Swiftly skimming over the brand new acres of green grass, Sparrow soared across Triune's Gift, the pale light of dawn's light peeking from over your shoulder, as you stand at the ship's helm, Kaliel by your side, her hand clasped in yours. Below, you see that Gehenna's new quarry in the north of the city is underway, skeletons and citizens alike working at it, and the stone is being used to repair the roads.

You give Kali a look, and see that her other hand is holding open the smaller, more compact version of her new book, reading. As if sensing your glance, she gave your hand a squeeze.
"I'm a bit anxious." She said. "I think I'll meet him as Kalak first, so that he can't tell that I'm nervous. It took me a while to understand human expressions, so... it might take him just as long."

Rolled 85

AWW YEAH!!

Give her a peck. tell her to do whatever makes her most comfortable.

>>20918940
"Go however you want, Kal."

>>20918940
"Probably. It took me a while to understand kalak expressions."

You give her a peck on the cheek. "Do whatever makes you most comfortable." You say, and she nods.
"I'm probably just overthinking this..." She said, and slipped the book into her robe's satchel. She closed her eyes, and her heart started beating that same rhythm again, and she twisted into a kalak, with mostly red plumage, and brown at the tips of her wings. She opened up her amber eyes.
"How do I look?" She asked, pulling down her hood.

>>20919030
beautiful.

"Beautiful." You say, and she picks at the feathers at the base of her beak, nervously. She nods, again, and then puts a hand on the airship's control crystal, magic sparking from her talons, and the sparrow leans to the side, smoothly gliding closer to the tower, where it slides to a stop, and quietly hovers in place. Still nervous, she picked up the heavy crate of mithril that the lizardmen had loaded onto your ship, and slid it onto the top of the tower proper.

You're home.

>>20919149
A fantastic place to be. If it's dawn then we should be just in time for tea.

>>20919201
>implying every time isn't tea time in Isheldaland of the Fluff Worshipers.

>>20919210
Well yes but this tea time is the one that's now so it's clearly the best one.

Rolled 21

>>20919149
we need band to announce our arrival. trumpets and announcers and shit.

>we can magic some up if necessary.
>elementals.

Rolled 61

>>20919230
once more, with passion.

Rolled 39

>>20919230
>flaming instruments that play themselves.
ROLLING

You make your way down the tower and into the dining hall, Kaliel following behind you. You mention aloud that you need a band to announce your arrival, and one of the nearby pages quickly run off. A few minutes later, you hear a single, lonely accordion playing, and the orc playing it starts laughing.
"Welcome back!" Raziel said, waving to you. On the chain around her neck, she now had two mirrors and the pendant. Next to her was Cassiel and Zeke, who were arguing with one another over a charm, each of them quickly scribbling down their own runes and comparing them.

>>20919230
>>20919236
It's dawn. We don't really need to wake everyone up, do we?

>>20919245
"Finish the mirrors, Raz?

What are they arguing about?"

(grin)"Oh, have you seen my father anywhere this morning by chance Razy~."

>>20919245
"Thank you. Anything happen while I was gone?"

>>20919247
We absolutely do.

>>20919317
Ok, you've convinced me.

"Finish the mirrors, Raz?"
"Well, I already have your tea for you two, so yes." She said, grinning and pouring you and Kaliwl some tea. "While I'm wearing this, Sker can... 'loan' his talent to me. that was the hardest part."
"Thank you. Anything happen while I was gone?"
"'Henna had me shift some skeletons around, and your father's been moving around the pattern the guard patrols in Triune's Gift. Marigold's been messing with the grass... and I think it's started to spring up naturally whenever she walks on dirt. The kobolds have taken to farming, and Jeanne's in the guard, now."

"What are they arguing about?" You turn to Zeke and Cassiel.
"They're trying to figure out how to combine their specialties. It's... not going well."


"... Fine." Cassiel said, frowning. "I'll try it your way."
"That's all you need to do." Zeke said.
"Right, right." Cassie said, flipped open his own book, and examined the charm. He stepped away from the table, and incanted a short spell- and a glass-like dome appeared around him, humming softly.
He mouthed something, but the sound didn't pass through the dome.

>>20919317
In that case we also need to have a delicious feast prepared for breakfast. And tea of course. Can't forget the tea.

>>20919342
>Kaliwl

What is this blasphemy?

>>20919366
>Kaliel, I mean. The 'e' is right next to the 'w' key.

>>20919342
"Is that what they were trying to do?"

>>20919366
It's missing the 'e' key and hitting the 'w' next to it. Alternatively, everybody is now being renamed by Kell.

>>20919371
>using qwerty
>2012

SHIDIGGITY

>>20919371
>qwerty
>not dvorak

Nigga what are you doing?

"Is that what they were trying to do?"
"I think." Zeke said. "There's only one way to tell."

Zeke threw a sphere of force at the dome, and it richocheted off, slamming back into the kalak, bowling him over.
Cassiel tore down his spell... and they both started laughing.
"Welcome back, Ishelda." Zeke said, chuckling. "Got here just in time for the breakthrough. Also, Cassie, I was right."
"Right, right, I'll get you your cookies." Cassiel grumbled, and then nodded to you and Kaliel, before going into the kitchens.

