rolled 90 = 90

Tell her that the thing is a replica and the real thing does not break into two parts.

Thank for the offer but say that you are busy and will visit in the evening.

Go back to the monastery, try to avoid the Inquisitor.
Talk with Arnie.
I want to ask him if his warnings against learning what the artifact is for came from him personally or is the Order told him to say that.

rolled 35 = 35

>>14979892

I agree with this.

"I wish that I could, but I have a few more matters to attend to. I'll call upon your uncle later this evening."
"Ah, that's a shame. But I suppose it can't be helped."
"Also, about that object. Let your uncle know it is a replica. The original one does not break into two halves and is made of metal."
"I'll be sure to let him know. I'll see you this evening then, Brother Gregory."
"I look forward to it."
You turn and leave the garden as quickly as you came. You keep an eye open for the inquisitor but, he and the assembled soldiers seem to have moved on.
You make your way through the halls heading straight for Arnold's room, needing to talk to him to set things straight. Last night his faith in his cause was shattered and men in such situations tend to do stupid and reckless things. And as of now, very much of your fate and your continued relations with the order depend upon him.
You arrive at his room and knock, but there is no answer. You knock again and call his name but there is still no reply. Perhaps he is not here or perhaps he is and he is just ignoring you.

>>14980015

Shit, I'm expecting the worst. Open the door slightly and peek inside to see if he's in or not.

rolled 37 = 37

>>14980044

Whoops, forgot my roll

You press against the door and quietly open it. You pause as you hear a loud snort. Arnold is asleep on the bed and a half eaten loaf of bread is gripped in his hand hanging over the edge. There are several bottles littered about and you suspect he's had a lot to drink
It seems he's a deep sleeper. He must not have slept the whole night after the ordeal. You could wake him somehow. Or you could leave him to sleep for a while longer and come back.

rolled 86 = 86

Yeah, peek inside.

Do we have seeker-hunter type of vestige? We myst seek him out.

rolled 69 = 69

>>14980085

I don't want to put this talk off any longer, it's too important. Wake him up and see how he's doing, once he's up and...more alert than he is currently, we can take him to one of our safe rooms and talk there securely.

>>14980085
I say we scribble a quick note for him to find. Tell him that we're not 100% sure that Leonard's story is the truth. We still want to know more about the Order. Let him know that we need to speak to him later, once his hangover is gone.

>uredici subspace
No, captcha, we don't know the seal or ritual for Uredici, Lord of Warp Drives.

>>14980132

No, clearly Urdici is the Subspace Emissary.

rolled 88 = 88

>>14980085

Go back to our secret room and summon some new vestiges to check them out.

Also think things over. Which side should we belong to? Do we hold any sentiment for non humans? I say we should walk our own path. No gods, no masters!

rolled 72 = 72

Don't leave written evidence which can be traced to us!

When going to Leonard we should take Arnold with us

rolled 69 = 69

>>14980196
>I say we should walk our own path. No gods, no masters!

I say we GONNA BE THE VERY BEST
LIKE NO ONE EVER WAS
TA CATCH THEM IS OUR REAL TEST
TO BIND THEM IS OUR CAUSE

>>14980224

Heh, I remember first calling our Big Book 'O Summons a Pokedex as a joke way back when I first started following this quest.

But jokes aside, I think our goal is knowledge. Knowledge of the Vestiges, where they come from, what they are, how they are called forth with pacts and what kinds of effects they have on our world. We want to know about the history of this magic, who wields it, and why it works the way it does.

rolled 75 = 75

>>14980250
To uncover the secret of the artifact and use the power for ourself
MUHAHAHAHA

rolled 13 = 13

We can wait before the time we leave for Leonard to bother Arnold (I say about 30 before we go there).
We should take him with us

>>14980379
I don't think we should expose Arnold to Leonard any more than necessary. He's in a fragile place at the moment.

rolled 81 = 81

>>14980390
I think it will be easier to convince him to get on our side if we let him talk with Leonard under calmer conditions.

We haven't yet given much evidece to Arnold about the Order (heck, we aren't much sure about it ourself). So it would be good for him to get the story first hand.

Well, if we aren't taking him. Should we take the book too and let Leonard look at it?

You decide to leave Arnold for now. He's in a fragile and possibly drunken state and he may need more time to collect himself.
You close the door softly and walk off to your room. You quickly make your way down into your secret passage and light the lamp in your workshop. You turn to the Veritalignicon upon its pedestal and open it up, flipping through the pages. The names lay before you again:

-Xepoc, the Harbinger of Eternity’s Repose
-Seno and Eno, the Dichotomous Serpent
-Tenebrotep, the Lurker in the Night
-Asam’Ano Mora, the Architect of Misery
-Kuzo, the Storm Warder
-Gourmander, the Hungering One
-Quorim, the Stalwart Blade
-Narcosis, the Indomitable Force
-Red Jack, the Gambit of Buffoons
-Acheron, the Stygian Judge

You have so many allies at your fingertips, waiting to answer you call. Yet your newest additions still remain a mystery, their nature not yet revealed.

rolled 55 = 55

>>14980422

Of course NOT. Book is an ancient artifact and must stay safe at all times. I dont trust Leonard too, remember his character? He could be easily using us the way eh was using our father.

Actually Leonard is one of the reasons I feel more compelled to side with Order.

>>14980428

Summon Quorim, the Stalwart blade. Lets see what he has to offer.

>>14980428
How much time do we have before we have to head to Leonard's?

And I say we leave the book here. I want it safe and sound.

>>14980464
[[It is only slightly past noon. And as for when you meet up with Leonard, that is up to you.]]

>>14980451
Well, when dealing with complete unknowns, one choice is as good as another. Let's just go down the list. Quorum it is.

>Orketic sends
That's a good question. Do we know anything about the race of Orcs in this world? Have they been exterminated or do they still roam free?

>>14980501
[[If there are orcs in this world they are unknown to man. I will say no more.]]

rolled 3 = 3

>>14980451
>Actually Leonard is one of the reasons I feel more compelled to side with Order.

Really? I don't trust the order at all, and personally would trust someone who our father trusted slightly more.
Not saying that I trust anyone at all.

Leonard hasn't provided much evidence.... we might consider going Tenebrotep and reading his mind

>>14980522
We don't know if our father trusted him or not. All we have to go on at this point is Leonard's word. At this point, it's the word of an elf versus the word of a secretive cult which has knowingly endangered us. Heck, I haven't ruled out the King's offer. We could still reveal what we know, move to the capital, and become the King's most important adviser, maybe one day taking the throne ourselves. Or we could strike out on our own and be a hermit. Our options are still open.

rolled 57 = 57

>>14980558

Oo, good thinking with the King option. We should consider that, elven assholes or Order assholes can go fuck themselves. Lets check out what the King has to offer.

You decide to start with the first of your new vestiges, all of them being equally mysterious to you. You step backwards from the open page and intone the words:
"Undying preservers of the lost ways, Quorim, the Stalwart Blade. I give these words, to seek your own, a new pact waits to be made."
"And we, the keepers of the pact blade, come to determine your worth."
The response of the raspy voice comes so quickly it takes a moment for your eyes to register what has happened. But instantaneously you are surrounded by tall imposing figures. You turn around and look at them one by one. There are nine figures, completely encased in strange angular suits of armor. But they have no arms, nor legs, floating instead completely silent and motionless. You can see no flesh, but piercing glowing eyes of various colors peer from the darkness within the armors. Each suit of armor is slightly different from the others, but all are equally strange and alien, clearly not designed by or for humans.
"Are you the new grand master of the Theurgian Order?" asks one of the metal figures with a head of twisting knotted horns whom you turn to face.

rolled 39 = 39

"Why do you ask, Quorim?"

