The journey so far - http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Collective+Game%2C+Nomad+QuestCharacter 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 slowly open your eyes. You sit in the middle of a sunlit, colourful glade. The forest around you is otherwise dense, with canopies so thick that you cannot see a single ray ray of light pierce it, apart from the opening in which you now sit. A single thought resounds within you, that to move from this spot would immediately put your life in danger. But you decide to stand up and take a look around, anyway. As you move to stand, however, you feel something against your shoulder, against your body. It is a wooden carving of Siobhan, lifesize and full detailed. A serene expression rests on the soft, expertly shaped face, her eyes closed as her body leans into your side.You ease yourself from beneath the sculpture, standing whilst it sits, leaning against naught but air now. You move towards the edge of glade to get a better look at the forest. The gloom is too thick to see beyond, however."It's darkness, all around."You quickly turn to face the voice behind you. I place of the Siobhan sculpture, the Ram sits, looking as meditative and calm as always, his legs crossed beneath his tattered, moss green robe. The ram-skull he wears over his head is no longer missing a horn."It has been some days, Balanceseeker, since last we spoke. How are you bearing against the pressures of your fate?"
>>19466983"Hey Ram. I've seen better days"
>>19466983"Hello Ram, I've had better moments in my life"
(Woops, accidentally uploaded the wrong image for the first post.)>>19467001>>19467067"I hope you did not expect an easy journey, for that was never in your cards. When you decided to find the truth behind your tribe's demise, you stepped almost wholly into your role as Balanceseeker. It is a path that must be paved in suffering, that will make you the enemy of many that you meet, and will cause you to lose much of what you hold dear."The Ram raises a hand. Behind you, a path begins to open in the forest. The trees bend and creep to create an opening into the darkness. Two more appear, to your left and to your right."Three choices lay out before you, Balanceseeker. The truth remains the same, the darkness of this world and its machinations will surely become apparent. Fear not your ignorance, for it was our intention. You must come to the world with eyes that have not yet seen. This is also the reason that the Balanceseeker was always fated to be born a nomad of the Equius Reach, the spiritual domain of the Horse, where men and women live without roots. Do you understand?"
>>19467073"I think i got it"
>>19467119"Do you have anything to ask of me? What are the contentions that lie in your heart, Balanceseeker?"
>>19467130"Will Siobhan lose her druidry powers now that she broke her vows?"
>>19467130Would it be wise to free the crow?
>>19467141"I cannot answer that with certainty. The girl has clearly been shaken by the events of your journey, as well as the nature of her own predetermined fate. The vows she made were of the human order, unrelated to the Pact she has made with me. However, the Pact and her own abilities rely on her ability to stay faithful, to her purpose and to the philosophies that I have passed down to the humans of Homme. One might say that her vow of chastity was perhaps the greatest sacrifice a human can make, to forfeit the instinct to breed and create a family that runs within all mankind. It was a test of her devotion and one that she failed. The most powerful of my gifts, that which they have dubbed the Call of the Wood, requires a tranquil mind. If you fear that she will be unable to gain this teaching, this is what you must remember.">>19467170"That I cannot answer. I am not omniscient, Balanceseeker. Few Spirits are. I can point you in a direction, if you wish to learn many truths, but it will lead you far off any of the paths you have yet worked to find, and needless to say, I am not the one who can tell you whether it would be the correct direction for you to say."
"Do you have any clue on the Rakshasha?"
>>19467198"Will the King kill me for accidently asking Princess Tessa hand?"
(Wee, routers.)>>19467219"I will tell you this much: the Rakshasa are not the sole threat of this world. However, their resurgence and its alignment with your own coming can not be considered a coincidence. But I have said enough. As I told you before, Balanceseeker, do not press me to answer questions beyond your reach. I will confirm truths should you wish, but this is a journey you must make personally. Reliance on me will taint the role you must play, as the one who is influenced by all and naught. Now... it seems we are to be prematurely interrupted. The real world calls you, Balanceseeker. Be the one it needs."You awake to a start when a sudden, heavy knocking comes to the front door. The redhead resting on your shoulder awakes, too, blinking up at you as she eases off her perch. Confusedly, she glances about herself, before a deep red begins to fade in behind her pale skin."We fell asleep here..." She reaches up to her lips, wiping away a trail of drool with her sleeve. Her face grows redder still as she looks to the wet spot on your tunic. "Oh... I'm terribly sorry, Sir Thol..."(continued)
>>19467369Another knock comes to the door."Answer it quickly, before the others awake. I do not want to be found in this state lest people get the wrong impression." She stands, hastily making her way upstairs, to her own room. You open the door to find a well dressed young man with straw-like blonde hair and a serious demeanour. You recognise him. He is Lewil. Previously he was dressed like a Druid."Well met, Balanceseeker Thol," he speaks in a grave tone. "Sir Ystregard has sent you this message. It is of utmost importance."He hands you a scroll, sealed with a royal insignia. After you recieve it, he bows, before turning and making his way back down the garden path to climb on the horse waiting outside. Before you can inquire any further, he is off, riding throuh the Noble District.A door opens from behind. Eames appears, a cotton, night tunic dishevelled, his hair a mess and his glasses doing little to help his still half-closed eyes."Mornin', Thol... who was it...?"
