>>23201439
"You two know each-other? Where, and when from, might I ask?"

>>23201439
You wouldn't believe the number of times Tori has almost burnt me, I've had to invest in a measure of fire-proofing.

>>23201439
Go help him up.

>>23201439
tease Tori by making her gift flare and crackle.

"You two know eachother? Where and when from, might I ask?"
"I was visiting Skiitaris." Astora said, as you pull Andalus to his feet. "This guy and his sister were there, and they decided that my Gift of Flame was breaking skiitaran law. Ended up having to fly out with soldiers on my tail, and the jerk's crossbow almost took me out of the air."
"I did pierce your wing." He said.
"You did. It *hurt*." She said, and shot him a glare.
"You wouldn't believe the number of times Tori has almost burned me. I've had to invest in a measure of fire-proofing."
"Perhaps she shouldn't be using her magic, then." Andalus said, and Tori shot him another glare.

>>23201596
"That'd be like telling you not to use your right leg, Andalus. Yeah, it might be doable, but you're going to slip up and use it eventually."

>>23201596
"What I mean is, she legitimately cannot control it sometimes. It's an unconscious thing linked directly to her emotional state.
Besides which," offer him a hand to help him up, then grin and say, "I'd appreciate it if you'd treat my lover with a bit more respect."

>>23201596
"That's a bit unfair, Andalus. From what I understand, it *is* quite hard to control."

"That'd be like telling you not to use your right leg, Andalus. Yeah, it might be doable, but you're going to slip up and use it eventually. She cannot legitimately control it sometimes, from what I understand."
"I wasn't even actively using it at the time!" She said. "It was just flaming, like when I don't have it sealed, and apparently that's enough. It's like... I don't know, like a fairy's wings. They can't not have them glow."
She sighed, and crossed her arms.
"Fine, fine." Andalus said. "We have more important matters at the moment, anyway."
"After this is over, you need to make sure I'm allowed in Skiitara again." She said.
Andalus scratched his head, and shrugged. "I'm not sure I can do that." He said.

>>23201596
You know, if you stopped riling her up then it wouldn't flare.

>>23201718
You could just run the gauntlet and force yourself into a leadership role.

You can best manticores, yeah?

Maybe they'd let your familiar in, since it's also you.

>>23201718
"Why not?"

>>23201718
"The Princeps can't do that?"

"Why not?" You ask. "The princeps can't do that?"
"You'd need to be a citizen, in order to be pardoned." Andalus said. "And it's pretty much impossible to become a citizen when you're not allowed to enter the country."
Astora sighed, and then wrapped an arm around you, pulling you close.
"This guy did the gauntlet." She said. "So he's a citizen, yes?"
"... And you're lovers, I gather?" Andalus asked, and Astora nodded.

"... Well, that might be enough." Andalus said. "I'll see what I can do."
"You know, you could just run the gauntlet and force yourself into a leadership role. You can best manticores, yeah?"
"Of course." Astora said. "My Gift of Vermin would work on them."
"Maybe they'd let your familiar in, since it's also you."
"It's too big to fit." Andalus said. "I saw her witch soul, once."

>>23201836
>>23201836
there was also a baghest that almost got me. but if we're quick they might not have found another in time.

>>23201881
It's probably against some kind of rule to reveal too much about the gauntlet to someone who hasn't run it.

Also she might not necessarily get the monster wing.

>>23201836
"Sounds like a flaw in the legal system to me. Can't fix your mistake without letting her back in, can't let her back in until you fix your mistake."

"Sounds like a flaw in the legal system to me." You say. "Can't fix your mistake without letting her back in, can't let her back in until you fix your mistake."
"Indeed." He said. "I suppose we could arrange the princeps and have them make a decision, but that seems like too much work. It'd be much simpler if she just married a citizen, or something similar."

"That's the plan." Astora said, finally. "Who's that?" She asked, nodding to Kelaris, who was currently speaking to a human Tannis.
"That's Kelaris." Ariana said. "He's... only a little like Kale."
"Oh, I see." She said. "I'll go say hi."

>>23202055
"Have fun."

>>23202055
Try not to call him Kale, it seems to mess with his nature.

keep holding her hand/claw

You should also meet Thor, Cass' new, or rather, old, friend.

>>23202055
"It's going to be an interesting situation when we arrive at Bastion, I think. A compliment of Skiitaran soldiers and a medley of magic-users is bound to cause quite the stir."

"Try not to call him Kale, it seems to mess with his nature." You say, as she walked toward Kelaris, holding your hand all the time."
"It's going to be an interesting situation when we arrive at Bastion, I think." you say. "A compliment of Skiitaran soldiers and a medley of magic uses is bound to cause quite the stir."
"It will." Astora said. "But... it might be better than the battle that Eldin was planning. We, the magic users, will be saving the *order*." She said. "They'll have to thank us."

Eventually, you made your way to Tannis and Kelaris.
"Pleased to meet you, Kelaris." Astora said, and gave him a nod. "My name is Astora Catastra."
"I have all of Kale's memories, so you know." Kelaris said.
She nodded.
"I assumed so." She said. "But it's still impolite not to introduce yourself."
Kelaris, in spite of himself, gave her a slight grin.

Tannis suddenly became a cat, and ran off, toward the soldier tents. Astora didn't seem to notice.

>>23202200
Look at Ariana, then Look at where Tannis went, hope she gets the hint.

"Kelaris is good at swording things. Better then I."

You look back to Ariana, and then nod toward Tannis, and the gryphon takes the hint, following the maenad.

"Kelaris is good at swording things." You say. "Better than I."
"Of course." Kelaris said. "It's part of my compulsion."
"Really? Abel's pretty good at using his sword." Astora said.
She squinted. "What do you mean by 'part of'?"
"... Nothing. It's not important." He said.
"You mean you don't want to talk about it." She said.
Kelaris nodded.
"Oh well." She said.