"See, Abjuration lets you almost... reflect things, if you do it right." Zeke said. "According to what Cassie was saying, anyway, so I figured... what if we reflected Force? It would make an indestructible sphere, immune to any physical damage. The hard part was getting Force to work with abjuration."

>>20919380
>>20919408
>Using a keyboard
>Not just transferring the letters into your computer directly from your brain

>>20919413
Surround the vault in that indestructible sphere shit, yo.

Also, now that we have an immovable object, do we get an unstoppable force? Can't tell if reflecting all physical stuff counts as immovable, fucking physics.

>>20919413
"Sounds useful, but communication through the sphere is a problem. Does the sphere let in air?"

>>20919427
From IRC:

><@Exabyte> No, I'm actually a brain in a tank, wired up to the internet.

"Sounds useful, but communication through the sphere is a problem. Does it let in air?"
"If it stops sound, I'm sure it'll stop air, too." Zeke said.
"The communication should be easier if we use the rings." Raziel said. "Or a similar version of the spell that the rings run on."

As you sit and sip at the tea, you hear the thump and drag of your father's heavy boots, as he limps into the hall.
"Welcome back, dove. I trust everything went well?" He asked, making his way toward you.

>>20919427
>Not just transferring the letters into your computer directly from your brain

Still too slow without implants, and implants currently have a problem with corrosion. Maybe in ten years.

>>20919500
"Indeed. Father, this is Kaliel."

>>20919500
"That it did, the trip was quite fruitful.

Father, this is Kaliel, Kaliel, this is my father Abel. I do hope you'll get along."

"Indeed." You say. "The trip was quite fruitful. Father, this is Kaliel. Kaliel, this is my father, Abel. I do hope you'll get along."

Kaliel nodded to him. "I can see the resemblance." She said. "I'm pleased to meet you, Abel. Or should I use an honorific? I'm sorry!"
"No need for an honorific, girl." He said, chuckling. "A pleasure. So I've hear that you're some kind of... Fleshwarper? Shapeshifter?"
"I... prefer to call it biomancy." She said, suddenly. "It doesn't sound as... abhorrent, that way. The school was my own invention, so I get to name it."
"It does sound better, that way." He said.
Kaliel didn't respond, and there was an awkward silence.

>>20919606
It's really wonderful, the things she can do!

Show him the squirrel.

>>20919606
Spaghetti is strong with this one.

>>20919606
"She's exceptionally talented at it. The reason I could easily turn into a dragon during the battle was because of a gift she gave me. And she's planning on making an army to wipe the demon's from existence. Isn't she the best?"

>>20919652
We shouldn't mention the army thing. It might not pan out and we don't want to put a ridiculous expectation on her.

>>20919652
Remove the bit about the creating an army and this is pretty good.

>>20919666
Indeed.

Do this instead >>20919627
.

"It's really wonderful, the things she can do!" You say. "The reason I could easily turn into a dragon during the battle was because of a gift she gave me."

You rummage around in your inventory, and pull the squirrel out. It chittered, and leapt onto your shoulder.
"It's a squirrel." He said, eyebrows raising.
"This world... doesn't have squirrels." Kaliel said. "So I had to make it on the spot. I didn't get the personality right, I know, and it can eat everything, but the body itself is correct. I can also create my own creatures, like this lion-dragon-wolf crossbreed I came up with, and a set of living armor, and... a lot of things, really."
"Interesting." He said. "I'm not sure how functional that would be, but I'm glad you found something you're good at." He said, chuckling. The squirrel leapt from your shoulder, scrabbled down onto the table, stole a muffin, and leapt onto your father's shoulder for refuge as it nibbled at it.
He limped into a chair, and sat- while Kaliel's eyes dart down to the leg, her crystal glowing softly.
<... I might be able to fix that. Would it be impolite to offer?> Her ring asked you.

>>20919721
It would probably be better if we offered for her.

>>20919721
<Maybe wait a bit.>

>>20919721
<Let me ask.>
"Father, I think Kaliel might be able to fix your leg."

>>20919721
"Do you want her to have a look at your leg later? She might be able to fix it."

>>20919721
<I think you should ask him. If you want I could, but I think it'd be best if you asked yourself. I'd like for the two of you to get along, even without me relaying messages between you two.>

"A lot of things Kal does are functional, I just have a habit of asking her to make little pets.

Also, I'm thinking of asking her to work with Marigold to make a crop that far outstrips conventional ones."

>>20919755
This.

"A lot of things Kal does are functional, I just have a habit of asking her to make little pets."
"Oh, okay." He said, chuckling.
"Do you want her to have a look at your leg later? She might be able to fix it."
"If healing magic can't fix my leg, then I don't think biomancy would be able to." He said. "They sound like they're the same sort of thing."
"No, they aren't." Kaliel said, something in her voice you can't place. "Healing magic and biomancy are... polar opposites. Healing magic just gives a body the energy to... heal naturally, so to speak, while biomancy changes the body. I can't use healing magic."
""I... see." He responded, and nodded to her. After a moment, the squirrel finished the muffin and started squeaking, putting it's paws on your father's cheek. Without missing a beat, he gave a second muffin to it, and it started eating.
"There are probably more important people that need your help." Your father said. "Redglare, for one. He still fights, while... I don't, and with this new dashing cane, I don't have a problem with stairs anymore."

