Humanity and Fae are at war, but it is a shallow war. A wrongness that all Fae feel resides in the human Capital city. The Fae are driven to find it, and destroy it. Multiple communication failures, timely assassinations, circumstances... All have coalesced to keep humans and Fae at war.

Someone, or many someones, are pulling the strings.

Ceran sighs as she places the urn atop the bookshelf in Argyle's office. She no longer wears the red robes of a Scribe. Instead, a cloak of earthy colors with many leafy-green and yellow-green streamers falls from her shoulders. It's wide enough and long enough that if she squats, it hides her completely. The hood is down and the cloak behind her shoulders now. She picks up the book that Argyle had written in. That Argyle had written the truth in, even as the fire ate his body.

She picks you up, looking out the window. It's noon.

What do you do?

>>18015478

EGO-Quest OP, how many days has it been since Fear's grace period? I think it's been a bit over one day, but I'm not sure.

>>18015491
((It's been about one day.))

>>18015478
Ask Ceran if she has anybody we can trust in her organisation. We need allies if we want to foil those conspirators.

>>18015478
>>18015663

At the risk of sounding incredibly cliched, we might want to see if we can find anyone else who's particularly knowledgeable about the the Archmagi or the Fae; either some sort of person who's had successful and nonlethal contact with the Fae hierarchy, and/or a person who's well-learned in the history surrounding the Archmages.

Right now, we know that something is out there manipulating the war between the Fae and Humans, either to draw attention away from the imperfect seals on the remaining Archmages, or for some other purpose. Right now, we need to come up with a good enough sales pitch to Fear so that he and the other Fae will be willing to consider that there are people out there who are inciting this war to their own ends and to everyone else's detriment. Of course, Fear may even be in on this, as the two voices we encountered earlier in the last thread said something about "not needing" us (Patience) or Fear anymore.

>>18015663
>Do you have anyone in the Agents you can trust?

She jumps a little, at hearing your voice.
"P-patience. I thought..." she shakes her head. "Sorry. There might be someone. My instincts tell me we can trust him. There's just one problem..."

>Yes?

"He's abroad right now. Orion. He's a Collector - an Agent who acquires magical items. Last I heard he was across the sea."

>That does present an issue.

>>18015826
You think to yourself, that perhaps there is someone among the Fae fitting that - the only human who could claim expert knowledge is dead, as far as you know.

>Ceran, was there anyone who had the same level of knowledge as Argyle on the Archmagi or the Fae?

"...Not that I know of. He was the only one..."

Damnit...

"Fear talked big, though, didn't he?"

>...

>>18016469
>"P-patience. I thought..."
"Hm? What is it?"

>Orion
"Could we get a secure message to him? And if so, how long would it take for the note to reach him"

>"Fear talked big, though, didn't he?"
"I'm not entirely sure. I guess he'd say what would create the most fear in his listeners. That doesn't rule out that the truth is more horrible than anything else."

"I wonder if their are any remnants of books within the remains of the library. What was Argyle doing there? He must have been looking for a tome to confirm his suspicions. With any luck perhaps we could find hints as to what he was looking for by examining the remains of the library or even his private office."

I think Fear is as ignorant as anyone else. But he does matter, and truths can be gleamed from speaking with him. The manipulators on this side may be a mystery, but the one continuing war on the feys end is War itself. Such as his nature demands, of course... It may be important to meet with Fear before the assigned time, to avoid Wars further interference. Any idea on how to do that?

If there is anything we learned from Argyle we still haven't told her, we should share it with her now. Not like there is anyone else we can fully trust.

We need more allies than one guy who isn't here. Ceran, who would you trust to be on your side if not with our secrets? Damien and his sons, some of the people you worked with... anyone else?

>>18016469
"I'm only going to ask this once. Do you think there's anyone who would be willing to loan me their body sometimes? I didn't like taking yours - in part because of the combat we were in and in part because it was against your will - but I would like to be able to move around sometimes. I can understand, of course, if nobody would be willing to lend their body to a fae - to be trapped inside of a gun until I return their body to them."

>>18016469
"Yeah he did talk big, as you said. He just wanted me back. Maybe because he's an accomplice with War. Maybe he and I were close. Maybe we were....are brothers. There's too many maybes, and I don't remember which one's it."

>>18016529
>You acted surprised when I spoke...

"You've been... asleep? for almost six hours longer than me. Sometimes sentient items do that. They just... fall asleep and not come back." she sounds relieved.


>Could we get a secure message to him? And if so, how long would it take for the note to reach him

"It wouldn't be easy. There's an item here that could do it, but we wouldn't know if it got to him, or... or what." she frowns.

