Amdirlain’s PoV - Material Plane - Qil Tris - Year 4363 (Local calendar)


    Amdirlain had cycled her Ki thousands of times before morning rolled around. The illusion around the storage crystal held back a glaring bright glow of golden Ki, and Amdirlain stored it to pass to Kadaklan for the healing potions. As the others stirred, Amdirlain pretended to use the washroom before heading to the kitchen to sort out breakfast.


    With dawn’s transition approaching, Amdirlain sent a warning note to Livia. “Sarah’s told me to give her a bond so I can use her as an anchor. Not sure if you want to keep sticking around or if you want to pack up and head back for now.”


    “It’s not as if we can’t come back easily, now that we’ve been here,” acknowledged Livia. “I’ll venture to Nolmar with the others and see what that tower of yours is like.”


    “The amount of experience others are sending my way through it, well, let’s say you might have to compete with them for playtime,” laughed Amdirlain before she started to eat.


    “I’m sure I can convince Klipyl to share her toys,” replied Livia.


    Amdirlain had nearly finished breakfast when Sarah appeared and settled at the table between the kitchen and living area with a grunt. “Any ideas what your routine’s going to look like?”


    “I’ll see how things go for now before I look to set any schedule,” answered Amdirlain.


    Sarah nodded, and her gaze flicked downwards as if she could see Amdirlain’s legs through the table. “You might end up pulling late-nighters with club performances. Have to make sure you get a proper sleep cycle.”


    “True. I will also have training sessions with Cla’nes regularly,” replied Amdirlain.


    Claws clicking on the tiles made them look towards the corridor, and Jan’era emerged with sleep-tousled hair. Her morning attire was a baggy black shirt with a dangerously low neckline and matching pants that pooled across the top of her feet.


    “I’m sorry, did we wake you?” asked Amdirlain, amused by Jan’era jumping straight into business.


    An unbothered Jan’era waved her off casually. “It’s going to be a busy day finding our footing and getting you started; best to get an early start.”


    “What’s on the agenda for today?” asked Amdirlain.


    Jan’era swept her long, red fringe back up and secured it behind her pink ear. “Yesterday, when you were meeting with Cla’nes, I had my staff pull the catalogue of songs the studio has the rights to so you can look through them. Between them and working with Jal’krin, hopefully you can organise material for a solid set for release in short order."


    Sarah tilted her head curiously. “You just have the rights to songs floating around?”


    Jan’era shrugged. “It’s one aspect of the business. Sometimes you’ll talk to songwriters that aren’t inclined to perform. If you like it, you might buy the rights even if you don’t immediately have a performer for them. The composers get a payday, and the studio has an unhindered asset for future use.”


    Amdirlain’s ears flicked at her curiosity. “Is it a once-off payment?”


    "Depends on whether they want more money upfront, or later," said Jan''era while preparing her food.


    As Jal’krin and Kadaklan emerged from their rooms, the morning preparation got off to a somewhat awkward start. Having five strangers with no idea of the others’ usual routines, there was a bit of getting in each other’s way, even in the large apartment.


    When everyone was ready, Jan’era frowned, and Amdirlain caught her considering the transport logistics.


    “You’ve only got the two-seater Jan’era, and we’ll have to change the transport route to get to the studio, right?” asked Sarah.


    “Correct,” sighed Jan’era.


    “Just send a note to the unit when you get there. I’ll transport Jal’krin, Kadaklan, and myself over,” proposed Sarah.


    Amdirlain shrugged and let Jan’era lead the way.


    “I’ve got some of my regular sound technicians lined up to work with you. They’re not the best in the industry, but they are competent and professional. Given your presence, I wouldn’t expect much from the conversation; they’re likely to get shy and focus on the work,” advised Jan’era as she got the vehicle in motion.


    “I’ll look through the catalogue and see if there are songs whose lyrics I like,” said Amdirlain. “If I find enough around a particular theme, it’ll give Jal’krin a topic to work with to have a consistent feel for the set.”