>>20919783
I'll second this.

>>20919829
Ishelda should bring up that it wouldn't take but a little bit, maybe 10 minutes. Kaliel is quite adept at her craft and works quickly. But if he's sure, then they won't push it but the offer's there if he'd like it fixed.

>>20919829
"If that's what you want father. Just remember that you are important to me and my friends, and if you ever do change your mind Kaliel will still be here. It probably wouldn't even take that long, it's only a leg after all, it wouldn't inconvenience us in the least.

Though that is a remarkably dashing cane and I would hate to remove your excuse to use it all day."

>>20919829
If he doesn't want it, for whatever reason, lets not press.

Unless we can say "By the authority invested in me by God, as the rightful Queen of New Arcturis, I command you to go to the doctor!'


Not really.

>>20919829
"It will take just a moment."

>>20919829
"Yeah, you should look at Redglare's hand as well. He lost the duel when I bet on him, that's probably treason or something."

>>20919829
"Alright, if you feel that way, I won't press it."

"It will just take a moment." You say.
"Oh, really? Then, by all means, go ahead, if you wish."
"Right." Kaliel said, and clicked her beak three times in quick succession, before putting her palm on his shoulder.
Your father's leg kicked, involuntarily.
"The demonfire did something to it. Something to the nerves, I think, and then time just kind of... atrophied some of the muscles." She said. "It's fortunate you have two, because then I can just..."
She clicked her beak again, and your father spasmed, and his leg twitched.
"Erm, sorry about that." She said, and you notice that her eyes are suddenly bright, bright crimson, and you feel her heartbeat is going wild, beating in the complete opposite of a rhythm- beating in absolute chaos.
"This is incredibly uncomfortable." Your father said, and Kaliel closed her eyes, as her heart calmed.
"Just a second...." She said, and pulled her palm away. "Now try."

Your father pulled himself to his feet, leaning on the cane, and paced this way and that- he was still walking awkwardly, favoring his once-injured leg, but he wasn't altogether limping, anymore.
"I can fix it the rest of the way later... just not now." She said, sitting back down.
"As you say, Kaliel." He said, and patted her shoulder. "Thank you."
"It was no problem." She responded.

>>20920039
I wonder if it was harder than usual because she was nervous?

>>20920039
"You're the best Kal, thank you."

Give her a hug and a quick smooch.

<Are you literally going to be giving my father two left feet?

Do you want to turn into your human form? I think the both of you are ready for it.>

>>20920039
<"Was it hard to heal?, or were you just nervous?">

"You're the best, Kal, thank you." You say, and give her a hug, before kissing the side of her beak.
<Are you literally going to be giving my father two left feet?>
<Not literally, no...> She said, sounding unsure.
<Was it hard to heal, or were you just nervous?>
<I almost... I almost fell into my passion.> She said. <I started to, when that squirrel on his shoulder reminded me where I was.>

>>20920118
<Why? You usually bat it down without a second thought.>

>>20920118
<It's okay Kal, I trust you. Always remember that I'm there if you need me.>

<It's okay, Kal, I trust you. Always remember that I'm there if you need me.>
She sighed. <Passion is like... an idea. A 'wouldn't this be cool' that suddenly bursts into your mind, and even when you go through with the spell, you forget how you did it, right after.>
She frowned, and pushed the top of her beak against your forehead for a moment. <I didn't even consider the fact that turning your father into some kind of inhuman... chimera would be a bad idea. That's the problem with Passion, is that you lose judgement. I can't be trusted, Ishelda.>

>>20920118
<Stop thinking of him as a king or as someone whose respect you need, and just think of him as a friendly older man who you'd like to get to know.>

>>20920212
<Talk to Mala about it. She's managed to not overrun the world with tentacle monsters all this time.>

>>20920212
Kaliel: The important thing is that you didn't do it. Is you passion becoming harder to resist?

>>20920212
<You could talk to Mala, she might know more. But always remember, I'm here, I can feel your heartbeat alongside mine, I'll keep an eye on you.

Now would you like to turn human dear, I'd like to give you a proper smooch.>

>>20920212
<I felt your heartbeat shift when your passion tried to surface. If a squirrel can snap you out of it, I should be able to as well, especially if I can feel it coming on.>

<You could talk to Mala, she might know more.> You say.
<But only kalak have Passions.> She responded, quietly. <Dra... Mala's kin don't, I don't think.>
<I felt your heartbeat shift when your passion tried to surface.> You say. <If a squirrel can snap you out of it, I should be able to as well. Now, would you like to turn human, dear? I'd like to give you a proper smooch.>
She gave you a smile, and then closed her eyes. Your father, evidently sensing the private moment between you two, was simply speaking with Raziel about the ancient ogrish ruins.
<Of course.> She said, and her form shrank, from a head taller than you, down to a head shorter, swathed in the red robe. She looked up at you, and gave you a kiss.

