Rolled 41

>>22529184
"I'll do it."

>>22529184
"Leaves me to do it."

Get to work.

This be heavy bro.

>>22529184
"...I can try to help"

"Leaves me to do it." You say, and the healer tossed you a thin set of steel medical tools. Carefully, you make your way closer, and examine the damage. Her ribs on the side were pulverized, badly damaged, and the lung that went there was *gone*. Her heart, miraculously, was undamaged, but you could see it with your own eyes. Carefully, your mouth dry, you take the tools and start prying out slivers. With each sliver you pluck out, flesh and bone and tendons quickly regrow, until you pluck out the last one.

The last of the rowan pulled out and side, the wound quickly healed, and the healer, shuddering and exhausted, sat down.
"... She should live." The witch said. "The Catastra family owes me, though... but I won't make a bother about that, since the nobilis lost her familiar."

Rolled 64

>>22529184
do you have any tweezers forcepts or a magnifying glass?

(do we have those for that matter? in the alchemy set?)

also
>remove splinters

is she likely to survive the loss?

please tell me...

>>22529369
FUCK

THAT POST WAS MEANT FOR >>22529341

>>22529369
We already know she will unless she commits suicide. Knowing her, homicide is more likely though.

>>22529341
I'm not even sure what to say to this.

>>22529341
"Thank you. I... thanks."

"Is she likely to survive the loss?"
"... If you can keep her eating until she recovers, she will be fine." The healer said. "I already told Ariana about what will happen, but the result of the death of a familiar... Mood swings, depression, nightmares, insomnia, her gifts will be weaker, her will will be weaker, she won't feel certain emotions as strongly, and certain aspects of herself will change, or ... vanish. The death of a familiar is the death of oneself. I've never experienced it, but my mother has."
The witch sighed, and shook her head.
"Thank you." You say. "I... thanks."
"You're in real trouble." The healer said. "If the Forged are back... we're all in real trouble. But why are they down here? They were made and used in the Free Cities, I know, in their war of independence."

Tannis, lying in the blood, sniffled as the healer got to her feet and cleaned her up.

>>22529454
"You've got a point. They're after me. I think...I should leave."

>>22529454
"I... know the one controlling them. He sees me as a threat, or something."

>>22529469
this

>>22529469
>>22529482
"I... know the controller. I think that's why they're after me... I think I should leave, he'll target those around me..."

>>22529454
"He's going to keep coming after me, if I stay here then they're all in danger... I should leave, it's for the best. I mean, not like he'd capture my friends here and then use them as hostages or something like that in the future. Definitely not."

Never split the group.

>>22529518
He won't be able to go after them if we go after him first.
We just need to figure out how to do that.

>>22529536
Of course not, we'd be delivering them to him ona silver platter.

>>22529454
kneel down, "you alright tannis?"

if we get no reply then we put her in a bed, tuck her in and see whats going down elswhere. and examine the chunks of the forged that we see.

>>22529555
I don't see how going to kill him lets him kidnap our friends who didn't come with us.

>>22529555
Not really, he'd devote less resources to capturing us if we're not surrounded by powerful people.

>>22529572
Because we dont know how to find him, and he seems to just appear places

So while we hunt the magic reincarnation man he goes around us and grabs them, or picks them off one at a time.

>>22529604
Implying he couldn't do that already.
He can poof around and grab them one by one whenever they're in another room anyways.
Clearly, that's not one of his major goals or he would have done it already.

if we really got to leave we should just slip out while nobody notices instead of announcing it like an attention whore

"You alright, Tannis?" You ask.
"Yeah, I'm okay." She said. "It aches, though, and I can't change shape."
"That would be the silver." The healer said.
"I... know the controller." You say. "They're after me because of him. I think... I should leave."
"I'm coming with you." Cass said, immediately.
Holding her stomach, Tannis pushed herself to her feet. "It's not leaving if we're staying with you."
"I'll see to it that Issy gets home, and talk with Ariana about my mission here, then I'm going to come." Lyra said. "We can go to Bastion and I'll pick up enough arbalests to tear those things apart. There are also a few paladins and initiates who want to earn my respect, so I can organize them, too."
You make your way out back, to the battlefield, and see that Dirae's and Gabriel's bodies and bodyparts are both gone. The Forged, however, were still sitting there, in chunks, one of them twitching. You examine it more closely, watching the gears churn. You quickly discern the way they're moving, and with it... knowledge bursts into your mind, understanding exactly how it moves and interacts with itself- a primitive version of modern robotics. But with your strange new knowledge of robotics... you can tell that getting enough power would be impossible.

At least, until you examine the power source. It was a bright blue disc, glowing and humming, almost shaking.
"It's orichalcum." Kale said, his voice cracking. He'd followed you out here. "I'm... sorry."

>>22529639
They might try to follow.
We should leave a note.

>>22529653
Too late for that now.

>>22529643
"Everybody almost died and you want to come with me? He'll just use you against me again. It's for the best if you stay."

>>22529669
It wasn't when I hit send.

>>22529643

what happened that made you so terrified of these things Kale?

>dudes got a trauma the size of a kraken.

>>22529643
We need to find out as much about angels as possible so we can end this guy as soon as we can. Enough goofing off and seeing the world.

File: 1357933087680.jpg-(112 KB, 600x800, Abelclose.jpg)

>Exa, I got a drawfag to do a picture of Abel.
>Not exactly what I had in mind but it's pretty cool.

>>22529643
"It's only going to get worse. He'll come back with more of them, something new, each time it'll get more deadly. Why stay? Go, live your life, forget about all this."

>>22529643
Build a better robot.

We mech warrior now.

Rolled 71

>>22529643
Rolling to build MadCat Mk.II

>>22529742
Nice, I like the ragged look he has going.

>>22529643
"It's not your fault, Kale. If anyone's, it's... mine. When I fight, I should fight alone. There's no other way. Look at what happened here. This shouldn't happen. They call me their friend, or even more than that. But why should they call me that when I only get them hurt? They deserve life, let them live in safety. I can't protect them. At worst, I'll be forced to watch them die. They should be safe. They shouldn't get hurt for me."

>>22529643
he wants this sword lets find a volcano and toss it in

>>22529643
sorry for what kale?

take the orchalcum and start dissecting the other forged, if we have robotics like we have gunpowder then we can find useful components. controlling gearboxes/actuators.

weapons and components any plates of viable metal?

can we calll on the troll and his son in town and see what they can make of the materials?

perhaps they might know an artificer who could make use of the scrap...

>>22529794
>I got another one and one of Cass.
>I'll post them when I get home.

>>22529643
I seem to recall our father reprogrammed one of these things. Can we do the same?