>I'm not entirely sure. I guess he'd say what would create the most fear in his listeners. That doesn't rule out that the truth is more horrible than anything else.

She sighs.
"It seems that way these days, doesn't it?" she begins to walk down the hall, seemingly in thought.

>...Who can we trust...?

"Damien, and his sons. At the very least. There's also Orion. Arkus has a soft spot for me... That's all."

Not really a surprise. She's never been one to make friends, has she...

>... Is there anyone whose body I could borrow?

"Well, actually..." she looks left and right. "No, that's not really an option." she says quietly.

>>18017547
When Argyle spoke of our death, he mentioned the possibility of a restoration for us but didn't explain it's nature. He may have just meant the possession we did to you but I wonder if there was more to it. Tell me, what became of my body? Of my mind?

>>18017547
>"Well, actually..." she looks left and right. "No, that's not really an option." she says quietly.
"If borrowing a body isn't an option, I understand. I... I can see how important one is, sitting in here. It's humbling to be unable to hold things, to walk around. I didn't even realize how much I wanted it until I borrowed yours. I'm sorry for bringing it up. I won't do so again."
>"You've been... asleep? for almost six hours longer than me. Sometimes sentient items do that. They just... fall asleep and not come back." she sounds relieved.
"That sounds... terrifying. I should be more alert. I think I slipped away for a little while in Arkus's office before. I don't want this to start happening more often."
>"Damien, and his sons. At the very least. There's also Orion. Arkus has a soft spot for me... That's all."
>Not really a surprise. She's never been one to make friends, has she...
Wait, that's just an assumption. Isn't it? "How well did we know each other, exactly, before this happened to me? Please, tell me everything you can. It would mean a lot to me. Don't lie this time."

>>18017623
Ixnay on the ielay, we've been over this enough times already. Argyle gave us most of the information about that event already. Recounting the specific events when we first met each other might be good to do, later. We know she had attacked and disabled us by the time Argyle met us.

>>18017547

"I am curious about the option that isn't, but you don't need to tell me."

>>18017913
>>18017591
She frowns.
"Th-that's the thing. We... We put only the... 'immaterial' in the gun." she says. Her face makes it clear this isn't easy to say. "Your body still exists. I... I could show you. If you make me a promise..." she says hesitantly. There's something about the way she moves, the way her face flushes, that seems odd to you.

>>18017955
"You cut me up, didn't you."

...Maaaaybe. What's your condition?

>>18017969
She just said it was an immaterial extraction, and she's blushing. Don't spoil the mood please.

Sure, I promise. I'd like it if you first told me what I was promising for next time but I'll give you this one.

"Well... I just... Don't..." she fidgets. "Look, if you go back into that body there might be some memories and... Well..." she drops into silence as she continues walking, seemingly pressed into silence by something as she walks down some stairs. "Just... Don't laugh, alright? I mean..." she sighs as she stops beside a rather massive door, hand on a switch.

She pulls, hard. Inside the room is a large glass cylinder, full of a strange liquid.
"This is our secret - Argyle, you, and me. We thought that you might find a way. And now it's up to you."

She seems to have trouble looking at the body, fidgeting in the room as she walks to a series of levers along one wall.

>>18018579
"You... You have my body? Why did you keep it? Wouldn't hiding it like that be terribly risky to you? I thought the entire reason you took me apart was because having me around put you at risk of censure by your government."

>>18018579
"I promise I won't laugh about anything you've done. Firstly because it is against my nature, and secondly because I consider you a friend and value you."

>>18018579
Wait, this shouldn't be permanent, right? We can't walk around as we were, and our power this way is unique. If that's a risk then perhaps we should wait. Or can we do that disguise business again?

>>18018579
"Of course I won't laugh. But why would you and Argyle risk being branded traitors just to keep my body on the off-chance I may be able to return to it?
"And don't worry, this secret will be safe with me. We've already lost Argyle, I won't lose you."

>>18018579

Is the body still viable and/or alive? Or is it merely a preserved corpse now?

>>18019145
As far as we know, for fae, that's all bodies are to begin with.

>...Why?

"Why what?"

>If you're caught...

She looks at her feet.
"Eheheh. You'll, uh. Probably understand. Here we go..."

She pulls levers, one by one. The liquid flushes, and the capsule opens. She places you on the body, which is... quite male, and wraps the hands around the weapon with... care you don't quite expect. "After all - we can just... disquige you again. I never got rid of the kit..."

She looks... hopeful?

>>18019210
Let's shove all of our Patience into that body.

>>18019220
ALL OF IT.