>>20920314
Give her a kiss back.

"Sorry about that Father, I have gotten far too used to carrying on small private conversations in public.

I'm glad to see that you and Raziel are getting along well."

Well, what else do we have to do today?

>>20920404
Let's talk with Gehenna about the road and the quarry.

>>20920430
Should talk to Grayson also considering the conversation we had with Mala.

>>20920314
let's go give redglare the mithril and heal his arm maybe??

You give her a kiss back, and turn to your father.
"Sorry about that, Father. I've gotten far too used to carrying on small private conversations in public."
"No worried, dove." He said. "Take your time."
"I'm glad to see that you and Raziel are getting along well." You say.
"Yeah, I've gotten to know quite a few people here." He said. "But Raziel is by far the cleverest. Other than Gehenna, but Gehenna is quite ... what's the word... Dour?"
"Dour fits him." Zeke said.

Distracting everybody from Raziel's pink cheeks, Cassiel arrived, bearing a tray of food and sweets.
"Here's your cookies, Zeke. Though I wish I would've won the bet- I wanted to see how your own cookies would turn out."
"Ash." Zeke said. "They would become ash."

>>20920492
"Gehenna is somewhat dour, but extremely good at what he does. He has a habit of noticing all the little details that would pass me by. I couldn't run this place without him.

Have you met Belethor yet? He's incredibly intelligent and observant. If at any time you start to think he isn't he probably just wants you to underestimate him.

Don't be like that Zeke, I'm sure they'd be adequate, maybe even good if you put work into them. Not as good as Cass's of course."

Grab some cookies, eat them.

>>20920492
"Let's go find Redglare, I have a big crate of Mithril for him."

>>20920544
We don't have the Mithril yet, Vithriel said she could swing it, but it's probably coming in on normal routes.

>>20920552
>Still nervous, [Kaliel] picked up the heavy crate of mithril that the lizardmen had loaded onto your ship, and slid it onto the top of the tower proper.

>>20920560
Nevermind then, consider me wrong.

"Gehenna is somewhat dour, but extremely good at what he does." You say. "He has a habit of noticing all the little details that would pass me by."
"I know, I spoke with him some." Your father said.
"Have you met Belethor yet? He's incredibly intelligent, and observant. If at any time you start to think he isn't, he probably just wants you to underestimate him."
"I did meet Belethor." Your father said. "He's... well, I got the impression he was sent here by his family to court you, but he doesn't seem to care about that."
You take a few cookies and eat them, then turn to Kaliel, who is currently hoarding as many of Zeke's cookies as she can possibly carry.
"Let's go find Redglare. I have a big crate of Mithril for him."
"Mhmmm." She says, nodding, her cheeks puffed out like a squirrel's.

You make your way down to Redglare's smithy, and he's sitting there, buffing a glaive with a rag, his off hand still trembling wildly. You nod to the pages, who set down the box of mithril bars and make their way out.
"Welcome back." Redglare said. "I'd planned to ambush you when you got back, but I couldn't get ahold of Marigold in time."

>>20920626
"Sad! I'm sure there will be plenty of time to do that though.

However, I think I have something that's better than training for you! The Mithril bars you wanted!"

>>20920626
"I got you the mithril you wanted, also I think Kaliel might be able to fix your hand"

>>20920626
"We got you some mithral."
<Kal, do you feel that you can fix his hand?>

"We got you the mithril you wanted." You say.
"That's good to hear." He said. "I'll need to talk to Nahzit and have him help me work it, later."
<Kal, do you feel that you can fix his hand?>
Her crystal glowed for a moment.
"I can fix your hand." She said. "Easily. I just... mostly healed the same exact kind of wound, except Abel's leg was a lot older and more major. One second..."

She closed her eyes, and touched Redglare's hand. He twitched, and then his hand calmed. When she let go, he wiggled his fingers.
"Thank you very much." Redglare said. "If you need anything, just ask."
"I'll call in that favor... later." Kaliel said, and the hobgoblin chuckled.
"Fair enough, fair enough."

>>20920738
"Uh oh. Plotting to get Redglare to cut off my arms?"

>>20920807
What?

>>20920738
"Hey Kal, would you want Redglare to make a weapon for you? I know you have your.. claws?, but he is the best weaponsmith I have seen"

"Hey Kal, would you want Redglare to make a weapon for you?"
"That's the plan, but I have a bit more to do first." She said. "Learn the charm for astral fire from Zeke, get some Purifying Light seeds, and ask Raziel to examine all of her mutant skeletons, get Lewin's trollflesh..."

>>20920873
"Well aren't you industrious. What are you planning? Are you going to make giant ogre trolls that shoot beams of astral fire from their eyes?"

"Well, aren't you industrious." You say. "Are you going to make giant ogre trolls that shoot beams of astral fire from their eyes?"
"... Not exactly." She said. "I'm going to make and examine mutants. All the mutants."
She shrugged. "I'm going to need a place to stay..." She said, thinking.

>>20920873
"That's quite the list there. Do let me know if you need help."

