>>Previous threads can be found at: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Sorceress%20Quest>>Character sheet and artifact list can be found at: http://pastebin.com/Fk0iR5bN>Fate Points: 1>Signature spells: Summon Elemental, Control Magic, Soulfire>Funds: Medium>Location: Jormungandr, Kobold camp, Sirius ProvinceTwo dual, competing forces invade your senses, swelling around from belowdeck in the Jormungandr- In Marigold's cabin, it seems. One force is a powerful, rushing form of life magic, running wild and free. The other, however, is much more sinister. A corrupted, putrefying form of life magic- something that sickens you and almost brings you to your knees with the very stench.Something is very, very wrong, and you hear something whisper the word 'G a r e t h' from behind you. . something that you vaguely know you chose to forget.
>>19711606Oh dear, the wanderer did something to her, didn't it? Run down there as fast as we can, get Grayson if possible. Please oh please let us be able to talk her down from whatever is happening.
rolled 1 = 1>>19711606Dammit Mar this is what he's aiming at, trying to divide and make us go against each other.Which I'm quite alright with.>>19711630>Oh dear, the wanderer did something to her, didn't it? Oh yes he did, he visited us. That's what he did.
You rush below deck- Grayson is with her, so she shouldn't be in direct danger. . When you slam open the door to her cabin, what you see makes your blood run cold.Grayson is standing on the other side of the room, somewhat wary, and Marigold is standing there, pale, and trembling. Both of her hands are bloodied, and in her hand is a small, iron dagger, stained with blood."Don't distract me." She said, turning the knife inwards again. "If I wait too long, I'll heal and have to do this all over again."She plunged the dagger straight into her heart, and you feel another pulse of the dual life forces. Marigold bites her lip hard enough to draw blood. She reaches into the wound on her chest, and with strength you didn't even know she had, she tugged at something from inside of her. You hear a crack, and she gurgles, and a portion of her own rib clatters to the floor.
rolled 68 = 68>>19711678Teleport the knife away! If that fails, try to grab her hand to prevent her from doing, well, whatever she's doing."Marigold, stop! What are you doing to yourself?"
>>19711678Oh god she's tearing her heart out...
rolled 97 = 97>>19711678Oh for fucks sake. After this is over we'll just throw her to Sirius because god dammit.You know, if she does get it out, we should do the fusion thing. Oh wait, it only worked for her so well because healing magic, nevermind.Just... stop her. With magic. Soulfire preferably, has least chance of actually hurting her.
Shes removing the ankh, using her own magic to heal herself as she does so. But shes doing it out of fear... so ya stop her.>>19711737Nice roll.
rolled 99 = 99>>19711678"WHAT. Marigold, STOP! What do you think you're doing?! You can't take the Ankh out! You'll die! Are you even thinking? If the Wanderer is Vanko, then what would the Wanderer have to gain from himself being denied a host for the Ankh? If Vanko is the Wanderer, then why does Vanko even need the Ankh if he's already got a body outside of it? Put that dagger down! NOW! You listened to the rogue, AGAIN, and now you're tearing yourself apart! Literally! He's played your paranoia like a fiddle!"Slap or magic that shit out of her hand. Possibly with a pure magical AHNALD inflection on the "PUT THAT DAGGER DOWN" remark.
>>19711754>mfw 99 to channel the power of Arnold Scwharzenegger to magically aid our intimidation roll
Damn, we rolling good today.
It willl bite us in the ass later.
>>19711754I must disagree on knocking the dagger out of her hand.
>>19711796Oh no doubt. Wait did you mean that in the way that it will be a bad thing?
Thinking quickly, you Move the dagger away, and note that it's the same dagger you had taken from Ragnarok. It vanishes from her hand, and she just. . trembles there for a moment. Another pulse of energy surges from her, and suddenly her rib had been returned, and the flesh is rapidly healing. Soon enough, her wound is completely unblemished. . but her hands are still stained with her own blood."Marigold, stop! What are you doing to yourself?""I will not be used!" She cried. "I'm taking the ankh out. If you won't do it, then I will.""If the Wanderer is Vanko, then what would the Wanderer have to gain from himself being denied a host for the Ankh? If Vanko is the Wanderer, then why does Vanko even need the Ankh if he's already got a body outside of it?""He made me take up the ankh, remember?! Because of you!" She said, suddenly pointing at you. Crimson droplets roll down her wrist, and her eyes are bloodshot. "He's using me so that Vanko can talk to *you*!"She looked down to her wound, and snarled."Do you remember the rogue's tenants? Any of them? 'A hand in the shadow to push, and a hand in the light to pull'. Or maybe 'what you make them see is more important than what you hide'. You're giving into his plot."
>>19711842"Calm down, the worst decisions are made in haste." Close in, slowly, and hold her. Let's buy some time.
>>19711842"If I am...then I don't care! You remove that ankh, then you'll die. You'll die and I will be the only one left from our world, please don't do that to me.""If it bothers you, then I will never talk to Vanko again, and you can stop him from talking through you, I know that you're strong enough to do so."If she seems calm enough we should hug her."Stopping his plan is not worth it if you die. If I am trapped by his plan, then I will fight my way out, just as I have done before. I won't let him control any of us."
Didn't you hear him Marigold? His scheme is already complete... Vanko and your part is over. However perhaps I can use you both instead and foul his next move. If he thinks to use me as a pawn he will be sorely mistaken. If I am going to be a part of this game of his it will be as a player... a queen.
>>19711842She needs a hugEmbrace and then contact Vanko, we need a way to transfer him out without killing our cousin or she'll do herself in.
>>19711842"That's what he does. He plots. He schemes. He sows disunity. That's what the Rogue always did. And you're surprised that he's trying to drive a wedge between us now? You were manipulated once already. Somehow, that turned out far better than it should have, and we gained a powerful, wise, if harsh ally and Azariel was unfazed by his death; the Rogue's plan failed. Now the Rogue's managed to manipulate it to suit his ends with this nonsense. Don't you see? This is what he wants. He wants you to be needlessly paranoid. You're the hand in the light, Marigold! Whether you're with him or against him, he's banking on you acting for him, tearing us apart. I don't know what use he could have for me talking to Vanko- they seem to be enemies, and what use could he have for his enemies uniting?- but we have to make the best of this. Calm down, Marigold. You think I didn't feel used when Eidolon manipulatd me? Just before we reunited? I did. It felt awful. It felt worse when I put a brick through his skull to stop him, and he was trying to kill me! You don't have to feel that. Vanko isn't an enemy, he isn't a madman or a monster or whatever the Rogue is. I don't trust him much, but you'd trust the Rogue over me? Marigold, please. Please."Hug the shit out of her. Hugs make everything better. In fact, make it a tacklehug. Also, avoid being stabbed with rib-bits.
>>19711842"I think... I think Vanko knows where his... the thing the Wanderer wants is, and is trying to use me to get it. If that's right, we can avoid working to his ends."
rolled 33 = 33>>19711842"You're acting just like he expected! He wants to drive us insane and go against each other, can't you see that? He WANTS you to rip it out! Why else would he do this?"
"If I am...then I don't care! You remove that ankh, then you'll die." You say, holding her close. "You'll die and I will be the only one left from our world, please don't do that to me."She took a deep breath, closed her eyes. . and then opened them, and spoke in a cold, inflection-less voice."Was Vanko the one who told you that? Because that's what he told me; that I'd die if I removed it. He wants to keep his agent in place, no doubt."
>>19711987No, Vanko wasn't the one who told me that. The Heart told me that right after you touched it before either of us knew Vanko existed.
"No, Vanko wasn't the one who told me that." You say. "The Heart told me that, right after you touched it. Before either of us knew Vanko existed."". . Then. . what is your theory? Why would the Wanderer want to give me the ankh?" She asked, hugging you tightly."I think... I think Vanko knows where his... the thing the Wanderer wants is, and is trying to use me to get it. If that's right, we can avoid working to his ends.""What if the wanderer doesn't want that 'thing'?" She asked. "I won't take the ankh out, but. . just think about it, okay, Ishelda?"
rolled 14 = 14I want to confirm a theory. Scry who opened the very first demon portal into our world.
rolled 66 = 66*sigh*
>>19711987"Vanko's dead. From what I know of this 'Game' of theirs, that means he's lost already. Plus, you're implying I even CARE about the game. What does it matter if these overtly-powerful, dimension-hopping nitwits think we're their 'agents?' Marigold, I've talked with numerous experts and scholars before even knowing Vanko existed in the Ankh, some of whom are still with us now. They have all confirmed that's the truth. You're acting crazy because you don't want to be on anyone's strings, I can understand that, but by doing so you are on the Rogue's strings. If I can get Vanko out, Marigold, without hurting either of you, I will. But if I can't, then you'll have to live with one another. I won't see any of my friends hurt. You, the big scaly buffoon of a ghost locked up in that trinket, or anyone else. Now, give me a hug."
rolled 20 = 20>>19712078>>19712087Need some help? Nat 1's, GO!
