Of the three great magicians in the area of Cothon-Gadeed, two have been interacted with by the current group of barbarian-adventurers. Zaynab the Enchantress has been engaged by the Ringing Anvil to assist Durham's smithy in developing enchanted items, both for Durham himself, as well as for customers. Meanwhile, June (a player-character who has not been active for at least a year now) developed a certain rapport with Mormaera Yrasi, Sorceress of the Azure Veil. Only Rjak of the Grey Hand still remains totally aloof from the machinations of the player-characters.
What is being presented here is a more generalized way to approach cultivating a relationship with the Mormaera, in a kind of custom "clock" in the vein of the recent "To Fete a Souffet" post. When rolling, know that a complication (see below) is called for when rolling 6-9 on the downtime dice.
Tick 1 – Make an Impression
You have been noticed by the Sorceress of the Azure Veil. This could be the beginning of a fruitful relationship for those of magical bent; many a magic-user covets the private arcane library that the Mormaera secrets in her well-appointed manor overlooking the harbor of Cothon.
Requirement: to catch the interest of the Mormaera, one must have a mask and costume devised for oneself, the more lavish or intricate (and integrated) the more likely to catch her attention. Spending at least 500 dinars on this ensemble will provide a +1 on this roll; it could be one that was devised for one of certain masquerades that have taken place (and will again) in the city.
Tick 2 – Invite to A Symposion
You have been invited to attend one of the symposia put on by the Mormaera, all while behind your mask and costume, of course. The Mormaera puts on no more than one symposion per month, and so only one attempt to advance to this level can be rolled each month. Anyone who has caught the interest of the Mormaera may attempt to finagle an invitation and distinguish themselves thereat with clever conversation and/or philosophizing.
You have the pleasure of sometimes attending the symposia of the Mormaera, and engaging in interesting banter while there
You may gain a free relationship tick with Stahlkor of Reywind, a Hansemann who is often seen at the Mormaera’s side
If you attend six symposia while at this level (using a downtime action—and remember, only once per month) while wearing a new mask and costume each time of at least 250 dinars in value, you may automatically advance to the next relationship tick, though you must still roll the dice to see if there is a complication (6-9 on the 2d6)
Tick 3 – Learn a New Trick
The Mormaera has taken an interest in you and your magical aptitude. She wants to see if you interested in learning the kind of magic that she knows, as well as to see if you are indeed a trustworthy acquaintance. She will offer you a book out of her library, from which you may learn the spells within, but will also ask a question of you.
Requirement: You must be a magic-user.
You gain access to one spellbook of the Mormaera’s, from which you may learn certain unique spells.
You may ask small favors of the Mormaera, though they may come at a cost.
Tick 4 – Mentorship
You have demonstrated your magical skills and shown interest in what the Mormaera has to offer. She will take you on as a client to be mentored, and allow you access to more of her private library.
Requirement: You must be a magic-user capable of casting second level spells. You must have learned the spells offered to you at the former relationship level and have expressed interest in learning more. The Mormaera must also trust you in having access to her library.
The Mormaera’s mentorship is invaluable; once per month you may spend a downtime to study with her and earn xp equal to 100 times your character level. This xp cannot advance you to the next level; you would be stopped at 1 xp fewer than the next level and must adventure or earn xp in some other way to advance your level at that point
The Mormaera cannot tutor anyone who is of 8th or higher level
You are granted access to more of her private library of spells, both unique and not
You may be asked to perform certain tasks for the Mormaera
But you may also ask favors of her more readily; major favors may come at a cost
Tick 5 – Partners
You have gained the respect of the Mormaera with your skills and abilities. She no longer considers you a pupil to be mentored, but as something of an equal.
Requirement: You must be a magic-user capable of casting fifth level spells. You must demonstrate your abilities to the Mormaera by creating a new spell, and by devising a spellbook for yourself. By doing so, you prove your abilities to her.
You have the respect of a powerful sorceress
You may entreat the Mormaera’s assistance in major projects—perhaps sharing the cost of gold and the time spent researching for the development of new spells or the devising of new magic items (which you should be able to create at this level).
You have the Mormaera’s confidence; she may share other more powerful spells with you, though do not expect her to share every secret—magic-users can be a jealous lot!
Complications in Courting a Sorceress' Attentions (d8)
You have said, thought, or felt something untoward and in a way that has unfortunately offended the Mormaera. Your relationship decreases by one tick and cannot be advanced again until amends are made. To make amends, you must (for example) prove that your relationship is not merely instrumental on your side. You might provide a thoughtful gift as proof—not of any particular cost, but something that actually piques the Mormaera’s interest or real gratitude.
You have been involved in a ritual brushing against or touching something beyond the ken of normal persons. Probably not a demon of the Fortress Moon, but perhaps something similar. It would leave any normal man shaken, and you must save v. paralysis or be shaken yourself (-1 to attack and to saves on your next adventure). If you are a magic user hoping to mentor with the Mormaera, you must prove yourself capable of withstanding this weirdness—you cannot mentor with her again until you make a save v. paralysis at a ritual with her, which may only be attempted once per month using a downtime action.
You have aroused the envy of another magic-user who wishes to involve him or herself with the Mormaera. They become your Rival and may attempt to sabotage you, your projects, or your relationship with the Mormaera. She, meanwhile, prefers to remain aloof from such feuds.
Someone has noted your closeness with the Mormaera—probably a rival enchanter or sorceress—and they will endeavor to use you for their own interests in her. They may bribe you to look into her library for them, or blackmail you for information. Getting caught between two powerful magic-users will no doubt be un unpleasant position.
Stahlkor of Reywind has taken a liking to you and invites you to carouse with him at the Kantor. You may take him up on this offer, and (only once per such invitation) spend up to 200 gold per level to earn xp in carousing. Doing so will likely involve rolling on a different carousing table (like Jeff’s “Party Like It’s 999”)
The Mormaera has entrusted you with a special mission, or perhaps asked that you come up with a special ingredient for one of her projects. This must be accomplished before you can advance your relationship any further with the Mormaera.
You find yourself embroiled in a magician's feud, deeper than merely having a Rival. Perhaps the Mormaera has named you a second for herself or her champion, or instead you have been directly challenged by a Rival rather than subtly thrown under the chlen-cart. Either way, you will be summoned to the Coreguyi Arena in due time to prosecute a wizard's duel in public view! Even if you are no magic-user, you may be called in as a bodyguard or merely a gladiatorial proxy for one.
Roll again on the table above, unless the Referee takes a personal hand in developing some other devilish complication
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