The journey so far - http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Collective+Game%2C+Nomad+Quest Character Sheet - https://docs.google.com/document/d/19WFzVGIfXWIffszrRdltfYZyIJn_l_zJTCJW9Swl3tw/edit?pli=1Alchemy Info - http://nomadsland.wikispaces.com/Alchemy+RecipesYou are Thol of the Lolua Nomads, last of your tribe. You are on your way to Homme to speak to the leader of the Druids, Thaddeul Arethos, hoping he has answers about the murderers of your tribe and your fate as the Balanceseeker, one whose birth has been prophesized for long and is apparently of great importance to the world. For now, you have stopped in Vol Itolstein, capital of Vanthania. Here you reunited with Guin the magic duelist and were summoned by King Edgreiss II of Vanthania. It is here he charged you with a great responsbility. Now you face that responsibility. You, Eames, Siobhan and Cu are still at the royal celebration. It is Princess Tessa twelfth birthday, and you are to be her first dance. It's a daunting fate, but you have prepared. Somewhat. Currently, Cu is somewhere around the buffet tables, Siobhan is having a girlchat/princesschat with Tessa and Eames is by your side, attempting to enjoy the night despite a certain depression. You were enjoying a drink before, from across the room, you recognise an old face. A jolly looking, round bellied man with olive coloured skin, dark eyes and a neatly trimmed beard that has a lot more grey hairs than you remembered. It's your old weaponscrafting teacher, Xao Dulang. What are the odds?
Just a quick check to make sure I ain't auto-saging. Also, a helpful reminder of the world map you recently recieved.
>>19277862The odds seem rather low. We may as well go over and talk to him, see how he got here.
>>19277862Hey manGo meet our old teacher
>>19277862Let's see if we can meet Xao Dulang
>>19278284>>19278368>>19278506(Sorry, brahs, made some food since I didn't think anyone would be posting for a while)You excuse yourself to Eames for the moment, assuming you're not a rude jerk, and make your way between the chattering party-goers. Many of them glance over you with the kind of eyes that one might look at an exotic animal in a cage. Some look with the kind of trepidation that they would view the same animal outside of its cage. No doubt they only find your sense of dress as odd as you find theirs. Some wear the many layered Vanthanian finery you're used to. Some wear shirts with great, poofy shoulders and frilled sleeves. Some wear straight dresses, lacking any of the modesty of the Vanthanian style, and decorated with gold thread in pictoral patterns.Xao is dressed in rather simple fabric in comparison to most. A dark red robe hangs low to his ankles, tied about his rotund stomach by a brown sash. The robe is sleeveless, but beneath are the sleeves of a tan undershirt. You recognise the emblem on the chest of the robe. A golden threaded depiction of a tiger. Above and beneath are two dao facing the opposite directions.When you meet him, he turns to you, offering an amicable smile (most likely due to the recently refilled cup of wine in his hand) and a curious brow lift. After a while, recognition begins to dawn on his features as he studies your own, and his eyes glance down to your mantle and the sword on your hip.(continued)
>>19278656"Ahh!" He calls out, pointing a finger as if he had just caught a criminal. "The young tiger-horse!""You know eachother?" His company pipes up. It's Thilbas Hestwell, the King's Treasurer. He is dressed oddly yet again, his hair dreaded and kept at bay under a golden bandanna. He wears a suit similar to Cu and Eames's, but it is loaded with coloured beads from every point and seam, trinkets and chains hanging from its pockets, and a bright teal sash tied about his waist."Am I mistaken? It is you, young Lolua, is it not?" Xao grins. "What the devil brings you to Vol Itolstein? The Royal Palace, of all places!"