>>23202306
if we have some time before arrival, we should get used to using the spear. Maybe spar with Cass and/or Thor.

>>23202306
"We've all got secrets, I suppose."

>>23202380
Isn't a bad idea.

"Any tips on using a spear, Kelaris?"

>>23202380
This is good.

"We've all got secrets, I suppose."
"We do." Kelaris said.
"Any tips on using a spear, Kelaris?" You ask.
"I don't have any, I'm afraid. You may want to speak to Cassandra instead."
Time eventually passes, and while Astora and Kelaris talk about his past, and you make your way to Cass.
"Cass, since we have some time before arrival, I should get used to using the spear. Want to spar?"
She looked away from Thor and nodded.
"Sure, let's." She said, and unpeacebound her spear.

You focus on your own spear, and when you held it, you... knew how to use it, just as you knew how to use your sword. Perhaps it was the *avatar* you knew how to use, and the knowledge translated itself into whatever form the weapon was.


"You ready?" Cass asked, spear in hand.
You nod, and the two of you get to sparring.

Spinning like a top, you slam her spear out of the way, and crash the butt end of yours into her shoulder, where she braces herself on her suddenly-muscled tail and springs forward again, jabbing the butt end of hers at you. You hardly lean out of the way, and whip yours up to her throat.

Cass sighs.
"... I thought you didn't know how to use a spear." She said.

>>23202449
So did I.

>>23202449
"So did I."

Also. We should probably find an excuse to go talk to Tannis. With or without Astora.

>>23202449
"Uh yeah, so did I. It just kinda...came to me as soon as I did it."

>>23202449
"I thought the exact same, you know."

>>23202449
"I guess I'm a quick study."

look over at Thor

"want to go for a round?

>>23202449

apparently i know it just by touching this spear.

"... Uh, yeah. So did I. It just kinda... came to me as soon as I did it."
Cass started grumbling about angels, while you turn to Thor.
"Want to go for a -"
He shushes you, and continues checking out Cass's muscled tail for some time, until it eventually shrinks and returns to normal. His look was somewhere between leering and astonishment.
"How long has she been able to do that?" He asked you. "Er, sorry, anyway. Yeah, I'd be willing to spar."

>>23202554
"As long as I've known her." Fellow follower of the delicious scaly tail.

>>23202554
"Since I met her, if my memory serves."

>>23202554
>until it eventually shrinks and returns to normal. His look was somewhere between leering and astonishment.
>"How long has she been able to do that?" He asked you.
do what?

"Do what?"
"Make her tail muscled like that. Normally it's ... thin and ratlike, I guess. Because she only had one halftroll parent, her troll blood is thin." "As long as I've known her, if my memory serves."
"I've never seen her do that before. Not consciously, at least. Guess she's learned how to control her body since the compound went gone." He said, as Cass grumbled off to where Kelaris and Astora were talking. Then he turned to you. "Okay, now you're interesting again. You wanted to spar?"

>>23202656
Nod, "If you don't mind."

>>23202656
"Yeah, I should probably practice with this spear in case I ever need to use it."

"Yeah, I should probably practice with this spear in case I ever need to use it."
He nodded. "Fair enough. One second."
He took a step back, closed his eyes, and started taking deep, long breaths, focusing. His tail whipped, suddenly twice normal length, and with the sound of sickening cracks, his claws fell into his fingers, as his body bulked up, before thinning again and elongating, green and purple scales covering his body. His head and chin started growing small, nubbed spikes, and his eyes became crosses, like that of a frog.

He took another deep breath, and opened his eyes.
"Okay, now I'm ready." He said, his voice deeper. "I'm not very good at this, I have to admit. Never had a formal teacher."

>Roll for spar!

>>23202656
"Yeah let's do this thing."

Fight tricky and indirect. try to make him frustrated. Troll him until he makes a mistake

Rolled 54

>>23202772
"That's quite impressive,"

Rolled 100

>>23202772

File: 1361045732002.gif-(1002 KB, 550x413, Amusement is at critical (...).gif)

1002 KB GIF

>>23202813
Can't wait to see what happens. Hope we didn't kill him.

>>23202813
yeah.... lets try not to kill this guy

>>23202829
If we were rolling to kill him he'd be dead.
I think we'd actually have to roll a nat 1 to accidentally kill someone while sparring.

File: 1361045834630.png-(20 KB, 507x457, 1348261998345.png)

20 KB PNG

>>23202813
BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

>>23202813
Did we just teach HIM how to use his spear?

>>23202813
we always roll the 100's when it doesn't matter.

"That's quite impressive." You say.
"Skiitara calls it 'metamorph'." He said. "An ability that only trolls bear."

Then he blurred into action.
The spear was already in hand, and you were already spinning.

The entire ship was watching as you were parrying punches, blows, and slashes from Thor's claws. No matter how powerful they were, you were easily able to deflect them- the spear was apparently abnormally strong, or even indestructible, as he poured all of his strength into his blows, and as you continually deflected them.

Finally, almost ten minutes later, he was exhausted, panting, hands on his knees.

You were standing there, spear at the ready, twenty yards away.
You didn't feel tired at all.

Finally, he reared to his feet again, and charged.
You did the same. You *swore* that you were moving faster than even Wyvern did, as you skidded behind him, spear in hand.
With a sickening crack, you slammed the butt end of your spear into his back, and he collapsed, his spine broken.
"Glphlph." He said, sighing, as the scales on his body receded, and his body went back normal, his spine fusing together.

You suddenly hear a sob, and Kelaris tackled you in a hug.
"That was... that was *beautiful*." He said, crying into your shoulder. "I've never seen anything like that before. Such... such flow, such agility."

>>23202947
I'm guessing this is the other bit you didn't want to talk about?

>>23202947
Awkwardly accept the hug and pat him on the back, "Uhm...thanks."

