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Topics - Grifter

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DF Spoilers / Raith Reservoir [Peace Talks Spoilers]
« on: July 27, 2020, 07:11:23 PM »
We were debating this in the 'What is Lara's problem?' thread but I wanted to get a larger consensus and not derail that thread.

A known issue for Wamps is that they have to feed regularly.  Another known issue for Wamps is that if they exhaust too much energy (a la Thomas getting beaten in Peace Talks), their demon can go full parasite and devour the host.

My proposal is this: an artificial reservoir for lust energy.

Benefit:
If a Wamp gets dangerously low on energy, he could tap the reservoir for either a boost to continue fighting, or to sate the hunger of the demon to prevent it from feeding on themselves.  It would effectively help a Wamp exceed their own natural reservoir of energy limitations, which is apparently a thing.

Drawback:
A small percentage of energy would be syphoned from the feeding, and it would potentially go to waste if unused.  It would presumably need to be recharged regularly, as most enchanted items do.

Components:
  • An enchanted item that can act as a reservoir for energy, similar to Harry's bear belt buckle (Gravel Peril).
  • An enchantment that would syphon a small percentage of lust-fueled spiritual energy when the Wamp feeds, similar to Harry's rings absorbing kinetic energy.
  • Optionally, a thaumaturgic link between a bunch of these items and a Queen item that would get a percentage of the percentage from each of the others. (Not advertised to the masses, but maybe 1% of 1%?)
  • A wizard/sorcerer/being experienced enough and inclined enough (via favor/payment) to help create the enchantment, but not at a cost so steep that Lara would be unwilling to pay it.

Concerns noted by vultur so far:
 - Can lust energy be stored?
 - Can a wamp feed on stored lust energy?

For the first, I'd argue yes. In Storm Front, Harry commented that Victor Sells' lake house was surrounded by an aura of lust and fear and hate.  This would suggest that the lust energy used in Sells' spell was capable of being transferred to an area/object even without the intent to do so.

For the second, I'd argue yes. Lara is able to feed Thomas in Peace Talks without invoking lust.

'Usable' Energies stored so far:
  • Kinetic energy in rings
  • Kinetic energy in the staff
  • Raw spirit energy of life in the bear belt buckle
  • Knowledge/wisdom in Margaret's ruby
  • Sunshine in a hankerchief

Query:
  • Do we think this is possible?
  • Do we think this would be beneficial?
  • Do we think it would be worth the cost/time/effort?

Relevant text:
Quote
It seethed with negative energy, anger and pride and lust. Especially lust. Lust for wealth, lust for power, more than physical desire.
It seems like the lust was mostly Sells' own desire for power, but the text suggests that there was physical desire as well. Debatable, though.

Quote
I touched my left hand to my belt buckle and whispered, “Fortius.” Power rushed into the pit of my stomach, a sudden tide of hot, living energy, nitrous for the body, mind, and soul. Raw life radiated out into my bones, running riot through my limbs. My confusion and weariness and pain vanished as swiftly as darkness before the sunrise. This was no simple adrenaline boost, either, though that was a part of it. Call it chi or mana or one of thousand other names for it—it was pure magic, the very essence of life energy itself. It poured into me from the reservoir I’d created in the silver of the buckle. My heart suddenly overflowed with excitement, my thoughts with hope, confidence, and eager anticipation, and if I had a personal soundtrack to my life it would have been playing Ode to Joy while a stadium of Harry fans did the wave. It was all I could do to stop myself from bursting into laughter or song.
Raw spirit can be stored, and it can induce an emotional reaction in the bearer.

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DF Spoilers / We have a Hulk [Peace Talks Spoilers]
« on: July 27, 2020, 12:27:18 AM »
I want a scene between Harry and Ethniu in Battle Ground right before the final showdown that's reminiscent of the Stark/Loki talk. She has an army. He has a Sasquatch.

So who would be who in Harry's banter?  Who's going to be his primary Avengers?

