His suspicions prove correct as the black robed man spreads his legs wide in a precarious, but sturdy stance and throws out his hands, as if gripping something in the air. The rocks visibly vibrate for a moment, before stopping. As the foreigner slowly spreads his hands apart, rocks tumble and rise. The barricade parts through the middle. His stance remains rigid as the two walls of rock slide away from the road and are carefully piled on the sides of the hills. He releases his invisible hold, causing a few stray rocks to fall loose and pile along the bottom of each hill. He then walks to one hill and takes the same stance. However, this time, he punches the air. Left, right, left, right. His robes flutter and dust rises from the rocks as they are smashed and compacted into the hill once more, as if being hammered in. He does the same to the other hill. Clearly, this compressed packaging of rocks and dirt was not the hill's original form, but it looks like it will hold just fine.

He returns to the merchant's son, who hands him a pouch, the jingle of coinage sounding from inside. Then the two join a caravan, now visible thanks to the lack of blockade. You can see a long trail of carriages, horses and people walking alongside them. As they pass, many give you well meaning smiles, some look over you with a degree of apprehension and some stare daggers at you, clearly believing the blockade to be your fault. The young merchant's son clambers up beside his father, who drives his own carriage. The man, with long, wispy grey hair and a pink face, grins at you as he slowly passes your party by.

(continued)

"Well met, strangers. Here's hoping this isn't an omen about the day's trade, eh?"

He chuckles and joins the corral towards Rickenlist. Done treating your wound, Siobhan makes her way back into the carriage, whilst Cu and Eames move to the front again.

From here, you can fast travel towards Vol Itolstein if you like. Of course, if you'd like to do anything else, it's your decision.

(And here we go! Sorry it's later than usual, folks. I'll try speed up my typing tonight to compensate.)

Quick question, do we have a description for the character?
If so, would it be possible to post it?

First of all let's explain our situation to everyone if we didn't did it last thread.
Second of all on a unrelated note.
Would the term Geomancer fit it better?

>>19045540
>>19045483

Geomancer and Geomancy are a term in the world. Terramancers and Terramancy are different. But okay, I'll give a brief description of the current situation. And here's a picture of Thol that I mocked up with Dragon's Dogma. Hurrah!

I made it just in time! Pretty lucky that merchant son came back with a terramancer. That is some badass magic.

I don't really think there is much to do apart from read our book or practice some magics on the way there.

The carriage begins its travels again as soon as Eames summons the second horse. You and Siobhan are in the back of the carriage, for now, she seems content to be quiet, no doubt mulling over recent events as she works with the fabric she bought in Rickenlist. She has already cut out the shape of your old mantle, now she's working on the Lolua pattern.

You think about your situation. You are heading towards Homme to meet with the leader of the Druids, the Green King, Thaddeul Arethos. Initially, your intention was to discover the truth behind the murder of your tribe and those who used the green fire to kill them. You awoke with the Arethos sigil on your persons.

On your way, you met Eames, a summoner and fledgling scholar of magic. In the sunny country of Settehem, you met Siobhan, Princess of Thulstry and Druid destined to save the north from the curse of the Undead, and Cu, Siobhan's guardsman. Driven by Eames's infatuation with the Princess, you joined together, all heading for Homme. You also learned of her mission, and that it is not one with a high hope for her survival.

In Settehem, you also met Estrus and Netheros Nomads. From them, you learned that it was most likely Asura, an ancient man of considerable power, and his servants, the Rakshasa, that killed your tribe. You were told that this is because you are the Balanceseeker, link between the Twenty-Four deities and man, and a great threat to Asura's plans. You were also told that you were the Blackseeker, a warrior destined to travel into the north, to the country of Rooksland, to free the Crow, Goddess of Love and Death, from her earthly prison.

(continued)

>>19045732

The revelation that you might be the Blackseeker was not taken well by one of the Nomads, an eighteen year old male, like you, called Hawne. He had previously been raised for the same task, but Estrus quickly handed his title to you.

Since then, you have passed the border into Vanthania, a great country of commerce and diversity. At one point, you were attacked by Undead warriors, who seemed driven to stop Siobhan in her quest. You fended them off, but from there, it was deemed wise that Siobhan leave behind all traces of her royal or Druidic identity.

Then, in the Vanthanian fort town of Rickenlist, you met Silver Guin, a caster from the magic-driven country of Aridotte. A weary young man of considerable talent and considerable vices, his interest was piqued by your mention of the Rakshasa, and he gained some information for you that made it clear that the Rakshasa's movements were becoming more and more public. He agreed to join you, partly out of curiosity, partly out of dissatisfaction with his current life, in a tavern in the Vanthanian capital of Vol Itolstein.

However, when you left Rickenlest, you found your way blocked by none other than Hawne. You subdued him, but spared his life and even healed his wounds, much to the chagrin of Cu. Here, he gave you some disturbing news. You learned that it was the Druids of Homme and their order, the Oak Table, that imprisoned the Crow's mortal form in a great tree. You also learned that the Undead fall into two categories: the products of Necromancy, a widely spurned school of magic, which are mindless and the true cause of the curse in the north, and the Undying, those who have been blessed by the Crow to live beyond the death of their natural bodies and have been granted near immortality, but retain their minds and all their faculties.