>>23202947
in our best Barry White "Oh yeah, you know you like it baby."

>>23202947
"I guess I did alright."

"I'd help you up, Thor, but I've got an elf on me."

>>23202947
After we get Kelaris off us, swirl the spear, turn it back into a sword and sheath it.

"Um... thanks." You say, patting him on the back.
"I'm moved, I'm very moved, by what I saw here today." He said.

"I'd help you up, Thor, but I've got an elf on me."
"No, no, it's fine." He said, pushing himself to his feet, rubbing at one of the bruises you'd given him, as they slowly heal.
"... Yeah, he won at the arena in Atlask." Cass said, holding him up while Thor's spine regenerated.
"I'm not surprised, with moves like that." He said. "Hey, Cass, can you do me a favor?"
"Sure." She said. "What?"
"Uh, see if you can metamorph your tail."
"Meta-what?"
"Shapeshift it. Make it more muscled." He said.

"Like this?" She asked, and her tail pumped up, doubling in length.
"Yes, like that, thank you." Thor said, leering.
She squinted at him, and then pulled him into a headlock.
"It's always about the tail, always." Cass said to him.
"Yep." Thor responded.

Eventually, Kelaris was able to regain his composure, wiping at his face as he let go of you.
"That was impressive." Astora said, with a grin.

>>23203127
I try.

You know at some point we're both going to have to have a talk with Tannis, right?

>>23203127
"Thanks. I forgot to ask, have you felt any better? Closer to your familiar returning?"

EXABYTE'S COFFEEMAKER STOPPED WORKING.
SQUAD BROKEN.

>NO.
>MY COFFEEMAKER IS BROKEN.
>IT IS THE END OF ALL THINGS.

"I try." you say. "I forgot to ask, have you felt any better? Closer to your familiar returning?"
"It isn't... painful anymore." She said. "And I can't... feel the place where my familiar should be. It's like it was before my coming of age. I'm feeling a lot better lately."
"... You know at some point we're both going to have to have a talk with Tannis, right?"
"I've been looking for her, but I haven't seen her on the ship since I came through the shadow." Astora said, and sighed.

>>23203312
"I think she's worried about it all. She might be trying to lay low whilst you're here."

>>23203312
"I think she's hiding from you. She had been talking with Kelaris, before we came over.:"

"I think she's hiding from you." You say. "She had been talking with Kelaris, before we came over..."
"Maybe." She said, and frowned. "I feel bad about all this."
Then she met your eyes.
"What do you think about all this? You didn't explain much in the letter.

>>23203421
"It's drama I would rather not deal with. I think I prefer Tannis as a friend more than anything."

>>23203421
"I'd like to make her happy, but not at the cost of losing you."

>>23203421
"She's quite attracted to me, but I'm not sure what to do. I don't want to hurt her and I think she's worried about where she'll go after all of this."

>>23203457
This sums up my feelings on the matter nicely.

>>23203421
She, ah, professed her love to me.

>>23203421
"It's...Well, I fixed her moon cycle so she's always Waning but never New. Then she confessed that she loves me, and you know the rest."

>>23203421
"I'm... not entirely sure." Tell Tori the whole story, which I can't seem to put into actual words just now.

"She, ah, professed her love to me, but I'm not sure what to do." You say. "I don't want to hurt her, and I think she's worried about where she'll go after this." You say. "I'd like to make her happy, but not at the cost of losing you."
"Well... She's my friend too." She said, and sighed. "So, if I weren't here- Well, if you and I had never become as fond of eachother as we are- what would you then?"

>>23203421
I see her as my best friend, I think she sees me as something more.

It hurts us both.

>>23203457
also acceptable

>>23203545
I can't say, so many things would be different, I might not be the same person.

I think, all things considered, I would have accepted.

>>23203545
"I would probably have accepted her love."

>>23203545

going for this.

>>23203566

>>23203545
I would've hit that. Hard.

>>23203545
"If you and I weren't together? Yeah, I'd accept and return her love in the same way. I would now, except that doesn't seem fair to you at all."

>>23203545
This is some sort of test isn't it?

>>23203545
"I don't know. It's hard to say. If you weren't here, would me and her have even met?"

>>23203545
Rest our forehead against Tori's, "Well, IF we weren't together, I'd probably take her up on it. Well, those are the wrong words, but... But we are together, so it wouldn't be right, would it?"

"I can't say, so many things would be different." You say. "I might not be the same person."
You close your eyes, and sit down next to her. "I think, all things considered, I would have accepted her love. But... we are together, so it wouldn't be right, would it?"

"I see." She said, claw around your torso. She sighed. "There's no good response to something like this." She said, leaning on you. "She's going to be hurt, or I'm going to be. There's no third choice. Unless... well... if it was only once... I wouldn't mind... too much."
She went quiet, and started mumbling to herself, and for a moment, you saw her Mirror.
It was almost perfectly intact, small scratches here or there, but a large scratch on the corner- the sliver you'd had in hand when you woke up. The mirror vanished just as soon as it'd appeared.

>>23203710
We still have that, right?
Hand it to her.

>>23203710
Whisper to her, "Just now Tori, I saw your mirror for a brief moment. The only missing piece is the one I was holding in my dream. I think if I can figure out how to put it back...you'll be healed."

>>23203710
She is in love. I think she just needs time. She will see this through to the end, I just hope that she gets her time after that.

I hope more that she returns after she leaves. That's what I truely want.

Tannis has been my friend for as long as I have met her, and losing her would wound me.

>>23203710
I've already rejected her advances, something like that would probably only hurt her more.

>>23203710
"Uh...Tori. I think you're closer to getting your familiar back than you realize."

>>23203710
Chuckle, "I don't know if that would make the problem better or worse. But...well, let's just say we'll be giving it a try to see how it feels. If either of us doesn't feel comfortable with it, that'll be that, and we'll all feel better for having at least tried. And if we both do, well, then we can go from there.
That sound okay to you?"