>>19278666"Yes, it's me!Ah, something awful happened to the tribe Old Teacher"
>>19278666"Something happened to the Tribe and i'm on my way to Hommes, Xao Dulang, with some friends i met along the way.One of them happens to be someone really important"
>>19278666"He was my old weapon crafting master Milord"give a quick explanation to what happened
>>19278784"Ahh." Thilbas nods with a certain intrigue. "Xao did mention the months he spent with the Nomads of the Reach. Got lost on your way here, wasn't it?"Both men chuckle, the Shenlongese nodding in guilty admittance.>>19278713>>19278773In all kinds of excitement and joy, Xao grabs a fresh cup of wine and shoves it into your hand, ignoring the cup in the other. However, as you mention bad news, the smile fades somewhat."What is it, Thol? Are they not well? Do you need help?"He leans in with an earnest expression of concern. Thilbas doesn't seem to show a particular interest, but he's not exactly adverse to sticking around to hear.
>>19278858"I...really don't know...Something with Green Flames killed all of them and only i was left alive, i'm on my way to Hommes to get some answers and the King, His Royal Highness, invited me to the prom"I don't want to ruin the prom with my sad story so yeah
>>19278858"Because i don't want to ruin the mood of the Prom, I will tell the story later Old Teacher"
>>19278887>>19278901Ruin the mood or not!?(Also, it's not really a 'prom' you're at. I just call it that in the thread title as a joke.)
>>19278927I'd say we not ruin the mood
We shouldn't ruin the mood at a party. Just tell him that we'll explain later.
>>19278930>>19278964And so you put off the story for now. Because what kind of man ruins a twelve year old's party with news of their entire family's deaths? Still, your answer doesn't do much to comfort Xao, his lips stretching in an anxious half-frown. But he nods regardless. Clearly a man who respects that everyone has a right to a past without scrutiny. "Well, then, how about the reasons you travel? Who is this important figure you've saddled yourself to?"Thilbas continues to watch with apparent disaffection, sipping at his own cup, offering smiles and passing greetings to some as they pass the group.
>>19279059"Princess Siobhan"
>>19279059"I'm was going to get some answers on Hommes and in the way to there i met Princess Siobhan"
>>19279069>>19279094"Of Thulstry?" He shows understandable surprise. Again, he glances over you. "You've certainly grown into an enigmatic young man, Thol! I can't say I envy your journey, however. The Druids of Homme are... rather sombre fellows. They're not as particular to a sip of wine as I would like."He gives a small smile, still looking troubled as to the news of your tribe. Then, open mouthed shock as another wave of rememberance comes over him."I suppose you're probably wondering why I'm here in the first place. As much as it shames me to say, before I knew your people, I thought to conceal my identity."At this point, Thilbas lets out a deep chuckle."A friendship riddled in secrets. You two are very interesting characters, indeed. Well, Sir Nomad, our mutual friend here..." He gesutres to Xao. "Is the Shenlongese Ambassador. He stays here and relays communications between our government and King Baihu. Three royal servants. I'm sure we each have stories to share.""Well, it's been four years since I've lived in Shenlong, I can't exactly relate courtly anecdotes, can I?""True, true... what of you, Nomad? Any stories? Her Highness certainly has a motley crew of guardsmen, not a single Thulish amongst you. You must have impressed her to have been trusted with your position."He takes a slow sip, the statement clearly carrying a little more than just an observation.
>>19279260"Nothing really special... My friend Eames and I met her and her guardsmen on the road and simply thought they were just travelers...Helped defending some bandits... We only really got to know she was a Princess about half the way"
>>19279322Do thisno need to say we're Balanceseeker and all that stuff
I'm not sure, I just traveled with her treated her like a regular person rather than a princess. But I guess fending some bad guys helped a bit.
>>19279322Thilbas, whatever his reaction is, busies his lips with the cup again, simply nodding as you relate your story. Xao, however, opens with surprise once more, spluttering and grasping for words at the sheer improbability."You simply happened to meet with the Princess of Thulstry on the road? By the Twenty Four, I imagine this is fate, young tiger! Such an auspicious star brought you here, I am sure of it. Our reunion, the trouble you find yourself in, I will be sure to lend my aid in whatever way possible!">>19279427"A 'regular' person?," The treasurer cuts in, raising one dark brow, now revealing a disbelieving grin. "How novel. I imagine you consider yourself her equal.""Come, let us drink, let us be merry, for now you are here, we will have all the time to talk we like. You can show me how much your skills with metal have degraded, too." Xao interrupts with a good-natured chuckle.