    “Did I hear you correctly about Lady Cla’nes wanting to have regular training sessions with you?” asked Jan’era once she had the vehicle in traffic. “I didn’t want to discuss it with Sarah present since you said she’s overly protective, but Cla’nes has a bit of a reputation.”


    Amdirlain laughed. “I’m sure she does, but don’t worry—I think Sarah and Cla’nes will get on well. I’m not sure when the first session will be, but she wants to have me over regularly for training.”


    The day passed in a whirlwind of activity. Skimming through the lyrics on file at the studio, Amdirlain found dozens of songs to try out. Femme Fatale and her enjoyment of innuendos and wordplay added tonnes of extra meaning to lyrics. By the time they finished for the day, Amdirlain could almost see embarrassment steaming out of Jal’krin’s ears.


    “No one’s going to believe you’re sixteen the way you sing,” stated Jal’krin after the sound technician had left the booth.


    “I’m mature for my age; must have been issued a pre-aged Soul,” laughed Amdirlain.


    Jal’krin coughed. “I think I’ve gained enough ideas today about the songs you have the most fun performing. You like wordplay, don’t you?”


    “Yep,” agreed Amdirlain, giving him a beaming smile.


    “I can work with that,” Jal’krin said.


    “Goodie, let’s screw with people’s brains and let them figure out all the hidden meanings,” laughed Amdirlain.


    “I think they’ll guess from how you dance,” grumbled Jal’krin.


    Amdirlain blinked innocently. “I barely moved.”


    “Yeah, that was all you needed.”


    * * *


    Sarah closed the door with an ominous click when they retired that night.


    “Set a crystal to disguise our absence,” instructed Sarah.


    Amdirlain lifted an eyebrow. “What are you up to?”


    The cunning in Sarah’s gaze wasn’t comforting. “You’ve been training Cla’nes, and I spoke to Kadaklan about training you. He said you were talking about pushing your resistances up, so that’s what we’ll do.”


    Once the crystal was in place, Amdirlain teleported them to the deserted base camp.


    “I''m going to ignore the implications of your eagerness to train me, Ms Dominatrix. I feel like I’m neglecting Goxashru,” sighed Amdirlain.


    Sarah snickered. “It’s okay. The hatchling is so young, plenty of years to help you get in trouble. I hope there is plenty of space for you to run around.”


    “Why?”


    An array of enchanted cannons, bolt casters, and mortars appeared, floating around Sarah. An unrepentant grin curled Sarah’s lips. “Resistance training! I’ve got weapons for every Affinity, you -.”


    “Holy shot!” exclaimed Amdirlain.


    Her response gained a pained groan from Sarah. “You’ll pay for that one. Weapons for every Affinity you can gain resistance against, so no Celestial energies of any type. Kadaklan says to use Universal Life to take care of the healing. Good for your net’s recovery.”


    “I’m glad you cleared it with the doc, I wouldn’t have wanted him to poison me,” joked Amdirlain, looking at some of the weaponry that started to track towards her.


    Sarah coughed and presented Amdirlain with a glass vial. “He said to duplicate and drink this while training to increase the difficulty.”


    “What does it do?” enquired Amdirlain, listening to the bubbling energy within the container.


    “It’s used for interrogating some types of demons; think of it as liquid pain,” advised Sarah.


    “Eek!” squeaked Amdirlain, and she soon had hundreds of duplicates resting on the courtyard’s stones.


    As Amdirlain chugged the one still in her hand, the other vials disappeared into Sarah’s Inventory. As Amdirlain’s muscles spasmed uncertainly, Pain Eater twitched and registered hundreds of spikes in sensation. A dust mote touching her skin felt like a sword driven through bone.


    “Oh, joy! Afternoons with Cla’nes and free evenings playing torture dodge,” drawled Amdirlain as her sensitive flesh started objecting to the shift of every hair follicle.


    “You wanted to get tougher, but you can choose to run?,” replied Sarah smugly, and she bounced the summoning gadget on her palm. “Better add me to this, so if I kill you, I can summon you, and strip, unless you want to replace your clothing.”


    “You’re such a hentai.”


    A sizzling green bolt smacked into Amdirlain’s arm even as the first notification showed.


