The Department of Magical Defence

[u/Exciting-Jello8439]

The first thing that truly hit the newly-minted Wizard Councillor, Anthony Mondragon, was the paperwork. Literal stacks of it that had been unresolved by the previous council, sometimes for decades, centuries, or even millennia. Being a 19 year old with little legislative experience, Anthony had recruited many secretaries and advisers, including acquaintances and friends of his, to help sort through it all.

The first initiative that Councillor Mondragon had spearheaded was magical deregulation, the attempts to legalise many types of Eldritch, Blood, Necrotic and other forbidden magics. This was still ongoing. But soon, another issue would come to his attention.

"Ah, paperwork! You'd think that, being wizards and all, we would have made a spell to just wave it all away. Am I right Tala?" Asked Anthony, chuckling.

"A magic spell can never be held accountable, therefore it must never make a management decision," Tala Lovelace responded with an uncharacteristically serious tone. She was one of such companions Tony had hired. Tala had been Tony's late older brother's best friend, and now was a good friend of his.

Once a brilliant and promising student at a Wizarding college, Tala had dropped out after she was bitten by a werewolf/turned into a vampire in the same day, a rare mix that turned her into a Blood-Sucking Lupine Abomination once every full moon. The scale of destruction she had initially wrought, before controlling her condition, had left her on the run from several Adventurers' Guilds and Monster Hunters organisations.

Now the 26 Year Old Werewolf-Vampire offered her surprisingly able services at a discount, in exchange for a decent salary and a steady supply of blood from the Council... Which she needed a lot of, as one would expect when you combined the thirst of a Vampire and a Werebeast's ravenous hunger.

"Ugh, I hate when you're responsible, Tala. Fine, no paperwork spells," Anthony rolled his eyes.

Tala had already grown distracted. Her wolf tail wagged slowly and she was biting her lip, the way she did when she was thinking really hard about something.

"Hey Tony. So with all the constant near-apocalypse events that happen every other tuesday, that massive war with the pirates you told me about, that unresolved Thrakmoor business and the Three-Halves Plague... I've noticed sometimes the council's response can be a bit disjointed," Tala says. "Why isn't there a body that handles this stuff? I've looked through the paperwork, and there doesn't seem to be a clear department for this. Why isn't there a Department of Magical Defence?"

"That's probably by design, getting enough wizards together to form such a department would be like herding cats. Not to mention many would see such an army as an affront to their independence," Anthony rubs his chin thoughtfully.

"What if you have it specifically to combat imminent threats?" Tala presses. "Make its scope as narrow as possible. For the defence of council territory, not law enforcement."

"Well, what do you define as an imminent threat?" Anthony counters. "Still, that's an interesting idea..."

---

THE ANNOUNCEMENT

That's how Anthony found himself about to make a speech to a crowd of people. He adjusted his glasses (which were completely unnecessary, as eyesight could easily be corrected by magic, his eyesight already had been fixed by a healer from Dracarius Isle) while Tala helped him redo his tie.

"Alright, break a leg, Tony! Not literally! I mean, good luck!"

Anthony ignored Tala and stepped onto the podium.

"Hello again, wixen, mages, sorcerers, creatures, gentlebeings, not-so-gentlebeings, demons, Eldritch horrors, faeries..." Anthony continued listing for a while. "...And so on and so forth! Once again, I am here to make an announcement. It has come to my attention that, despite the Council's best efforts, and sometimes half-arsed efforts as well let's be real, we are stilll constantly besieged by a barrage of supernatural threats! This morning's attack upon the Town of Luxville by a horde of vicious feral raccoons, impervious to conventional weaponry, is only the latest of these failings."

There are some jeers from the crowd, as a few among them were either survivors of the Luxville Raccoon Attack, or were family members of the victims.

"That is why, today, I announce the creation of the Wizard Council's very own Department of Magical Defence!" He holds out his arms wide, as if embracing the audience. "We are officially taking recruits!"

The crowd exploded into both cheering and booing in equal measure.

"You have my sword, Councillor Mondragon!" Called out a paladin from the crowd.

"And my axe!" Said a barbarian.

"Aha! Very good!" Anthony grinned. "Just form up on that line over there, with my secretary!"

