Sparrow, the elven made airship, and the fastest of it's kind, tore out of the sky, away from Triune's Gift, Sanctuary, and indeed, all of New Arcturus.
You make your way back to the top deck of Jormungandr, and you see Aeriel and Gehenna, both identical- save for the fact that Aeriel's eyes were pure, utter black- whistling to one another in low tones, no doubt catching up with one another. Zeke and Raziel were sitting side by side near the front of the airship, and Kristoph and Marigold were speaking to one another- Marigold encouraging him, from what you can tell.
You eye the small, glowing crystal in your hand- it feels like you need to charge it with power before you use it.

>>20786638
Let's charge it with spare power from Jormungandr.

>>20786638
We gave Kris the best pep talk we could, so let's see how Zeke and Raz are doing.

"Yeah, but we should probably wait until Cass gets back on his feet." Zeke was saying, as you approach him and Raziel.
"Hey, Ishelda." Raziel said, sitting forward, elbows on her knees. "We're talking about the vault. Whatever the Wanderer did to it, he turned them all inwards, and then Kal broke them. So we need to re-make the wards. Any ideas?"

>>20786722
"Not at the moment, I'm really tired right now. Sorry. But maybe we should require multiple persons to gain entry without setting off an alarm. Or maybe a mechanism to start one from inside the vault."

>>20786722
"Can we put something like the magic visualization spell in the antechamber, but effecting anyone in the room, so we can see what magic is on people before we enter the vault?"

"Can we put something like the magic visualization spell in the antechamber, but effecting anyone in the room, so we can see what magic is on people before we enter the vault?"
"Perhaps." She said. "It'd probably be divination and enchantment... which means I can try to figure that out. I'd need a lot of mirrors, though..."
"And probably some kind of lockdown, maybe." Zeke said. "I might talk with Cassiel, see how he's doing. He and I might try fusing evocation and abjuration for the wards. Some kind of... Force Wall, or something. Force Ward?"

>>20786818
"Hmm. Maybe there's some way we could pump out all the air as well?"

>>20786818
"I wonder what Aeriel could do. Walk through the doorway and suddenly you're in a jail cell because you didn't know the right way around it...
But we don't actually have anything to put in the vaults any more, so it's not urgent."

>>20786818
>divination
"That sounds like a good idea, Zeke."

"I wonder what Aeriel could do." You say. "Walk through the doorway and suddenly you're in a jail cell because you don't know the right way around it... But we don't actually have anything to put in the vaults anymore, so it's not urgent."
"We have the spirit that possessed me." Raziel said, quietly. "And it's better to have it than not.. but there's probably more important things we could all be doing. I just can't think of what."

>>20786880
"Dealing with Kristoph's lost talent, or taking care of Qu'az, one way or the other."

>>20786880
"Preparing! You said Aeriel could cast that portal spell, didn't you Zeke?"

>>20786880
Someone hates this quest. Got archived as "DickButt"

"Dealing with Kristoph's lost talent, taking care of Qu'az, or perhaps preparing. You said Aeriel could cast that portal spell, didn't you, Zeke?"
"He could." Zeke said, and rubbed his chin. "Preparing might be a good idea too. I could convert this ship's cannons to astral fire, perhaps."

"What are you planning on doing with Qu'az?" Raziel asked

>>20786924
It's sad how obsessive he is. The same shitty spam that everyone just ignores, every day for weeks. Does he have nothing better to do?

>>20786880
"Getting the spirit is a priority, yes. He hurt some of my most important friends."

rolled 35 = 35

>>20786912
Nigga what? WE ARE DOING THE PORTAL OURSELVES. It's OUR mission. besides, it's obviously the portal to Final Boss Fight so we should finish training first to avoid being curbstomped

>>20786980
Except we have no clue where he is and no way to find out so we can't do shit. People voted to let him go. Hopefully VQ will deal with him like she said.

>>20786975
"I don't really know. I'll talk to her again, hopefully she'll have calmed down by now."

>>20786975
"I am not sure. I think the best thing to start with would be a long talk. Her people, their culture, what's the difference between their society and ours. There might be things we have to consider when dealing with her kind, similar to the fact that young orcs have to learn to control themselves, for example."

>>20786975
"Truthfully, I'm not sure. She did attack me, the queen here. But she didn't seem to be in the right state mind."

(sigh)

"Then Kaliel said something about there being three of her within. However, that doesn't excuse her actions fully. Plus, I do need to show people you that cannot attack me and walk away like nothing happen."

"I don't really know." you say. "Hopefully she'll have calmed down by now. I think the best thing to start with would be a long talk. Her people, their culture, what's the difference between their society and ours. There might be things we have to consider when dealing with her kind. I'm... not sure. She did attack me."
"You want anyone to come with?" Zeke asked. "Or do you think the lizardmen you posted there can protect you?"

>>20787066
"Grayson might help, if he wants to come. He usually has a much deeper understanding of the nature of people, and animals. Maybe he could provide some insight on Qu'az. And he could protect me, although I hope that won't be necessary."

>>20787083
Good idea. Quaz will be less open with more people around, but Grayson's 'just a bear'.

>>20787083
In addition to that, if anybody wants to come with us, they're of course free to do so.

>>20787083
upvooting. Grayson will take care of any issues.

"Grayson might help, if he wants to come." You say, looking over to the sleeping bear. It opens an eye, and nods a fraction. "Maybe he could provide some insight on Qu'az. And he could protect me, although I hope that won't be necessary. If anybody else wants to come with us, they're of course free to do so."
"... Ishelda, may I see Rikar?" Zeke asked. "I think I just... realized something about it."

>>20787135
"If you're possessed by Gareth and planning on stealing Rikar, it won't work for you, but here." And hand it over.

>>20787135
"Of course. Say, would it be possible to produce items that ward against spirits or mental spells? I would like to prevent events like this one in the future, or if anybody should ever prove as capable as (that one kalak)."

"If you're possessed by Gareth and planning on stealing Rikar, it won't work for you, but here."
"It didn't work for me last time." He said, taking the sword.

He drew it from the sheath. It was a dark grey, and had a sharp edge, but no point. He lifted it a bit, and weighed it in his palm.
"But it did this time." He said. "... I know at least one of Rikar's 'conditions'. You have to... be willing to kill someone. Willing to raise a blade, if you need to."
He put the blade away, and gave it back to you.
"Say, would it be possible to produce items that ward against spirits or mental spells? I would like to prevent events like this one in the future, or if anybody should ever prove as capable as Sardriel."
"Most likely." Raziel said. "We could ask Cassie about how feasible it is, though."

>>20787135
"Let me take a guess first. You think that Rikar rejects wielders who lack decisive self-confidence in themselves and/or actions?" Then hand over Rikar and listen to his reply.

>>20787188
Give him a kiss on the cheek.
"I'm impressed you weren't willing to kill until know. You're a great person, Ezekiel."

>"We could ask Cassie about how feasible it is, though."
"Good thinking, Raziel." And then give her a hug, having to cope with being possessed must be terrible.

>>20787188
I see. What changed Zeke?

I could tie some wards into the communication rings, probably, but that'd only be able to protect so many people. It'd be nice if we had a more consistent way to create them.