(continued)

>>19045841

He also told you that Estrus knows Siobhan's mission, and has already been trying to sabotage it. He plans to kill her as soon as she heads north from Homme. With a new respect for you, Hawne left you with the advice that you should not travel directly from Homme, through the Driscoll States, to Rooksland, but find another path.

You shared this information with the party. Siobhan was distraught that she was not attacked by mindless undead, but sentient people. And now, your party is on the road towards Vol Itolstein.

>>19045852
So, yeah
Let's read until we reach Vol Itolstein

so the more magic capacity the better we are with magic, right?
does it increase the effectiveness of our potions?

oh sure, lets keep reading that alchemy book

>>19045866

You are eager to escape this pessimistic mist that seems to have overcome your party, so you decide to open up good old Alchemy for Novices again. Maybe you can just read until you get there. Three days of straight up alchemy study. Eames would be proud.

"The Sources of Magic

We have already introduced the sources of magic as a concept. This term is used interchangably with elements and aspects, and is not the power sources, or gems, we use in Alchemy. Rather, it is the etheric signature and energy by which magic is created. Magic is application of source to will, a feat of concentration and talent that requires no outside assistance, relying solely on the knowledge and power of the user. Whilst many schools of magic are said to have been passed down directly from the Spirits, there are others, such as Soulchemy and Battlemagic, which were invented by particularly brilliant minds.

Alchemy is not magic, however. Alchemy is the blending of the human knowledge of magic and its sources, and the blessing of the Twenty-Four deities. Regardless, it relies on the same sources as a component. Even today, the physical components representing certain sources are not known and the components of others will not be disclosed in this book. For a listing of the power sources/gems and catalysts of each known source, please purchase your copies of 'Full List of Positive and Negative Power Sources' and 'Catalyst Collection' at your nearby Alchemy Guild-approved script merchant."

Continue reading?

>>19045929

Alchemy is entirely independant of magic, and your own Magic points. Those Magic points in your character sheet are your own etheric stores. You can think of them as MP if you wish. Your Dog and Cat spells use 1 and your Horse spell uses 2. They replenish over time as long as your fortitude isn't drained too much.

Also, if there's anything specific you want to read up on, you can simply ask.

>>19046086
Yeah, i really have nothing on my mind to do other things.

We Can only mix potions, read up about potions or practice some magic.

how about practicing and increasing our magic capacity by summoning dogs and using them to hunt rabbits while making small talk with our companions, maybe about their childhoods or favorite foods and colors or whatever

>>19046147

"So what are these sources? There are ten which we know of. Here is a listing of the different sources, and some example applications of them:

Fire - The power behind physical flames, heat and said to be one of the sources of all life. A common Elementalist spell with the reliance on the source of Fire is Fireball. One alchemical concoction relying on Fire is the Salamander's Scalejuice, which protects the consumer from flame.
Water - The power behind hydration, ice and commonly associated with protection and force. The illusive school of Cryomancy uses solely Water as the source of their magic. An alchemical concoction relying on this source is Fish's Blessing, which temporarily grows gills and allows one to breathe underwater.
Earth - The power behind manipulation of various forms of rocks and earth and physical strength. Some argue that Earth can also lead to a control of gems and, in particular, gems of Alchemic power. However, the ability to create power sources has not yet been demonstrated. Terramancy is a school of magic revolving entirely around the source of Earth. An alchemic concoction using the power of Earth is the Potion of Strength, which grants the drinker extraordinary strength very temporarily.
Air - The power behind wind, speed and sound. One Elementalist's spell relying on this source is Whirlwind. One alchemical concoction utilizing this source is the Got-The-Cat's-Tongue, a tincture that silences the one who takes it, commonly used to debilitate a caster.

(continued)

>>19046607

"Nature - The power behind plantlife, the wild and the physical composition of all things gifted with life. Druidry, whilst not a school of magic, relies on Nature as the source of its power. An alchemical concoction using this source is the Potion of Minor Restore, detailed in this text.
Soul - A power that resonates within humanity. It is the source of one's etheric stores and holds sway over many aspects of humanity. Soulchemy is a school of magic devised to rely entirely one's own Soul. All trading of the component relating to Soul, human blood, is strictly monitored by the Alchemist's Guild to ensure that all measures of this component are obtained within the ethical and legal codes of the Five Western Kingdoms. One concoction relying on Soul as a source is the Sleeping Butterfly Wine, as detailed in the text.
Metal - The power behind iron, steel and magnetism. Metal is considered one of the hardest sources to manipulate, but the school of Battlemagic relies on it to create weapons and armour. Metal is said to be impossible to harness when it comes to Alchemy.
Lightning - Power behind thunder and lightning. Another source that is considered both difficult and dangerous to harness, one of the very few spells that can use this source is the high-level Elementalism spell: Thunder. The power sources and catalysts of this source are not known.
Light - A divine source, grants control over light, formless energy and protection from darkness. The Illusionism spell, Rainbow Burst, relies on this source. The power sources and catalyst for light are not known.
Darkness - Power behind absence of light and obscurity. The source used in the Illusionism spell, Black Mist. The power sources and catalyst for darkness are not known."