3
DF Spoilers / #2 [Peace Talks Spoilers]
« on: July 25, 2020, 04:00:23 PM »
PEACE TALKS debuts at #2 on NYT Bestsellers.

https://www.nytimes.com/books/best-sellers/2020/08/02/

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DF Spoilers / Battle Ground Casualties [Peace Talks Spoilers]
« on: July 23, 2020, 10:55:35 PM »
Who does everyone think will die in Battle Ground?  Select as many as you'd like.  I've kept it narrowed to good-ish guys, because I'm focusing on who we think Harry is missing and mourning in Christmas Eve. If you can think of any other good-ish guys that aren't listed and aren't known to be alive in Christmas Eve and are in Chicago or might show up, let me know and I'll add them.  I don't list the Carpenters because the mood in CE would have been very different if they'd lost someone.

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I know some folks think Harry is going to take up Amoracchius.  Others think Thomas will.  But what about in Battle Ground?  Thomas isn't likely to bounce back in a couple of hours, and Harry has the athame to use, so doubling up with Amoracchius seems unlikely to me.

So who else might wield it, if only for a night?  I know no-on has to, but let's speculate on the idea that it's in town and they're going to need all the help they can get.

Michael is heavily injured.  Murphy is heavily injured and also she'd probably be terrified. Daniel is living elsewhere so no second generation from him, and the other Carpenter kids haven't been foreshadowed for any action.

Charity maybe? Probably not Forthill.

Mac?

Marcone?

Imagine a scene where Harry's brought Amoracchius to the battle prep and left it laying on a table, and Marcone touches the hilt absently while explaining to Harry that all he wants is to protect the people in Chicago, and a faint glow emanates from the sheeth?

 :o

What other mortals are around that might take it up? Rawlins? Stallings? Rudolph?  Mike the Mechanic?  Agent Tilly?

6
DF Spoilers / Battle Ground Resources [Peace Talks Spoilers]
« on: July 17, 2020, 04:23:57 AM »
Who is fighting for who in Battle Ground?

Team Chicago vs Team Soggy Bottom

Team Chicago
Harry Dresden
Two Knights of the Cross/Sword (and maybe Michael? Can't see him sitting things out)
Marcone's organization
500+ Einherjaren mercenaries
Svartalf warriors and gear
White Court Raith family members and local resources
Paranet resources
Summer Fae (primarily communications)
Winter Fae (maybe the troops Molly mentioned, if Mab doesn't override her)
Local Ways locked down (Ferro/Vadderung)
Four Senior Wizards (one of which is injured already)
Four Wardens (one of which isn't much of a combatant)
Compliment of White Council Wardens (en route)
River Shoulders and his people
Alphas

Likely/Possible to join Team Chicago
Erlking and some goblins
Wild Hunt
Special Investigations/Police
Ivy
National Guard/FBI/NSA/CIA/MI6/DHS/National Archives
Goodman Grey

Team Soggy Bottom
Ethniu
Fomor royals and troops
Turtlenecks

Likely/Possible to Join Team Soggy Bottom
LaChaise Clan ghouls
Black Council
Outsider troops
White Court traitors? (Skavis/Malvora rebels)
Black Court
Mavra
Kincaid

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DF Spoilers / Ferrovax [Peace Talks Spoilers]
« on: July 15, 2020, 10:03:14 PM »
Ferrovax sits opposite and equal to Vadderung. 
Erlking sits opposite and equal to Kringle.
Hades (Greek Underworld God) sits opposite and equal to Odin (Norse Sky God).

Erlking's kingdom is underground.  Hades' kingdom is underground.  Ferrovax says in PT that to help, he'll lock down the underworld, preventing them from moving through or beneath the earth.

Is everyone else thinking what I'm thinking?

8
DF Spoilers / Peace Talks - Continuity Notes [Spoilers]
« on: July 15, 2020, 02:59:01 AM »
After one read-through, I thought there were a couple continuity items, but they mostly revolved around who knew certain secrets, and one about BFS. If anyone catches any others, feel free to share.

(click to show/hide)

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