swan’s Black Blood
A poison that attacks the blood of the victim making them more susceptible to bleeding as their blood does not clot properly.
(Water Mastery) This poison produces an excess of the Water Element.
(Form Mastery) The use of the Form Meaning governs the blood.

Ward(Earth), Form(Water), Attack(Fire) - Black Dragon’s Lethargy
A poison that attacks the blood of the victim, devouring their vitality. Victims are fatigued for the months it takes to make a full recovery.
(Water Mastery) This poison produces an excess of the Water Element.
(Form Mastery) The use of the Form Meaning governs the blood.

Shape(Earth), Form(Earth), Ward(Earth) - Earth Elemental’s Fortifying Elixir
This white elixir aligns the blood of the drinker with the element of Earth. A chanter who drinks this elixir, will find it easier to manipulate Earth mana when speaking. This should allow them to speak Earth aligned chants for longer before exhaustion becomes a problem.
(Form Mastery) The use of the Form Meaning governs the blood.

Ward(Wood), Form(Air), Attack(Air) - Fizzle (Froth)
Caused by mixing the first Rune with the second.
(Form Mastery) The Form Rune is not the cause of the fizzle, so it can only be the Air element that is responsible.

Alchemy Secrets
Records - The use of alchemy to record a chant for later speaking.

Chants
Ward(Wood), Form(Air), Attack(Shadow) - Reinforcement of Cutting
This chant grants a target enhanced ability to cut for the duration of a battle. This supernatural sharpness can render a punch capable of stabbing holes in an enemy. Wielding an already sharp blade such an individual could cleave through armour.

Attack(Wood), Control(Fire), Form(Shadow) - Reinforcement of Fear
This chant inflicts a target with fear. This supernatural fear will cause the target to run from danger or otherwise cower in fright. As the fear is only inflicted on a single target, we suspect that this chant would be very exhausting to use on the battlefield.

Control(Earth), Ward(Earth), Shape(Water) - Spike of Mud
A chant that concentrates mud into a spike before projecting it forwards away from the speaker. The hardened mud has some amount of mass behind it and thus is capable of causing damage on impact. Once it has struck the target the spike breaks, spreading mud all around the target area.

Chanting Secrets
Elemental Distillation - The use of chanting to enhance the alchemy process by using the correct set of words.

[NUKE9.13]

Okay, so. My theory above isn't entirely correct, obviously. The middle rune has more to do with the target/vector than I thought. And obviously Form means something completely different from what I thought it did.

I can't think of anything to do.

I dunno, maybe use the hint token like this:

Hint token: How can we alter Reinforcement of Fear to affect groups effectively?

And then use our design action on an experiment to do whatever is suggested.

E: An alternative use of the hint token:

Hint token: How can we make an alchemical record of Reinforcement of Fear?

Hint token:
How can we alter Reinforcement of Fear to affect groups effectively?: (1) NUKE9.13
How can we make an alchemical record of Reinforcement of Fear?:

[Rockeater]

Hint token:
How can we make Reinforcement of Fear affect groups effectively?: (1) NUKE9.13
How can we make an alchemical record of Reinforcement of Fear?: (1) Rockeater

[NUKE9.13]

Hint token:
How can we alter Reinforcement of Fear to affect groups effectively?:
How can we make an alchemical record of Reinforcement of Fear?: (3) Rockeater, NUKE9.13, Happerry

TalionToday at 9:51 PM
With our knowledge of the Form rune, we believe that the following Alchemical recipe should work: Form(Wood), Form(Fire), Form(Shadow).

So. I propose we do that as our design.

Runic System Experiment [Alchemy]: Form(Wood), Form(Fire), Form(Shadow): (1) NUKE9.13

[Rockeater]

Runic System Experiment [Alchemy]: Form(Wood), Form(Fire), Form(Shadow): (2) NUKE9.13, Rockeater

[/quote]

[Talion]

Design Phase

Hint: How can we make an alchemical record of Reinforcement of Fear?
With our knowledge of the Form rune, we believe that the following Alchemical recipe should work: Form(Wood), Form(Fire), Form(Shadow).

Runic System Experiment (Alchemy): Form(Wood), Form(Fire), Form(Shadow)

New Recipe Discovered: Form(Wood), Form(Fire), Form(Shadow) - Green Ghost Flame Paint
This recipe congealed into a liquid that gradually dries out storing its mana for later use. The green paint never stops burning with a ghostly flame of the same colour.

Records Unlocked
Using alchemical paint it is possible to contain the meaning and element behind a chant in a written form. Those who read the symbols out loud can draw the magic of the paint into themselves forming the chant set down in the record. Writing records of a particular chant requires access to one or more paints that can represent the elemental makeup of the chant.

Elemental Distillation Unlocked
It seems that chanting the Reinforcement of Fear during the brewing process ought to enable any alchemical brew to act as if it is Green Ghost Flame Paint. However, this isn’t actually useful as the brew used does not contribute elements to the paint nor does being paint enhance the brew. Nevertheless, such a brew would burn with a green flame if we devoted the mana to distilling it this way.