>>19279483Well drink but not too muchwe have to remain sober for the dance.Also comment how Siobhan is quite the drinker
Drink up, but not so much that we can no longer dance, then enjoy the party while joking around with everyone until it's time for the main event."Looking forward to it. I also bought a shiny new shield."
>>19279503These are smart considerations to make. Already you can see that some might not be as suited to the floor as you. But most have retained their composure. And luckily, Siobhan has mainly been preoccupied with talking Tessa. You see her admiring the thread on the young blonde's green dress.>>19279562"A shield? With a dao? Interesting." The man of the east twiddled his beard with his thumb. Indeed, you already knew that it was not a common combination. After all, use of the dao required flexibility and the ability to make cuts with the blade, no matter what its current position in relation to your body. Your new shield will hinder that aspect somewhat, but is sure to provide benefits otherwise.Soon, you hear the call of the trumpets once more, calling the attentions of all the guests towards the front doors. They are soon closed off, the heralds moving away from the entrance as the band replaces them instead. A colourful ensemble of men, bringing with them long, thick pipes, cymbals, some sizeable brass instruments, handdrums and such. You've never seen such music before. On the Reach, it is mostly stringed instruments and some flutes, borrowed from Thulstry, Settehem and Shulong.(continued)
>>19279766A herald steps before the band, clearing his voice and calling aloud into the silenced crowd."Genteel women of the court. If you would please, present yourselves to the man of your choosing."Servants hurriedly make their way around, collecting cups regardless of how full or empty they are. The men stand stone still as the many women scurry (as gracefully as they can) amongst them. Xao and Thilbas both have their hands taken by women you don't recognise, being led out into the center of the court. Looking around, you see Siobhan take Eames's hand, and, surprisingly, even Cu is approached. His offer comes from Lady Gerra Voxellus. The blonde's sex becomes somewhat more obvious in the frilled shirt she wears, but despite this and the long, thick braid in her hair, she still looks somewhat business like, wearing a high pair of black breeches kept up by a red belt, which has a rapier sheathed upon it. At least you're not the only one wearing a sword to the dance. Cu seems equally surprised to find the lady approaching him, but gladly follows. When you turn to face ahead of you once more, you already find the petite Princess standing infront of you. A tiny, pale hand is offered up, awaiting your own, as streaks of red already begin to make their way over her cheeks."If.. if it pleases my lord, I would have this dance."She doesn't say it with the smile the other ladies give (or a smile at all), but you can tell she isn't entirely unhappy either. Even if you think she might start crying.
>>19279775>>19279766"It would be an honour, your highness"accept it and follow her
Is she in need of liquid courage before she dances? I'm sure we drank alcohol when we were 12 and we turned out great.Accept and make this a day she'll never forget.
>>19279861Your conviction to get a twelve year old princess drunk is admirable, but alas, already your cups have been taken from your hands.>>19279845She, for a moment, seems surprised that you reply in such a fashion, but soon nods, turning to lead you out towards the very center of the court's wooden floor. Given the poise she walks with and the size of her legs, this makes your trip considerably longer than it should be, and you have to take baby steps just to ensure you don't walk ontop of her, but you eventually make it there.She turns, releasing your hand, before holding one of her own out to the side and looking up at you expectantly.Where do you put your hands?
>>19279896Lower back, but not low enough to be on her rear.
Let the Mighty Tiger spirit guide your hand.>>19279923This also works.
>>19279896Only now i've been noticing how silly this how thing is.We're like Towering over her right?Dancing like we did with Siobhan is almost impossible
>>19279964You are indeed taller than her. By no small degree. She has raised her hand enough that you can touch fingers with her, at least.>>19279923Indeed, the latter would result in quite the scandal resulting in either marriage or beheading. Still, you find difficult enough to place your hand on her lower back, bending over and trying not to topple the princess. She watches with growing mortification. After all, she knows that you are trying to do it the right way, and that you would probably be a magnificent dancer with any other partner."I-I'm sorry." She whispers from below. You hear a cleared throat from not too far. Both Siobhan and Eames are tapping eachother's shoulders. It's getting them a few awkward looks.
