You make your way back to Jormungandr, pacing across the entire ship, eyes darting out for your target. .
And you find them.
"Raziel, what do I do?" You ask her.
"Okay, okay," Raziel said, as you and her sit in her cabin on Jormungandr. "Calm down. What's going on?"

>>20441231
"Err... um... well... Kristoph just told me that Leon is, um, interested in me, and I don't know what to do!"

"Err... um... well..." You say, your cheeks burning. "Kristoph just told me that Leon is, um, interested in me, and I don't know what to do!"
"Oh." She said, and sat there for a moment, thinking- you can tell she has no idea what to say. "Well, uh, How do you feel about him?"

>>20441231
"The guy who humiliated me in front of everybody is, at least according to Kristoph, interested in me."

>>20441341
>"Well, uh, How do you feel about him?"
"I think I need a few days to cool off, to be honest, after that duel."

>>20441341
I am not really sure. I know barely a thing about Leon.

>>20441341
"I'm not sure. He seems okay, but that whole duel thing really... I don't know."

"I'm not sure. He seems okay, but that whole duel thing really..." You shake your head. "I don't know."
"Then. . just act like Kristoph never told you." Raziel said. "I mean, you're. . probably going to run into this sort of thing quite a bit. You're young, attractive, impressive, and a queen to boot." She shrugged. "I can't really help with this much- my experience with this kind of stuff didn't end up very well. Just. . put it off until you *do* know."

>>20441451
"Yeah... I think I'll just ignore it for now."

>>20441451
"Thanks, Raziel. Would you be willing to join me in my cabin for some tea? We could to about things. Like... not duels."

>>20441451
You're probably right. I've noticed a disturbing amount of blushing people around me, these past few days."

"Yeah... I think I'll just ignore it for now." You say. "Thanks, Raziel."
"You really should ask Marigold about this sort of stuff." Raziel said. "Yeah, I'm a hundred years older than her, but most of that was spent chasing after my brother."
"Would you be willing to join me in my cabin for some tea? We could talk about things. Like... not duels."
"That wasn't a duel. That was just sparring." Raziel said, and then smiled "But yeah, we could talk. If, uh, it's not too much, I'd like to hear more about Arcturus. That squirrel creature was . .interesting."

rolled 61 = 61

>>20441582
Let's just teleport the two of us to our cabin. I don't think Ishelda is in the mood to face anyboyd else right now.

>>20441582
"That's fine. I'm kind of surprised squirrels don't exist here really. They were near ubiquitous in Arcturus."

>>20441609
Let's... let's just walk. There's no need to go completely overboard and teleport

>>20441582
"I could ask Kaliel to make one."

"That's fine." You say, as the two of you walk to your cabin. "I'm kind of surprised squirrels don't exist here really. They were near ubiquitous in Arcturus."
"Well, Arcturus doesn't have trolls, or wyverns, or anything like that, if I recall correctly." She said.
Something occurs to you while you serve yourself and her some tea.
"You know, in all my time here, I've never seen a dog or a cat." You say.
". . I've heard of cats." She said, tapping her finger against her chin. "From Azariel, about the kalak home realm. But there aren't any here. They're like. . small, domestic lions, right?"
You nod.
"Then. . what are dogs?"
"Domestic wolves." You say. "Larger, with great floppy ears. . "
While you sit there, back to back against Raziel, the two of you start discussing your own homeworlds, despite Raziel not knowing her homeworld, other than what Azariel had told her.
". . I wish I knew more about my mother." She said finally, eyes closed. Her empty teacup clattered against the saucer.

>>20441707
"Please, tell me what you do know about her. I know very little of my mother as well."

Tell her about the dream we had. We can leave the daemon bits out, although I think Raz won't care.

>>20441707
Give her a hug. "have you thought about using that ritual to find out about him?"

>>20441707
Hold her hand without saying anything.

>>20441743
Seconded. Give her hand a squeeze and say nothing.

You set down your own tea and hold her hand. She responds by giving your hand a squeeze, and then she takes a deep breath.
"Azariel doesn't know anything about her. Or my father."
"Have you thought about using that ritual to find out about her?"
"I have." She said. "But I can only use it once every few days, and my magic will be weakened for days afterward. Rituals are exhausting things. I can't risk it, because if something goes wrong, I'll need all of my power. And then I have to summon Uriel without a focus, which is going to be difficult..."
She frowned, and closed her eyes.
"I liked things better when I was just in my crypt, alone but for my work, learning about the past."

>>20441802
Hug time.

>>20441802
"You... you don't enjoy our company. . .?"
Then hug her.

rolled 22 = 22

So when will we summon silly hat?

>>20441802
Hug, "I'm sorry I showed up and made things difficult."

>>20441802
"Find out about your mother. Uriel can wait, it's not like he's going anywhere."

>>20441847
Anyone have an objection to this?

>>20441892
Could you jog my memory why we wanted to talk to him? Or was it just the apology mentioned last threat?

>>20441901
Just the apology, as I recall.

>>20441892
Nah. Is good. Apologizing to Uriel primarily seems like a whim, anyway.

>>20441908
In that case, I'm okay with it.

>>20441901
It was just an apology. We already know what he was up to, and he's not relevant to the current plot.

You turn back to her, and she's facing away from you, staring at the wall. . so you hug her tightly. "I'm sorry I showed up and made things difficult." You say.
"No, it's. . It's fine. I was the one who showed up on Jormungandr, stalking my brother." She said, sighing.
"Find out about your mother." You say. "Uriel can wait. It's not like he's going anywhere."
". . Ragnarok went somewhere." She said. "But thank you- I will. What did you find out about your mother?"
You stiffen, and she can tell.
".. Ishelda?"

>>20441932
Sigh, then tell her what we found out. (We already told Kristoph, so there's no reason to not tell Raziel.)

>>20441932
"It is... complicated. And confusing... and a bit scary as well."

Spill the beans. Raziel is a good friend. She will understand.

>>20441932
Tell her what we told Kristoph. And then tell her that Mother barred the Demons from Arcturus "until the day she died."

>>20441932
"I… I'm not sure. She wasn't originally from Arcturan lands, she came through a portal, but… I couldn't make sense of what was on the other side. And I saw speaking with a demon, saying it was no kin of hers."