"What happened that made you so terrified of these things, Kale?"
"... My son and wife was killed by them." He said. "Long ago, during the war. Before I felt the enormity of my centuries of life, when I still pretended to be human."
"It's not your fault." You say. "If anyone's, it's... mine. When I fight, I should fight alone. There's no other way. Look at what happened here. This shouldn't happen. They call me their friend, or even more than that. But why should they call me that when I only get them hurt?"
"Because they are." Kale said. "I am. After this... we're all going to do a lot of thinking. We're all going to decide if friendship is worth risking our lives. I'm going to ask you to wait to leave until we can all decide."

>>22529833
indeed, we might be able to cobble together something from these machines...

if not we call out the troll in town and see if he's interested in a great deal of scrap...

>>22529872
"It's not worth it, Kale."

>>22529872
Yea I owe them that much

>>22529872
"At the very least, I'm going to see if I can do anything with these before I go."

>>22529872
>query: we now have knowledge:::robotics like we have knowledge:::guns

okay. can you help me tear these apart? I want to see what makes them tick...

>>22529872
"Yeah, I can call them my friend, but... I'm not worth it. They shouldn't call me their friend, all I bring them is pain and misery. Even you Kale. I'm sorry. I stand alone. Cut me down or let me run, either way I'm going to make him pay. I can still make it right."

>>22529943

yea tear them apart build a mecha

>>22529872

lets wait for today's events to sink in and everyone has their response.

Astora will need a long time to recover and it is possible that she will be very different from how we knew her.

let's not ask Kale to help dissect the forged, we also don't have a way of controlling these things but we can try to find a way around that and at the very least see if they have weaknesses we can exploit.

Ariana's familiar and project-able orb of annihilation is kick ass.

>>22529872
"What do I do, Kale? He can be anywhere, with anything he wants. Stopping him is impossible."

File: 1357934151472.jpg-(165 KB, 724x718, 1236451880557.jpg)

>>22529976
hold on there...we might not have the parts to make a mech.

I wonder what we DO have the parts for...

>>22529972
>Cut me down or let me run, either way I'm going to make him pay. I can still make it right."
Run away Y/N

>>22530003
Can we trap him in a Tesseract Labyrinth?

>>22530022
N

>>22530019
the did have tails
are you thinking mechadendrites because I am thinking mechadendrites

"It's not worth it, Kale."
Suddenly, he punched you in the jaw, putting his entire body into the blow. You fell back, amongst the debris of the forged.
"That." He said. "Is not your decision to make. Not at all, Abel. You owe us at least that."
"... Can you help me tear these apart?" You say, hand on your jaw and nodding to the Forged. "I want to see what makes them tick."
He nodded, and started to tear them apart, with your help.

Some time later, you had a pile of intact gears, plating, and nearly three of those disks. Most of the parts were wrecked, so you couldn't make more than one thing, and the Forged's 'minds' were simple wax cylinders, with strangely arranged commands- commands you recognize, and could reprogram. You start to consider what you can make out of them... and then in your mind's eye, you recall that brass spider, with the three, blue, glowing eyes.
<Ares is gone for the moment, and so I'm... meddling.> Rogue said, suddenly, and he started... babbling. About ideas, about knowledge, gear arrangements... Enough for you to construct it.

The enormous, spike-legged spider looked down at you, the three optic sensors staring down at you- and your re-written commands churn.
"Stay." You say, and the spider's legs folded up, as it sat, the spiked mechandrites hiding in it's shell retracting when they weren't in use.

"How..." Kale said, looking up at it.

>>22530053
I'm thinking more of a SURPRISE sneak attack sort of thing...

if we have enought fractional parts of a forged we can make a cargo and carry mech...might make a few shipments for the extra cash and take it back to the free cities, possibly to sanctuary to drop off astora

>>22530067
"The Sword. More specifically, Rogue. But Kale. Please, sock me as many times as you can if I do that again. I... thank you." and hugs. "And just in case, sock me if I am veering off to insane overlord from the power granted by the control. Sigh." more hugs.

>>22530067
just say "Angel." like that's a perfectly reasonable explanation.

>>22530067
"I don't know."

>>22530067
please direct any questions you have to my sword; cause I have no damn Idea how I did that...

>>22530067

>we Spider handler now

"i guess i cheated..."

"please hit me again if i ever become like that again... thanks" either hug him or place a hand on his shoulder.

>>22530067
"Fuck if I know" Honestly, this sums it up pretty well.

Now lets see how the others are recovering.

>>22530101
this

>>22530098
this seams like a great response

>>22530067
"Rogue, is there a limit to how much you can do? When will the other one be back?"

"Angel." You say. "I guess I cheated."
"Then we have a chance." Kale said.
<While I'm meddling, I may do more.> Rogue said. <I don't have much time left. Nor do you. The way I see it, you have two choices, if you want a chance at things. Go to Bastion. Either Bastion... or I think you may meet someone if you go to the palace of Skiitari. Not the Emperor, I don't think, but someone close... Tannis and Kale can help you there. If you go to one of those two places, you may->
<Rogue.> Ares said, his voice low and angry.
<Oh, shit.> Rogue said. <I'll shut up, now.>
"But Kale. Please, sock me as many times as you can if I do that again. I... thank you."
"You can count on me." He said. "You can also count on me to keep an eye on you in case you try sneaking away. Like it or not, I'm coming with you. Whatever bastard would bring these machines back from ancient times deserves to die."

>>22530231
split the group our sisters go to Bastion

us kale and who ever else go to Skiitari. get a crash lesson in there language form sister

>>22530273
That's dumb.
Whatever's at Bastion won't respond to people who aren't us, and also that's going to be a warzone.

>>22530273
Dont sound like that badda plan.

>>22530231
I say we go to the Skitarri. I think they're more technologically advanced than any other country and we could use some good tech right about now. Plus, they're experienced fighting the forged.

>>22530231
Well he's died a few times. Hasn't helped.

Is Sanctuary an option? We could drop Tori off... I'm sure someone there wants to earn brownie points by looking after the Noblis.

>>22530231

either Bastion or the Skiitari palace. this is something we should discuss with the group.

question is, will the Bastion option still work if Crios has overthrown the zealous part of the order?

>>22530325
That's probably the only way it will work. Going in there with a changeling, an elf, a maenad, a Forged, and possibly a witch or two is suicide if the zealots still control it.