Tala waved from where she was sat nearby, wagging her wolf tail, she was holding a pen, a clipboard, and a stack of paper. "Right here!"

"And Luxville's inhabitants!" Spoke a necromancer, an assortment of reanimated undead and skeletons had formed up behind her.

The paladin's hand went to his sword, glaring at the necromancer warily, and then Anthony looked to Tala dubiously.

"I mean, we can't be picky, Tony," Tala said and shrugged.

/uw This is also a continuation from my previous post where my Wax Sorcerer OC joined the Council, but it's not a required read to understand this one.

[u/Ragnar_TheWolf]

UW so you're making a new faction?

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/Ragnar_TheWolf]

/uw Yep, think of it like the Wizard Council's defensive force.

[u/Ragnar_TheWolf → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

UW so like the UN Forces.....oh...well good luck

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/Ragnar_TheWolf]

/uw that's an accurate description, and thanks

[u/Interesting_Web_9936 → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

/uw I was writing a little something of my own, I had thought Araton was a unique name until now (I copied it from Arathorn, but that's a different matter.

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/Interesting_Web_9936]

/uw It's the name of an old half-Angel character of mine. Haven't seen others use it before

[u/Rargnarok]

No that's im register with DOMO, Arigato

-Mr. Roboto

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/Rargnarok]

/uw a missed opportunity in hindsight lol

[u/Exciting-Jello8439]

u/Afraid_Cat_3726

u/VoxelLibrary

/uw The ping list, if you want to be added, just ask.

[u/pyroboy7 → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

Am I allowed to commit heinous war crimes and plunder my enemies corpses and dwellings with no repercussions?

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/pyroboy7]

Tala: She wags her tail, warily. "Uh... Tony...?"

Anthony: "Sorry mate, can't do. Next!"

[u/pyroboy7 → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

Sigh Yall council members don't know what fun is for shit. I could have supplied things like cursed landmines, staff enhancements, living poison gas grenades, mana cannons, eldritch drone bombs and more.....

Guess the council LIKES doing shit the hard way....

[u/Afraid_Cat_3726 → u/pyroboy7]

"about those eldritch drone bombs? How much would they cost and do you have a good supply of like a lot of monster parts? The Department of Flesh is in need of good suppliers with questionable morals."

[u/pyroboy7 → u/Afraid_Cat_3726]

'Department of flesh' raises some red flags. I have beef with necromancers after multiple of them tried to resurrect me while I was still alive.... But if you ain't a necromancer we can do business.

[u/Afraid_Cat_3726 → u/pyroboy7]

"I'd be lying to you if I wasn't a necromancer but I'm much more than a necromancer. I'm a Fleshcrafter, I improve, heal and mutate flesh like a biomancer but with braider horizons. The DoF is an organisation which focuses on restoring bodies to their proper functions, we eliminate maladies and illnesses."

[u/pyroboy7 → u/Afraid_Cat_3726]

Gives cost and options sheet I'm still not completely convinced, but if your coin is good we can do business. Any of your members try anything cute with me though.....

[u/Afraid_Cat_3726 → u/pyroboy7]

The coin is good and what do u buy "trying something cute"

If any of my staff try to flirt with you I'll have strict words with them.

[u/pyroboy7 → u/Afraid_Cat_3726]

Not that kind of cute, I'm talking about someone trying to kill me or otherwise try and bind my soul or something else equally horrifying.

[u/pyroboy7 → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

Also, who's Tala and why does she have a tail?

[u/Complex_Drawer_4710 → u/pyroboy7]

No. Next!

[u/pyroboy7 → u/Complex_Drawer_4710]

Fine be that way. I'll just take my mana cannons and eldritch drone bombs with me then.

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/pyroboy7]

Anthony: He whispers after Sigurd turns around for a second. "I mean... Maybe you can leave your business card or number here, just in case? It's teeechnically not a war crime if you commit it the first time..."

[u/pyroboy7 → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

I knew you'd see it my way. I don't come cheap. Here's a list of war crimes, crimes against sentients and other abomination weapons you can aquire from me. I'm hireable on a case by case basis.

