You perceive the area around you to be pure white. How you came to know this is questionable, considering the fact that as of right now, you have no physical form - but you are you, a mind without purpose, floating around in this really bright boring empty space. Before you can even begin pondering the dullness of your current pseudo existence, a voice promptly upheaves that train of thought."That works, I guess," it muses. The voice belongs to a nondescript-looking man with five o'clock shadow and short brown hair donning a full set of worn, scored plate armour, helmet resting on one arm. He scratches his chin thoughtfully. The scritching sound is kind of interesting to you. "Now, the form."With a look of concentration, he waves his free hand, holding it palm out towards you. There is an intense humming in the air as the energy warps and congeals, forming...A writhing, disgusting pile of flesh. You wriggle around helplessly, eyes fluttering and mouths gaping, as a terrible burning sensation overcomes your newly created senses. The man, looking appropriately horrified, quickly reverts you back to nothingness. You stare each other down... or you manage whatever the closest equivalent to staring actually is for you."Yeah, I've always been that shitty at creation," the man says grimly. "You choose what you want to look like, then."What the hell is this guy's problem even, you don't know what you need a form for, but whatever. Various ideas float through your disembodied consciousness, shapes of objects and animals.>What will you look like?>Pic unrelated.
A levitating squid.
>>20508776Or a little girl in a tube dress, except the tube dress is made of tentacles.
>>20508776Squids are cool.
>>20508776One animal in particular captures your attention. Focusing your consciousness on the shape of an eight-legged cephalopod, it does briefly occur to you that you have no idea how you're meant to go about changing your own shape but - with an audible 'pop' - you assume your new form.>Shape gained: squidYou test your new capabilities as you float around in limbo. With a bit of experimentation, you discover that your many appendages are quite agile and you wiggle them about to the delight of your brand new eyes. The man looks a little confused, but doesn't question your decision to be born as a flying squid. He shrugs. Probably just jealous he didn't think of it first."Oookay. So here's the deal. I'm Thaddeus, god of justice, and everything you see here is my realm. I haven't been around for long, and I'm still learning, you know, everything, which is why I needed you."He scratches his stubble again. You blink your beady eyes and waggle your tentacles in a gesture which could have been anything from a "fuck right off" to a "go on", but he assumes the latter. "Basically, an ancient evil has awoken, and I fucked up bad - long story short, the chosen one's dead, the other gods are pissed, and they'll never let me in to the Pantheon if I don't fix this. I'll reward you with anything I can if you help. So, please?"
>>20508913depends on what he wants
>>20508913Telepethize "well I don't know, it sounds like a squiggly path for me to take in my new life."
>>20508913We shall, in exchange for the divine folio of Squidliness, or a hot date with the god of justice.
chosen ones are always a bad idea
>>20508980Why choose one when you can choose all of them?
>>20508962>>20508934"I don't know, it sounds like a squiggly path for me to take in my new life," you tell him, telepathically, with all seriousness. "Tell me what you want, first." He nods gravely. "Right. You heard the part where I got the chosen one killed? I, uh, let's not discuss that part actually. The gist of it, now, is that we need a new chosen one. Since I'm clearly not the best judge of character, and I'd really like to avoid a repeat offence, I made you. The idea is that you go down to the mortal realm, pick out whoever you reckon would be good enough for the job, and have them defeat the ancient evil with you as their guide. Then I'll reward you. Maybe you can even be a demigod, I'll put a good word in for you at the Pantheon. How about it?" You place a tentacle under your chin and consider. If you had any conditions, or questions, now is the chance to present them.
>>20508978To clarify, do you mean a date with Thaddeus, or are you asking after a hot co-worker or something?
>>20509035I'm not seeing myself as a demigod under the god of justice. Does the goddess of love like tentacly things ?
>>20509035We should agree not that we have much more to do.
So you chose me a squid to help save your reputation? Do you see how this form will cause problems? Let's make me into something more usefull.
>>20509035Why do we need a chosen one? What about a chosen ten, then you have backups if they get killed again.
>>20509058"You might be better off with the goddess of lust, but I'll introduce you to both of them - IF you help me out," he replies diplomatically.>>20509085He looks a little uneasy. "Come to think of it, you're right. Before you leave this place, I'm sure we can do something about that form of yours. I probably have an artifact lying around somewhere for you that could change your appearance.">Waiting a few more minutes for any further questions, then moving on.
Can I be a wizard?
>>20509110Does any wizard in this realm know how to make powerful beams of love?
>>20509127>WizardThats not how you say magician in silly hat
>>20509085Fuck you, squids are awesome. We'll be flying around, grabbing onto people's heads with 10 tentacles and gnawing their face off with our beak, all while dispatching sage advice to the chosen one. What more could they want?
Will I have to fight any other chosen ones, ya'know because you are a jerk
Guys i vote for that we will hit him with some sort of laser
>>20509138Dude, we're a squidNot very threatening
>>20509097>>20509142"Well, YOU won't, but your chosen one will. The guy that awakened, Rorec, happens to be the chosen one of one of the asshole gods. He's all kitted out with holy trinkets and sacred armor, which is why we can't just smite him. My buddy the god of smithing forged this sword that can cut through all that, but there's only the one sword. Ergo, just one chosen one."Then he makes a face. "You really think I'm a jerk? Look, I'm sorry, okay? I'm just kind of desperate right now. All the other gods think I'm this giant asshole, which means all I ever get to do is sit around here all day.">>20509127Thaddeus pauses for a moment to consider, but he's not really in a position to deny you anything. "You want to do magic, or you want to be like one of those magicky humans?">>20509129"I... I guess," he replies somewhat awkwardly. "Out of curiosity, what exactly would you want with those?"
So you'll trust my judgement on who's going to dispose of the ancient evil?
>>20509167I want to be the magic flying squid.>>20509166Will we be threatening when we can shoot fireballs?
>>20509167You know concretate love then unleash it in form of laser that is capable of destroying mountains you know usual stuff.
>>20509172>>20509185"... yes," he replies, looking somewhat uncomfortable. "I'll support the two of you however I can. Even if it means I'm held accountable for whatever action you take as a... magic flying squid. ">>20509192Thaddeus rewards you with a highly suspicious look and silence. Beta as he seems to be, apparently he won't be buying into ALL of your bullshit today.Just 95% of it.
>>20509167Well, I guess tens arms is better than two for casting magic. Can I talk to this chosen guy/gal? I think our options for world saving squids might be a little slim.
>>20509185Dude we could be a were-squid
>>20509202So? How about a vision of the future, that shouldn't be hard for a god?Let me see who the chosen one is.
>>20509214Doesn't seeing who we're going to choose in advance kind of defeat the point of choosing them?
So okay we need silly hat to acess heights of magic but thats not like we are going to lose it now lets go and kill this fake choosen one or something.Will we stay on this world after killing him or not?And really hit this god with something
>>20509229It's about the journey.And you still have to make sure random Joe is up to the challenge, even if you have a god on your side. The god said it himself - he failed with his first chosen.