Umm
Should we be truthful or evasive at first?

Well, shit. No point in bluffing. Tell them that we are not. If shit goes from bad to worse, bind Xepoc immediately and halt time.

>>14980585
I get the sense that deception will get us in trouble here.

"No, I am not. I am Gregory, son of Tarrant, and newly initiated to pact making."

rolled 97 = 97

>>14980585

No, not really. But I do know about them. And I want to ask what do You know about them.
And about Your powers and abilities.
And the price for its use.

rolled 92 = 92

>>14980626
keep forgetting my rolls.

rolled 29 = 29

>>14980626
>>14980629

Both of these sound good. I agree trying to lie will not make us look very good in these circumstances.

"No, I am not. I am Gregory, son of Tarrant, and a newly initiated pact maker," you say, deciding truth will be your best defense here. These beings are somehow connected with the Order and it might be dangerous to speak too loosely to them. "I must ask, though, how are you affiliated with the Order?"
"We are no more affiliated with the Order than with any other. We merely associate with any who wish to take up the blade of the pact and enforce the contracts that bind between man and vestige."
"And that is your power?"
"It is. We alone may decide who may carry Oath Keeper, the pact blade. If you agree to abide by the code of honor, you too may be granted its use. But know this, a pact made by any being upon this blade can never be broken. It is composed of the purity of honor and grants the power to make words binding."
"And what is the price for such a blade?"
"You must abide by the code of the Quorim, and act with honor and valour in all that you do. You may never be the first to turn to force before words. You must never take a life, for all can be redeemed. You must defend the unarmed and never let harm come to innocents through your actions. You will honor the spirit of the law of the oath above the word of it. And many other stipulations of a similar nature. But none are as important that as this: You must carry the blade with only noble intentions in your heart."

>>14980852

"Am I required to follow this oath and bear this blade for as long as the pact lasts? Or is this a more...permanent commitment?"

rolled 62 = 62

>>14980852
Seems like an order of Paladins.

>ut know this, a pact made by any being upon this blade can never be broken.
I don't get it. He means during the binding, right? After the contract is over we are free to do what we want?

Ask some background questions.
What do they know about the Order. I'd like to know what their intentions are and if they are as noble as Arnold said or corrupt as Leonard implies.
Ask them about themselves. Their origin and such.

rolled 70 = 70

>>14980852

Oh great, vestige of order and law. Not what we need right now. Could be useful to permanently bind another vestige for us, but not now.

Thank them and dismiss them. If not possible agree to a very limited pact lasting very shortly.

And summon the next vestige on the list.

rolled 34 = 34

>>14980934
Nah, lets ask as much questions as possible.
especially about the Order

rolled 74 = 74

>>14980973
I agree, it's best to get information while we can, about them and more importantly about the Order. Maybe even dad.

rolled 40 = 40

>>14980973
>>14981014

Could even strike up a similar deal we did with Tenebrotep if they refuse to give free answers. A question for a question

"What do you mean by a pact that can never be broken? Do you mean until our pact ends or something more... permanent?"
"An oath sworn by the pact blade must be adhered to. If there are stipulations, it will last until they are met. But otherwise, the agreement is binding. If the possessor of the Oath Keeper should ever go back on his word he shall never again be able to wield the blade."
You aren't very certain of the nature of these beings yet, the other eight having remained silent while the first talks from some unseen mouth. But you can't just dismiss them. You might be able to learn something from them.
"I do not seek the contract of the pact blade at this time. I seek only information. Can you tell me all that you know of the Order and its workings? Are their intentions truly noble?"
"We do not compromise the identity or the integrity of those whom we have served with. To do such would be dishonourable. However, we will say this. The order has produced many who have borne the pact blade, and each has been filled only with the greatest of intentions. But nobility is a subjective thing. They were true to their own heart, but every man and woman holds different ideals within. The blade's edge is tempered by truth, and the Order has been filled by many who were true to their heart. Including your father. Now if you will not accept the blade, we will leave. We are not bound as other vestiges are. We are the binders that hold others to their bargains. If you will not become as us, then we shall leave you. Is that your wish?"

rolled 64 = 64

>>14981224
"Yes. You have given me much to think on. You offer a deal not lightly considered."

rolled 11 = 11

>If you will not become as us, then we shall leave you. Is that your wish?
"If I make up my mind or if I have other business with you could I summon you again?"

Also show them the Artifact and ask them if they know anything about it.

Ask them about their origins, that is always interesting.

"If I am to dismiss you would I be able to call upon you again?"
"Of course. We are always waiting."
"What exactly are you? All of you?"
"We are the Quorim. We are the spirit of the law, a race vast and ancient. We were the first, but not the only, denizens of the void. We wage an eternal war against the pandemonium created by the Daemons. They are many but we are immortal and shall never yield. We will pledge our power to any that create order and honor within the undercurrents of the void that exists in the hearts and minds of men. For these voids are tiny gateways into the greater parts of our domain, magnifying tiny ideals into powerful forces for cause."
You consider what this means of the true nature of the Quorim. They are certainly not perfect allies but they may be trustworthy at least. You point to the artifact on the shelf beyond the circle of the nine spirits.
"What can you tell me about that artifact? Do you know what it is?"
"It is the prison of the one who perfected your art, trapped in penance for his bargaining with the darker denizens of the void. The seal of the first Binder, Sequitus. And beyond that, we are bound to say no more."
You consider dismissing the Quorim and calling them up another time. Their information has been very valuable but their offers seem to come with a very long list of conditions.

rolled 100 = 100

>>14981674
I say we dismiss them. I don't think we're ready to take up the responsibility of a crusade at the moment. And their drawbacks are pretty hefty.

rolled 80 = 80

>>14981674
>"It is the prison of the one who perfected your art, trapped in penance for his bargaining with the darker denizens of the void. The seal of the first Binder, Sequitus. And beyond that, we are bound to say no more."

Well, I'll be damned. These guys have given the most useful information.

Thank them and dismiss them.

"Thank you Quorim. You have been most informative. But for now I am not ready to take up your crusade, though I may call upon you again. You are dismissed."
And without a sound the nine suits of armor dissolve into mist and dissipate into the air.
Not much time has passed and you still have plenty to spare before other duties. You turn back to the book and look again. Two names remain that you have not yet had the chance to put a face to: Narcosis and Red Jack. But do you want to risk entering into another contract with a being you do not yet know?

rolled 71 = 71

>>14981826
Not really.

But we don't really have anything else to do....

rolled 74 = 74

Narcosis shouldn't be mad, it was the guy who hated us not him.

rolled 2 = 2

>>14981826

Summon Narcosis, if he is the minotaur vestige then he was quite powerful, may be useful.