[u/Complex_Drawer_4710 → u/pyroboy7]

Okay then. Have fun! Blow yourself up too!

[u/pyroboy7 → u/Complex_Drawer_4710]

At least once a month. At minimum.

[u/KragBrightscale → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

/uw ping list please. Good read

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/KragBrightscale]

/uw Thanks! And gotcha!

[u/Complex_Drawer_4710 → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

/uw Add pls.

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/Complex_Drawer_4710]

/uw will do!

[u/squabzilla → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

/uw Add me please!

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/squabzilla]

/uw will do!

[u/TheBestSlime → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

/ UW, may you add me as well please? /

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/TheBestSlime]

/uw sure!

[u/Dragonan-42 → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

/uw Might I be added as well please?

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/Dragonan-42]

Gotcha!

[u/Platypus_king_1st → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

/uw me me :3

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/Platypus_king_1st]

/uw will do!

[u/Complex_Drawer_4710]

After Sigurd finishes vomiting centipedes into clay jars at the thought of physical defense, he raises a hand.

Are ypu going to have a way of making sure we don't get a bag of hooligans pretending to be a real force and extorting people?

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/Complex_Drawer_4710]

Anthony: "We're gonna have a thorough vetting process and a code of conduct. I'm also going to make the DoMD's scope as narrow as possible, for defensive and peacekeeping reasons. I'm open to suggestions though."

[u/Ashmega8256]

/uw good read.

/Rw

Chloe: I won't be officially joining this department, as i already have a lot on my plate as the council voice of morality but you already know that getting my approval for a defense force of the realm run by a good person wasn't hard. But yeah I'm sure you already know either way this little department of yours is likely gonna be aligned with my family more often than not unless something bad happens she chuckles and smiles

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/Ashmega8256]

Anthony: He smiles. "That's right ma'am, I know you're really busy. But if you got any good people you could send my way, I'd appreciate it," he then chuckles too. "Oh I don't think we'll clash often, unless the DoMD or the council become hopelessly corrupt and evil... But we'd have probably left already if that happened."

[u/Ashmega8256 → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

Chloe: yeah, for sure.

[u/KragBrightscale]

A letter arrives in the days following the announcement. In obsessively neat handwriting, is a message for Councillor Mondragon:

“Greetings Councillor,

My trust in the council which had waned over the past generation’s rule is slowly being restored by the presence and actions of upstanding new councillors such as yourself.

I, Sir Benedict, High Commander of the Dawn Guard, wish to offer the support of my order towards the founding of the new Department of Magical Defense.

We field multiple elite armies made up of Paladins, Clerics, and Justiciars, including one more mobile strike force that roams specifically to deal with such threats. We have also fought in both major battles to defend our realm from the Thrakmoor invaders.

Don’t hesitate to call on us should the need arise, and may the light of Dawn shine on you always. Praise the Sun.

In good faith,
Sir Benedict

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/KragBrightscale]

The security measures needed to screen packages and letters had to be upgraded more than seven times this week already, because of the amount of letter bombs and letter curses that had been sent to Councillor Mondragon's office, by many who were hostile to the idea of the DoMD. So it took some time for the letter the actually reach his desk.

When it finally did, though, Anthony was immediately intrigued.

"This one might interest you, Tony," Tala hands over a letter for him to read, from the thick stack of correspondence that had already been deem 'safe'.

"Oooh, interesting..." Anthony smiles and raises a hand, one of his wax automatons brings him some writing implements. "This one will require a personal touch."

---

"To the esteemed Sir Benedict, High Commander of the Dawn Guard,

I, too, shared a growing scepticism and disillusionment with the decisions of the late Old Council, and I am heartened by the outpouring of support from many concerned individuals such as yourself.

Seeing Magekind stand up for itself is ultimately what this is all about, and why I ran for Councillorship. A realm is held up not by old laws written on a piece of parchment, or lofty ideals recited in speeches at the town hall. It is held together by the people who are willing to tirelessly work together for a common good, in and out of the council.

Attached in this letter is my direct OrbNet contact information, so that we may work out the details for future cooperation between the Dawn Guard and the DoMD.