>>19280022"No need to be sorry princess"Try raising the height until a comfortable position
I think they are telling us to put our hands on her shoulders either that or it's some weird noble tradition thing, probably the former.Tell her that's it's okay and put your hands on her shoulders instead.
>>19280022Aim for the shoulders
>>19280063>>19280096>>19280108She doesn't believe you, but at least her worrying stops escalating when you rest your hand on her shoulder. Which you probably should have done from the start.Finally, every couple is picked out and standing in the center of the court, with you and the Princess in the direct middle. And then, the music begins.To dance, you require 4d10. Each element of the dance has a certain specification. It's a little easier because of your practise, though.For dexterity, you need a 4.For agility, you need a 3.For perception, you need a 5.And a fourth, charisma roll. You know you won't be satisfied with anything less than an 8, but it won't affect your actual dancing skills.I'll be taking the first three and averaging them.
>>19280171TIGER ROLL
rolled 4, 6, 7, 10 = 27>>19280176i feel silly
rolled 7 = 7>>19280171Let's do this
rolled 8, 2, 10, 10 = 30>>19280236fuck
rolled 5, 5, 2, 8 = 20>>19280244If we roll another 10 on Charisma we're the most charming fuckers ever
I think the rolls are good enough. We aren't a great dancer, but we look really good.
>>19280183>>19280244>>19280316Final roll: 6, 4, 6, 9As the music begins, you immediately hear Eame's count in your head, and your feet begin to move on their own. Slowly, you circle with Tessa, keeping her in the center as step in and out again. The girl is clearly a little stiff, struggling to keep up a pace as her eyes flit up between you and her own feet. Luckily, you are doing it much more naturally this time than in your practise session. You step adequately enough, perhaps not to the expertise that many of the practised dancers have, but well. You manage not to step on her feet, and lead her easily along, which is no doubt a good thing. You guide her shoulder, and lead her fingers with your.own with a certain grace and confidence that even makes it easier for the much less adept twelve year old to dance.As she begins to gain more confidence, and steps in sync with you, even to the point of not having to watch your feet, she looks up with a certain awe, as if amazed it could go this well. You flash the Princess a smile that is halfways charming, halfways teasing in a 'but of course you did it' manner. And that is where everything goes wrong for little Tessa.(continued)
>>19280476> And that is where everything goes wrong for little Tessa.Guys i'm scared
>>19280476When it comes to the dip, your smile freezes her like the gaze of a basilisk. For one, she can't help but stare right up at you. Her own lips, very slightly parted in the surprise of the current situation, curve with their own little smile, as she reaches a certain state of bliss. In said state, however, she entirely forgets to take the next step inwards as you straighten up again and your body almost collides with her. It doesn't. Instead, her upper body swags with your guidance, her feet stock still as she teeters backwards. Of course, now she's back in the room, and beginning to panic as you continue to dance and attempt to guide her, her tiny feet quickly trying to right themselves and make the dance as pleasant as it was before she went and ruined everything.But she's a step behind on every turn. Her legs criss cross, she kicks your toe, and eventually, she is unable to stop the fall. Hooking her arms on yours, she catches herself before she topples completely and you stop entirely. Helping her right herself, you wait for a moment, before slowly, very lightly, beginning to guide her again. But the damage has been done. She can't look anywhere near your face anymore. She knows a lot of the other dancers are looking towards you both. Her footwork is even worse than when she started. This is all terrible. You know that soon she'll fall over, you'll fall over, everyone will begin to drop things, the band's instruments will fall and the world will end.Have you ruined a princess's birthday, y/n?