The next section is on 'How Do I Find Alchemical Materials/Recipes'? Do you wish to read it?

>>19046304
>>19046531

You can make any command you like, but yes, if you wish to stay on the road towards Vol Itolstein, your choices are rather limited. Of course, you can always fast travel. I will fill in the gaps between one event and the other.

oh hell yes, read that part!

>>19046622
Read that part and then fast travel ( Sorry can't imagine writing an Alchemy guide is very fun)

>>19046622
Read it
then fast travel

>>19046783
So yeah I''m sorry for the work I'm making you do

>>19046641

"Alchemy is a daunting profession to seek talent in. Its ways are obscure to beginners and the specifity of concoctions can be an annoyance to even the most experienced of practitioners. The components allow for almost negligable variation (for example, a snow rabbit's heart is as good as a plains rabbit's heart, but a hare's heart has foiled many a rookie Alchemist's plans) and gems are certainly not easy to find in the wild, nor are some of the catalysts. So what is a new alchemist to do?

Luckily, the Alchemist's Guild was founded to help readers like you. No doubt you are reading this book as a new member, unless you have illegally obtained it. The ways of the Guild rely on secrecy of information, protecting the research our members have worked hard on and ensuring that Alchemy isn't misused against the common good. For this reason, Alchemists Guild-approved scriptmerchants and supply sellers are stationed all throughout the Five Western Kingdoms in most major cities and towns.

Apart from the most commonly used, such as the Rabbit's Heart and Butterfly, even the identity of spirit materials are kept shrouded. When you wish to buy a spirit material, often you will only be presented with a menu telling you which materials are on sale, but not the specific component that makes them up. If you are a legitimate member, you will discover the component upon purchase, or, of course, you can purchase a copy of 'Spirit Material: The Entire Listing', which will help those who wish to alchemize even in the furthest reaches from civilization.

(continued)

>>19046937

"Catalysts and power sources will be sold much more openly, but the particular sources of magic that the represent will, once again, not be explicitly told until purchase. Of course, we at the Alchemist's Guild fully support experimentation by our members, so if you happen to find, say, charcoal in the wild and decide to try using it in a concoction, we happily wish for your success.


Finally, recipes are sold at all good scriptmerchants. For the purposes of information security, the components of each recipe will be written in the simplest form, so that a well-knowledged Alchemist would be able to divine its meaning, but any thief or unlawful practitioner would be unable. For example, if one were to buy a scroll for Potion of Minor Restore, they would read a passage like such:

'Uses the regenerative power of Nature in order to heal wounds. Lost extremities, loss of blood and illnesses are beyond the power of this potion. Uses Rabbit-Nature-Positive.'

Of course, being the well read Alchemist you are, you can tell that Rabbit-Nature-Positive represents the composition of Rabbit's Heart, Bluebells and Opal. All recipes are written in such a manner, and will become clearer the more adept you become at your craft."

>>19046783
>>19046798

You would be surprised. I'm cackling at some of this stuff. Wonder if you can guess why.

only thing that comes to mind is you mentioning that snow rabbit would work for a minor restore potion and a hare won't

sooo, out of curiosity, what would the next chapter of the alchemy book be?

You decide to put away the book for now, having learnt more about the basics behind both alchemy and magic, and the process of acquiring more materials. Whilst you whittle away at the time, you inspect your dao, admiring the strong craftsmanship. Even despite your recent fights, it is without chip or scratch.

Siobhan does not seem very likely to strike up a conversation any time soon. Rather, she spends her time either lying across her seat, the hood of her new, peasant-chic robe drawn low over her face or, when she does get up, working on the pattern for your new mantle.

You glance back to your tome. The next chapter is Alchemy And The Law: Practices Within the Five Western Kingdoms. The chapter after that is Alchemy Beyond The Kingdoms. After that it's a listing of towns which have scriptmerchants, tutors and colleges.

So you decide to practise your Summoning instead. You remember Eames saying how practise and study serve not only to enable you to learn new spells, and that of a higher level, easier, but also encourages the growth of one's own etheric stores. Simply, it's like exercising the muscle that allows you to use more magic.

As you control the cat, you can't help but feel a little playful. After all, it's fun to make it do things. Then you see Siobhan staring wistfully out the carriage window. It has been hours since either of you has said a word.

Do you wish to Use <Cat> on <Siobhan>?

>>19047106
Use Cat on Siobhan
What could possibly go wrong

>>19047106
Y

>>19047153

You notice the young Druid glancing at your glowing feline occasionally. So why not? You have it jump from your side onto the small table planted in the middle of the carriage, and then again onto her lap. It startles their girl, causing her to drop her needles. But rather than seeming angry or interrupted, you see a small smile crack on her lips as she reaches down to stroke along the cat's back. The feline, in an action not dictated by your will, begins to purr. You didn't even know that could happen.