>>18019237
ALL OF OUR PATIENCE. INTO THAT BODY.

>>18019210
All of our everything, gogogogo

>>18019324
You think we could take Assassination and stuff along with us when we go? Do you think that would just leave the gun behind, as empty as our body is now?

>>18019337
I'm hoping we have full access to both when we're holding our own gun.

Hmm. So our body still exists. Thing with going into it is that the gun will be empty and useless. All we get is a meatbag with questionable combat ability. On the other hand, 2 + 2 = Ceran loves us, old body specifically. Go in it, but I dont plan on staying. Also, we should ask Fear to collect it, he'd keep it safe and might have a way to hide it for later use. If not, at least the fae don't want to experiment on it.

>>18019439
Perhaps if we only put part of our influence into the other, we'll have access to both? Probably be weaker in each case, though...

It wouldn't hurt to try.

That's what you think when your soul slides into the body like an old set of clothes. Comfortable. Snug. Perfect. Old memories rush to the fore.

---I'm sorry!--

-This is what must be done...-

----Remember! Six seals! Six cities! Six centuries!----

---Ever since we met, I haven't been able to stop staring into your eyes. It's so strange...---

-You can't be serious! That contradicts everything in our history.-

-----Brother. Are you certain they will listen?-----

>What am I, if not Patient? They will hear my words.

-This is insane!-

---No! I can't do it! I won't!---

...But it's all a mess. A wild storm. There's no way to sort what happened when. There's no way to know!

Your eyes open, and you jerk up a bit. Ceran had been watching you. A robe sits atop your body, a deep, deep earthy brown. You feel more... whole.

As a Fae, you realize that you cannot truly die - you will merely reform in your birthplace.

The exception is when you are killed by another Fae, and your essence is consumed. In this case, your power will add to theirs. Fae must not feast too liberally - to do so can drive one mad. Finally, your powers are different. Patience is overriding of all things - the further you deliberate and scheme, the more certain you are of the outcome, good or bad. The other powers - strength in darkness, and power over fury - also sit within you.

"H-how is it?" Ceran asks quietly.

>>18019468
Didn't work that way before, either we fully swap souls with someone, or they just become more patient. We're looking at a body without a soul, so unless we go fully in I doubt much is happening. And the soul in the gun seems important, we make the gun accurate, Ceran make explosive bullets. I think no soul = normal gun.

rolled 42 = 42

>>18019559
>---Ever since we met, I haven't been able to stop staring into your eyes. It's so strange...---
Was that Ceran? If so, we answer her with a kiss. There is no other option.

>>18019604
And then we answer her: "Perfect."

>>18019559

"It fits like a glove. The memories are a bit muddled, but I'd rather have them than not. I wonder if I will be able to empower the gun in this form?"

There is no obvious reason why Patience cannot divide his attentions and stretch his soul to both empower the weapon and keep control of the body aiming it.

>>18019681
This. Let us feel out our new combined ability.

'It feels like I am whole again, though I have grown quite fond of being a weapon. And Ceran, I would never mock you.'

So, we WERE the diplomat. I feel a strong urge to ventilate a certain High General now.

rolled 25 = 25

>>18019681
Patience may be the PERFECT WIELDER for Westing. The fact that it's Patience wielding it may more than make up for the diminished presence in Westing.

>>18019559
"Like an old pair of clothes...familiar, comfortable, safe. My powers are different in this form, and given what we must do, I may need to shift form again.
"Thank you, Ceran. I see now that I had been prepared for this eventuality, and that I should not have blamed you at all for your actions."

>>18019727
We were a diplomat, but we kind of went bonkers when exposed to the Wrongness directly. We were probably in no condition to make our diplomatic overtures.
Not only that, but it sounds like we embarked on this endeavor against the wishes of the other Fae. The Fae could have worked with us to help stop this war. But they are either too stupid, too blind, or controlled by War to have helped us.

>>18019860
I was refering to the prick who ordered us turned into a gun, when our position was Diplomat. Seriously, if there wasn't a war already, he would have started one doing that. In political terms, attacking a diplomat is THE gravest insult possible. Even during the height of the world wars, the us kept diplomats from the axis, as attacking the diplomats would have got us a horrible name if we did. That's just the type of thing you just don't do, like firing nukes or biological weapons. If this High General isn't already dead, he will be for.

rolled 8 = 8

>>18020000
I don't believe the High General, or even anyone but Ceran and Argyle ordered it. And I'm not sure we were here officially.

>>18019604
You consider it - but...

While the attraction is there, the mood is not. You slip into the robe.
"It's perfect." you say. A voice. Ah, how you'd missed THAT. "Thank you."