"It is... complicated. And confusing... and a bit scary as well." You say, and then you tell her what you'd seen though the spell.
"Until the day she died. . " Raziel said, thinking. Her voice was carefully neutral. "Maybe. . Maybe there's more to demons then we think. You said that sphere on the other side of the portal whispered something to you, right? What did it whisper?"
"Arakoatoa." You say.
"And what exactly was on the other side?"
". . I . I couldn't make sense of it." You say. "It was all color and light and glass."
She was quiet, and just squeezed your hand again. "If I do the ritual again for you, you should be able to find out more."

>>20442095
"That can wait. I would very much prefer it if you tried to find out about your mother first. I don't want you to delay that for my sake."

>>20442095
"I want to find out more, but at the same time it scares me."

>>20442095
"Probably. But find out about your mother first. My heritage isn't immediately important. At least, I hope not."

>>20442095
"You first. You've been waiting longer than I have."

"That can wait. I don't want you to delay finding out about your mother for my sake."
"But I still would." She said. "It's up to you."
"I want to find out more, but at the same time. . it scares me."
"Because of what you've already seen. . or because you're scared of what you'll see?"

>>20442157
"Both."

rolled 7 = 7

Hey guys we should kill ourself so we will know who the hell is Arakota.
Or if you want to be borring summon it here.

>>20442157
"Both. It's not going to change who I am, but... Well I really don't like the idea of being part demon."

>>20442157
"Yes."

>>20442175
Considering how the Arakota has the power to completely destroy souls, I'm gonna say no to fucking with it/them.

>>20442157
"I know you would, Raz. But I don't want you to. It's not going to change who I am, whatever my mother might have been or still is, I am still the same Ishelda. Queen of New Arcturus, bestest friend in the world."

rolled 27 = 27

>>20442157
this
>>20442165
and because I've had my turn; no I want you to search for yours and I'll be there to give you s hug when you snap out of it.

"Yes. It's not going to change who I am, but... Well I really don't like the idea of being part demon."
"Your mother wasn't a demon." Raziel said. "You told me she was chastising the demon, not acting like one."
"I know you would delay it for my sake, Raz, but I don't want you to. I've had my turn."
In response, she hugs you back and starts to say something... Just in time for someone to knock on the door.
You stand, try to regain your composure, and open the door. the mousey, red-eyed human version of Kaliel stood there. "Ell told me to tell you that we've arrived at Ursae province." She said, looking from you to Raziel and back.

>>20442259
"Thank you Kaliel. We'll be up in a minute."

>>20442259
Hug Kaliel too

>>20442259
"Thank you, Kaliel. I just needed some tea, and the chance to talk in private with your sister. You know, after what happened.... She was so kind to entertain me by asking about Arcturus, my old home. To help me get my mind off things."

rolled 88 = 88

>>20442259
>our clothing came with us when we went suirrel and were still there when we came back

go full kalak and circle down looking for fellwind convert back a few inches from the ground and say.
"so when can I meet your girlfriend; also it's nice to see you again Fellwind"

>>20442339
Nah, that's a bit too silly, I think.

>>20442300
I agree. We need more hugs. We're a queen, so we take them.

rolled 5 = 5

>>20442348
yup and hiding how she feels in The Silly is a trait I associate with all of the main characters in exabytes quests

"Thank you, Kaliel. I just needed some tea, and the chance to talk in private with your sister. You know, after what happened.... She was so kind to entertain me by asking about Arcturus, my old home. To help me get my mind off things."
"Good to hea-." She said, and took a step back when you suddnely hugged her. "-um."
Raziel chuckled at the shocked look on Kaliel's face.
"I, uh, still don't have my balance yet." Kaliel said. "Please try not to jostle me."

>>20442394
"I promise not to do it... If I get to ruffle your hair, again."

Anyway, time to get out there again. Show the world who queen Ishelda is. Onwards, to victory!

>>20442394
Pout a little.

rolled 47 = 47

>>20442394
ruffler her hair, set her on her feet then >>20442339

>>20442493
We can just dock you know.

rolled 1 = 1

>>20442505
but flying is fun and queening has been boring.

we can ring ahead to let them know we'll meet the ruler on the way back to the ship.

>>20442540
Not with a roll like that we can't.

You pout a little.
"I promise not to do it... if I get to ruffle your hair."
She frowns, but nods. So, gleefully, you ruffle her hair.
"That feels so weird." She says, frowning. "Like my crest is going all topsy turvy."
You laugh, and make your way back above deck, where the lizardmen and arcturian archers peer down at Ursae. The knights, who have presumably been here before, simply sit down, talking with Leon. Ell waves, and points you to the airship tower- it's still under construction. One of the workers wave, and point you down to a temporary, raised platform near the plaza. You make your way down to the plaza, and High Lord Ursae is standing there, his beard was longer than you'd seen last time, and braided, tied with a strip of leather.
"Good day, friend!" He called- Ah, right, Ursae was never one for formality.

>>20442576
call back
"Good day, Ursae!"

rolled 99 = 99

>>20442576
good day Ursae, how is the province?

"Good day, Ursae!" You cry, and wave back, as Jormungandr shudders into place, and as the gangplank lays itself out, toward the raised platform. You climb off. "How is the province?"
"It's been fairly well. Sorry the tower wasn't done." He said, chuckling and clapping his hand on your shoulder. "A lot of our manpower was more focused on getting the new province all ready. So when we heard you were arriving, we built this big thing. The healers are in the cathedral right now- they're about to start ringing the bell to cure the latest trollsick."

>>20442668
I fucking hate you.

>>20442699
"Trollsick?"

rolled 96 = 96

>>20442700
suck it bitch

>>20442699
trollsick?