Then, Siobhan opens her lips and begins to speak. Her voice is very low, indeed, but, even as you lean a little closer, you realise you don't understand what she's saying. It seems to be in a language made entirely of vowels and soft sounds. Not only that, but there's a faint echo, as if someone is speaking behind her.

Siobhan raises her head, blinking her green eyes confusedly at you.

"I can't speak to it. The cat, I mean. My wildtongue doesn't work. Why is that?"

>>19047268
Odds are it's because it's a summon and not a natural born cat

>>19047317
Would be my guess

>>19047268
Because I don't understand wildtongue perhaps?

>>19047343
>>19047317
We can say this would be our educated guesses but we should tell her to ask Eames to be sure

summoning has something to do with the summoners soul, right?

>>19047317
>>19047343

"Hm. How strange. Since I've left Thulstry, there has been so much that I do not fully comprehend. In fact, there was plenty of that even in Thulstry. Yet you, Eames and Cu seem undaunted by so many of the things I find fascinating."

She continues to stroke the cat's ears and it continues to purr. You remember Eames telling you that Summons are an extension of oneself. But you're not purring. Are you?

>>19046955
yeah

>he components allow for almost negligable variation (for example, a snow rabbit's heart is as good as a plains rabbit's heart, but a hare's heart has foiled many a rookie Alchemist's plans)

>>19047402
I hope not

>>19047460

That was indeed a part of it. The fates will forever taunt you for this mistake.

>>19047402
Better double check

>>19047402
>Yet you, Eames and Cu seem undaunted by so many of the things I find fascinating.

"I must be able to hide it well. Believe me, I find many things since my travel fascinating."

every time we try and make money with alchemy we keep getting knocked down.
damn shame
maybe we'll fix that in the capital. pfft, there will probably be a bunch of potion sellers for very low prices.

oh, thol is definetly purring, what inexperienced young boy wouldn't be bursting with happiness from getting cuddled by a girl like that

>>19047402
>She continues to stroke the cat's ears and it continues to purr. You remember Eames telling you that Summons are an extension of oneself. But you're not purring. Are you?

Yeah, would be nice to be stroked by Siobhan- Wait! What are you thinking?! Stop that!

>>19047467
>>19047499

Of course you aren't. That would be most indignified. After a while, you allow the summon to fade. After all, you're not entirely sure how long it takes for your etheric stores to replenish, but if you're not back up to scratch by the time it's your turn, your carriage will be without a second horse.

>>19047501

"We're alike, aren't we, Sir Thol? In a lot of ways. This is your first time leaving the Equius Reach, as it is my first time leaving Thulstry. You've been given a quest and a purpose, as have I. We're both headed to Homme to see the same man. We both like flowers," she speaks amidst a light giggle. Is she teasing you? "Perhaps it is fate that we should meet... no... I fully believe it. I know I have said it many times, but without you, I would be dead. The same could, of course, be said for Cu or Sir Eames. But without you... I would not have learned so much about the North."

Her voice fades for a moment, and the smile on her lips threatens to vanish. Before it perks up again.

"And your hair reminds me of home." She grins, rather earnestly.

>>19047546

How lewd.

>>19047546
What
Why

>>19047584
Eames, bro, I'm sorry for apparently stealing you love of your life.

"Your words are too kind, Siobhan.
I don't know if it's fate or chance that we met but I am glad that we did."

>>19047638
Seriously.
I don't want our bro all mad on us because our swag is too much

>>19047679
Uncontrollable swag.
It is possible that she will find us more and more attractive, the less interest we show. You know "longing for what you cannot have" etc?

Not that we should do anything about it.

>>19047679
>>19047638
Not like it matters because of her vow and what not. I don't think she would ever break it for any guy to because of her mission, duty, destiny, or whatever you want to call it.

>>19047638

Siobhan nods in return, letting her hood once more obscure the top half of her features as she works on your new mantle with renewed eagerness. You can still see a pleased little curve on her pale lips.

Suddenly, Eames appears! He has swung around the side of the carriage, looking between you two with a slight smile. He looks happy to see spirits have restored somewhat.

"We'll be stopping for dinner, soon. Then it's your shift on horse. This fine by everyone?"

>>19047771
Fine for me

>>19047771
"Of course."

>>19047771
Thank god for dinner after the fights we though and the stupid roadblock

Guys, I think we should hold off the Alchemy studies and start combat training instead. Having Cu act as a sparring partner would be great.
We could practice summon control and combat at the same time, which is very hard thing to do I suspect.

well you never know, she didn't know about the crow thing so she might later give up her vow if she learns more shoking stuff later, although personally i thought thol would go for that girl that wanted us to bring her a sword as a souvenier, after the whole revenge thing.

>>19047832
This.

we can just balance everything out, summoning in the mornings, reading alchemy midday and combat training at night

Can we also give Eames a little combat training as well? Just in case he runs out of magic in a fight.

