You are Osyki, newly promoted Totemist and first line of defense for your village against the rabid Behemoths wandering the land. Your master, the previous Totemist, fell in a battle against a terrible Basilisk Wyrm, leaving the duty of defending your settlement to you. After barely surviving a vicious series of fights against a pair of deadly creatures, you've decided to take a few days off from the hunt and get yourself a little better prepared.

Your order placed, you turn and begin jogging in the direction of the guard house. Walther should still be asleep this time of morning, but a few Slayers are doubtless awake. You had intended to speak with Pierce about a training regimen to get yourself in better shape, as well as build trust between yourself and the guard.

You spot the early risers behind the guard house, doing a round of sparring to wake up. Pierce is immediately visible dueling a younger subordinate, his sword lashing left and right as he attempts to gain some ground. His combatant is handy with his shield, though, and he's struggling to make progress.

[[ Previous Threads: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Totem ]]

>>15050929
>>15050878
>>15050874

Welcome back, Diarca. It's alright, people need sleep.

Good to see part V up.

>>15050878

Go over and watch the fight from a respectful distance, learning what you can from Pierce and the other guy. It's really not your place to interfere in his training if you're about to ask him for a hand.

You might strike up a conversation with one of the others watching and place a small wager on pierce, for yucks, or get their input on the techniques at work.

If anyone cheers you on for the fight with the Bone Warden, accept their praise with humility. Don't be dismissive, but don't let them think its going to your head.

After it ends, talk to Pierce:

"Good to see you this morning. I owe you one for bringing me back to town when I was stretched out like a sack of potatoes. Hope everyone was alright back there. Any chance you can tell me what happened after I blacked out?"

And then after that, thank him and ask for input on the training regimen, would Walther pose a problem if you got up early before he was awake and did the work then, maybe quietly inquire who you can trust to train with, and so on.

>>15051150
second

>>15051169
Deleted a double post there.

You watch as Pierce sighs, taking a step back to let his opponent's handaxe bury itself into the ground. The flurry of sword-blows that follow are impressive, knocking his opponent's shield up, to the side, then finally spiraling to the ground. Though his opponent manages to recover his hand-axe and lash out at Pierce, it is clear that the favor of the fight has turned.

As you wait for him to finish, another Slayer taps you on the shoulder. You turn to him, eyebrow raised.

"Nice job against that beast yesterday, kid." he says, extending a hand. "Damn sight better than any of us could have done, no matter what Walther says. I'm Rubio."

You grasp his hand, shaking it firmly. "Thanks." you say, nodding humbly. "It was a tough fight. I'm just glad that everyone made it out okay. If I hadn't had you guys around..."

"You would have been just fine, no doubt." Pierce says with a grin, striding across the training field to join you. "Surprised to see you up and about so soon, Osyki."

You shake your head. "The Healer knows what she's doing. I owe you one for bringing me back to town when I was stretched out like a sack of potatoes. Hope everyone was alright back there. Any chance you can tell me what happened after I blacked out?"

"Well, I carried you straight back to town. Elana helped me get you back to the Healer's hut. Poor girl was waiting at the base of the mountain for us. From what I hear, the explosion you caused kept most of the Rock Turtles away from the area while the rest of the boys stripped it down. Had to fend off a few Boring Spiders, but nothing serious."

"I'm glad. I wanted to talk to you about training. I need to get myself into top physical form if I'm going to be fighting like I was yesterday. I wondered if I could join the Slayers in the mornings."

Pierce quirks an eyebrow, obviously amused. "Boy, are you seven shades different than Ayren. We'd be happy to have you along, Osyki. We usually meet at the northwestern corner of the village and do a few laps at dawn."

"Great." you say, making a note to avoid late nights in the future. "I'll see you guys tomorrow morning."

>>15051342
>>15051330
It's time to visit our sister and those kinds, then, as we discussed here: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15033220/#15034028

Go find them and tell them the story of how you took down the Bone Warden, but ask permission of the Matron first - maybe she'd like you to come back later and do it then.

And ask your sister if anyone's done anything untoward to her, Walther included.

After that, we're off to grab a light pack and go flower-picking with Elana.

We haven't yet picked flowers with Elena, have we?

>>15051497
Not yet. We were going to do that today, IIRC.

Checklist on the old thread was:
-Blacksmith,
-Training regimen discussion with PEIRCE,
-Talk to those kids and your sister,
-Pick flowers,
and
-Experiment with your magic items, nothing too risky, so that we don't damage either of the foci.
-Scouting work

>>15051443
We should also work the apprentice angle, ask the matron if it'd be ok, have Tryd play with them, etc.

Remember this culture does not emphasize family, we're good friends with our sister but we should not ignore the other kids completely in favor of her.

>>15051526
Totally agree. Seconding non-favoritism and searching for apprenticeship stuff.

The Raising House is bustling with activity as you step through the doorstep. You can see Aurora, gemstone on a necklace around her neck, posing heroically on top of a table as the matron frantically tries to get her to sit down. Below her, crouched on their hands and knees, several children are roaring and scratching at the legs of the table. Your sister draws a ruler from her sock, waving it in the air.

"The Totemist never dies!" she says, leaping off of the table and into the mass of students. A few sharp whacks with the stick sends the other students scurrying, and with a cry of triumph Aurora throws her weapon to the ground. "I'm the winner! Me!"

You sigh, running a hand through your hair. The matron shoots you a dirty look, as if you're responsible for all this. All you did was tell them exactly what happened. Crazy impressionable kids...

Aurora spots you, running across the room to hug your leg. "Hey Osy!" she says, grinning widely. "Did you see? I beat all of the monsters!"

You pat her head, crouching down to eye level with her. "Rora, you can't hit the other kids with a stick. They're not monsters."

"I was just playing." she says, turning away to pout. "I didn't hit them that hard."

"All the same," you say, looking sternly at her, "You don't hit other people. Only hit actual monsters. Got that?"

"...Alright." she mutters, scuffing her foot against the floor. "I'm sorry."

"Go apologize to the others." you admonish her.

The Matron in the room approaches you, smiling. "Well, I was going to yell at you, but I can see that you look suitably embarrassed, Osyki."

You sigh, scratching your head. "Sorry about all this, Liska. I didn't think I'd have such an effect on them."

She shakes her head, then ruffles your hair. "It's fine, Osyki. Don't worry about it. Your sister didn't start being a handful just yesterday, you know."

You chuckle at that, looking over the older children in the room.

(Cont.)

"Liska, how soon are the newest wave of apprentices set to be sent out?" you ask, rubbing your chin thoughtfully. She gives you an odd look, a mix between concern and surprise that you're not sure you appreciate. "Within about a month months. The littlest one, Ysandra, turns of age around then. Why do you ask?"

"You know that if Ayren had chosen an apprentice sooner, we wouldn't be in this situation." you say quietly. "The sooner I can get to work teaching one of the younglings what I know, the sooner we can have a better groomed replacement ready for me."

"Osyki," the matron says, speaking hesitantly, "I know that you're still reeling from your master's passing, but don't know think that this is a bit sudden? You're hardly a man yourself. Do you think that you can handle the responsibility of raising a child while you work for yourself?"

>>15051685

> month months
> Should be a month's time

>>15051685

"What is the customary age to take on a first apprentice then?"

You know, I think she's right. We just need to be more careful for a while. I mean hell, we still haven't fully absorbed all of Ayren's notes yet. It's a bad idea to teach a subject you aren't done learning yourself.

>>15051658
>>15051685
"I have little choice, but it's not clear who's right right - I'll consider it this month. Still, I can't afford not to ask you to keep an eye out, or to shirk the question - and neither can the village. My master was a wise man - do you not think he'd admonish the lot of us for failing to correct his mistake?"

"Besides, it's not like at least a few of them don't take your lessons to heart. Perhaps there's a few children more prepared to see to their own needs than others - certainly a worthy quality in a totemist. And I expect that, with circumstances being somewhat unusual, I'd get at least SOME help from the village there."

"In the meantime, I suppose I might tell them some harmless story, NOT featuring a fight with a monster, and stop bothering you with these worrying thoughts."

>>15051773
This is hardly optimal. That is obvious, but what if we die? Our job is by nature dangerous, we cannot risk leaving the village with no totemist and force whoever then assumes the position to start with no direction.