>>19712077I will.
>>19712089You should get something for your browser so that it updates automatically instead of posting late.Also I'm surprised that no Bad End from that Nat1 has yet appeared."Don't worry about it, Aunt Ishelda'll take care of everything."
>>19712077"The Wanderer was far too desperate to not want it. He called it 'his face,' right? Wouldn't you want your face back if it was stolen?"
>>19712125I refreshed plenty! And then I post RIGHT as Exabyte posts. Every time. 'Tis like clockwork.
"The Wanderer was far too desperate to not want it. He called it 'his face,' right? Wouldn't you want your face back if it was stolen?""Unless he tried to... reinforce the idea that he wants it. Because he knows that if he threatened you, you would refuse on principle." She said, and pressed her head into the crook of your neck, closing her eyes."I'm thirsty." She said.
rolled 34 = 34Do you need blood?>>19712078Rolling for scrying again just because.
There have some blood
>>19712157Stroke her hair, offer to get some water.>>19712169Let's not ask that question outright, but if it's what she needs, we should volunteer some.
>>19712157"... Oh, bother. Please don't bite my neck without asking, the Ankh needs life force. Or normally it does. Since you're such a prodigy with life magic it doesn't normally need anything beyond what you produce. All that expenditure must've worn you and it out, and now it needs... Eugh. Refueling."
You stroke her hair. "Do you need some water?""That would be nice." She said, pulled and sat on her bed, drooping her head. "Just promise me that you're not going to talk to Vanko again. Okay, Ishelda?"
rolled 16 = 16>>19712157"No, impossible at this temperature. Besides, it's too warm."
rolled 14 = 14>>19712223>quoted old post when meant to quote new oneSilly me.
>>19712213I seek to speak with him anytime soon, and if I need to I'll let you know the reasons behind it.
>>19712213"Not without your okay I won't. I promise. I just wish you'd told me it was so stressful for you earlier and I would've tried to find another way to talk to him besides entering the Ankh directly. Just know I'm not going to abandon him completely, I was just getting to know him, after all! I could never walk out on either of you. I'd be a terrible friend to do that."
>>19712234will not^
>>19712213Well you have control over that anyway.
>>19712213It might be the only way to find out how to remove it, but I won't if you don't want me to.
"Not without your okay I won't. I promise. I just wish you'd told me it was so stressful for you earlier and I would've tried to find another way to talk to him besides entering the Ankh directly. Just know I'm not going to abandon him completely, I was just getting to know him, after all! I could never walk out on either of you. I'd be a terrible friend to do that.""It's not stressful for me at all." She said. "In fact, you just close your eyes for a moment and then you're back. That's not the point. The point is that. . even if there's a possibility I'm right, no matter how slight- whatever he tells you will help the Ro- Wanderer."She sat there, trembling, head in her hands, as you went and got her a glass of water. When you return, she's still there."There are no gods, are there?" She asked. "Just us insects, pretending we're more."
>>19712213"Of course cousin."Get some water, but make sure Grayson keeps an eye on her.
>>19712282I wouldn't go as far as saying there are no gods, and I certainly wouldn't call our kind, elves, humans, hobgoblins, orks, and all the rest, insects.
>>19712282"Don't give up Marigold. Our magic has shown that there are other worlds out there, maybe an infinite amount. Maybe there were gods, but they left because...because we longer need them. We are strong enough to stand on our own...YOU are strong enough to stand on your own."
>>19712282"Marigold. The Rogue was real. He was every bit as much of a scoundrel, cheat and liar as the orthodoxy said, mind- apparently the cults proclaiming him a dashing yet dastardly yet honorable fellow were wrong- but he was real, and he's definitely well above any human I've seen before. There are gods. Clearly, the good ones are simply indisposed while the bad ones are mucking about. The two are, unfortunately, probably related. That's why we have to keep fighting beings like the Wanderer, for the good of everyone. There's always hope. We're living proof of that."
>>19712282"Maybe there are, I don't know. You know I was never one to pay attention to religion, and 'insects?' Where's that coming from?"
rolled 68 = 68I don't know if there are gods or not. The Wanderer may have been the Rogue or maybe he simply used his name.But we aren't insects. We aren't insignificant. >>19712078Scrying again. What can I say, I'm a bit stubborn.
rolled 4 = 4>>19712282"I don't know, you were always the more religious one of us."
"Maybe there are, I don't know. You know I was never one to pay attention to religion." You say, "And, 'insects?' Where's that coming from?""Arcturus fell, didn't it?" She said, and took a sip of water. "Can I- Can I be alone for a while? I need some time to myself."
rolled 66 = 66>>19712375"Yes it did. I don't see the connection you're trying to make.""Alright. If you need to talk or anything, come find me."
>>19712375"Of course. But Marigold? You are so much stronger than you know. You don't need the Rogue, or the Wanderer...get some rest, okay?"Leave and have Grayson stand guard outside the door.
>>19712375"Marigold. It fell, but we carry on its legacy. We're doing great things for this world, now, and will only do more and more. The demons are gone from Arcturus; the astral fire elemental saw to that. There may be people left. It will recover. And when we've finally brought peace here, and smited those miserable fiends, we can go home. Don't lose hope just because of this. We'll get that miserable cloaked git!"
rolled 67 = 67>>19712438>The demons are gone from Arcturus; the astral fire elemental saw to that.We don't know that, lad.Most likely they're still there, locked in an eternal battle with the elemental.
"Of course." You say. "But Marigold? You're so much stronger than you know. You don't need the Rogue, or the Wanderer... Get some rest, okay?""Okay." She said."If you need to talk or anything, come find me.""I will."You leave Grayson just outside her door, and as soon as you leave. . you hear her start to sob.Above deck, the kobolds are mostly unloaded, your companions having helped them and kept them cohesive."Boss." Feegul said, bowing low. "We'd like to thank you for bringing us back to our home. I would write you a song, but. . ."
rolled 49 = 49Give him a ring, Tell him to keep in touch and if they need us to use it. As for their songs perhaps one of them would like to travel with us.
>>19712462"Oh, I'd be delighted to have a saga, but I've hardly begun! Just keep it in mind for when I do something truly great. Though, I suppose every story needs a beginning. I'd be honored if you'd be willing to listen to my tale so far. If there's anything you need in return, name it, Feegul. I'd be happy to help; your village is a bit in need of sprucing up, and I think I can try and fix that."
rolled 55 = 55>>19712462I bet this is the point where he asks to come with us so he can make the song because he can't make a song of such small thing.
"But?" You ask."You have no song at all." He said. "Your power. . it has no song. Any songs we sing of you would be. . empty."He shrugged, then bowed again.You slip a ring out of your pouch, and give it to him."Keep in touch, and if you need me, use it.""I will hold it, then, boss." Feegul said, and stepped off of the airship.Immediately, in celebration, you see the kobolds arrange an impromptu tea party.You've taught them well."Where to now, lady?" Ell asked.
rolled 25 = 25Lets go drop off the kids>>All rolls shall be for scrying dang nabbit!
>>19712514Get that map up, let's see where we haven't gone just yet on this part of the world, we need to exhaust every option before we make our way to the other side, though maybe see the Venerable King and Queen first.
rolled 44 = 44>>19712523Lemme reroll that scrying action for ya.>>inb4 I can See Forever
>>19712514Er, Orcs or dropping the kids off. Which one's closer?
>Your current location is the little red dot east of Sirius City
>>19712514"What now? We round up the last of the Kalak, troublemakers notwithstanding, and see to it their race survives. We promised Azariel as much and we need to keep up with the wasteland cleaning anyways."
>>19712543TO THE UNEXPLORED CONTINENT!Wait, no. To Orc lands to drop off... what were we going to drop off? And to tell them Azariel's dead, and get their input on the warped lands. then to the unexplored continent.
rolled 79 = 79>>19712514"Feegul. One day, I shall come back. Until then, there must be no regrets, no tears, no anxieties. Just go forward in all your beliefs and prove to me that I am not mistaken in mine."Now, let's scry them Kalaks we're supposed to get for them kids.
rolled 6 = 6I say kids first.>> Im inviting a bad end aren't I?
>>19712543Rest of the Kalak then to the next continent.
We're not picking up the rest of the Kalak, they're perfectly fine on their own and Azariel can still pop up and speak to them if he wants to, we're just trying to find one of them to drop off the kids like we promised.
>>19712543So, kids is closer? The Orc capital is the rightmost circle and the Kalak we were meant to find was in... Neptune? Maybe. I don't remember.