>>19467372"Just a messenger Eames"Read it
>>19467372Why i have a feeling this is about this>>19467355
>>19467396"Oh?" Eames makes his way toward you, glancing over your shoulder as you break open the seal. "Not many people know that we're staying here. I wonder what it could be."Despite the haste and discretion the messenger delivered it with, you decide to read it in Eames's company anyway. It reads:"Kind regards, TholMy apologies to have Lewil inconvenience you at such a time, but I have sent him with news most urgent. There is little way to communicate this without telling it plain: King Edgreiss Itolstein II is dead. He perished last night at the hands of the Rakshasa, alongside Treasurer Thilbas Hestwell and Shepherd Berram. It appears they were ambushed within Castle Itolstein. Cardinal Vellor survived, but barely, and we are unsure if he will make it beyond the next few days."We have yet to release this news to the public, but I believed it right to inform you. The Rakshasa have been operating in the shadows of the city for months, committing murders against ambassadors, dukes and men of influence in the Five Western Kingdoms, now, but their attack comes at the time of your arrival. I believe this is no coincidence. I believe that it is here, in Vol Itolstein, that you are needed, if you are truly enemy of the Rakshasa. Please, meet me at two hours past midday. I will be waiting in the Knight's District. You will find Lewil by the barracks we emerged next to, last night. He will lead you to me. I hope you can deem this an important use of your time, and await your answer.Your humble servant,Emiel Ystregard"(continued)
>>19467498You and Eames re-read it, unable to let the information fully sink in at first."The King... I can't believe it. Perished on the night of his daughter's birthday. These Rakshasa are a most dangerous enemy." He shakes his head, before glancing up at you. "He's only giving you a few hours to decide... not to pressure you but... what do you think?"
>>19467503"I have to go, i just can't leave them alone, not after this"so much for staying just couple of days.
>>19467498Well shit.Poor girl must be a wreck.I say that we go there
>>19467552>>19467526I second this, We can't just leave now.
>>19467526"I don't mean to sound... well... it won't sound good no matter how I put it," Eames sighs. "Do you really think it's a good idea to get embroiled in this...? What do you think you can do here, Thol? You were travelling to Homme to learn more about your fate as the Balanceseeker. I'm not sure about this course of action...""Is everything alright...?" Siobhan reappears at the top of the stairs. She has changed into a simpler outfit than the dress she wore to the dance, back in her plain tunic and trousers.
>>19467688(Sorry posting is slow, folks. I can't emphasize how much BT's routers suck.)
>>19467688"The Rakshasa are related to everything that has happened so far. Homme isn't going anywhere, but I won't leave the Rakshasa to do as they wish here if there's any way I can help."Tiger warrior doesn't back down from a challenge! Besides, poor Tessa's going to be a mess, can't leave her in that state.
>>19467688Give message to Siobhan"I just can't leave them Eames" sighs "Tessa lost her mother 6 months ago, and on her birthday she lost her father?""Besides, the Rakshasa are guilty of not only murdering her father as it is of murdering my family. I'm not acting on revenge but the simple notion of justice""I'm not asking for you guys to wait for me either. I know you all have places to go, specially Siobhan. I just want one thing.Please do not go to Rooksland without me"
>>19467713"That sounds like the kind of plan I can get behind." All three of you turn to see Guin standing in the doorway of your room, covering a yawn with his hand.>>19467736Guin and Siobhan gather to read over the letter. Suitably, both their expressions change.The duelist looks a good deal more serious than you have ever seen him, whilst the redhead yet again feels the twinge of sadness over her features."Gods have mercy... poor Tessa and Regulus...," she speaks in a near whisper.Eames folds his arms, glancing off into the distance. He is clearly finding it difficult to argue with your standpoint."Justice... if you believe that to be your path, then what else am I to say? I do not believe that balance is found with rashness, Thol, but this is a noble cause.""But one fraught with dangers," interjects Guin, moving to take a seat in the lounge. He raises his legs, laying them across the table. "If we're staying here, Thol, you will want to be on your guard. They call this place the Den of Rats for a reason. The King's sudden death will not be seen as a tragedy by all, but as a political opportunity. We must be careful whom we break bread with."Siobhan chews on her bottom lip, glancing up at you with a new sense of vulnerability as you ask her not to proceed on her quest without you."I'm sorry, Sir Thol... I cannot wait. Perhaps you will find us in Homme, as I imagine I will have to train for some time, but my place is in the North. The same is not true of you."