"Trollsick?" You ask.
"Oh, well, we have a bit of the adventurer's guild here, and they've been hunting down trolls for a few coins of gold each. Inevitably, one gets stung by a thorn. The court magician of old found out that troll venom is magical in nature, and so we simply ring the World Key, and it cures them." He shrugged. "They still need care after that, but it's much easier to care for them when they aren't actively dying. I was part of the Healers once upon a time, you know. Still have the white robe, I think."

rolled 18 = 18

>>20442766
I see

you should wear it around sometime and see who recognizes you. might be a refreshing bit of fun after a long month of running a province.

will you accompany us to the cathedral? I'm eager to meet fellwinds new friend

"I see." You say. "You should wear it around sometime and see who recognizes you. Might be a refreshing bit of fun after a long month of running a province."
He chuckled, and nodded. "Two, actually. I've been sending pigeons to Manisla and keeping things stable there until they elect a high lord. I didn't know the hobgoblins freeing their slaves would amount to an entire extra province."
"Will you accompany us to the cathedral? I'm eager to meet fellwind's new friend."
"Jeanne? She's a kindly girl." He said. "This way, your majesty."
He hummed as he walked- your companions came, but the soldiers didn't, instead peering around the city from the Jormungandr.

You enter the cathedral, the very moment the bell started ringing- there were several unconscious men lying on the pews, and white-robed men and women stood near them, binding their wounds and putting on poultices. You see a few whispered healing spells between each ring of the bell- it doesn't seem to be working well, but they do it nonetheless.

In the very back, you see Fellwind, his white hood down, as he rings the bell. Sitting down near the back, hugging her knees, was a woman in layers of leather armor, and way too many belts, covered with pouches. She had light hair, and freckles covering her face. Neither of them seem to notice you.

rolled 12 = 12

>>20442918
"pardon me lord ursae"

envelop our-self in a setting apropriate equivalent of a "somebody else's problem field" and walk right up to stand in front of fellwind.

when he's done ringing the bell we drop it and say hi.

>>20442918
let them finish their ringing, then walk over.
"Hello Fellwind."

rolled 40 = 40

>>20442994
damn rollovers!

I do dislike my erratic luck most days...

>>20443014
You wasted a 99 and a 96. Maybe if you hadn't been wasting them, you'd be able to cast worth a damn when it counts.

You wait for the ringing to stop, and then Fellwind rubbed his hands together, stopping the ringing of the bell.
"Hello, Fellwind." You say. He turns back to you, and nods.
"Hello, Ishelda. I heard you created your own kingdom. How's that going?"
The girl grabbed Fellwind's hand and pulled herself up.
"Stop being so awkward, Rik." She said, and then looked to you and gave you a grin. "Hi. Pleased to meet you. I'm Jeanne." She held out her hand, as if to shake, and you see that her hands are covered in small nicks, and old blister scars. Her knuckles are the worst, with hard calluses grown up around them.

rolled 41 = 41

>>20443104
pleased to meet you Miss Jeanne, I trust you've been keeping Fellwind under control?

>>20443064
I roll for everything in case the number is needed. and besides there is more to the game than the casting of spells.

>>20443064
Don't try to argue. Others have tried it before you, all of them have failed.

Shake it we arent some barbarian we are magician

"Pleased to meet you, Miss Jeanne." You say, and take her hand. "I trust you've been keeping Fellwind under control?"
"Hah, I would if he needed it." She said and nudged him with her elbow. "Other than his 'talent', if you can call it that, he takes care of himself most of the time."

>>20443104
Shake her hand, ask her opinion of tea. Hug Rikar. Then Jeanne, too.

>>20443225
Seconded, except hugging Jeanne. Bit too early for that. Hugs are for friends, and fluffy things. Not potential friends who aren't fluffy.

You give Rikar a hug, and then grin. "What's your opinion of tea?"
"Tea? Is that the, uh, new thing that Cerulean province does? Some kind of drink?"
"It's arcturian, technically." Fellwind mumbled.
"Oh. Whoops, heh." She said, grinning. "Well, I can't form an opinion on something I haven't tried." She said, and shrugged. "Come on, Rik. I want to see the airship."
"Right, right." He said. "Shall we go, lady?"

rolled 41 = 41

>>20443222
"glad to hear it; I trust you don't get airsick?"

look to fellwind

"I do hope you mentioned all of the weird stuff to her so she won't freak out at every little thing"

rolled 76 = 76

>>20443314
"but of course, that I know of you're the only ones we need to pick up here"

"but then I'll accept anyone who wants to go..."

>>20443314
"I think so. Unless any of my crew have business here in Ursae"

And we have found somebody we can introduce tea to. All the wonderful kinds of tea she doesn't know. She's at our complete mercy, she shall become our apprentice in teaship!

Start giggling.

rolled 15 = 15

>>20443353
arcturan tea
mana tea
swamp brew
chai tea

>>20443373
Feather tea (unofficially known as kalak hatchling tea).
Uses only a few certain ingredients of swamp brew to make the drinker's tongue sooooo fuzzy/fluffy.

>>20443373
Ruffled Blunderbuss tea.

>>20443373
Spirit tea

"Glad to hear it; I trust you don't get airsick?"
"Well, I haven't had many chances to ride airships, so I can't say I know." She said, chuckling. "Except for the demon, but that doesn't count."
The three of you make your way back to the cathedral's doorway, and you notice that Kristoph is looking up at the bell, where the World Key hides. . and then shakes his head.
The rest of you make your way back toward Jormungandr. "Seeya, Ursae." Jeanne said, waving to the high lord. The high lord chuckles.

>>20443373
Troll tea.

>>20443415
(Verb) Noun Tea

>>20443418
"A demon, you say? Sounds like a story."

>>20443429
Don't forget Adjective Tea

rolled 66 = 66

>>20443418
now is the time for tea and biscuts

TEA AND BISCUTS FOR ALL

and since I don't remember what else needs to be done lets set the ship to cruise all the way to wherever we're going.

<feegul what news have you of your fellow clan?>

>>20443450
FUCK. I meant (Adjective) Noun Tea.

FUCK.

"A demon, you say?" You ask. "Sounds like a story."
"Well, back at the wall, I was one of the people working on the catapults and ballistae." She said. "Suddenly, there was a breach, and demons poured out. The big shield ones, the bladed ones, even the winged ones.The hobs and trolls got most of them, but some imps got past the lines to the workers. They seemed to home in on me, and a winged demon grabbed me and tried to take off. I got tugged pretty far, and it bit me, but I tried to punch the thing until it let go. I, uh, accidentally killed it. Hit the neck just right or something, I dunno. Landed on it, and it mostly broke my fall. I ended up on the inside of the wall, and I thought I was completely *dead*. But it turns out that breach was the last, and the demon portal was closed."