>>23203710
"I don't think 'just once' would work out. It would just reaffirm her feelings, and make the whole situation worse."

>>23203843
>>23203869
it's not right. it's not fair to tannis to do that. not while she's truely in love.

"I've already rejected her advances. Something like that would probably just hurt her more."
<It would.> Rogue said.
Tori sighed.
"I do wish there was an easy way out of this. If I were in her place, I'd probably set the lot of you on fire in jealousy."
"Uh, Tori, I think you're closer to getting your familiar back than you realize." You say.
"What do you mean?" She asked.
"Just now, Tori, I saw your mirror for a brief moment. The only piece missing is the one I was holding in my dream. I think if I can figure out how to put it back... you'll be healed."
Her eyes opened wide.
"And how do we do that?" She asked.

>>23203710
"I don't think 'once' would be fair to Tannis, though. You wouldn't like it if I was with you once, then went 'back' to another woman, would you?" Sigh somewhat exaggeratedly, "I just don't want to lose her as a friend over this."

>>23203843
I'd really rather not get into the whole thing to begin with. Just try and help her along however we can, but keep away from threeway territory.

>>23203843
This, make it nice and casual, and comfortable, for everyone involved.

>>23203890
I don't know. I'm not sure I can.

Stare into her eyes for a while, and then boop her on the nose when it doesn't work.

But do enjoy looking at her eyes. What colour are they anyway?

>>23203890
"Maybe like the first time? When we fell asleep together? I don't think it'd be that easy though."

>>23203890
>>23203894
Damn my slowness

Rolled 42

>>23203890
Put in a earnest attempt to see her mirror, without it just appearing. Like, summon her mirror or something. From there we can figure out how to put the piece back.

>>23203890
"I have absolutely no idea. I haven't actually seen that shard since you woke me up."

Rolled 14

>>23203940
support roll

Rolled 18

>>23203940
And roll numero three.

>>23203969
>>23203958
>>23203940
Rolls weren't called for, also magic is a single d6

>>23203940
No thanks dude. It'll happen when it happens.

>>23204000
I don't see why Exa would tease the mirror like that, unless he was trying to get us to make an attempt at fixing it. Not everything can just fall in our lap.

"I don't know." You say. "I'm not sure if I can."
You stare into her light brown eyes for some time, just staring into her as she stared into you.
Then you poke her in the nose, and she blinked.
Then giggled. But nothing else seemed to happen.
"I don't think it'll be that easy." You say, and sigh.
She shrugged, and closed her eyes, leaning on you some more, putting her head on her shoulder.
"We should go find her." Astora said. "And talk to her. I could use my Gift of Sight, maybe."

>>23204038
"We should. I think Ariana's softening her up for us."

>>23204038
She'll turn up. You go wander around for a bit, and she might approach you on her own. Just use your gift of flame if you need me to turn up quietly.

And... try not to get mad at her. The Spell messed with her a little, she's still getting used to it.

>>23204038
"Alright. Do you want to talk with her in private first?"

"Alright." you say. "Do you want to talk with her in private first?"
"Whatever we do, we shouldn't stick together." She said. "I'm scared she'll think we're teaming up against her, or... something. It might be best if I talk to her."
"I think Ariana's softening her up for us." you say.
"Glad to hear it." Tori said. "Ari's always been better than me at this."
"Just... try not to get mad at her. The spell messed with her a little, and she's still getting used to it."
"I'll try not to." She said. "And I'll have to talk to you about that spell eventually, too."
She gave you a kiss, and then made her way down into the tent area.

"D'aw, a couple in love." Sardriel said, suddenly sitting next to you. He cackled.
"The Fury of Flame knows her, it says." He said, wiggling his fingers toward Astora.

>>23204178
"I imagine it would. I met it underneath her house, it explained the origin of her witch gifts."

>>23204178
Yeah, the claw kinda gives it away, doesn't it?

Does Onyx talk to you often?

Do you know anything about a necklace that Onyx has crafted? I found it in the Skiitaran weapon vault, and it seemed like a rather odd place for a necklace.

>>23204178
"Indeed, she and her family line has the Gift of Flame. And I believe there's a shard of Onyx in her home like the one in your ship."

>>23204178
"It does. That's why she's got the big flamey arm."

"It does. The claw kinda gives it away, doesn't it?" You ask.
He sighed. "You do realize I'm wearing a bandage around my eyes, correct? I cannot see."

"Does Onyx talk to you often?"
"No, only very rarely." He said, conversationally.
"Do you know anything about a necklace that Onyx has crafted? I found it in the Skiitaran weapon vault, and it seemed like a rather odd place for a necklace."
He gave you a grin.
"I donated it there." He said, and cackled as he walked away.

"Hey, Abel." Lyra said, waving with her Forged fingers. "That spear fight was really something. When did you learn to do that?"

>>23204327
I never did.

The swords pulling tricks again, I think.

You want a go?

>>23204327
"Would you believe me if I said I was trained in my sleep by otherworldly entities?"

>>23204327
"No idea. I think the spear taught me, more or less."

>>23204327
"I didn't. I just tried to use the spear and then all of a sudden I'm kicking all kinds of ass." shrug at her, "Come to think of it, both Sky and the sword and the spirits have gone on about how there's a separation between myself and the avatar, which is whoever owns the sword.
Maybe there was that same difference between dad and the spear, and I was just using his skills?
Y'know come to think of it, nobody has ever tried fighting with the sword when I've given it to them. Wanna try?"