    [Resistance: Poison [M] (3->4)]


    “Your fuzzy arse doesn’t even count as a spice,” retorted Sarah with forced lightness.


    “Thanks, Sarah,” said Amdirlain apologetically.


    Sarah smiled. “Anything for you, sweetie.”


    * * * *


    Three days later, sitting in a cafe booth, Mor’lmes checked his watch impatiently. A lashing tail accented his already twitching ears, which was fair since Amdirlain was twenty minutes late.


    Across from him, a female with faded blue and white fur regarded him curiously. Her casual white blouse and dark grey skirt were neat, but nothing about them spoke of an arcane background.


    “Are you sure you’ve no way to contact them?” asked the female.


    “I don’t have a link code for her. J was insistent about meeting you and discussing the matter with you herself,” replied Mor’lmes.


    The lady sipped her drink and returned it to the coaster’s centre. “The child is a prodigy, but I don’t have the Gravity Affinity to assist her.”


    “Which is manageable, but J was going to offer you some incentives in that space,” responded Mor’lmes.


    Mor’lmes glanced towards the door, and when he looked back, the female before him was staring off into space with an astonished expression that matched Wha’sin while J had been teaching her.


    “She doesn’t even show up and pretend to be normal. How am I going to explain this?” grumbled Mor’lmes.


    A few minutes later, the lady licked her lips and stood. “Have someone bring the child by my house. She’ll be staying with me as a live-in apprentice. I don’t want to know who or what your J is, or how you came to meet her, but she has a mental presence that is far from normal.”


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    “I don’t know either, but she’s helped resolve some problems,” admitted Mor’lmes.


    The female placed a hand on Mor’lmes’ shoulder. “You never had much interest in the Mental Affinity, but how she touched my mind wasn’t a Spell. I was helpless in her grasp, and she slipped through my mental walls like they were cobwebs. You can be a real prick, Mor’lmes, but I’d hate to see you a mindless vegetable.”


    Mor’lmes grumbled. “Thanks for your concern.”


    “Give my best to Wha’sin and tell her to attend the next pride gathering; she’s been missing too many with all her work.”


    “I will,” replied Mor’lmes, and he rose to follow her out the door. He dropped some coins on the table to cover their drinks. When he looked up, she was already outside and moving at a pace he hadn’t seen her possess for a decade.


    Amdirlain, physically a few kilometres away, handed over the microphone to the spirited cheers of the club’s lunchtime crowd. The cheerful song she’d picked out of the studio’s collection had sounded innocent enough, but from how the crowd reacted, context combined with Femme Fatale had caught her again. Jan’era waited near the stage steps, and moved in time with her.


    As they passed through the crowd, Jan’era bent down so she could speak in her ear. “You could have given them an encore.”


    “Better to leave them thirsty for next time, isn’t it?” asked Amdirlain.


    “Speaking of thirsty, Al’stri wants you on his show in three months,” said Jan’era.


    Amdirlain smiled and played up her honest ignorance. “You’ll need to explain that one; that seems like a lot of advance notice.”


    “Not even close to a normal lead time. I’ll tell you on the way to your appointment with Lady Cla’nes,” advised Jan’era, and she detoured through the crowd to head for the club’s side exit.


    It still took them a little while to get free of the club patrons, and Amdirlain felt a few of the powerful ones try to press her to linger with them. After recording more than a few visual traces for guests, she and Jan’era slipped free and into the parking bay beside the club.


    “You certainly leave an impression,” laughed Jan’era when they finally got settled in her vehicle, her ears twitching excitedly.


    “I kept it furled,” protested Amdirlain. “You enjoy the rush of the energy in the crowd, don’t you?”


    “Rush of energy from the crowd, or levelling. I don’t know how the world determines these things, but successful shows always give me a buzz,” replied Jan’era, and she checked her link unit, which had buzzed at a series of incoming messages. “Are you okay?”


    “I’m fine. Why?”


    “Jal’krin warned me about you and that word. What level did the college reader show for your Bard this morning?” asked Jan’era.


    I should have researched how a Bard levels before taking this approach. The experience per person per hour of entertainment isn’t much for a regular act, but I’m so abnormal.