You decide to call upon Narcosis. If he was the one bound to the man you fought last night, he seemed to be quite a powerful vestige. You open his page:
"I call upon your scalding fire, Narcosis, the Indomitable Force. Let your hatred spark desire, let your anger run it's course."
You step backwards as a large fire bursts from the floor in front of you. It grows to an incredible height and a man steps forth, with the horns of a bull and a mane of golden flames about his head. He is as much bull as man, with large powerful hooves where legs should be. His chest, the only area barren of the rich golden hair, has strange tribal tattoos upon it, reminiscent of flames in their own way. He lifts a clawed hand to his mouth and places a pipe to his chin to light it before inserting it into his mouth.
"Yeah. I'm here. So what do you want?" says the low and powerful voice.

rolled 46 = 46

>>14982135
Standard questions
His power
His price
His origin
His knowledge on the Order
Show him the artifact and ask him what he can tell about it

rolled 1 = 1

>>14982135

Yup, thats our man. Doesnt seem like the intelectual type. Just ask what he offers and what he demands in return.

rolled 25 = 25

>>14982193
>>14982135

Also be polite and introduce yourself.

rolled 90 = 90

>>14982193
we should also consider asking him what he knew of our father and the man who attacked us

rolled 83 = 83

>>14982252
right
that too

"I have called you here seeking a pact. What is your power and what is your price?"
"I can give you control over flames, both on your skin and within. With me around we can really turn up the heat, if you catch my drift. You could ignite almost anything with merely a glance or conjure up powerful blasts of flame in your hands. You can kindle the tempers of even the gentlest of heart, driving them to madness. It's not so hard when you know where to push."
He stops and adjusts his pipe, looking down at you from his tall stature.
"As for my price. It's very simple, you see. I want the world to burn. As long as you are bound to me, you will seek something to burn. Books, trees, homes. It doesn't matter. You can even burn yourself for all I care, though it won't hurt you as long as you hold my power. A soon as the fire dies you will be driven by rage until another is created. And no saving anyone or anything from the flames you create. You let them run their course, understand?"

That is quite a price to pay. Fire is a dangerous thing and to be bound to create it so recklessly could be trouble. You decide to continue your questioning before agreeing to anything.
"I'll consider your offer. In the mean time, can you tell me about yourself, Narcosis?"
"If that is what you wish. I was first created as a demon by the same fire and flames as any other. I torture, torment and terrorize. It's what I do. But my pleasure was different from most of my race. I tortured other demons. To burn those who expect it and do not deserve it is not only poor sport, but they bare their agony in martyred dignity. No, that was not enough for me. So I turned to those who stood beside me, and one by one I seared the flesh from their bones. Their pitiful screams of agony, their horror at how one of their own might turn against them, their unrelenting belief that they could never be punished for what they had done. truly, it was delightful. I was the bringer of damnation to hell itself. When at last my lord struck me down himself I told him I had no regrets, except that I never got to see him burn too. So I was burned alive, left with a charred soul that even hell would not take. And now, here I stand."

rolled 69 = 69

>>14982458
>>14982557
"A grim tale, to be sure. Your power is great, but I have no need of your flames, for the moment. When you say you can stoke the fires within, is that only rage, or can you ignite the spark of passion as well?"

"A grim tale, to be sure," you respond when he is done. "Your power is great, but I have no need of your flames, for the moment. When you say you can stoke the fires within, is that only rage, or can you ignite the spark of passion as well?"
"Anger, hatred, passion, lust, envy, desire, fear, awe, pride... They're all primal instincts. All are easy enough to bring about with the right twist."
"I have met you before, or at least one bound to you. He served an organization known as the Order. Can you tell me anything of it?"
"Can't say that I can. What you met was probably just an avatar of me. A cheap imitation. And I don't know about any Order. I just grant my power to whoever will take it. Not so worried about names."

"Look kid. I'm here and I came to see something burn. So if you just want to call it, that's fine with me. I'll give you a short pact just until you set something on fire. Then we're done. Fair enough?"

rolled 26 = 26

Thank you for your information.

Yes lets make a pact, a pact to burn a tree to charcoal without the firr spreading anywhere else. After the tree is burned the pact conludes.


Also takr of your robes just in case. Cant mess them up too

"Alright, that sounds agreeable. A tree will do the job fine," you say as you remove your robes. You have a suspicion that you're saving them from becoming your fourth ruined set.
"Ah, delightful. I haven't burned down a forest in so long... Remember, once the fire starts you are bound to let it run its course. I agree to your terms."
The figure disappears in a burst of flames. The fire crawls along the floor and up to your shoulders. A mantle and crown of flames encircle you as you feel another change taking place. You reach up and feel you have the horns of a ram curling over and around beginning just above your eyebrows. They aren't bull horns like the minotaur you saw the day before or just a second ago but you recall hearing somewhere that marks can manifest differently for different binders.
//You are correct.// says the deep voice within your head. //My mark is the horns of a demon and the persistent flames. And the type of horn does indeed differ from person to person. The flames can be extinguished with a thought once you set something else ablaze. Why not try it on a book? They're not much use for anything else anyways.//
You look around, the room suddenly as bright as though there were sunlight shining through a window. This is far more convenient than travelling by lantern light. You consider where you should go. You could burn something here, but all of the books are recorded in the index, and eventually you will need to return them. You could take the tunnels out to the forest, but burning a tree might be risky. Your pact will not expire until you set something alight, but what?

rolled 38 = 38

>>14982801
"Very well." We should still have the rags that used to be our robes, the ones that got shredded the other night while experimenting with Mora and Xepoch. We can just light those up.

rolled 36 = 36

>>14982862
We will go through our tunnel to secret exit and burn a tree down.
Make sure that no one is around though.

Or our robes like Magus says.
Go through secret tunnel to the tower to retrieve them. Bring them back here and burn them, make sure the fire doesnt spread

Aslo, ask about the artifact...


He said something about Avatars, when we make a binding do we make it with an avatar or the original vestige?

You walk to the stone cabinet where you have been hiding all of your ruined clothes. You pile them in a corner away from anything that might catch on fire, and point your finger at them. From your finger a quick bolt of fire shoots out, striking directly into the center of the pile.
As soon as the fire begins to over take your clothing you feel your halo of flames diminish and cool air rushes to your sweaty brow.
//Well, that's boring. But there'll be more. You binders always come back. It's the thirst for power. I can feel the desire within you.//
As you watch the fire flicker in the corner a question comes to mind.
"So the you that I am bound to now. Are you just an avatar or the real original vestige?"
//You got the magic book don't you? I'm a true-bind. The me you have here is the one and only. Anything else is just a reflection of what I am. They don't have any of my memories. They only have a faint idea of what they are and what they want. Course, I can only partially grasp their memories myself. Once they're created, they're pretty much a separate version, unique to the binder. But I'm the real deal.//
You watch as the fire begins to die down. You turn to the work bench and grab the artifact. "So what can you tell me about this?"
But there is only silence in response. You turn and see that the robes have finished burning, leaving only a few singed scraps of cloth behind. You check and find your horns have dissipated as well. You are free again and still have almost half a day free.

rolled 81 = 81

>>14983152
Who's next on the list? Red Jack? Let's give him a ring.

rolled 86 = 86

>>14983295
I think its time to cast the die.