Eventually, you, Cu, Eames and Siobhan stop at the side of the road. Luckily, the countryside around you is rather serene. You can tell it's mostly farmland, able to see a building or two in the distance. It's still somewhat hill-y, but a lot calmer than the previous valleys you've had to travel through. Cu feeds the horse a little more and unloads one of the several large water buckets from beneath the carriage's body to let it drink as Eames begins to cook. Siobhan is still
sewing. You soon have a good meal of thick, potato and carrot laden stew. With some rabbit meat added for good measure. You haven't had such a well balanced meal in ages and you find it deliciously thick and filling, too. Siobhan buys good food supply, that's for sure.

As Cu eats, you mention getting a bit of sparring practice in.

"That's not a bad idea, Nomad. Today certainly won't be the last we draw our blades. That young man you fought was skilled, but we don't know what lies beyond. Doubtless, when we part ways, I'll need to be stronger even than I am now. Especially if I'll be fighting Undead day and night."

Siobhan looks up from her own stew.

"By then, I will hopefully have learned enough to put aside the need for violence, Cu. But I thank you for your diligence."

"Not at all, milady."

You finish your meal and help Eames wash up. After another hour of rest, you trade places and begin to ride up front with Cu. From now on, when you're on the road, just say fast travel at any time if you wish since I may forget to remind you. Otherwise, feel free to enter any command.

>>19048042
If nothing is happening then we should timeskip.

>>19048065
Second not much we can do on the road

Fast travel seems like a good idea, unless Cu feels like talking to us or something.

hmm, talk to cu?
don't know what about but...

>>19048065
>>19048124

You pass through more of the hilly countryside, still. The road is clear of any obstacles and there isn't much of note to see, apart from the occasional town in the distance or the state of the weather. Luckily, with Cu, the silence isn't so awkward. For one, he has to concentrate on the road and you have to hold the summon. It's starting to become a little easier, however. You even find yourself becoming lost amidst your own thoughts and still your horse stays as well formed as always. Eventually, night falls. As Eames and Siobhan lay the bedding for the horse that actually has to sleep, you and Cu did as you proposed and spar a little.

You don't have any practise weapons, however, so this mainly revolves around slowly practising forms and certain clashes with one another. You find it helpful to practise against his greatsword. He certainly has the upper hand in strength, as would most wielders of such a weapon, but you learn how to use his own guard to throw off his strikes and find openings between his large swings. You're fairly confident that you could evade most strikes even in full combat. Still, Cu isn't entirely satisfied and suggests buying some practise armour and wooden swords in Vol Itolstein. After this, you each set up your tents (thankfully, Siobhan accounted for all of you this time) and drift off, the revelations of the morning fading into darkness just like the rest of your thoughts and memories.

(continued)

>>19048224
Oh Bow
We Dreaming?

Just got caught up. You're running a great quest OP! Been here since the first thread.

>>19048236

Indeed you are. You find yourself at a docks. You remember it from a previous dream and a previous memory. A town along the south side of the Equius Reach. It is the dock your father took you to when you were young. Where you met the bearded gentleman you can't quiet remember. Except it a gloomy day, the skies are grey and a mist envelops the small settlement. You are alone. Your father isn't with you and the girls aren't there, watching you with curious eyes.

Something appaers on the horizon. At first you think it is a boat with a man standing upon it, but it soon becomes clear that is not so. The same grey haired man in the tattered robes, the one who wears the ram's skull, is walking across the water. Or rather, he is walking across a bridge of thick vines that grows with each step he takes forward.

You stand on the edge of the dock. He stands a good four meters away from you.

"Well met, Thol. Nomad. Sir Thol. Balanceseeker. Blackseeker. It has been some time since we talked. For indeed, I cannot visit you every night. Spirit that I may be, I have other duties to attend to. Still, it is a pleasure to, on occasion, speak with a human. Tell me. What do you think awaits you in Homme?"

>>19048302

Aw gosh. Thank you very much. You folks make it a blast to run, I must say.

>>19048339
Good news I hope but with my luck it has to be something bad

>>19048339
"I would hazard a guess it's something I won't entirely understand."

>>19048339
"I don't even know. I wanted answers but the more I learn, the more questions arise.
What am I supposed to do? Can /you/ give advice? Or answers?"

"Am i really the Balanceseeker, Blackseeker? What is that even enthralls? Can you tell me about the imprisonment of Crow?"

Hopefully I'll find some answers and not get ambushed.

>>19048372
>>19048382
>>19048418

A chuckle echoes in the hollow skull.

"I can only assume that you are correct. Understanding will not come easily. Your path, should you choose to take the one outlined for you, will give you more insight to the world and the way things are than any human who has come before or after you. An imposing proposition, no? And indeed, it is rife with difficulty, but it is your destiny to face that difficulty, and to make the choices to the difficult questions that lie ahead. If you accept that destiny, I mean."

>>19048395

"When you were born under the day named for me in the first month of Recorded Year, 720, I thought long and hard of how I would help shape you. In times of confusion and anguish, I will appear, but it has always been my will that nature and the flow of the universe, take their own shape. In this, I think you are lucky to born under my influence. I will not tell you things you do not yet know, but I will help. I will illuminate what is truth and what is lie to you, as best I know how. For one, I will answer it plain: you are the Balanceseeker. It is the reason you have spoken to me, the reason why fate has shaped you as you are, the cause of the death of your tribe and it is your life that will shape the future of this world."