"I see." You say. "What changed, Zeke?"
"He possessed my best friend and my sister." Zeke responded, without hesitation. "It's times like this that I'm glad I'm an evoker."
Raziel pulled him into a hug.
"I could tie some wards into the communication rings, probably, but that'd only be able to protect so many people." You say.
"Wait." Raziel said. "Gehenna, you helped Ishy with the rings, right? We need your advice!" She said.

Gehenna looked over- he and his twin both walked up.
"Yeah?" He asked.
"Would it be possible to set up some thaumaturgy to ... piggyback a spell from one communication ring to the rest?"
"It'd probably have to be some kind of focus instead of a ring, and it'd have to be stationary, but yeah, that should be possible." He said. "But if the spell was broken, or the focus moved, the rings would stop channeling the spell.
"So what, you're the ritual specialist now?" Aeriel said, nudging his brother in the ribs.
"Mostly steward, actually." Gehenna responded.

>>20787269
"I couldn't manage without him. I swear being that good at paperwork and making sure everything runs properly is a Talent in a league of its own, one that far outstrips my humble Sorcery.

So we just need to tie it into something that isn't going anywhere, like a giant pillar in the castle.

>>20787269
"Well, there wasn't really any demand for evil time-travelling twins any more. He's been a great help, and somebody I'm proud to call a friend."

>>20787269
"Wait, balancing the taxes doesn't involve elaborate rituals?"

"I couldn't manage without him. I swear being that good at paperwork and making sure everything runs properly is a Talent in a league of its own, one that far outstrips my humble Sorcery."
"Well, running numbers for an entire kingdom wasn't as difficult as that silly thing where Aeriel wanted a spell to run parallel to itself, one second in the past."
"I thought it'd be cool. You tried to make me make something bigger on the inside than on the outside, and it took *months* to figure that out." Aeriel said, buffeting his wing against Gehenna.
"At least that was *possible*." Gehenna responded, banging his own wing against Aeriel.

"Wait. Balancing the taxes doesn't involve elaborate rituals?"
"Not usually." Gehenna responded. "Unless I accidentally sign the wrong paper. Then I have to do a ritual to turn the ink into air."
"Why not use alchemy?" Zeke asked.
"Gehenna's horrible at alchemy." Aeriel responded, chuckling.

>>20787333
"I'm happy for the two of you. I've never seen Gehenna as happy as this in the last two years."

>>20787333
"Are you sure that it doesn't require a ritual, it seems like magic to me.

So, mental defense ward that stretches across my ring network. Would you care for some help with that?"

"So, mental defense ward that stretches to every ring. Would you care for some help with that?"
"I'm not sure I can do the ward myself, and I have to have Aeriel alchemize a bunch of similar rings into a focus..." He said. "I'll talk to Cassiel about it, but we should be able to do it ourselves."
"Hey, how does Cassiel treat us?" Aeriel asked.
"He was always the one who tried to make amends with us." Gehenna said. "He'll help. Anyway, we'd best get started, your majesty."
He bowed, and Aeriel raised an eyebrow, before nodding to you, and the two of them made their way down the tower.

>>20787411
". . . TEA TIME!"

>>20787411
Well we should probably let the people up here talk for a bit, no need to butt into their conversation.

I think we need a cup of tea and to talk with Belethor, we just had an awful lot change and having someone who can look at it from an outside view could be helpful. Also we need to tease him about his talent.

>>20787454
Well that was an exhausting and unexpected ordeal. I guess we should recover a bit before doing anything else.

rolled 70 = 70

>>20787454
now with 50% more functioning dice.

>>20787411
"Well, if any of you need me, I'm going to talk with Qu'az. And after that, I'm most likely to either fall asleep on Grayson. If any of you need me, you know where to find me."

rolled 37 = 37

>Kristoph is depressed from getting his talent stolen
>Raizel feels guilty for indirectly causing the
former
>Ishy realizes she probably could've saved Kristoph if she embraced her 'passion'fate point EVERYTHING IS FUCKED UP, DROWN SORROWS IN BEARFUR AND SWAMPBREW

>>20787540
Not yet, we've gotta hold ourselves together long enough to finish business.
Also we should get fucked up on Ogreish mead instead.

"Well, if any of you need me, I'm going to talk with Qu'az." You say. "And after that, I'm most likely to fall asleep on Grayson."
"Okay." Zeke said. "Be careful."

Grayson gets up at your urging, and the two of you make your way down the stairs, glad that you'd thought to make the dungeon tunnels large enough for Grayson's bulk. You make your way to Qu'azlith's room, where the lizardmen salute you. You enter it, and the room is rather luxurious, with sets of fur laid across the ground, an unlit fireplace, and a bed, where Qu'azlith was laying, asleep. The room was rather chilly, this far below the ground.

She blinked, once and twice, and then grinned at you.
"Hello!" She said. "I'm glad you came to visit me."

>>20787540
I think the runner up to not using the FP was to destroy the spirit. So there was possibly the chance of losing Kristoph's talent permanently, as well.

"Hello, Quaz. Are you done being cold yet?"

>>20787570
"Hello Qu'az. How are you doing?"

>>20787570
"Hello Quaz, would you me to turn on the fireplace? It's rather cold down here and I'd rather talk to you when it's warm as you said that you were not as smart when it was cold and I want your full attention and thinking for this little chat."

>>20787540
>>Raizel feels guilty for indirectly causing the
You're right. Seems like we'll have to take a detour before getting any sleep tonight.

"Hello, Qu'az. How are you doing?"
"I'm tired and cold." She said. "And hungry"
"Would you like me to turn on the fireplace?" You ask, and she nods.
You reach down to the fireplace with your soulflame, and spark it, where the wood started burning. Almost immediately, the room started to warm up, and Quaz climbed off of the bed, laying her tail out in front of the fire.

>>20787673
Ask one of the guards if he could bring some meat for Qu'az.
"I must apologise, but Kaliel has left for a bit, so I can't offer you any live food right now."

>>20787673
"Quaz, I am a very forgiving person but we still need to talk. Some of your behavior since coming here has been unacceptable.

I am rather miffed that you decided to break my foot, I happen to like my feet. Many rulers would consider this treason. Most people if you did that would have attacked you, I did not.

As you can see I have been extremely patient with you, but I ought to make it clear that within my home you not allowed to attack me and that my patience is wearing rather thin in relation to you so should you do it again your continued health is in jeopardy."

You turn to the door, and peek your head out. "Can you bring some meat for Qu'az?"
"Certainly." He said, and made his way up to the kitchens.

"I must apologize, but Kaliel has left for a bit, so I can't offer you any live food right now."
"That's okay." She said, still lying there. She blinked for a long few seconds, before forcing her eyes back open, before twisting her humanoid torso upright. "I'm sorry for getting upset." She said. "I'm calmer, now."

>>20787788
"Is what happened a normal reaction for your people?"

>>20787788
"I'm glad to hear it. May I ask, has your view of the Great Wyrm changed?"

>>20787786
No, too threatening at this stage. Maybe in a bit depending on her answers.

>>20787788
"What do you think about dragons now that you've had some time to calm down and think about it?"