    Amdirlain grinned. “Why?”


    “Oh, so ''fine'' and ''why'' are two words you like to play with,” huffed Jan’era, and she fixed Amdirlain with a concerned look. “The club’s manager just messaged me. He didn’t give anyone advance notice, but your song still got recast by one station with a bigger reach. He wanted to know if you’re feeling alright.”


    Given Jan’era’s concern, Amdirlain repressed her mischief. “Level nineteen. I’ve got a good tingle, but nothing like the plaza. It was also only one song, but I’ll tell you if I feel funny. How big was the audience?”


    “That one caster has numbers in the thousands. He said he’ll see your share deposited into the reserve today as an apology instead of waiting the usual account period,” advised Jan’era. Her eyes narrowed protectively at the messages that followed. “I don’t want you to feel like I’m isolating you, but maybe we should hold off getting you that link unit today.”


    “What was that note about?” Amdirlain asked curiously, wondering about Jan’era’s concern.


    “Notes. They asked to express their admiration directly, and I don’t like the subtext,” replied Jan’era. “Kitten, maybe you should just stand still on stage. Your moves are too adult for your age to put the sleazoids off.”


    “Wouldn’t the law keepers go after them?”


    “You’re of legal age, so not if they convinced you to say yes,” sighed Jan’era. “But there is legal, and then there is decent conduct.”


    I’m feeling horrible worrying her about risks of me levelling too much.


    Amdirlain forced out a laugh. “Okay, so that’s why a few tried to give me the ''come-hither'' on the way out when you weren’t looking. Maybe I should set Sarah on them; she’d eat them alive.”


    Jan’era’s concerned look grew more potent, and she reached over to rub Amdirlain’s ears reassuringly. “Sorry for underestimating your Charisma. In the future, I’ll only secure venues with an exit through the back. I don’t want to cramp you, but I might have to get you a bodyguard or an assistant with Mental Clarity to watch your back.”


    “That’s an extra cost, so you should hit up Sarah to bleed out the Mana to cover it,” proposed Amdirlain.


    “Let’s not go there,” Jan’era insisted, and Amdirlain caught that Jan’era was expecting a fuss over Kadaklan’s Mana contribution.


    “Okay, well, tell me about Al’stri’s show while you drive,” said Amdirlain.


    “Yes, let’s not be late,” agreed Jan’era, and she got the vehicle into gear. “Now, safety issue, are you prepared to do enough shows to get at least eleven or twelve levels between now and then?”


    I’ll pretend I took other classes so she can relax; it still feels like I’m doubling down on a lie.


    “Bard gives me some combat capability, so I took Virtuoso, Diva, and ?Prima Donna,” advised Amdirlain, glad Jal’krin had given her the lead on two evolved performer classes.


    “You have four performance classes that all boost your Charisma; heck, kitten, now I know I need a bodyguard for you,” gasped Jan’era, but she didn’t look away from the road. “It’s late news, but it means this show’s offer is far more manageable.”


    “Would you tell me about this show?” prompted Amdirlain.


    “Al’stri’s show is the city’s most popular variety show and is re-cast in dozens of cities. He or Kal’strum must have removed someone. She’s normally got his guests scheduled a year or more in advance,” advised Jan’era, her muzzle curled into a smug grin. “If they like you, then you’ll get regular exposure, and we can line that up for whenever you’ve got a new set of traces to release.”


    “Will you take me through what to expect?” asked Amdirlain.


    Jan’era nodded. “Of course, but it won’t be a problem; being argumentative will fit his viewership and your age.”


    “I’m not argumentative,” objected Amdirlain playfully.


    “I’ve heard you and your sister argue and have already noticed you switch sides for the fun of it,” huffed Jan’era.


    Those illusionary conversations came in handy for setting an impression.


    Amdirlain forced a worried expression. “If he’s that popular, isn’t it too early for me to go on? I was expecting to level more first.”


    “That’s just it, Kal''strum''s connections can help you get the club performances you want before your appearance on their show," Jan''era explained. "This isn’t an opportunity I was expecting so early. This club slot was supposed to be just to keep your name active.”