>>20509214>>20509207He scratched the back of his head. "Can't do future readings. I'm a god of justice, not time or anything. But, you know when I said 'chosen one' earlier? I meant, you go down to the mortal world, pick some guy, and there we have it, a new chosen one. Bad things happen when I have to make decisions under pressure, so..."Your patron trails off, looking awkward again. He coughs into a plated hand. "So yeah. But on the bright side, the magic thing can probably be arranged.">>20509234He seems to brighten at the prospect of a question that doesn't highlight his ineptitude. "When the evil is gone, I will appear to you and you can decide then. Sound fair?"
>>20509261I hope hat will be most fancy and silly in the world or its not sure we will be capable of defeating something with sillier and fancier hat.
>>20509261Ok then, let's do this thing.
>>20509261Man those other gods sure are something if they've managed to sap the decisiveness outta the god of justice. Don't you have any information gathering power at all, deciding at random is good'n'all, but if you just need me to point a finder i'd hardly feel myself worthy of being a demigod afterwords.
>>20509261God of justice yes?Make every action we will do count as good action or that was some other god?
>>20509261Well alright! Whip me up a fancy hat and let me at 'em coach.
>>20509304>>20509291He just sighs. Although he seems young, the action brings out shadows that make him look a good few years older. "I'm not in any position to judge you. Normally, I'd hold wrongdoings and such against you, but right now I just need you to get rid of the evil. Please. Now, I'm not the god I used to be, but I'm sure I can point you in the right direction of potential heroes - depending on what you're looking for - or even grant a boon when you do pick someone."
>Last call for god interrogation; then we can wrap up a few loose ends and leave.
Keep the squiddiness, take the form of a young woman, add penis, we are now /d/.
>>20509355Will we get spawned with noble blood?You know its important
>>20509360So we're her? I'm all for bad squid puns but let's skip the /d/icks.
>>20509291>>20509312The god of justice claps his hands together - the clashing of plate in the empty realm sounds like a thunderclap to your superior squidly ears. You flinch, and when your eyes open again, he is nowhere to be seen. Your tentacles probe quizzically at the air around you, nope, the god's definitely not here any more. With nothing much else to do, you begin contemplating hats. Magic hats, the sillier the better. Just as you are fantasising about a ridiculous little purple number, Thaddeus re-appears, extending his hand towards you. A simple-looking, thick gold ring rests there for you to accept."This is the Ring of Deceit," he explains, "on loan from the god of illusions. As long as you wear it, you'll appear human. But your magic will be much less effective as long as you're wearing it."There's a terse silence, during which he clears his throat. "Before I send you off, are you sure you want to be a squid? Really sure?"
>>20509461throwing out a vote for squid girl.
>>20509461Send wave of absolute anihilation at him after accepting gift.Some gods can never understand.
Well... Can I be a pretty squid? I mean look at this body, it's nice and all but some people will see this squishy adonis before them and be a little intimidated. Maybe something cuter, more human? I still want the hat though, don't get me wrong!
>>20509461Sure, let's be a magical squid and work our way up to becoming the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
>>20509481>>20509502>>20509507Using your ever agile and effortlessly superior tentacle appendages, you work the ring onto one of your tentacles, and briefly admire yourself. It's just like a bracelet on you - all the other squids will die of envy when they see this swag.But just as it settles against your squidflesh, an alien sensation washes over you in its place. Although there is no pain, it's not exactly pleasant to feel every fibre of your being tearing, bending and reshaping to fit this new mould the ring has set out for you. When the sensation subsides, it takes you a moment to adjust to tentacle-less life before you get your bearings and inspect yourself. Two legs, two hands, one face... yep, you're human; a human girl, at that. Congratulations.>>20509485You narrow your new eyes at him in a display of sudden, random hatred and attempt to fire the HATE BEAMS. Nothing happens, but the god seems a bit stricken. Seems he has fragile self esteem.>Continued...
>>20509647God of Justice is kind of a wimp. While we're working on turning our chosen one into a hero we should also try to get Thaddeus to man up a bit.
>Forgot trip, oh boy.>>20509647Looking over you, the god snaps his fingers and you feel a new weight over your body - clothes, you realise. A pair of brown shoes, and an equally uninspiring brown dress that's a little worn. To the undiscerning eye, you are not a holy telepathic levitating squid but a cute peasant girl. There is also a soft thump as that purple hat you were so excited about also lands on your head and you tip it a bit, feeling pretty damn good about yourself.Thaddeus takes a deep breath, and with another wave of his hand, an old wooden door appears next to him, upright and intact, as if it had been there the entire time. "This will take you to Artura, the largest port city in the entire world. All sorts of people gather there, so I'm sure you'll find someone. Or... I hope so..."He starts frowning, which is not encouraging, but then gets his act together and bows to you. "I'm counting on you, squid - if you need my help, head to a temple and I'm only ever a prayer away. Go forth and find a chosen one to vanquish the evil. Uh, please."
Huh, so this is one of those 'humans' we're making all the fuss over? I guess it's kinda has a non-squid charm to it. I'm going to assume, for the sake of the universe, they're not all this tiny.*SUDDENLY FUCK ALL LASER BEAMS, AW SHIT SON*Aw geez! That was awesome...You look kind of down coach, you need to toughen up. You took those laser things to the face without blinking!
>>20508913 >I'm ThaddeusMOTHERFUCKERS, I found my name on the internet.OP I applaud you for picking my rare name out of a hat of thousands.
>>20509713You should stop being such a Beta, Thaddeus, you're a God, not some village poo cleaner.Man up, and thanks for the hat.
>>20509713>I'm counting on you, squidWe need, like, a name or something, ya dig?
>>20509796For hell?Anyway our mission is to kill choosen one and then anciet evil yes?
>>20509744>>20509774He gives you a wan smile. "Uh, thanks for the... encouragement... I think. Still, if you think I'm bad now, you should have seen me a week ag- actually, that's a story for another time.">>20509796His eyes widen in realisation and there is a resounding smack as his gauntleted hand impacts his forehead. "Knew I forgot something. Well, I may have created you, but you are your own person. In recognition of that, and my awful naming skills, I'll leave that one to you."He starts coming up with names anyway, unfortunately. You can catch a few of them, mumbled as they are: "Slimy. Squiddy? Thaddeus Jr? Inky..."
Ready lasers in hands were going in with blast.Blast of this city.
>>20509862No, the chosen one of the dark gods is the ancient evil.The mission is we chose our own one and have our one beat up their one.
>>20509890Thats clear nowI hope he will be in city while we will be blasting this city to ashes
>>20509880>Do you feel like naming yourself now or just leaving?
>>20509943Leave, a name will come in time.
>>20509943Can't think of anything. Let's go see what kind of names humans use.