>>20787788
"And I'm sorry for making you upset. I don't know anything about the Great Wyrm and shouldn't have just assumed he's a dragon."

>>20787849
This, followed by these
>>20787805
>>20787834

"I'm sorry for making you upset. I don't know anything about the Great Wyrm and shouldn't have just assumed he's a dragon."
"That's fine." She said, patting your cheek, and giving you another smile. "I can teach you."
"May I ask, has your view of the Great Wyrm changed?"
"Not at all." She said. "Why would it?"
"Is what happened a normal reaction for your people?" You ask.
"No, not normally..." She said. "For the priestesses, maybe. The younglings would think the... Dragon interesting... and the handmaidens wouldn't eat you. Instead they would spew your entrails over the sand, like they do for all heretics."
"What do you think about dragons now that you've had some time to calm down and thing about it?"
"The Dragon and the Great Wyrm are different." She said. "Like the way elves and you human things are different. I saw Wyrmie with my own eyes, and his claws were bigger, and couldn't slide into his paws, and he was less spiky. In the pictures, his teeth were different. He had less."

>>20787875
"Hmm, I see. What did exactly happen when you broke my foot?"

"If someone else told what you consider to be heresy about the Great Wyrm, what would you do?"

"Have you considered that perhaps the Great Wyrm chose to take the form of a dragon? Or something like one? I mean, I'm not a god and I can change forms."

>>20787875
"I see. There are a lot of different species in this world."
Or that could just be the differences between male and female, but it's probably best not to mention that.

Hey guys, do we want to vote down or vote up the troll archival?

Note: I don't think LL deletes threads voted down that far.

>>20788022
>I sent him an email, asking him to fix it, and in the next thread I'll link to the last one. It should be fine if we treat the troll archival as a normal one.

"Hmm, I see. There are a lot of different species in this world. What did exactly happen when you broke my foot?"
"I broke your foot? I'm sorry!" she said, putting her hands over her mouth, appaled. "I can help you walk from now on until it gets better! Or did you have that... flower woman fix you? Anyway, I was trying to yell at you, but this person started telling me to kill you, for revenge, all angry and hating and stuff. I pushed that away though because I wanted to tell you not to lie to me. But I don't think you were lying, after all, just mistaken like I was."
"If someone else told what you consider to be heresy about the Great Wyrm, what would you do?"
"Well... most people don't know things about the Great Wyrm here." She said. "So I'd have to tell 'em the right things. But back home... I'd break their tail, and drag them in front of the Handmaidens to deal with."

>>20788046
"Who started telling you to kill me, can you describe him or her?"

>Most likely Garreth, but who knows

>>20788046
Guys, Gareth's influence was clearly at work here.

I think she should get a LOT of slack now.

>>20788074
I think it was what Kaliel was saying about there being three of her. One of them was really angry. Wouldn't Kaliel have realised something was wrong if the angry one was Gary and not a snake-girl?

>>20788105
She couldn't have necessarily been able to tell the difference - or maybe Gareth had left by that point and Kal was only seeing the effects of it.

>>20788081
But that only accounts for two people in Qu'az.

"Who started telling you to kill me, and can you describe him or her?"
"I never saw them, and they never gave me their name." She said. "They showed up a few days ago and kept trying to make me sleep. But I've been really warm so I wasn't tired, so I ignored them like the way I ignore my hungry self sometimes. It went away after I yelled at you."

rolled 34 = 34

>>20788105
this. We need to ask her more about these 'other people'. Sounds like split personalities.

>>20788132
"My goodness, Qa'az, you must have enormous willpower."

"Quaz, I believe that person was an evil spirit, attempting to manipulate you. Had you slept like it wanted you to, it would have likely attempted to take control of your body. When it couldn't get to you, it went for one of my knights.
Thankfully it's been driven off for the time being, but I believe the circumstances absolve you of your actions."

>>20788132
>They showed up a few days ago and kept trying to make me sleep.
Raziel and Kris got taken over instantly, but she just ignored him? That's awesome.
I'm kind of curious why he didn't just go for possessing us though. Lets him do whatever he wants as revenge, gives him access to the entire kingdom, and he could steal our sorcery.

"Your hungry self? Kaliel said something about there being three of you."

"Your hungry self? Kaliel said there's something about there being three of you."
"No, there's two." She said. "Everyone has two. The thinking self, and the hungry self. Like my mouth. My hungry self can use my mouth to eat, but I can't. I can only use it to talk."

>>20788232
"She said that she could feel three of you after you decided to come down here.
One was pleased to be in the sun, and hungry, and happy when she gave it food. One was in pain, ashamed, and embarrassed. But the last one was full of hatred, and bitterness."

then go ahead and say >>20788170

>>20788232
"i didn't know that. It's not that way for us humans."

>>20788232
"Right, so the third one would have been the angry person that wasn't actually you. That's interesting, I think most species only have one self."

"I didn't know that." You say. "It's not that way for us humans."

She suddenly pushed the side of her head up against your stomach.
"So you have to do that thing *all* the time?" She asked. "With the bump, bump, bump? Even when you sleep? Wouldn't it get boring eventually?"

"She said that she could feel three of you after you decided to come down here." You say. "One was pleased to be in the sun, hungry and happy when she gave it food. One was in pain, ashamed, and embarrassed. But the last one was full of hatred, and bitterness." You say.
"The first one is my hungry self. And the second one is my thinking self. And the third is the person that kept trying to make me sleep, and to make me hurt you, and trying to make my wiggle my fingers and say weird things."
"Quaz, I believe that person was an evil spirit, attempting to manipulate you. Had you slept like it wanted you to, it would have likely attempted to take control of your body. When it couldn't get to you, it went for one of my knights." You say. "Thankfully it's been driven off for the time being, but I believe the circumstances absolve you of your actions."
"No, I still hurt your foot." She said. "That was all me."

>>20788328
"To be honest, I never thought about it that way. We do stuff like breathing or keeping our heart beating without thinking about it. Whatever controls it can't influence our decisions, and we have very little control over it ourselves."

rolled 11 = 11

>>20788328
"It was, was it? Well, I suppose I should declare your punishment then. I ,Ishelda Queen of New Arcturus, hereby sentence you to . . . kiss it better." giggle

>>20788328
"I suppose, when you put it like that, we do have a 'hungry self' of sorts. Ours tend to be less...vocal...though, and operate at a level that our Thinking Selves aren't aware of them."

>>20788328
"It was healed before you even realised you'd done it."

>>20788397
>we have very little control over it ourselves
I'm fairly sure you can breath manually if you think about it. Why don't you try it right now?

>>20788328
"Yes, but he clouded your judgement and pushed you to towards that point. In any case, I do forgive you."
[This next part may have to be discussed.]
"Unfortunately, I also need to show my people that someone cannot assault a head of state and come away with no punishment. You won't be harmed, I don't believe that hurting one person for hurting another person truly solves anything.
Instead, I'm going to give you a choice.
You may leave my lands if you wish, and you won't be allowed back into the city. But I hope that you don't.
Or,
You may work for me, in whatever way you're best able, for one month. You'll be provided with whatever food and shelter you need, as well as whatever tools you require for your work. If after that, you wish to continue working for me, you'll be compensated for your work."