>>15051773
She's probably right if we wouldn't get any help, but we should at LEAST start looking ASAP.

But I think we could tell the village it was a special case and ask for some help with the job, you know?

>>15051685
We don't fully know our Master's teachings yet and we've got a long way to go but having an apprentice means we get an extra set of hands and another set of eyes looking through the notes. And if I die it's better than nothing. Also figuring out who has spiritual aptitude is never a bad thing to know.

I forget, how old are children when they're apprenticed?

>>15051946

Children are customarily apprenticed between the ages of 10 and 11 years old.

>>15051818
>>15051778

"I have little choice, but it's not clear who's right right - I'll consider it this month. Still, I can't afford not to ask you to keep an eye out, or to shirk the question - and neither can the village. My master was a wise man - do you not think he'd admonish the lot of us for failing to correct his mistake?"

The matron considers your words, looking perturbed.

"Besides, it's not like at least a few of them don't take your lessons to heart. Perhaps there's a few children more prepared to see to their own needs than others - certainly a worthy quality in a totemist. And I expect that, with circumstances being somewhat unusual, I'd get at least SOME help from the village there."

"I will discuss this with the other Matrons, Osyki." Liska says, nodding slowly. "You're right. We are left in a strange predicament, and we may need to bend the rules to ensure the safety of the village. I'll keep an eye out for anyone who might fit your purposes. For now, I'd prefer it if you'd leave the children to me. Your presence riles them up, and they're not off for free time for another few hours."

You bow to Liska, give your sister a wave, then exit the hut. That was productive, but you still feel as though Liska and the other matrons will be hesitant at best about this. Perhaps if you had the approval of a village elder, you could rally them more easily to the idea.

You walk to the workshop, slipping quietly inside. What would you like to take with you to meet Elana? You'll need a bag for the flowers at the very least, and you would never leave Amal or Tryd behind. They're too useful and portable to consider doing so. Would it be worth it to take your weapon? And do you want to take your new Foci, your Knife, or anything of that nature?

>>15052017
Always Always Always have our spear on us, if the situation goes pear shaped we will want it. We'll also want our standard assortment of rope, fire making tools, cloth, knife and the like. I'm not sure if we should bother with the lightning hammer though but if things screw up something fierce we might want to be able to call the lightning.

The knife, definitely. A good knife is more than a weapon, it's a tool.

I'm going to have to say no to taking our spear. We're not expecting to go out that far into dangerous territory, and I'm not sure I like the thought of an avatar of wrath being nearby while we're trying to get our mack on.

We need a bow.
Not necessarily to use with a focus. Just an ordinary bow has its merits.

>>15052113
>>15052068
>>15052066
Seconding/thirding.

Bring some paper in case you decide to press a wildflower or herb or need to make notes or something. And some food, and any relevant harvesting tools. Those flowers are for the healer, they're not just something pretty to see on an outing with a girl.

Bring a blanket or something to sit/lie on. Heck, make a picnic of it.

>>15052149
We comissioned one, I thought? If not, we should drop by the general store or see if there's a regular one in the workshop.

Diarca, how good is Osyki with the bow?

We should take the knife. No rope, no fire making tools, no cloth. Maybe some chalk if we happen across any. Let's not take the spear, we're picking flowers, even if we in a meta sense suspect a potential fight not even Osyki THE PREPARED would bring a big weapon on a date, it'd be kinda weird.

You know the drill. Take:
Amal
Tryd
Some waterproof cloth - can be useful for carrying items.
A backpack
A skinning knife
The Spear (it's very useful)
Some Food
Some Water
Rope (it's useful, combine with cloth to make a secondary lootsack)
No need for fire-making tools since we have an ash imp.

That's basically all we need. Might consider taking a lightweight shortbow and 20-30 arrows in case we spot some game to hunt.

>>15052230

Osyki's never picked up a bow in his life. Doesn't mean he couldn't get good with one, but he has no experience.

[[ Seems as though we have some debate on whether or not to bring Modi Magni's spear. In the interest of expediency, one person for each argument roll a d20 for me. Higher roll wins. ]]

>>15052255
>>15052244
Disagreemind.

I'm goin' with travelling light, since you can always send one or both of your spirits to fetch things for you.

The soot imp is fine for making markings as well as starting fires.

rolled 2 = 2

Rolling for NO SPEAR

rolled 3 = 3

>>15052279
It's not that heavy and it's a damn useful thing to have around.
Keep the spear.

>>15052258
Ah. Does he have any experience with any ranged weapons?

rolled 13 = 13

>>15052279
I thought it was 3:2 against/for?
Rolling against

>>15052291
Watch, Elena is going to mention how weird it is we brought the damn thing.

rolled 10 = 10

Rollan to bring spear.

>>15052305
We can never be to PREPARED.
After all, we are Osyki the PREPARED.

rolled 9 = 9

>>15052290
>>15052291
>>15052299
>>15052305
>>15052317
Either way, we can just get Amal or Tryd to bring it to us.

rolled 1 = 1

>>15052322
But can we be so prepared for one possibility that we are improperly prepared for the task at hand?

rolled 5 = 5

No spear seems to be winning by 2!
Dice status: Has spoken

You pack a bag together quickly, then turn to look at your spear for a long moment. You're not sure if Elana would mind you taking your weapon with you. On the one hand, you'd hate to make things uncomfortable with her. On the other hand, you are the Totemist. You never know when there could be an emergency or an ambush, and every second you would spend running for your weapon would mean lives lost. Decided, you grasp the weapon, placing it in the loop on your pack. You're sure Elana won't mind.

Current Inventory:

> Pack:
20 ft. rope
Waterproofed cloth
Ritual Knife
A small snack
Ancestral Spear w/ White Claw Focus (Bound: Modi Magni)

> Equipped Spirits:
Amber Pendant Focus (Amal)
Charcoal Charm Focus (Tryd)

>>15052353
[[ I meant better of the first two rolls. Sorry if I didn't make that clear. ]]

>>15052370
Go to Elana and ask her if she has any opinion on whether we bring the spear or not.
We have a legitimate reason to bring it, and a legitimate reason to NOT bring it.

rolled 16 = 16

>>15052389
I'm not happy about bringing the spear either, there were more against than for and there shouldn't have even been a roll; but it's been decided, let's just go with it and if she says anything about it remark about how we have already run into an unexpected fight and that it's best to be prepared for such things.

You quickly set off down the road, breaking into a jog in your excitement. You're pleased to finally have some time to spend with Elana. Between the chores your master kept you busy with, her duties as a Healer's apprentice and the insanity of the past few days, it seems as though you haven't spent time alone with her in ages. You arrive at the healer's hut, knocking on the door. Elana answers, smiling.

"Osyki!" she says, excited. "Stay right here. I'll be out in a moment."

You wait around for a few minutes before Elana emerges. She wears a simple tunic bound at the waist with a belt, and a long, billowing skirt. A backpack is slung over her shoulder. You can see a variety of small knives slotted into various pouches at her waist and on her backpack.

"Alright, then!" she says, skipping out the door and closing it gently behind her. "Are you ready?"

You grin, nodding enthusiastically. There are two potential patches of Whint Blooms you could harvest. One lies on the town outskirts, though it's a smaller patch and Elana may have harvested it a few days ago. The larger patch requires a small trek to the pond nearest the village, one you've known since your childhood.

"Finally." she teases,

Welp, Let's head to the one by the pond.

>>15052445
Let's go to the pond.

>>15052445
Pond, more time to walk and chat and more flowers.

>>15052445
Pond.

Flirt with the Elana.

rolled 7 = 7

>>15052445
To the pond.

Chat and catch up on the way, while you're at it.

Finally, we all agree on something.

rolled 5 = 5

>>15052509
I've noticed with this quest the players slowly head towards consensus over time.

Last session, we did come up with a set of expirements, a list of things to try and commission from the smith, etc.

>>15052545
Yeah we usually agree or just discuss possible options. We were seriously divided about the spear though. Pretty sure there were more against than for so I'd suggest that Op in the event of such division get a clear idea of the the numbers rather than roll, it was kinda offputting.

Your course decided, you turn to Elana.

"I think it's time for a little hike. Let's head over to the spring and see if we can't get as many of those blooms as possible."

She nods. "Sounds good to me, Osyki." she says, her smile only growing wider. As the two of you walk side by side down the road, she turns her head to look at you. "It's been ages since we spent time together like this, hasn't it?"