"Well, he's died a few times. Hasn't helped." You say, and head back inside. When you get in there, the blood has all been cleaned up, and Ariana was writing something, before handing it to the healer.
"Thank you." The healer said, and bowed, before leaving the cabin. Everyone else- save Astora- was sitting there.
"We were talking." Cass said.
"We decided what we're going to do." Ariana said. "I need to take my sister up to Sanctuary, and then I'll make sure someone takes care of her, before I come back down here.
"I'm going back to Vann'ikal. I should be able to tell the guards in Lys I just went wandering." Isavla said. "It's... too dangerous. I'm sorry, brother, I wish I could help..."
"And the rest of us are coming with you." Tannis said. "Me, Lyra, Cass... and Kale, are you coming?"
"Of course." Kale said, with a grin. "Maybe we could bring Veezelshia, too. She'd be useful- she's a crafter."

>>22530389
"If she's up for it, I don't see why not."

>>22530389
"You're all sure? It's probably going to be a lot more dangerous than it has been."

>>22530389
You are welcome to ask, but I expess the danger again. Gabe doesn't know of her connection yet, so she is as safe as she can be.

I.... Thankyou, my friends. This means so much to me. I thought you'd all leave.

Hug each and every one of them.

>>22530389
"I have no doubt she can throw a punch too, woman could break me in half... but are you all sure? I can't imagine we'll get out of this without one person dying. I want you to know the risk."

>>22530389
Who is Veezelshia? His lover?

>>22530389
kale, I get the feeling that "crafter" means more than similar words like "carpenter" or "blacksmith";;;if you think she'll help we'll take the assist but I'd like an explanation...


>query, the spider-golem how large is it? can we use it as transport? or is it a combat beast only?

>>22530389

"this journey has become a lot more dangerous, if we meet him again he'll no doubt have something even deadlier in store for us, i need you guys to be absolutely sure about this. i don't want to drag you down with me to your death."

"Ariana, if it weren't for you, we would have lost a lot more. please take care of your sister and tell her that i'm sorry."

"thank you, all of you for being my friends."

>The Forged Spider is large enough for two or so people to ride, and can carry a tremendous amount of weight. It cannot carry anything while fighting.

"You're all sure? It's probably going to be a lot more dangerous than it has been. I need you guys to be absolutely sure about this."
"I have nothing else." Cass said. "And it's harder to kill me than you'd think."
"There's nobody else for me." Tannis said, and shrugged. "No place for me except here." She shot you a grin. "But I belong here. I'll die in another ten years anyway, and maybe I'll get to it before next month. Won't have to worry about new moon then."
"You're my only family left." Lyra said.
"... I... I don't know. I'm not certain." Ariana said. "But I know Astora would stay, even though she's soultorn... So I'm going to come in her stead. At least with my familiar."
You eye the gryphon for the first real time since it'd arrived. It had the body of a lion, covered in brown feathers, with the head and wings of a bird, with brilliant yellow eyes. It winked at you, and squawked, before ramming it's head into your shoulder.
"... Colors look so weird through my familiar." Ariana said. "But anyway, I need to see how far my gifts go before I decide. The gift of Vermin doesn't, I've tested. The rats all ran away when I flew near."
"... Thank you, all of you, for being my friends."
>Field too long!

>>22530554
Is it fluffy? Can we pet it?

You started petting the very fluffy gryphon, and she sat it down next to you, grinning.
"Kale, I get the feeling that 'crafter' means more than similar words like 'carpenter' or 'blacksmith'."
"It does mean more." Kale said. "She finds beauty in workmanship. A well forged sword may as well be a piece of art. Because of that, she... practices. She considered your bow one of the greatest things she's ever made."

Isavla didn't say anything, but just gave you a hug.
"I'm sorry I can't help any more than this. Perhaps I could send some Stirge adherents to protect you... but only if you ask. They would understand the meaning of family. That might get the word out that I have relatives, though..." Isavla said.

>>22530389
"ari, before you go I'd like to talk to you about some things we don't need to talk now; just sometime before we go."

>this is if I recall something correctly

we tell her to find a certain warlock in sanctuary, one with the gift of BEARS and ask her to ask him to help take care of astora, give as few reasons as possible.

IIRC she said he was kind and ran in terror of her old claw

now that it is a thing of beauty he might not fear her as much. and we can hope he does a good job of helping her out of her funk...

>>22530595
It's fine, Isalva. You need to run the world I'm trying to save. That's a noble goal in itself.

If I live, I shall return, and we can have a celebration, and tackle the problem of revealing your family then.

>>22530595

would people knowing that you have a brother and sister complicate things?

>>22530595
"I don't mind if people know I'm related to the ruler of a city, but then again I don't know how those political ramifications would pan out." Hug. "I wouldn't mind some help. What kind of weaponry would Stirge adherents carry?"

>>22530595
"No, Issy." Hugs and kisses to the top of her head "Your safety's more important than that."

>>22530595
Isavla said.
prepare for war I have a feeling if we fail Gabriela will tear this world apart just to have something to do. and i am sure he could do it

>>22530595
"I don't think that's necessary, but thank you for offering."

>>22530603
This seems kinda out of character. We kinda just admitted feelings for her. Setting her up with some warlock sounds just doesn't fit.

>>22530658
And i can't into English.

>>22530595
only send them (the adherents) if you think I need them sister mine.

ari, now that we aren't being attacked what was that "bubbles of destruction" thing you were doing? (also >>22530603 didn't astora have a thing for the BEARLOCK? I can't remember if she did or not...)

>>22530658
I'm not entirely sure we have much choice in the matter.

>>22530658
She's also emotionally unstable right now.
and the vote was 8 for / 8 against doing that, now stop bringing waifu stuff into it.

>>22530708
at any rate, we need to talk to Ari privately about what Tori and we were doing up on that dragon.

>>22530658
but then she also just said she hated us with an unmatched intensity, she might see that if she wont be with us then we just want her to be happy, even if she IS NOT with us.

thats sort of the angle I'm working on see?

"I don't think that's necessary." You say, and kiss the top of her head. "Your safety is more important than that."
"Okay." She said.
Ariana frizzled her hair, frustrated- and then suddenly the shadow below the gryphon grew darker, strange, black mist drifting from it. Her eyebrows met, and she picked up a copper coin, tossing it into the shadow
It came up near her ankle.
"... I need to find out the range on this." She said, and opened the door, as the gryphon stepped out, launching into the air. Ariana sat down, and went perfectly still, closing her eyes. "Ari, now that we aren't being attacked, what was that 'bubbles of desctruction' thing you were doing?"
"... I know that one." She said, quietly. "We all do. It's high up on the scale alongside the Gift of Fate. It is, in fact, the only thing that can defeat the Gift of Fate. It's called Nothingness. Or Void. Nobody ever starts it with the words 'gift'."

>>22530697
If I remember correctly, that might have been Eldin, and she didn't.