>>20788434
I agree with this. It's fair, and we do honestly need to show people that they don't necessarily get special treatment under the law for being a friend of the queen.
Even if they really do.

"To be honest, I never thought about it that way. We do stuff like breathing or keeping our heart beating without thinking about it. Whatever controls it can't influence our decisions, and we have very little control over it ourselves."
"You're *all* like that?" She asked, and suddenly gave you a hug. "Aww, It must be so lonely!"

"In any case, I do forgive you." You say. "Unfortunately, I also need to show my people that someone cannot assault a head of state and come away with no punishment. You won't be harmed, becaise I believe that hurting one person for hurting another person never truly solves anything. Instead, I'm going to give you a choice."
"A choice? What are my choices?"
"You can leave my lands, exiled, and you won't be allowed back in the city. But I hope that you don't."
"I don't want to do that! It's sunny here and nice and I can't go home anyway..."
"Or, you may work for me, in whatever way you're best able, for one month. You'll be provided with whatever food and shelter you need, as well as whatever tools or supplies you require for your work. If, after that, you wish to continue working for me, you'll be compensated for your work."
"... Compensated?" She asked. "What do you mean?"

>>20788545
"You know, paid."
We're going to have to explain the entire concept of money, aren't we?

>>20788545
"It means you'll get paid relative to the work that you do.
The currency itself is in gold coins [I assume], which you can then use to trade for just about anything. But if you want, I could arrange for you to receive something else in exchange for your efforts."

>>20788545
You'll receive money for your work. And that can be traded for goods and services."

"It means you'll get paid, relative to the work you do. Money for your work. The currency itself is in metal coins, which you can use to trade for just about anything."
"Really?" She asked. "Normally, the priestesses just choose what people get things, so you have to be nice to them or you'll have to beg food from the people she likes. I'll do the second one! And I can... make drinks for your god. If you.. have one? I don't see where one could be, but this building goes really deep into the ground. Maybe he's underground?"

>>20788622
"Humans worship gods that aren't here. They believe they live in some higher plane of existence, or something. I'm not entirely clear on it myself. Regardless, it'll be for everyone to drink."

>>20788622
"Well, we don't have a god here, though nobody is prohibited from worshiping whatever gods they want either. So if you did make wine, you'd be making it for whoever wants to buy it from you to drink.
What fruit did you typically make the wine out of back in your homeland?"

>>20788622
"Some people worship a god like you do, but we don't have one here."

What god is the cathedral with the World Key for?

>>20788683
>The Cathedral was built for a sea god by some very devoted fanatics, but as time went on, belief in the god waned, until the cathedral was all but abandoned. Then, the healers took the cathedral as their home, so it's not technically a cathedral anymore.

>20788683
>> A small number of very devoted fanatics worshipped a sea god, and built the cathedral there... before they ended up starving, or working themselves to death. Ursae arrived, built the province there, and they made the cathedral the home of the healers.

"Well, we don't have a god here, though nobody is prohibited from worshipping whatever gods they want, either." You say. "So if you did make wine, you'd be making it for whoever wants to buy it from you to drink. What fruit did you typically make the wine out of, back in your homeland?"
"Berries." She said. "They're big plants that we grow for the Daryeh, but they sprout berries eventually. So my big sister takes dung from the daryeh, and my little sister spreads it over the chamber and plants the stalks, and then eventually they get berries, which my little sister picks and gives to me. But I saw a lot of plants you people eat that I can try making things out of." She said.

>>20788719
>... I'm not sure how I answered that twice *and* differently, but the top one is the more valid answer.

rolled 77 = 77

>>20788719
"Well.. (lower voice) That... spirit that was bothering you has managed to cause me a lot of trouble and stress these past few days. Do you think you could make me something
to help me "relax" tonight?"

>>20788768
Wine takes time to make. Gotta ferment it.

>>20788768
I think fermenting stuff takes slightly longer than half a day. And wine's meant to rest for years.

>>20788801
All of it takes time to make.

>>20788719
"That sounds like a good point to start, yes."

>>20788719
"Well Quaz, this means something else good too. You're no longer merely a guest of New Arcturus - but a full citizen with all the rights and privileges that come with it."

rolled 17 = 17

>>20788809
Yes, that is true. However, some of her stories seemed to imply that the fermentation process was shorter. At least in my mind anyway.

"That sounds like a good point to start, yes." You say. "Well, Quaz, this means something else good too. You're no longer merely a guest of New Arcturus, but a full citizen with all the rights and privileges that come with it."
"Hooray!" She said. "Does that mean I get to go choose a house in the city to live in? I need to find one that's partway underground so I have somewhere cold to sleep. And supplies for making things. And... I need to talk to that one person, don't I? The gray one who made the ogres citizens."

>>20788859
"Yes and yes. It also means you'll need to abide by the laws like everyone else, but they're easy to follow and essentially come down to 'don't go around harming other citizens unless you have a very good reason to'."

>>20788859
She's so adorably enthusiastic.
We know she acts like a kid, but how old is she?

"Yes and yes." You say. "It also means you'll need to abide by the laws like everyone else, but they're easy to follow and essentially come down to 'don't go around harming other citizens unless you have a very good reason to'."
"I can do that." She said. "I'll stay inside a lot, so I won't get very hot unless I need to work."
She thought a moment, and then clapped. "And maybe when your lover gets back, I can buy big animals from her!" She said, grinning. "I hafta get to work."

She suddenly hugged you- with only her humanoid arms, strangely, and then slithered out of the room, swaying from side to side. She wasn't as excited as she was when she first arrived- but that's likely due to the temperature. You have a feeling that if she was warmer, she'd be wooping and cheering.

>>20788984
Scratch Grayson behind his ears.
"Well, I'm glad that's sorted out."

>>20788984
L-lover? But we never actually...

You scratch grayson behind his ears, and he leans into you.
"Well, I'm glad that's sorted out." You say.
He huffed, and nodded.
"L-lover? But we never actually..."
"Smell the same." Grayson said, by way of explanation. "She is more similar to me, than to you, I think."

TIME FOR CIV CITY! Also known as, TIME TO MAKE EXABYTE HATE ME FOREVER!

Go get Gehenna, and have him list out the following:
>Total population
>Total amount of liquid wealth within the treasury
>Number of able bodied workers (and their chosen professions if available)
>Total number of each available type of resource in easily quantifiable units
>The cost of projected improvements based on those units, and the estimated time to completion
>Estimation of how quickly those resources are replenished

>>20789090
I would love to play this game like a Nationbuilder or a Civ game for a while... just a little while.

>>20789090
While I would like that quite a bit I am not sure Exabyte is up for that. If he is though...

>>20789079
"Ah, I see. Shouldn't she think the same about us? I tend to sleep a lot on you, as well."

Well, lets see how Raz and Kris are doing, and then I'd suggest going to bed.

>>20789090
Yeah, feel free to say no to this request Exabyte. It's totally understandable if you're not up to being a computer.

>>20789090
>>20789097
>>20789104
What do you think the statline would be? We obviously wouldn't be using Alfonso's starting stats.