>>19467736(Oh, and a quick correction, Queen Cattalinde died three years ago as opposed to six months ago.)
>>19467807Yeah my mistake"....fine" sighs "I know this may sound rash to many of you, but i simply can't let them ruin any more family. So I'll be leaving soon to meet with the adviser...when you guys will leave?"
>>19467801"I understand, I will pray for your success, but I cannot leave things as they are here."
>>19467801Also ask for Siobhan to please make a visit to Princess TessaPoor girl will need all help it needs
>>19467868>>19467880Eames and Siobhan exchange an uneasy glance. Clearly it is not a question they are prepared to face yet. Of course, when they realise that they are looking at eachother, they quickly avert their eyes to the opposite direction.>>19467898"Ah... yes, of course. I can't imagine what those children are going through at the moment. When you are finished meeting with Sir Emiel, return here so that we may all go there and show our support. After that... I am afraid we shall have to leave. As Guin says, the nature of governance in this country is... complicated. My presence would complicate it further. We will set out for Homme before sunset, so that we may reach Crassburg the next day."She gives a decisive nod, but clearly feels some hesitation still."Shall I come with, Thol?" Guin glances over the back of the couch. "You may need back-up. I don't know what sort of fellow this Ystregard is, but he's Vanthanian, so I assume he will attempt to get a little more than you bargain for."
>>19467954I still find that whole Eames and Siobhan thing really weird, felt like it came out of nowhere...But yeah, I agree to bringing Guin with us, best to be safe, and he's more familiar with politics than we are.
>>19467954"You can come Guin.i'll meet you here"
>>19468018>>19467993"So be it. Just to extra careful, I'll set myself up with a couple summon scrolls..."He stands and makes his way towards your room again, before stopping beside Eames."Ah... yes... I suppose since we won't have any time, I should teach you a couple basic Elementalism spells. There's no real replacement for a real teacher, but by helping you grasp the nature of the school in general, perhaps you will be able to pick it up much more easily on your own."Eames agrees, moving to follow Guin into your room. You are left with Siobhan."I'll... make breakfast for you. After all, I imagine you will have a very busy day."She leads you into the kitchen, immediately setting to making a meal that seems to consist entirely of potatoes and eggs fried into one big mash. Is there anything else you want to do in this time?
>>19468109"Say...Siobhan i talked with the Ram last night"
>>19468126"Siobhan what the Ram told you is that you have to have faith and remain calm."
>>19468126"You did...?" Disbelief flutters over her features, mixing with a slight apprehension. "I never realised you had such an ability, Thol... the Green Lord is the only Druid who can speak directly to the Ram. It's a very rare thing. Do you speak to the Spirits often?"She focuses on your breakfast, heaping the fluffy, golden mix of egg and potato onto a plate before opening the coolbox and retrieving some rashers of bacon which she adds to the pan.>>19468200"He said that...? Thol, I have trusted you thus far but... I find this to be farfetched. If you are trying to comfort or placate me after last night.... you need not worry. I will speak to the my lord, Arethos, in Homme. I will hear his judgements on the matter and accept what repentance I must."
>>19468210"It doesn't matter if you believe in me or not.But please remember this Siobhan. Remain calm and have faith on yourself"
>>19468210"If that's what you wish, just remember what I said."
>>19468238>>19468238"... I will try." She manages to reply, before turning back to you, a full plate of bacon, potatoes and egg ready for your consumption. "I will take the some to the others. Now eat up."She quickly makes her way out with two more plates. After eating, how would you like to pass the time before you leave to meet Emiel?
>>19468318Lets go read the Alchemy book, i guessI really have nothing in mind
>>19468318do some sword and shield practice.
>>19467993Glad to see I'm not the only one who think it strange. Then again Siobhan is young and full of hormones and so is Eames. Anyway, we should probably inform Cu of our intention yo stay.
>>19468381is OP still alive?