>>19712579We weren't dropping anything off, just going to tell them Azariel's dead.>>19712589Screw the rest of the Kalak. Finding Nieriel, or whoever, sure, sounds find. Last time the compass pointed to Venus, or so we think. Let's see where it points now.
>>19712609We're not actually sure where she is. The compass spun a lot, then pointed to the north west, the closest location of note in that direction at the time was Venus.
"What now? We round up the last of the Kalak, troublemakers notwithstanding, and see to it that their race survives.""Uh. . .do you know where Neiriel is? Or Sardriel? Those two have been missing since Uriel died." Raziel said."No, but. . I can find out." You say. You close your eyes and scry.Venus City- a city full of soldiers, all in light armor, with long cutlasses and crossbows. You see. . four hobgoblins, held in stockades in the city center."Couriers? Is that what you're calling yourselves?" The High Lord Venus says- an old, scarred man, hot hatred burning in his eyes. "Liars. Liars, thieves, scoundrels. Murderers." He tells the hobgoblins. The hobs stand resolute."Kill them." He says, and soldiers move forward."No!" A woman cries- one in a white robe, with a long staff. "They've done nothing wrong!""And who." The high lord says. "Are you?""I am. . I'm Neiriel. A healer.""Arrest this woman. I won't have goblin sympathizers in my city." Venus says.Your scrying fails, and fog clouds your vision. You pull away, and your limbs ache.
rolled 70 = 70>>19712650Venus City needs us. Stop the murders.
>>19712650HELLS TO THE NO'S."Damnable, blasted... She's in Venus province. And she's been arrested for speaking out against the execution of hobgoblin couriers. Ell, we need to get back there. Fast. Translocation fast. Can you do it without harming yourself?"
>>19712650Well that seems urgent. Let's go that way. Fast.
rolled 91 = 91Rolling to give Ell a boost.
rolled 93 = 93Hah my rolling for scrying constantly worked to preserve the good rolls!>>Back to trying to scry
rolled 85 = 85>>19712650"Well. Looks like we're heading to Venus City to stop some murders and spring Neiriel out of jail, among other things."
>>19712700>Scry>93Wha-
>>19712664>>19712685Time for LUDICROUS SPEED!
>>19712700>Scry for what? Keep in mind, even scrying has it's limits."Damnable, blasted... She's in Venus Province." You say. "She's in Venus Province. And she's been arrested for speaking out against the execution of hobgoblin couriers. Ell, we need to get back there. Fast. Translocation fast. can you do it without harming yourself?""I can try." He said. "But I'll need more power."Gehenna stands. "No worries. I can help.""As can I." You say, and bring your magic forth."Okay. . Let's do this." Ell said, and put both hands on the control crystal. The compass started spinning wildly.Gehenna started chanting, and you feel translocation energy pulse from him. You bring your magic forth, and feed it into Ell. . The world twists, and suddenly you're. . nowhere. In absolute dark. For a moment, the stars twinkle down at you. . Everything is cold, astoundingly cold. You see a massive *something* made of some strange steel, flying above you, red bolts of lightning shooting out from behind it, the word 'Slepnir' written on the side. . .And then you're flying above Venus City, instantly recognizing it from your scrying. The white-robed woman is wrestling with the armed guards, and doing so unsuccessfully.
rolled 32 = 32>>19712748Well let's descend from the ship (Magic), and say hi.Curtsy to guards, miss Neiri, "Greetings, I am Queen Ishelda of Old and New Arcturus, I need to speak with Neiriel. It's... about her father and his birds."
((Sorry I was trying to scry to who opened that very first portal to our old world to let the demons in. Could be I am wrong but I find it suspicious that the Wanderer picked up Marigold and THEN the demons came. ))
>>19712748Wait, isn't Gehenna the time one? If he can do teleportation as well why'd he have to risk using the Fell earlier?>Anyone who gets what 'slepnir' is has gotten a hint about my next quest.The only thing I can think of with Viking spaceship names at the moment is the ATF from the X series and I don't think they have a Sleipnir.
rolled 99 = 99>>19712801No, they don't have a Slepnir.
>>19712748>SleipnirWe just encountered Dave, didn't we?
>>19712801He's not doing the teleportation, he's just helping "push"
rolled 30 = 30>>19712824Or doing timey wimey stuff of sorts.
>>19712801>He's just assisting with the energy- he used to do it with his brother. He can't control the teleport very well, however."Greetings." You say, the ship descending. You curtsy to the wrestling guards and woman, and they turn to look at the rapidly descending ship."What is this?" The high lord asks."I am Queen Ishelda, of old and new arcturus. I need to speak with Neiriel.""More sympathizers." The high lord said. "Soldiers, fire!"Arrows are quickly drawn back and fired, and they deflect off of the Jormungandr's shield."What are they doing to my people?" Redglare asked, wearing his enchanted cloak.
>>19712836"Not being very forgiving."Fire a warning shot? If he won't listen to reason maybe he'll listen to his arrows bouncing off our shields harmlessly while we fire our massive new magic cannons.
rolled 15 = 15>>19712836"Sirius said you were grumpy, but I never expected outright hostility. Really, even [that cold bitch who is Kristopher's sister] has better manners."
rolled 50 = 50They hate them. So they wish to kill them. Move the hobgoblins \ Nierel to the ship.I am sorry Lord Venus but I cannot let you start a new war on the barely cooled ashes of an old one. The hobgoblins deserve peace and the slaves they took will be freed, reperations will be paid in land.
>>19712836Time to pull out the awful sailor-talk we heard from some of Pappy's knights and bawdy songs. Because unlike all the madmen villains we've fought so far, Venus isn't mad. He's just plain stupid. Ishelda does not like stupid."That is incrediblyunwise, High Lord. I'm going to be frank here; you are FUCKING my peace efforts! Now, lay down your arms, and we'll talk this through rationally. Else I'm going to have to turn you into a magically-sparking smear on the pavement, because you really are ruining my day.">>19712868>>19712874I'll second these, too. Particularly the warning shot.
>>19712874Lady Cerulean should do.
>>19712836"They are being close minded fools, but please, hold yourself back. Fighting will not change anything here, I wish to try diplomacy first."Then call out."My lord, I wish for there to be no quarrel between us, just a simple diplomatic chat, if you would be so kind."
rolled 16 = 16>>19712891>Warning shotYes, let's make them fear, and then they'll send an army. Not the best way to start the talks, you thick skulled horse heads.
Does Kristoph know Venus? Could he help stabilize his?
>>19712891>Ishelda saying 'fuck'Eww, no.>>19712912Where will they get the army from? How is this army going to fly after us? We just need to pick up the chick and the gobbos and go. Teaching them not to randomly open fire on us is a good thing.
>>19712891>>19712868Are you TRYING to restart the hostilities between the gobs and human? No warning shot.
rolled 36 = 36I say ixnay the warning shot. He will likely take it very seriously.
"Not being very forgiving." You murmur."My lord, I wish for there to be no quarrel between us." You call. "Just a simple diplomatic chat, if you would be so kind.""Tch." Venus says, then sighs. "Stand down, men. Keep the healer on hand. You, girl, meet me in my hall. Let's hear your *diplomatic chat*." He said, and turned directly around, his fur cape swinging behind him, as he walked into the citadel.
rolled 4 = 4Actually let me rewrite that >>19712874"Oh, marvellous. You're going to kill me. What a finely tuned response to the situation. He's being very close minded, Redglare. Really, Lord Venus, Sirius said you were grumpy, but I didn't expect outward hostility. Even Cerulean had better manners than you."
>>19712952>restartThey haven't finished yet. The humans are executing the goblins' peace envoy for fuck's sake.
rolled 44 = 44>>19712971Yes, it's not called "restarting" in that case. It's "making it worse".
>>19712967Meet him. Be prepared for shenanigans or double-crossery.
>>19712967We did stop the execution, right?
>>19712982>One shot from somebody who isn't even a goblin is going to have a significant impact on the relationship after thousands of years of fighting and slave raids
rolled 94 = 94>>19712967Ooh lovely, I wonder if there'll be tea.Don't want to keep the grumpy meanie mclordie pants waiting
>>19712967Follow behind him with Redglare as a body guard.We have our armor and Rikar equipped right?
>>19713011It would prevent us from negotiating by putting us firmly on Venus's "enemies" list. The guy is clearly naturally hostile after years of war.
With Ell's assistance, you set the airship down directly in the courtyard- The hobgoblins are still alive, so you may have delayed the execution. The guards swarm around the airship, but they don't try climbing on."We'll need to leave some people behind." Redglare mentioned. "Or if things go wrong, they'll take or destroy this ship.""From what little I know. . he doesn't like magic, animals, or anyone of another race." Kristoph said. "Or women. Bigoted idiot." He said. "I recommend we don't bring an army with us, or he'll see it as a provocation to start something.">Who do you bring?
rolled 17 = 17>>19713053Grayson's always with us, uh... I suppose Kristoph.