>>20443475
"I'm glad Azariel managed to do that in time to save you. Too bad it cost him his life."

>>20443475
"Well, that was convenient timing, then." Smile mysteriously, and somewhat sadly.

rolled 99 = 99

>>20443475
>>20443475
how fortunate, and that explains the old bruises on your knuckles.

sometime you might get to thank the spirit of the being that closed the portal with his own sacrifice

>>20443489
Leave out that last bit

>>20443531
No monotreme, use tact. Come on. It's rude to bring up physical deformities, whether they be caused by injury or birth.

>>20443547
I'Ve got to agree with this.

>>20443547
Also, the event in question was over two years ago, that would not explain the bruises.

>>20443547
She's a healer in a city of healers, presumably she could heal it if she didn't want to keep it as an awesome memento of holy fuck I punched a demon to death with this hand. I don't see why she'd be embarrassed.

"Well, that was convenient timing, then. I'm glad Azariel managed to do that in time to save you." You say. "Too bad it cost him his life."
"The bird guy, right?"
Fellwind nods.
"Yeah, I wish I could thank him. The hobs never really deserved to have to fight off those things- not to thank him for myself, but for all of them."
"His spirit's still kicking around." Raziel said. "I can summon him once it gets dark, before we get too far away from New Arcturus."
"Really? Cool." She grinned, and held out her hand. "I'm Jeanne."
"Raziel." Raziel responded.

>>20443575
Huh, she's a healer as well? I think I managed to miss that.

>>20443576
Well, do we still have to pick up somebody?

>>20443580
I got the impression she was before she was hobnapped, but maybe I'm just making that up because I can't find it in the archives.

"Are you a healer too?" Raziel asked.
"Nah. You don't see a robe on me, do you? I did get training from them, because they teach freely and stuff, but I never took the vow or anything, so they didn't teach me the magic. My hands aren't suited for magic anyway. The work gnarled 'em up."
You feel a twitch of dire magic from Fellwind, but he closes his eyes, and it fades.
"Don't go getting angry, now, Rik." she said, patting his shoulder. "The hobs just did the only thing they knew to do."
"Right, right." He said. "Sorry."

>>20443647
They're not very good healers if they can't heal your hands to teach you.

>>20443647
If you want I could try to heal them, though my friend back in New Arcturus might be better at it. I'm not going to guarantee that it'll work, but it might be worth trying.

rolled 44 = 44

>>20443647
"What's wrong them? I could... try to fix it, if you like."

Rollan to do so, if she says yes

>>20443647
Let's give them a tour of the ship. And ask Rikar about the details of his vow.

>>20443692
Maybe damage done by demons can't be healed very easily? Or maybe she chose to keep the scars as some kind of memento, or badge of honor.

"They're not very good healers if they can't heal your hands to teach you."
She looked at them. "Well, they offered, but that feels cheap to erase my history like that. And I don't really want to be a healer- I considered going back up to Sirius, or even running for High Lady in Manisla, but then I ran into Fellwind at the cathedral."

>>20443715
I bet that shocked him.

>>20443715
"What's your history, if you don't mind me asking? Did you grow up together, are you distant relatives?"

rolled 85 = 85

>>20443715
"Well, perhaps we could... restore the flexibility, without changing the outward appearance?"

>>20443715
Oh ho. You'll have to tell me more about this over tea. I think you'll enjoy tea parties, they're one of my favorite activities.

You give them a quick tour of the ship- Fellwind knows most of it, but he follows, regardless, as Jeanne stares, at awe, at the various glowing crystals.
"You have a lot of magic stuff here." She said, eyes wide. "Can you show me that tea stuff?"

You nod, and quickly set it up.

"What's your history, if you don't mind me asking? Did you grow up together, are you distant relatives?"
"My da' was a shipwright up in Sirius." She said. "So I learned his trade, but he said that wasn't a place for a woman. So I went down to Venus to build warships for 'em. Met Rik when he was stationed there, as a soldier. We had a brief fling, and then the hobs nabbed me. I spent a few years with the hobs, the portals closed, I went back to Venus. Some new High Lord had taken over, and he'd stopped the ship building- so I didn't know what to do with myself, and started wandering. Ended up at the cathedral, met Rik again."
"I bet that shocked him."
"It did." She said, and sipped her tea- with the pinky extended, as you taught her. "But he's completely changed since I first met him. His talent's been getting a lot worse lately, though. Stronger, maybe?"

rolled 72 = 72

>>20443808
you know, I never noticed a talent when we traveled together.

what is it?

>>20443808
"It seems like that's the case for a lot of people. Hmmm, I wonder if the talents are simply getting stronger with age, or if there's something afoot."

What was his talent, exactly? Getting really angry isn't that impressive, unless you triple in size and turn green.

>>20443808
Alright, guess I'll stop trying to "fix" her hands.

"I never learned much about his talent while he was traveling with me. What can you tell me about it?"

"It seems like that's the case for a lot of people. Hmmm, I wonder if the talents are simply getting stronger with age, or if there's something afoot." You say, putting a hand to your chin. "I never learned much about his talent while he was traveling with me. What can you tell me about it?"
"It's . . not really a talent. More like a curse." Fellwind said. "I'm like the orcs."
". . Like the orcs is an apt description." Jeanne said. "He gets angry, he gets glowy, and rages out. The one time he got *real* bad, one of the knights had to fight him off. While he was raging, his wounds healed like *that*." She said, snapping her fingers. "Like a troll."

>>20443909
Ooh, what colour does he glow?

>>20443909
"Strange. At least you have it mostly under control."

>>20443909
I would hate to see you have to do that Rikar. I'll do everything I can to make sure you don't have to aboard my ship. It doesn't sound like something you enjoy.

As for Talents getting stronger I'm not sure if it's a personal thing where some are improving with age or if it is a more wide spread thing. I don't have enough cases of people's talents getting stronger.

>>20443909
"Interesting. Perhaps you would do well in one of their tournaments?"

Make a note to mention to Grayson later, about "smelling" dire magic from Rikar

>>20443909
Maybe we should get some advice from the orks on how to deal with that talent? I'm sure they can help him cope with it.