"Would you believe me if I said I was trained in my sleep by otherworldly entities?"
She thought about it for a moment. For much, much too long. You realized she was taking your question seriously.
"... I would, yes." She said. "Mostly because I watched the fight."
"I think the spear taught me, more or less." You say.
"Huh. That's strange." She said.
"I just tried to use the spear, and all of a sudden I'm kicking all kinds of ass." You say, and shrug. "Come to think of it, both Sky and the sword and the spirits have gone on about how there's a separation between myself and the avatar, which is whoever owns the sword. Maybe there was that same difference between dad and the spear, and I was just using his skills?"
"That would be weird." She said.
"Y'know, come to think of it, nobody has ever tried fighting with the sword when I've given it to them. Wanna try?"
She thought about it for a moment, and then nodded.
You handed her the sword.

Your name is Lyra, and your bro just gave you his sword. You play with it a little, twirling it in your hand. The balance was a bit strange, but you didn't feel very weird using it. You raise it toward him, and he nodded, taking your own sword.
"Are you ready?" You ask him, and he nodded.

>Roll for swordfight, Lyra!

Rolled 95

>>23204437
Fightan!

Rolled 95

>>23204437
See if we can mess up his haircut, just for lols.

Rolled 24

>>23204437
This isn't going to go well.

>>23204454
No, it looks like it is, in fact, by >>23204448 and >>23204453

You bring up the blade in both hands, and step back, mentally repeating the mantra your instructor had drilled into your mind, as Abel tried to aquaint himself with Kristoph's blade- apparently he was having a lot of trouble with it. You did too, at first, with how heavy it was.
"Are you ready?" You ask again, and he nodded again.
So, of course, you bring it down. He was barely able to parry it away before you continued striking at him with the flat of the blade, slamming into his arm, his shoulder, his hand. when he was finally able to swing the great blade, you sidestepped it, and kneed him in the gut.

Abel collapsed, despite his armor, so you knelt and grinned at him.
"Maybe you do get otherworldly knowledge from this sword." You say, gloating. "I don't, though."
He frowned, and you immediately felt bad about it, giving him a reassuring shoulder squeeze. You hand him his sword back.

Your name is Abel, and you just got your shit kicked in by Lyra. Her sword was *heavy*, and apparently you had to wield it a certain way, or... something.

>>23204522
"That thing is really heavy."

>>23204522
"Being able to use a sword that large isn't normal."

Rolled 9

>>23204522
Maan, we suck without our sword.

Going to have to work on that, or we might not be able to continue to adventure after we impale Sky on the spear for all to see for all time.

>>23204522
"Kristoph's sword isn't at all what I'm used to, either."

>>23204550
She rolled two 95s. I'd expect anyone to lose to Lyra (who's really good at swording) when she rolls two 95s.

>>23204522
"Worth a shot. Holy crap that thing is heavy though, it's like trying to fight with a pillar."

>>23204522
"I should have just thrown that slab at you."

"Kristoph's sword isn't at all what I'm used to, either." You say, and sigh. "Being able to use a sword that large isn't normal."
"What do you mean?" She asked, and lifted the sword in a single hand.
For a moment, you curse Kristoph and his magic sword, when a loud commotion near the tents caught your attention. You make your way over there-
To find Astora, four deep scratches in her face, holding up bandages there, and she looked... miserable.
"Apparently she doesn't want to talk to me." Astora said, her face bleeding rather badly.

>>23201439
8 quest threads on the front page right now.

Just thought I'd let you know.

>>23204595
"Oh dear."

>>23204616
That's nice.

>>23204595
You went after her, didn't you?

See if we can bandage it up alright. We have a medkit, don't we?

>>23204616
There's an inbuilt catalogue with inbuilt filters.

Just thought I'd let you know.

>>23204595
"What happened?"

"Oh dear." You say, and pull out your own medical kit, carefully bandaging her up. "You went after her, didn't you?"
She started to nod- before you held her head still so you could work on it.
"Yeah, I did." She said, and sighed.
"What happened?"
"She said that she didn't want to talk to me." Astora said. "And that she never would want to. When I went after her after that, she just suddenly lashed out and ran belowdeck." She said. Tori didn't seem in pain, but the expression on her face... she was more hurt about what was said than the scratch.

>>23204730
"I need to talk to her before she has a chance to get off the ship and run away."

>>23204730
"Let's just give her some space for now. We've both tried, and it hasn't gone well, so I think we just need to leave it alone."

>>23204730
"I'm sure she didn't actually mean that. She's emotional and confused right now - clearly a lot more than I thought."

>>23204730
We'll figure something out.

I hope.

Check her claw over for wear.

>>23204730
Pull her into a big hug.

>>23204730

might be dangerous below deck with all the machinery, she needs to come out.

Alright guys, I think I know what to say to Tannis to mitigate this issue, at least a little bit.
We should try to find her.
"Tannis, I know you don't want to talk right now, and I'm not going to force it. But please listen to me. You need [emphasis on need] to come to sanctuary after all this is over. Stay with us at least till then. Please trust me on this Tannis."

>>23204888
I think we should stop forcing the Tannis issue for the moment.

"I'm sure she didn't actually mean that." You say. "She's emotional and confused right now - clearly a lot more than I thought."
Astora sighed.
"Let's just give her some space for now. We've both tried, and it hasn't gone well, so I think we just need to leave it alone."
"But..." She just frowned. "Okay."
"We'll figure something out." You say, and pull her into a big hug, which she gladly returns.
"Maybe if Ariana starts feeling better, we can send her through the Shadow. Or something." Astora said, and sighed.

Some hours later, the sun had made it's long arc over the sky, and you passed Garamon. It was in better shape, with people on the rooftops with crossbows, and the Forged stuck outside the city gates, but they were still under siege.
"Should I... Should I fly overhead?" Ariana asked. "See what I can?"

>>23204888
Nah. She's being a bitch now, let's just leave her alone for a while.

>>23204928
"Not worth risking it. At least we know Garamon has held out so far, let's hope Bastion is in even better shape."

>>23204928
Tori, can you use your gift of sight?

The forged don't have bows, but it would be bad if the defenders were to shoot you, Ariana.

>>23204928
"Be really careful if you do. They might shoot at you."