>>19048518
"Thank you for the answer. I am still not sure what I am supposed to do as a Balanceseeker, I do not fully trust Estrus to believe everything he said, so I'm feeling rather lost on this."

>>19048518
I personally feel this is currently being a one man deal
Have you spirit peoples ever thought that maybe the Balanceseeker just wants to fish and maybe
just maybe
he wants just to make some profit with Alchemy

>>19048588

The Ram lowers his head, hum coming from beneath the bone.

"Mm. I must admit, I am not entirely clear as to what you must do, either. It is not my will that you exist, nor was it who divined your birth. But a crucial time in the history of man is coming, I know this much. Your birth was timed to coincide with this moment. As for Estrus, and his prophecy that you are the Blackseeker... perhaps you may be the one he seeks. The one that my sister, the Crow, seeks. For you live under her influence, as well, and you may one day talk to her."

The mist begins to fall more heavily, indeed, you are finding it harder to see the Ram.

"I believe we have time for one more question, for your dreams are starting to break apart."

>>19048630
>Mm. I must admit, I am not entirely clear as to what you must do, either.

You people should REALLY think it through.
So wait, is this all just a family feud between you and your sister?

>>19048630
Well, I guess my question is, why have I been trained all my life to emulate the tiger by my tribe, only to be guided by the Ram? No offense, I am thankful four your guidance and I consider myself lucky, I am simply curious.

>>19048667
THIS
is really good question

>>19048649
>So wait, is this all just a family feud between you and your sister?

Don't ask this. It is clear that it is not.

>>19048667
Yeah kinda confusing

Right, I'm off to sleep.

Great thread, OP.
I must say, I am absolutely amazed how much thought you are putting in that Alchemy Book. Usually it would have gone like "You read X amount of book, your knowledge of Alchemy slightly increased" but you went out of your way to write all that shit for us. For that, I must salute you.

>>19048624

"Was it I that murdered your tribe and set you on this quest? No. I did not intend to speak to you until the events were set into motion. Little did I know that it would be man that did so, rather than a spirit. But... you are correct in feeling some anger that this title has been placed upon you. I will take pity on this, at least. I see you have been learning alchemy. It has been humorous. But let me reveal one fact that may provide some help. My own spirit material is a ram's horn. You will find it much easier than certain other materials and find that farmers are very willing to sell them. Grind it and it will serve to contact my own powers. If you were to, say, mix it with some of the opal pieces and bluebells you have on you, it will create a concoction known as Willow's Whisper. This will turn your very breath into a vapor that will have you come across... very well to whomever you speak."

The man reaches up and holds his skull still. Then with his other hand, he grips one horn and, in one tug, snaps it off, before tossing it to your feet.

>>19048667

"You were born on my day but I am not the only one who influences you. You are the Balanceseeker and as such, every path is open to you. It was your own choice, your own fateful throw, that had you train in the weapon of the tiger. You chose alchemy, too. And, of course, fate and the hand that guides, made its choice when you met the man from the Land of the Tiger. I do not make your choices for you. Nor does the Tiger. Sometimes, not even you do. I believe you are familiar with the human pasttime of gambling. You are gamble of every spirit, mankind and even the world itself."

The mist falls heavier, and heavier, still.

"Our time is over, young Thol. But I am sure we will meet again."

(continued)

>>19048701

Sleep well, fair traveller! I'll be here on either Friday or Saturday at the same time. Most likely Friday. And I'm glad. Admittedly, certain books will detail as such, but Alchemy for Basics is designed to teach more than just alchemy knowledge in the first place. At least as far as I am concerned.

>>19048800

When the mist clears, you find yourself looking at the roof of your tent. And as you shift, somewhat, your foot kicks something hard along the floor of the tent. You reach down and pick up the ram's horn. You wonder how the hell that happened.

Exiting the tent, you find yourself alone. Until you hear a splash of water on the other side of the hill. It's an easy climb to see just what it is. Dare ye?

>>19048837
We Are Tiger Warrior
We Fear Nothing

>>19048837
Yes of course we dare to even if it's never a good idea to do so when you hear water splashing around.

>>19048855
>>19048856

It's Eames. He's naked.

>>19048887
How horrifying let's say "How you doing Eames" and give people the wrong idea

>>19048887
Well.
Let's go back to sleep

>>19048907
Scratch that check to see if the water is deep enough for a cannon ball if so do it and then leave a flabbergasted Eames

Wave to Eames and tell him about the awesome dream we had as if nothing was wrong.

>>19048887

The summoner isn't quite as scrawny as you might believe. No doubt Captain Bennet made sure of that. But he looks odd without his glasses. And his clothes.

"Good morning, Thol. Care to join? Cu and Siobhan took the horse to a nearby stream. According to the man himself, I'm a danger to Siobhan and her vows so I was left behind...." He offers you the bucket, which is just over half full. "It's strange, but when we're on the road, we don't talk much, hm? For one... how do you feel about all this Druid and undead business?"