You figure you might as well call upon the last of your new vestiges. Best to at least know all of your options. You flip the book's page over to the second to last entry.
"Red Jack, the Gambit of Buffoons, I invite fortune's fittest finest loon. Come roll the dice and let luck be my bane or boon. Come hither and stand before me!"
"We are going to have some fun!"
You hear a sound of laughter in the air and turn about. Then, as if from midair, a man leaps down and lands softly on his feet. He wears a strange assortment of rich crimson clothes, seeming to be intentionally gaudy and decadent. It looks as if someone had described what no Upon his head rests a strange and asymmetrical hat, with jewels and feathers attached seemingly at random. His face is painted white and he has an impossibly large smile between thin black lips. His arms are crossed in front of him, but also behind his head, and also resting upon his hips. It seems he has three sets of arms, all somehow originating from the same two shoulders and all of his hands adorned with white gloves.
"I am the marvelous maroon marquis of mayhem and mishaps, Jack the Red. And what is your wager?"

rolled 88 = 88

>>14983470
Ten minutes of bearing your mark.

rolled 89 = 89

Again
the usual set of questions
Power, price, origin, artifact, Order
Introduce yourself politely

rolled 65 = 65

>>14983519
Whoa whoa
lets not be hasty here

rolled 95 = 95

>>14983552
This, then 10 minutes after we get questions.

"I am Brother Gregory, son of Tarrant. I will bear your mark for ten minutes."
"Ah ah ah, that is not for you to decide!"
He pulls one of his arms from behind his head. In his hand he holds a small die, similar to the one that his seal was made from. "Only the impartial choice of chance shall decide how long we are joined. You must agree to the terms of the game before anything can be decided."
You pause. This is troublesome. A vestige that will take advantage of your ignorance is a danger. A vestige that you can't control is suicide.
"Can I ask you a few questions first? What is this game?"
"Oh it's quite simple. You state what you want and I tell you what you must roll. If you roll high, you win, and pay no price. If you roll between the high and the low, we make a bargain. And if you roll low... well, there will be other players."
"Who are you?"
"Who am I? Who are you? Who are any of us? We are nothing but a collection of moments, small chance happenings, that lead to the us that is now. But I am not so. I did not exist and I will not exist. But right now, I exist. And what will happen because of this we shall soon know."
"What is your power and your price?"
"Anything! Whatever you ask, I can grant. But be careful what you wish for. But my usual gift is that of luck. good luck, bad luck, unnatural fortune. It can be your greatest joy or your profound sorrow. The price depends on how much you ask."
You don't think there is anything more to be gained from questioning Red Jack. He seems to be devoid of reason.

rolled 31 = 31

Well, Jack, I had summoned you to know who you are and what you can give but as for now I have nothing to desire from you, that does not mean I will not seek you in future.
So, if I ask for something insignificant, the price to pay if I fail will also be low, right?

Just few questions before we continue. Can I ask for same magic power potential like elves have? And knowledge about the secrets of the artifact I hold?

As for what I desire.... a single grain of rice, not materialized out of nothing but transportet from closest location from me... I think this is very little to ask for, no?

>>14983653
I don't know, sounds perfectly reasonable to me. The void seems like it would be a pretty boring place.

"Well, Jack, to be honest I only really wanted some information, especially about you."
"I can do information. As I said, whatever you please for a price."
"So if I were to ask for something simple, the price would be equally low?"
"Well, not necessarily low. The odds would just be in your favor."
"What if I wanted something like the power to use magic as the elves? Or for knowledge of the artifact?"
"All can be done, though you might not like the manner I deliver upon your wish. And for such a thing the price would be great. Say, five thousand gold pieces swindled from a gambler's hands. Or 60 teeth pulled from 60 different mouths. Or the innocence of a child."

rolled 57 = 57

>>14983926
Yeah, if we ask for elf magic he will probably just make us an elf. Not worth it. I say ask for some minor good luck, no more than it would take to turn a bad day into a merely below average one. It would be good to get a better idea of how this works, but we don't want to risk much, and if we don't ask for enough we won't get a good idea of what we are dealing with.

rolled 56 = 56

>>14984016
Yeah, we need to start with something small. Asking for magic is just going to get us screwed over.

>>14984016
[[I'm glad you saw through the elf thing. I didn't want to have to say "Hurr, you're an elf now! Can't use binding lol!"...]]

rolled 53 = 53

Thank you for your information.
If we can dismiss him without gamble, do it.

If not... well gamble for something insignificant, like the grain of rice from before.

>inocence of a child
wait, did he suggest raping a kid?
>Manner of how I will deliver the wish
what does he mean by that?

rolled 71 = 71

>>14984016
Shit, you are right

we wont be able to do bindings then!

rolled 94 = 94

>>14984053
Not necessarily that we'd be the ones doing it, just that a kid would wind up being molested or seeing their parents murdered before them or stuff like that.

rolled 36 = 36

>>14984053
creating something out of nothing might not be insignificant. ask about the odds and the price before we agree to anything

"I'd rather not engage in a length pact right now. What if I ask for something simple, like good luck?"
"Ah! That's my favorite!" He pulls three more dice out, all like the one before. "A die for the gift, a die for the time, a die for the price, and a die for the sign! High numbers in your favor. What do you say?"

>>14984167
"And if I ask for a single grain of rice, taken from the nearest closet, to magically appear in my pocket? What odds do you give me then?"

rolled 70 = 70

>>14984149
You didna read the previous post.
I did specify for the gran not to be materialized out of nothing but that he takes an actual rice, nearest to us and transports it here

but yesh
I second the notion of asking the odds first

>>14983926
[The money would be easy for us, we're the town's resident gambling master. But everything here is too random, and too uncertain. I don't think Gregory is ready to play a game with stakes this high. Not yet, anyway.]

"What about a grain of rice, from the nearest store placed into my pocket?"
"Stealing is wrong," he says with an even larger smile than before. "But I suppose the odds would be slightly more in your favor."
"What are the odds?"
"For luck? Above a ten, the luck is yours, below a five, your luck is mine. The second die determines time, but you may specify seconds, minutes, hours, days, whatever. The third die, if it reads anything but a one, you may travel on without me. But if it does, you belong to me for the duration. And the last die, if above a five, you may go on without my mark. Those are the odds for my luck. For the grain of rice, you may set any one die of your choice, but the odds are the same. But if you fail, I put a grain of you into the nearest store of rice."

rolled 10 = 10

>>14984264
These are actually pretty good odds. The grain of rice seems kind of useless since it still comes with some of the same risks but gets us...well, nothing. I say go for the luck, time in hours...and really hope we don't roll a one on the third die.

rolled 57 = 57

Well
lets go with luck then

rolled 53 = 53

>>14984264
The luck sounds good, the rice thing is silly and I dislike the idea of a grain sized portion of our body missing. Wonder what his sign is.

"What exactly is your sign?"
"My lips are sealed," says the clown, but he smiles all the wider.
"I accept your offer for luck"
"Very well, are you seeking a pact for minutes, hours, or days? No seconds. That would be a waste of both of our time."

rolled 87 = 87

>>14984381
Hours. Minutes also sounds like a waste of time.

rolled 17, 8, 11 = 36

Hours I guess
Really hope we arent screwing ourself over

rolled 17, 1, 10, 15 = 43

"Hours," you say with an impending sense of dread. This could be a great gift but it could also be a curse that you'll have to bear for a time you aren't even sure of yet.
"Very well then."
He holds out four arms, each with a die held in a closed hand, his other two arms still folded in front of his chest. One by one he opens his hands as the twenty sided dice fall to the stone floor with an ominous echo.