You nod. "Between Ayren's errands and the Healer keeping you locked up in that hut all day, it does seem like it. I think the last time you and I had anything more than a brief chat was the last village festival."

She laughs at that, stumbling slightly. "You mean the festival that you got completely plastered on stolen mead at, and then spent an hour showing off your nature spirit to me?"

You blush profusely, looking at the ground. You hadn't quite remembered what had happened that night, but you had hoped it was something slightly less appalling. A tug on your sleeve brings your gaze back up to Elana's smiling face.

"Hey, don't worry about it, I'm just teasing. I was damn impressed. You'll have to show me some new tricks, now that you're the Totemist proper."

You grin. "Oh, I've got a whole new box of tricks for you. Just you wait, I'll blow you mind." you boast, only barely keeping your voice from stuttering as you say it. Elana's laugh is a little louder than before, and you think you can see a pink tinge to her cheeks. Mission accomplished.

(cont.)

Bantering back and forth like this, you arrive at the spring a few minutes later. It's just as you remember it; the pristine blue water gurgles out of the raised rocks from sources unknown, the pool surrounded by a series of stone slabs placed there by the villagers. The spring's back faces a large natural rock wall, and high above by the mouth of one of the waterfalls you can see the large Whint Bloom patch.

"I'll race you to the top, Osyki!" Elana says, leaping at the rock wall and scrambling for the top.

If you want to race her, roll 1d20 for your speed.

[[ Going to pop out for a bit to grab some dinner. Be back soon. ]]

rolled 8 = 8

>>15052661
Rolling for the race, regardless of whether we do so or not.

rolled 10 = 10

We could use the power of the spear if we wanted to, but I think that'd be arrogant. Let's just race her. If we get up before her we should help her up... if we want to be cheesy we could then trip backwards when doing so.

>>15052661
Remember if we win, we win, if we lose we get to look up her skirt which is still winning

rolled 8 = 8

>>15052661
Gogog!
Don't use the spear's speed as that will tire us out and may strain our body.

rolled 13 = 13

>>15052758
New plan:
Obtain a look up her skirt as a victory prize.
That way, if we lose, we win
but if we win, we DOUBLE WIN.

Considering that children are apprenticed around 11 and we're 18 how much knowledge do we have in relation to the totemist profession that we the players are merely unaware of?

rolled 20 = 20

>>15052692
>>15052741
>>15052759
Secondan these. Just try to get your bandaged ass there, and if you lose, lose graciously. It's just screwing around with a friend at this point.

You might mention Sylvia the nature spirit at some point to Elana, she's less likely to take it like a child if you mention learning the harp - assuming that ever worked out.

rolled 11 = 11

>>15052777
An answer to this would be pretty cool, Diarca.

Though I suspect there's limitations to our knowledge, given the notes we're reading are all new to us and that we've heard mention of doing a heap of chores.

>>15052777

Your knowledge of the animals surrounding the village, Behemoths, the world at large, and the long years of training that it took you to hone your spiritual essence to a fine point are a result of those seven years of training, plus general learning such as how to cook your own food properly, how to mend your own clothes, and other random but useful skills.

Rollin for Elana's speed.

>>15052758
It's a long skirt though and she'll be climbing, doubt we'd be able to see much.

rolled 7 = 7

>>15052806

Derp, wrong field.

It's a close race, and you lag behind for the vast majority of it, your sore muscles and scrapes still taking their toll on your speed. You don't consider this a terrible thing, as it affords you the opportunity to sneak one or two glances at Elana's shapely legs as you climb. While her skirt is far too long and in too much motion to reveal anything higher than that, your mind is happy to fill in the details for you. Ah, teenage hormones.

Fueled by the sudden burst of machismo and energy you redouble your efforts, taking a few risky leaps to reach outcroppings you normally couldn't. You manage to barely scrape past Elana in the end, clambering to the top seconds in front of her. She pants heavily as she hauls herself onto the rock ledge, grinning.

"Damn, Osyki, I thought you were injured! You sure that you're not just faking it to get my sympathy?" she teases, lying back on the outcropping. You laugh, shaking your head. "Nah, I'm just that good. No injuries can keep the Totemist down." you say, flexing your arms. She giggles at that, rolling over and crawling on hands and knees to the vines that the flowers hang from. Pulling a long knife from her belt, she begins cutting the blooms, humming lightly to herself. You take a moment to admire her before joining in the harvest, pulling your ritual knife from your pack and setting to work slicing the small blue and white flowers from their base.

(Cont.)

rolled 17 = 17

>>15052883
Cool. Can we carry them back as they are?

Is it possible to domesticate or at least farm these blooms?

After a good hour's work, you've amassed a large collection of the blooms. Elana stops you from cutting any further, for fear that the vines wont be able to support themselves. "If we dry these, it should be enough to see us through till the rains." she says, carefully packing away the flowers. "Thank you for your help, Osyki. This would've taken all day without you."

>>15052883
Suave
If this weren't /tg/ and you guys werent the tastefull folk I know, this would be about the point where things would turn towards the /e/ or /d/ side of things.
Thank god we only have the hots for tri-kreen.

>>15052927
"So can I look up your skirt now? *grin*"

"Well, you know, any excuse to spend some time with you is a good one."

>>15052945
seconding but we also need to grin like we're trolling her; not being sarcastic, playful.

>>15052944
Let's not, and say we did.
>>15052945
Seconding.
Add that you're glad to help, offer to eat a midmorning meal with her while you're out and about - maybe at the pond proper - and then we've got experimentation and scouting after we walk her home.

Up to y'all if the totemist actually puts moves on her.

>>15052966
here
>>15052980
thirding his second, seconding his additions.

Well I'm off to sleep because I'm tired as zog.
OP, could you give me a quick update on your timezone and about what hour, more or less, are these threads going to be? I dread missing them.
Anywho, goodnight ladies and gentlemen, happy totemizing.
My only regret is having to wake up at dawn every morning and leaving quests like these.

>>15053004
Yeah, Diarca, maybe a schedule would be something to think about now you've got five threads done with and all >.>

>>15053004

[[ I'm in the US Mountain time zone. I usually try to start these between 5 and 6 every other day, my time. If you want to get put on the mailing list for any updates or cancellations, the email's in this post. ^ ]]

>>15052980
"Up to y'all if the totemist actually puts moves on her."
I'd say escalating this to a kiss should be our aim. Any further seems infeasible and somewhat distasteful although we could always fade to black.

You shrug at Elana. "Hey, always happy to help." You put a finger on your chin, posing as though you're pondering. "So... is now the part where I look up your skirt?" you say, your serious expression clearly breaking into a teasing grin. Elana's face runs an interesting gamut of colors and expressions from surprise to brilliant red embarrassment before finally settling on eyes narrowed, smiling, tongue stuck out at you. "Not today, oh great Totemist." she says, mocking a bow before you. "You'll have to save this binding for another day."

You both laugh at that, unable to keep a straight face to save your life.

"Seriously though, Elana, I'm always happy to help." you say, wiping a tear from your eye. "Any excuse to spend time with you is a good one."

Her face legitimately goes red at that, and she looks away, embarrassed. "Y-yeah." she says quietly. "Agreed."

Sensing the potential awkwardness of the situation, you quickly head it off. "Have you eaten?" you ask, reaching into your pack. "I brought a snack. I'd be happy to share."

She nods, relieved. "Yeah, thanks. I didn't have a chance to grab any food before you showed up. I'll meet you down at the bottom, 'kay?"

You nod, and both begin your descent. You take it carefully this time, not wanting to slip from such a height.

A sudden crack fills you with dread, and you see the rock Elana is holding on to give way. With a yell, she begins to fall backwards, only her narrow footholds supporting her. She might land in the pond, but the risk of her landing on one of the stone slabs around the area is also fairly high.

What will you do, Osyki?

>>15053109
Use the spear's speed and catch her, then try to land in the pond with her, if it is deep enough.

>>15053109
We're going to want to save her and we probably can't just grab her and maintain our balance and that'd mean we'd both fall onto stone. We should try and grab her and try to angle both of us towards the pond rather than the stone. If we can use the spear's speed it'd be nice but we shouldn't rely completely on it.

>>15053109
Leap and grab, let ourselves cushion her fall but try to land in the pond. Use the spears speed to help with this.