>>19713053Will he notice Redglare with the cloak? If so, then bring Kristoph only as a guard.
>>19713053armor and rikar thats all
Not Redglare. That will make him hate you even more. Take Ell or Gehenna. We can use that translocation ability to escape if needed. Everyone else stay to defend the ship..
>>19713053Kristoph and Grayson would be good choices but...>armed knight and large Dire Bear brought to peace talksnot sure if threatening.
>>19713053Ourselves and Grayson. Nothing more.
>>19713053Kristoph, he should be recognizable as the Lady Cerulean's brother, and a honorable knight.
>>19713037Which is why we didn't do it. And not because it would 'restart the hostilities between the gobs and human', which is stupid.>>19713053>magic, animals, anyone of another race or womenThat pretty much excludes everyone except Kristoph, doesn't it? Unless the Kalaks all want to turn into human blokes.
rolled 12 = 12>>19713091Fine, let's take only Kristoph then, because xeno politics, of which he's been most involved of the group.
"Introducing, Queen Ishelda, of Old and New Arcturus." Kristoph said, bellowing like a herald, and the two of you walk into his hall. Kristoph in full armor, helmet, with his blade on his back, while you wear your enchanted armor, and Rikar sits on your hip."I know, don't get your panties in a bunch, kid." The high lord tells your knight. To Kristoph's credit, he keeps his poker face- most likely aided by the fact that his helmet hides everything but his mouth and chin from view."So." The high lord said, interweaving his fingers. "Who the hell are you, and why are you distracting me? In case you haven't noticed, there's a war on, girl."
>>19713129There doesn't have to be though.
And it will continue to go on unless you are willing to listen. Those hobgoblins were telling the truth. They wish to end this war. They have already sent envoys to the elves, the lizardmen and I bet the orcs as well. They are setting the slaves free and are giving out land as reperations.
rolled 85 = 85>>19713129"I thought war needs two opposing parties. Really, Sirius said you have a temper, he didn't say anything about shooting visitors from the sky."
>>19713129So you want to go into war with race that has gigantic numbers and battled demons for thousands of years?
>>19713129"I am Ishelda, queen of Arcturus. There is a war only because you insist on continuing it. We" indicating Kristoph and ourself, as opposed to a royal we, "have seen the state of the hobgoblin lands. They have no further cause to raid, the greater foe has been removed from this world. They have been fighting so long that all they want now is to discover who they are."
>>19713181I think he realizes we're queen, it's already been said a few times now.
>>19713129"I'm aware of it, the Hobgoblin proxy war. Slavetaking raids and such. The labor was necessary to hold back a tide of demonic monstrosities by way of maintaining an impossibly large line of defenses and a wartime industry. That, however, is done with. I've dealt with the threat for the time being and the Hob people are free of their burden. The slaves are being released, reparations of land are being made, and the Hob are preparing to eke out a simple, peaceful existence as subsistence farmers while they attempt to figure out their new, unshackle existence. They rather don't have a culture thanks to living and dying holding The Wall for the past few centuries. You, however, didn't listen to the envoys and instead endeavored to have them killed. In addition, you've attempted to imprison a person of great importance to me. I'm here to prevent both of these irritations."
>>19713202I think he is too stupid to realise that
>>19713168He doesn't know anything about that. Actually he's so clueless that he actually thinks the Gobs were waging war on him when all they were really doing was conducting slave raids.
"Not anymore. I ended that war."
"I am Ishelda. There is a war only because you insist on continuing it. We have seen the state of the hobgoblin lands. They have no further cause to raid, the greater foe has been removed from this world. They have been fighting so long that all they want now is to discover who they are. Those hobgoblins were telling the truth- they wish to end this war." You say. "They've already sent envoys to the elves, the lizardmen, and I bet the orcs as well. They are setting the slaves free, and are giving out land as reperations.""So you've come here to say the same crap that the healer came to tell me. And the goblins themselves." The high lord said. "Fuck it, you came in on a flying orcish ship and you speak with honeyed words. I'll believe you once- and only once the human slaves arrive. Until then, the war is still on. I've regained too much to let the gobs take it away with some clever trick. There, message delivered. Now get out, girl."
rolled 61 = 61>>19713260I think about showing this fucker wall and how they were holding it
>>19713260"I'll shuttle the first wave myself if I have to to prove this, you stubborn oaf. Now. Good day to you, High Lord. I assume we have an understanding and the prisoners will remain safe, unharmed and very much alive. I will return soon with the first wave of freed slaves."
rolled 89 = 89>>19713260"You do know it takes time for them to organise all that, with what just being freed from centuries of war against beings who destroy worlds on a regular basis. It would happen faster if they had help."
>>19713296Naw, it'd just be called trickery. He doesn't trust magic.>>19713260Let's expedite the return of the slaves, at least as many as we can carry on the Jormungandr.>>19713310Leave out the "oaf" comment. Just because he's rude doesn't mean we have to be rude in turn.
rolled 34 = 34>>19713260you dont even know how pathentic is all army you have in comprassio to goblin army now farewell
"You do know it takes time for them to organize all that, with what just being freed from centuries of war against beings who destroy worlds on a regular basis. It would happen faster if they had help.""Then go help them." The high lord says. "You're telling me to send my own men to *help* the monsters who have kidnapped my people? Tch, silly girl.""Watch what you say, " Kristoph says, in barely restrained anger. He takes a step forward. "and remember who you speak to.""Right, right, a queen of a kingdom so small it isn't on any maps." The high lord says, dismissively.Kristoph grips his sword, but you raise a hand, and he lets go."I'll shuttle the first wave myself if I have to to prove this. Now. Good day to you, High Lord. I assume we have an understanding and the prisoners will remain safe, unharmed and very much alive. I will return soon with the first wave of freed slaves." You say. You turn around, and leave the hall, the lightly-armored guards watching you and Kristoph leave. Soon after, a courier runs out of the hall and talks to the guards holding Neiriel. They let her go, and she approaches the airship, meeting the gangplank at the same time as you."I see you expedited my release." Nieriel said. . then gave the hobgoblins in the stockades a worried look. "But what about *them*?"
rolled 10 = 10>>19713386"They will not be harmed, at least that should be so, until I get the first freed slaves from Hobgoblins back. Now, Nieriel, we must talk about your father and his... birds. In private, would be preferable."
>>19713386He says he'll let them go once the freed slaves start coming in.
>>19713386"Assuming the High Lord does not go back on his word, they'll be fine. Now, our introduction is a little off, so let's start over. I am Queen Ishelda of Arcturus. It's great to finally meet you, Nieriel."
"Now, our introduction is a little off, so let's start over. I am Queen Ishelda of Arcturus. It's great to finally meet you, Nieriel. They will not be harmed. . At least that should be so, until I get the first freed slaves from the hobgoblins back." You say. She sighs in relief, and follows you onto the Jormungandr."I'm pleased to meet you as well." She said, and nodded her head. "Now, Nieriel, we must talk about your father and his... birds. In private, would be preferable."". . This doesn't have to do with The Game, now does it?" She asked, a wary look on her face."Neiry!" Dariel called, and ran into her, hugging her tightly.She relaxed immediately, patting him on the head."Nevermind." She said. "I know what this is about."
rolled 40 = 40>>19713487"My apologies, but... it may have. Az is dead. Well, dead and a spectre bound to his seat, but still dead. And I suppose I'm in it as well, at least Wanderer's been hassling me enough to make me feel part of it."
I'm afraid the tower is no longer safe for them. Azriel asked me to take them to you after he died.
"I'm afraid the tower is no longer safe for them." You say. "Azariel asked me to take them to you after he died.""I see. . ." She said. "After he died? Then that means. . . Raziel is here. And if Dariel is here, so is Kaliel. All three female kalak that exist in the world are here. I'm.. not sure what to think about that."
>>19713584"I'm not either."
rolled 32 = 32>>19713584Waggle eyebrowsafter a moment of rambling/blushing/something from him, chuckle a bit, "I suppose Mar has brushed on me somewhat."
>>19713584"Is it that different from when you were all at the tower?"Should we go find a dark place inside the ship and summon Azzy for her?
I just had a thought on how the Kalak may escape extinction. Kaliel might be able to do something. If she can create entirely new creatures out of normal ones whats to say she can't create two Kalak who are mindless and use them to produce eggs.
"Is it that different from when you were all at the tower?""Entirely." She said. "Because we were never all at the tower at the same time. But with Azariel's death. . I suppose the tower is lost, the knife is lost. . the warped lands are lost.""Not at all." Raziel said. "The warped lands. . are no longer warped."Neiriel looked up."Well, they're not entirely repaired yet... but they're on their way."A light entered the newcomer's eyes, and she smiled widely. "There is hope! Glorious day!"Her eyes twinkling, she looked over to Raziel. "I need to speak to Azariel... alone. Is that. . possible?"Raziel nodded. "Possibly Just go belowdecks and say his name.""I see. I will take my leave, then." She said, and went below.