>>14984566
"It looks like you're in luck. For one hour. Your body is yours. And my mark is still mine. You have chosen wisely. Farewell Gregory, son of Tarrant."
And with that, the Jack in red vanishes, leaving you alone. You look yourself over. Nothing seems to have changed. You don't feel any different. And yet, it seems you will be supernaturally lucky for the next hour.
But what to do with this hour of good fortune? It is still more than two hours before sunset yet, and you hadn't planned anything until the evening.

rolled 39 = 39

Oh?
I thought we would have to roll.

I know, lets go and wake up Arnie and talk things over. With our increased luck, we will be able to convince him to stay on our side (on which side we are is still to be seen)

rolled 49 = 49

>>14984598
Unless someone has a better idea, we could maybe do some research? Being supernaturally lucky, we would have a much better chance of finding what we are looking for.

rolled 62 = 62

>>14984684
I was considering that actually, but wondered if there was anything else to do first.

>>14984681
This would probably take a lot less than an hour. We could do this and then go do some research.

>>14984598
Try to decipher more of the Void Language. Maybe we'll get lucky......

You decide that now would be as good a time as any to talk to Arnold. You get up and head off back to your room. As you head for the door you notice one of your books has fallen open to the floor. You are about to pick it up but as you bend down to pick it up, something catches your eye.
It is one of your books on taxonimical classification of eastern fauna. And there on the page is the sentence:
"The tiny ooze-like creature cleaves itself in twain, creating a vesicle containing half of its essence, like an egg waiting to spawn new life."
At first you can't believe your good fortune, but then you smile. Of course you can.
You head out down the hallway towards Arnold's room. You are just about to knock on the door when it opens.
"Ah, Greg. Good timing. I was just about to head off for a walk through the gardens. I need to clear my head and some fresh air might do me some good. Care to join me?"

rolled 14 = 14

>>14984852

"Of course I will join you, my good friend. We're together in this, after all,"

rolled 3 = 3

>"vesicle containing half of its essence,
like an egg waiting to spawn new life."

wait
what good luck?
What did we just learn?
Does this refer to the artifact then? That it is like an egg waiting to be hatched?

>>14984895
Or it means there's another somewhere.

>>14984895
Yes. We just found out what a 'vessicle' is, and that's what the artifact was referred to as. Cobined with what we learned from Mora and the Quorum, that means the artifact is:
A prison holding at least part of the Essence of the First Binder, who is possibly a vestige now himself. It could also be a storage, a way for the First Binder to be reborn. It's made of adamantine, which is nearly unbreakable and resists all attempts to penetrate or see through it, even by the gods themselves.

"Of course I'll join you. We're in this together aren't we?"
"Right you are Greg..."
The two of you walk out into the garden without speaking a word. As you enter you grab a watering tin and Arnold does the same. You can see Rosemary is still here, taking laundry down now that it has dried. As you enter she spots you and waves to you with a smile. You wave back unable to contain yourself. You and Arnold turn and head down towards the stream and you realize he's looking at you with knowing smile.
"Oh will you wipe that stupid look of your face Greg? Although I will admit, she is quite a looker. How's such a studious lad like you get to know a girl like her?"

rolled 49 = 49

>>14984999
I'm just lucky I guess.

"I'm just lucky I guess," you respond, hoping he won't press any further.
"Damn right you are." Arnold looks over his shoulder. "So then, what's our position then? Are we going to pretend to go along with things for a while? Or are we openly rebelling?"

rolled 86 = 86

>>14985050
If we do openly rebel, at the very least we want to try and milk the Order for a while. We might be able to get a new seal or two out of trying to get the Order to throw us something that is useful for situations where we don't want to kill people. Acheron is really good if we intend to kill someone, but otherwise not the greatest choice.

rolled 51 = 51

Actually, I would prefer to get more information before making concrete decisions. I want to get the full story because as things stand, I cannot be sure of anything. I wouldnt hurry with taking sides yet.
Openly proclaiming rebellion will never be in our favour since we cant directly oppose them.
I am going to meet Leonard this evening and try to get more out of him and see if he has anything that can help us with ther artifact.
Would you join me? You could ask some questions on your own.

[also guys, this could be an exellent time to come clean with Arnold. With increased luck, their might be no backlash at all]

"I don't know that open rebellion is a good idea - they have access to a great deal of power we don't. Let's sneak a bit, for now.

>>14985050
"I want to know the Order's side of the story. So far, all we have to go on is Leonard's word. I want to talk with the Order's Lorekeeper. In person. Think you can get a message to him to have him meet me in the woods nearby at midnight two weeks from tomorrow? Things are moving too quickly for my taste and I'd very much like to slow them down. "

rolled 28 = 28

Openly rebelling against an ancient order when we were just a simple monk days ago seems pantsonhead retarded, we need to play things safe.

"Whoa, slow down there Arnold. We can't even consider coming out in the open yet. They're a huge organization and we're just two binders. Besides, this might be a losing battle if we try to do anything just yet. I want to meet up with Leonard again, try to learn more from him. We aren't even sure if he's telling the truth."
Arnold looks about to break into another panic attack but then nods, "You're right Greg. You always are... Damn, Greg, it's good to finally be able to just talk to someone about this stuff. It's bloody stressful."
"I know." You get to the river and fill your watering tins. You turn and begin ascending again, watering the plants as you pass. "But listen, I want to hear the other side of the story here too. Is there any chance we could meet with the Loremaster? In person?"
"Maybe, I don't know. What would I say? 'Hey there, we were thinking the Order might actually not be so nice. Any chance you can prove that for us?' Zarus damn it, this is insane."
"Arnold, calm down."
He takes a few deep breaths and calms down again."I'm okay. I'm okay. I'll try to think of something. The Loremaster should be back in town in a week or so. Unless we plan on heading off to Surdrime we should probably just wait."

Lets try to do a flip. Just because.

>>14985211
...... "Wait, he's local? Nearby? I thought you were sending your messages far away. You never said he was within walking distance. If you need to say anything, tell him that I'm undecided about whether or not to join, and would like to discuss the matter with him personally. Tell him I have questions that you're not sure you can answer."

rolled 58 = 58

[OP, thanks for the quest. Going to sleep now. Great thread as always]

Tell him we will wait.
Also ask him to come with you to Leonard.

so two choices from here:
come clean with arnold. We could show him our secret room or whatever "Arnold. I have something to show you" [do others approve?]
Second, thank Arnie and go to research while we have luck time

[[Just a note, Surdrime is another city located on the Rime river, but is two day's travel south.]]

rolled 39 = 39

>>14985250
Really, any sane person would probably be a little concerned about joining this group when the first vestige that gets offered is Acheron.

"No, I think we can wait for him to come back here."
"Alright, that'll work then. I think need a drink."
"I think you've had enough to drink, Arnold."
You finish off the last of your water and head back towards the top of the hill. As you place the buckets back by the entrance you hear a shout from behind.
"Hello again Brother Gregory. It seems you are not as busy as you had led me to believe." she glances at Arnold. "I'm heading off to my father's for dinner if you'd like to join me like I suggested earlier. And I don't believe we've met, I'm Rosemary."
"And I am Brother Arnold. A pleasure to meet you my dear," says Arnold with a little too much enthusiasm.
"The pleasure is all mine, I'm sure. So Gregory, I'm just going to return this laundry. I'll wait for you in the entrance hall if you want to come."