>>22530658
Its what would be best for her that's totally something we would do

>>22530738
Because gifts aren't all good, right? What else does Nothingness do?

Can we talk about your sister?

>>22530732
Should probably tell Cass too, since we did the same with her already. But seriously, enough waifu stuff nigga.

>>22530733
>>22530730
>>22530708
I'm not saying we need to pursue her just not set her up when with someone right after our confession. Besides shes emotionally unstable right now and i don't want any warlocks to take advantage of that.

>>22530784
I'm slightly more concerned about the things that killed her familiar than I am about the men she's soon to have in her life.

>>22530738
sit down next to her.

"is there some side effect to it? cause if there isn't I'd call it a gift just like the gift of flame or gift of earth, it's a weapon, but it;s a weapon so dreadful that nobody will want to fight you for fear of it"

>>22530738

those are some pretty depressing names for it but you really saved our asses so to me, that's a gift.

>>22530742
no, it wasn't Eldin, she brought the BEARLOCK up once as someone she had a crush on, until he ran away in fear of her gift of flame.

that's where I'm getting this from...

"Because gifts aren't all good, right? What else does Nothingness do?"
"They say you can't dream." She said. "But... We're evil. Hated. We can destroy anything at all with little more than a thought. Even rosemary does nothing to stop it. They say that it blackens the heart. The more a warlock uses it, the darker and more heartless the warlock gets. It's known to appear only in men. Until now, I guess."
"Can we talk about your sister?"
"Sure." She said. "But first I want to test something."
She pushed you into the shadow... and she didn't come with. After drowning in something like water for a few seconds, you appeared at a gryphon's feet, in a field of sparse grass.
She crowed. "It worked!" The gryphon said, in a warbling, inhuman voice. "I can use myself and my familiar as a ... portal. But anyway. About Astora..."

>>22530738
"I don't think I have it. Though I didn't defeat it, I ignored it. Anyway, can I ask why it isn't a gift?"

>>22530871
Well, she took me flying. She was very happy, the happiest i've ever seen her. She wanted to talk to me, to tell me something.

I think you know where I'm going.

>>22530871
"I...don't know what do, Ariana. When she took me flying, we talked...and well, I made my choice. But now? I don't know."

>>22530871
Explain everything, just the facts.

>>22530886
No we didn't. Half of the posts there were for being undecided, and a few of them were for Cass. Saying we made a choice is like saying a hung jury has made a choice.

>>22530871
hug the gryhpon, hard, you are to pure for anything to blacken your heart little ari...

now that I've said that, we can talk about your sister...

>>22530886
>I made my choice.
Why would you lie to someone who's basically your little sister?

>>22530871
You dream for other people. That's another of your gifts. They've helped me so much, and I'm sure the others as well.

>>22530871
"I... We flew on her Dragon and talked... and... kissed." Sigh, hug the gryphon, "I just... I'm breaking everything, aren't I?"

Rolled 9

>>22530871
>"I think you are going to be the first one to have no ill effects from nothingness

gift of truth and the one cerebrating life it was like you wear meant to control it

>>22530953
I'm not entirely sure now is the time for a pity party. Everyone else is in a lot worse positions than us.

You hug the gryphone tightly. "You're too pure for anything to blacken your heart, Ari."
"... Thank you." She said. "I didn't know I could talk like this until now, though. Weird voice. But anyways."
"I... we flew on her dragon, and talked, and... kissed." You say, and sigh.
"... And then this." She said. "I heard her screaming that she hated you. It must have hurt."
She reared back on her hind legs, and the creature's forepaws wrapped around you, in a strange gryphon hug. "But don't worry. She doesn't feel that way. Not really. Soultorn always act like that. Just give her some time."

>>22530974
The only one in a worse position is Tori.

>>22531025
"That's what I figured, but now I'm conflicted. I mean, I've got a thing with Cass and now Tori and I know this can only end badly if I don't resolve it soon."

>>22531025
see if there is anywhere to scritch the gryphon that is comfortable...

"I see...I was worrying about that..."

>>22531025
"Will she get better over the next year until her familiar comes back?"

>>22531025
A year and a day, right? I remember when she told me about Soultorn.

"That's what I figured, but now I'm conflicted. I mean, I've got a thing with Cass and now Tori and I know this can only end badly if I don't resolve it soon."
"... You could talk to Cass about it." She said. "Or kiss Tannis, make sure things are even between the three of them."
"Will she get better over the next year until her familiar gets back?"
"Her gifts won't recover until then, and the nightmares will never go away, even after her familiar gets back... but she will get better. If she eats..."
"A year and a day, right?"
"That's what the crones say, but I remember someone getting theirs back in half that, and a witch who jumped off the tower... two years after her familiar should have returned." She said. "But everyone says a year and a day."

>>22531025

"i guess you're right, your familiar is awesome by the way, nothing like an otter but pretty sweet looking."

pet its head

>>22531150
"I guess all we can do is hope for the best."

>>22531150
"Any correlation to power level or nobilis status?"

>>22531150
Elbow her jokingly "Kiss Tannis, huh? You sure that the New Moon is over?"

"I guess all we can do is hope for the best." You say, and she nodded.
"Any correlation to power level or nobilis status?"
"I don't think so." She said. "None of the nobilis this generation have lost their familiars. Hey, I'm going to try and use my Gift of Living real quick." She said, and the gryphon took a few steps back. "Would you mind telling me if it's working?"

The gryphon started waving her head, and quietly, you hear a slight hum, as the gryphon's eyes go golden, as it's beak opens, and she starts to sing a low song.

The grass around you, you see, start to sing back, in a silent hum, and your heart starts pounding in your ears, as something in your body fills you with energy, with power, with the freedom to move however you will, to strive for success and greatness and to hunt, to grow, to become ever more powerful...

And even that shatters when the gryphon cries a word you don't understand. Could never understand. A single word in a continuous, endless song, constantly changing, but she cut it off prematurely. For a heartbeat, for a single second and a single moment, you understand what it means to be alive.

>Tenacity: 2.

The molten golden light in her eyes faded.
"Did it work?" She asked.

>>22531273
"That was... Yeah, it worked."

>>22531273
"Wow... Yeah, yeah, i think it worked."

>>22531273
"I... yes. Yes it did." Hugs. "Thanks, sis."

"That was... wow... yeah, yeah, it worked." You say, your heart still pounding. The grass around your feet looked greener and brighter. Healthier.

And then a sphere of dirt suddenly vanished, leaving the grass in the sphere itself intact, roots falling to the ground.
"It works." She said, quietly. "And I can choose not to hurt certain things. Or I can choose *to* hurt."