There's always next year.Ask her if she wants to continue after she had a moment to recompose herself or just sit back and relax. Make light of the situation by joking how this reminds you of the time you first started dancing and how difficult it was(Which is a dirty lie), but you kept on practicing anyways. Then tell her she'll be a great at dancing one day.
>>19280577Nein, ask her if she would like to start over or something.
>>19280577Nisn't this like that moment where we were practicing with Siobhan?
>>19280724>>19280729Your suggestions do not serve to return that state of awe and almost happiness that the Princess had attained, but she calms down, taking heavy breaths, as you come to a stop and ask her what she would like to do. What little you can see of her face is now the scarlet of the Vanthanian flag. Not that you can see much, for she is staring at your feet"I think I should like to sit down, now..."She replies with more steadiness than you have ever heard in her voice. That is how much she does not want to be on the dancefloor.>>19280732Hey, if you think you can save the dance, I'm all ears.
>>19280812"of course"Follow her to the throne, chair, whatever
Maybe she needs some time to get used to us before we try again.Follow her to the throne.
>>19280893She doesn't take a seat on throne, rather opting for somewhat would draw less attention towards, a seat in the corner where there are fewest spectators. With a walk that had her still teetering lightly on her feet, she navigates through the couples deftly and you manage to follow her. Although you would both, no doubt, prefer this retreat to be secret, you can see that you are drawing the attention of every couple you pass. Most look at the Princess with an expression of concern. Some already look prepared to lynch you. Siobhan and Eames, however, do not notice. As you pass them, you note the intensity as they look to one another, and their lips move, making imperceptible words to one another. You can't tell if it's good intensity or bad intensity.But you can't stick with that for now. You are following a thoroughly downcast princess as the rest of the dancers return their focus to their own affairs, trying to not let the party die entirely. Appearances must be maintained, after all. Tessa drops into her seat with none of the grace of a princess and all the angst of a young girl. Her head low, her shoulders drooping and her form hunched over, she speaks in a voice meek as a mouse's. If it were not for the distance between you and the band, you would probably hear nothing at all. Instead, however, you hear:"... Princess Siobhan said you were a very good dancer. I should have told you that I am not."
>>19281009"Hey, don't say that, you did alright!You're just a little tense is normal."
>>19281065Also Seat alongside for her
Tell her that with everyone watching made you a little nervous too. And if she's willing, we can dance at a slower pace until we get it right, then try again on the dance floor.
>>19281073She casts a sideward glance at you as you take the chair beside her. There's a certain apprehension there. Which makes sense, of course, you're still a stranger to the girl.>>19281065"You do not have to try and placate me, Sir Thol." She lets out a heavy sigh, much too doleful for a girl who has just turned twelve. "I know the truth of things. I cannot dance well. I cannot play any instrument. I have trouble talking to strangers and I embarrass the court. I am simply not good at being a Princess...">>19281142"Please, Sir Thol." She glances up to you. You can tell it takes a lot of effort, but she levels her bright blue eyes on you in a fixed stare. "I could tell you were not nervous. You were... excellent out there." She shudders. Probably at the thought of how much she messed it up. Either that or she remembered the smile that threw a spanner in the works in the first place. "Thank you for trying to dance with me, though. Soon, my father will attempt to pull me back up, I am sure..."She starts to glance around. Clearly she's looking for an escape.
Well, I'm out of ideas. How would a Equius Nomad cheer someone up right now?
>>19281202"Well the Court surely seems to love you"get a drink of something, i'll probably get my head cut for this but"Say princess, as you know i'm a nomad, and i really never visited a castle...Would you kindly show this incredible place to a simpleminded Equius Nomad?"
>>19281404Sounds good, maybe even ask what life as a princess is like or whatever she is comfortable talking about.