She nods.
"What about..."

"The gun..."
You pick it up. It feels... empty. You aim it, and pull the trigger. It fires. You do so again. It fires. At the very least, there is a minimum of power in it."

"Ah, right. The receptacle had to be properly prepared. Or else you wouldn't have fit." she says softly. "So it's a little magical without you."

However, upon some testing, the power you gave it is gone. And injecting more of your self into it makes you own body feel sluggish, heavy - like your clothing is too heavy. And even with a distrubution of half and half, the power is less in both. You feel a frown draw your lips.

>>18020000
If you would note from the histories, the Fae pulled all of their diplomats from the human kingdoms.

We, Patience, were not here as an official diplomat of the Fae, we had no diplomatic credentials, our mission was NOT recognized by the other Fae, and by the sounds of it other Fae were vocally against any idea of negotiation with the humans.

So the High General's actions, while rash, are backed up by years of precedent. And not helped at all at the time with Patience babbling incoherently.

>>18020077
"We might have need of going around in a more unnoticeable guise. Would you be willing to wield Westing when I need to be more unnoticeable, Ceran?"

rolled 73 = 73

>>18020077
Would it trouble you terribly to describe our body to us?

"Ceras, I can't properly wield this. I can't be in two places at once. If we're attacked, I will go back into the gun until the fight is over. Do you understand?"

>>18020078
'Brother, are you sure they will listen?'

That, plus what was established already, tells me we came to men for peace talks. Thus, a diplomat. And the above statement does not imply dissaproval in any way. Even without offical capacity, it is still a personal insult. I mean, he took a non-combatant and ordered him dissected. That's some straight up Nazi shit.

>>18020077
It may be that we can't manifest our powers in both forms at first. But the abilities in both forms improve the longer we wait. We may be able to fully power both if we stay split long enough. Or not, who knows.

>>18020280
Seems too min-maxish. Besides, our body is not suited for combat OR stealth. Ceran can. We use our body to plot and diplomance when needed, use gun to enact plans.

>>18020386
Fair Enough. Then perhaps we should do a little research as the which cities are likely the "six cities", either that or go to the wrongness whit Darien to restrain us and going into the gun when/if we can't handle it, since the gun provides a measure of protection.

"We might have need of going around in a more unnoticeable guise. Would you be willing to wield Westing when I need to be more unnoticeable, Ceran?"

"I don't mind at all." she says, taking the gun from your hands. She seems a little more tense around you, wound.

>>18020239
You are slim. Not athletic, or strong, but rather tall, long-limbed, and thin. You stand a head over Ceran. You have no hair. At all. No eyebrows, no hair, no eyelashes, not even body hair. And your skin is pale, very very pale. You think... Ah. That's right.

---Your eyes... It's like watching a spinning rainbow, kinda.---

Almost all Fae have very strange eyes. Yours are somewhat prismatic.

"Ceras, I can't properly wield this. I can't be in two places at once. If we're attacked, I will go back into the gun until the fight is over. Do you understand?"

She nods.
"You should keep a bit of..." she gestures helplessly, "you, in that body, though. Argyle kept the body alive in that tank - if you remove the soul again, there's no way to know how long it will last."

You note that she's having trouble meeting your eyes.

Ceran is looking through a box nearby. "So..." she seems to be in thought. "W-what's the plan, from here?"

rolled 30 = 30

>>18020471
Put a hand on her should and look hard, deep into her eyes. Then give her a hug. Then we find a comfortable chair and start trying to remember the three sixes...

rolled 51 = 51

>>18020471
Let's hug her.

She's pretty obviously interested in us, and in this body specifically.

>>18020471
"Can you not meet my gaze because you don't wish to, or because you cannot admit how much you do."

>>18020471
"Ceran, does this body...trouble you? Shall I return to Westing?
"As for a plan, I was thinking of seeking out anyone who knows the history of the line of Rust, and of where the Archmages were sealed. I believe they were either sealed at 6 different locations, or 6 cities hold their seals."

'Not to worry Ceran. Fae don't die, at least not by the hands of men. I am not too gravely concerned with the body. Now, my memories are a jumble right now, but there was something I was to remember. Six seals, six cities, six centuries. I thing the seals refer to our current... situation, and the cities where the seals are. Were they sealed away 600 years ago? If not, we need to find out the significance of that too.'

I agree with the hand and the hugging, she needs reassurance and we couldn't very well do it before.

Guys, don't forget that Fear is going to meet us in 1-2 days from now. We still need to decide what to do when that time comes.