Now what to do...Grayson? Gehenna? Magic?

>>20920912
"Is my palace not good enough?"

>>20920912
"Well there's plenty of space in Triune's Gift, just pick a building.

If you want a workshop outside of the city I can set it up. Just tell me what you need and I'll have it taken care of."

I think we should visit Grayson next, we have some talking to do.

>>20920912
Teasing
"I'm sure we can find somewhere for you to stay. Maybe a spare closet or something."

>>20920912
"What you need is place to work at. For I already know where you'll be staying."

I think giggling would be fine now.

>>20920912
Like my bedroom? Or you you mean a proper workplace?

"What you need is place to work at. For I already know where you'll be staying." You say, with a giggle. Redglare's eyebrows shoot up, and then he busied himself by examining the mithril.
"W-well, that was a given." She added, with a grin. "I'm considering some of the dungeons. I'll have to ask Raziel to dig me a chamber. I'm also thinking she can unbury one of the lower ogrish domes- one of the still buried ones, and restore that for me, and I can keep the sparrow down there when it's not being used."

>>20921014
"An experimentation bunker? Brilliant!"

>>20921014
"Well run along dearie, I know you have plenty of errands to run. Make sure Raz knows you have my blessing for getting work started on your laboratory.

Love you Kal, I have a few things to take care of myself."

Give her a kiss and then find Grayson.

>>20921014
"Ok then, it sounds like you've got a lot to do. I'm going to go and talk to Grayson about what Mala said."

"Okay then, it sounds like you've got a lot to do." You say, and give her a kiss. "Make sure Raz knows you have my blessing for getting work started on your laboratory."
"I will." She said.
"Love you Kal. I have a few things to take care of, myself." You say.
Suddenly, she takes your hands in hers, and stares into your eyes.
"I love you too." She enunciates, and gives you a hug. "Take care."

She trots off, back toward the dining hall, while you make your way outside.
Grayson is simply plodding through the grass in the courtyard, walking with no destination in mind. When he notices you, he huffs, and presses his nose against yours.

>>20921154
"Hello Grayson! I need to talk to you, can I turn you into a man for a bit?"

>>20921154
"We need to talk.

Honest open talk."

>>20921154
Give him a hug, scratch behind his ears.

In a calm voice, making sure he knows we're not mad or anything like that.

"Grayson, we need to talk. With words, not harrumphs."

>>20921154
Hug his head
"Hello Grayson. I met an interesting person near Vithriel's temple. I can't say exactly what the person is, because that would have some very bad consequences. They had some interesting insight about Dire creatures that I thought you might want to hear about."

You give him as big a hug as you can- which mostly means that you hug only his head.
"Hello, Grayson." You say. "We.. need to talk. With words, not harrumphs."
Grayson froze... and nodded.
"About threatening to kill Kaliel, no?" He asked, softly.

>>20921238
"No"

>>20921238
Don't stop hugging him.

"No, not that.

I want you to be truthful with me, are you actually a 'Dire' animal, are you really a bear? Who are you really Grayson? I already know you're my trusted companion, my protector, my pillow, my close friend, the only one I was willing to cry in front of for years, but what else are you?"

>>20921238
Actually, it seems you two came to an understanding on that. That was enough for me. It is more what I have seen in other creatures which use dire energy. They seem to deal with the world in a cruel manner. Apparently, this is something that was true since the time of the dragons.

>>20921270
I. I like this one. Better than what I was writing at least.

>>20921238
"Uh, no, actually. You're not going to do that, are you?"
"I met this very old person, and she said that all dire creatures are angry and aggressive. And from what I've seen she's right. Except you. Why is that? She went as far as to say you're not actually a dire bear."

"No, not that." You say, scratching his head. "It seems you two came to an understanding on that. That was enough for me. It's more... I want you to be truthful with me. Are you actually a 'dire' animal? Are you really a bear? Who are you really, Grayson? I already know you're my trusted companion, my protector, my pillow, my close friend, and the only one I was willing to cry in front of for years... but what else are you?"
There was a long silence, and finally, Grayson folded his legs beneath him, lying down.
"... I don't know." He said, finally. "I have my dire talent, but... The first thing I remember was... meeting you, in that forest. I don't know. I don't know what the cycle is, or what I am, or why I decided I was the prince of bears. I don't know. I don't know."

>>20921286
>"Uh, no, actually. You're not going to do that, are you?"
Not this. No. Just no.

>>20921340
"What exactly do you remember about meeting me?"

>>20921340
"What does the title 'Druid' mean to you?"

>>20921340
Hug him. Harder.
"Shh... It's okay. To me, you are Ser Grayson, Prince of Bears and my first friend in this world. Whatever else that is unknown, we'll find out in time, okay?" Snuggles. Hugs. Let him cry if he will.

>>20921345
"Maybe we can ask Raziel to help us to know more about you and your past"

>>20921340
"It's okay not to know Grayson, no matter what you are I care for you. That might even have been my fault, when I came I was scared and I cast a spell to calm you and befriend you, I'm sorry for that. I truly am.

Would you be willing to let Raziel cast the ritual to discover your ancestry and origins on you?"