>>20509961Knowing life its something simple like YamanikubekichaWe should with something more elegant like Askunibrasinekuradususeus First
>>20509961>>20509949Fully intending to leave Thaddeus brainstorming here for an indefinite amount of time, you calmly adjust your Purple Hat of Swag +4, pat your peasant girl clothing down, and stroll right over to that door. You aren't scared. You are the Holy Squid of Thaddeus, God of Justice, sacred Guide of the Chosen One. You have zero fucks to give.Gripping the handle with your human handthing, you yank the door open with ease and waltz through before you've properly registered what's on the other side, just barely catching a glimpse of Thaddeus nodding solemnly towards you as the door shuts. It's probably the first godlike act you've seen from your patron yet, but you'll have him sorted out before all this is over.Around you is a bustling metropolis, a stark contrast to your boring plain white place of birth. The first thing to note is the smell. Seawater assails your sensitive nose from all around you, accompanied by the smell of fish and the general opposite of cleanliness; you are standing on a pier, flanked by sailors who are yelling at each other in incomprehensible seaman jargon while loading their vessel with innumerable crates. Seems you're at the docks. Although the closeness of the sea a short distance behind you is comforting, a huge, sprawling cityscape stretches out directly in front, promising a veritable urban jungle.And that has to be full of chosen one prospects. You feel the power within you tingle slightly in anticipation, and although it's not much, you figure you could manage some magical feats in your squid form. As for now, the hectic city of Artura is laid before your eyes. The only thing left is to decide your first move.
>>20510083Grab the first person we see. "Guess what loser? You're the Chosen One, now lets get outta here and go have some fuckin' adventure."
>>20510106This, but we find squid instead of a humie.
>>20510140Squid?No we will find a crow.
>>20510083See if any fisherman have been catching squid and teach them a lesson.
>>20510155Nah, crows are assholes.
I think all the voices in my head need to calm down... but yeah, yeah, we should dig deep and throw our hooks in the water, er... tentacles.Hey! Hey! Over here! Purple hat human growl (that's what he said I am now right, a growl?). Look at me and be amazed by five little tentacles on each hand and my mouth full of calcium food mashers!
>>20510106Fuck it, you think, and your eyes narrow, darting around in search of a target. There are muscled, nasty looking sailors all over the docks, Thaddeus couldn't have dropped you off in a better place. Except maybe the tavern. You grab one by the heavily tattooed shoulder as he ambles by with a barrel. He's so much larger than you are that it takes a moment for him to notice that there is a little peasant girl clutching his shoulder, and by the time he does notice, you have been dragged halfway down the pier. The wall of muscle glares nastily down at you. "Eh? Th' fuck's a little girl doin' here?"You attempt to regale him with his newfound duty. "Guess what loser? You're the Chosen One, now let's get outta here and go have some fuckin' adventure."He just sneers at you, landing you with not only rejection, but a hearty helping of toothless sailor breath, as you get shoved roughly out of his way. Altogether, it isn't pleasant. You catch a few obscenities thrown your way as he ambles off towards the nearest ship alongside the pier.That went well. >>20510171You redouble your efforts in favour of locating other squidkind - surely they'd help you on your quest after hearing of your divine purpose. Ten minutes exploring the dock later, you have a rudimentary grasp of its layout and find a small clump of fishermen sitting on the jetty, hooks cast into the sea.To your horror, one of them has a bucket filled with squid. Take an action?
>>20510194I have better idea mere human look at me and be amazed at how quick wil you die.Cast magicial lasers.Tons of them.
>>20510242Ignore parts without lasersI thought thats OP posted....Fuck poor communication is really serious problem if i think about this
>>20510240Strangle him with tentacles.
>>20510240Point dramatically."YOU! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?"
>>20510240I use my lower tentacles to drop kick him in the back to surprise him. That last guy was big but this one is half his size, sitting there just hunting my people!? I'm going to kick his bucket and...RUN FREE MY SISTAS AND BROTHAS! SWIM AWAY!
>>20510240Become one of the squid in the bucket. Speak to him, and reveal his destiny.
>>20510306Goddamnit, you aren't standing for this shit. Your innocent peasant girl visage contorts into a sudden and terrible expression of pure unadulterated fury as you snarl at the entire group of fishermen; they look up, their expressions a collective study of human confusion as you march right up to them.Suddenly wrenching a hand up to point accusingly at them, your voice drips with murderous venom as you force out the words - "YOU! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?" Your accusation booms over the docks like the decree of a vengeful god, and you can imagine Thaddeus shedding a manly tear in his realm as you jab your finger at them. Then they actually start cowering. The main offender, the murderous squid killing bastard, raises his hands and manages to squeak out, through the worst fear he has ever experienced in his serial squid killing life, "F-fishin'. I got a family to feed, y'know?...">>20510275>>20510348How DARE HE. If looks could kill, he would currently be a pool of molten flesh. The sailors look on in confusion and amusement as what they perceive to be a small peasant girl rounds furiously on the fishermen, raising her hands -Which you belatedly realise aren't tentacles. "FUCK YOU," you fume, and kick him in the back with surprising strength, sending him flailing into the sea; you round on the others, but they cower, and grovel, and are powerless to stop you as you kindly tip the bucket over and release your brothers and sisters. They jet away into the ocean, free of the tyranny. You release a relieved sigh as the last one disappears, only to find that one of the fishermen has run off screaming about a demoniacally possessed little girl. Fuck him. Whatever. You have become a hero of your people today. Now what?
>>20510515>I got a family to feed, y'know?Pfft, so did those squid. Selfish bastard.We should look for a tavern, those are always good places to find chosen ones.
We will have to do many things but first things first kill everyone who is murdering our kind with use of powerful magicial beams and free anyone we can.
That. Was. Awesome. I would have roughed up that other one if I knew all humans were so wimpy. So we flexin, they mirin', and now we pose. Classing strongman, the squishy adoness has once again proven herself. What?Do now? Oh... Oh yeah. Let's point triumphantly at these fisherprice fishermen babys."Next time fish for tuna! They're assholes. Now, tell me where I can find other humans of my level!" Motion for the top of my four foot tall head. The peak of awesome.
>>20510581>>20510591Eager for the blood of the wicked, you search the area from top to bottom for any more of the murderous bastards; to your pleasant surprise, it seems that most of the haul from the sea here is purely fish, and try as you might, there are no more of your kind facing a slow death piled in a bucket. It seems your work here is done, for now, and you prepare to head off.In contemplation, though, you turn to the sea and reach for your powers. In your mind's eye you expect a great and powerful beam that totally incinerates all of your enemies and suffers no one to live. What you get is two sparks.You do it again and receive the same results. Two sparks. Seems you're not strong enough to be throwing beams of death around yet. That learned, you turn and take your leave from the docks, eager to put distance between you and the ritual slaughterhouse of your people.Half an hour's aimless walking later, you still haven't gotten a good feel for the city yet, but have managed to garner a rough outline of its structure. Seems there are four quarters: the industrial district, the noble district, the trade district, and the slums, where you are currently located. It occurs to you that you should start your quest now and, hell, there's no reason to mess with tradition, so you set your sights on a tavern. Which district will you search for a tavern in?>Industrial>Noble>Trade>Slums
>>20510682>trade or >industrialNoble is too high class, and slum too low for proper hero material.
>>20510682To noble district they must know about choosen anciet evil that could allow us to track it
>>20510682Adventures need financing, you need weapons and armor and supplies. Slums and industrial are probably useless. Nobles might not pay attention to a peasant girl. Let's go to the Trade district. There will be more variety to choose from there as well.