>>23204928
"No, the defenders might shoot you and we don't know if the Forged have any new weapons."

"Not worth risking it." You say. "The defenders might shoot you, and we don't know if the Forged have any new weapons."
"Okay." Ariana said, and settled down again.
"Tori, can you use your Gift of Sight?" You ask.

She nodded, then closed her eyes, and focused... and you felt your arm suddenly drain, drawing energy away from you. When she opened her eye again, she shook her head. "Nothing out of the ordinary. They're running low on food, though, I think, but the Forged haven't gotten in, yet."
"At least we know Garamon has held out so far. Let's hope Bastion is in even better shape." You say.
"Yes, let's hope." Lyra said, her voice quiet, and exceedingly calm. Her eyes were pointed straight east, a look in them that you didn't recognize.

>Choices time!
> [] Timeskip until Angvard
> [] Speak to X
> [] Other

>>23205090
[x] Timeskip

I'm quite sure we haven't forgotten to talk to anyone about anything.

>>23205090
try and get Sardriel to let abel and Astora have a talk with "The Fury of Flame"

>>23205090
Timeskip
If Tannis shows up, just act normal

>>23205090
>> [] Speak to X
Speak to Ariana and Astora about the Spell.

We know it works on non meanad shapeshifters, so we might be able to use it in sanctuary, and maybe even make a job out of it.

If nobody else is interested, since it isn't really plot relevent, Timeskip is also good.

>>23205136
oh yeah. Tori did want to talk about it.

Rolled 7

>>23205090
Talk to Tannis, or atleast find her to make sure she isnt caught in a fan belt somewhere.

>>23205136
Ah yeah, forgot about telling her about the spell/ancestor deal.

Do this

>>23205131
>>23205136
these are both good options, and a timeskip is a waste of this opportunity

>>23205146
>>23205160
Mhmm, but I think Ariana should be included, because she's in sanctuary, and can talk to the shapeshifters there.

Turning back to Astora, you pull her into another hug.
"So, about that spell thing." Astora said. "What exactly is a spell? Is it connected to the..."
She looked over to Ariana, who was looking at her. Then Astora shrugged.
"Is it connected to the way you somehow bound yourself to my Gifts?"
Ariana blinked. Then blinked again, and shook her head.
"Wait, what?!" Ariana suddenly said, springing to her feet.

>>23205191
I don't think so, but it might be. Vermillion called me a 'Magus' and said it was related to my mother's bloodline.

>>23205191
"It's completely unrelated to that. Apparently it's some pact between the spirits and my ancestors, it lets me read these old scrolls which can do things. I found one in Vigil, it let's me separate the moon component of werebeasts."

>>23205191
"My mother's, mother's, mother's, father's father's, mother's, father's, mother's father made a deal with the four spirits and brought them into the world."

>>23205191
It didn't feel the same. This was about boons owed to my family by the four spirits, and when I saw your mirrors there weren't any spirits involved.

>>23205239
Except it's written in the same language as the mirrors, so it's kinda related.

>>23205191
"Nope, it has to do with a boon owed to my bloodline on my mother's side, by the spirits. Theoretically, Lyra could do it too if she read one of the scrolls that bind the boon."

Turning to Ari, "Well since it's not a secret anymore...well, your Gift of Truth while I was at the mansion revealed to me that I have the potential to be a Wizard if I was so inclined. I'm not, but it does mean that I can sometimes see the magic of witches. And when I saw Tori's was shattered, I tried to repair it as best I could - only she woke me up before I could put the last piece into place. That's part of why she's been getting better so quickly.
Ever since then I've been able to feel the same sensations she does when she uses her magic.
That's also how I found out that she has the gift of vermin for Manticores, the one in the gauntlet started acting like a puppy around me. Oh and it makes immune to her fire. But only hers.

If I tried to take instead of give...well, I'm not ever going to. Let's just say that."

>>23205191
"I'm not really sure how to put this, Ariana, but I guess I shouldered some of the burden that was on Tori."

Hey, just a though, we could relieve Ariana of her gift of Void, if she wanted us to.

>>23205300
no that is a slippery slope

"I don't think so, but it might be." You say. "Apparently it's some pact between the spirits and my ancestors. It lets me read these... old scrolls which can do things. I found one in Vigil, and it lets me seperate the moon component of werebeasts."
"So, wait." Ariana said. "You can make it so a werewolf or something doesn't go haywire on the full moon?"
You nod.
"... Wow. That could be really useful, in sanctuary." Astora said. "I know that Namira would want something like that, definitely."
"Then... what were you talking about earlier?" Ariana asked.
"Well, since it's a not a secret anymore... Well, your Gift of Truth, while I was at the mansion, revealed to me that I have the potential to be a wizard, if I was so inclined." You say. "I'm not, but it does mean I can sometimes see the magic of witches. And when I saw Tori's was shattered, I tried to repair it as best I could - only she woke me up before I could put the last piece into place."
Ariana's eyes were as large as dinner saucers by now.
>Field too long!

>>23205346
"That's part of why she's been getting better so quickly, and ever since then, I've been able to feel the same sensations she does when she uses her magic. That's also how I found out she has the gift of Vermin for Manticores. The one in the gauntlet started acting like a puppy around me. Oh, and it makes me immune to her fire. But only hers."
As if to show it off, Astora touched your cheek, and set your head aflame for a moment, with a tinge of pain in your arm.
"If I tried to take instead of give... well, I'm not ever going to. Let's just say that."
"... Oh." Ariana said, and then rubbed at her own eyes with her talons. "Well, my secret isn't very great, compared." She said. "Astora, I have Void."
Astora was silent for a moment.
"A Dark Gift?" Astora asked, and sighed. "That explains how we made it out of that problem at the beach alive. Do the crones know?"
Ariana shook her head.
"Then we won't tell them."