>>19713701Or we could transform anything that's alive into Kalak. For instance Kristoph.
>>19713731Or Raziel!Is she still in human form even though Zeke hasn't been around for ages?
>>19713744>>Yes, she is.>>19713731>Not really viable- his resistance to magic would no doubt complicate things.
>>19713799Can the male Kalak turn into say... an Orc, and go around knocking up Orc women, and have them lay eggs?
rolled 12 = 12>>19713807Doesn't work that way, they'd be Orcs.
>>19713811Can they turn an Orc woman into a Kalak woman and have it work that way?
>>19713799I forgot about his resistance. But the idea is still viable. Just find some homeless people and offer them good money if they'll transform and have sex with some bird people.
>>19713825I'd do it.
>>19713825>ThisIsMyFetish.jpg
"Lady, we'd better get into the air." Ell said. "These soldiers are looking awfully impatient."You nod, and he taps the control crystal. the airship shudders, and takes to the skies."Where to now?""The human slaves." Redglare said. "I want the couriers free. Ell, take us to. .this island." He said, and tapped the map with a single finger. Ell nods, and reattunes the compass."Unless you have issues with that." Ell said, turning to you."I hate him." Kristoph grumbles to Raziel. "Messengers come, and he puts them in the stockades? What kind of person *does* that?!"
>>19713701Oh god, mindless Kalak rape slaves.
>>19713912It clearly needs to happen, Kaliel isn't quite creepy enough with just the cutting up small animals to make frankenstein monsters and mindraping people.
>>19713899Someone whose hate overcomes reason. I can sort of see his point; if the demons came to me trying to sue for peace I'd spit in their faces. But the hobgoblins had a very good reason for doing what they did so we just have to get him and others like him to see that.>>19713912Better then forcing the 3 remaining females a life of being broodmares.
>>19713899"Either a stupid oaf or a man of hardened heart. I'm banking on a little of both, leaning towards the latter."
rolled 1 = 1>>19713962you must mean former, not latter.
>>19713976OH GOD WHAT HAVE YOU DONE
rolled 93 = 93>>19713976>second Nat1>still no signs of the first badend>hoping but won't happen another one
Good thing you weren't actually rolling for anything
rolled 27 = 27>>19713994he dident roll for anything a thinkbut still rolling just in case
>>19713976Nope, his heart's so hard that it somehow attracts the void queen, who kidnaps us. The end.
>>19713976>>19713994>>19713998>>19714006>I don't take rolls, nat100s or nat1s, if they aren't being rolled for anything."Either a stupid oaf, or a man of hardened heart. I can sort of see his point; if the demons came to me trying to sue for peace I'd spit in their faces. But the hobgoblins had a very good reason for doing what they did, so we just have to get him and others like him to see that." You say.Kristoph frowned. "He's a fool." He said. "But. . I think you may be one too. If anyone sues for peace, you should at least hear them out. Anyone. Monsters, nightmares, demons, undead, even mutants. It doesn't matter who. How can peace begin if you don't want to talk to your enemy?"Raziel gave him an. . inquisitive look.
rolled 4 = 4>>19714043Pity, I like seeing badends, even if they happen to make our inevitable confrontation with Void Queen that much harder."...mayhaps he and I both have something to learn, then."
>>19714043"I... I suppose that's true. But what intelligence have the demons shown? They burned Arcturus without batting an eyelash, and left nothing. Took nothing. They just destroyed for the sake of destroying. They aren't like the Hob."
>>19714043"Well, there is total annihilation of the enemy... I'm joking, of course. You have a fine point, Kristoph.""What's on your mind, Raziel?"
>>19714066Yeah that cloak singularity really added to her cause.
rolled 87 = 87>>19714102Yes, it did, now she has a Singularity Cloak. It looks good on her, with what her void motif
>>19714117There's no way we can fight that kind of fashion sense.
>>19714102>>19714117>No doubt, it's one that makes her look like the BBEG. Black, swooping, and you can see a starry night on the cloak's surface."I- I suppose that's true. But what intelligence have the demons shown?" You ask. "They burned Arcturus without batting an eyelash, and left nothing. Took nothing. They just destroyed for the sake of destroying. They aren't like the Hob.""There are more things in this world than anyone has ever seen." Kristoph said. "And there are more worlds than this. Today, they might be mindless. But who knows about tomorrow?""You make a fine point, Kristoph. . . What's on your mind, Raziel?"Raziel shook her head. "Nothing really. It's just. . Nieriel looked odd when I told her about the warped lands. Acted odd." She put her hand to her chin. "I think she's pregnant."
>>19714145"That's a good thing isn't it?"
Something tells me Ishelda is about to come down with a case of baby-hysteria.I'm getting 'nam flashbacks of my sister's high-pitched screams as she told them she was pregnant.
rolled 58 = 58>>19714145Blank few secondsSqueeBegin rambling about party, baby shower equivalent, the usual baby things also clothes and stuff and who's the father and squeeing. Lots of squeeing.>>No doubt, it's one that makes her look like the BBEG. Black, swooping, and you can see a starry night on the cloak's surface.>Black, swooping>swoopingSwooping is bad. We'll be in worse Hell than the Demons could ever throw at us when we meet her.
>>19714175Its human most likely. Probably why she was so hesitant about being one of three Kalak females as well.
>>19714185*sister's friendsI was so distracted, I accidentally a whole word.
>>19714175ThisTo neriel "Pregnant much? Details."
>>19714188>>19714185These.
>>19714188this
"That's a good thing, isn't it?""Of course!" She said. "Neiriel always wanted hatchlings. That's probably what she's talking to Azariel about. I'm just a bit concerned about how the shapeshifting will effect things.""Speaking of shapeshifting. . " Kristoph said, turning to Raziel. "Why are you still in human form?""Well, uh. . " Raziel started. . . then turned her back, looking over the edge of the airship at the water below. "No reason. It's comfortable, that's all."
I thought you said it was uncomfortable.
>>19714251"You're still trying to charm Ezekiel, aren't you? You're trying too hard. I think that the human form is making him downright heebie-jeebied out. Have you considered just... Talking to him?"
rolled 26 = 26>>19714251>no squeeing or baby-madnessAww.Raise an eyebrow, perhaps a small smirk.>>19714292Ezekiel kind of, you know, left the ship some time ago.
>>19714292Oh, because I'm a git, modify some 'is's' into 'was's.' What with Ezekiel not being here anymore and all. Proper tense is important.
"I thought you said it was uncomfortable." You say, raising an eyebrow."I got used to it." She said."You're not still...""No, I'm not." She said. "I've already given up, like I said."". . I'm rather lost." Kristoph said. "So, uh, I'll let you two talk alone."He shrugged, and stepped away, putting his helmet back on.Raziel quirked her lips. "I figured I'd give Kris a try." She said.
>>19714251Shrug at kristov behind her back. "Six limbs was confusing for me, but I would imagine you miss the wings."
>>19714359"Oh you dog you!"
>>19714359Oh. Well that shouldn't be too hard.
>>19714359"Well, he did find you quite attractive before, but then you shot him down. Just make sure you love him before you do anything. And make sure it's reciprocated."
>>19714359"Would his, uh, immunity cause any trouble?">>19714363She already didn't have functional wings, she sacrificed 'em to resist the radiation of the astral fire.
rolled 78 = 78>>19714359"Good luck with that, you're going to need it with what going against Mar and all."
>>19714388I know, I was hoping to elicit a reaction in front if K.
"Would his, uh, immunity cause any trouble?""I'll be able to find out." Raziel said, and gave you a mischevious grin.Marigold has rubbed off on her, you think-"G A R E T H" Something hisses in your ear. It cuts off your train of thought.Whatever the voice is, it's reaching out. Reaching out to something. . nearby.Something below deck.
>>19714459Fuckin' RUN!
Follow that voice.
>>19714459GET OFF MY SHIP WANDERER
>>19714459"Shut up Gareth!"
>>19714459Let's go check on Marigold. She's had some time alone.
rolled 55 = 55>>19714459How about making it quiet and pushing it deeper.
>>19714498Don't say it's name! It's like Candlejack! Say it's name a
rolled 19 = 19>>19714459Tell the voice to fuck off. In our head of course. It'd be just weird to say it out loud. Throw some magic behind it and hit it with a power word or somesuch.
>>19714459Try to follow it, most likely to Marigold's room.