"Ooh, what color does he glow?"
"White. Like pure, sparking white. Except the sparks fall upwards. Very magic."
You suddenly remember the time you ran into the demons, and had created what you dubbed a 'wrath elemental'. It looked. . exactly the way she's describing it.
"Strange. At least you have it mostly under control."
"Mostly." He said. "My vow helps with it a lot."
"Can you tell me more about the vow?"
"It's not much." he said. "It's just an oath never to harm, always to heal. Because healing magic can be used to really hurt people, if done right. It can be. . reversed. We're only supposed to do that with rotting flesh, though."

rolled 4 = 4

>>20443909
hmmm, that is interesting, and it explains certain things...

(continue with pleasantries for a while then we excuse ourselves)

we ring up Feegul and hear what needs hearing. and look through the ring to see what needs seeing

>>20443991
"I think I know what why the fire is white. It's... well it's rage. I've made elementals out of it before."

>>20443991
Well it looks like you have some connection to Wrath. It resembles an elemental I made out of Wrath once, I was very annoyed at the time.

Is the vow magically binding?

"I think I know why the fire is white." You say. "It's... well, it's rage. I've made elementals out of it before. I was very annoyed at the time."
"That makes sense." She said. "I. . guess. I don't understand magic much. I just build ships. And punch demons, I guess."
You nod, and turn to Fellwind.
"Is the vow magically binding?"
"No, no it's not." He said. "But the abbot makes sure only to teach people who takes oaths seriously." He said. "Because. . if something big enough happens that we're willing to forsake the vow, then it's big enough to use healing for harm."

>>20444082
"If you'd like, I could try to make something that would suppress that rage."

>>20444082
"That makes sense."

>>20444082
Well I hope nothing like that ever happens.
>inb4 it does

>>20444082
Jeanne I want you to know you're a valued guest aboard my ship so if you need anything please don't be afraid to ask.

I'll introduce you to everyone after some tea. Don't worry about the bear, Grayson is the gentlest, noblest bear you'll ever meet.

>>20444102
IF we make a suppressor, it shouldn't actually suppress the emotion, just the talent.

>>20444129
Obviously. We should probably test it out on an elemental first too.

"That makes sense." You say. "I want you two to know that you're valued guests aboard my ship, so if you need anything, please don't be afraid to ask."
"Of course." She said. "If I have any problems, I'll bring them to you."
"I'll introduce you to everyone after this." You say, sipping at your tea. She mimics your movement. "Don't worry about the bear. Grayson is the gentlest, noblest bear you'll ever meet."
"You mean the one that was snoring and rolling around on his back in the flowers? It seemed very dignified." She said, chuckling.
Soon enough, after tea, the sun slowly set as you introduced Fellwind and Jeanne to everyone.

>Wat do?

>>20444238
Go find a bar and get shitfaced.

Onward to the next place we're picking people up! Or failing that, to the other continent!

>>20444238
Do we need to pick up people in the orc lands?

>>20444238
Time to train, your highness.

"Well." You say, watching the setting sun, as Jeanne scratches behind Grayson's ear. "How about we move on to Sosaria?"
"Sosaria? We're going there?" Jeanne asked.
"Technically, we're going past Sosaria, to the ogrish lands, but we're stopping on the way." Ell said, shrugging.
"Fair enough." She said. "In truth, I don't care where we go- I just want to have an adventure with Rik."

Ell reattunes the control crystal, and the compass, and Jormungandr sets off.

". . .Let's train." You say.
"Of course, lady." Kristoph said. He drew his own blade. "Since we're on the ship, let's not try to disarm each other- sending a sword into the sea is a good way to lose swords."

>>20444387
Can Jeanne teach us unarmed combat? Just an case we do get disarmed at some point in the future.

>>20444387
I'll try not to. Though I could probably retrieve it with little trouble should it come to that.

rolled 71 = 71

>>20444317
>>20444281
contact Fegul first, check on him carefully.
>>20444263
after training we have some swamp brew because our attraction to it IS BEYOND YOUR COMPREHENSION

>>20444387
We could get Leon to conjure swords for us. Then it doesn't matter if we lose them.

>>20444387
Couldn't we just teleport back any lost swords?

>>20444387
What about that first one to cut others arm off wins

rolled 73 = 73

>>20444387
silly kristoph, don't you remember the anti-falling shield around the ship? I can just squirrel down and get them.

or fly...

lets see if we can tromp SOMEBODY in armed combat

rolled 66 = 66

>>20444238
make a small bird like air ship that can relay audio/video information to a mirror station also we can use our magic from it like the enhanced rings. have them powered off the ships crystal and make them patter like tiny flying subs good at depth

rolled 57 = 57

Conjure most magicial book in the universe after training

>>20444448
>You already have the most magical book. It fused with Bubbles, who Ell is wearing.

"I'll try not to. Though I could probably retrieve it with little trouble should it come to that. But first, I need to check up on something."
"Okay, I'll wait." He says.
You look down to your ring. . and then look *through*.

Your vision blurry, you see, Feegul in a small room, spear by his side. He looks to one side, and then the other, and then he looks out the window, where the other kobold warriors train.
"They're quite competant." A deep voice said, rumbling the room. Feegul looks to the other side, and there's a very large ogre standing there, three horns on his head and two eyes. A maul sat on the ground next to him.
"They are." Feegul said.
You try to communicate through the ring, but nothing seems to work- apparently it's too far, or there's something blocking you.

You pull away from the ring. The kobolds and Feegul are okay, and they're with some ogres.
"Are you ready now?" Kristoph asks, and you nod.

He swings his blade down toward you, and you slip out of the way, spinning as you move, and the training begins.

You grab his arm, pushing the sword in it away from you, and the tip of Rikar slides up against the underside of his armor plating. Put a bit more force into it, and you could pierce his heart.

For a moment, both of you freeze, panting. Kristoph frowns. "Beaten by a girl." He grumbles.

One of the lizardmen start to clap, and the other crew starts to follow up.

rolled 42 = 42

>>20444505
"whose next?"

>>20444505
Time to got paranoid if he only let us win to make us feel better.

rolled 40 = 40

>>20444535
This.
>rolling paranoia level

rolled 16 = 16

>>20444505
"...and don't grumble kristoph how do you learn if you don't lose occasionally? at least I didn't break anything like when I train with redglare"

>>20444535
Yeah, we won in 5 seconds flat and didn't even have to roll. Kristoph's not that bad.