>>20510682All. We'll find-one gruff worker around 35, a little politically conscious and disgruntled, works sometimes as muscle for the local crime syndicate but nice inside-one young bored and rebellious noble girl that knows some magic-one self-made trader who knows the country-a cute male street urchin who knows how to smile and steal things and is pretty jaded insideWe'll decide who is the chosen on the way.
Uuuh... Oh man, I don't even know what half of those bibble-babble signs mean. Let's follow the arrows to them all, have to do this right. Still, that place with all the people trading shiny things for not-shiny things looks pretty cool. Maybe I can get some shiny coins of my own and trade-up to some eyes that actually shoot lasers.
>>20510682>2 for Trade>1 for Noble>1 for IndustrialWaiting for a few more votes.
>>20510741I, >>20510725, am down with this. Though not necessarily the exact people.
>>20510741This also sounds like a solid cast. Maybe a sexy older lady type. You know... for research aid.
>>20510863The noble young girl could be a noble middle-aged lady bored with her fat husband and comfortable life.Maybe the disgruntled worker works for her husband and they got caught together.
>>20510749>Looks like Trade is the winner. That doesn't mean you can't visit the other ones later, if you so choose.Frowning at the human scratch-marks on the wooden post of direction, it takes you a good five minutes of squinting before they start to make sense in your mind; you get a weird sense of realisation as you start reading. Just an "oh yeah, I can read, I guess" sort of feeling - apparently Thaddeus had you covered. There are benefits to each choice in your mind, but eventually you settle on the Trade district. Likely to be the most busy, probably full of adventurers, and plenty of wares for you to peruse with all zero of your wealth.>field too long
>>20510954You set off. Not much longer you encounter a homely town-square sort of setup, which you suppose is the centre of this district: complete with idyllic wishing fountain, merchants with wagons, and streets upon streets of shops, peddling everything you could possibly wish for. There is also a temple where you could contact Thaddeus should you feel like sharing your alpha exploits, maybe he'll learn from it.Eventually your tired peasant shoe clad feet find their way to the nearest tavern, the Salty Siren, and you amble your way inside. The atmosphere is sort of hot and humid, and between the many tables there isn't much space to manoeuvre. It seems mostly sailors drink here (none of which, thankfully, recognise you) but there are a few other faces of interest.At the bar sits the large, if interesting form of a... scaled creature. The word lizardman comes to mind, their long tail sadly reminiscent of your beloved tentacles.A few tables away, there is a blonde elf girl (or you really hope it's a girl) playing what looks like rudimentary gambling games with the drunk sailors, and is making a killing.There's a shifty-looking hooded fellow who has not touched his drink once and appears to be just staring at the table, you can't make out anything else.Most importantly, there is a small cat sitting on the back porch.What do?
>>20510960Go talk to the lizardman. Ask him if he's a traveller and knows this region.
>>20510960Hello Mr Cat, come here often?
>>20510960Ask cat if he knows where anciet evil is and why there is barelly enought love in air to make sparks.
>>20510960I don't like cats much. They're too hairy. Humans, for mammals, at least make some effort to limit their hairiness.
>>20510960Examine cat and elf woman.
>>20511009>>20510998Feeling a silent kinship towards the cat, you bravely approach, wading through crowds of very unfriendly looking people and empty (if you were lucky) containers of alcohol until you reach the back wall. The air's a bit thinner here, but you hear some weird noises coming from outside that back door. You try to recall what happens around the back of seedy taverns, but it eludes you. Whatever, probably wasn't important.You kneel in front of the cat. It's an interesting creature with coal-black fur and yellow eyes, and gives you a level gaze as it licks away at its paw, tail flicking lazily. "Come here often?" you ask.The cat continues to groom itself with an expression that you swear resembles boredom. "Did you hear about the ancient evil?"There is a stunning lack of response from the cat. Again. Giving up for now, you decide to approach the lizard person at the bar.You realise that your gender evaluation might have been slightly off, not that such things matter to you. She looks tiredly at you, one hand firmly gripping a mug while the other supports her chin. Judging by her loose, ragged clothing, seems like she might have been in a fight or somesuch lately, and now appears to be wondering why a small peasant girl has just taken a seat next to her. You get straight to the point. "Are you a traveller? Do you know this region?"For a moment it looks like she might give roughly the same amount of reaction that the cat did but after a while she takes a swig of the ale, wipes her mouth, and replies - in the most awful, grating, gravelly voice ever - "I travel with my family. We're blacksmiths and traders. Were you interested in making a purchase?"
>flood detected>flood detected
>>20511102I need a chosen one to defeat the ancient evil. Do you sell chosen ones?
>>20511102Do you make legendary swords that can be used against great evils awakening ?If not, not really. I plan to travel around these parts and need a guide though. There might be trading opportunities involved, but I'm not sure.
Cats are terrible! They don't know anything. It just further aserts the conclusion that anything with an endoskeleton can't match the power that is squid. This lizard dude looks pretty swell. Or, girl, girl the things with the curves are girls. That's how the world works, right? We peek over, wordless at first despite the gravely questioning of our new smith-skilled lizardwoman. We got to make sure she's adventurer/chosen woman looking. She checks out. The first thing that comes to mind is..."What do blacksmiths make? Does it use squid? I won't stand for that."
>>20511181A very awkward silence ensues as the lizardwoman just stares you down, probably somewhere between annoyance and disbelief. She doesn't seem very fun.>>20511190"Swords, yes," she says flatly, but her voice is almost at nails-on-chalkboard level. "Legendary swords, no. Little girl, if you have an actual business enquiry, visit my family's shop later. I can't give you any estimates here."She takes another swig of ale, and still just looks very tired. At this distance, it's becoming more clear that this woman-lizard-person is covered in small wounds. "You're looking for a guide? Try one of the guilds. Many hunters have their range in the forests outside this city. They'd be happy, I'm sure."
>>20511242"Blacksmiths make weapons. Iron, steel, copper. Metals. Squid, no." Her voice is still awfully dry, but at least it seems she's getting tipsy enough to humour you now.
>>20511306Why are you so grumpy? Did something bad happen? Was it the ancient evil?
>>20511336Did your wounds come from the ancient evil ? Or was it a cat ? Is the ancient evil a cat ?
>>20511336>>20511368"Ancient... evil?" Looking at you with what may or may not be curiosity, she shakes her head a bit. "Can't say I've heard of any ancient evil. My people are not popular, little girl. There's no ancient evil to speak of, just a few bigots. That's what did this." And then she actually chuckles. "No cat."
That is a lot of sighing. Maybe bi-pedals are prone to depression. Except for me, we're doing pretty good for ourselves here. "You sure sigh a lot, just like this other guy I know? Do you like Thaddeuses? You two could be friends!" The explanation of what a blacksmith does stops and starts at 'no squid'. Lizardwoman is cleared and approved for friendship."You seem like a good person, so I'm going to trust you. Not hunting squid was a good start. Yup." Another sigh"For a good person, you don't seem too excited about breathing."
>>20511395"Big-ots?" Some universal understanding makes it easy to understand the new phrase as... "Bad people." "Well, don't worry. If you stick with me, all of that's a thing of the past. I saved 20 people just a couple of minutes ago. A bucket full!"
rolled 42 = 42>>20511394Oh. My people aren't liked either. Just moments ago, I saw some guy that had captured a few of us and was trying to sell them ! I kicked his ass right into the sea and freed the guys, though.Hey, maybe I can help you.*rolling to heal her wounds*
rolled 5 = 5>>20511462I mean we know magic, right ? Try again if frist time didn't work.