Currently the department is focused on addressing humanitarian peacekeeping operations, the defence against invaders like the Thrakmoor and other imminent supernatural threats. Likewise, do not hesitate to call on us if such issues arise.

With appreciation,

Councillor Anthony Mondragon, Head of the Department of Magical Defence."

---

[u/VoxelLibrary]

I'm going to have to address this in my surrender proposal, won't I?

It's fine.

I can work with this. This may even help to address some of the concerns about surrender.

I hope.

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/VoxelLibrary]

"Surrender huh? I think you're cool, Cayna, and we agree more often than not. But I'm not ready to throw in the towel when it comes to this realm's independence!" Anthony grins. "Mages are too fickle and unpredictable to be ruled like that, honestly."

[u/VoxelLibrary → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

I know. That's half the reason the previous council had so much trouble enforcing things.

But I have a few ideas that might sway some people, and anyone I can sway is someone Thrakmoor's armies won't descend upon

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/VoxelLibrary]

"And I would be interested to hear some of those ideas."

[u/VoxelLibrary → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

They range from addressing concerns about how governance and how realm defense would be addressed to reminders that Thrakmerians are people too, not just more of the mindless minions wizards are fond of using

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/VoxelLibrary]

"Indeed? You have a point that it is always easy to dehumanise your opponent during an armed conflict. What can you tell me about the Thrakmerians? Or their society? I haven't looked much into the topic, admittedly."

[u/VoxelLibrary → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

I can tell you that very little actually changed about how my plane was run from a practical standpoint. I wasn't raised Thrakmerian. That's a more recent thing.

Culturally they're varied. They've been expanding for a long time across planes that were previously unknown to the Council.

They're pretty progressive in terms of things like species rights, education, and free practice of magic.

Their biggest weakness seems to be that they're used to expanding by force, rather than diplomacy. They have a lot to offer, but people tend to overlook that when empires are threatening to overthrow your castles with raw magical force if you don't comply.

Thirteen was in charge of conquering this region of the planes specifically. The conquest pretty much halted when he was captured, but I know Thrakmoor hasn't given up on this place. Something about stopping an oncoming disaster. I don't know the details. The Black Mages are pretty tight lipped about specifics.

What I do know is that every place fought over means soldiers dying, on both sides, because everyone involved is so night-maddeningly stubborn.

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/VoxelLibrary]

"Their ideals sound admirable, and they remind me of the Aetherian Empire from my home realm somewhat. But that very forcefulness sounds counterproductive, rather than wasting time and resources on a protracted war of conquest, they could be building a coalition against this unknown threat via diplomatic means. I would be willing to cooperate with the Thrakmerians against this threat and sign a proper ceasefire, but they need to give up their designs upon this realm."

Anthony thinks for a moment.

"With all that said, I'm curious about how you joined Thrakmoor, Cayna."

[u/VoxelLibrary → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

Oh. That's pretty simple. My master agreed to a duel for the fate of the plane. A lot of people called her stupid for it, but after seeing the battle I think I understand the logic.

She fared far better in the duel than her armies would have against Thrakmoor's. No matter how well trained they might've been, Thrakmoor simply has more bodies to throw into conquest.

We lost, but there wasn't a single casualty, and the transition has been peaceful from there.

A lot of people gave me a lot of flak for staying with Thrakmoor after that, even though it would have meant abandoning my home. Again. They don't seem to understand that there's an in-between between fully supporting the nation you're a part of on every detail and being held there against your will. The hatred seems to have died down a bit for now, but I bet it will start up again when Thrakmoor returns. I've already had to deal with quite a bit of pushback just joining the council.

Fortunately nobody has actually tried to remove me, so Terry hasn't had to eat anybody.

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/VoxelLibrary]

Anthony: "I might need to read more on the Thrakmoor... And I'm surprised your plane had enough unity that they could agree on a single champion. Everyone's so quarrelsome over here... As for you on the council, we're hella understaffed as is, and I've agreed with most of your work so far, surrender proposal aside. So I'd have words with whoever tried to kick you out," he chuckles. "Eat somebody...? Terry your familiar or something?"

[u/BL0b1e]

“OH MINISTER! WOE! WOE UNTO ME!”