It is now Winter, Turn 3 Revision Phase

Spoiler: Discoveries (click to show/hide)

Discoveries are magical effects you have discovered that you can put to practical use inside Designs.

Alchemy
Ward(Wood), Form(Water), Attack(Air) - Swan’s Black Blood
A poison that attacks the blood of the victim making them more susceptible to bleeding as their blood does not clot properly.
(Water Mastery) This poison produces an excess of the Water Element.
(Form Mastery) The use of the Form Meaning governs the blood.

Ward(Earth), Form(Water), Attack(Fire) - Black Dragon’s Lethargy
A poison that attacks the blood of the victim, devouring their vitality. Victims are fatigued for the months it takes to make a full recovery.
(Water Mastery) This poison produces an excess of the Water Element.
(Form Mastery) The use of the Form Meaning governs the blood.

Shape(Earth), Form(Earth), Ward(Earth) - Earth Elemental’s Fortifying Elixir
This white elixir aligns the blood of the drinker with the element of Earth. A chanter who drinks this elixir, will find it easier to manipulate Earth mana when speaking. This should allow them to speak Earth aligned chants for longer before exhaustion becomes a problem.
(Form Mastery) The use of the Form Meaning governs the blood.

Form(Wood), Form(Fire), Form(Shadow) - Green Ghost Flame Paint
This recipe congealed into a liquid that gradually dries out storing its mana for later use. The green paint never stops burning with a ghostly flame of the same colour.
(Form Mastery) The nature of this paint is largely driven by element order, with Shadow being related to Ghosts.

Ward(Wood), Form(Air), Attack(Air) - Fizzle (Froth)
Caused by mixing the first Rune with the second.
(Form Mastery) The Form Rune is not the cause of the fizzle, so it can only be the Air element that is responsible.

Alchemy Secrets
Records - The use of alchemy to record a chant for later speaking.
Using alchemical paint it is possible to contain the meaning and element behind a chant in a written form. Those who read the symbols out loud can draw the magic of the paint into themselves forming the chant set down in the record. Writing records of a particular chant requires access to one or more paints that can represent the elemental makeup of the chant.
Recordable Elements: Wood, Fire, Shadow

Chants
Ward(Wood), Form(Air), Attack(Shadow) - Reinforcement of Cutting
This chant grants a target enhanced ability to cut for the duration of a battle. This supernatural sharpness can render a punch capable of stabbing holes in an enemy. Wielding an already sharp blade such an individual could cleave through armour.

Attack(Wood), Control(Fire), Form(Shadow) - Reinforcement of Fear
This chant inflicts a target with fear. This supernatural fear will cause the target to run from danger or otherwise cower in fright. As the fear is only inflicted on a single target, we suspect that this chant would be very exhausting to use on the battlefield.

Control(Earth), Ward(Earth), Shape(Water) - Spike of Mud
A chant that concentrates mud into a spike before projecting it forwards away from the speaker. The hardened mud has some amount of mass behind it and thus is capable of causing damage on impact. Once it has struck the target the spike breaks, spreading mud all around the target area.

Chanting Secrets
Elemental Distillation - The use of chanting to enhance the alchemy process by using the correct set of words.
Using a chant with matching Elements to a known Alchemical recipe enables a different recipe to be imbued with both associated powers at the cost of double the expenditure of mana.

[Happerry]

The Terrorgeists
This new military order are specialists in using the Reinforcement of Fear chant, powered by their ornate body and armor paintings scribed with Green Ghost Flame Paint, leaving them looking like burning ghosts as they chant their fear causing chants. This combination of looking scary and magic fear allows them to terrorize enemy units, targeting enemy chanters, officers, or other critical targets with their chants. They also paint their weapons with the Green Ghost Flame Paint, to both have more on hand to power their chants with and to make their weapons look scary. Besides, who knows what stabbing someone with ghostly green fire can do? They have spears, shields, and padded armor to defend themselves if they somehow get trapped in a melee, as well as containers full of extra paint.

In battle, their first duty is to scare off the enemy fire chanters. For now at least.

Probably should do these next design phase though.

[Rockeater]

Terror defence
With the little time left in the season before battle, it was decided to try and use our new discoveries on the battlefield, a new shields were given to the people on the flanks, similar to their ordinary shields but with a couple of differences, a white skull on a black background was painted on the front, but the major difference was that Reinforcement of Fear was written on the back a few times with the Green Ghost Flame Paint, allowing them to use the chant without getting Tired and more effectively remove the enemy flanks from the equation.

RockeaterToday at 11:59 AM
Ah, ok, how effective is a weak version?
TalionToday at 11:59 AM
Depends. For instance you might roll well.
RockeaterToday at 12:01 PM
Hmm, should I assume it's won't be mana free, as inherent cost and why we can't cover all our troops in paint?
TalionToday at 12:03 PM
It is possible to have a design with a 0 mana cost. That would signify that it uses mana without putting a burden on your mana supply.

The Green Trror