>>20511462>>20511482Our magic seems to be really weak, and so are those rolls. The line about the bigot fishermen is good though.
rolled 22 = 22>>20511462>>20510960Our magic is based on love use it you retards or atleast try to use it when you can.
>>20511395"Thaddeus," she repeats slowly, one scaly brow-ridge rising slightly, "You mean, the god? The justice god?" She shakes her head. "Little girl, gods don't exist. I know better than anyone, there's no justice in this world. Better to believe what's in here, rather than chase after fantasies." And she lightly taps your head. "Well, I'm sure I'll be more excited to breathe once my family is out of this festering pit of ignorance. But I'm glad to see that there are still a few innocent souls around.">>20511459>>20511462Seems like that drink is making her nicer. She continues to go at it, listening politely now as you tell your story. "Well, if that's all true, it sounds like this ancient evil of yours is good as defeated," she says wryly, shaking her head a bit.In a flash of compassion, you call your power forth and focus it on your new tipsy lizardlady compatriot, in the name of outcasts everywhere, wishing as hard as you can for her wounds to heal. Hell, you're not even sure you CAN heal...A soft glow envelops her left arm, and the both of you watch as the wounds slowly seal, leaving no scar or trace. There's awe in her expression as she turns back to you. "That... isn't something you see every day, in this city. Healing is a rare gift - Thank you, truly. If there is a way I can repay you, ask after Shankavi at my family's shop." She gives you a thoughtful look, gaze resting on your dirty clothes. "And there is always plenty of paid healing work in the slums, if your family is short of coin."
>>20511580Well, that god is a bitt rubbish, so I'm not surprised. I'll make him shape up sometimes.But first I need to find a chosen one. Actually I need to choose one. But I'm not sure how to do that, so I thought about gathering some people, going after the elder evil and choose on the way.I'm not sure where to go so I wanted a traveller for starters. I'll ask you again maybe tomorrow.
>>20511580Of course Thaddeus exists! He's my daddy. I don't know if he has any coin. There's no justice because he's a stupid wimp.And the ancient evil is no laughing matter.
>>20511580There are gods, thaddeus is just kind of awful at it. How would you like to be the champion of good?
>>20511685>>20511656"I see," she said gravely, nodding to you. For a moment it seemed she might finally be getting it but... nope, the amusement in her eyes says she's just humouring a funny little girl playing a really weird game who just happens to be very in character right now. "Well, like I said - you seem to know how to get things done, so it was a good idea to leave things to you. You're quite the confident little girl, aren't you?"There's a clinking noise as she slips some coins out from her pocket onto the bar surface. The bartender lights up, but the lizardlady glowers at him, and he skulks off. The coins are slid in your direction."These are for you. Sounds like you've got quite the journey ahead of you, so you'll need a nice place to sleep... I won't be held accountable for what happens if the ancient evil kills us all because you overslept or something. My conscience is clear." It's weird, but she might be smiling.
>>20511756We should seek out the lizardwoman's (Shankavi?) shop later and try to get her to be the champion of justice. She seems like the down and out type that would gain from such heroics, helping end the bigotry and all that. Plus as a blacksmith, she probably knows how to wield a weapon also.
>>20511756You should come with! You're nice.
rolled 7 = 7>>20511756Hm. I guess if you're the chosen one we'll meet again. Thanks for the coins, I'll use them well.Gaze around the room once more. If there's no new ad interesting characters, go see the elf.Have her cards or dice do something really uncommon.
>>20511836Let's say we don't need to roll to do magics, okay ?
>>20511811Yeah, let's do this later. For now, let's head to the industrial sector and find a man strong of arm and kind of heart.
>>20511756Thanks, lady!Disregard non-cis elf, go on down to industrial town.
>Bit of a mixed consensus. Speak to another person in the tavern, or leave?
>>20511893Let's bug the card-shark elf girl. She's probably cheating so she can make money to buy medicine for her dying mother or something equally cliche.
>>20511893Leave. What is hour is it ? That makes finding one type of person more or less difficult.
>>20511756"Thank you!"Go to elf.
>>20511893Leave.
Talk to cat then leave
Stick out our tongue at the cat then go bother the elf.
>>20511893Leave, elfs are overrated.
>>20511910That's precisely why I want nothing to do with her, mang.
>>20511978But we're the avatar of justice, we have to help. Plus, it gives us an excuse to practice magic.
>>20512007We can go help someone else. With magic.
>>20511910>>20511935You scoop up the money and place it in your dress pocket. It feels odd, somehow, in your hands, and then you realise why: this is your first currency! A sense of achievement washes over you as you feel the money sitting in your dress. Genuinely thanking Shankavi, she amusedly exchanges goodbyes with you, giving you some rudimentary directions from the square of Trade District to her shop. You slip off the bar stool in search of another target, briefly glancing outside the window; you estimate it to be a couple of hours past midday. Wading your way through the crowd again, you approach the loudest table. There has to be at least ten sailors all packed around this one table where the elf girl sits at the head, eyes flitting confidently between those of her opponents. You can't quite hear what they're saying, but she throws her hand of cards onto the table, folds her arms, smirks, and the sailors all start swearing as the elf cheerfully pockets their coin. The cards go away and she sets up a series of three cups.Being the bright squid that you are, you sense something isn't right here. Roll 1d100 to uncover it, if you want.
>>20512046You also make a point of sticking your tongue out at that fucking cat. It turns its nose up at you. Asshole.
rolled 46 = 46>>20512046I say we will gather our love and you know the rest
rolled 57 = 57>>20512046And then use magic to pass the ball from one goblet to the other during her trick.
rolled 23 = 23>>20512046Outing the elf in front of all these angry gentlemen would be a poor choice. We should try to talk to her in private, she'd probably be more willing to say why she was cheating in private also.
>>20512046A cheater isn't a very good chosen person. Leave.
>>20512046Concentrating hard, you furrow your brow and try, try, try to pinpoint this weird feeling in your gut. The sight of such a determined-looking little girl again draws a few eyes, but you don't care. You're a servant of the god of justice, this shouldn't be beneath you!As you're waiting for some spectactular revelation or dramatic reveal, something occurs to you. One lone little thought pops up, raises its hand, and says "That's not an elf."She certainly LOOKS like an elf. But somehow you're one hundred percent sure that she isn't. You could surmise that this has something to do with that funny feeling. The 'elf' doesn't seem to notice you slowly catching on, and is currently swapping the goblets on the table around; you focus your energy again and reach out for the ball. You feel it in the far right cup, then in her sleeve, and attempt to show the elf up - but, drained as you are from the healing, you don't quite have the energy to move it.The elf is lining up another round. Your move.
I say ignore it and leave.
>>20512146Wait until she ends one of her trick, then poke her under her clothes. Maybe in the ribs, depending on what opening there is.
>>20512145We're a squid, not a paladin. Cheating can be useful in many situations.