>>20789104
>>20789097
>>20789090
>please no
>oh please god no
>don't make me do this
>The entire *reason* gehenna is steward is that it can be implied that he's dealing with all of that so that *I* don't need to.
>It'll be the whole 'exa can't into /k/ calibers' all over again, except with EVERYTHING I SAY.

"Ah, I see." You say. "Shouldn't she think the same about us? I tend to sleep a lot on you, as well."
"She sees you and her." Grayson said. "Act different than you and me."

>>20789079
"Do you have two selves, Grayson?"

rolled 12 = 12

Floaty rocks. Our city needs floaty rocks. Because magic.

But seriously, if we're advertiseing arcturus as a place to learn magic, then we've got to have floaty rocks. No self respecting magic school can go without them.

>>20789149
"I think that means I don't hug you enough, Sir Grayson." Hug him. "Now then, shall we see how our injured friends are doing and tell them that the malicious spirit tried to get to me through Qu'az as well?"

>>20789149
Well need to grow some berries.

You'll like that, Grayson.

How are you eating in New arcturus?

>>20789149
>It'll be the whole 'exa can't into /k/ calibers' all over again, except with EVERYTHING I SAY.
I'm pretty sure we've already established that you can't into anything except writing.

>>20789149
Oh fine, no civ building.

>>20789180
You know, it might not be a bad idea to have aerial real estate for elvish citizens...probably could talk to E&K about that (though not necessarily right now)

>>20789239
He can into clifhangers. Very much so.

>>20789273
That's part of writing.

"I think that means I don't hug you enough, Sir Grayson." You say, and give him a hug. "Do you have two selves, Grayson?"
Grayson shook his head- a no, apparently.
"Now then, shall we see how our injured friends are doing, and tell them that the malicious spirit tried to get to me through Qu'az as well?"
"... Didn't smell it." He said, after a moment. "I'm sorry."

The two of you started to make your way back up to Jormungandr, walking through the dungeons.
"We'll need to grow some berries." You say. "You'll like that, Grayson. Speaking of which, how are you eating in New Arcturus?"
"Lot of bread." He said. "Bread and Vinefruit. Eating fine."

Eventually, you made your way up to Jormungandr to see Kristoph and Marigold alone. Blushing madly, she kissed him on the lips.
"That's exactly *why* you're a good knight." She said to him, softly, hand on his chest. "If you weren't, you wouldn't worry about these things."

>>20789282
Sneak up behind them.

"corrupting my knight are we marigold?"

>>20789282
Hmm...Mar seems to have things handled. Let's go see someone else. Like Cassiel or Red.

>>20789282
Sorry Kristoph. You wanted the smoking hot angel but you get the little girl. We probably shouldn't interrupt.

Turn the bear around and give them a little privacy.

>>20789282
>"I'm sorry."
"Don't worry about it. I noticed Raziel was acting a bit strange and didn't think about it. Raziel told me about the three personalities within Qu'az and I didn't get it."

Make some noise so they're know we're approaching, but not that we've seen them.
"Hey you two, I just found out the spirit tried to get me through Qu'az first."

>>20789316
This, but add a "For shame." with a huge grin.

rolled 61 = 61

>>20789316
tempting, but no.
>>20789347
no.
Turn that bear around right this isntant young lady! You are /not/ about to cockblock this man again. Not after what happened.

>>20789392
I don't think this is that kind of situation.

>>20789392
Dude, he might pull the same shit he did with Raz on Mar. And as a hopelessly romantic 16 year old girl, she doesn't really need that.
She wants romance, and he might just want to fuck again.

>>20789392
This.

You freeze, and silently tap Grayson on the shoulder. He shrugs, and turns completely around, padding his way back down the stairs.
You end up making your way out to the courtyard, and you see Jeaane, surrounded by lizardmen. As you and Grayson get a bit closer, you see that she...

Has Redglare in a headlock.

"Ishelda!" She said. "Take a look at this guy! He was pretty much my father, back at the Wall. Still can't take me on without his armor or axes, though."

Redglare gurgled and struggled, in response.

>>20789425
Addendum: Although I doubt that's the case here. So we're not cockblocking anybody.

>>20789437
"I didn't know about that. I guess I'm glad to see the two of you have found each other, then. Just be careful, his training methods are even more *drastic* when Marigold's around to heal the injuries."

>>20789437
"I didn't know you knew each other! Else I would've reunited you myself."

"I didn't know about that. I guess I'm glad to see the two of you have found eachother, then. Just be careful, his training methods are even more drastic when Marigold's around to heal the injuries."
"Really? Damn, I saw him training the young 'uns some time back, and that was pretty brutal." She said, and looked down to Redglare, who started tapping at her arm. She let him go, and some of the lizardmen clapped.

>>20789437
"Don't worry Redglare, your loyal pupil beat her for you."

>>20789539
To Redglare: "I broke her nose! It was awesome."

>>20789539
"Don't ask me how many limbs I've lost over the last two years. Anyway, what do you think of the city? I hope not seeing you in days doesn't mean you dislike it here."

>>20789519
Just after the Ishelda/Jeanne fight:
>"Redglare's the armsmaster in New Arcturus." Raziel said.
>"Redglare? Really? The hobs always said he was the only one that actually enjoyed fighting." Jeanne said. "Probably why he isn't a gardener now, like the rest."
She knew he would be here. It's kind of weird that she didn't mention how close they were at the time though.

>>20789601
Probably an oversight by Exabyte.

"Don't ask me how many limbs I've lost over the last two years." You say, checking your arm- the repeated cuts and dismemberments there had left a thin scar, even with Marigold's talent, although it's slowly fading. "Anyway, what do you think of the city? I hope not seeing you in days doesn't mean you dislike it here."
"Nah, I like it plenty." She said. "Fellwind's trying to learn how lizardman bodies work so that he can heal them, too. We've been talking about staying here. As citizens. I could join the guard, I suppose, even with these. Got 'em from the shops in Sosaria."

She reached into one of the many pockets, and pulled out two sets of strange gauntlets, made of leather, with small steel plates, and slid her hands into it.
"They called them 'cestus' or something." She said "Got two pairs- One pair has blades and spikes."

>>20789668
"Would you care to show me how they work?"

>>20789668
Your punches hurt plenty enough when you're barefisted! Using those would be like me using a brick.

I'm not sure you'd be able to keep up with the lizardmen in the guard, they're legs let them get extra distance in their jumps. You might get stuck on a rooftop with no way down.

>>20789668
"Impressive. I'm glad to hear you like the city. I would be very happy if the two of you would decide to stay."

"Your punches hurt plenty enough when you're barefisted!" You say.
"Exactly!" She said, grinning.
"I'm not sure you'd be able to keep up with the lizardmen in the guard. Their legs let them get extra distance in their jumps."
"Probably not, unless I got magical boots that let me jump and run like a lizardman or something." She said. "Or, heh, I could train to be a knight. Except those guys all use swords. Hmm... An adventurer, maybe. I heard that the grandmaster has been trying to get that guild put together for the past few days. He ended up taking one of the larger ogre buildings and converting it."