>>18019729
"We need to test our limits before moving onto anything else"

Let's push everything we can into the gun while keeping ourselves here. Three fourths, nine tenths a bit at a time... If we must, try to merely control our body from the gun. Keep ourselves seated and secure so that we do not fall and hurt our body should our selves leave it by too much.

>>18020782
Fear can go fuck himself.
The answers have been staring him in the face for the past however long the war has raged, and he refused to see the truth, unlike us.
He and all of the other Fae are just as stupid as the Humans.

rolled 13 = 13

>>18020796
Even let the body go catatonic. We need to know how much of ourselves we need to leave in the body to keep it from deteriorating, not keep it active.

>>18020488
"Ceran." you say, walking to her.
She turns stiffly to face you, and you place a gentle hand on her shoulder, looking into her eyes. At first, she tries to avert her gaze, but... Eventually, she looks back, and you pull her into a gentle hug. Her arms wrap around your waist. She buries her face in your chest.

====
"A-are they really so powerful?"

"Yes. At least, no mortal system could detain them forever. Each one had six layers of seals. Each layer was thought to last a hundred years. And they were all sealed seperately, along the equator. Each of these places, was, in turn, placed under a city, either in construction, or in place already. But as time passed..."

"They were forgotten."
====

Ceran holds you tightly.
"I... The things we face. They're very strong, aren't they?"

"Yes." you murmur. "Impossibly strong."

She holds you a little tighter. "And we have so few allies."

"There's a way."

"But..."

She looks up at you, uncertain. Frightened. You place a finger on her lips.

"We must be careful. Patient. Calculating."

"But I'm not very good at that."

"That's why you have me." you reply with simple sureness. She rests her head against your chest, her breathing becoming more relaxed. "...Did you sleep?"

"I... Yes."

"Don't lie..."

"Okay. Okay. I couldn't sleep. I was scared!"

>>18020782
We need to gather as much information as we can before now and then. Otherwise we will be in the same place as before, aware of who we are, but not sure who to help fix everything.

Actually, can we create a bounded space that lets us have longer to think than if we were just sitting around? Go to a library then ponder.

>>18020834
That's not a bad idea, use a space to hide our body, or ourselves. Can we get specifics on that area of fae power as we can use it? The human understanding is rather lacking and we likely know more, at least about our version.

>>18020825
"There is little comfort to be found in a sleeping item that might never awaken. With me in this form I'm sure you'll rest easier."

>>18020796
Suggesting this again. We also should test our ability in the darkness and in our physical strength

>>18020798
Speaking with Fear is the only way to prevent an army of Fae from jumping down our throats. Trusting him or not we still need to deal with him and find some peace. They are our most likely and numerous allies, after we deal with Wars influence.

>>18020806
>We need to know how much of ourselves we need to leave in the body to keep it from deteriorating, not keep it active.
But those go hand in hand, without keeping the body moving it will slowly die. Not a good thing.

Do our new aspects feel separate at all? Are we stronger for them in terms of influence or just more varied? Let us patiently plot becoming stronger in both body and gun together.

>>18020834

Ask Ceran if there are any libraries or other repositories of knowledge nearby that we could use in researching the Archmagi and/or Fae, and how inhabited they are (and if any Important People™ are known to frequent those places). Any scrap of knowledge we can get our hands on (even old legends, as cliched as that is) is worthwhile and will improve our chances of thinking of a good solution.

Testing how much of ourselves that we can afford to our Patience-body without it deteriorating is also probably a good idea.

Hmm. Argyle may have had some contingency plans in place; he was a knowledgeable person, and he might've thought he was a prime target for assassination by the Fae. Maybe he left some items in his quarters or instructions there that might help us out.

rolled 58 = 58

>>18020825
Take her to bed. Hold her. If there's sex, fade to black, but that's not what this is about. I think when Fear returns, we'll say neither. We won't work with the human authorities nor those of the fae. We, Ceran and Patience, will be taking a few close allies, and trying to fix this. We can't trust anything beyond that.

Holy shit are you guys trying to min max the fuck out of this. Any split at all makes us overall weaker. We are either powerful as gun, powerful with body, or weak. And the physical power only works when pissed by the description.

We've established that humans know dick about the fae, and even less about the archmages, though that may be a matter of asking the right questions.

Let her sleep, and watch over her for the night. No to sexing, we are Patience after all, we will romance her proper, as we can wait.

>>18020825
Ceran needs to get some sleep. But first, we need to hide this body.
Is the machine that Argyle built deactivated? Can we use it to keep this body in suspension? Or will we now have to worry about both is and the musket?

>>18020984
I like this. Especially if we don't try to actively pursue sex.