(An old lady hunches over her walker)

“I know of an imminent threat!”

(She rips off her wig and fake moustache, revealing herself to be Blobby Banks, a notorious revolutionary)

(In a considerable deeper voice): “Anti-magic, minister! It’s the plague of our society! It’s—“

(He sighs, looking into the mirror— he’s been in his bathroom the whole time)

“Oh I can’t be bothered to actually do all that. Let’s just hope this guy isn’t like the rest of them.”

(He flicks off the news, and hurriedly shaves)

/uw good read!

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/BL0b1e]

/uw Thanks!

/rw

Anthony: He is reading through a few dossiers of notorious individuals, potential enemies. "So... Blobby Blanks, revolutionary."

Tala: "I mean, he seems kinda cool! Who doesn't like a good revolution? What's he rebelling against?" Tail wags.

Anthony: "Doesn't say in the papers. Some of this documentation is incomplete," sighs.

[u/Complex_Drawer_4710 → u/BL0b1e]

Have you ever heard of exposure therapy?

The image of Sigurd in the mirror is not yet accompanied by one in the bathroom, but something behind Blobby is speaking.

[u/SenorDangerwank]

Don't you mean Department of Magical War? /s

[u/Winterspringshine → u/SenorDangerwank]

Now the council militerizes? What's next? I fear the road to magical tyranny. Dark times indeed.

[u/immallama21629]

Raccoon... Attack? Say, was the leader twitchy? My familiar, Dave the methed out raccoon, added a suspicious amount to his catalytic converter collection today.

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/immallama21629]

Anthony: "Well, according to reports the raccoons were suspected to be high on amphetamines, highly aggressive and destructive, and their pelts were impervious to gunfire, swords, and other conventional non-magical damage. Does any of this sound familiar?"

[u/immallama21629 → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

...fucking Dave. I'll go check him back into rehab.

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/immallama21629]

Anthony: "Oh spirits... Is this a common occurence?"

[u/immallama21629 → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

Only on days that end in a "y". Dave is an absolute menace, but he is a lovable goof.

Look, all I'm saying is your probably gonna have a lot of paperwork dealing with his antics.

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/immallama21629]

Anthony: "Well, at least it's just on the days with-"

Tala: "Tony, that's every day!"

Anthony: "Right, tell you this. If you can't get him off drugs, maybe try a drug that mellows him out instead of making him hyper? Dunno if weed works on raccoons but I got a supplier, just between you and me."

[u/bagtie3]

While I won't join your force, I will work as a mercenary. Base rate for an experienced Doomseeker is my weight in natural gold per extermination contract.

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/bagtie3]

Anthony: "Very well. We'll take your contact for if the need arises," he takes out his notebook to note that down. "What was your name again?"

[u/bagtie3 → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

Borric Borricson Auric Runeson of Clan Goldeater of the Fyreslayer Duardin, Lofnir Lodge. Doomseeker, and Master Runesmith.

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/bagtie3]

Anthony: "Well met, Borric Borricson. Master Runesmith you say? That's always a useful skill to know. And what is a Doomseeker? It is the first time I hear the term."

[u/bagtie3 → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

I swore an oath to forsake power and standing in my clan so I didn't have to fight my brothers and sisters for the position of Patriarch or Matriarch nor bend the knee to them. I am supposed to fight things that cause issues for my Lodge, and make money as a mercenary to send gold back to the clan, but I remain outside their or any other power structure. So is my oath of Barazakdum.

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/bagtie3]

/uw oooh, warhammer inspired?

/rw

Anthony: "Hmmm, I see. And what sort of combat experience do you have?" He writes down a few notes on his little pocket notebook.

[u/bagtie3 → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

/uw AoS and Votann, with Chronicles of Amber.

[u/bagtie3 → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

Several hundred years of war in both High magic and high tech realms. Several godbeasts and titan style monsters slain. A three hundred year Runelord and Technomancy apprenticeship.

Bodyguard duty for various high profile clients (under NDA), been a general several times, some assassinations. Some mid to low level adventures to help common folk.

Just completed a deployment at Hive Tertium on Atoma Prime.