>>20789751
Rolling to magic her some Ten Pace Boots.

rolled 26 = 26

>>20789771
This time, with more dice.

rolled 51 = 51

>>20789751
Yes, Lewin got himself a building as recompense for the trip to the east I had him take.

Enchant her feet with FORCE PUSH.

rolled 4 = 4

>>20789777
How about some dice that don't suck eggs, bro?

Also make em' look like the ninja tabi/sneaker hybrid from Mirror's Edge. Because that's what freerunning boots SHOULD look like, damnit.

rolled 49 = 49

>>20789751
JUMP BOOTS

>>20789751
"Grayson is a knight, and he rarely uses a sword. So that shouldn't be a problem. But whatever you decide to do, I'm sure your abilities are going to be an asset. If you find the guard interesting, I'm sure I could make some boots for you."

>>20789788
We're not Dave, we ask before doing magic.

rolled 1 = 1

>>20789795
WHEN WILL YOU LEARN?! Gloating over your dice skills produces failure! YOU MUST CASTRATE YOURSELF BEFORE THE DICE GODS! REPEEEENT!

rolled 61 = 61

Ill support this. >>20789771

now with roll

>>20789795
Nice dice that don't suck eggs you have there, bro.

>>20789814
When will YOU learn that forgetting to take off your dice will only result in further embarrassment?

>>20789814
Oh god my sides!

>>20789814
Um, mate... I think... No never mind.

>>20789814
The dice gods dislike being worshipped.

rolled 37 = 37

>>20789834
They do however, love bitches.

C'mon dicegods, it's for Jeanne!

rolled 99 = 99

>>20789868
Damn it, I give up.

>>20789884
Knew that would work.

>>20789884
The irony is palpable.

>>20789884
Good. The dice gods agree that you should. Even with that 99 the average is below 50, it was a horrible set of rolls.

"Give me your boots. If you find the guard interesting..." You say, suddenly. She raised her eyebrows, and unlaced them, before giving you the thick leather boots.

You close your eyes, and bring forth your magic, weaving them into the boots. The spell goes through, draining a significant portion of your magic-

And then the boots explode, knocking you, and several nearby lizardmen, to the ground, Raw force shoving you away. Lying on your back, you see the boots fly into the sky, creating a massive hole as they tore through a cloud, still emanating uncontrolled Force.

Jeanne looked up, following them with her eyes, as you push yourself up.
"... I have a second pair." She said. "And, um, please don't send these ones into the sun."

She ran off, and came back with a second pair, handing them to you. You focus on them, and bring forth your power a second time, this time enchanting it with a bit more... control. You set them down, and your head sways, but she slips them on, the grass swaying away from each foot.
She took a few steps back, and started bouncing on her heels.
"So, this is where I fall on my face." She said. "Let's do this."

She took a running start, and kicked off. There was a bang, and she shot forward and upward, the boots boosting her further and faster than lizardman legs.

And then she fell, and went rolling across the grass, laughing.
"Called it!" she said.

>>20789884
/tg/ dice.
The biggest troll of a quest thread.

>>20789917
Laugh, that's hilarious.

"Well sometimes it works."

>>20789917
"The first pair jumped better."

>>20789917
Well, in a hundred threads when the boots come back around and destroys the most powerful being in the world, we can claim credit for goomba-stomping the final boss.

>>20789917
Help her up.
"I'm sure you'll get the hang of it quickly."

>>20789967
I hope it has that sound effect. That "Baloop" noise.

"The first pair jumped better." You say.
"Except I couldn't even put those on." She said, as you pull her to her feet. "But if I ever need to go to the moon, I'll ask you to make me another pair."
"I'm sure you'll get the hang of it quickly." You say.
"Well, I can start practicing with the lizardmen, I suppose." She said. "They run around one of the uninhabited areas of the city at dusk, every day, and with these I can try to join them."
She clapped you on the shoulder.
"Thanks for making these for me." She said. "If you ever need me to punch something, just ask."
You notice something out of the corner of your eye- It's Quaz, dragging a small wagon full of supplies, and what looks like glass jars, brass pipes, and such, toward the castle gate. When she sees you, she smiles and waves.
"That... snaketits girl is kind of creepy." Jeanne says. "Just the way she smiles, and her teeth are all pointed. Despite that, she's a nice girl. I was talking with her, and apparently they all name themselves after the draconian language."

>>20790079
"Oh? What does her name mean?"

>>20790079
"Really? I'll have to go ask her something then, excuse me."

Go to Quaz, shoot the shit for a bit and then say, "Say, what does the name Dras'lea mean?"

>>20790079
Yeah, she kinda creeps me out. I'm hoping that she'll do better with a bit of direction, and a job to do.

>>20790079
Well, young queen, wave back.
"I think her kind is a lot more different from us than elves, orcs, or any other race we've met so far. But I have to agree, she's a nice person. I'm glad Lewin and his friends saved her from being sacrificed."

>>20790079
"I have managed to collect a rather strange assortment of people. We all have our oddities, from the outside this castle must look like an utter madhouse."

>>20790121
>"Do you know what Dras'lea means?" You ask.
>"We researched it, after she attacked." He said. "It means. . "
>"Something that shouldn't be." Raziel murmured. "That's what it means, literally. Like. . in the context of breaking a law. Or laws."
>"Indeed." The ogre magus said.

>>20790160
>>"Something that shouldn't be." Raziel murmured. "That's what it means, literally. Like. . in the context of breaking a law. Or laws."
Not the guy who suggested asking, but a second opinion on that might be nice.

>>20790079
"I wonder how strange we must be in her eyes."

>>20790160
is that from a previous thread?

>>20790160
I'm using it more to confirm than to know the answer.

>>20790188
Yeah, thread 52.

>>20790176
Well the ogres and Raz agree so that is two opinions. We can ask her but it's not worth rushing off over.

>>20790188
Indeed. We asked that as soon as we first heard the name.

You wave back to her.
"I think her kind is a lot more different from us than elves, orcs, or any other race we've met so far." You say. "But I have to agree, she's a nice person. I'm glad Lewin and his friends saved her from being sacrificed."
"See, that's what makes me respect the Adventurer's guild." She says. "They were there on your dime, right? They could have just investigated and left, but no, they're not mercenaries. Where ever they go, they're there to adventure, and to make people's lives better, not just to do their job."
"I wonder how strange we must be, in her eyes."
"Just as strange as she is to us, I suppose." Jeanne said. "I have to say, I'm impressed with how well she seems to be adapting."

>>20790219
"Lewin's a good guy. If I could have chosen someone else to find me after Grayson I still would have chosen him."

>>20790219
"I think she reminds me of myself, at least a bit. She's in a rather similar situation to the one I found myself in two years ago. I hope I can be as good a friend to her, as so many people here have been to me."

>>20790219
"Hmmm, I'm glad Lewin and Fellwind were the ones who found me when I arrived here. Well, of course only after I had met Grayson."
More hugs for Sir Grayson.