>>19468554He was complaining about his BT router earlier, so it's probably connection trouble.
>>19468554(Very alive. >>19468585 knows the deal.)>>19468355Apart from what you have already learned, the rest of the books contents seems to be based on the different Alchemy colleges and merchants around the country. There isn't much more that the book can teach you.>>19468375>>19468381Cu arrives with Siobhan downstairs as you are almost finished with your breakfast. It seems she has already told him about your plans to stay, for he is already wearing a stern frown."Well, Nomad, seems like we won't be getting to use those practise weapons any time soon, hm? Perhaps I'll be able to get a refund on the wooden dao, at least," he sighs, sitting down as Siobhan lays out a plate for him, too. He agrees to one last spar, however, and the two of you spend some time in the back garden of the house, once more moving through a slower set of motions with your blades. The training isn't particularly helpful in regards to sharpening your skills with the blade, but given the training you have been doing on the road, you feel an overall improvement to your dexterity. Perhaps it will manifest some use in combat or other practices.(continued)
>>19468616Noon passes. After a quick wash and a change into less pricey clothing, you decide to set out with Guin. Having walked back on the same path as last time, you easily remember the directions to the Knight's District. You cross the same bridge, passing the nobles as they move on their day to day business. There is a distinct murmur in the streets today, however."Everyone must be talking about the attack on the Palace," comments Guin, glancing from gathering to gathering. "I imagine the King and his advisors must not have been the only ones to perish at the hands of the Rakshasa. I wonder, however, what their intentions were in such an attack... any ideas?"
>>19468634"No idea Guin, i still don't get it them"
>>19468634"I'm not sure Guinmy guess is that they want to cause exactly what you said it would happen. Chaos on the politics of the country"
>>19468656>>19468753"Hm... I suppose I thought you might have been holding something to yourself. But I suppose that could be the case. It seems that all the murders in the city do have certain political ramifications. As far as I am aware, however, the Rakshasa have never shown alliegance to anyone but Asura. Perhaps they have changed with the times, too.... Well, it's a good thing we're staying in town, then. This is a good opportunity to learn about our enemy."Eventually, you reach the Knight's District. Aside from some local grocers and other kinds of merchants, it seems like the majority of buildings here are dedicated to housing and training, both for the guards of Vol Itolstein and for the Vanthanian military in general. After a while, you come to the barracks and, as said, you see Lewil waiting by the gates. As he sees you, he waves you over and you follow. Around the corner, close to where you emerged from the escape tunnel, you see a carriage, a simple affair as opposed to many of the much more expensive and noteworthy kinds you have seen around the city. Clearly, Emiel is trying to not draw too much attention. As you come closer, Lewil opens the door. The advisor sits inside, wearing the same robes he appeared in last night. His expression is, as usual, difficult to read, but take a note of surprise upon seeing Guin."Greetings, Thol. I must admit, I was hoping to speak with you alone. You trust this man?"Guin casts you a glance."If you'd rather, I could always wait out here.."
>>19468771"Guin you are going to stay with me here in the city right? if he is going to help me he should hear"
>>19468807"Well, yes, I suppose that's true." Guin replies after a few moments of thinking. Emiel does not seem terribly impressed. But after a while, they exchange introductions. Guin leaves out the part about being a duelist, calling himself only a disciple of Archmage Levestrus from Salemia, Aridotte."Ah... well, Thol, you do seem to attract a diverse cast of friends. Please, come sit with me." The advisor gestures to the seats opposite him. Despite the lightness of tone, he sits with rigidity, a discomfort starting to become noticable, one you had not seen before."Where to begin... well, have you come to a decision? Will you stay here in Vol Itolstein? As I said, I believe it is the will of the Spirits that brought you here. Your arrival has been perfectly timed with the first time our common enemy have taken action in public. Before we go on... I need your answer. Will you stay here in Vol Itolstein to help us root out this group of Rakshasa?"
>>19468876"I will do all in my power to help."
>>19468876"Yes i will, Emiel. I just can't leave the Rakshasa leave unpunished of it."