File: 1348956455583.jpg-(125 KB, 1024x726, 1328188625829.jpg)

Sometimes, I wish that Exa was DMing a PF game that I could play in.

pic un/related, 's Grayson's cousin

You hug him more tightly.
"Shh, it's okay." You say. "To me, you are Ser Grayson, and my best friend in this world. No matter what you are, I care for you. That might even have been my fault, when I came here I was scared, and I cast a spell to calm you and befriend you. I'm sorry for that, I truly am."
"I remember before that." He said. "That spell did not affect me."
He wheezed, leaning further into you, and closed his eyes for a moment.
"Would you be willing to let Raziel cast the ritual to discover your ancestry, and origins on you?"
"I would." He said, eyes still closed.

>>20921486
"Let me know when you feel like doing it.

I would like to be there."

>>20921486
inb4 grayson is that horse we used to have

>>20921486
"Thank you Grayson. Remember that no matter what we learn you're still my Grayson.

I think I'm just going to stay like this for a while, you look like you need a hug, like you need your ears scratched. Maybe for once I can comfort you instead of the other way around."

<Raz, when can you get the ancestry ritual set up? Grayson and I would like to look into his origin.>

"Thank you, Grayson." You say. "Remember, that no matter what we learn, you're still my Grayson."
"Thank you." He responded.
<Raz, when can you get the ancestry ritual set up? Grayson and I would like to look into his origin.>
<Any time.> She said. <It's been long enough that I can do it again. I just need to prepare the runes and set my skellies to dig for Kaliel. Less than an hour.>

>>20921595
"We can find out as soon as Raz is finished moving her skeletons around. Less than an hour."

>>20921595
<Thanks Raz. How long does it need to be before rituals? After Grayson I'd be quite interested in seeing my father's side. I found hints I may be descended from a dragon.>

>>20921595
"Raz can set up the ancestry set up in less than an hour.

Just enough time for some quality hugging and a cup of tea."

>>20921626
I mean between rituals, not before. How did I even do that they're completely different words.

>>20921626
>I found hints I may be descended from a dragon.>

No need to say to that.

>>20921626
Scottish and Pirate accents seem to overlap in my mind. I couldn't help but read that as "YAARR, I BE DESCENDED FROM DRAGONS!"

I'm just going to go ahead and say it now. If we actually are part dragon, we shouldn't tell anyone except for our very closest friends and family. Since names are important, someone calling us part dragon out loud could weaken the sacrifice. I doubt it'd be enough to actually let the demons through, but it's too risky to chance.

>>20921658
No reason not to say it. It's why we're suddenly interested when we could have done that ritual again any time.

"Raz can set up the ancestry ritual in less than an hour." You say. "Just enough time for some quality hugging and a cup of tea."

You give him another hug, and sit down next to him, keeping your arm around his neck.
<Thanks, Raz.> You say. <How long does it need to be before rituals?>
<Several days, usually, up to two weeks. Lately, though, it's been getting shorter.> She said. <But a few days, at least.>

You lean up against grayson, taking out an ogrish mug for him- one that was normally used for a bucket- and you fill it with tea, as the two of you sip, relaxing.

<Ishelda, the runes are done.> Raziel said, some time later. <Down here in the cistern. I really need to move all of this to my workshop, someday.>

>>20921710
Walk with grayson down to the cistern.

>>20921710
<Thank you Raz.>

"Grayson, Raziel is ready. Shall we be on our way?"

<Thank you, Raz.> You say. "Grayson, Raziel is ready. Shall we be on our way?"
He huffed, and got to his feet.
"Climb on." He said, and you do, climbing onto his back, as the two of you trot down to the cistern.

"I, um, probably should have made the circle a bit bigger." Raziel said, then grinned. You hear the clink of a pickaxe, somewhere near. "Just step into the center of the circle, and we can start."

You climb off of Grayson, and step to the side. Immediately, Raziel closed her eyes, and started chanting.

... And nothing happens. She opened an eye. "Something's wrong. Maybe I did the runes wrong. Sorry, one second."

She leaned over the circle, and started examining the runes she'd drawn around it.

>>20921802
Wait for her to finish checking.

>>20921802
Wait patiently.

So was Grayson just immaculately conceived on the day he found us?

>>20921802
"What would happen if he didn't have an ancestry, like one of Kaliel's creatures?"

>>20921839
Drop "Like one of Kaliel's creatures" and it's good. Don't want him to feel even more insecure.

Rolled 79

>>20921802
If the runes are right, and the ritual still don't work, do it ourselves.

>>20921802
Hey Exa, if we husbando'd Grayson, would he have like, chilled all day in human form? Kissing a bear is a bit weirder than a Kalak.

>>20921856
Well, let's do this, then.

You wait, patiently, as she finishes checking the runes. Finally, scratching her head, she took a step back, and tried invoking the spell again.

"... What would happen if he didn't have an ancestry?" You ask.
"Well, um, I don't think the ritual would work." She said. "Just like... Like it isn't working, now."
"... Don't have one." Grayson said, hanging his head.