>>20444505
Beaten by a Queen if you want to be technical. If you let me win I'm going to be very put out.

rolled 48 = 48

>>20444561
see
>>20444435
there was a roll

Exabyte, I fully expect that copy of Azure that jumped into the black hole to show up here.

Just tossing that out.

>>20444576
Yeah, I'm still waiting for that as well.

rolled 56 = 56

>>20444561
Nameless Rank and File Guardsman: Shenanigans! She won in 5 seconds flat and didn't even have to roll. Kristoph, you are certainly not THAT bad.

>>20444571
You always roll that means nothing.

rolled 26 = 26

>>20444603
except when it does

>Actually, I did take the 73, because he rolled 'let's see if we can tromp SOMEBODY in armed combat'

"Beaten by a Queen if you want to be technical." You say. "If you let me win, I'm going to be very put out."
He 'hmphed', and took a step back, putting his sword in a ready position, and gripping it with both hands. "Let's try that again." He said.

>Roll 1d100
>Taking. . first roll only.

>>20444621
Even if that was used 73 isn't good enough to beat him that thoroughly anyway.

rolled 24 = 24

>>20444629
NON MONOTREEME ROLL GO

rolled 11 = 11

>>20444629
Well, let's see how this goes.

rolled 73 = 73

hue

rolled 2 = 2

>>20444629
harumph

>>20444640
60 was enough to beat redglare...

>>20444659
It's enough to win, but not to instantly and effortlessly thrash him like we did.

rolled 60 = 60

We suck at this
Create new dimession with some sort of battlefield where we could go fully out with magic

rolled 2 = 2

>>20444672
who says there wasn't a little mini-timeskip in there...

rolled 70 = 70

>>20444682
Your D100 fell a bit.. average there. Let me help you

rolled 90 = 90

>>20444629

>>20444659
>>20444690
Dear god stop rolling you bitch

>>20444690
who says he wasn't going easy on us...

rolled 42 = 42

>>20444721
valid point

>>20444708
in my defense they aren't causing any trouble.

You roll your shoulders, ready... and then it begins. Kristoph takes the blade and does a long sweeping attack, using his blade's superior range to it's full benefit. You parry it with Rikar, the shortsword not jarring at all, due to the fact that it all but ignores the force put into Kristoph's blow. Almost faster than he can react, you bring your sword up- But not fast enough. He whips up his longsword and catches your edge with the blunt of his blade, backing away.
You continue attacking, but he came up with a tactic that seemed to work- he would back up, staying out of the range of Rikar, and using his own longsword's range to keep you from even getting close. It ends up almost a battle of attrition, and he's definitely taking the brunt of it. .
And then his back hits the edge of the ship. You bring Rikar up to bear, parry away his sword-
And then he grabs your wrist with his other hand, mirroring what you'd done to him, and puts the edge of his blade to your neck.

He starts panting, and takes off his helmet. "You try something like that in armor like this."

>>20444745
"Heh, much better. I'll try not to make that mistake again."

rolled 38 = 38

>>20444745
stick our toung out at him. "you could try wearing lighter armor"

>>20444745
That's precisely why I don't wear armour like that.

>>20444745
I'm but a little girl, armor such as yours would simply not be appropriate. You did well my knight. I would enchant your armor but I don't think that would necessarily work well with your unique talent. We could look into more advanced metallurgy when we have the time, see if we can lighten the load that way.

Pat him on the head.

"Heh, much better." You say. "I'll try not to make that mistake again. But that's precisely why I don't wear armor like that."
"If you had a longer weapon, though, you would've won." He said. "Or magic."
"You did well." You say, and pat him on the head. "I'd enchant your armor, but I don't think it'd work well with your unique talent."
"Probably not." He said. "But I wear this heavy armor for a reason- it may be heavy, but there's nothing like steel for keeping your ribs intact. but that's because I fight like a knight. You fight like. . I don't know. Like you're dancing or something."
"The style almost looks like it could be elven." Kiyara says. "But we use spears."
". . I use a sword." Ell said, looking to his inactive golem suit. "Theoretically."
"Yeah, but you fight like a knight, too. Or those demons with the big swords." Kiyara added.

>>20444844
"Well, in that case I'm glad to have such diverse friends and sparring partners around."

>>20444844
"Are you any good at fighting, Kiyara? I'd be interested to see the style."
P.S. I wanna fight the golem.

rolled 48 = 48

>>20444844
hey ell, what all does the suit do? put it on I'd love to see how you fight...

or would anyone else like to try fighting me? I'm a bit out of practice, spent the last couple of years too busy queening...

>>20444844
Well it would hardly do for me to fight like a knight, I'd have to be taller and wear plate all the time. The helmet alone would just not work with my hair.

I suppose I have Redglare's training to thank, I learned to fight in whatever way felt most natural to me.

rolled 19 = 19

>>20444844
The voices in Ishelda's head command her to summon a big block of carbon, spin it into the finest thread with magic, weave it into armor, and then cover it with resin.
Bam, carbon fibre armor.

>>20444911
Everyone knows the elements are fire, water, earth and air. What the fuck is carbon?

rolled 58 = 58

>>20444938
Fire earth water air?
Its metal wood fire wind water.

"Hey, Ell, what does the suit do?" You ask. "Put it on, I'd love to see how you fight."
"Well. . it ends up with a lot of collateral damage, mostly." He said. "It's charged with as much power as a large airship, and puts all of that power into being strong. The sword alone weighs as much as is physically possible, even made denser with magic- it's charged to stay lighter, right now. But. . it's a bad idea to do here, on a ship. Maybe if we find an island, we can set down and test it."
"And then we could rematch." Leon said. "With magic, this time."
You look down over the edge- nothing but dark seas.

Suddenly, the door belowdecks slams open, and Kaliel comes out, holding something in her hands...

... A squirrel. It chitters, and she's grinning widely in the gloom.

>>20444963
Shit, we're going to destroy the environment with invasive species.

rolled 37 = 37

>>20444963
Good work i knew you will do this.
Now do this
>>20444696

>>20444963
"How did you make that without any information about squirrels?"