>>22531273

like a charm, that's quite powerful.

>>22531273
"Would that help Tori at all?"

>>22531353

that's a positive thing right?

>>22531353
Scruffle her... hair? Feathers?

So now you're more powerful then your sister. You're going to be quite the somebody back in sanctuary.

>>22531353
Can you erase just some things from the spheres? This might be an easy way to get cemicals, if she can just remove everything else.

"That's a positive thing, right?"
"Yeah." She said. "Means I can ... erase one person, leaving someone else safe. Or just... erase their weapons."
"Would the Gift of Living help Tori at all?"
"I hope." She said. "I'm going to try."
You scruffle her feathers. "So now you're more powerful than your sister. You're going to be quite the somebody back in Sanctuary."
"... No." She said. "I'm not telling anybody about this Gift. Even Astora doesn't know, and the crones don't know... so I don't need to tell them. You know, and Cass knows. I swore her to secrecy, so I'm going to have to do the same with you. Abel, can you promise you won't tell anybody about this gift?"

>>22531526
Is it really that bad?

I swear. I shall never tell anyone of this gift.

>>22531526
"No. I'm afraid I've already taken out a newspaper proclaiming it to the world. Of course I'll keep it a secret!"

>>22531526
"I swear on my life that I won't tell a soul. But, You should tell Tori. She's your sister and she loves you more than anything. This won't change that."

>>22531526
"If you ask me to i will. I imagine having it brings quite a bit of distrust?"

After we finished talking:

"Would you mind bringing me back. I need to show my... creation to the others. I rebuild a forged one, i hope it will be usefull... Wouldn't do to get it destroyed because someone overreacted.."

>>22531526
Not even Tori? Not even when her familiar returns? I don't think I can approve of that.

>>22531570
Add "But maybe you should wait until her familiar comes back. Not that she shouldn't be trusted, but she might do something rash or accidentally let it slip while soultorn."

"Is it really that bad?" You ask.
"I told you what everyone thinks of it. I don't want people looking at me and asking themselves if I'm evil yet." She said, quietly.
"I swear on my life that I won't tell a soul. But you should tell Tori. She's your sister and loves you more than anything. This won't change that."
"I'll wait until she has her familiar back." Ariana said. "She won't be in her right of mind until it is."
"Would you mind bringing me back? I need to show my... creation to the others."
"Of course." She said, and stretched out her wing. the shadow on the ground suddenly grew darker, almost to a liquid, and you stepped in.

You climbed out in the cabin again, and Kale was focusing very hard on one of the wooden planks, a long, wooden weapon springing out of it, Leez keeping an eye on it.
"Welcome back!" She said, waving to you, then turned to Kale. "Now's time for the blade. Focus, while I bring sunlight into it."
He nodded, and focused.. and together the two tore a long, thin axe from the wooden board, the blade glistening yellow, runes covering the edges.
"There." He said, and tossed it in the air. "Now we can show Gabe my antlers."

>>22531636
You elves are wierd. Whatever happened to using a tree?

>>22531636
"Looks dangerous. Would it need to be remade every day, or is that more permanent than the clothes?"

>>22531636
"That weapon looks beautiful."

>>22531636

"neat. Alright everyone, i have something to show you, it's something i made from the trashed forged on the beach, please don't be alarmed."

>>22531636
Still need to pick up our dragon-scale armour.

>>22531636
We made sure the forged responds only to us, right?

>>22531636
"neat trick; what do you make of this crafter"

whistle the queer signal for the forged creature to come to us.

"and do you think you could make a cargo sling for it that we can drop in casse of combat?"

How big is Ari's gryphon? Two or three people could ride? Could it carry a horse?

>>22531719
>It's small, approximately the size of a horse, but it's incredible fluffiness and the size of it's wings make it look much larger. It can carry two people.

"You elves are weird. Whatever happened to using a tree?"
"There are no nearby trees." Kale said, and shrugged. "And this is a weapon for bringing death. No sense in making it out of living wood."
"Looks dangerous. Would it need to be remade every day, or is that more permanent than the clothes?"
"More permenant." He said. "This would take a boon- from each of us- to construct."
"Alright, everyone, I have something to show you. It's something I made from the trashed forged on the beach. Please don't be alarmed."
"Really? Let's see, then." Leez said.

The group steps outside, and you all- save Isavla and Astora- make your way to the beach. The spider turns to you, it's limbs whining, and then it bowed, recognizing it. You quickly belt out the command that make it so that the spider will recognize- and won't harm your friends when you order it to attack- and it buzzes in confirmation.

<I have a name for it, if you don't mind.> Rogue said, his voice subdued. You can almost *hear* Ares glaring at him. <... If you don't mind... call it Gearworks for me, will you?>

>>22531734
I wasn't going to name it, but alright. "The Gearworks, everyone."

>>22531734
"This is Gearworks."
>What language is used for the commands?

>>22531734
I was thinking bubbles

>>22531734

weeeeeell, Rogue did provide some useful info. i guess we could let him have the name.

>>22531734
Poor Azure. The Gearworks.

>>22531775
"We can use it to carry our stuff and it should be quite a mean fighter. It's programmed to only follow my orders and all of you are registered as friendlies, so it will not attack any of us."

Rolled 44

>>22531734
Ares how goes the work around ? figure out anything you can do/tell me?

how come Ares wasn't around during our construction of the giant spider?

"This is Gearworks." You say. "We can use it to carry our stuff and it should be quite a mean fighter. It's programmed to only follow my orders, and all of you are registered as friendlies, so it will not attack any of us."
"This is interesting." Tannis said, tapping it. "Can it talk?"
You shake your head.
"Interesting." Cass said. "It does look like you threw it together, though, so we won't get killed for reactivating a Forged. I like it."
"It's not very well made, but you must have been very clever." Leez said. "You take after your father quite a bit. I wonder what happened to Lellvoc... Did your father happen to bring a Forged with him?"
"I don't remember a Forged anywhere near the village." Lyra said. "And I spent all my time wandering around. Maybe it was further away. You remember seeing one, Abel?"

>>22531900
"Nope, and I ranged far from the village in every direction. Maybe hidden in a cave or something..."

>>22531900
Do we? Maybe in the cave where we found the sword?

Did our father adventure with the sword?

>>22531900

we saw one stuck in the ground and very rusted.(mention the location, i forgot where it was)

>>22531926

i do remember it being around the time Kale took us off the path to the cave where we spent the night.

going back there to find it might be a worthwhile goal at some point.

>>22531900
"You flatter me Leez. I couldn't have build it without the instructions of my sword."