"Let me try." You say. You close your eyes, raise your hands... and bring forth your magic.

Suddenly, it starts draining you, draining your energy. Your breath starts laboring, and you start to collapse, but Raziel catches you.
"Keep focus." Raziel said, speaking calmly. "Keep putting more power into it. Breaking the ritual means it will just be a waste."
You focus harder, welling up more and more magic, as Raziel starts pooling sparks of energy into you. You peek open your eye, and Grayson is floating there, above the circle, his fur being blown about by nonexistant wind, half of the runes glowing, and brand new runes charred into the ground, making an impromptu, new set of runes.

Your shoulders start to burn, several minutes later, despite the way you're steadily keeping the spell intact, and despite the way that Raziel keeps giving you more sparks of power, until even she is panting heavily- and the spell cuts out, Grayson landing on his feet.

He blinks, twice.

>>20921940
"Tell us what your bear eyes saw."

>>20921940
"Did...did it work?"

>>20921940
"Are you alright?"
If yes, hugs.
If no, hugs.

>>20921940
"Sorry Grayson, it's not working like it's meant to. Did you see anything at all?"

>>20921957
If he's not sure, lots of hugs.

"Are you alright?"
Grayson nodded, absentmindedly.
"Did... did it work?"
He nodded, again.

You approach to give him a hug- And he takes a step away, his rear end pushing up against the wall.
"Need time to think." He said. "The... Cycle does not exist. I am not a bear."

With that, he turned, and trotted out of the doorway, not even sparing you another glance.

>>20921977
Let's follow him. Even if we don't say anything to each other, I think he'll appreciate the company.

Bring a book or something to read.

>>20921977
Might I just say this would be a good point to feel bad about something. Like doing that to Grayson.

>>20921977
Poor bear...

>>20921977
<When you're ready to talk I'm here for you. You may not be a bear, but you're still Grayson, and that's the important part.

Whatever I did, I'm sorry.>

>>20921977
Well what are you? All these pawsibilities going through my head... the suspense is unbearable.

>>20921977
<"I will let you alone if you want, but if you need to talk just call me">

<I will leave you alone if you want, but whenever you're ready to talk, I'm here for you.> You say, trying to follow him- but for such a large creature, Grayson could move fast. <You may not be a bear, but you're still Grayson, and that's the important part. Whatever I did, I'm sorry.>
<Wasn't you.> He responded. <Was your mother.>

He cut off the connection right then, and he went further down, deeper into the dungeons below Sanctuary.

Raziel finally caught up to you, panting- apparently she was exhausted from just this short run.
"Where'd he go? What happened?"

>>20922070
"I don't know what happened, he's not telling me. Something about the cycle being a lie, and not being a bear, and my mother is involved somehow?

I wish I could ask him about my mother, but I doubt that would be a good idea."

>>20922070
"I don't know. I guess he needs some time alone."

>>20922070
<W-what. Grayson, I'll... leave you alone for now, but please, please tell me later.>
"I don't know what happened."

>>20922070
"I think that he needs some time to think. I can't say that I blame him, honestly."

>>20922070
"I don't know, something about my mother...
Hey, since I was who did the ritual, could you do it on me, after you have recovered of course".

>>20922070
"I don't know, he said something about not being a bear, that the cycle wasn't real and something about my mother doing something.

I think he just needs some time to think. I probably just changed his entire perception of himself, who he is."

"I don't know." You say. "I guess he needs some time alone."
"Well... If any of my skellies notice him, I'll tell you." She said, and put a hand on your shoulder, and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "Don't worry, Grayson's the most implacable being I've ever met. He'll spring back and be sleeping all the time, as normal. I promise."

>>20922183
"I really hope so."

Rolled 56

>>20922183
Well, the ritual is set up and everything, tell her to do it for us now.
If she is too tired, give her some magic.

>>20922213
>If she is too tired, give her some magic.
She's tired because she was giving us magic for Grayson after we ran out.

>>20922213
Didn't we burn a ton of magic doing this already? Can't we wait a day or two.

Rolled 52

>>20922183
Rolling for bear tracking/summoning device.

>>20922237
I don't know, exabyte didn't say anything about us being exhausted.

>>20922262
Let the [not?]bear think in peace dummpkof.

>>20922277
>Suddenly, it starts draining you, draining your energy. Your breath starts laboring, and you start to collapse, but Raziel catches you.

"I really hope so." You say.
"I'm certain of it." She said. "And in case you're curious, my skeletons just saw him walk up to Kali's new lab, and it looks like they're talking privately."
She frowned for a moment.
"And... and I might have to talk to Neiriel."

>>20922289
But after that she put all her energy on us.. well, I don't know, nevermind.

>>20922333
"Neiriel? Oh, Dariel started moulting! I completely forgot about that."

>>20922333
"Oh? What happened?"

"Oh? What happened?" You ask, rolling your aching shoulders.
"Azariel hasn't come back in days." She said, her voice shaking. "He's stopped coming, and the totem doesn't call him. I think he's... gone."

>>20922333
"Why, is something wrong?"

>>20922394
>By shaking, I mean trembling. Whoops.