>>20512146Oh, it's probably a disguised lizardman then. Possibly related to the other one.I'm torn between leaving, and buying a round ourselves. Let's say the latter.
>>20512155You decide that you don't really care after all and leave the sailors to lose the rest of their income at their leisure. Sliding up to the bar, you order a round, which nets you a dirty look from the bartender and no booze. For you, that was the final straw. You adjust your fabulous purple hat, and leave. Although the city air isn't particularly fresh, being out of that tavern is like taking a walk in the mountains. Activity seems to have picked up in the square again; you nearly get hit by a messenger boy as he barrels into a greengrocer, there's something of a commotion as a small crowd gathers around a tree, a guard gives you a suspicious look as he rides by on a horse, and an old lady swipes his wallet while he's occupied with you. Strange city, this. Anywhere in particular you feel like going?
>>20512242Go talk to the old woman. Ask her if she knows some talented persons that would be willing to go after an elder evil, on a mission from god.
>>20512242Go find the guard post. Guards are meant to protect people against evil, right?
>>20512242I meant round as in "The elf is lining up another round", but that's good too.Follow dat messenger boy.
Arent we somehow part of god of justice? What exactly is justice for examble of murdering and rapping a cat and raping then murdering octopus?And how we will know what is correct justice?
>>20512343We're sent by the god of justice to Choose One, not to enforce justice.
>>20512242Tell the guard about the old woman and point her out if possible. Go to industrial sector.
>>20512330>Guards are meant to protect people against evil, right?Not even squids are that naive.
>so many different things people want to do>please just pick one>please>>20512343I'm not sure what you mean by half of that, but as far as Thaddeus goes? Yes, you were created by him, but he explicitly said he isn't going to judge whatever you do. Doing things he approves of might make him like you more, but if your heart is really set on raping a cat, the worst you'll get from Beta Justice God is a "what the fuck" and maybe a "please don't do that again unless you really have to".
>>20512442Changing my vote from talking to the old woman to chasing the messenger.
>>20512442Report evildoings to the authorities.
>>20512477>>20512469How bout we yell to the guard that that old lady stole his wallet as we go past him, running after the messenger?
>>20512477I don't think there's a need to make the thieves guild hostile.
>>20512242You register that, under your patron's domain, you want to be on good terms with the guards. Of course, he told you that you could do your own thing, but it wouldn't hurt to get on Thaddeus' good side, you guess. Of all the things in the square, though, it was the messenger boy who caught your eye; the same one who appears to have fallen head first into a barrel of apples outside the greengrocer. You can just about see, through the window, the proprietor turning bright red and preparing to storm outside the shop. You wave wildly at the guard as you break into a run towards the greengrocer. "That lady stole your wallet!" you yell at him, pointing at the unthreatening old lady who is currently shuffling along and perusing jewellery. You can see the guard patting himself down in search of his missing wallet before you return your attention to the messenger boy.It seems he at least has basic motor control, because he's pulled himself out of the barrel; the apples seem to have taken more damage than he did. He seems to be a young boy no older than 18, with a thin, wiry build, olive skin, and short, messy brown hair, tufts of which sometimes get in his face. You also know his voice now too, because the greengrocer has him by the ear.>watdo
>>20512628Go kick the grocer in the shins (don't break anything), take the boy and run.
>>20512628I dunno whether we should use our money to pay for the stuff he ruined. If we knew he had a good character, it'd definitely be worth it, but he might not be a nice guy.I say bail him out if he seems sheepish/apologetic about having ruined the apples.If we don't have enough to outright buy the entire barrel of apples, we could instead express interest in the apple-scented barrel (it presumably got apple juice on it), or in the damaged apples for i don't know what reason, so the shopkeep will realize there's still money to be made from ruined apples.
Even as a pseudo-squid with vague divine-gifted knowledge making up all your worldly experience, you know what's about to happen. And, determinedly, you decide that you won't stand for it. Your pace doesn't slow until you're right next to the grocer, who doesn't even spare you a nanosecond of his time as you screech to a halt. He's quite a portly, aged man, his cheeks as red as the tomatoes in the window, which means he doesn't move anywhere near as quickly as a justice-fueled spirit guide little peasant girl.All the better to kick him with. You channel your inner little brat, rear back, and deliver a nasty kick to his shins. The unsuspecting man cries out in totally exaggerated shock and pain, and pathetically nurses his leg while you grab the shell-shocked boy's hand, pull him up, and start running, hoping that the guard hadn't seen that little stunt back there, you don't need a criminal record right now. The messenger boy trails behind you at first but eventually keeps pace as you double back towards the neighbourhood around the docks, an area you're more familiar with, finally stopping to catch your breath in a side alley. A homeless man takes one look at the two of you, scoffs, and shuffles off in a newspaper sleeping bag.It's safe to say you've pretty much blacklisted yourself from the greengrocer. The boy is staring at you in a vague mixture of shock and awe. The silence drags on.
>>20512734Uh, animal feed. Or fertilizer, or seeds. Probably seeds, since the first two don't rely on the quality of the apple and probably get him less money, making him still unhappy. Meanwhile, seeds make apples as good as the ones they came from.So yeah, buy some of them ruined apples for seeds.
>>20512808At least, that's what would have happened, had I actually kicked him in the shin.
I don't have anything against retconning that if people want to. My bad for not refreshing.
>>20512808Hey, what's your name ?
>>20512850I'd also prefer a retcon, but if you'd rather not, I can deal.
>>20512850I'd rather not retcon. Maybe because I prefer running away than paying for damage we didn't do.
>>20512850It's fine. Retconning should only be used if absolutely necessary.
>goddamnit>we're just going to keep going>all you did was piss off a greengrocer and I somehow doubt he will be an archenemy from this point on>>20512856Possibly due to the fact that squids don't ever have this problem, you don't feel the awkwardness of the silence. "What's your name?""Kenneth," the messenger-boy says uneasily. He looks guilty, above all else. "T-thanks for your help, really. I don't have money with me now, but I'll pay him for the damages later."He proceeds to chew the inside of his lip. Kenneth appears to have a strong case of Thaddeus.
>>20512990You remind me of someone, how would you like to be the champion of good?
>>20512990>Kenneth appears to have a strong case of Thaddeus>Those two and the cowering fishermen are basically all we've interacted with"Why are boys all such wimps?"
>>20512990Okay. Do you know of anyone who woud be willing to fight an ancient evil, Knit ?
>>20513023Clearly we need to recruit Shankavi as she's the only one with balls, figuratively.
>>20513020"Champion of good?" He gives you a quizzical look. "I know I owe you, but... I just hope you're kidding.">>20513023"... it could just be that all the women are terrifying."... He surely can't mean you. After all, you are a fake small peasant girl, and a floating talking spellcasting squid when you're not that. He only has to be afraid if he is an enemy of righteousness and squids.
>>20513071Hey, I'm not terrifying. I'm cute. Take that back.
>>20513075What messages do you carry ? Would your employer be interested in fighting evil ?