You follow the voice's goal, running below deck, and screeching past Nieriel and Azariel's shade, skidding to a stop in front of Marigold's room."No." You hear Marigold's voice. "Shut up, I'm not talking to you.""G A R E T H." The strange, disembodied voice whispers again. It reaches out toward Marigold. You open the door, and she turns and looks at you. . with Vanko's eyes.
rolled 13 = 13>>19714534VANKO IS THE WANDERER! Quick! Teleport into orbit and magic-nuke the ship!
>>19714534And then Marigold was Eidolon
>>19714534"I believe we had an agreement not to speak outside of The Truth, Vanko."
Is Vanko bothering you Marigold?
>>19714534"Marigold, if you are still there, come back to me. Vanko, if it's you, please go back, I promised my cousin I would not speak to you."
>>19714555And ask him how the flower's going.
rolled 52 = 52>>19714534"Hello Vanko. I kind of promised my cousin to not speak with you with what Wanderer messing with us and all. What's the occasion?"
"I believe we had an agreement not to speak outside of The Truth, Vanko." You say.Whatever it was behind you. . whispers again, and Marigold's eyes twist, and turn back normal. Her eyebrows meet in confusion, and then she stands."He. . ran." She said. "Like he was scared of something, when you walked in."
>>19714602"Something's not right here."
>>19714602"I think whatever caused it, is also the cause of the disembodied whispering I'm hearing. Then again, maybe I'm crazy." wave a hand dismissively.
We really should have pitched the thing into deep space, or something. Like where Ragnarock put the lizardmen.
>>19714602Well I am pretty scary when I'm mad.
rolled 8 = 8>>19714602Push the nothingness behind our head up into space. It's nothing but a pocket of nothingness. It cannot be accessed, it cannot be seen or touched or messed with except by magic and only we seem aware of its very existence. Give it a poke of magical force and send it careening into the endless void. Enough with the dang whispering.We'll just have to hope no planet, person or other being happens to hear its annoying whisp-G A R E T HWHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT
Apparently its an excellent dragon detector and it will let us know if the wanderer shows up, I say we keep it.
rolled 68 = 68>>19714642I'll back this.
rolled 41 = 41>>19714618This with "Everyone knows that anybody remotely interesting is mad in some way."Also let's just, you know, push it deeper and make it shut up
rolled 31 = 31>>19714642Why do the dice scorn us so?
You suddenly have a mental image of Vanko recoiling from you, absolutely terrified. You don't remember seeing him like that.. strange."Something's not right here." You say. "I think whatever caused it. . is also the cause of the disembodied whispering I'm hearing. Then again, maybe I'm crazy.""Disembodied whispers?" Marigold asked. "What is it saying?"With a force of will, you try to push the voice away. To push it into the sky, far, far away. . Something behind your head twists. . And a mask clatters to the ground.All of your magic is suddenly gone, and you fall to your knees, your arms and legs aching. You strain to move. . but you can't."What. . What's this?" Marigold asked, picking the mask up."Gareth? What's that?" She asks.
>>19714632thats a good idea, but we forcibly forgot everything relevant, so I'm not sure we'll ba allowed to.
>>19714673Awwwwww shit.
rolled 57 = 57>>19714673NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPENOPE IT OUT OF EXISTENCE
>>19714649Yes. Also what if Marigold's crazy conspiracy theories are right and we need it?
rolled 55 = 55>>19714685Rerolling for it.
rolled 50 = 50>>19714698YOU'RE ONLY MAKING IT WORSE
rolled 77 = 77>>19714699SO ARE YOU!
>>19714699WE HAVE NO MAGIC ANYWAY ROLLING IS POINTLESS
rolled 59 = 59>>19714705THAT'S BETTER BUT NOT ENOUGH TO NOPE IT OUT OF EXISTENCE. NOPE HARDER.
rolled 46 = 46>>19714673Oh dear. Let's see what'll happen, though on instinct let's try and port it away from her except we're out of stamina or something so let's drain them spheres from armour so we can do something and then throw it back deeper into where ever the hell the thing came from
>>19714673Aw cocks.
rolled 33 = 33>>19714713I'M NOPING AS HARD AS I CAN!
rolled 11 = 11Well crap. Rolling to put it back into nothing space.
The mask.The word.The conversation with Vanko. . .All of it snaps back, your memory freed from whatever shackles it was held back in.You have to. .You have to destroy the mask. Gareth's face.You reach out with your magic. . but it's feeble. Accidentally pulling it out of the pocket dimension you put it in must have drained most of your power.No wonder you can't move."Ishelda?" Marigold asked. "Are you okay?"She ran over, and helped you to your feet."What is this mask?" She asked.
>>19714673Fucking Marigold, always triggering the dangerous ancient artifacts. When will she learn?
>>19714732Oh, well things seem fine. I guess the Wanderer is about to pop in out of nowhere and steal it, though. C'est la vie. Let's drain magic from the ship so that we feel better. No need to roll for it, what with magic controlling power.
He wants it. And hes coming now. I need power.
rolled 59 = 59>>19714732"Dangerous. Very dangerous. I need to... send it away."I propose we use our fate point to get it the fuck away from us.Alternately, rolling to draw power from whatever we have to hand, and moving the mask back to where we found it originally.
>>19714732I DON'T KNOW I THINK ITS HIS FACE WHY DID YOU SAY THE WORD YOU'RE NOT MEANT TO SAY THE WORD
>>19714751You don't need to roll to drain power, controlling magic is one of our signature spells.Actually, is the sun up? Let's just take it from all these damn flowers, or kell.
rolled 6 = 6Rolling to put it into a place where even we can not reach to pull it out.
rolled 60 = 60>>19714732"Don't say it, don't say his name, it's what he was here for, he's coming for it, he'll be here any second since it's now here and his noun was said"drain magic from everywhere we can in an instant, then throw the fucking mask away into the depths of wherever the hell it was, and forget everything
rolled 78 = 78>>19714763The roll isn't for the drain itself, taht's just part of the process of recovering energy, since we're damn near out.
Wait wait wait, guys. The only one who told us not to say it's name is Ragnarok, and he said only Eidolon was allowed to say it's name. Maybe the world won't end.
"He wants it." You say. "And he's coming now. I need power.""Right." She said. "Grayson!" She called. The bear trundled in. "Get Ishelda to the airship power core."The bear starts to drag you off...You see Marigold take the dagger she had been slashing at herself before, and bring it down on the mask as hard as she possibly could.The blade shatters."I need Rikar!" she says.
>>19714732Fate point time to annihilate it. Utterly. Such is the force of /tg/'s NOPE.
rolled 20 = 20>>19714732"Shhhhh! I need to get rid of it immediately or else we're all doomed!""Don't touch it!"Rolling to Port it back to wherever we got it from.
>>19714789I don't want you shattering Rikar!
"I don't want you shattering Rikar!" You say.>FATE POINT VOTE INITIATED>Use it to destroy the mask?>[] Yes>[] No
>>19714789Isn't the ship infused with power? We should be able to just touch any area on the ship and grab it. It's wired with Orchicalum after all.
rolled 29 = 29>>19714789"Won't work while he's alive, he's coming, even Rikar wouldn't scratch it, it's part of him, hide it"
>>19714809I thought you said not even true magic could destroy the mask? Anyway, I say no.
>>19714809If we do use fate point, it would destroy Rikar, obviously.Very hard choice.
>>19714789It won't work, vanko tried to destroy it for LIFETIMES. I need to send it away
>>19714809We're destroying the Wanderer. We can't do that without a little help at this point because I fucked up horribly with that 8. Fate point. His face will be buttered.
rolled 87 = 87>>19714789"It's indestructible! Rikar will just break! We can only hide it!"The Fate Point won't destroy it because even True Magic doesn't affect it, according to Vanko.BEGONE WITH YE MASK! BACK TO THE ABYSS FROM WHENCE YOU CAME!
>>19714809Yes
>>19714809No. What if we're invited to a masquerade? We won't have a mask any more. Plus its indestructible even with sorcery and artifacts so what's a fate point going to do? And nothing bad's happened yet. Maybe nothing will.
>>19714809I'll say no, I don't want to lose Rikar.
>>19714831Rikar is worth so much to us, both in usefulness and sentiment.Do not spend point.
>>19714825That's what Vanko said. That he had no success with it.>>19714809I'm still inclined to say don't destroy it, but I'll back the fate point usage.
>>19714842NO, do not use it, we have a high enough roll to port it away.
rolled 49 = 49>>19714851>And nothing bad's happened yet. Maybe nothing will.King of all pic related, it's here, it's been seen, the noun has been said, what the hell makes you think he's not coming?
You reach out with the last, remaining whispers of your power, and take hold of the orichalum cable. Power infuses you, and you push yourself to your feet. Your muscles still ache.You feel something coming closer, something reacting to it's name."Won't work while he's alive." you say. "He's coming. Even Rikar wouldn't scratch it. It's part of him, hide it!"Marigold takes the mask. . and slides it under her bed."Gareth." The mask speaks. aloud. Not a whisper. Whatever is coming, is coming faster.