>>15053109
do we have time to activate the spear so as to use it's speed to run along the rock wall, catch her, and reach the ground carrying her? If so do that. If not can we try to tackle her into the pond? If so do that. If not let's jump down and catch her so that we take the brunt of the fall.

"Elana!" you yell, every muscle tensing. You can see the look of sudden panic in her eyes, and you know what you have to do. Hurling yourself sideways, you stretch your arms out wide and dive after her. You catch up to her after a moment, wrapping your arms tight around her. The force of your impact sends the both of you spinning sideways. The world whips wildly around you as you hurtle toward the earth. "You'll be okay." you mutter, attempting to spin so that you will hit the water back-first. "Hold on."

> Roll 1d20 for landing.

>>15053204
rollan!

rolled 14 = 14

>>15053204
Rolling.

rolled 6 = 6

>>15053214
derp

And an apology to Modi Magni, "Sorry for this, MM! I'll get you a Draconic one soon!"

What? We're saving a human with its Focus.

rolled 18 = 18

>>15053204
roll

rolled 2 = 2

Rollan

>>15053261
I think we should try to bind that one stealth creature next and then go for a drake.

>>15053353
>stealth

If only there were some kind of giant chameleon we could bind. That shit would be the perfect cloak.

> 14

You feel the cool crash of water on your back like the string of a knife, and then you're under. The water tugs at you, robbing you of your momentum, until you and Elana lay floating under the water. Kicking your legs, the two of you reach the surface in a few seconds.

Just before you break the barrier between pond and air, you see a flash of movement in the far corner of the pond. A large tail, covered in shining scales. But how could a fish so large...?

You manage to suppress a gasp as you exit the pool. Elana does not, coughing and sputtering. You quickly follow her to shore, your spine groaning at you the whole way. As the two of you haul yourselves onto shore, Elana lets out a sputtering laugh, though at first it seems to be another cough.

"D-damn Osyki." she laughs, lying back on the sun-warmed rock. "You sure as hell know how to sweep a girl off of her feet."

You chuckle at that, staring over at her. Except for a rush of adrenaline and a serious soaking, she looks no worse for the wear. You sigh in relief, though a small portion of your brain can't help but notice the way that her dampened clothes cling to her figure.

"Hey, what did I tell you?" you say, smiling. "Nothing keeps the Totemist down."

>>15053372
Amal mentions the Fanged Stalker? When we were hunting for a first Feral Bind, that was what he first suggest we bind. It is known for its stealth, I believe.

It shouldn't be that hard a binding. Then we take on a Drake.

>>15053375
...We need to get Elana home before we can investigate the fishthing, should flirt and go for the kiss at some point, then once she's back at the healers hut we need to run back to the pond and figure out what it was we just saw.

Well looks like we need a bow.

So we can hunt the drake we'll need to kill to make Modi happy.

>>15053375
Well given that our clothes are soaked we won't want to walk all the way back to town in them, why don't we set them out to dry and eat some lunch. We'll want to do this pretty far away from the pond with mysterious fish creature.

>>15053422
yeah, >>15053415 here, seconding this. We should continue date as planned, lunch and all, and then return to investigate the fish. I don't think we need to move away from the pond though, it's a fish. Besides we'll be able to keep an eye on the pond for it if we stay near.

rolled 12 = 12

>>15053422
>>15053415
Second.
>>15053416
See:
>>15052258
>never touched a bow in his life
We need to fold ranged weapon training into our regimen and LEARN the bow first. Shall we add it to THE PLAN?

While we do that, we definitely need to get ourselves a ranged focus.

Once we're done with Elana, we have some experimentation to try. We could drop by the general store and see if we can get ourselves a crossbow in the meantime, though...

>>15053375
Stare at tunic. Be unreasonably obsessed in glancing in that direction.

Forget about fish tail until something claws at your dangling feet...

>>15053375
Small question, could you describe the tail to us, is is serpentine, fishy, a flat thing attacked to a longer tail or a paddle at the end of a creature. It might give us a clue as to whether it'd amphibious or not.

rolled 3 = 3

>>15053463
Someone has wanderin' eyes

>>15053455
I'm not sure we need a bow of any sort. With our speed focus we could probably kill a drake just by jumping up and stabbing it and as the lightning hammer shows it'll be pretty easy for us to attain foci object combinations that have ranged potential. So our time can be better spent on other things than learning how to use a bow.

>>15053474

It definitely looked like a fish tail. It reminded you of the smaller carp that live in the pond.

>>15053477
Not gonna deny it. +staaaaaaaaaaare+

>>15053416
>>15053455
>>15053490
Slingshot? Or those childish handheld catapult? I am unsure of the name... That Y shaped thing? Is it also called a slingshot?

rolled 16 = 16

>>15053544
A slingshot is Y-shaped. A sling is a weapon used by auxiliaries, but it also requires some training. It's also more accurate than a bow at short ranges, surprisingly enough, but potentially less accurate than a crossbow - which has sights.

You can't help but continue to steal glances at Elana's figure as you retrieve the fruit you had stowed in your pack. It's dripping wet, but certainly fine to eat. You're thankful you decided on it, instead of the bread you had originally intended to pack.

Elana doesn't take long to catch on to your ever so subtle glances, and her face flushes red once again. Her hands fly to her hair, pulling at the long brown braid to free the excess water from it as she stares mutely at the ground.

You attempt weakly to make conversation about the unstable rock ledges as the two of you eat, which is met by half-hearted agreements by Elana. You force your eyes out to the pond, afraid that you will offend her if you continue to stare. You're about to take a bite of the pear in your hand when you feel a hand on your shoulder. Turning your head, you see the top of Elana's head. She's wrapped her arms around yours, and seems to be shivering slightly. It's a reasonably warm day out, but the fabric of her clothing does seem thin. A few of the knives hanging from her belt jingle as she leans in to your chest, resting her head against it.

"...Thanks, Osyki." she says quietly. "I'd hate to think what might have happened if you hadn't been here."

>>15053588
Also Slings are ways more portable, pretty accurate, hit like a truck, and the ammo is dirt cheap.

>>15053588
I'm still maintaining that we likely don't need a ranged object that requires training of any sort. We already have ranged potential in the shard foci and future foci likely will as well.

>>15053504
guys... lets be careful here...

>>15053635
That settles it.
USE THOR HAMMER ON LAKE
SUFFER NOT THE CARP TO LIVE

>>15053599
Hold her close while telling her that we'll always be there when she needs us and enjoy some peaceful moments lying on the warm sunbaked rocks.

>>15053664
Too late. we already unbound the turtle focus from the hammer so we could give the hammer back.

>>15053635
You're right, this is potentially a far greater threat than any bone warden.

>>15053664
We don't have the hammer any more. We unbond it and returned the hammer.

>>15053599
We should embrace her, no idea what to say.

>>15053688
here
>>15053673
Seconding. Also kiss her.

>>15053688

Guys we don't even know what it is, let alone what it's doing there. KILL IT WITH LIGHTNING shouldn't be our first reaction.

>>15053664
>SUFFER NOT THE CARP TO LIVE
>implying that's how words work
You can't just string words together and claim it has a coherent meaning.

hold her close...
...for warmth of course.
>and eventual hot dickings

>>15053714
I think most of us were joking. I'm voting that we investigate it later.

>>15053747
>has no knowledge of DF memes

>>15053772
Unless DF stands for "derp force," this is still stupid. Because that makes no sense. You can suffer. You can not suffer. But you can't suffer a carp, nor can you suffer a carp not.

>>15053599
"had I not been here chances are you'd have never taken that fall! I swear danger seems to follow me around."

Go for the slick arm around the shoulders maneuver.

>>15053784
The KJV bible translation would like to have a word with you.
>1 Timothy 2:12

>>15053784
chill, the guy was just joking. also it's about the billionth time someone has uttered the phrase "suffer not the <noun>" on /tg/, it's far beyond being able to pick it apart now.

lets get back on track.

>>15053817
HERP
People were illiterate back then. People who believe the bible, doubly so.

You freeze for a send, then wrap your arms around the shivering girl. Placing your chin on the top of her head, you smile. "Hey, what did I tell you?" you say. "I'm always happy to spend time with you. You know I'll be there when you need me."