>>14985386
"Certainly, Rosemary. I'll be along shortly. Arnold, I'll come speak to you later tonight, when I get back."

>>14985381
That's why I think they set us up. they planned to either kill us off, or have us get in over our heads and be forced to turn to them for support and protection. They didn't know we knew what we were doing, they don't know we have experience with this, they don't know we're a savvy haggler, and they don't know what we're capable of.

>>14985455
Maybe they knew she wouldn't kill us and that she'd be tsundere to us. It's probably not a good idea to view this game in black and white. Just varying levels of pragmatism.

>>14985481
She didn't get tsundere until we offered to listen to her talk for a while. I agree, everything is too uncertain, too gray, for us to make any solid commitments at the moment.

rolled 85 = 85

>>14985386
Arnold thinks we're pimp as fuck. Prettiest girl in town is having us come over to her place for dinner.

>>14985381
>>Acheron
>>Comments from Narcosis
>>Summoned Acheron with seal
Was it really Acheron?

"Of course, Rose. O'll be along shortly. Brother Arnold and I are just finishing our business."
"Then I'll be waiting for you."
You and Arnold head off into the entrance hall with Rosemary behind you before you go your separate ways. You walk with Arnold back to his room.
"You really are a lucky bastard, you know that? I could use a woman like that to relax with after last night. Can't say I'd fancy meetin' her father though. Anyways, I'm going to relax and get an early dinner. You have a good night, Greg."
You consider inviting Arnold along to Leonard's tonight but maybe he could use another night to rest, especially since it's so soon after the incident.

rolled 31 = 31

>>14985579
He is hungover. But what do you lot think?

>>14985589

we're good without him, this time. Don't want to upset the old man

>>14985579
Let him rest. Don't want him revisiting Leonard so soon. As we leave, give him the biggest shit-eating-grin we can. Go meet Rose. Make small-talk as we head to her place.

"Get some rest Arnold. You've earned it."
Arnold enters and closes his door and you immediately turn to go meet with Rosemary. She is already waiting for you in the hall with her basket in hand.
"I don't like that Arnold fellow. There's something not right about him. Anyways, let's get going. My uncle said you'd come so he'll have dinner waiting for us."
The two of you walk together through the streets toward's the Baron's manor. You can feel the beginning of the evening chill in the air even though the sun has not yet set.
"So how did you meet my uncle, Gregory?"

>>14985691
He saw me doing a ritual related to binding, and he approached me about it.

Oh, I'm also a binder.

(While this may seem like a dumb and semi-troll post, think about it- What better time to break the news than while we have the luck power-up on?)

rolled 87 = 87

>>14985730
not on a public street.

"We share some scholarly interests, and he wants me to help hi study some obscure subjects."

>>14985730
This is best done in a whispered tone or in private prying eyes and ears all around.

rolled 76 = 76

>>14985761
This. I'd prefer not to let too many people find out about our abilities, especially not in public.

"We share some scholarly interests, and he wants me to help him study some obscure subjects."
"It seems you are expert in obscurity, Brother Gregory. Or should I say 'Death'."
You look at her but she is still staring straight ahead with a smile on her face.
"Don't look so surprised. I made my uncle tell me this morning. At first I was mad, but you seem like such a nice and gentle person and I can't seem to stay mad at you now. I guess I just wanted to know why you didn't tell me, although now I can understand."
The two of you arrive at the front door to Leonard's house. The streets are empty and she looks at you expectantly as she opens the door and you both step into the empty foyer.
"So I ask you again, Gregory. Who are you really?"

rolled 44 = 44

>>14986123
We genuinely have no idea. A binder. We don't have any idea what we are doing at this point, other than trying not to get ourselves killed.

rolled 31 = 31

I don't really know anymore to tell the truth, I'm trying to figure that out for myself. I'm just trying to make my way through a world that keeps getting more and more complex.

rolled 70 = 70

>>14986123
"A blind man in a library. I do my best to keep from harms way, but not knowing what I'm walking into is a bit of a problem."

>>14986123
"Gregory, son of Tarrant. Monk of Zarus. Apparently heir to an ancient tradition of Binding. Maybe more. Whatever else I am or am not remains to be seen."

"Sorry about last night. It seemed the easiest way to keep you from serious harm. And it was far nicer than what She was urging me to do."

rolled 96 = 96

>>14986298
rolling

"I'm trying to figure that out myself. That's why I'm here. I've been blind for so long and only just learning to see."
Seeming to be satisfied by this answer, she turns and walks up the stairs.
"Wait here, I'll go fetch my uncle."
You wait in the foyer while she disappears up to the second floor. You hear a shout, "Uncle Leo, we're here!" and some quick footfalls. After a few minutes the two of them descend down the stairs.
"Good of you to join us boy. I hope you like tea."
"I'd be delighted to have some."
The two of you walk into the dining room and are seated while Rosemary fetches the tea from the kitchen. Leonard sits at the head of the table and you at is right with Rosemary across the way.
"Now boy,"
"His name is Greg, uncle," supplies Rosemary as she sips her hot tea. You try yours and find it to be delicious with a taste of spices that you cannot place.
"Yes, yes. Now Greg, before we get down to business, I must ask you. How long have you been involved with the Order?"

Something on the order of not too long.

Everything's only happened in like two weeks or so, yeah?

"Not too long," you reply after a long sip of your tea. The warmth drives the nagging chill from your bones. "It was actually only very recently. And I'm not even really an official member. Just something of an affiliate."
"Interesting. I never did learn much about the chain of command of the Order myself. Your father was always too busy with his crusades and I with my research. When we did talk, we didn't like to talk about work, you know? So did you learn to bind from the order or did you discover it naturally, like you old man?"

rolled 1 = 1

>>14986412
"Not from the order. Our father learned on his own? May I ask how?"

rolled 18 = 18

>>14986412
Neither. We aren't sure whether it is safe to talk about how, at this point.

rolled 79 = 79

>>14986412
In a way, both. I came into possession of a... relic, which the order has sought for quite a while. From it, I learned about binding. Several hours later, I learned about an agent of the order within the monastery. Several hours after that, I met your niece and learned of your shared secrets. The next day, I was tasked with a command from the king himself to research a secret relating to binding, though he has no clue what he handed to me or what it means, or what I can do. A day later, I learned that the agent in the monastery was a member of an order of binders. That was three days ago. So, my life has been somewhat hectic, of late. Too much happening, too few answers.

rolled 5 = 5

>>14986578
I don't know if we should mention the book to anyone. It as well as the tunnels seems like the kind of thing we need to hold close to our chest.

rolled 86 = 86

>>14986602
I agree about the tunnels, but who's this old man going to tell about the mystical book of binds we hold? Actually, who is he working for, or is it just himself and his niece who are working on an elven counter to binders..

rolled 24 = 24

>>14986650
That's just it, he could be part of some elven conspiracy or something.

rolled 93 = 93

>>14986680
Eh, elven conspiracy can't be any worse than the two human conspiracies.