    “No other option besides being argumentative?" asked Amdirlain.


    “If you were older, the other option would be flirty. He doesn’t make a play, but it will drive Kal’strum into a frenzy, which Al’stri and his audience appreciate,” laughed Jan’era as she stopped at an intersection.


    “Why?” asked Amdirlain.


    “She’s a native of the Matriarch’s dominion. I’ve not met a female from there that isn’t very status focused. Any dominance plays around her mate set her off faster than a projector bolt. Since that sort of raging pheromone is rating gold, Kal’strum’s always close enough to the stage for the caster to pick her up,” explained Jan’era.


    “Kal’strum gets off on guests making a play for her mate?” questioned Amdirlain. “That’s the only reason I can think of for it to remain purely amusing.”


    “I heard Sarah say one person’s spice is another’s vanilla,” noted Jan’era.


    Amdirlain snorted. “Yeah, she likes that saying.”


    “Well, they’ve had this spice going for years, and it’s not grown stale. Their audience eats it up,” clarified Jan’era. “We’ll get you a nice modest dress to downplay your Skill’s sex vibe. See if you can find a relaxing melody for the show. You''ll be the opening act before the principal guests, and they want you to help people unwind and stay focused.”


    “If I go for relaxing, it will put the audience to sleep unless my Charisma behaves,” cautioned Amdirlain. “Maybe I should go for something bright to bring them in.”


    “Let’s get them to make the call so the outcome is in the producer’s hands,” proposed Jan’era. “Drop by the college tomorrow to see if any of your new classes levelled from today. I doubt it, but it doesn’t hurt to check.”


    The silver filigree of Tilrista shone in the sunlight and looked impressive when Amdirlain arrived. Approaching the car, the valet detoured when Jan’era signalled towards Amdirlain. However, before he’d got two steps around the vehicle, Amdirlain had already hopped out. “It’s okay. I’m running late to see Lady Cla’nes.”


    “Welcome to the Tilrista, Am,” replied the valet. His genuine smile added crease lines through the dark blue fur around his eyes. “Ssa’time sent down your image earlier. Please follow me.”


    * * * * *


    The snug-fitting black crop top and slacks Ssa’time wore made the colour of her auburn fur pop. The steel-hued ribbons styled her hair in a braided pillar with a ponytail descending from its top across her right shoulder rather than held in complex braids tight against her head.


    “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Am. If you’d accompany me?”


    Ssa’time’s concern was held away from her expression, but Amdirlain still probed. “Is it a pleasure, Ssa’time?”


    “You are Lady Cla’nes’s guest. It’s always a pleasure for me to receive her guests,” informed Ssa’time.


    “You realise that just told me no?” asked Amdirlain.


    Ssa’time flicked her ears nervously. “Am, I’d ask you to take no offence from this correction.”


    “Go on,” prompted Amdirlain.


    Motioning towards the dark-wood lined corridor from the last visit, Ssa’time started walking. “It is not my place to comment on who Lady Cla’nes does or doesn’t entertain. While there were unusual events while you were present, Lady Cla’nes is looking forward to seeing you again, and that is all I need to know. You also have not been the most disruptive of guests that have graced Lady Cla’nes’s company.”


    For a combat veteran, she must have a high level of Diplomacy, maybe from the Matriarch’s Guard Class.


    When Ssa’time announced her with another precise bow, Cla’nes rose from her couch and came forward to greet Amdirlain with a hug. When she released Amdirlain, Cla’nes addressed Ssa’time. “I’ll ring through if there is anything we need, but there is no need to secure this door.”


    “Of course, Lady Cla’nes,” acknowledged Ssa’time.


    Looping her arm through Amdirlain’s, Cla’nes escorted Amdirlain to the couch she had picked last time before returning to hers.


    As Amdirlain settled down, she smiled at Cla’nes. “How much time do you have free this afternoon?”


    “Only four hours. Unfortunately, I’ll need some time to recover before dinner this evening,” sighed Cla’nes. “The other night was the fastest progress my record has shown for Mental Clarity, Mental Resilience, and Composure.”