"I think she reminds me of myself, at least a bit." You say. Jeanne stifles her own giggles.
"No offense, but you're not *nearly* as cheerful as she is." She said. "Even when you're relaxing and having tea, you look like you're determining the fate of the world. Solemn, kind of."
"... She's in a rather similar situation to the one I found myself in two years ago. I'm glad Lewin and Fellwind were the ones who found me when I arrived here. Only after I met Grayson, of course."
Grayson harrumphs.

"Fellwind told me he was kind of a dick to you." She said. "Which he can be, at times. But lately his talent has stopped acting up. After the battle at the ogrish portal, at least."

>>20790351
"He.. I don't really want to talk about that."

>>20790351
"He made me cry. I forgave him though."

>>20790351
YES FELLWIND, YOU ARE THE REASON FOR THE VOID QUEEN. YOU SHOULD FEEL GUILTY.

I only slightly mad.

>>20790351
"He was a deeply troubled man, I don't blame him any more for what he said at the time. But it still hurt, it hurt for a long time."

>>20790351
"He was very bitter after he lost you."

>>20790351
"He did. But he had his reasons, and I can understand why he acted that way. It still wasn't very nice though, yes. And I must have been positively scary as a young girl. I magine a six year old girl that might turn you into a frog act like I do now."

"He did. but he had his reasons, and I can understand why he acted that way." You say. "It still wasn't very nice though, yes." You say, leaning on Grayson. You scratch him behind the ear, as Grayson is watching the sundown rather intently. "But it still hurt. It hurt for a long time."
"Well, if you want me to go find him and use these cestus on him, I will." She said. "Seriously, though, the way he told it... he didn't say it to you. He didn't mean for you to hear it. He had more tact than that."

>>20790486
"That... doesn't make the slightest bit of difference. He said it and he meant it."

>>20790486
"But he still said it."

Are we still hurt from this guys? I think we kinda are, somewhere deep down.

>>20790486
"He just said to Lewin what I already suspected, or perhaps feared, he was thinking. He just managed to hit a sore at an unfortunate time. But I'm glad he's happy now, although I'm not sure if he deserves you."

>>20790486
"I think he's beaten himself up over that more than you ever will. Don't bother punching him.

I know he didn't mean for me to hear it, but being thought of as a monster is painful. It wasn't the first time people thought of me as a monster, back in Arcturus lots of people were scared of the strange Princess with the cold gaze and who could just throw lightning around.

But it hurt more when he did it because I consider him a friend."

>>20790522
It's been two years, we're probably mostly over it. But it's still going to be a bit sore if somebody brings it up like that.

"Nah, don't bother. He's hurt himself over it more than you ever could.
I know that he didn't intend for me to hear it, but hearing someone you consider to be a friend think of you as something abominable..."

"No, don't bother. I think he's beaten himself up over that more than you ever will. Don't bother punching him." You say. "I knew that he didn't intend for me to hear it, but hearing someone you consider a friend think of you as something abominable..."
She put a hand on your shoulder.
"He just managed to hit a sore at an unfortunate time. But I'm glad he's happy now, although I'm not sure if he deserves you."
"Of course he doesn't." She said. "He'd need to do something *really* evil to deserve me." She said, with a grin. "but it's almost dusk. I'd best get into the city if I want to train with the lizardmen. Maybe I'll get to get headbutted by you later, if we brawl."
She gave you a grin, and a hug, and then saluted you.
"See you, Ishelda."
She made her way toward the castle gates, alongside a small portion of the lizardmen, and Nahzit. You lean more on Grayson, and consider sleeping- you're still exhausted from when Gareth attacked, after all.

>>20790637
Sure, there's nothing urgent so we may as well get some rest. We were going to try visiting Kaliel's dreams, weren't we?

>>20790637
We still have to make sure if the birds are alright. But after we've done that, drifting to sleep on Grayson sounds good.

>>20790637
Fall asleep in the middle of the road. I'm sure the commoners would appreciate seeing their queen as human occasionally.

>>20790676
Yes! Let's go dream diving with Kaliel.

>>20790676
We should also try to reach the Void Queen. Even if she says she doesn't want company, she totally wants company.

>>20790740
Maybe tomorrow when we're less tired. But yes, we have loads of questions for her and she just revealed she can be reached through the rings.

You say your goodbyes to Grayson, make your way up to bed, removing your armor and Rikar, and fluff up your pillows. You'd normally sleep on Grayson, but you almost hardly ever end up sleeping in your own bed. Tucking yourself under the covers, you lay back....
And you suddenly remember the way Dras'lea showed up in your dreams. Could you do the same with Kaliel?
You reach out, with your power...
And you feel a soft, gentle heartbeat, far to the north, pulse alongside the tattoo that made up your soulfire serpent. You focus more...

And you appear, in a large, enormous flower field, with small, sleeping brown birds. Kaliel, asleep, has three of them in her arm as she's leaned back, against Sparrow, asleep. You try to move, but you can't- it must be similar to scrying, in a way...

So you focus on her mind, and enter.

You see an enormous series of towers, identically to Azariel's, and the sky is a deep, dark purple. Kaliel is simply walking along, the streets below, abandoned.
She eyes you for a full ten seconds, then waves.
"This is... this is the artifact's doing, isn't it?" She asked you. "You're... not an actual dream."

>>20790789
"Yeah...I think I'm dreaming myself though."

>>20790789
"Not entirely, but it helps me do this, yes."

>>20790789
"You don't think I'm dreamy?"

>>20790789
"I think we're dreaming. Seems like fun."

See if physics behaves itself here. Try to jump on top of the nearest tower. Do we look like ourselves?

>>20790789
"How did you know?"

"...by the way, do you know that there are birds on your sleeping body?"

>>20790789
"Well, we're both dreaming..."

"You don't think I'm dreamy?" You ask. "And how did you know?"
"Of course you're dreamy." She said. "And... well... you're just more... clothed than most of the yous that show up in my dreams."
She took your hand.
"Come on. I want to show you this place." She said, changing the subject. "I don't know exactly where it is... but I think it's my homeworld. Azariel's home."

The two of you walk, hand in hand, through the tall towers.
"By the way, do you know that there are birds on your sleeping body?"
She grinned. "They remind me of Dariel. I miss him more than I thought I would."

>>20790866
When in rome. It's Kal's dream, so we might as well fit in. Leave the clothes behind and follow along.

Is it human Kaliel or bird Kaliel?

>>20790875
This.

>>20790866
"Well, maybe he and Neiriel will decide to move to New Arcturus, once the egg has hatched."

>>20790875
Nah, we can save cuddling and more for later, right now we got a memory of homeworld to explore.

>>20790866
"I can understand that. He's just so fluffy, and in addition to that, you grew up with him. But tell me, discovered anything interesting yet."

>>20790875
Only way she gets that, is if she comes back alive.

>>20790866
"I know how you feel, every second without him is a second of less than maximum fluffy in my life.

>>20790875
I don't think we're the type to randomly strip. Of course, we don't need clothes in kalak form...

"I can understand that. He's just so fluffy, and in adition to that, you grew up with him. But tell me, discovered anything interesting yet?"
"Not yet." She said, touching one of the towers. "I just got here, and then went to sleep."

She kissed you on the cheek.
"I've never seen this place with my own eyes." She said. "But... I want to."
She tightened her grip on your hand. "I want to come here. Will you... will you come with me?"