>>18021377
This, I guess. Though we should check if the stasis machine still functions, we may need it later.

>>18021152
"Er, that machine..."

"One use only." she confirms. You hang your head slightly. "But... if we disguise you again, it shouldn't be much trouble. I have more than the original one."

She leans against you, smiling.
"Is there a bed nearby?"

"Yes." she says, stretching. She walks to a door near the machine and opens it. A small bunk, little else. "I think I'll take the chance to get a nap." she adds, then pauses, glancing at you. You smile in return and gesture for her to hurry along. You've your own meditations to persue.

>Actually, can we create a bounded space that lets us have longer to think than if we were just sitting around?

You know that your Patience actually manifests as a small unbounded field, one that increases in power over time - unless you dedicate it to some action or plan, in which case it resets.

>>18021069
You know this is the truth of things. However...

>>18020943
You could, theoretically, put one aspect that you've eaten or more into the gun - giving it those powers while taking them away from your body. Patience - yourself - determines the location of your consciousness. But the other two are fair game...

Still. There's not much else to do, really. You can hear clothing shifting in the other room, and there are some other doors that branch off from this area.

>>18021525
Sit somewhere that you can see Ceran while she sleeps. Hold the Westing while you think. And then think. The seals, your relationship with Fear, your relationship with Ceran, everything. Think long and hard. When Ceran wakes up, we may know a lot more than she did when she went to sleep just by virtue of having connected the dots and refreshed our fragmented memory.

With no disguise exploring is an unnecessary risk. We should sit and ponder a course of action. We know the seal holds back the monster of fire, darkness and fear. How might be reseal it, or failing that how might we destroy it?

>>18021566
I don't see a flaw with this, and it's not like we can go anywhere until she gives us a disguise. Knock before we go in though, don't want to be rude.

Then keep assassination in the gun, his power is quite similar to ours, and less useful in our body. Conversely, keep him in the other body during day.

Can we swap conciousness between body and gun at a distance?

>>18021617
And if the room is dark, it would prove very useful to have him in the gun. What else do we have, Fury or Rage or whatever his name is? That would bear keeping with Patience, rather than in the Westing.

>strength in darkness
>power over fury
Contemplate these abilities in detail

You knock on the door.

There's some more rustling, then a call to come in. You step inside - the room is dark. You feel a bit faster than before.

"Wh-wh-what is it?" she asks, covers up to her neck.

"I wanted to meditate on some things here. It lets me keep an eye on you." you comment, looking around the room. Clothing is scattered in an oddly neat fashion. You note the armor, the cloak, and... undergarments. You sit down next to the door, opposite the bed, crosslegged, trying not to notice the way the sheets form around her.

She smiles and falls asleep in short order.

>strength in darkness
You're stronger in the dark. Your muscles hold more power and mass, allowing for faster movements, and stronger ones. It doesn't improve reaction time or eyesight.

>power over fury
You have power over the emotion of anger, more specifically, bloodlust. Without putting your 'self' into someone, you can attempt to influence their emotions towards a surplus of anger, or a deficit of it.

>>18021617

>Can we swap conciousness between body and gun at a distance?

You're almost certain. Doing so would plunge you into the etheral briefly, but not for long. Longer distances require more time spent on that other side.

>>18021566
>Relationship with Fear.

He is your Brother. Fae do not have parents, but it is common for opposites among them to form close bonds. This counterintuitive way of thinking actually revolves around the fact that a Fae that consumes thier opposite (Yours would be something like Rashness or Impulsiveness) generally goes mad. Therefore, opposites have little reason to fear one another. While you and Fear don't often share similar views, you often take similar approaches to longer-term problems. ((cont.))

>>18021930


>Relationship with Ceran

Fae and Human relationships are not unheard of, but they are uncommon. None have lasted long enough to bear... fruit, so to speak. However, your time spent with the impulsive, fearful, and deceitful Ceran revealed that she was also loyal to those that stayed with her, and gentle, when alone. The two of you never really went anywhere, but there was clear interest on both sides. You ponder whether persuing that now is altogether wise given the circumstances...

>Argyle

A close friend that you regret losing, Argyle was a thinker, a stalwart defender of the nation he worked for. Initially he scared you, but as you spoke to him, you learned that he merely wanted to protect the citizens, the structure of the government could shove its roll of red tape right up its own ass as far as he cared. Further, you have never met anyone so determined.

>The seals.

This memory eludes you the whole night, frustratingly.

Ceran begins to stir.

>>18021936
Once we're sure she's awake, say, "I think I know why I'm fond of you. You're my opposite in almost every way. It brings me comfort."