>>20513075"It's not that bad. You meet a lot of interesting people, the pay is all right, and depending on who you work for, there can be benefits. I'm actually a courier for Magister Danes - an alchemist - I'm holding out hope that he'll teach me the craft some day. He's a bit crotchety, but it's hard to really hate him in the end. Old coot." Then he has the audacity to grin boyishly at you - "For the sake of my shins, I take it back. As far as... champions of good go, you'd have to ask him yourself. I could introduce you."
>>20513157Alchemist, huh ? I guess it could work. Let's go.
This is >>20513075, I deleted that post to make a different one but apparently too late. It was basically, what's being a messenger like, and some other stuff I don't remember.Anyway, can we do some alchemy? That'll both help prove we're the real deal and serve as a potential incentive for him to join the party.
>>20513157I'm leaning towards doing some alchemy, i guess.
>>20513220You don't have any reagents or equipment with you, but there's nothing stopping you from trying when you get to the Magister's place.>>20513208With a nod from Kenneth, the two of you set off. Idle conversation is made along the way (apparently Kenneth is allergic to turnips, dislikes seafood, and his favorite colour is green) and as the two of you make your way through the city, working together to avoid guard hotspots and lay low, it feels as if the courier is a lot less awkward around you already. Maybe the case of Thaddeus was only mild after all. Eventually, you reach the Noble quarter, which almost feels like a seperate world - you can only access it via one of two bridges over a moat. The houses inside the quarter were grandiose and towering, immaculately clean and polished, and the few people strolling about held themselves to the same standard. Considering the poor condition of the slums, it was hard not to feel contempt for these people who clearly ponied around in their own world.After what feels like an age of walking, Kenneth stops you at a grey stone manor. Unlike the other estates, however, this one seems less tended to - the hedges and plants are overgrown, and wildflower are battling weeds in the flowerbeds. Even the stone is worn and eroded, and although Kenneth seemed perfectly calm about it all, the entire place had a lost-in-time creepiness.>cont.
>>20513343On the bright side, it took Kenneth half a minute to reach the heavy iron knocker on the tall front doors. "So, this is it," he said brightly - there was a series of clicks, and he pushed one half of the great doors ajar slightly. With effort. "He might come off as a little strange, but he's all right, really."The courier steps back to let you in first, extending an arm courteously. Inside, it appears the Magister has been waiting for you, the evidence for that being the face about 30 cm from your own. His face is wrinkled, gnarled, weathered, and a few nasty-looking burn scars adorn the left side of his face, probably the results of magic gone awry. Wise grey eyes study both you and Kenneth very carefully and after a moment he steps away, hands clasped behind his back."Greetings, spirit," the Magister greeted cordially, his voice roughened by age. "Now, I'm not sure if you're the good kind or the bad kind, but it's not every day we mortals meet one of your kind, is it? You are a welcome guest here, I assure you."
We're a spirit of JUSTICE. Thaddeus sent us. We're looking for a chosen one to save the world.Dude is magical and knows what we are, so no point in disguising it.
>>20513415You can tell? That makes it easier! I'm a good spirit, a servant of Thaddeus looking for heroes to save the world!Also can I use a bit of your alchemy stuff?
>>20513442"The god of justice," he said slowly, as if savouring the words, "has sent you? To find a chosen hero, no less? Well, I'm not sure how useful these old bones would be to you, but if you are what you claim to be, there can only be one reason for your presence. My home is open to you."Kenneth, surprisingly, isn't freaking out; he simply seems curious above all else, continually sneaking glances at you as if he's expecting to see something different now. "Magister? What one purpose?""What indeed," the old man chuckles, and moves into the parlor. The furniture actually seems minimal, and everything that IS present seems just as old as the magister himself. He carefully seats himself on a lounge chair, avoiding the various piles of books stacked on it, and looks expectantly at you. "I wonder who it is you're searching for?"
By the way, did we ever decide on a name? If not, I suggest Ika or Kalla.
>>20513523The old man smiles knowingly at you. "Yes. We magisters tend to learn a few things, especially by my age. And I feel honoured to be speaking with you. The boy does too, but I'm afraid he's at a loss for words." Reaching for something on the couch, the old man calmly pokes at Kenneth with a walking stick; the latter jolts back to attention. "Wha-""You are very welcome to my equipment, but do try to keep it all intact," the Magister nods. "You'll find everything you need in the basement." Helpfully, he gestures towards a stairwell - there is a flight leading up, and one leading down.
>>20513537Thaddy left it up to me to choose who it is, I considered a lizard woman, but she didn't take me seriously. Kenneth reminds me of Thaddeus, and so I figure he might be a good choice but he seems to have his own future goals. Do you know of anyone who might make a good champion?
>>20513589Yes, it's surprisingly hard to convince people to go off on some random dangerous journey for a thought to be nonexistent god. Doesn't help that Thaddeus is kind of a wimp for a god.
>>20513537Kenneth! You're a good person, full of youthful energy, and a prime candidate to go on a epic journey to save the world!
>>20513589We're taking more than one person, sod that 'only one chosen one' crap. Anyway thank the guy.
>>20513649I'm personally voting for Chosen Army or Chosen Nation. If we're going to topple an ancient evil, we're going to do it right.
>>20513584Kenneth looks at you, clearly surprised, but the Magister simply nods. "His magical aptitude is promising. And he may have his own goals, but what aspiring apprentice would turn down the chance to work with a spirit, and ultimately the gods? As for your other candidate, it simply looks as if a display of your ability may be in order. There is only so much she will be able to doubt." Brushing a layer of dust off of a nearby tome, he inclines his head. "I know of several you may be interested in. All quite accomplished in magic, but none quite have the same potential as the boy here does."
>>20513649>>20513664>I'm not stopping you.
>>20513584Lets be a squid for a while. After we transform, look at kenneth and scream, "This isnt even my final form!"
>>20513627I don't know, Kenneth is nice, but I don't see how he could fight an ancient evil. I don't know, if he was extraordinarily talented at alchemy...>>20513537I'll tell you something : the Chosen One will be whoever I choose. There's no one in particular, I just need to decide.Which makes it harder. Thaddeus made a mistake with the previous Chosen, and now I must not repeat it. I planned to take a few people with me and decide later based on how well they do, but it's not starting well.
>>20513573Ika is fitting, obviously, but Kalla sounds and look better...
>>20513669Do you know of the ancient evil, or of anyone who might know about it ?
>>20513669Well, does Kenneth wanna? We haven't asked him yet since he knew we were serious about it. And please don't fire him or anything if he says no.You wanna Kenneth? You won't be alone, there'll be others to help you past your weaknesses, and for you to help through theirs.
I like inky. Inky, the servant of the gods!
Hey Kenneth, where do you come from ? Who are your parents ? I'm thinking of taking four people, one from each part of the town, aristocrat, bourgeois, proletarian, lumpen. Which would you be ?
I'm considering gathering multiple possible choosen ones into a team of sorts, if kennith is as promising as you say he could be invaluable as an asset whether he ends up being the champion or not.
>>20513714Kalla is also fitting, actually. Can you guess why? Kalamari, the word for squid across a number of languages, with minor variations.Either way, we totally look like Ika Musume, de geso.>>20513691Everybody is a chosen one. That way there's no fighting or hard feelings over it.>>20513690Good for proving things to lizardgirl, probably not right now.