You can feel her smile into your chest, and the two of you spend a few blissful minutes together, embracing on the warm pond-side rock. You can feel the water evaporating from your clothing, and small lines of steam rise from the puddle you are slowly making below you. Finally, she shifts her head and looks up at you, green eyes sparkling in the mid-day sun. You lock your gaze with hers, and lean forward slightly, tilting your head.

"Well, isn't this adorable?" comes a voice from behind you, from the direction of the pond.

>>15053784
>not sure if troll
The "Suffer not" is given meaning by the "to live".

>>15053795
also adding "speaking of which... did you see that huge fish while we were still under the water or was I imagining things?"

>>15053834
Prepositional phrases add location or extra meaning. Things that have no meaning without prepositional phrases can't be given meaning by a prepositional phrase.

>>15053831
Move to turn towards the source of the voice, readying a weapon if possible. Try to get between the voice and Elana if possible.

>>15053831
is the voice recognizable? if so my next reaction depends on who it may be.

>>15053830
>6/10
For I short moment I though that really was a serious reply.

"Who,what, ah?"
see who the fuck it is

>>15053875

You do not recognize this voice.

>>15053831
It probably is a nature spirit we befriended at some point, maybe even Sylvia, if we know who it is we should casually greet them, if we don't know who it is or if we know they aren't completely friendly we should sit up some, make clear note of where our spear is and given that they're being friendly we should respond in kind.

>>15053863
oh my gosh i feel so much smarter. you are a god among scholars. I bask in your presence.

now can we just fucking drop it? you're trolling and you don't even know it.

or perhaps you do in which case 10/10

Probably the pond's spirit or the like. That fish tail?

>>15053908
if it sounds like someone from our town (perhaps a recognizable accent or something) give them the ultimate "you-effing-cockblocking-shiteater" stare.

if wholly unrecognizable then seconding >>15053868

rolled 13 = 13

>>15053908
Get spear, turn to face voice.

>>15053908
I'm guessing it's the spirit inhabiting the pond and we did invade it's property a wee bit, we should apologize for intruding and introduce ourself. We should have our spear by our side or holding it but not in a threatening manner.

You react to the voice in the blink of an eye. Seizing one of the knives from Elana's belt, you unsheathe it and turn in one motion, ready to defend her. The sight that greets you nearly causes you to drop that knife in the pond, though you quickly recover your senses and place it on the rocks beside you.

Leaning over the edge of the pond is what appears to be a girl, only a few years older than you at most. Her hair matches the deep blue of the waters around her, and her eyes are are the brown of the river's bottom. Light freckles dot her pale, clear skin. You cannot help but notice, with a hard swallow, that she wears nothing to conceal her rather generous upper body. Leaning on the side of the pond, arms crossed and thankfully preserving some modicum of decency, she looks up at the two of you with mischievous eyes, a wide grin plastered on her face. Behind her, you see a wide, fish-like tail splash upward out of the water for a moment, scales glittering like emeralds, before submerging in the pool with a splash.

"Oh, please." she says, very clearly on the verge of laughter, "Don't let me interrupt anything! That looked like a tender moment, Totemist. Perhaps you can come swimming with me, next time."

Her tail rises from the water again, then splashes down, creating a rain of fine droplets.

>>15053955
>>15054012
and I'm going to take the absolute neutral stance here.
stand to attention, spear at my side but not in a threatening manner as of yet. see who it is and ask for their name. don't want to seem aggressive or weak until we've assessed the situation.

Quickly look away
"Ah, yes, uhm, sorry for intruding, but it was unavoidable."

>>15054036
give her >>15053955's suggested stare and inquire after what she wants. But lower Elana's knife and assume a non-threatening position.

>>15054036
almost as if i were speaking to myself: "and yet... you did..."

*clears throat* can I... help you miss?"

>>15054036
Well, we're going to make a new friend hopefully. Relaxed posture, she seems completely non-hostile so we should remain calm and non-hostile. Introduce ourselves as Osyki, the new Totemist round these parts and ask for her name and if she was acquainted with Ayren. Apologize for intruding into her pond without permission but it was unavoidable and didn't turn out badly.

>>15054105
changing my vote to this.

>>15054105
She's being a bitch, we shouldn't default to friendly.

>>15054036
As expected.

Well, blink furiously, keep eyes above nio- I mean brea- B-bustline! Above the chestline! Keep at the eyes!

Man, this date's a bust, I guess.

"S-sorry, um, I mean," +coughs+ "Um, our apologies, that dip was purely an accident. We didn't intend to bother you."

Unsure how respectful we need to be. Some spirits can be mean, though I expect these kind of spirits to be at least mischievous, and deadly only when angered.

>>15054154
seconding

>>15054105
This has my second. Bitch or not, better to be on their good side for now.

>>15054154
>>15054168
also, in the interest of still impressing teh current girl that was moments ago in our arms, we should not go flirting with the half naked fish woman that just scared the crap out of us.

>>15054164
There's a time and place for looking at tits, this is not it. We need to avoid making this Totemist Quest: dating sim.

>>15054100
>>15054168
>>15054192

and for clarity's sake these were all me

>>15054192
Don't flirt with her, but recall that your master was HAPPY that an intelligent spirit was in a decent mood.

Besides, you kill these beings for power. How nice to you do you think they're going to be?

>>15054154
I want to avoid pissing of a water spirit, next to her pond, while we don't have all of our weapons, we have a possible hostage next to us and the worst she did was some light cockblocking. We shouldn't be flirty but we should be polite, friendly and respectful.

>>15054208
except that nature spirits are supposed to be neutral or better torwards us.

>>15054154
I won't call this level of contact to be 'bitchy'. A tease, perhaps.

And that hate-you-cockblocker-shiteater stare would... Meh, I'd say that is a kind of face a playboy would wear, not this young Totemist. A flushed, embarrassed, perhaps irked, but not a face that really convey the words 'cock' and 'shit' respectively.

Where's that silvered razor tongue?
There should be nastier yet classier cursewords than those.

>>15054218
friendly? Okay
polite/respectful? when the first thing she does is a wicked CB I don't think I have it in my being.

lets not go pick a fight, but lets not revere every spirit that happens to catch us with our soaking wet pants down.

>>15054218
No we don't, nobody here is advocating that we pick a fight, rather we're saying that we should convey that we're pissed or annoyed at her rather than appearing weak to Elana and letting the bitch think it's ok to walk all over us.
>mermaid
>walk

something tells me this is going to come down to a roll.

>>15054227
You forget about the flashback. There's also no guarantee that she's even a nature spirit. We don't know exactly what she is.

You relax your posture slightly, firmly keeping your eyes glued to hers. A flush coming to your face? Don't be ridiculous. You're all business. A man's man. Yeah.

Yeah.

"I apologize for the rude entry." you say, bowing your head slightly [eyes locked eyes locked]. "It really couldn't be avoided. I'm Osyki. As I suppose you've already guessed, I am the new Totemist. Tell me, were you acquainted with my master?"

She grins, her expression almost predatorial. "Mmm, did I know Ayren." she says, licking her lips slightly. "I didn't get to see him nearly as often as I'd have liked to, but we were good friends." she says with a twinkle in her eye. "I helped him keep on good terms with the spirit of the forest more than once."

You smile. "May I ask your name?"

She looks as though she's thinking on this for a moment, pouting her lips and looking off to one side. "Yes, I suppose you may. After all, it's always nice to keep tabs on the Totemist. I'm Boand, though you can call me Boa if you're nice to me." she says, the grin quickly reappearing on her face. "And who's your lady-friend? You're being terribly rude, Totemist."

You blink rapidly, then turn to look at Elana. Her expression is halfway between furious and terrified. You give her a re-assuring squeeze around the waist, turning back to Bao. [eyeslockedeyeslocked]

"This is Elana." you say. Elana bows her head, though you can feel her doing so stiffly. "Good day, spirit." she says. Looking up at you, she coughs slightly.

"Osyki, I really need to get back with these blooms. I'll see you later, alright?"

She stands suddenly, your arm dropping from her waist. With a quick movement she's grabbed her pack and is on her way away from the pond.

"Hmph..." Boand mutters, watching her go. Her expression is bemused.

>>15054248
>wicked CB
You were hugging someone you haven't spent time with in a year, and you think you're getting cockblocked?

I don't think we're screwed for a moment of intimacy with anyone. Seriously, we're on her lawn and about to make out, her tone isn't rude, she's just someone that lives there.