>>20444963
You made a squirrel. You managed to make it based just on seeing me transform into one once. That's amazing. It chitters and everything.

Ruffle her hair.

You're my favorite mad scientist Kaliel.

>>20444958
Go away China, this is western fantasy.

>>20444963
Oh wow, you made that just from watching me being fluffy for such a short time?

rolled 71 = 71

Rolling for Azure's arrival.

rolled 71 = 71

>>20445000
Not with that roll. Decent though.

rolled 94 = 94

>>20444963
IT'S SO FLUFFY.

hug it then kaliel then both.

then we go back to leon and say "sure, open fire"

then we summon up some elmentals and raw kinetic forces to bat him around the deck like an over nipped' kitten

rolled 63 = 63

>>20445015
>>20445000
One in ten thousand chance of that happening. Hey Exabyte, how's about you let it through?

>>20445015
>rolling something you just said wouldn't help
Why have you got to be such a dick?

>>20445022
We're not going to do a full magic fight on the Jormungandr, the collateral damage would be annoying. We'll do the rematch once we find an island for Ell to show off his powered armor.

rolled 65 = 65

>>20445036
not now we have squirrel to pet, we can meet up with azure later

or she can be the onboard machine spirit of Ell's armor

rolled 98 = 98

>>20445000
NO, I MUST TRY AGAIN!

rolled 57 = 57

>>20445048
WOW.

Dude, you might want to wait a bit.

File: 1345762401757.png-(228 KB, 600x467, monotreme.png)

>>20445047

rolled 77 = 77

>>20445046
oh who said anything about full magic, this is just a drubbing, a sorely needed one. he DID embarrass us in front of his men, and that just CANNOT be allowed to slide

>>20445036
>one in 10000
How do you get that? The first roll can be anything and the second roll has a 1/100 chance of matching it.

>>20444963
"This is the point where you laugh manically, Kaliel."

>Azure's off being happy in the epilogue. Or dead, based on which Azure you're talking about.

". . You made a squirrel." You say. "You managed to make it based on just seeing me transform into one once. That's amazing. It chitters and everything."
"It won't be exactly right. . " She said. "The body's right, just not the mind. I had to base it off of a few rodents, and then teach it to climb trees. . "
She hands it something, and the creature takes it in both paws and starts nibbling at it- a berry, it looks like.
"I, uh, didn't know what squirrels eat, so I made it omnivorous."
"So fluffy!" You say, and then you hug Kaliel.
She looks like she's going to protest for a moment, and then gives up and hugs you back, as the squirrel leaps onto her shoulder and continues nibbling.

rolled 38 = 38

>>20445072
can it eat nuts? thats what they did at home. berries too just makes it easier to take care of...

>>20445072
The squirrel pleases me immensely.

>>20445072
Does it do the cheek thing. The cheek thing was the whole point of bringing squirrels up in the first place.

Also omnivorous squirrels are kind of terrifying, she might want to fix that.

rolled 44 = 44

>>20445068
One in 10 thousand chance of rolling the same number on two separate dice.

>>20445102
Squirrels are omnivores:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D47CrWzqd-g

>>20445072
Ruffle her hair. Kiss her on the cheek.

>>20445104
1/10000 of rolling a specific number on two separate dice. What's special about rolling 71?
100/10000 or 1/100 of rolling any same number on two separate dice.

"Can it eat nuts? That's what they did at home." You say.
"Mhm." She said. "I even trained it to do the cheek thing. It doesn't with berries or pieces of meat, though, just with nuts."
You ruffle her hair, and give her a kiss on the cheek.
". . Please stop doing things to me without telling me what you're doing. I'm really not use to not having feathers. Did you just. . did you just lick me?"

>>20445183
laugh. "No. You're just so cute. I can't help it."

>>20445183
Okay, now it's definitely time to giggle.

rolled 47 = 47

>>20445183
it's a gesture of affection, don't worry.

now
>>20445022

>>20445195
I don't really want Ishelda to do that. It would ruin the surprise for the proper... sparring.

>>20445183
It's not licking. It's a kiss, it's a display of affection. The location of the place kissed can indicate the level of affection being shown.

"No, you're just so cute. I can't help it." you say, and giggle. "It's a kiss, it's a display of affection. Don't worry. The location of the place kissed can indicate the level of affection being shown."
"O-oh." She said, nodding, and clumsily trying to get out of your arms. The squirrel chittered angrily as Kaliel's shoulder shifted "Okay. Is there anything else from Arcturus you'd want me to make?"

>>20445270
Well you could try cows and goats, not right now of course, but when we get back to New Arcturus after this they could make good livestock.

>>20445270
"hmm... I can't think of anything in particular."

>>20445270
"No. Not right now. You've already made me incredibly happy by creating that squirrel. Let's try not to make me too happy, too fast."

>>20445270
We need a kitten. Kittens are the cutest. It can be white. It won't exactly be a kitten because Kaliel made it and the mind will be wrong as well and maybe it will escape when we're not looking and call itself by the name it heard before it left - "Ishelda".

rolled 31 = 31

>>20445296
"...there's no telling what I might do"

>>20445270
"Dogs and cats!"

rolled 75 = 75

>>20445307
or corgi puppies

"Well, you could try cows and goats, eventually." You say. "Not now, of course, but when we get back to New Arcturus, they could make good livestock."
"We have cows in Ursae." Fellwind said.
"Our farmers have goats- when they end up eating the galadriel's light, they sometimes turn into dire goats. Much larger." Kiyara said.

"But other than that, I can't think of anything in particular. You've already made me incredibly happy by creating that squirrel. Let's try not to make me too happy, too fast. There's no telling what I might do."
"Yeah. . " She said. "We wouldn't want that."
"Maybe a dog or cat. ."
"Cats? I have a cat." She said. "Back at Sardriel's tower, I mean, and very attached to Dariel She's tiny and fluffy and striped. I made it after Azariel explained them to me."

>>20445348
"Fluffier than Dariel?"
Try not to drool on the floor.

>>20445348
WHY ARE YOU HIDING THE FLUFFY FROM ME NOBODY HIDES FLUFFY FROM ME
>Then kill her for not declaring all her fluffiness on the fluffy-tax forms.

>>20445348
I didn't know that you also had cats in your world.