>>19468899>>19468900Emiel releases a heavy sigh."I am glad to hear that... if you will allow me to be candid, I will have much to do in the near future... we have to announce the death of the King and the coronation of Regulus. Of course, we will have many enemies in that proposal, for already there has been some rise against the monarchy amongst certain parties. As for His Highness, the Prince... well, naturally this has affected both of the King's children deeply. But I fear for his future. His mentor, Bentham Cutio, and I have been teaching him what is necessary of a king, but needless to say, we did not expect to have the burden thrust upon him so soon. Aside from that, we will have to answer to the Oak Table, who will want an answer for the death of Shepherd Berram. And after all that, we will have to somehow find a suitable candidate to take the place as Treasurer."But forgive me, this has little to do with you. Your role... well, I want you to find the Rakshasa in my stead. Lady Voxellus has committed herself to join you with the Prince's permission. Of course, I will be doing all I can to prepare you against them and we will use every resource possible and look into whatever leads we can find. I believe Regulus already intends to knight you for your bravery in protecting his sister, I can only imagine he would reward you much more so for your help in these matters. Ah... I hope you will forgive me again, but I shared the knowledge of your identity to His Highness, Cutio and Lady Voxellus. We five..." His eyes dart to Guin for a moment. "..., or six, will be at the center of this investigation. Since last night, the gates to the city have been closed and all eyes are being kept on the outer walls. We have the Rakshasa trapped, now all we need to do is find and destroy them. So... do you have any inquiries?"
>>19468980"I was just curious, hows the princess handling everything?"
>>19468980Aww yeah. We tiger knight now!
>>19468994"The princess...?" The question catches him off guard for a moment. Needless to say, that was not one of the queries he was expecting. A slight frown tugs at his lips for a moment as he shakes his head. "The news was too much for her to bear. She fell to a spell of fainting... since then, she has allowed no-one but her own handmaidens and her brother into her chamber. She has always been a frail child, the distresses she has suffered have done much to impede her health. I imagine she would take well to your concern, though, Thol. It is very kind of you to show such."
>>19469042"Poor Girl...Say Emil, did we manage to capture any one of them alive?"
>>19469042>>19469069Wishful thinking but yeah let's pray they did
>>19469069Again, he shakes his head."Worse than that, we were unable to recover any of their bodies. They had a team on the outside surrounding the palace with their fire whilst they carried out the attack. They had the attack perfectly co-ordinated to the layout of the Palace. They had their own ways in and out, which we are still trying to find. It was all we could do to defend ourselves. But given that they didn't simply murder everyone in the court, it was clear they had certain targets. Since you have agreed to join our cause, it will not do any harm to tell you... we strongly believe that the Rakshasa have an ally within high society. Someone of influence, even. And... that is why we will need you especially.""Wait a second," Guin finally speaks, sitting upright. "Thol... they want you to serve as bait!"Emiel's features tighten, is brow dipping, but he remains silent before looking back to you. Clearly, he does not plan to deny it.
>>19469116sigh."What do you want me to do Emiel?"
>>19469116Of course they would want to it's not like they want to use one of their own. No big surprise so I guess don't act surprise at all. Are they at least going to give us any real backup or only a token effort?
>>19469124"The news of the Lolua tribe's demise is spreading, Thol. As of now, the public is unaware that there is a sole survivor, but there are many eyes and ears within this city. I am sure there are certain circles already knowledgable of your existence. If we can have you present in our court, then we will be able to divine whom they might be. And I am certain one of them will lead to the Rakshasa. After all, who would show more intrigue than those who have tried to murder you in the past?">>19469137"Of course, we do not plan to simply feed you to our enemies. That is why, from tonight, if you allow it, I will begin to train you in the ways of Soulchemy."The term is vaguely familiar. Regardless, Guin seems suitably impressed.
>>19469171"Sorry Soulchemy?"
>>19469171(And that's where I'm going to end it for now. Sorry the thread's been a little slow, folks, I hope everything will run a lot more smoothly next time. Speaking of next time, next thread will be Friday morning as the usual time of 8:00-9:00 chantime. I hope to see y'all there as we conclude what could be called the first arc of Nomad Quest and dip into a new chapter of intrigue, murder, politics and more princesses.)
>>19469222We just can't get enough of Princesses
>>19469222Sorry I had to leave early man but thanks for the quest
>>19469222Nomad Quest: Princess EditionEverything is princesses!Thol: PrincessEames: PrincessCu: PrincessPrince Regulus: Princess
forgive the exceptionally late post but I wanted to bring up those other nomads of the raven that swore to kill Siobhan when she turned north, if she and the others haven't moved on yet we should bring this up to them just so they are aware of the threat.
>Spend the entire day looking at Catalog for the familiar picture of Nomad quest>Don't find anything >Think that OP decided not to run quest today>See someone complaining about quests again>make a search for 'quest' on catalog to see how many are running>Nomad Quest has been on for 11 hoursI TOLD YOU, PRIESTUSE THE SAME OP PICTURE ALL THE TIME