What response do you expect when you pull up to someone's driveway, put the moves on the chick in the passenger seat, and have the homeowner notice you when they go check the mail because you dented their mailbox?

also, if it is in our interest to befriend this spirit, we're not going to win the respect of a trickster with a beta-as-f!ck attitude.

>datisma symbol
indeed captcha, dat is my symbol, i use it to bind spirits.

>>15054285
Jesus Christ.
Ayren the Totemist: Master Pimp

>>15054285
We need more information from her. What exactly is she. How she knew Ayren. Etc.

We don't need to consciously avoid looking at her tits. Even if we're being polite a bitch is a bitch and we have no interest in her.

>>15054285
-watch her until she is past shouting distance...-
"DUDE!? ...C'mon!" -wave my arms in Elena's direction- "Was workin' my magic here!"

> Besides, you kill these beings for power. How nice to you do you think they're going to be?

About this, Feral Binding are only done to beasts/spirits that are that, Feral.
Against others, we can also contract them nicely, or trap them and extract a deal out of them if we cannot manage to do it nicely for some reason or another.

>>15054203
>>15054208
Heh, well, I am just making comedic portrayal of a teen that age. Slightly hormone-ridden.
With the ability to put the reign on them when he has to.

>>15054285

Reverse the knife, turning the blade away from the woman and holding it somewhere out of sight.

"You'll have to pardon us - that fall could have been worse than it was. In any case, it seems I owe you my thanks for the assistance you gave my master, may his spirit rest easy. If I chance to meet him again, shall I give him your regards?"

After you get her answer, chat with her for a few minutes and then thank her for her time and patience, ask if you can visit again and bring an appropriate offering to maintain some sort of positive arrangement with the spirits of the forest, and ask if you can come by later today (when you have scouting work) as you no more wish to be rude to Elana than to your new friend, seeing as this is a strange and hurried introduction.

>>15054350
They're not all guaranteed to see it that way, is all I'm saying. You're potentially someone who can do them harm. They don't HAVE to be bros with you.

"I suppose then it was good I met you, though, I know not exactly what deals my deceased predecessor made with you to keep good relations with the other locals. Erm, some deals will be understandably off-limits.

Elena can be a handful when she gets jealous..."

>>15054352
This has my vote, since it entrenches the image that though meeting the spirit is important, Elena is no less important.

Not a few minutes though, half or a couple at best.

>>15054333
Whoa, calm down. There is no need to feel that much of a hate. I really do not see this bitchiness myself, truly.

>>15054285
Using a name because I post often and I want to avoid confusion.

I vote ixnay on calling her out on the cockblock, we're on her fucking lawn right here that gives her the right to screw with us. She seems to have a thing for Totemists given her reaction to us and our mention of our Mentor.

You said spirit of the forest not spirits, does that mean that there is one overspirit that the other spirits defer to or are part of. We would love to continue the good relations that Ayren held with you and hopefully rely on you as a source of information concerning the forest and the spirits residing in it.

We should not try to put the moves on her, at least for now, that has too much potential to go awry.

>>15054352
am I the only one that finds it incredibly unsatisfying that we feel the need to befriend this spirit wholly on the fact that she is non-hostile? im not saying lets go stab her in her own pond or anything, but really, why do we have to befriend or dominate EVERY spirit we come across?

I say treat her like I would treat a stranger from the village that did the same thing. flip her off and chase after elena...

>>15054413
>"You said spirit of the forest not spirits, does that mean that there is one overspirit that the other spirits defer to or are part of?"
>We should not try to put the moves on her, at least for now, that has too much potential to go awry.
Seconding dat

>>15054408
Where's the hate? Her characterization is clearly bitchy. You're fawning over her fictional tits. I'm not advocating attacking or even showing dislike for her, only arguing against your obsession with every pair of tits we come across.

>>15054417
She knew our master and performed a useful function for him, and she's the THIRD intelligent spirit we've encountered that wasn't previously ours or bound to our focus.

There will be spirits we find useless, this one has the capacity to act diplomatically on our behalf.

And we don't know how many spirits there ARE in the forest. What if there's a grand total if six in the whole damn area? Still ready to flip them off?

Hell, there's only seventy-five people in the village, being rude to one of them will quickly get you a reputation for rudeness. Small town politics is instant.

>>15054443
Not seeing bitchy, just playful.
Take a deep breath and look at the repeated response contrary to your opinion. This is why /tg/ can only get with /x/.

>>15054374
+nods+
That is true. Like how Master Ayren seems to be wary of Sylvia.
Considering the existence of Avatars, which are conceptuals, there would certainly be 'bad' spirits around, like Modi Magni, 'Wrath', and the agitated/corrupted spirits that might animate a Bone Warden.

Also, you reminded me of the possibility of the darker type of forest/nature spirits, the bog wisps, the kelpies, the unseelie fae, the wild hunters. . . Those sirens that pull men under the water.

Nevertheless, Boa seems to be in a good... 'Relation' with Ayren. Capitalize on that. But not too far.

>>15054449
all i see this as is
>about to kiss a girl
>sexy spirit interrupts and sends my romantic interest away.
>girl obviously wants to be A) more important than the hot chick i just met B) more important than my "job"

/tg/'s response: hey there magical tit fish! lets talk business!

can't we say, i don't know, tell the spirit it was nice to meet her, we'll catch up some time. gotto go chase the angry girl i really like?

>>15054468
I don't like her. You make a valid argument that I just don't feel is compelling enough to befriend her. If I'm mad it's at the people who are only interested in interacting with her on account of her tits.

>>15054527
>/tg/'s response: hey there magical tit fish! lets talk business!
My response was "who the fuck are you? Yeah? Oh, you used to have an agreement with the local totemist. Well, in THAT case..."
Saw the same in several others.

>can't we say, i don't know, tell the spirit it was nice to meet her, we'll catch up some time. gotto go chase the angry girl i really like?
1) She's not going to be significantly angry fora long time, in all likelihood. You're not reading her right.
2) see suggestion here: >>15054352

>>15054527
seconding

>>15054550
Didn't say you were mad so much as confused, and I have zero interest in fishtits. If they outvote me, that's their fifteen minutes of furious cock-tugging. I'll be in my corner, waiting to move on.

And you may notice a pattern in my suggestions that's all about getting people to like the Totemist, but not making any significant guarantees or becoming embroiled in weird politics. Weariness and likeability over popularity and friendships that are difficult to maintain and grant little.

However, I personally find her attitude to be likeable, far moreso than a body featuring the mermaid problem.

I don't get what the whole scouting thing is about.

>>15054585
forgot my pic

>>15054561
I read it. and your opinion is vastly different than mine good sir. I do not think we should stay another second, in honor of the girl we already HAVE. a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush they say. we can conduct business with this spirit later, while still being polite, and still have time to catch our physically displeased love interest.

however I and maybe one other person seem to be on the same page with this. so whatever I guess, lets talk to boa...

>>15054590
Scouting the forest? That's to explore the neighboring area and find out how difficult it'll be to get to the Behemoth's lair in case there's loot worth getting there.

>>15054527
Take one deep breath...
Take two...
Take three...
Now take four... Now that you have taken ten deep breaths, take the time to drink a glass of water or any drinks you have at hand.

Since I was the only one that specifically mention anything pertaining to 'fawning over the fictional tits' of a 'magical tit fish', I will say this in response, I was just roleplaying to the fact that we are Osyki, an eighteen years old teen, who just had an adrenaline pumped almost-accident, added with a slight romantic (and admittedly, slightly sensual) nature of connection with our childhood 'friend', Osyki's eyes might be taking orders from somewhere farther down than his head.

>>15054561
Well, I also agree on that poster of the idea of not staying TOO long. A minute longer than needed is a minute more that Elena thinks that we staying in the vicinity of a 'sexy spirit' who had just self-professed in-relation with the prior Totemist.

>>15054585
I've been voting for getting people from the village to like us aswell, merely didn't like her and so advocated a less friendly approach. People don't seem to get why I think she's a bitch so let me make my case.

"Well, isn't this adorable?" -interrupting. Not really on her front lawn, this is a place frequented by villagers, she likely usually just doesn't show herself and thus made a conscious decision to do so aware that she would be intruding on a private moment and then did it jokingly.