>>19714873Maybe Marigold was right and he was going through all this trouble because he doesn't want the mask. Yep. Marigold's always been reliable and sensible so far.
rolled 18 = 18MOVE IT TO A RANDOM PLACE WHERE NO ONE SHALL TREAD.
>>19714878Fate point to cast it to the ass-end of the multiverse. BEGONE, ACCURSED POSSESSED MASK. YOU ARE A TIRED CLICHE AND ARE NO LONGER WELCOME HERE.
>>19714878>slides it under her bed>not on her as we're going to the power core to get magic to throw it awayWhat are you doing you stupid girl
>>19714903>Low role>Teleport it into Void Queens hands.>Maniacal cackling heard across the multi-verses.
rolled 39 = 39>>19714903Might be worth it since I can't roll for crap
HEY, WE ROLLED TO PORT IT AWAY! PORT IT THE FUCK AWAY EXABYTE! RIGHT FUCKING NOW!
Can we stash it in R's hiding place? We rolled a 100 to find it, so we should know where it is.
>>19714842THIS ROLL EXABYTE! THIS ROLL!
Hey Gary, I think the creepy mask thing wants to talk to you.
"What are you doing?!" You ask, getting up. You run over, slide under the bed, and grab the mask.With exertion of your own magic ability, you slide it into the pocket dimension that it had been hidden in before. Your head swims.. . And nothing else happens. Gareth doesn't tear through a portal, he doesn't appear with a whirl of a cloak. . You sit there, prepared, for a full ten minutes.Nothing happens.At least, until Marigold vomits up the ankh. It clatters to the ground, and sits there, motionless."Urgh." She says, holding her head.
>>19714941Jerk away "What in the-! What happened?!"
>>19714941"...what." Grab a bit of cloth, wrap it up.
>>19714941Are you ok?
rolled 35 = 35Well crap. I think the Wanderer won that one. Vanko is now in the mask.
>>19714941"Oh dear. Marigold, are you alright?"Bind the Ankh in cloth. Rush to support her. Make sure she doesn't die.I think we might need to talk to Kaliel about giving Vanko a new, nonsentient host. It's perfect. He gets a body and can sort-of-live, and he doesn't have to piggyback on Marigold.
>>19714941To the truth!
"What." You say, taking some cloth and wrapping the ankh up. You feel tinges of illusion magic through the fabric."He. . showed up. Vanko did." She said, taking a drink of water. "He searched my memories. . and heard that word. Then he was gone."
>>19714941How big is the Ankh?Cause It would've hurt to vomit it up if it was the length of a baseball.
>>19714972Yes I'm willing to assume this as well, with what her putting it on her face and all that, glance and I mean fucking glance, remove Mar's memory, regarding Gareth and the Mask, then Arcturian Mind Meld with the Ankh and talk with him.
>>19715000"Gone? Gone where?"
rolled 5 = 5>>19715013Well before this let's try and see what the Illusion Magic's doing
>>19715000>illusion magicAnd I thought I didn't know what the fuck was going on before.
rolled 72 = 72>>19715019Not with that roll though
rolled 94 = 94Rolling to find what the illusion magic is doing as well
rolled 95 = 95>>19715036Where were you 20 minutes ago ARGH!
Oh now your just mocking me.
>>19715032>>19715036>>19715065I fucking hate you /tg/ dice.
rolled 42 = 42I wonder if for some reason the ankh and the mask are disguised as eachother...now for the why...I have no idea...
You close your eyes, and reach out with your magic, trying to feel for what the illusion magic is doing. . And then you end up in The Truth.Vanko is an empty shell, lying there, the frayed ends of the illusion magic easily tugged. You tug one end, and Vanko's leg twitches.The illusion magic is The Truth itself, you realize.
>>19715114Vanko is a puppet?! Holy shit, Marigold was right!
Marigold was right, Vanko is the Wanderer. He was using us to find out his name all along.
>>19715114.....FUCKVANKO IS NO LONGER INSIDE THE ANKH! HE IS NOW INSIDE MARIGOLD!
>>19715114What happened to our seed?
>>19715114Get rid of it. Purify the Ankh.
>>19715114"What is going on?"
Makes me wonder what the hell is the Wanderer, if even the Truth is afraid of him
You check The Truth, looking for anything special- But there's nothing but the empty shell of Vanko, the world around, and the raw, hastily severed ends of the illusion. No seed. So you pull away, and tear the magic away from the ankh. The illusion fades, and once again, it's simply coldly glinting."Marigold, you were-"She immediately vomits blood."Urgh. . ." She puts a hand to her own chest, and bathes it in life magic. It's calm, and powerful, just like it was before the ankh had infested her.And then a flower bursts from her chest.Oh, right. That's what happened to the seed.
>>19715114The question is, was Vanko a fraud all along, or was this the only way Vanko could present himself? Or both, and he was in fact a tiny lizard but was not merely a puppet of the Wanderer?In any case. Figure out where Vanko is and whether he was ever real. Dismantle The Truth, for it was evidently a lie.
>>19715184I'd be hard pressed not to laugh, just a little bit.
>>19715184But it wasn't a real seed. That doesn't seem healthy. Unless you're a troll.
>>19715184"Well that doesn't answer anything at all."
>>19715184What.Burst into laughter. We should probably remove it though...
>>19715184I WAS RIGHT I WAS RIGHT
Ookay.. lets go grab Bubbles and ask The Mind and The Heart what the flying fuck is going on.
"Well, that doesn't answer anything at all." You say.Marigold coughs again, and tugs at the flower's stem, tearing it out of her. She falls to her knees, and you feel another pulse of life magic, steadily growing, white magic streaming from her back.And then, quite suddenly, it stops, and your cousin falls into slumber. You close your eyes, and gently sense her with your magic- She'll live, for now.You realize you have no clue what the fuck is going on. Your memory may be back, but that answers *nothing*.
>>19715240And the crazy bird lady, she has the looking glass, and she'd find this hilarious.((I'm cracking here, wtf is going on?))
>>19715266MIND! ! ISHELDA! GARETH! VANKO! HEART! BY YOUR POWERS COMBINED, I AM CAPTAIN EXPOSITION. SERIOUSLY, WHAT IS GOING ON, SER BUBBLES? I AM VERY CONFUSED.
>>End of thread 34!>>My twitter is @futureexabyte>>And I'll stick around to answer questions!>>Feel free to theorize!
>>19715266Tuck her into bed, ask Grayson to keep an eye on her and be soft in her presence.
>>19715266Ishelda used fuck ... Even if that's just internal narration, this is serious.
>>19715311Is the ankh still vampire-in-a-can when used?Or would that be a spoiler?
>>19715184So Vanko never raised the flower? That bastard.
>>19715334That was what I was aiming for.
>>19715336Yes, it is. You may have wiped the Truth and Vanko, but you can't change an artifact's nature so easily. Not a spoiler, really.
>>19715311If we fuse with the Ankh will we have to drink blood?What's the climate like in the various places we've visited?
>>19715311Were living in the Bad End: Flower Golem, aren't we? I thought this would be a great way to annoy Vanko, why it have to kill marigold? I'm a monster.
>>19715311WHAT HAPPENED.I get the feeling that there was no danger, ever, at all, from The Wanderer, and this entire time he was just fucking with us. Trolling us hard. A flower burst from someone's chest for chrissakes! And he only plays the game for 'fun!' WE'VE BEEN HAD BY A BLOODY PORTAL-HOPPING JESTER! That mask? We never even looked at its enchantment. It probably does ABSOLUTELY NOTHING other than whisper "GAARREEETTHHHH" ominously. It doesn't quite explain how Marigold separated from the Ankh without being very dead, so evidently the Wanderer must have shored up her not-being-dead when that happened because the joke is no fun if it's marred by actual death. I don't... I don't know how to feel about this. This entire part of The Game subplot WAS A LIE for the amusement of The Wanderer!
>>19715382In addition, if Vanko was indeed The Wanderer then we basically just put The Mask back where ever he was keeping it stored in the first place.
>>19715435Truly he is a master in the arts of trickstery. I wouldn't expect this much out of the Runic Men's Orlaront.
>>19715435No, we put it back in our pocket dimension, not where we initially pulled it from.
>>19715435What if the wanderer is actually vanko? And the mask sealed him so he fears it?
>>19715464This- You put it back in the pocket dimension behind your head- This is an important fact.
Exabyte. What did you do THIS time?
So what happens when we fuse with the Ankh and then use our immortality to rip our heart out and replace it with the Heart and then put the Mask on?
>>19715507>Exabyte. What did you do THIS time?I'm- I'm not sure, exactly.