>>19048931

It's a bucket of water. You can still take this action if you wish.

>>19048949
I like my legs thank you very much so nope

>>19048933
Doesn't sit well with me at all

>>19048933
"I get the feeling that I should wait for more information before passing judgement, y'know? I don't feel like this is the whole story."

I'm not sure, things seem to get complicated as time goes on. So what do you think about it?

>>19048959

Is this the answer a tiger would give?

>>19048980
>>19048996
>>19049027

"I'm with you. It doesn't exactly feel like a situation with any kind of quick fix." He pours a little more over his own head, washing his hair as best he can. "I can't help but feel sorry for Siobhan, though... at least we can remain impartial for now. She already has her fate picked out for her." He sighs, before placing down the bucket and retrieving his glasses and a drying cloth from a nearby rock.

"I'm considering asking her to abandon her mission, Thol. She's going to die if she goes out there, even if Cu's with her. And for what? Clearly, not even she knows the full picture. That business about the Crow and the Druids imprisoning her was as much as shock to her as to the rest of us." He begins to dry more roughly as his voice takes a curt turn. "It's not fair that this choice has been made for her. I want to offer her a way out."

>>19049063
Well I'm hoping thol is brave and not a retard but hey who knows maybe Thol would like broken legs or a broken ass bone

rolled 61 = 61

>>19049079
What if we roll high, and dive into the pocket dimension the bucket contains? ROLLIN' FOR IT!

>>19049063
She not going to do it you know she been raised with this purpose for her whole life and even if she abandon her mission she would just try to free the crow herself if what Hawne said was true.

>>19049089
>>19049111
>>19049106

TWO VOTES TO ONE IN FAVOUR OF JUMPING INTO THE BUCKET. I'LL TAKE THE NEXT TWO VOTES, YAY OR NAY TO BUCKET JUMP?

>>19049106
Oh god that is hard to read

>>19049147
deleted my post and voting Nay

rolled 48 = 48

>>19049147
DO IIIIIT!

Sure why not? Make sure to shout "Tiger Jump" as we do so. It'll give us something to laugh at.

>>19049106

"Or she can join us on our quest." He looks at you, not carrying a single tone or hint of joviality. He's entirely serious. And thankfully, he's also starting to put his clothes on. "We've all left home, we all have our lives pre-planned for us, at least one of us knows that our path is the right one. Besides, her talents could be useful against the Rakshasa."

>>19049187
>>19049212

You surpress the inner tiger and decide it's not the best moment to try jump into a bucket. After all, you have just learned that you are not all tiger. You're part ram, part crow, even part rabbit.

>>19049215
Not a bad idea but you gotta make the offer the right time

>>19049225
OH GOD it's official we are abomination of god

>>19049267

"You're right. Well... you have to meet Guin in Vol Itolstein, right? Take Cu with you. Say you want security or something. I'll ask her then." Fully dressed, he puts his hand on your shoulder and stares you in the eye, handing you the bucket with his other hand. "Will you help me in this, Thol?"

suggest he wait till we talk to the head druid guy before broaching the subject with her

>>19049314
Sigh, rub our eyes. "Against my better judgement, I will help you get laid. I'll ask Cu to come spar with me when we get to Vol Itolstein and leave you too alone to discuss the sneaking off together."

Tell him about the new potion recipe we got from our dream, maybe that could help him to convince her to change mind.

>>19049315
>>19049325
>>19049344

THREE SUGGESTIONS, ONE FATE, ROLL YOUR DIE, GENTS. Or come to an agreement. Either or. I'll be here.

rolled 4 = 4

>>19049315
d20's?

rolled 98 = 98

>>19049347
Rolling for>>19049325 !

1d100s

>>19049369

Can this fate even be beaten?

rolled 22 = 22

>>19049315
Let's try to beat it damn it

>>19049393
Nope

>>19049369
Man, my rolls have been dynamite today. Sorry folks.

let's just continue on then

>>19049325

You and Eames both cough and splutter. He, because he is clearly flustered by your suggestion, and you, because he just shoved a wooden bucket into your stomach. You manage to catch it, at least.

"M-my intention is not to lay with Lady Siobhan! I am purely concerned for her well-being and I... oh, forget it, you, I don't know how you do it back home, but men of Settehem..."

He bumbles his way back over the hill. Turning back one last time.

"Just wash up, will you?"

He turns back a second last time.

"Besides, I'm not asking her to run away with me, but with -us-. Honestly..."

When you're finally left alone, and no longer winded, you wash up. Your arms, still burnt as they are, give a mixture of pain and relief from itchiness, as you pour water over them. But you decide not to wash them too hard. After you dry and return to camp, Eames is still sitting with his scroll, when Siobhan and Cu finally return. They both look refreshed, and Cu carries two rather giant buckets of water. The redhead smiles at you both.

"Come on, then, Sirs. Two more days to Vol Itolstein."

And with that, Eames once again takes the morning shift with the horse and you clamber into the back with Siobhan.