So we've got Kenneth for magic and Shankavi for sword & board. We can probably get the not-elf for the thief and then we just need to find a long range archer and we've got the standard 4. We can add more people for the back up army to our chosen 4.
>>20513726>>20513691There is, for the first time since meeting the old man, a long pause. His brows knit into a frown, which could be worried, disapproving, both, or neither. "It seems as if the gods have placed quite the burden on you. But if you wish to learn more of this evil, you will have to turn to them. There is a temple not far from here, perhaps you may be able to seek answers there. Those that dwell within are the closest to the gods, after all. Now, I don't doubt that this destiny before you will be an arduous one... I would recommend that you gather what support you can. Start with Kenneth, if you wish."The boy, thankfully, didn't shy away. His words were uncertain at first - but gained confidence as they progressed. "I don't know if I'm material for your Chosen One, but I will help however I can, if you need me. Just say the word, er, spirit. I didn't think I'd be repaying you like this, but that's life for you."
>>20513764I'm counting him as Noble since that's where this guy's house is. Also don't actually say this.I'm all for Kalla.
>>20513804Slum seems better for a thief, to me. Though that elf might live there, probably easier to recruit her there.>>20513823Thank Magister and Kenneth a lot, go in search of a comrade in the slums.
>>20513823Gonna put out another vote for Kalla, also we should recruit the lizard woman, if she thinks there is no justice in the world perhaps she should be one of the to fix that.
>>20513823Oh yes and I kinda need one evil killing super mega awesome sword if you have a spare.
>>20513823Call me Kalla. Well, okay then, prepare for leavin, I'll see you again tomorrow. I don't know exactly when we'll start, but if you have stuff that needs to be done...I'll go to the church now, then I'll head to the industrial district to find another companion.
>>20513801cephalopod -> Seffy?>>20513893>My buddy the god of smithing forged this sword that can cut through all that, but there's only the one sword. Ergo, just one chosen one.We have a super-awesome-evil-killing-mega-sword, I think.
>>20513887We'll pass by her place tomorrow to convince her.And let's keep the slums for the evening.
>>20513917Innocent girl wandering around the slums at night.Can't see how this could possibly go badly. Least we have some magic.
>>20513801Kalla also mean 'to call' in old norse and several scandinavian languages. Appropriate for someone who needs a name.
>>20513936Even if we run out of magic, suddenly turning into a squid would probably be enough to freak most people into running. And if not we just float upwards out of their reach and ink them.
>>20513936If it goes badly, that just gives us more chances to identify good guys from bad ones.
>>20513936Hey, somebody might save us and then we'll have a prospect. Changing my vote from slum to church and then industrial.
>>Thaddeus has indeed mentioned a super awesome sword of smiting evil +6. Remember to bring it up with him.>>20513884>>20513904The Magister just smiled that wizened smile of his. "You are welcome - I'll look forward to our next meeting. Remember you have allies here.""Oh, hang on," Kenneth interrupted, darting into another room - very, very quickly, as expected from a courier - only to return with a small pouch of coins, handing them over quickly. "Here. Don't worry about bringing any of it back. You should be able to buy things you need."Then he smiled. Anther boyish, excited kind of smile. Perhaps traveling with him won't be so bad. "Okay, see you tomorrow then - Kalla."
>>20514011By the way, do you have anything against cephalopods ?
>>20514011Thank you! See you then.
>+500g GET>New total 550g>Expect an inventory post in the next thread.>>20514011You finish your farewells and thanks to your newfound allies, and the weight of coins is a little reassuring to have with you. This could get you all sorts of things. A less ragged dress, a haircut, a bath - even a new, fancier hat, should the desire strike you. Feeling encouraged by your success, you decide it's time to report in, gather intel, and explore - remembering the Magister's directions, you adventure through the Noble district until you happen upon a temple. It's absolutely pristine, like everything else in the district, and when you poke your head in you see it's exactly the same inside. Pure white, a few marble statues, light streaming in from a glass ceiling. There are a few people bent in silent prayer, and you come to realise through study that Thaddeus doesn't seem to have much of a following, if any. The most popular deity seems to be the goddess of love; you see what looks to be a head priest lighting a candle by her shrine.>Action?
>>20514100Pray. Ask Thad about the evil. Is it close by ? Is it growing ? How long exactly do we have to find the chosen one ? and to defeat it ?
>>20514100Go to her shrine and ask her if she likes tentacly things.
>>20514100>>20514148Plus ask him where the sword of +6 evil slaying is (also what kind of sword it is, so you can train/get somebody proficient with it).
>>20514223And what kind of evil is it to be killed by a sword.
>>20514148You can't say you've ever done this before, and Thaddeus didn't exactly leave you a spirit guide rule book to follow, so you just copy everyone else. Kneeling down on the marble floor, bathed in light, you place your hands together, close your eyes, and let yourself drift.You know you're back in Thaddeus' realm before you even open your eyes again; the weird weightlessness has overcome you. You're floating, but your patron doesn't seem to mind. Or... you can't actually tell, because he's wearing his helmet this time. Intricate, forgotten runes dimly glow on the full plate armour instead of leaving it to a plain, dull sheen, and the helmet on his head wreathes his face in shadow, his eyes casting a dull gold glow from behind it. Honestly, this is a good look for him. Much, much less beta."The fisherman thing earlier? Inspirational," he praised, nodding his head. "I was moved. Not the most subtle way to enter a city, but ten out of ten for style."
>>20514223I don't think it's something we should carry around, because we can't use it and we could lose it or have it stolen or something and it's priceless. But we should definitely find out what type it is. And then pick it up when we find somebody to wield it.
>>20514264Thank you. The sword you mentioned that the god of smithing made - what type of sword is it and how do I get it once I've found a chosen one?How am I meant to find this ancient evil and is there a time limit?Am I doing ok so far?
>>20514264Get the ring off while we're here. I miss being tentacly.
>>20514223>>20514148You spend a good deal of time updating Thaddeus on what happened beyond his awareness. For the most part, and from what you can tell, he seems genuinely impressed by what you've accomplished thus far. Always good to have the patron god on your side."Right. As a matter of fact, I do have information for you on that," he said solemnly. "Rorec, the servant of the god who has awakened, was last sighted in the Spire Mountain range. Far, far north of you. Months of travel. We can't be sure what he's doing up there, but it means you have time. That's the good news. The bad news is that we've found that Rorec isn't alone."A terse pause, but for once, Thaddeus spared the sigh. "One of his lieutenants was sighted here. In Artura. And he's looking for the sword."
>>20514264Is he sarcastic ? I never thought he cared for the species that don't pray. Either way, he's being cool.
>End of thread one>It's quarter to four right now. In the morning.The thread's been archived on suptg. If you guys enjoyed questing as much as I did running it, go ahead and upvote it. Thanks for making such an awesome start to Kalla's quest! If you want to be here for the second thread, I should be able to run it again on Thursday or Friday, same time, same bat-channel. See you then.
>>20514371Well where is the sword? I should hope you didn't just leave it lying around.How did he even know it had been made?
>>20514371I hope you hid it well.
>>20514371Oh, so it's a god we're going after ? Shouldn't a god, like maybe you, be the one to slay it then ?