"Nope, and I ranged far from the village in every direction. Maybe hidden in a cave or something..."
"Well, that's no fun." Leez said, and shrugged.
"... We did see one stuck in the ground, and very rusted." You say.
"In the forest." Cass said. "Just after we met Kale. Abel tripped over it, and Kale explained the forged to us."
"I do recall that, Now that I think about it." Kale said.
"Did father adventure with this sword?" You ask, and draw your sword to show her. She shook her head.
"He adventured with a spear. Very strange one, all angular... but this has very, very similar workmanship." She said. "That's what he poked the dragon's eye out with, probably."

>>22531900
We didn't recognize the Forged when Kale pointed it out to us, so the answer is probably "nope, sorry, nothing".

Rolled 67

>>22531900
the rock slide?

>>22532011
"Yep, that would figure. I wonder if my father's father got the hammer?"

>>22532011
Show her the picture of the three figures in the fable book.
"This spear?"

File: 1357942537847.jpg-(34 KB, 384x288, 1329495889771.jpg)

>>22532011
>Father wielded all of the Three
>He was Whole[r than us]
>mfw

>>22532011
did he ever in his travels find facinating things things about HIS father?

I have a hunch...

>>22532011
Maybe my grandfather had the hammer then, haha.

Finding the other weapons might help against Gabriel, but I dont think we have the time to be chasing after roumors.

>>22532011

>"What's this?" Ariana asked whispering, putting her hand over it, brushing aside some of the leaves, and you can see the words 'Lellvoc' inscribed in the back.
"... One of the Forged." Kale whispered in response. "Do not wake it up."

i found it, we really did find old da's machine.

remember the mural with the three figures, one of them had a spear, could be coincidence but it might be worth mentioning.

Hmm...
Rogue has Knowledge (Golemgineering) and requested to name him Gearworks... Ishelda? Mother?

You reach into your bag, and pull out the very last page, badly faded, with a message on the bottom. "This spear?" You ask, and she took a look at the picture.
"... Yes, this spear." She said. Lyra looked over your shoulder, at the faded writing, and then took it from your hands.
"... Abel, I should bring this to Crios." She said. "This thing mentions angels, see this writing? A.N.G. -something- L.S. He's been researching them, and he probably knows a way to understand faded writing."

>>22532115
"Sure, if you want to."

>>22532115
"This mural was in the cave where I found my sword..."

>>22532115
We can read it, can't we? Just read it out to her.

>>22532056
Our Father is G̶o̶d̶ isn't he?
I just caught up after reading through the archives.
Also, lol at people calling 42/1 and 1/42 Gabriel and Abel's win/loss ratios.
Gabriel is obviously our reciprocal.
The only way to win is to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfUTihyusSg

>>22532115
"Did you notice the 's'?"

>>22532134
Dad was probably the last incarnation of 42/1

>>22532134
>Also, lol at people calling 42/1 and 1/42 Gabriel and Abel's win/loss ratios.
It fits.
Gabriel's only one once due to cheating, and then we also cheated and then he stopped that.

>>22532115

OKAY this is getting very creepy all of a sudden, give the book to Lyra.

also, A.N.G.-.L.S. looks like it mentions more than just one.

>>22532112
There is literally only one person in the entire Exaverse who would want something to remember the Gearworks by. Ishelda.

>>22532192
And Exabyte.
Because it's obvious he's the Rogue, isn't it?
Of course, he'd never come right out and say it...

Rolled 96

>>22532221
are you kidding

the rogue is clearly the wanderer looking to make mischief

if anything Aries is Exabyte...

>>22532134
We should mention this and gauge his reaction.

Rolled 74

>>22532252
gareth! that was his name....

Could we be tricky?

Can we ask the Rogue: "Do you know a Dave?"

>>22532261
But Gareth is explicitly not the Rogue. Also completely removed from existence thanks to our favorite Avatar of Nothing.

"Did you notice the S?"
"I did. But he wants anything that has to do with them, no matter how wrong they are." She said. "Do you mind if I keep it? Where did you get it?"
"At a bookshop, in Sardin." Ariana said.
"That close? Huh. I wonder why we missed it." Lyra said, and started reading through the book. "Hey, is this what trolls look like, Cass?"
Cass looked over her shoulder at the illustration of a troll.
"... No, that isn't." Cass said.
"That's a picture of a tarrasque." You say, without thinking about it, the knowledge bursting into your mind. Your head pounded, and alien thoughts groped through your mind.
"A what?"
"Nothing." You say, and shake your head.

"Well. This is quite a conundrum." You hear Stirge say, suddenly standing next to you. "This battle... and Gabriel wasn't working alone. He had Dirae. Can't believe he sharded *her* of all things. What do you plan to do, Abel?"

Everyone leaped back, weapons at the ready...

And Ariana raised a single finger, the air around her hand twisting.

>>22532277
But Ishy doesn't know any Daves.

>>22532286
"Wait wait wait, it's ok! It's only Stirge!"

>>22532286
"You really shouldn't do that. I'm going after him."

>>22532286
"I am going to seal him in this cage permanently."

>>22532286
"Please try not to use Nothing so lightly, Ari. Best not to tempt fate with things like that."

>>22532292
There's her ancestor Dave the Dragon.

>>22532323
Don't say that. We just promised to keep it secret.

>>22532323
We said we wouldn't say anything about that. Maybe we can mention later in private but not in front of everyone.

>>22532286
Do things seem Real?

"Sup Stirge. I'm going to kill Gabriel. I'm not sure how, but he's getting worse and worse."

Maybe with the other weapons, maybe the order can help. Maybe even the witches.

>>22532326
But she doesn't actually know him.

>>22532333
Nobody present would understand what we're saying.
But, yeah, like >>22532338 said, later, when we're alone.

>>22532286

wait wait, don't zap the suspicious lady!

we need to stop Gabriel, there are 2 places which might offer some insight on this whole... thing.

move inconspicuously in front of Ari to block her hand from view.

Rolled 4

>>22532307
not this.

just a calm reaction

>>22532286
"hello stirge, I take it you are familliar with dirae? do you have any information I can use?"

look around at the group

"oh calm down everyone, this is stirge as far as I can tell she is to me what dirae is to gabriel; she's friendly enough."

>>22532392
How is that not a calm reaction?

"Wait wait wait, it's okay. It's only Stirge."
You turn to her. "I'm going after him."
"Ah, like I thought." She said. "This game is starting to close. Since he has Dirae, I'm considering helping. Just to even things out."
"... I'm not sure how to kill him. He's getting worse and worse."
"Well, that is a good point." She said, and tapped her chin, before looking up to the sky. She met your eyes again. "I've decided. I will hide you from his view, for a time. The next confrontation you have may well be the last. And I like being Stirge, and so I'll stretch that longer, so you'll have more time to prepare."