    “I didn’t even know that was a Skill. I’d thought something like that would be part of Diplomacy,” admitted Amdirlain.


    “Diplomacy helps not make a faux pas during conversation or react properly in social situations. Composure helps one not to blink when staring at the business end of a projector,” advised Cla’nes.


    I think I might have looked at this the wrong way. Ilya had made that point, but I hadn’t been in the mind space to consider it.


    “What about instead of known paths to alter Femme Fatale, we consider additional skills?,” proposed Amdirlain.


    Cla’nes whiskers twitched. “What do you object most to about Femme Fatale?”


    “The hypersexuality,” Amdirlain immediately replied.


    “So, not that people are looking at you, but how the Skill has you entice their interest?”


    Amdirlain nodded. “Correct.”


    “Let me consider it with some contacts and get back to you,” replied Cla’nes.


    “Even if they only have theories, I’d appreciate their thoughts. That said, let’s train your abilities,” replied Amdirlain, and she put a barrier in place before she let her presence unfurl.


    Two hours later, training Cla’nes’s abilities had been going well until the link unit in the room chimed. “Lady Cla’nes, a law keeper is here to see you and Am. Her name is Wha’sin of the Silverspring pride.”


    “I don’t know her,” replied Cla’nes groggily, and she rapidly straightened when Amdirlain ultimately drew in her Charisma.


    “I do,” added Amdirlain. “Please allow her to come upstairs, Lady Cla’nes. She’s Mor’lmes’ mate.”


    Cla’nes''s ears flickered. “You told me not to connect you and J, and I haven’t. Why is she here to see both of us?”


    “I can think of a couple of ways I might have called attention,” admitted Amdirlain.


    “Or it could be about the plaza,” proposed Cla’nes, and she touched a rune on the unit. “I’ll receive her in this room, though I don’t believe there is a need to prepare refreshments.”


    Though the elevator ride from the foyer was high-speed, it was a few minutes before the elevator door chimed open. Amdirlain had already picked out the nervous thoughts from Wha’sin’s mind, along with her intended proposals.


    We might as well have used signal flares between the Mana donations in the grid and Kadaklan healing at the hospital. The last straw was her catching the club’s broadcast today.


    “Wha’sin made several connections that linked back to me, not from anything you did,” advised Amdirlain. “Let’s see how things work out.”


    “Good afternoon, Wha’sin. Did you have to step on Mor’lmes'' foot to get him to not accompany you?” asked Amdirlain, ensuring her tone was light and friendly.


    Wha’sin’s tensed frame relaxed. “He doesn’t know I’m here to speak with you, nor that you’re here. I had hoped we might have a longer conversation.”


    Cla’nes smiled invitingly and patted the couch beside herself. She’d used the same gesture to beckon Amdirlain closer at their first meeting. “Please, come in and relax, law keeper Wha’sin.”


    Wha’sin’s silver hand smoothed her hair back around her left ear before she walked over and sat on the couch beside Amdirlain.


    Amdirlain wrapped an illusion around the three of them before she spoke again. “What can I help you with?”


    “What became of my mate’s mentors?”


    “You’ll find them in the natal unit of the Osaphis’ military district hospital. I’m sorry, but there wasn’t a lot left that the Eldritch hadn’t corrupted. The hospital believes they’re abandoned,” advised Amdirlain.


    Cla’nes blinked in surprise, but Wha’sin nodded. “You warned us that their corruption can spread. I didn’t consider it could pollute everything. Lady Cla’nes, might I ask what your involvement in these matter are?”


    “Only what Am had told me a few nights ago. I’ve been preparing to get in touch with your mate to offer my help,” explained Cla’nes. “Are you here to charge someone?”


    “I believe that would be more disruptive than is within my authority,” replied Wha’sin.


    Amdirlain used her Charisma to calm and bolster Wha''sin''s racing thoughts. “Yet you’ve come seeking me. What is it you truly desire?”


    [Inspire unlocked!


    Inspire (1)


    Achievement in force: Muse of Sorrow and Hope


    Significant synergy with Muse achievement.


    Inspire (1) -> [Ap] (1)


    Note: You’re not just pretty fur and a nice tail.]