>>18021936
Let Ceran wake up in her own time.
Once she's awake, "Did you sleep well, Ceran?"

>>18021936

Well looks like our first order of business is to try and collect information on the seals. We need a way to explore and investigate without attracting attention to ourselves. I think Ceryn is.. invested in us enough to possible serve as a liaison to where we direct, but for some things we may need to see and interact with ourselves. So constructing a disguise might be necessary at this time.

Sound like a good direction to start in?

>>18021936
Wait for Ceran to wake on her own, then get a disguise ready and do a little research on human cities.
Which ones were founded shortly before or shortly after the sealing of the archmages. Which ones underwent construction during that time. Etc. Anything that can give us a hint as to which cities would be relevant to the sixes we were told about.

I take it back, always keep fury in the gun. All it does is make us better trolls. I mean really.

'Good morning. Sleep well?'

>>18022007
>constructing a disguise might be necessary at this time

This is us on the left. I don't think we need much more than a pair of cheap sunglasses and some clothes.

>>18022195
Or pacify an angry/aggressive person. Like, say, a human who wants to harm us.

>>18022235
And a hat.

>>18022235
Heck, we have a brown robe on. We keep our head low, hood up, and our hands together we might pass for a tall monk.

Today is the last day, correct? We should spend it hunting for information on the seals. However, lets not leat Ceran out of our sight. Something always goes horrendously wrong when we are separated. Recruiting Damian and his boys couldn't hurt either.

>>18022464
Day 2 of 3. So tommorow or day after depending on how much of the 3rd day he gives us.

>>18022464

I forget, did Damien and everyone else know about our actual identity, or are we going to have to do some explaining with our new body?

"Good morning. Sleep well?"

"Mmhm~" she says, pausing. You share glances, and after a moment, she nods towards the door. You slip out, and wait for her to emerge, fully dressed. "First order of business. Let's get you hidden."

She spends some time fiddling with your hood, then hands you a pair of tinted lenses. After that, she smiles at a job well-done.

>>18022464
"Where should I go for information?" you ask, and Ceran thinks for a moment.

"On what?"

"Seals. And the like."

She thinks a little more, then nods.
"Our internal library has a few tomes. Want to look?"

"Certainly."

"Then I'll just go get Damien and the boys. Fear's coming today. I want to be prepared."

"Very well, we'll just have to - Oh, rust it all..." you mutter. She already left while you happened to look away. Seems she's trained in these things...

>>18022278
>>18022195
You decide to keep Fury in yourself, and Assassination in the gun. It seems you'll have to find your own way to the archives without her. The alterations to your hood hide your head and face well, and the glasses prevent your eyes from shining out as you climb the steps back. Following signs, you make your way there, and notice a stroke of luck.
(Cont.)

>>18022903

First, it seems the people here are designated uniforms by color. Scribes are red, researchers are white, and archivists are brown. You ponder whether your past self arranged this, or if it's a happy accident. Shrugging, you set yourself to work on researching seals.

Most seals work by turning natural magic against the one being sealed - this means that most humans are practically immune, but Fae and the like are especially weak. Most seals are powered by this inversion, as well - a self-feeding loop of energy that holds back the sealed one with torrents of energy. It's said to be quite painful.

More powerful seals are created by 'divine arrangement', that is, natural flows of power for the seal to feed on. Rivers are presented as an example, as are valleys and ocean trenches. Such 'divine arrangements' coat the planet - various things like lined up trees can produce similar, if much weaker effects, and even roads can as well. Circles work about as well as intersections for different sealing arrays.

Something about this worries you.

rolled 11 = 11

>>18022911
So things like streets and city walls... The demolishing of large structures in the city, could that be what's weakening the seals? If not, then what's the niggling little doubt we're feeling right now?

>>18022964

Maybe the fact that we're IN the city is keeping us trapped here? Or maybe it has something to do with the wrongness, just the very layout of this place freaks the Fae out because it acts like a seal.

rolled 79 = 79

>>18023005
We were in severe discomfort in the presence of the wrongness, right? What if the wrongness is the epicenter of the city-seals? What if the fae attempting to be rid of the wrongness is eroding the seals?

Wait, it sounds like the best seals are in the wilderness, not cities. So whoever made the mages seals intentionally made them sub-par. This is VERY troubling.

>>18023030

Well we already figure that SOMETHING or someone is manipulating the fae into fighting against the humans. If the entity or faction in question is doing so with the purpose of releasing the archmages, then this would explain their motives.

>>18023045

I don't know, from the description, it sounds like deliberate geometric arragements are what create seals, and you don't find those in the wilderness.