>>22532392
We don't know if she's a shard. Just because Gabe McCheatyface said so to justify his shard doesn't make it true.

>>22532392
Wait, I got the impression that she was a third party, and not a part of ourselves, given that she killed us at some point...

Rolled 31

>>22532403
well a different one...the one I was talking about sounded panicked and that might trigger some unfortunate events...

>>22532425
periods indicate that a response is not excited or panicky.

>>22532418
Alright, Snowflake, you do your thing, and I'll figure out how to end it.

The Outsiders are becoming more active. I hope that's a good thing.

>>22532418
"Would you at least tell me how he gets around so fast?"

Rolled 65

>>22532423
>>22532422
this is why I left in >as far as I can tell

>>22532444
"Cheating"
"Magic"

>>22532445
We have no reason to think that beyond what Gabe says.
Everything else points to her being a third party.

"Alright, Snowflake, you do your thing, and I'll figure out how to end it. Would you at least tell me how he gets around so fast?"
"You need to know your name." She said. "But since your memory is gone, you cannot remember it, and our names cannot be spoken. Except for my own, because my name is also a word in our language.
"... What's your name?" Ariana asked.
"What direction is Edgardis in?" Stirge asked.
"... The east."
"And now, what direction is Skiitara in?"
"The west."
"There you have it." Stirge said. "My name is WEST. But also Stirge, here."

>>22532483
"Are you going to disappear again or keep travelling with us?"

>>22532483
That doesn't even make sense, Snowflake, but I'll put it down to Angel-ness.

We need to decide where we're going. I've been told that both Skiitara and Bastion could hold the answers. Which should we try?

>>22532483
"And how do I remember?"

>>22532483
"Great. I've heard mine, but blinding, mind-destroying pain isn't exactly pronounceable."

>>22532483
"So the question is, how do i remember my name?"

"And how do I remember?"
"You don't. If you remember that, you've won without the final confrontation." Stirge said. "But it's impossible."
"Are you going to disappear again, or keep travelling with us?"
"I haven't decided yet."
"Great. I've heard mine, but blinding, mind-destroying pain isn't exactly pronouncible."
"That's just what an un-word sounds like." She said.
"We need to decide where we're going. I've been told that both Skiitara and Bastion could hold the answers. Which should we try?"
"Well... I'm an initiate of the order, and a paladin if I can get this book to Crios." Lyra said. "So they would open the doors and we can get there."
"I used to... live in Skiitara." Kale said. He wasn't grinning.
Leez gave him a hug, silent for once, her shoulders drooping.

>>22532612
"Why does Crios want information about Angels, anyway?"

>>22532612
"Un-words? Remembering the impossible? Isn't this day shaping up to be fun."

>>22532612
I think that Bastion would be a better choice, if we can get some sort of immunity for the non-humans among us.

>>22532612
I'm not sure if dragging a witch, a changeling, a maenad, a robot and two elves into the main templar fortress would be a good idea...

On the other hand i don'T know anything about Skiitara. I'm not even sure i want to."

>>22532612

we don't necessarily have to go to Skiitara, unless your up to it Kale.

on the other hand Bastion is the anti magic central for the most part right?

do we even know what to expect in Skiitara?

>>22532644
i would like to know this as well.

>>22532612
What happened the other times? When the avatar was a ship, or a arc welder or whatever.

>>22532612
"I need more bullets for the gun. How do I get them?"

>>22532729
I would assume we just take them from our dreams like last time.

>More pics, Abel again

"I'm not sure if dragging a witch, a changeling, a maenad, a robot, and two elves into the main templar fortress would be a good idea. On the other hand I don't know anything about Skiitara. I'm not sure I even want to."
"You're right, that's probably a bad idea." Lyra said. "You and I could go in there fine, but everyone else would need to be really disguised or left behind."
"Why does Crios want information about Angels, anyway?"
"I don't know." She said. "When we were climbing to the bottom of Bastion to find that book, I asked him what we were looking for, and he said 'Angels'. Never explained anything except to tell me that if I ever found anything out, to tell him."

"I need more bullets for the gun." You say. "How do I get them?"
"Simple." Stirge said. "You cheat. I don't have much force of will, so I cannot change much, but... give me your spent casings and I can turn them into bullets once again."
You pull out your spent casings, and hand them to her. She closes her eyes, and focuses... and then they were bullets again, which she handed back to you.
"Do not ask me to do this again." She said. Just feel safe with the idea that Dirae cannot do much of anything."

>>22532776
"Thank you."
I'm surprised no one's fussing about a god (small g) standing in front of them

>>22532612
So, since we are unskilled in remembering things about ourself, it would only take two one-hundreds on a three roll attempt, right?
Unless Exabyte wants to call us super-unskilled or whatever and make us get a triple one-hundred on the attempt.
So we have a...
0.0001% chance of getting it, right here and now, or, if we are simply unskilled, a 0.5148% chance.
Who's up to try?

>>22532776
"Excellent, thank you [/spoiler]WEST."

"By the way, why was Dirae thanking me when I fought her?"

>>22532797
They probably just assume it's a fake name, especially since the god Stirge is male.

>>22532776

she certainly gave that impression.

if i may ask, what are you to me? the same sort of thing Dirae is to Gabriel?

>>22532776
I still want to know what happened in the previous simulations.

>>22532776
"Can you explain Shards or is that too much?"

>>22532776
Inb4 Crios is a hidden shard with the same affliction we have

>>22532776
"All of you said you would follow me, so i won't leave you behind. I guess Bastion is out for now. So, what do we know about Skiitara?"

>>22532856
Skiitara should be out. We can get into Bastion and get out again without any problems, but Skiitara just sounds like bad news.
And we should really find out what Crios' deal is.

"Excellent, thank you. She certainly gave that impression." You say. "If I may ask, what are you to me? The same sort of thing Dirae is to Gabriel?"
"What are they talking about?" You hear Leez ask.
"It has to do with the nature of everything." Kale said. "I've Seen his sword."
"... Oh."
"Yes." Stirge said. "The term is Shard. I'm your shard. I've killed you once- but then you killed me not long after, so it is fair."
"So, what do we know about Skiitara?"
"They're legally atheist." Lyra said. "Except for their emperor, you're not allowed to worship anything."
"I heard that they enslave anything and everything they get their hands on." Ariana said. "That the Free Cities and Atlask all fought for their freedom, and won, eventually."
"Paperwork is important, there." Kale said. "As are family names. I have my crest I can bring with us, and that will give us entry. They have no coinage- instead they use paper currency and a multitude of banks. The emperor is highly respected, and has cabinet of noble advisors and wise teachers. They're known as the Overseers. Imperial princesses are sent out into the wild alone, to learn to hunt and fight before coming back to become a wife of the next emperor. No royalborn sons are permitted to become the next emperor. Magic is not as... permitted as it is in atlask, but you are not killed for being what you are- just imprisoned for using it without imperial decree." He said. "Do you need anything else?"