    “I wanted to speak to you about the Class to help with affinities and the hospital reports from those you cured. The Life Mana spells I’ve read through say not to try them if someone suffers from any diseases,” observed Wha''sin.


    “That’s because the Life energies can amplify the disease’s growth faster than the body’s recovery,” replied Amdirlain. “Always use something like Diagnose from Analysing Ways to ensure it’s safe first.”


    “Yet you and a Kadaklan from your pride have cured patients with exactly those sorts of illnesses,” continued Wha’sin.


    “We’re not using the Spell List I provided you. Kadaklan and I access the same Power but through different classes,” advised Amdirlain.


    Wha’sin’s muzzle twisted in distaste. “Is this healing given by gods?”


    Snorting, Amdirlain vigorously shook her head. “No, let me explain to you about Ki. It is a reserve of Life energies within every individual. It’s simply a matter of harnessing it.”


    Wha''sin nodded decisively. “I don’t have a free Class spot, and I’m unlikely to Prestige again. Can you teach some of our observer teams as a starting point?”


    “We can do that, but I’ll need something in return,” replied Amdirlain.


    Wha’sin tensed with suspicion but quickly pushed it aside. “What is it you’re after?”


    “Advice.”


    “About what?” echoed Wha''sin and Cla''nes.


    “The Gods’ Grave draws in Mana and uses it inefficiently. I can tap into that to provide challenges that let people level without fighting the undead. However, I need local insights to ensure it’s as accessible as possible, and some won’t simply monopolise it,” explained Amdirlain.


    “Would this lessen the graves?” asked Wha’sin.


    Amdirlain shook her head. “Not lessen, but I can reduce their unpredictability by stabilising the flow of Mana into them. Let me explain what I had in mind. You can talk to your mate and give me suggestions.”


    Once Amdirlain got through repeating what she’d told Sarah, she created a pair of palm-sized crystal discs. The first crystal contained the explanation and instructions for providing feedback.


    Wha’sin looked at the golden glow fading from the crystals. “What?”


    “Have people answer the crystal''s questions, and the messages will get recorded to this one,” explained Amdirlain. Picking up the second crystal, she bounced it on her palm before it disappeared. “They won’t be traceable via Mana, but you can try. This way, you can tell Mor’lmes it just showed up and not point a finger at me.”


    Still looking taken aback, Wha’sin picked up the crystal, and her smile brightened. “Some people might report it and lock it away.”


    “Then I’ll seed thousands of them throughout the city and take input from those that don’t ignore it,” replied Amdirlain. “Though this city will be the first I help, it won’t be the only one. Entering the training grounds will be dangerous still, but it’s people’s choice, and there will be rewards.”


    I am becoming a bloody dungeon master. I''ll use approaches like the Planar conduit leading through to the Gods’ Grave to avoid extensive use of True Song crystal, so I don’t have to keep repairing it. At least I can manage that subtle touch. It will need them to drop materials back into the Demi-planes in return so the mass on the planet doesn’t keep increasing, though that’s a long-term issue.


    Wha’sin nodded. “Best we know ahead of time, so the law keepers or another organisation is there to support them.”


    “I’ll update that crystal with the access methods and rules I decide,” replied Amdirlain. “I thought that entrances might spread through the city, but the exit is near the military base for central medical and loot administration.”


    “Loot?” grunted Wha’sin in confusion.


    Amdirlain gave an embarrassed smile. “Materials from the monsters within the training levels, slimes’ cores, beast hides, or items manifested within their dens. The creatures won’t just magically disappear and leave objects behind. I intend people to learn to harvest to profit the most from their battles.”


    Plus, setting up something like that would be a completely inefficient use of Mana.


    “Patron families might try to hi-jack anyone or set a permit rule from bringing materials out,” cautioned Wha’sin.


    Amdirlain smiled. “Your local advice is proving helpful already. How about an allowed marketplace for selling goods, and people pay transaction fees to the city coffers? Get ahead, and then if a particular patron family objects, you can point out to the rest they’re trying to steal from them.”


    [Diplomacy [J] (32->33)]