You'll have to show her to me some time. What's her name?

>>20445368
Raziel told us about that before.

Just saying but we should ask how Bubbles is doing.

>>20445381
Agreed, and what's Kell up to?

>>20445410
>Kell stayed back at New Arcturus, to serve as Marigold's bodyguard.

"Fluffer than Dariel?"
"Of course not." She says. "Nothing's fluffier than Dariel. At least, until a few years from now. Then he won't be fluffy."
"You'll have to show her to me some time. What's her name?"
"Her name is Sio." She said. "Neiriel named her. I'll show you when we get back."
You nod, and turn to Ell.
"How's bubbles doing?" You ask him. He shrugs.
"No clue." He said. "He asked to be given to Kyvann, right before we left. But that's fine, I can still see magic without it."
"You can see magic?" Kristoph asked.
"Yeah, it's like. . in the air and everything." Ell said. "Before, I couldn't even see ambient magic. .but now I can."
"Can you see. . " He said, closing his eyes. "This?"

Ell is perfectly silent for a moment, staring up at the air above kristoph.
". . How are you *doing* that?"
"My talent. It's gotten stronger." Kristoph said.

>>20445443
What does the anti-magic field look like Ell?

>>20445443
Can you form the AntiMagic field into the shape of a sword or something, Kristoph?

"What does the anti-magic field look like, ell?"
"Well, normally, magic blows around the air like currents, blowing with the wind as it wills." Ell said. "You're a strange nexus of purple stuff, Fellwind over there has his heart beating with white sparks, and Grayson is brown and earthy. . but Kristoph's power is. . I don't have a word to explain it. It's like. . it's not a color. It's an un-color or something. Shaped like a bubble."

>>20445443
"So far, it would seem *everyones* talents are getting stronger. Growing with age, it seems, and augmented by emotions, like love and anger, for example."

rolled 54 = 54

>>20445443
Everything someone else can do, we can do better.
Fire up dem magic goggles and have a gander. Or even better make it visible to everyone like we did when we set up the Jormungandr for the first time.

>>20445470
It seems like everyone's talents are improving. It could be because of everyone growing and changing as a person, but I'm thinking there's another cause to all of this.

I wonder how Grayson has improved.

>>20445470
"Interesting. Hey Kristoph, try and focus it onto your sword. I bet that would be a powerful combination."

"So far, it would seem *everyone's* talents are getting stronger. Growing with age, it seems, and augmented by emotions, like love and anger, for example."
"Or honor." Kristoph said.
"It could be because of everyone growing and changing as a person... but I'm thinking there's another cause to all of this."
Jeanne looked up.
"The demons." She said. Everyone looked to her. "Like, the hob battlecasters knew that demons ate magic, right? They'd make lures, and spelltraps that just gave off magic and coax the demons to breach right there. What if, when the portal closed. . .they stopped eating magic?"

>>20445519
"Maybe. It's certainly feasible."

>>20445519
"I'd guess we are in for some very interesting times if that's the case. Good thinking, Jeanne."

"I'd guess we are in for some very interesting times if that's the case. Good thinking, Jeanne."
She grinned, and nodded.
"Hey, Kristoph, try and focus it onto your sword. I bet that would be a powerful combination."
"I'll try, I guess." He said, and focused.
". . You're not doing that too well." Ell said. "You still have a bubble. It's just. . stretched, now."
"Thank you for your helpful information." Kristoph said, sarcastically
"You're welcome." Ell said, grinning. You have the feeling that he's perfectly sincere.
Kristoph sighed, and suddenly opened his eyes. "I'm exhausted." He said.
Ell chuckled again. "Hey, ladies, if you want to cast spells on Kris, now's the time. Magic is passing through him normally, now. I think his resistance is gone."

>>20445608
"Huzzah!"
Poke him in the ribs with magic.

>>20445608
It'd be rude to. I think we should let him get some sleep. He can take a nap alongside Grayson, I think Grayson would be willing to part with some of his well earned advice about napping.

rolled 74 = 74

>>20445608
Oooh oh uh hmm....
Hmmmmmmm..............
Make his hair wave and look like fire? The same colour his eyes are?

>>20445630
Seconded. He sparred with us, and helped us improve. Kristoph deserves his sleep.

But I'm kinda curious of Raziel is going to do something.

"It'd be rude." You say. "He can take a nap alongside Grayson, I think Grayson would be willing to part with some of his well earned advice about napping."

Grayson, however, was not napping. He was standing straight up, staring directly at Jeanne, his eyes serious. For a moment, he wasn't the fuzzy, lovable, noble bear you'd seen before, but a wild beast. And then it faded, and he looked away.

"Hmm. . " Raziel said. "I have something."
"Uh. . " Kristoph took a step back.
"Kaliel, help me remove his armor."
". . What?" She asked.
She grinned. "We're turning you into a kalak."
Kristoph froze for a moment, and then ran below-deck.

>>20445608
Muss his hair with magic.
"Go get some sleep Kristoph. I never thought I'd be saying anything like this, but you don't have very much magical stamina yet. You need to practice a lot to do anything really cool with your talent.

>>20445687
Snicker, turn to Jeanie, "What was that about?"

>>20445687
Ask Grayson what happened there.

>>20445687
I assure you Kristoph it's fun. They're going to turn you back, probably.

Then visit Grayson, give him a hug and try to communicate with him. If something is up with our closest companion we need to investigate.

"I go down normally, you go through the outside." Raziel said, and Kaliel nodded. "Transmute through the wall."

Kaliel leapt off of the ship, sliding through the shield, and turned into a kalak, wings spread. Raziel leapt down below deck.

You snicker, and then turn to Grayson. You give him a hug. "What happened there?"
"I. . . don't know." Grayson huffed, in a low tone. "Something is wrong. Something with the cycle. She was right. Too much magic, here."

>>20445751
You still haven't even told me what the cycle is so I don't think I can help there.

Does Fellwind's talent smell of Dire magic to you?

>>20445751
"Here specifically or just in general?"

>>20445751
By here do you mean the world or the ship?

I know that you once told me your duty was to make sure the cycle continue, could you try to explain it to me?

>>20445751
"Could that be my fault?"

>>20445751
I'll fix it. It's what I do.