>>22532947
That doesn't sound fun. Neither of these places sound fun.

I think we should meet up with Ciros. If he can get us into Bastion, it's a better choice. If he can't then we go to Skiitara

>>22532947
"Not really, but that doesn't sound like a particularly nice place to go, especially considering how much unsanctioned magic we have. I think we should try Bastion first."

>>22532947
"That does not sound at all pleasant. You know, i haven't seen Crios in a while, might as well visit him."

>>22532947

doesn't sound too bad i guess? as long as you have the paperwork.

i'm not liking either of the options but we know Crios, and his angel study worries me slightly.

"Not really, but that doesn't sound like a particularly nice place to go, especially considering how much unsanctioned magic we have."
"The existence of magic isn't illegal." Kale said. "Ariana could bring her familiar, and Tannis could be there, but Ariana could not use the gifts she can control, and Tannis cannot shapeshift within any cities. It's as simple as that. Though I've no way of knowing how the Order has changed those laws in time. It's beautiful, though."
"I think we should meet up with Crios." You say. "If he can get us into Bastion, it's a better choice. If we can't, then we go to Skiitara."
"So we go north?" Ariana asked. She rubbed at her nose. "I figure that while you guys go there, I should go bring Astora home. If she's here, she might cause problems... or even get caught by the order."
As if speaking her name summoned her, Astora slammed open the door to the cabin, and climbed down the cliff, Isavla worriedly following her.
She met your eyes, her hair in her face, lank and unwashed, as dead brown eyes stared directly at you.

>>22532947
Really not sure what to pick.
Skitarii nets us a relative of Tannis
Bastion means we can deal with the forged.

>>22533084
Don't break eye contact.

>>22533084
Morning!

>>22533084
Brace self for some kind of feel
Try not to look distraught at the pain she must be going through
look distraught at the pain she must be going through
Also >>22533136

>>22533084
"Isalva! Come and meet Stirge!"

We should ready that pouch of rosemary.

Perhaps even tie a satchel around her wrist.

>>22533084

"i'm sorry, about all this."

>>22533084
Bastion is best option.

Let Astora speak first. She clearly has something to say and given her current state i doubt we should be guessing about the right thing to say.

>>22533158
Not right now. We're dealing with Tori right now.

"Morning." You say, keeping eye contact.

She took a few steps forward, and then tripped over a gear, falling into your arms.
Once there, she looked up and met your eyes.
"I'm sorry, about all this."
"I don't hate you." She said, quietly. "This isn't your fault. This is mine."
She took a deep breath, and sniffled, before shaking her head. "Part of me is... missing. Empty. I'm gone. I'm not who I was. I'm not whole."
She trembled, and she suddenly pulled you into a hug. She closed her eyes, and didn't open them, murmuring.
"... I need to get better. Unbroken. And I will, in time, for you. I just... need to go home."

>>22533221
The biggest hug we can muster.
"It's okay...Ariana's going to take you back. Did you see her familiar?"

>>22533221
Hugs.

It'll get better. I promise you this. I'll be back as soon as I can.

>>22533221
Give her a tight hug, rub her back soothingly.

"Take all the time you need Astora. I wish I could be there for you, but I have to make sure that Gabe can never do something like this to anyone ever again. I'm sorry, I failed you, you deserved better from me."

>>22533221
"I know Tori."
why did you pick that option when there was a tie and a perfectly good neutral option on the table, Exa?

Rolled 65

>>22533221
"I'm going to make sure the one who did dies permanently."

>>22533221
Can we think of the good things? Did you see Ariana's familiar? It's all cute and fluffy, just like she wanted!

>>22533275
>oops
*did this

>>22533221
Tori needs someone she trusts to stay with her while she recovers.
However, everyone she trusts is in her party.
Someone's going to have to leave the party for what is quite possibly (without a timeskip or miraculous recovery time) the rest of the quest.
Tori can't just wallow in despair on her own.

>>22533272
This was explained if I recall correctly. When Exabyte stopped counting the votes, it was something like 8/5.

>>22533221

wrap your arms around her and just keep her there for a bit.

"Ariana is going to take you back to sanctuary, please try to eat properly and get enough rest."

>>22533294
It was 8/8 actually, then there were more for "no" after he stopped counting.
But I'm not getting into this argument again.

>>22533272
>There wasn't a tie. There were eight for Astora, six for taking a neutral option and buying more time, and two for rejecting her for Cass.

>>22533294
>That was technically for kissing her, but I did take the previous vote in mind, and I'd stopped counting and started writing that post at ten minutes.

You pull her into a tighter hug.
"It's okay." You say. "Ariana's going to take you back. Did you see her familiar?"
Astora looked around, Veez shying away as she did so.
"She does have a familiar." Astora said, and pulled Ari- and her familiar- into the hug.
"I'm so glad you're a full witch now." Astora said, sniffling. "But you'll have to- you'll have to take up the duties, and you're nobilis now, and- and-"
"I know." Ariana said, returning the hug.

>>22533346
"Sssh, no worries, only happiness."

>>22533346

happy hug time now, worry about duties later.

>>22533346
"...Don't forget your ribbon."

>>22533346
Can I ask what sort of Duties you'll have?

Ariana's going to take you back to Sanctuary, and we'll find Ciros while she does. We'll meet up afterwards.

>>22533346
"It's going to be okay Tori. Just please focus on getting well for us, okay?"

>>22533346
six plus two equals eight Exabyte.
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/22490982/#p22495708
Vote start
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/22490982/#p22495735
Yes
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/22490982/#p22495739
Yes
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/22490982/#p22495771
No
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/22490982/#p22495787
No
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/22490982/#p22495800
No
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/22490982/#p22495806
No
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/22490982/#p22495814
Yes
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/22490982/#p22495822
Yes
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/22490982/#p22495826
No
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/22490982/#p22495831
Yes
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/22490982/#p22495877
Yes
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/22490982/#p22495928
No
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/22490982/#p22495936
No
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/22490982/#p22495929
No
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/22490982/#p22495939
Yes
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/22490982/#p22495955
Yes
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/22490982/#p22495966
Cutoff point
>Looks pretty even to me, and if you count neutral and no as two separate groups then it was a foregone conclusion because you just split the opposition when they were both going for the same conclusion (IE Don't kiss).