>>23205357
"Or about mine either, please. [Tori's fairy friend's name] suggested the Crones would attempt to kill me."

>>23205357
"I was thinking about that, actually. You said it darkens the heart, but what if that's not because of the gift, but because of how people treat you? Food for thought, I suppose."

>>23205357
o ant the spirit of wind told me the name of your other gift flow

>>23205357
I'm not sure I want to experiment too much with the wizarding, but the mirrors keep appearing from time to time, even on non witches.

>>23205407
No thats goat girls gift.

>>23205407
She said that we would have gotten flow if we had chosen Tannis.
I think she'd know if she had the Gift of Flow.
It seems to be an "always on" sort of thing, judging by Sansa.

>>23205420
I don't think we've ever seen a mirror on someone who wasn't a witch.

We saw an Obelisk on Andalus, but that was because he is/was the Seer.

"I was thinking about that, actually." You say. "You said it darkens the heart, but what if that's not because of the gift, but because of how people treat you? Food for thought, I suppose."
"I... don't want to risk it, though." Ariana said, quietly. "It's too much of a risk."
"And don't tell them about mine either, please."
"Of course not." Ariana and Astora said, at the same time. Then they met eyes and chuckled.
"The crones would probably do something really bad to you." Ariana said, and sighed.

As you sat there, eventually you saw Sarda climb out from belowdeck, a wrench in hand, and make his way to the steam engine. If you wanted to try and talk him into letting Astora see Onyx, now was your chance.

>>23205458
>If you wanted to try and talk him into letting Astora see Onyx, now was your chance.
yes we like to try, but we're not crushed if he says no

>>23205458
Eh, i'm not really fussed, we don't have anything to say to onyx, as far as i know, unless we wanted to ask him where we could find some more scrolls. If Tori wants to chat with him then she can ask.

>>23205458
Let's do it. More info is good info.

"Hey Sarda, do you think you'd be willing to let Astora see the shard of Onyx? Given that she's touched by flame, I think it might be an enlightening experience for her."

>>23205496
> find some more scrolls.
there's at least one per spirit and they could be helpful

>>23205496
Finding more scrolls should pretty much be second priority at the moment.

>>23205528
I'm gonna guess there's one in not!atlantis, one in Sanctuary at the Crone's section of the tower, and another somewhere we haven't discovered yet.

>>23205558
Is that how our mother gained favor with the mermaids, do you think?

>>23205570
Quite possibly, but what do you think that spell actually DOES?

I mean, if the maenad and other shifters are the children of the Spirit of Wind, then obviously the merfolk are the children of the Spirit of Water.

You get to your feet, and still holding Astora's hand, make your way up to Sarda.
"Hey Sarda, do you think you'd be willing to let Astora see the shard of Onyx?" You ask. "Given that she's touched by flame, I think it might be an enlightening experience for her."
"Hmm, let me think." He said, giving you a humorless grin "Is this Astora dashingly pretty? If so, have her give me a kiss and I'll show you two down there."

Astora glared at the blind man, and your arm started to hurt as she prepared to let loose with her gift- before she noticed your wince, and calmed down.

>>23205597
"You're a funny man, Sarda."

"Your choice, Tori."

>>23205597
Well you did want to see him, Tori.

No, not at all, she's the ugliest thing you've ever seen. Her skin is flawless, unscarred and hardly showing off her life's hardships. Her beautiful brown eyes are hardened by pain, and they show only her will to singe someone. Her claw, carved to look like a dragon is hideously inhuman, despite it's alien elegance and allure.

I'm sure you don't want any of that.

>>23205597
"I'll be honest old man - to my eyes, she's the prettiest thing in the whole world. She's also got a short fuse and *literally* has a dragon's temper. Tread lightly."

"Your choice, Tori."

>>23205597

i have a feeling that is not going to happen.

"You're a funny man, Sarda."
"Looks aren't everything, my dear friend!" he called, and cackled.
"I'll be honest, old man." You say. "To my eyes, she's the prettiest thing in the world. She's also got a short fuse and literally has a dragon's temper. Tread lightly."
He just grinned, and Astora gave you a kiss on the cheek.
"Your choice, Tori." You say. She sighed.
"Fine, here you go, you bastard." She said, and then grabbed your head, before pressing your head up against his cheek.

Sarda went silent- and then he cackled. "good enough, good enough. This way."

He lead you down into the hatch, walking through. It was so dark that Astora had to use her Gift of sight to create a sphere of light in her palm, as he led you through a maze of twisty little passages, all alike, steam pipes covering the walls and ceiling. Eventually, you ended up in a large room near the rear bottom of the ship, with a very familiar sphere.
"Here you go!" The old man said, and then nodded to you. "By the way, I never said I would lead you out!"
Then he wandered out of the room, quickly getting too far away for you to follow him.

You and Astora step closer to the orb, and it flickered into life.
"You two again? Hmph." Onyx said.

>>23205733
"Come on now, you must get a bit lonely, want to tell us how thing are going for you?"

>>23205733
"Well it's not every day you get to meet one of the Four Spirits."

Let tori ask a question.

"Vermillion told me about my mother, I was wondering if you had any Scrolls that you wouldn't mind telling me about.

>>23205733
"Look, I'm sorry we kind of got off on the wrong foot last time. I didn't presume to demand anything of you, I was simply voicing my question. Still, I apologize for my previous impudence."

>>23205733
"Hello O Mighty one. We have come to say hello."

>>23205838
Pfft, no we haven't. We came to pester him with annoying questions.

>>23205853
"Hello O Mighty one. We have come to pester you with mildly annoying questions."