"Oh, please." she says, very clearly on the verge of laughter, "Don't let me interrupt anything! That looked like a tender moment, Totemist. Perhaps you can come swimming with me, next time."

-Thinks that her intruding is funny, jokes about it. Proceeds to hit on us and continues to do so while Elana who she is aware we are romantic with is present.

=bitch in my mind.

>>15054641
>Well, I also agree on that poster of the idea of not staying TOO long.
That's what I was going for. I just happened to pick a longer timeframe than you - meant no more than five minutes' conversation.

It's a half-hour's walk home, we can catch up with Elana and sort things out.

>>15054641
chill, or redirect your frustration elsewhere. i am in no way in need of "air" or water or your patronization.

again, i stated and argued my opinion just as you all have. why should my statements seem any more frustrated than yours just because you seem to hold the common consensus at the moment. i frankly just think its stupid and unrealistic to stay here, and ive already agreed we should talk to boa just to get things moving. so lets do it already.

>>15054605
Thought it was to look for Sylvia's cave or other nearby spirits to be contracted with?

Nevertheless, say "Sorry to cut this short, but I have to go," gesticulate at the direction of the leaving Elena, "Mayhap we will meet again some other time to talk about my Master."

>>15054691
You almost fell on her, that's why she came up to see what the fuck was going on and showed herself.

And sometimes people say things without thinking about them. Then, we stood up, knife in hand like a badass - to find you were facing your master's special friend. Who was unarmed, female, and not exactly dressed in plated mail.

I would have laughed too.

>>15054641
I've calmed down. I still complete disagree with your recent suggestions however.

>>15054731
>You almost fell on her
Meant 'we'

>>15054691
i agree with this poster fully.

right now i'd say it's 2vs2 actually. but again, lets just get things moving. in the long run this REALLY isn't all that important. lets just briefly talk with boa and then catch up to Elena.

>>15054712
This is not me. >>15054733 This is me, the one who was mad.

>>15054751
...wait maybe we were both mad. idk I'm confused.

>>15054750
that is if OP is still awake

I agree with not staying longer than we have to. Let's just get the pleasantries out of the way and get back to some dry clothes.

>>15054731
There was a significant gap in time between the fall and her intrusion, she was able to observe us during that time.

>>15054751
uhhh... he was linking my post
>>15054527
which is why i responded with
>>15054712

now I'm all sorts of confused... lol

>>15054784
Point.

Diarca, I think we've all stopped sperging now if you want to get us moving in the right direction again.

>>15054781
Yeah let's just get away from her for now. We can figure out how to act towards her while we do other stuff.

>>15054792
I think I mistakenly believed he was talking to me as I had previously been told to "take a breath" and then thought your reply was someone pretending to be me replying to him.

>>15054751
>>15054767
Okay, you both feel that Boa's actions are bitchy.
And no, I never advocated staying longer than necessary to at least introduce ourselves. I would also vote on following Elena back.

> patronizing
Ouch. I keep getting these kind of remarks when I try explaining my reasoning.
Formal speech (including written) is just that heavily imprinted in me, if it is that what you mean.

but yeah it's been about an hour.
I think we either scared away the OP or he fell asleep.

I'll wait longer to see if he comes back but if not. can we all TRY not to make mountains out of molehills anymore? in reality this took way too long to decide upon an action over something pretty trivial. we're all guilty of it tonight, myself included. in the future, lets maybe set a max time limit and then just decide to roll on tie breakers or something.

>>15054861
That'd be my sentiment at this point. We're being fail.

Heh, Editorfag is the "Let's talk business/" while I am the one that go "Magical tit fish's tits!"?

+smiles+

also can someone archive this? doesn't appear to have been yet. I would but I have no idea how...

>>15054861
Op has said before that if conversation about what to do is going on he'd let us discuss. He's likely got distracted while waiting on us. Will probably be back sooner or later. I don't see anything wrong with us discussing what to do for any amount of time and would rather time be extended for discussion than dice be rolled.

>>15054916
Guess I'll just quit namefagging then >.>

[[ Sorry about the delay, gentlemen. I let you folks sort things out amongst yourselves, and then girlfriend dropped by for an unexpected visit. Have we come to a consensus, more or less, on how to proceed? ]]

>>15054955
I've been thinking about starting to namefag for this quest actually. It get's kinda confusing when you've got a bunch of anonymous people arguing about stuff.

>>15054988
Same.

>>15054977
i THINK, we've decided to breifly but formally speak on behalf of our position as a totemist, to agree to conduct discussions later, then to quickly catch up to ELena.

correct?

>>15054977
sorta, I think we've all agreed to excuse ourselves for now and prosue Elana. We're still pretty divided about how we feel and therefore should act towards Boa

>>15055006
>>15055003

[[ Alrighty. Post up in a few, then. ]]

>>15054977
I think so, we're going to spend at few minutes talking to Boa, try to develop a working relationship but not flirty and an agreement to come back and talk later. Ask about the Forest Spirit (singular) and if it's a over spirit that comprises the rest of them or if it's just way bigger but separate.

>>15055003
>>15055006
I'm going to say afford her as much respect as possible She was a huge help to our master.

>>15054977
Consensus seems to be say hi, bye, and perhaps promise to come by later to ask more about Master, before running full sprint to catch up with Elena.

>>15055024
Even that is infringing into the territory of our disagreement. However I think my side of the debate may be outnumbered.

Talk to Boa about what she did for the former master.
Inform her that we might talk later, but we have to catch up with Elana for now. We'll be back once we're done screwing with foci, looting monster dens and the like.

guess we're all namefagging then for the time being.
was almost hoping OP had fallen asleep. nearing 2am here

>>15055152

Seems to be the case. I'm not sure I post enough to warrant it, but w/e

>>15055017
>>15055024
>>15055047
>>15055108
>>15055141

Going to try to incorporate this into some brief dialogue, since I seem to be writing a lot of it.

Probably way past caring, and chances are the OP's already written the post, but who cares.

Reverse the knife, turning the blade away from the woman and holding it somewhere out of sight.

"You'll have to pardon us - that fall could have been worse than it was. In any case, it seems I owe you my thanks for the assistance you gave my master, may his spirit rest easy. If I chance to meet him again, shall I give him your regards?"

After you get her answer, immediately ask if you can visit again and at a better time, possibly later today (when you have scouting work) as you no more wish to be rude to Elana than to her, seeing as this is a strange and hurried introduction.

>>15055173
Then get your stuff and catch up to Elana, apologize for the intrusion, ask her if she's alright, and offer her the knife back, handle-first.

I disagree with how beta Osyki is being.
Are 18 year olds normally this shy and underconfident around women?

>>15055173
I still don't like being polite to her. However I think there are more in favor of being polite. Can we get a show of hands for and against? The debate above is confusing.

>>15055210
i agree but we kind of have to reach a consensus here or continue debating far into the night. so for the time being we're picking the neither hostile nor docile route and just adjourning ourselves from her for the time being.

You watch Elana go, unable to hold back a sigh. Boa giggles slightly, watching your expression.

"Well, I seem to have made a terrible mess of things for you Totemist." she says, her tail swishing back and forth. "I apologize."

You shake your head. "There's no need to do so. We were the ones intruding. Boa, I'd love to talk to you more, but right now I need to catch up with Elana. Is there another time that I could come talk to you, soon? I have some questions about my master and the forest, and you seem to have worked closely with him."

She laughs at that, pushing off the rock shelf to perform an incredibly distracting backstroke.

"Come back any time, Totemist. I'm not going anywhere. Give your ladyfriend my regards, wont you?"

She blows you a kiss and winks, then turns and vanishes beneath the surface of the water. You stare at the pool for a moment, stunned, before taking off to follow Elana.

You catch up with her in fairly short order. She hears you coming, and stops to wait for you. You can't be sure, but she seems pleased to find you pursuing her.

"Sorry about that." you say, slightly out of breath. "Spirits, eh?"

She shrugs, then continues walking. "Hey, it's your job, Osyki." she says, her tone neutral. "I'm not going to interrupt that. You've got an important duty to do for the village."

You grimace. Placing a hand on Elana's shoulder, you spin her around and look her in the eye.

"Duty or not, I meant what I said. You're important to me, alright? Don't forget that. I'll always find time for you."

She stares at you for a long moment, then cracks a small smile. "Alright, Osyki." she says, placing an arm around your shoulders. "Let's get back to the Healer's hut before I shrivel like a prune, alright?"