"I'm not sure if I would call it natural. I stumbled upon a relic of sorts... Or rather it stumbled upon me. I'm not sure which. Anyways, I performed my first binding without really knowing what I was doing. You say my father learned on his own?"
"Yes, he was somewhat of a natural I suppose. Although he might have mentioned discovering a relic like that too... I don't know, that was some sixty years or so ago. Your father was always a bit of a showoff."
"So, you knew his father?" asks Rosemary curiously.
"Oh yes, we both grew up together in the capital. Didn't really have any other friends. Nobility and all that. Tarrant and Leonard, the twin terrors of the high court. He would have been king too if he hadn't run from his throne. Anyways, I believe it's time for dinner. Rose, would you be so kind as to fetch the main course?"
She rises to her feet and collects your goblets before heading off to the kitchen.
"I'm really sorry about letting her in on your secret, boy. She wouldn't let me go until I explained what had really happened. She doesn't take being bested lightly. Never has."
Rosemary returns with a large tray of delicious smelling cured meats.
"If there's one thing I learned in my time with the elves, it's that they know how to make a fantastic feast of their meats. Now, help yourselves."
You immediately dig into the food and find it rich and savory and completely fresh and unsalted. It's been licked by flames but not an once of the meaty flavor has been lost.
"So boy,"
"Greg, uncle."
"Greg, would you show me this evening how a binding is performed? I've never actually seen one myself and it would be most insightful."

rolled 30 = 30

>>14986717
Bind Kuzo. We don't have to worry too much about anyone finding out we have access to him, and he won't demand anything crazy.

>>14986751
Wait, so this guy is a human?

rolled 76 = 76

>>14986751
Bind Mora. Show off our skill by binding without a seal or ritual, show off a dwarf, and introduce our void friends to our reality friends. Or is there any reason not to bind other than a possible elvish conspiracy.

rolled 54 = 54

>>14986820
We don't want people to know about Mora. If they know about Mora, they can potentially find out about our tunnels.

rolled 57 = 57

>>14986768
Now would be a good time to fulfill our debt to Asch. But Rose may not like seeing it again so soon. And we don't want them to see any Vestige they don't already know.

So, I say we call up Seno/Eno. Maybe even tell part of the story of how we first used their power.

Tell Leonard that all bindings are matters of debt and repayment. In exchange for showing him how a binding is performed, he must allow us to come back tomorrow and call up another vestige, to help us repay our debt to Acheron. One night of privacy in exchange for showing him how we call Seno/Eno. Fair deal, right?

And us calling them without a seal or ritual may mislead them about the extent of our powers, or that of other binders in general.

rolled 11 = 11

Get the snakes, he already knows about them.

"Of course, I'd be happy to show you."
You aren't sure which vestige to bind, but you'll have time enough to think it over. Should you even reveal that you can bind to more than one vestige?
"Excellent. I'm quite curious as to the actual mechanics of the spell craft."
"Speaking of spell craft," says Rosemary without looking up from her food, "How did you create ice without word or gesture last night? This magic is like nothing I've ever seen before. What powers it?"
You consider explaining all that you know of binding to the two of them. Should you really trust them so fully? Or should you stop giving information so freely and begin asking more in return?

rolled 41 = 41

>>14986911
"All pact magic is a matter of give and take. Debt and repayment. So for each question you ask, I'll ask one in return.

The magic is powered by things from, elsewhere. Not gods. Not demons. Nothing any known language has a word to adequately describe. Ascheron wields many powers. It was she who granted e complete mastery over all water last night. I needed but think it and the water obeyed.

Now for you: Where does the power of elven magic stem from? From what well of power does your silver fire and healing magic flow?"

rolled 74 = 74

>>14986950
Seconding

"All pact magic is a matter of give and take," you begin, putting aside your food. "Debt and repayment. So for each question you ask, I'll ask one in return."
"A proposition most fair," says Leonard. "But please, continue."
"The magic of the binding is powered by beings from... elsewhere. Not gods. Not demons. Nothing any known language has a word to adequately describe. But they call themselves vestiges, at least in the context of bindings. And each vestige has different associated powers. Acheron, the vestige to which I was bound last night, wields many powers. It was she who granted me complete mastery over all water. I needed but think it and the water obeyed."
"Most intriguing. I have seen this power before when your father made use of it."
"Now I pose the same question to you: Where does the power of elven magic stem from? From what well of power does your silver fire and healing magic flow?"
"Well, that one is debatable. It depends on who you ask. Some say it is a leftover power resulting from the blood of the Fae from which the elves descended. Others would claim it is the direct result of their spiritual link to Sehanine, the moon goddess. But I personally think that the true power of magic will always remain arcane, a secret not even understood by those who wield it."
"I want a rematch," says Rosemary suddenly.
"What my dear girl."
"I was speaking to Gregory. I want a rematch. Tonight."

>>14987090
Laugh. Just laugh.

Or politely chuckle.

>>14987120
Don't have to be mean about it... or seem dismissive of her abilities. Just try to play it off as dangerous for both of us and not wanting to harm a friend.

rolled 55 = 55

>>14987120
No, this will just piss her off more. I think we should agree to this match, just make sure it's not a "to the death" sort of thing. And sound reluctant.

rolled 81 = 81

>>14987090
We aren't going to use Acheron again. We summoned her without knowing what it could cost last time, and we aren't willing to pay her price for something like this. And we really don't have much in the way of non-lethal options. Tell her that.

rolled 90 = 90

>>14987090
"We were tricked into binding to Acheron last night. Her powers come with a high price. She often demands the death of another in exchange for what she offers. I will not use her simply to sate your ego. I saved your life twice the night we met, and spared it again last night. I will not risk ending it simply for the sake of ego. If you wish a rematch, I hereby forfeit."

>>14987154
We still have to resummon her

rolled 55 = 55

>>14987213
Tomorrow.

"I'd rather not. Most of my powers are less than non-lethal. And I hadn't planned to call upon Acheron again tonight so it wouldn't be the same fight anyways. Her price for her service is often the life of another. But if you really do insist then we shall have a rematch, but not to the death."
"Then so we shall." she says with a smile on her face. You dread the idea of having to fight her. Do you defeat her and risk her becoming more angry or let her win? Or would she see through your ploy and be mad anyways at a worthless victory? It seems like no matter the outcome, you'll still lose.
"It would be nice to see some the abilities of this magic anyways," says Leonard. "Just be sure not to destroy anything. In case you two had forgotten we are trying to operate in secret here. Anyways, on to my next question. That other fellow with you last night..."
But he does not have the chance to finish, as a knock comes at the door. Without rising he mumbles something and traces a circle with his left hand.
"It's the inquisitor. You two, downstairs immediately. Wait until I fetch you, understand?"
You immediately get ready to comply, but you feel conflicted. Is the Baron going to be putting himself in jeopardy for your sake?

rolled 37 = 37

>>14987213
Yes, but we have to resummon her later, not now. I think, anyways.

If we hear shouting, summon Xepoc.

rolled 94 = 94

>>14987238
[I have to log off for a few hours now. If we have to fight her, use Seno/Eno. Drain her life away so we can give it back to her later. Good luck everyone. Great quest as always, OP.]

>>14987238
Fuuuuuuck. We already know that he would give himself up if it meant protecting Rosemary.

>>14987238
Damnit, if the inquisitor kills Leonard I will be so angry. Almost tempted to say we should bind Tenebrotep real fast so we can go extract the inquisitor's memories and edit them.

rolled 24 = 24

>>14987238
Tell Leonard of our having met with the Inquisitor before, then ask if he thinks we could be of help up here. If not, let's go with Rosemary.