>>19281339Not by sitting in silence for ten minutes. But that is exactly what happens. You can dance with as much swagger as you like, but when it comes to depressed little girs, you seem to be as useless as most parents. Tessa simply watches the dancers make the most out of the party, most of them seeming to have a jolly time even without the guest of honour being present.>>19281404Finally, you manage to say something. It brings something of a smile to the blonde's lips, even it is a doubtful one."T-they are obligated to love me." Such a bold statement from a girl so painfully shy, it surprises you. Then again, she says it whilst rocking uncomfortably from side to side.Indeed, you need that goblet of wine you pick up from the nearby table. Taking a sip for liquid courage, you ask for a tour. This time, she really looks up at you. Her moisture lined eyes blinking at you in surprise, her lips yet again fallen ajar, she takes a moment before glancing around the room, first from the dance floor, then to the front doors, then to the row along the corners and back of the room.
>>19281570"Of course, I can do that." She pushes forward from her chair, ensuring she is steady on her feet before she makes for one of the doors along the back of the hall. You follow along, realising you still have the attention of quite a few dancers. Indeed, the fear you will lose your head feels like a very real one. Before you reach the door, though, something else catches your eye. A flash of white, darting out from the dancers on the floor. Turning fully, you see the instantly recognisable form of the young Druid pacing quickly for the front doors. They are opened for her, and she proceeds unbarred. Soon, you see Eames moving after her, too.You turn back to the front. Tessa stands on the other side of the open doors, in the dim hallway, where the fading light of dusk enters the windows, adding a red and blue tint to the way. She looks at you expectantly.
>>19281581Follow TessaWe will talk to Eames & Siobhan later
>>19281581(And, alas, this is where I must end it tonight. Thread was five hours long and we didn't reach a hundred posts? Was I posting hella slow or did I choose an inconvenient time to start? Given that the quest is still young, I'm open to any critique or suggestions. If y'all would be better with me starting at a certain time, feel free to say so and I'd see what I can do. As for the next thread, I will attempt to be on Wednesday. If I am not able to start, I'll leave a post up declairng so. Anyway, I hope y'all have enjoyed how far we got tonight. I hope to see you next time for (hopefully) the climax of the prom! Til then.)
>>19281652you're not really slow since you write a lot for an update
>>19281652I think the problem is you were against some big quests.Like the Harry potter one
Why did the dance fail? I mean we passed all the checks, didn't we?Also, you should take best of first few rolls or something instead of average or we'll be mediocre forever.
>>19281735Nighttimes on /tg/ are busy, huh? I was thinking of running the quest much earlier instead. Like... 8:00/9:00 chantime. The main plus would be: I never work at that time, so I'd be running it much more regularly. But, for one, I got people who already play on this time and I don't want to lose you folks who are already supporting and making me enjoy the quest so much, and, secondly, I have no idea if a morning quest would be any more successful or not. Could even be worse.>>19281795Your charisma was too high. Your swag froze Tessa in place. Also, don't worry, average rolls won't get used for really important things like combat/risky situations. In that case, I will go for first or, if people post at the same time, highest of those.
>>19281851Opinions on this from anyone who plays the quest at the moment would be much appreciated. Whether you'd rather I start at this kind of time, you'd rather I didn't or even if you flat out wouldn't care, it'd be helpful to me. So feel free to leave answers and I'll check in the morning. But for now, I am off. G'night, folks.
>>19282014I'd say Night time is better.8:00 9:00 people seem to be asleepwell atleast i am i know that
>>19282014That time is more convenient for me actually, since it will be at 16:00-17:00 hours for me. Usually, the quest starts early in the morning, like 2:00-3:00 AM.Although, I noticed that the new time you're choosing is not really good for quests. ~18:00 4chan time usually is great for them. I don't know why so little participation was today.>>19281851Shame, there was such a big buildup for this event, like 4 threads, and it became rather mediocre. I was hoping for at least a successful dance.
>>19282057So yeah, i'm not really sure on the 4chan because apparently it changes between the computers that i use.But yeah, you could always give it a try on a morning One.
>>19282160>So yeah, i'm not really sure on the 4chan because apparently it changes between the computers that i use.If you have 4chanx installed, it automatically modifies the posting time to your local time. You can change it in the settings.
>>19282253Well it was that.Thanks
bumping