>>19715545>The ankh would regrow your heart, and shove Keledanis' heart out of your torso. Wearing the mask would do absolutely nothing.>But then again, when the ankh is implanted, it's positioned inside one's heart, so by tearing it out, you would no longer be immortal and you would die.
>>19715495Were you taking actions feom our suggestions? I had to skip over some because phone, but you seemed to be doing things we didn't say to do.
>>19715311>Feel free to theorize!You just want someone to come up with something that actually makes sense so you can steal it.
>>19715557Yeah. Yeah, we're fucked. Exabyte not knowing what we did is one thing. Us not knowing what Exabyte did is another. But NO ONE KNOWS WHAT'S GOING ON ANYMORE. I FEEL LIKE I'M TAKING CRAZY PILLS OVER HERE.
Okay, so, assuming Vanko was telling the truth, in so far that there was a dragon sorcerer that butted heads with the Wanderer long ago, then assuming that Vanko made the Ankh and implanted a copy of his conciousness in it, along with the Truth, before he truly died from pissing off the Wanderer...I have no idea.
>>19715579Yes, I was. In fact, a major, and possibly fatal event happened because someone suggested something and rolled an eight!>>19715586I already have something that makes sense, tee hee.
>>19715615Oh, right. So, having spent who knows how long in the Ankh/Truth, Vanko's fear of The Wanderer grew. Vanko wasn't the illusion, just the Truth and his form there in.Exabyte, the "magic streaming from Marigold's back" only happened after bonding with teh Ankh, right?
>>19715620Well. At least no one died, since Vanko appears to be either purely an illusion or nothing more than a lizard, maybe the Wanderer's rebellious familiar fancying himself as a wyrm. It could have been far, far worse, yes?I still think The Wanderer, AKA 'Gareth' was just fucking with us the entire time.
>>19715657>Yes, but something to note is that's also when Kristoph was magically healed.
>>19715681Now I just picture you watching us freaking out while rubbing your hands together whispering, "Good, good."
Vanko got so scared he killed himself, or tore himself out of Ankh.Now he's growing from the flower.
>>19715752>"Gimme dat mask or I'll open the demon portals again!">Vanko is going to live once more from the flower.>The draconic sacrifice will be lifted until we manage to put him down again and restore it.GAAAREEEEETHHHH!
>>19715781It's not living if it's a plant
>>19715817But what if...
>>19715781>>19715817>Plants don't count as 'living beings' for the purposes of magic. That's why you can't bring a troll from the dead, or even make one immortal via the ankh.
Any theory I can think up I almost immediately disprove.The only two that seem relatively possible is that:A.) Vanko is and always was real, and the 'puppet' was just a means of communication, and something's happened to him. (flower maybe)B.) Wanderer was just fucking with us.A seems more likely than B in my mind, because I can't think of any motivation for B other than "for teh lulz", and Exabyte is a better writer than that.There isn't enough information available to form a coherent, meaningful theory right now.
>>19715846I'm curious- what theories have you come up with, and why exactly do you disprove them?
>fun fact- I knew what was going on ever since the thread where you met Vanko.And when Vanko was introduced you said:>This is for you, dragonbroConclusion: Everything that's just happened is dragonbro's fault.
>>19715855>Not-so-fun-fact: I just realized I have NO IDEA how Eidolon knew about the mask>Eidolon>The Ankh>Eidolon had it>Eidolon known to create horcruxes in artifactsVANKO IS EIDOLON, EVERYONE IS EIDOLON.EXABYTEEEEEEEEEEE
>>19715899But Eidolon can't nor couldn't use True Magic
>>19715855>Digging for plotlines.>successful
>>19715916>implying "The Truth" was real>implying you know for sure he cant.>implying implicationsSHADDAP EIDOLON I'M ONTO YOU
>>19715899OH SHI-EVERYONE IS VOLDEMORT.
>>19715899We've known that everyone is Eidolon and Eidolon's behind everything for over 10 threads. Keep up.
>>19715855Well, my first theory was that Vanko was an unconscious construct of Marigold created to help her psyche deal with the fact that she was used to straight up murder a dude, and that everything but the vampirism was all in her head or an expression of her magic.But then, how would she possibly know about the mask? Vanko recognized it immediately upon seeing it, identifying it correctly as being linked to the Wanderer.My second theory was that Wanderer killed Vanko. But if that's true then what's up with the flower? And why is there this puppet illusion left behind? There's too many questions to really consider this a possibility.My third theory was that Vanko was another Eidolon ploy, but then why wouldn't he just have taken over Marigold, or even Ishelda while she was in the truth? And why would he be afraid of the Wanderer?
My theory is that Exabyte has an amazing plan, which one lucky guy will ruin with a nat 100. Or a brick.
Marigold pushes herself up. . and meets your eyes.Then she tears her own face off.And underneath. . is Eidolon.You chuckle.And then you chuckle louder."What?" Eidolon asks.You remove your own mask, revealing your true face to him.You're Eidolon too.>EIDOLON END- EIDOLON
>>19716029>Well, that theory is at least half true. We'll find out if the other half is true later.
>>19715963Fourth theory was that Vanko can't actually operate the truth without a host, and so appears to be a puppet while not 'attached' to someone. But that's really anticlimactic, and besides which, wouldn't be able to just operate the thing with his own magic? Or at least be able to pull some out of what must be ridiculously magic-saturated air?Fifth theory was that Vanko is just playing dead, and ejected himself from Marigold in an attempt to get away from Wanderer. But again, why the flower?Sixth theory was that Vanko sacrificed either himself or his magic in order to prevent Wanderer from getting the mask again. But nothing about Vanko's personality suggests that to me. Everything we've seen of him is about his own survival.>>19716038Pic related.
>>19715899When did Eidolon ever mention the mask? I don't see how that's relevent...>>19716055As long as there is something going on, and we can find out eventually without having to rely on nat 100's or Deus Ex Machina. Else I reserve the right to be slightly miffed.
>>19716090Eidolon never mentioned the mask directly. Indirectly, though...Ragnarok said that Eidolon mentioned the mask.
>>19716080So we really need to put that flower in a pot. So we can make sure it doesn't turn into a dragon or something.
>>19716140Also, what type of flower is it?If you say it's a marigold.....
>>19716167>I'm not sure. The flower isn't really important- it's just the result of forcing a conjured seed into the Ankh, through an illusion.
>>19716194Then it should be some long dead flower Vanko saw once when he was a real dragon.
>>19716273Then we can cultivate then and turn them into the symbol of New Arcturus! Born from the ashes of a dead world, new life will bloom!
>>19716297An excellent plan!
>>19716297"The flower isn't important" he said. We'll make it important. And then it will turn out that the flower was Eidolon all along.
>>19716439>>19716410>>19716297>>19716273>It's a previously fictitious flower that you accidentally brought into true life via ankh revival shenanigans.
>>19716722Good enough!
>>19716439I'll be damned if he's throwing away the only input I've had in three or so threads.>>19716722Purple fictitious flowers for everyone!
Ok, so the mask isn't his actual face. He has a face. We just can't focus on its features. The mask is his identity. That's why he can't be recognised, why only the mask knows his name, and why he can't be scried and scrying him finds the mask. That bit seems pretty clear. Which probably means it's wrong.Assuming that's true... I have no clue where to go from there. Would he actually want it back? Maybe Marigold was right. I really don't think Vanko's on his side though.
I'm still sticking to my theory that the wanderer has played this game before, and Vanko is a previous player who got knocked out, but managed to theft the mask away before he did.
I wonder if the mask is something like the Cowl of Nocturnal from TES Oblivion?
>>19717044I think it was described as smooth white, so kinda like the phantom of the opera's one, I guess.
>>19717093It's pure, smooth white, without eyeholes or features of any kind. Almost more like a mannequin's face.
>>19717317Awesome. We shall enchant it so that it's invisible to us and only us and then we shall wear it and be incredibly creepy.
>>19717367That's a terrible idea. We have a tiny girly face, and it's man sized.
>>19717377We can shrink it. We're magic.
>>19717388make it bear sized?
>>19717399We'd have to make it bear-shaped as well. And I don't think it'd look very good on Greyson.
>mfw the wanderer is based off of posts in SORQ.>mfw I made many of those posts.>mfw I have no face.WELL DAMN>mfw no GT on last line.
>>19717807Wut
YOu people are all maniacs. We should have left that damn mask where we found it.
>>19717924Let's just sell our airship and Galadriel's Light seeds and artifacts to the highest bidders and settle down as a Lady in Cerulean's court and go to balls for the rest of our life. Yay sensible and boring. Grabbing plot hooks is for fools, and Vanko doesn't approve.
>>19718002>First of all, that's timeskip territory>Second of all, why not use the Warped Lands as New Arcturus and make your balls WAY BETTER than lady Cerulean's?
>>19718024Elemental butlers everywhere? Yes please.
>>19718002Now you're just being silly.