>>20791014
"Of course. If I manage to find a way to get safely to my home, why shouldn't we visit yours as well? So yes, I would love to come with you."

>>20791014
"I will, but I still have things to do. After I go to Arcturus I'll be able to cast the portal spells, and then we can come here."

>>20791014
"Assuming we can find it again, of course I will."

>>20791014
This isn't some wierd kalak marrige ritual is it?

>>20791014
"Maybe we'll be able to reclaim this world as well."

>>20791069
If it is, we can claim it was all just a dream.

"Of course." You say. "If I manage to find a way to get safely to my home, why shouldn't we visit yours, as well?" You ask. "So yes, I would love to come with you."
"I'm glad." She said, and kissed you.

Together, hand in hand, the two of you continued walking through the city of towers, abandoned. You hear something behind you, and look back.

It's a long, inhuman, writhing tentacle- something that must be part of that... thing she made, back on sgragol mountain. Suddenly, the limb pulls itself back, into the tower itself. The hole in the gray, slagged stone remains open, and you see an unblinking eye stare out at you.

That's when you slowly start to realize... Every single one of those towers contain one of those... *things*, unnatural, hungry, powerful behemoths, hidden behind ebonstone.
"Something wrong? Don't worry. It's just a dream." Kaliel asked. " Things like to hide in the shadows. Just ignore them."
Increasingly uncomfortable, you follow her, trying to ignore the towers slowly being torn apart behind you, as alien, nightmarish behemoths come to life.

>End of thread!

>>20791246
Fun dream.

>>20791246
So, next thread, we can start going through our girlfriend's mind and memories?
That artifact we made is pretty handy.

>>20791338
We rolled a 100, our stalker level is maximum.

>>20791338
We could, be I don't think we should.

>>20791246
"I'd like to Kali, but I'm just not as used to them as you are."

I know, thread over, whatever.

>>20791444
I guess we'll have to get used to them, sooner or later. They're kinda neat, in some way. Could even come in handy, later on.

It might have been nice to have one extra post, where we could tell Kaliel that if her homeworld also contains those things then we retract our offer.

So a the other day it was mentioned that only us and Marigold could read Arcturan. It seems like the elves, kalak, ogres etc. all have their own languages but we've never met anyone who doesn't speak the main one (what's the language we're speaking even called?). That kind of makes sense as like a main trade tongue but when we first met Lewin and Fellwind, we still instantly understood each other. Even if everyone on this world was originally from Arcturus, the languages would have still diverged massively in the intervening centuries without contact. You could say it's for plot convenience but we're magic; we taught ourselves Ogrish instantly and didn't have to explain shit. It's not like languages are a notable barrier. How do we know this other world's language?

>>20791719
It literally is magic. It's called the Gift of Tongues, and magically teaches you common as your naturally learn your native tongue, though it seems that if you arrive by portal, it just gets shoved into your brain.

>>20791748
That means that we could talk to marigold in secret Arcturian language and nobody else would understand? Awesome.

>>20791780
We could just talk to her privately over the rings anyway. That's only useful if we deliberately want people to know we're excluding them from the conversation for some reason.

>>20791748
This guy's got the right of it. The Gift of Tongues was created/casted by the dual forces of ogres and dragons, in the interests of international diplomacy. Ironically, less than a hundred years later, they went to war.

>>20791867
I guess it makes sense to set up something like that when the place is such a melting pot. Good job ogre/dragon dudes.
So that means it only applies to this world? When we go back to Arcturus none of the natives will have the Gift and we'll have to magic up some Arcturan/Common translators for our companions. Or tie it into the rings which are going to end up as magic swiss army knives at this rate.

>>20791929
Yes, it's 'merely' a global enchantment. However, once someone knows common, they can speak it in other worlds. Apparently, a dragon with a draconian boner for linguistics invented the language. However, an anti-enchantment ward, no matter how weak, prevents the Gift from taking effect.

>>20791980
>Dracoboner
Please tell me that's not going to... *ahem* come up in the main quest.

>>20791980
>once someone knows common, they can speak it in other worlds
Yeah, I gathered that. But when we hopefully find survivors they won't speak common so still being able to speak to them in common is pretty useless.

>However, an anti-enchantment ward, no matter how weak, prevents the Gift from taking effect.
Waaait, shouldn't that mean we can't understand Kristoph?

>draconian boner
Ignore those other questions, this sounds like more normal after-thread discussion. Tell me about draconian boners.

>>20792017
Only in a metaphorical sense.

>>20791980
>Dracoboner
>thatismyfetish.jpg

Speaking of fetishes, SMUTFAG! COME HITHER!

>>20792075
Kristoph's power has always been kind of weird- he wasn't born with it active, so when he learned the language the provinces use, he learned common as well. Eventually, it slowly got more powerful as he got squired, and then knighted. But no, he wasn't born with it.

>>20792075
Humans speak common most of the time. Kristoph probably learned it the way you normally learn languages.

>>20792112
I probably should have worked that one out after we just went through all that stuff about awakening Belethor's talent. Oh well, it's late.

>>20792086
What?

>>20792112
>language the provinces use
Actually, the provinces were, for the most part, created by a great number of different tribes/groups/clans/governments of men, from different worlds. They all had their own language, and just for convenience during the lizardman war, adopted Common as their national language, their own languages eventually being lost to the seas of time.

Although, Sosarians did keep their own language, having left to their island long before the provinces adopted Common.

>>20792158
Oh wow, you actually came.

How's the story going?

>>20792200
Pretty well actually. I've got another solid paragraph done.

But I'm also working on another new project with Exabyte right now that should be a little more immediately gratifying for people. Should be ready by tomorrow's afterthread, and interesting for people who aren't necessarily here for fapping.

>>20792441
>Working with Exabyte
>interesting for people who aren't necessarily here for fapping
Canon smut?
It better be the Ragnarok x VQ scene in excruciatingly unerotic detail.

Just warning everybody, there's no quest tomorrow. I normally write this stuff on the twitter, but since the thread was still active, I figured 'why not'

>>20792658
Alas. Can we still have the afterthread if we don't have a thread?

>>20792570
It's actually not smut!
...what? I can write other things too!

Also it's semi-canon, which means basically whichever parts Exabyte feels like using.

>>20792670
Nope, but rest assured I'll get going at the end of the next thread.

>>20792679
>Smut-fag
>Writing not smut
Pffft.
Exabyte's been doing fine on his own for the past however many months, why would he suddenly work with another writer? To write something he's unfamiliar with. What's he unfamiliar with that you're very familiar with? Smut.
You've been writing smut fine without Exabyte before, why would you suddenly need him? What would make it interesting to people who don't want to fap? New canon details.
Conclusion: Canon smut. Which is also why you're leaving it to the afterthread instead of working it in. My logic is infaliable, you obviously just don't know what you're writing.

>>20792735
Give ya a hint.

>>20789090

>>20793039
Exabyte x Anon hatesex?
Gehenna x Math?
Resources x Able-bodied workers?

>>20793087
Ghenna X Maths.

I'd lie derivative to those curves, if you know what I mean.