>>20922394
"He said he should be fine... Maybe he's busy dealing with the consequences."

>and brand new runes charred into the ground, making an impromptu, new set of runes.

I wonder if Raz can tell us anything about those runes. If they're still there. At least the way it's written seems interesting to take a look at.


>>20922394
"T-that's really not good. I hope he's alright."

>>20922394
how long has it been since he got the book for us?
"He might still be resting after he brought me the spellbook, lets check it out."

>>20922394
"He said he would be busy for a while, guarding the veil after Cassiel's ritual weakened it or something. Did I not tell you? I definitely told Zeke."

>>20922394
"He did say he would be out of contact for awhile, due to the...consequences of his actions. It's probably nothing to be worried about just yet."

>>20922481
This, also add "I'm sorry, I should have mentioned it."

"T-that's really not good." You say. "He did say he would be out of contact for awhile, due to the...consequences of his actions."
"I heard something like that." She said. "But I still need to talk with her and Sardriel about... everyone moving here. All of kalak-kind. Azariel's been dead for two years, and we still stay spread across the world, expecting to be protected by him..."
She suddenly gave you a hug, and you realize the hug isn't for you; it's for her.
"We all need to come home." She said.

>>20922490
"Home is where heart is."

>>20922490
"Speaking of Sardriel, I talked with him a bit, and I don't think he's as bad as everyone thinks he is. He's tried to release those girls before, and the ones he's got with him just can't cope. It's still not right, but it's not as bad as it seems to be."

>>20922490
"Sounds good. Why are they in that dingy old tower anyway?"

"Well, New Arcturus will be more than happy to accommodate them as best as we're able."

"Home is where the heart is." You say.
"It is." She said. "And my heart was always here. Always right here. I was a citizen of Triune's Gift long, long before New Arcturus even existed."
"Sounds good." You say. She gives you another hug.
"Well, I'll contact her on the rings, and see what she says." Raziel said, and closed her eyes. "When I'm done, I'll tell you what they say."

You end up wandering through the halls again, and you suddenly almost walk into Jeanne, who is pacing, almost frantic.
"Ishelda. Manisla... Manisla province sent me a letter." She said, pulling it out of her pocket- you take a look at the wrinkled piece of paper, but it's impossible to read in the state it's in. "They're renaming themselves Jupiter province... and they..." She giggled, nervously; she was obviously freaking out. "They want me to be the high lady. Me. Me as High Lady Jupiter. It's ridiculous."

>End of thread!
>Sticking around to answer questions!

>>20922490
I think it's time for a kalak family reunion.

>>20922649
Why would they pick Jeanne? That doesn't even make sense. How does being the best at punching things make you good at running a country?

>>20922649
You're right. Who'd put Fellwind near a position of power?

>>20922665
She was extremely popular on Manisla

>>20922665
She punches right through the bureaucracy. Or something. The entire thing is ex-slaves, so they probably aren't the best at politics if you know what I'm saying.

>>20922665
Maybe there's more to her character than punching things.

>>20922665
>>20922677
>Multiple reasons, really- she wasn't known as the 'best at punching things' near the wall, she was the one who repaired the trashed ballistae during a battle, she was the one that dragged injured humans, elves, and lizardmen out of battles when they got hurt, she was one of the few humans who was actually popular and admired, when it came to the slaves at the wall. Also, she killed a demon with her fist, and that's something hobgoblins didn't even do most of the time.

>>20922696
Didn't pay your taxes? PUNCH
Civil disagreement? PUNCH
Beating your wife? PUNCH
Trade agreement with elves? PUNCH!

>>20922704
haha, this joker.

Guys. Remember how Dras'Lea left us a gear on a chain or something? What if that was a piece of the gearworks? Have we tried using that scrying wizardry that we've learned on it?

>>20922744
Sorcery told us it was pointedly Non-Magic, and I think it's still stuck behind our ear.

>>20922744
I seem to recall that we did. We did not, however, get anything useful out of it.

>>20922756
It is non-magical, and told us nothing of Gearworks.
It is, however, required to use it [properly].

>>20922744
The Gearworks can't be scried, we've been told this.

I think the first thing we should do in the next thread is tease her.
"A guard for not even three days and you're already deserting your post!"

>>20922756
But the wizardry scying points to the origin of the object. Even if it's not part of the gearworks itself, it might point us in the right direction.

Rolled 28

>>20922869
God damnit are you secretly that guy who forced us to go to Arcturus immediately? I don't even care to recall his name. STOP TRYING TO SCRY2WIN.

>>20922916
No, but we had to go to arcturus because of sudden super time pressure, moron. Ishielda's knight said there wasn't much time. Also
>Scry2win
>by trying to complete our goal in a logocal fashion.
OK chief.

>>20923016
Sudden super time pressure only occured because of him, FYI. In addition, logical fashion would be doing what every single person who has told us about The Gearworks has said "it will appear when it appears, it cannot be scried." Just so you know, everyone who has told us this used Wizardry as their primary magic, not sorcery. Choke on a cock and good day to you.

>>20923058
lol

>Agree with post you're responding to
>Tell poster to choke on dicks

Wut.