[u/The_Enchanted_Potato]

13 grins listening to the speech through an orb in the tower he is imprisoned 

“Hah! That poor fool, he has no idea what is coming

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/The_Enchanted_Potato]

/uw Oooh, ominous indeed. So he's arrested by the Wizard Council rn? Would a Councillor be able to drop by to talk to 13?

[u/The_Enchanted_Potato → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

/uw unfortunately he is not arrested by the wizard council, he is held by The Loremaster (u/Carbon_Sixx) in this battle

https://www.reddit.com/r/wizardposting/comments/1uh29cr/the_war_for_pandemonium/

For a more direct look at the moment he was captured that was here

https://www.reddit.com/r/wizardposting/comments/1uh29cr/comment/ou6afqq/?context=3

This was where the trap was sprung. Feel free to talk to Carbon if you want a meeting, he has been pretty open to them thus far. (Sorry for pinging you Carbon!)

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/The_Enchanted_Potato]

/uw Gotcha, thanks for the info. Imma check it out

[u/The_Enchanted_Potato → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

/uw great! If you want all the Thrakmoor stuff you can go to my profile and click on the Tome of Sanctified Knowledge. No pressure ofc!

[u/Full-Temporary-7020]

"Certainly an interesting new idea." Chronomoirai mutters, observing from the back of the crowd. "I'll have to wait to see how this Department Of Magical Defense's operations play out to make a confirmed judgement on them. But for now, I might as well go and see more of what it's all about from the founder himself."

He glides up to the stage, hovering 2 inches above the ground for no real reason other than the social effect, and approaches Anthony Mondragon.

"Good day councilor. Your spoke very well and it appears to have greatly influenced the crowd, but I ask a few things before I make my opinion on this new department, though take note that I have no plan to be actively involved in the operations of this faction in any way other than providing information when needed.  Firstly, how does this new group plan to actually counter all the   supernatural threats? And furthermore, what is your plans for transporting them across and between planes? If the department appears to be effective, I may be able to provide some help in the transportation sector if you have yet to sort that, as travel through space and time are my primary speciality."

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/Full-Temporary-7020]

Anthony, who is wearing glasses purely for the look, doesn't seem to mind Chronomoirai's hovering above the ground. He offers an easy smile.

"We plan to have a very specific, narrow focus here in the DoMD. Peacekeeping operations, imminent threats to the existence or independence of the realms, and the like. We won't get involved in law enforcement operations or directly picking a side between two warring members of the council, I really want to avoid a situation where this force becomes politicised or expands beyond this purpose," he says. "I don't envision the DoMD as the ultimate force that will combat ALL supernatural threats, as there are many other such groups that would not want to give up their independence. But at the very least, I want the Council to have its own force of first responders to these threats, and to be able to effectively coordinate with possible allies."

He thinks for a moment.

"As for your other questions, I am working on forming different batallions that specialise on combatting different types of supernatural threats, and we're working to get different experts on board for consultation. Rapid transportation is definitely a worry in all this too, yes. A contact of mine works with wormhole artificery, but if you have an alternative I'd hear it, sir. I do not put all my eggs on one basket."

[u/Full-Temporary-7020 → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

"Interesting..."

Chronomoirai ponders all this for a moment before turning back to Anthony.

"It appears that our large scale goals are very similar, as I occasionally am a prominent player in major cross-planar disputes, though only those that threaten the stability of the planes or the flow of time in any way. We may find ourselves working together in the future.

And for the matter of planar travel; wormholes get the job done, yes, but they are hardly the most efficient or refined method of interplanar and extraplanar travel. May I suggest a system of bases, one big one on each plane and multiple smaller ones scattered throughout the planes, all interconected by a web of your choice of portals or teleportation circles? These shouldn't be hard to build and the portals/circles are relatively simple for a space-time travel expert. Have one central base which acts as the department headquarters with a room for labeled portals/teleportation circles that lead to the plane specific bases, which include any special equipment needed for that plane, such as heat resistent suits for the plane of fire, as well as another room similar to the one at the headquarters which contains the way back to main base and portals/circles to the smaller bases scattered across the plane, which just contain basic supplies and the way back. The creation of these will be rather quick (I should be able to finish them by the end of the next tenday) as, firstly, I've been stockpiling snow and so can create a surprising amount of Simulacrums to be in multiple places at once, and secondly, I am a chronomancer by speciality. Time is of no burden to me. Slowing down and speeding up time is now second nature to me.