>>19049460
>Confirmed for trying to get laid.
Pass him a note explaining, in detail, the nomadic tribe's courting rituals. Also include a brief apology and a a reaffirmation that we'll help him out.

onwards!

>>19049494

You never quite got to meet, nevermind marry your betrothed, so you don't know too much about the Equius Nomad rituals. You do know that if a man doesn't find a girl he wants to marry by sixteen, he will be paired by the Elders of some tribes. This was your fate. You also scrawl down vague things that the married men talked about, to do with the ceremony. Something about chains that couldn't be broken. Yes, you're quite sure that the bride is chained up with indestructible chains. Either the bride or the groom. You write this down and explain that clearly there are cultural differences and you did not mean to offend. And also that you will help him. You pass him this note discretely and offer him a raised fist of brotherly solidarity. You can only assume that the blank stare and agape mouth he gives in return means that he is so touched by your letter that he has no words.

>>19049535

>>19049535

Onwards you travel. You spend your time flicking through the pages of your alchemy tome and discover that there are quite a lot of laws regarding it within the Five Kingdoms. Such as the law that you have to make a legal declaration with your local guild representative every time you mix certain concoctions, such as the Engulfing Flames Potion. More than that, it makes it explicitly clear that you can't sell any component of alchemy under the guise that it is such, nor can you sell any pre-prepared concoction or recipe within the Five Western Kingdoms without being approved by the Guild. Furthermore, you're not allowed to share any information learned from this tome or any other Guild published text with non-Guild members. Had you only known that before letting Eames flick through. Across the carriage from you, Siobhan continues to sew your mantle. It's coming along rather well. Occasionally, she asks you about certain parts of the pattern that had been burnt away from the original, and you help her. Then, after a while, she rests with a sigh and, casting you a furtive glance, fishes out a book she had bought in Rickenlist. It is about half-way through Eame's shift, and just a few hours until dinner time.

rolled 62 = 62

>>19049602
>MySidesAreMovingOnTheirOwn.gif

>>19049608
Whatcha readin'?

>>19049608
What book is Siobhan reading?

>>19049602
>>19049664
It's magical

>>19049685
>Fukken saved.

>>19049669
>>19049664

"Well... don't laugh... but we don't really have what you would call 'literature' in Thulstry. Our tradition is to tell only histories through text. The rest is told by bards in song and verbal account. But I thought I would try one... just to see what kinds of stories they told here. This one is about..." She glances from the book to you. Then, instead of telling you, she holds up the front of the book.

Life and Times of a Scandalous Woman in High Society - A True Account by Mithbel Rollins

>>19049685

That is possibly my favourite gif ever.

>>19049750
Ha! She reads trash novels. Cover our mouths to hide a grin and ask her what on earth that is about.

>>19049750
Thanks I try

>>19049763
Second this by the way

>>19049763

"Well, I thought it would be helpful if I were to learn a bit about Vol Itolstein before we got there. Cu told me it can be a very confusing place if one has never been there before. So... I bought this. It said on the back that it's the account of a woman's life as part of nobility in the capital... but..."

Her brow creases as she glances back down at it, her lips screwed to the side.

"I do not think the writer's intention was to inform others as to the culture and traditions of the capital at all."

Clearly, she did not have the view you did. Looking at the spine, you can see an illustration on the spine. It is of a woman leaning over a balcony whilst pulling her leggings up. A mysteriously androgynous hand reaches from the side.

>>19049819
We gotta just say the truth about the book before we laugh at her face

>>19049819
"Uh...might I suggest you check the-" *snicker* "-Spine of the book?"

>>19049841
>>19049851

She does as you suggest. Then, you're not entirely sure what happened inside her head, but you've never seen a girl's face turn that red that quickly. It might even be a symptom of something for all you know. Soon, the book is thrown on the table.

"I thought it was strange that she was letting that man touch her waist!" She exclaims. "Scandalous, indeed!"

Thoroughly flushed, the girl quickly redoubles her efforts towards your mantle. Now, there's an honest past-time.

>>19049894

When she thinks you're not looking, Siobhan quickly retrieves the book and stuffs it back in her bag.

>>19049896
Maybe Eames has a chance after all...

can we summon a tiny kitten that'd fit in our palm?

Let's summon our dog this time and try to train it to do tricks.

>>19049974

Hit by a stroke of genius, you use the piece of chalk left inside by Eames to draw the summoning circles for a cat. But this time, you draw them as small as you possibly can, before attempting to raise it.

Alas. It's just your regular glowing cat.

And on that note of disappointment, I believe it's time to call it a night. I hope to see you all here next time, most likely on Friday night, but if not, then on Saturday night instead. Maybe, JUST MAYBE, we will actually arrive at our destination next time. But hey, not every thread can be full of sword fighting and destiny shaping. Next time: Vol Itolstein(?), reunions(?) and eloping(!?). Be there for the next exciting episode of...

NOMAAAAD QUEEEEST

how about we start making copys of our summon circles? assuming we have plenty of paper and ink

>>19050028
Good night

>>19050006
We need a sleeve or maybe something stiched into our poncho. Summoning circles.