So the city is the seal, or at least one of them. Perhaps recent construction or demolitions have served to weaken the seal here?

>>18023072
He said lines, not shapes, is where the power is found. The examples given were weaker in urban areas. Unless this is like Sword of Truth, with the whole city set up to increase power at the center. We should check that.

>>18023132
The power is more powerful when it comes from major natural features, but the power needs an intersection to form the seal. So it's likely that the cities themselves are the seals' intersections, and that the surrounding areas of any seal cities have large lines of trees, roads, rivers, and the like coming into contact with them somehow.

rolled 1 = 1

>>18023276
Like an equator. That sounds like an amazing "divine arrangement" to power six cities serving as equatorial seals.

>>18023314
The equator isn't a real line, though. It isn't actually any kind of seal/ The purpose of that location is to be as far from the magical poles as possible.

You think for a moment.

The entire city is a circle. You know that there are six gates into the city, though four are closed at the moment. This means six roads. The Archmagi chambers sit in the center of the city and has six entry points as well. Further, the division of the town by the major roads are also further divided into rings by more roads.

Finally, you know that all human cities rest on the equator. But...

Wait, isn't the Breach on the equator as well? You recall that very well, it sits along that line some ways to East, you believe.

You think a bit harder.

>>18023055
Of course.

If the Fae break the walls and tear apart the city, then the 'divine arrangements' would fall apart. It only makes sense. The humans can't sense the wrongness because they are not magical. But Fae can - and the closer you get to the center, the stronger the seal gets - and the worse the wrongness becomes.

The only question now is....

What do you do with this information?

We should do a quick survey of maps, and check which human cities have a similar geographical set-up to the city of rust.

Once Fear shows up, see if there is a Fae of Speed, or Travel or something, and have him check all cities matching the geographical pattern for their own "wrongness".

If there are 5 other cities that fit both of those, then bam, we've got our six cities. If not, well, it's a lead at least.

>>18023381
HURP DURP WHERE MAH TRIP

rolled 47 = 47

>>18023395
This. Also, try to tell Ceran. She needs to know what we found.

>>18023381
We need to find Ceran, let her know what we found.

And Fear needs to be told to stop this idiocy from continuing any further. The Fae would release the Archmagi because of their ignorance and stupidity.

Stupid fucking Fae, no wonder they couldn't appreciate Patience.

>>18023425
I do it all the time.

The wrongness is the seals. Makes sense. We need to see what cities were made around the same time as this one, and refer to magical theory for the significance of 6, it's becoming disturbingly common.

Could we construct a less powerful but bigger counter seal, that radiated magic outward, surrounding the entirety of each seal pattern, thus eliminating the wrongness to the fae when outside of that city? Sure, they'll have to deal with it if they want to visit a human city, but that's like going to a city normally, you know you're going to have to put up with uncomfortable shit.

You snap the book shut and sigh. Ceran isn't anywhere to be found, yet, and Fear isn't actually due for a while. So there's nothing for you to do here.

You ask for a map of the other cities, and find that there are seven human cities. One is independant of the Rust Nation, the others all rest on the equator. It appears that this style of city - a large circle with tiers - is used throughout the empire. It's unnerving.

As you walk out of the library, you notice a prescense behind you. A black robe - you'd never seen that before.

A second one joins him. And a third. A fourth steps out of another. Their cloaks are all held in place with a blood-red rose pin.

Finally, a fifth appears, putting down his hood. It's Damien's youngest son, who holds up a small crossbow.

"We'd like you to come with us, sir." he says quietly.

((END OF THREAD. EXPECT A NEW ONE TWO DAYS FROM NOW, SAME BAT TIME, SAME BAT CHANNEL))

>>18023777
Well, shit.

rolled 4, 5, 1 = 10

>>18023777
Did Ceran have Westing or did Patience?

>>18023838
Ceran did. Would have looked more suspicious on our part, otherwise.

rolled 3, 2, 1 = 6

>>18023867
Then perhaps it's time to see how far into Westing we can get without letting the body go entirely, just to pass her the appropriate messages.

>>18023838
She has the gun, so we can scrap the body like a $3 whore at a drug bust if shit goes south.

>>18023777
Is there any point in fighting back? If we stall enough we might be able to get some power here. I just hope I don't miss the next one like I did the last few.

>>18023883
We can't leave our body for long, but at least we can make it quick. Pretty handy, actually. We just have to wait until we can sit down

>>18023972
While worrisome, there is the outside chance that these people are on our side. Or that we can convince them to help more than hinder. If neither of those, then at least we should wait for a while before taking action. Remember what we are, after all.