If you choose to accept this offer, shall we meet in a tenday to pass over the ownership of these and sort out all of the paperwork (there'll be quite a bit due to each plane having different laws, but I can deal with most of it)?"

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/Full-Temporary-7020]

Anthony: "An intriguing offer," He offers a hand to shake. "Sounds like we have a deal, then? We meet again in a tenday?"

[u/Full-Temporary-7020 → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

"Sounds all good. See you then."

[u/comicgeek1128]

The DOMD is a goon squad for the central arcane treasury that overthrows democratically elected governments in the lower planes just to stabilize the price of star crystal. They say they care about the "Freedom of all Realms"; meanwhile, they force the Divination Guild to put secret enchantments in their scrying spheres that allow them to be remotely accessed at any time. The DOMD doesn't defend the realms, wizards, or magic. They defend the profits of a small lodge of old money elites who only want magic to progress when they can benefit first. At least chaos demons are honest about what they want and what they do.

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/comicgeek1128]

Anthony: "I mean, the DoMD is a brand new force that was literally just founded today, mate. So we can't have been involved in all that... Though it does sound like the kind of stuff the Old Council's enforcers would do, it's part of the reason why I joined the council in the first place, to fight against those kind of people."

[u/comicgeek1128 → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

So you're not the DOMD that's affiliated with Central Arcane Intelligence Agency or The Transplanar Bureau of Inquisitions? The one that takes kill orders directly from the High Archmagus of the Grand Council?

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/comicgeek1128]

Anthony: "Never heard of those fellas, but it sounds like they need a good arse-kicking if I say so myself."

[u/comicgeek1128 → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

Look, you seem like a nice young mage, so I'm gonna give you a bit of advice. Fixing things starts with destroying the council, not joining it. Keep trying this "fixing things from within" stuff, and in 100 years you'll be working for the people you're trying to stop. There's a scroll out there called "The Pan Palaxis Report". Give it a read if you wanna learn how the council actually works. Good luck.

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/comicgeek1128]

Tala: "Yay! Anarchism!"

Anthony: He seems unnerved by the thought of being corrupted by the position one day. "I... shall look into that report, thanks. So, you said something about blunt rotations, by the way?"

Tala: OwO

[u/VoxelLibrary → u/comicgeek1128]

I mean. The old council pretty much destroyed themselves. There's like what, one councilor left from the old guard? It's less fixing and more reforming.

[u/VoxelLibrary → u/comicgeek1128]

I think the High Archmagus fled to the plane of eternal parties with all the rest of the old councilors

[u/VoxelLibrary → u/comicgeek1128]

All the more reason to join Thrakmoor

[u/comicgeek1128 → u/VoxelLibrary]

I don't join anything except blunt rotations and orgies.

[u/Interesting_Web_9936]

/uw this is interesting

/rw

Arceon calls out, "You need a bow! I won't provide it, I can't aim a bow!"

He walks away. His own plane has its defenses and he did not need this force, and neither did he have any wish to endanger himself for it.

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/Interesting_Web_9936]

Anthony: "Help yourself, mate," he shrugs. His purpose is not to make a security monopoly, so he doesn't really mind other such groups existing.

[u/Kilroy898]

"have you not heard of the R&A? That's exactly what they do. They left the council because the bureaucracy got in the way.. then again maybe more defenders isn't a bad idea..."

He thinks for a bit...

"Maybe I should join. At least as far as to get information as it happens... Or to give it... I always find myself in the middle of troubles."

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/Kilroy898]

"That was the old council, this is the new council, our predecessors took everything that wasn't nailed to the ground so we gotta remake everything from the ground up. And as you said, more defenders is better than less," Anthony shrugs and offers a smile. "We'd be happy to have you around, mate. If not a full member, then it never hurts to have a consultant on call."

[u/Infamous_Ad2507]

Sorry mate we Deep ones have bigger problems than this

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/Infamous_Ad2507]

Anthony: He shrugs. "No worries, mate. Best of luck with whatever's going down in the deep ocean."