I am all for being polite.
She hasn't gotten to the level of Walthers' dickishness for us to really stand up and let her have it.
Let's see how the second meeting goes and judge her by it?

>>15055268
excellent. escort her back. dont forget to return her dagger. lets try to stay out of sight when we get to the village/healers hut. don't want others to think we're getting our healers in trouble.

>>15055268
I think any potential for intimacy we had for the moment with Elana has been effectively killed. We should drop her off at the healer's and then get to experimenting.

>>15055308
-being soaking wet and all-

>>15055305
I don't think any of us wanted to yell at her, merely not be polite and send the general signal that we were not happy with her.

>>15055311
We should come back in the evening with a gift or something, if we want to try something else.

But yeah, return her knife and let's go experimenting.

I vote for politeness, she teased us once so far and fostering good relations with her and maybe earning a reputation with the rest of the spirit community is very important. She has a teasing sense of humor and she apologized, it's not something to get angry about. Also if we are going to go out with Elana she is going to have to get used to the fact that spirits are drawn to us and honestly I'm glad that is was such a friendly encounter. So take her back, if it's been a while we can check on our commissions and we can experiment with Foci than bring her a gift and chat.

We started a list of things to try with each focus in the old thread.

Goals in terms of effects, objects to bind foci to:

Rock turtle focus:
-Armor
-Bow/ranged
-Gauntlet
-Staff
-Endurance?

Bone Warden Totem:
-Speed
-Armor
-Regeneration
-Weapons

If there are Avatars of Wrath, presumably there are also Avatars of Sloth. What would an Avatar of Sloth actually do?

>>15055360
Nah, doing something that soon would seem needy. Let's just do our experimenting and other planned activities.

>I think any potential for intimacy we had for the moment with Elana has been effectively killed.
Kiss her, pick her up, carry her back to town cuddling her.

Problem solved.

The two of you make light smalltalk as you approach the healer's hut, though it's not really on the level of the banter you had leaving the village. You internally grimace at the sudden appearance of a topless spring spirit ruining your date with Elana, but she seems to be recovering from the shock fairly quickly.

As you arrive at the door, you remember her knife. Fishing it from your belt, you hand it to her, handle first. She smiles thankfully at you, taking the weapon and sliding it into its proper place.

"Well, thanks for the help Osyki." she says, hefting the bag of Whint Blooms. "Couldn't have done it without you."

"Hey, no problem." you say. "Always happy to spend time with you, Elana."

She stares at you for a moment, then nods. "Yeah. Maybe next time we'll head somewhere a little more secluded, without the chance to get visited by unruly spirits." she says, a small smile working its way onto her face. You return the smile, wrapping her in a tight hug.

"Sounds good to me."

She gently breaks away from the hug, giving you an appreciative look before slipping into the hut.

You sigh, looking down at yourself. Though your clothes are no longer sopping wet, you're still a strange sight. What now, Totemist?

>>15055381
I don't consider her apology genuine given my interpretation of her as a bitch.

>>15055382
We don't have the commissioned items yet, smith said they'd take a few days and we've not really got any idea what the bone warden foci might do. So we need to compile a list of objects we do have to experiment with.

>>15055417
Experiment!

Let's try binding the shard foci to a gem and maybe the turtle beak.

>>15055417
Change, and see if your master's workshop contains:
-Some armor that will fit you
-A sling you'd be comfortable trying out
-A gauntlet
-A walking staff

We'll experiment with that if we can find it, otherwise we may need to borrow something.

Incidentally, giving it a quick once-over for anything interesting to bind items to might be worthwhile.

I say test out our foci in our workshop.

and with that I'm gonna have to get going here. getting too tired to remain active. I'll send you an email OP sos i can find these easier. happy binding people

>>15055417
What time is is abouts?

It'll still be an awful while on our commissions which somewhat limits our options on the experimenting front we can still find stuff to combine. We have some free time between now and when we're planning on revisiting Boa we could read up some on Focuses and Totems and all that jazz. While we're waiting on the commissions we could attach the Bone Warden to a pendant of some kind or just Bone Warden bits on a necklace, see what happens. I'd prefer the Turtle Shard on a pair of gloves if we have some or can easily find some while we're waiting for full fledged Gauntlets.

Take it easy for the rest of the day, whatever we do no strenuous activity, poor Osyki has been pulling some serious shit since his master died, its gotta be ridiculously stressful mentally and physically.

What I mean is,
>>15055493
MAKE SCIENCES
THROUGH EXPERIMENTATION AND DOCUMENTATION

>>15055505
Yeah there's plenty of potential experiments... didn't Op joke about binding to a fruit or something? Let's do that.

> Experiment in workshop
Uh, no. too flammable in there.

Grab a bunch of stuff and go outside the village gates before you start screwing around with it. Preferably the middle of an empty area.

>>15055528
Just remember that anything you bind foci to has to have practical use to be more than fucking around.

>>15055548
Point. And yet the foci and the object will create a effect based on the object regardless of the object's function. I don't see why Osyki wouldn't try one or two off the wall combinations to see what they do.

Try experimenting with the Bone Warden to like, our shoes or pants or shirt or something, to see if it gives us speed/strength.

You close the door of your workshop behind you, sighing. That could have gone better, but it wasn't a total disaster. You lay your pack down on one of the workbenches lining the room and place your spear in the corner. A quick change later, you're surveying the the room for interesting conduits for your Foci to work through. You rummage through the mess that still clutters the workshop, pulling together a good assortment of experimental items.

> Potential Binding Objects:
A small buckler
Several necklaces and bracelets
A hand mirror
A belt
A pair of your clothes
Your cloak
A few swords, too heavy for you to lift well
An empty journal
A small pile of fruits and bread
Your ritual knife
Rope
A lantern
Several assorted bits from the Rock Turtle, including beak, shell, and bone
Bone dust from the Bone Warden
Several bones and a piece of wing from the Drake corpse

[[ I can see that this will take up a lot of time. Should we archive this thread and begin the experimentation in a Part 2, or continue? ]]

OH also before I go. why don't we ask amal and tyrd if they know anything about our new friend boa? something tells me tryd might even relish the chance to speak of her should he know anything.

>>15055548
Hey good point. I've got an idea for a project: lets create a place where we can dick about with science and have it withstand whatever dicking about we do. Just a room that is fireproof, strong, wards, faradaycage like thing, spirit proof, whatever.

Hell it'd work as a cage in a pinch if we wanted to keep something in non spirit form.

Not suggesting we do this now but this seems like a good project to invest in

>>15055627
Could be under our lab.

>>15055389
Sleep and dream the day when the world is caught in stasis...

>>15055461
Eh.
Experiment with Bone Warden/Cordia Focus too? Try to pry some more information about her tragedy again? Or ask about what her Focus can do, or she herself could do to aid us.
Amal and Tryd both can be used in their non-bound states.


Do experiments with Foci while reading Master's notes regarding the topic, with Amal and perhaps Tryd offering running commentaries?

>>15055610
This seems like a good point for a split between parts.

>>15055641
Yeah, we have at least two totems we don't know the full range of. Let's find a way to test that.

>>15055627
An enclosed laboratory would be good. A range would be even better, but that'd have to be outside and potentially in a barren field.

>>15055641
We can have Amal and Tryd read to us while we experiment.

>>15055662
>>15055548

There are definitely a few empty fields past the farms toward the mountain where you could be safe from destroying anything other than a few boulders, if you'd like to move your experimentation there.

>>15055641
Second this.

Also seconding asking Amal and Tryd about Boa.
>>15055660
>>15055657
After the above, we should split threads and do the experimentation in part two. We're at 270 posts.

>>15055627
>>15055548
wouldnt our master, whos been doing this for years, probably already have one? do we have a safe room for trying these experiments OP? (god i need to go to bed)

>>15055685
No guarantee he told us about it

>>15055681
We'll want to go to the fields

>>15055681
Given that we don't have a proper space set up yet and we're playing with lightning and superspeed we'll want plenty of room that nobody minds if there are some scorch marks, read up some, grab the things we thing are cool to mess with and go to the fields.

[[ Alright, folks. Making the new thread now. If someone could be kind enough to archive this one, I'd appreciate it. ]]

Someone beat me to it.
. . .
+takes the time to add vote+

[[ New thread:
>>15055880 ]]