>>14987300
I was thinking this as well. Not too sure how it would go so don't consider this a "vote".

"Leonard, is there anything I can..."
"Not now boy. I've dealt with his kind for nearly half a century now. I'll be fine. It's you two I'm worried about. Now go! I can't keep him waiting."
You and Rosemary move quickly across the foyer, glancing at the door as another knock comes forth. You rush through the kitchen and down to the cellar. Rosemary mumbles the words to a spell and the door to the hidden laboratory swings open. You step in as she seals it again behind you, leaving you in pitch black darkness.
After a second the stairway is lit and Rosemary is holding a small stream of fire in her hands. She nods downward and you fallow behind her. At the bottom of the stairwell she begins circling the room and lighting all of the torches.
"I hope he remembers to clear out our plates at the table before he admits the inquisitor... Uncle can be so forgetful sometimes..."
She walks across the room to the chair at the table and sits down, her head in her hands. She is obviously worried about Leonard's well being.

rolled 22 = 22

>>14987378
Sit down beside Rosemary, put a reassuring arm around her, and wait quietly. No need to risk the Inquisitor hearing us.

You grab another chair and sit down next to Rosemary, putting your arm around her shoulder. She turns and throws her arms around you resting her head on your shoulder.
You sit together in silence for good while, listen carefully but hearing nothing.
Then she lets go and sits again, her face overcome by a serious look. In a whisper she says, "I know he'll be fine. He invented the spell to hide blood purity. But I can't help but worry every time that this will be the time he slips up. I'd check what has happening with magic, but supposedly those high up in the inquisition can detect when scrying spells are targeted upon them." She turns back to you. "Is there anything you can do? Anything at all just to see that he's okay?"

rolled 86 = 86

>>14987507
...Bind Xepoc? Although, we don't need to use the secondary functions to open doors and stuff, do we? Do we have any books?

rolled 32 = 32

>>14987507
Tell Rosemary to remain as silent as possible, call up Tenebrotep, ask him for the ability to move around in the shadows unseen (he did that, right?) for about 5 minutes. No other powers. If he disagrees with the time constraint., only negotiate to about one hour maximum, with the code word "Sanguine" to remove it at any time.

rolled 33 = 33

>>14987569
But he's a loud machine man, and we've overheard the noises from Gourmander before when Arnold was binding with him (or atleast the attempts at getting Arnold's attention Gourmander made), so it stands to reason that the Inquisitor might hear Xepoc.

You decide to do what you can, calling Xepoc for aid.
"How much noise escape from here up above?"
"Nearly none. We're sealed in completely by stone."
"Alright, just stay calm, okay?"
You walk to the center of the room, removing your robe. You take a deep breath before speaking in Samoyan:
"Xepoc, Harbinger of Eternity's Repose. Halt times's toils and cease day's woes. Come hither and stand before me!"
You hear the familiar clanking as the metal legs sprout from your back. They aren't terribly loud, but the small enclosed room makes it seem like they echo forever. Rosemary just stands to the side, watching in wonder as the clockwork spider surrounds you.
"Hello again," says the cheerful mechanical voice.
You hush Xepoc as quickly as possible. "Listen, Xepoc, I need your help. I need your power again, same conditions as before. But is there any way you can make my power not freeze Rosemary, here?"
"Well, I don't know..."
~{Affirmative. The tertiary function enables the alignment of time streams of others.}~
"Ah yes, I will forget about that. Don't suppose you have any experience in clock making? Because that was the cost to turn on the other half of the functions. You had to make some kind of a clock, or sundial, or chronometer within twenty four hours of the end of the pact..."

rolled 90 = 90

>>14987736
...a sundial is really simple to make, assuming you have access to the right information to make an accurate one. Make the deal.

rolled 72 = 72

>>14987736
"Consider it done, thought not yet obviously." Flip the switch, stop time, check on Leonard. Hold Rosemary's hand through this if she seems hysterical.

"Alright, I'll agree to that. Same key word as always still though. And hold on to that book a while longer. I'm afraid I don't have a new one for you."
"Then it's all settled."
Xepoc winks out of existence leaving you standing with the gauntlet on your arm.
"Alright, now we'll have time to check things out," you say as you put your robe back on. "Hold on."
You flip the switch and everything freezes. The most obvious sign is the flames stop dancing in their places. you walk over to Rosemary and lay your hand on her, feeling a slight repulsion from her vital force, as you press the second button. Instantly she begins moving again, starting by jumping backwards.
"How did you do that? You were just standing over there."
"Take a look at the flames."
"What do you mean take a... Oh my. What's going on?"
"Time is stopped. We have as long as we need now. Let's go check on your uncle."
You lead the way back up the stairwell, waiting for Rosemary to unseal the cavern. She does so and the two of you climb into the kitchen. The inquisitor and Leonard are frozen in place on the stairwell, with two soldiers standing below in the foyer.
"This really is quite miraculous. To be able to stop the flow of time. It's like they're statues."
"Almost kind of peaceful, don't you think?"
"Oh no, the case!" she says with a start. "I left it upstairs sitting in the basket in the hallway. If the inquisitor finds that artifact what will he think?"
"Relax, we've got all the time in the world."
"You're right," she says as she walks up the stairs. She returns holding the case.
"Thank you for this Gregory. I don't know what I would have done if my uncle got in trouble because of my foolishness. Is there anything else we are forgetting before we go back?"

rolled 17 = 17

>>14987881
We could grab our abandoned meal, but that's about it. Unless she knows of some other stuff she needs to hide really quick that we were not told of.

rolled 57 = 57

>>14987881
Well, we could bind Mora and then seal off Leonard's lab? They can't get into that even if they know about it if it is sealed off.

rolled 33 = 33

>>14987997
Problem with that, we can't use Mora while time frozen unless he was part of the initial bind.

You look to the table but find there are no plates upon it. Leonard must have removed them before he answered the door. You return to the kitchen, along with Rosemary still carrying the case and head back to the secret room, sealing it up upon your entrance.
You descend back into the room and Rosemary places the case upon the table. Seeing everything in order you flip the switch back to the neutral position. The world spins by you for a second before you can move again.
"Oh goodness, you are okay! I thought you had become petrified. You weren't moving or breathing."
"Yeah, that's the price I pay for stopping time. I have to pay it all back later. Give up my own time."
"Well what about me? Did I have to give up time too?
"No, I don't think it works like that. I think I had to pay for the both of us since it's my pact."
"Oh, I see."
She looks at you for a second, then flings her arms around you.
"Thank you for everything,Gregory."
"Don't mention it. Was the least I could do."
The two of you wait in quiet for sometime.
"I'm sorry I wanted to fight you again. It was selfish of me. If you don't want to fight then we don't have to. I just... I guess I just don't like to lose."
"Is that MY niece I hear backing down from a fight?" says the voice of Leonard from the stairwell. "And just when I had gotten my hopes up to see some real binding in action."

[[Aaaaand I think I'm going to call it a night here, crew. Hope you all had fun. Next one will probably be Saturday at 10:00 server time.]]

Someone going to archive this?

[[Archived:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/14979799/
Hope you all enjoyed the quest so far.]]