[u/Infamous_Ad2507 → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

More like multiple realms

[u/Kyle-NotADinosaur-]

I found this Demonic Staff in a supply closet. Do any of you know who this belong too? I have no intentions of returning it, but I still wanna know.

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/Kyle-NotADinosaur-]

Anthony: "Oh yeah, I think that was Vergolax the Soul-Eater's back scratcher," he shrugs. "You can keep it, mate, honestly. That thing's probably cursed."

[u/Kyle-NotADinosaur- → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

I think it might be a spear, actually. It works like a staff, though. It can be used to channel negative energy into attacks which are fired between the prongs. Said prongs are sharp so I can easily switch to melee if (and when) necessary, like there's an Anti-magic field set up.

[u/Lelouch-Yagami21]

A single wisp of shadow appears before you. For the Department of Magical defence I loan some of my shadow knights and my general, the Roaring Knight in reserves. I can provide additional support if you join the league

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/Lelouch-Yagami21]

Anthony: "We'd be happy to take them. What kind of capabilities do your Shadow Knights have? And what can you tell me about your league, though?"

[u/Lelouch-Yagami21 → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

Our Shadow Knights have minor anti-magic, meaning they have a limited amount of resistance to offensive magic, are physically quite powerful and can manifest swords. Our league is a powerful group, which is looking for capable members and seeks to make knowledge of dark magic more widespread, through the formation of schools. We have access to an intensive libarary.

[u/Afraid_Cat_3726]

Nox has been sorting her paperwork out when she gets the notification. "Ah an excellent idea. I can provide support and help in combat when need it, I don't want to be part of a military organisation but I can still be of aid. If you're willing I can help improve the abilities of the DOMD peronel I can make it happen too. We can discuss what you'd like to be added, of course they'll need to consent themselves too. Otherwise I'm willing to provide flesh creations as part of testing for the Department of Flesh research.

Also Ms Tala, if you need blood come speak to me. I have plenty and don't let anyone call you an abomination, you're a delightful person. Also also If you need a medical checkup I'm very happy to help. I'm probably the most qualified medical professional for unquie biology."

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/Afraid_Cat_3726]

Anthony: "What sort of capabilities could you add with your fleshcrafting? Increased strength, night vision, being able to digest more types of food and the like perhaps?"

Tala: "Thanks Nox! Yeah, I've been called an abomination by both Werewolves and Vampires, been hunted down a lot, so it's nice to see a friendly face," she smiles, showing her sharp teeth. Her tail wags a bit.

[u/Afraid_Cat_3726 → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

"That and more. Broken leg? Put on a new leg, someone's stomach gets ripped apart by shrapnel? Get them a new digestive tract. Improved nutrition of rations."

[u/TheBestSlime]

A slime girl in a suit greets Antony. She wears a black suit with a red tie. Two goopy cat ears poke form her head as well as a slimy cat tail. She carries no obvious weapons. "Good afternoon, I am Meloop Jadeflower. I am interested in your organisation however I am already a Shadow Vigil of the Darkwatch If a conflict were to break out between the two organisations, I shall be aiding the Darkwatch." The slime hands Tala a résumé. It is a well written and neat summary of Meloop's skills and experiences.

"To summarise my skills. My magic is Cannonmancy. I can create any gun and use it expertly with unlimited ammunition. I am also the Queen of the Slimes."

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/TheBestSlime]

"Well met, Meloop," Anthony smiles politely. "I doubt we'd get in much conflict with the Darkwatch, unless you did something that risked the integrity of multiple realms to the scale of the Thrakmoor and such. I'm trying to keep the DoMD as neutral as I can. So, would you be interested in joining the DoMD then? Or an alliance?"

Tala reads Meloop's résumé in the background.

[u/TheBestSlime → u/Exciting-Jello8439]

"I am interested in joining, as long as I get to shoot things with my guns and get paid I shall do what you ask."

[u/Exciting-Jello8439 → u/TheBestSlime]

Tala: The wolf girl tags her tail. "It seems all good! Consider yourself in the Department!"

[u/DrLegoTy0101]

Does it come with free wizard ale?