"Look, I'm sorry we kind of got off on the wrong foot last time." You say. "I didn't presume to demand anything of you, I was simply voicing my question. Still, I apologize for my previous impudence."
Onyx was quiet for a moment.
"... You've got him tamed, haven't you, Astora? One bath and-"
Astora rapped her claw against the sphere, and it shut up.
"Fine, fine, apology accepted. I'm not so stupid that I don't know you've come to ask me annoying questions, so ask."
"Vermillion told me about my mother, and I was wondering if you had any Scrolls that you wouldn't mind telling me about."
"... One of Magenta's scrolls are in Bastion." Onyx said, his voice almost gloating. "And one of the others, Cyan's, is in a place that you do not have a name for. In ancient times, it was known as what you would now call... Bulwark."
"Where is Bulwark?" Astora asked.
Onyx chuckled. "In the Vale, of course. Not far from the Avatar's resting place."

>>23205929
"Figures, right under my nose the whole time. I don't suppose you'll tell me where *yours* is?"

turn to Tori, "You have to admit, it was a hell of a bath."

>>23205929
Looks like we're going home. At some point.

>>23205929
Must be where the other Nobilis are headed. I don't suppose you'll tell me where any of yours are?

How long have you two known each other? You seem to have quite a rapport.

>>23205929
>"... One of Magenta's scrolls are in Bastion."
Magenta has more than one? I though it was one each

>>23205929
"Ah. Thank you."

>>23205999
"Well, thank you for that. I'm guessing you didn't make any?"

>>23205999
The one we recovered was Vermilion.

>>23206041
I know that, "One of Magenta's scrolls" implies more than one scroll made by Magenta

>>23206041
He said "one of" though, implying there are more.

>>23206076
>>23206086
Vermillion also said 'one of my scrolls is in vigil' or something to that effect.

>>23206094
So we should've caught on that time instead of right now.

"Must be where the other Nobilis are headed." You say. "I don't suppose you'll tell me where any of yours are?"
"Why would I?" Onyx said. "I've no real desire to help you. My only desire is to irritate my siblings, which is what I'm doing by giving you the location of some of their boons."
"Figures, right under my nose the whole time." You say. Then you turn to Tori. "You have to admit, it was a hell of a bath."
Tori's cheeks went bright, brilliant red, and she pretended she didn't hear you.
"Magenta has more than one?" You ask. "I thought it was one each."
"Of course not." Onyx said. "Your ancestor had dozens of scrolls with him."

>>23206106
"Huh. I hope the crones aren't trying to collect them or something."

>>23206127
If they are, it's probably for us. Or Lyra. Or both. We're the only ones who can actually use them, right?

>>23206106
Well thanks anyway Onyx. You're a bit grumpy, but not entirely unreasonable.

Do you want me to feed you a coal or something?

>>23206140
They might not know that.
Or maybe they're trying to stop us from using them for some reason.
It just doesn't sit well with me.

Quick question; how are spells different from gifts?

>>23206140
We don't know much about our mother's family. Could be any number of aunts and their offspring.

>>23206153
Even if that's the case, I'm sure we can negotiate.

Or failing that, aggressively negotiate.

>>23206157
Gifts are things you're born with, can use instinctually, and you get a familiar.
Spells are things you have to find, and you have to activate them manually.
At least, that's what it seems to be. There might be spells that work like gifts.

"I'm the only one who can actually use them, right? Me and Lyra?"
"Lyra cannot." Onyx said. "She was not born with the ability to learn from the scrolls. You are the only magus that lives."
"Well, thanks anyway, Onyx." You say. "You're a bit grumpy, but not entirely unreasonable."
"Thank you. I guess." Onyx said.
"Do you want me to feed you a coal or something?"
Onyx went quiet... and then snickered a few times.
"No, I am fine." The spirit of flame said. "Regardless, you may want to get abovedeck. A battle is soon to arrive."
"... What do you mean?" Astora asked.
"... Bastion is having some visitors as we speak." Onyx said. "Crios can die any moment now. You should best hurry."

>>23206248
"Great."

>>23206248
"That sounds important."

>>23206248
"Sky has the worst timing."

>>23206248
"Balls, can't have out Sentry die."

Let's make an exit.

Give Onyx a satchel of gunpowder stuff anyway.

>>23206248
Abel never gets lost, back to the top.

"Great." You say. "Sky has the worst timing."
"Better hurry, magus. I hardly care if you die." Onyx said, as you and Astora make your way out of the room.
"After all, you already have a scion, within Astora." You hear, clearly.

Your body involuntarily freezes as you look back to Onyx.
"Better hurry, Abel." The sphere said, and then went dark.

>End of thread!

>>23206362
Thanks for running, Exa!

>>23206362
What's a sci-oh shit she's pregnant.

>>23206362
Nice.
Now the question is: is this just Onyx trolling or did we actually knock her up?

>>23206454
odds are Onyx is trolling with the truth

>>23206362
>"Better hurry, magus. I hardly care if you die." Onyx said, as you and Astora make your way out of the room.
>"After all, you already have a scion, within Astora." You hear, clearly.
>ends on that bombshell
Exabyte!!!

Could we've avoided this if we had said to use condoms?

>>23207673
No, they would have melted.

>>23207673
Witches in sanctuary- especially the larger houses and nobilis- are actually encouraged to have children, because that means more Gifts. So it would've been almost impossible to get condoms on short notice there, and Astora probably wouldn't have agreed to take any sort of herbal remedy beforehand.

>>23208160
What, they didn't even attempt the pull out method?

>>23208160
Is it still encouraged if they dally with men of poor breeding (like Abel)?

>>23208236
Poor breeding? He's the convergence of two ancient and super important bloodlines!

>>23208287
But none of them have witch gifts.

>>23208236
Astora's a nobilis, so she can give them the finger if they don't like it. But she was still raised with the "more kids are more good" mentality.

>>23208217
Nope.

>>23208236
Even if it's a child born out of wedlock, with poor breeding, that's one more child who could bear something like the Gift of Life, or other nobilis gifts. It's even to the point that gay witches are still encouraged to get knocked up no matter their tastes. While Astora's never been pressured personally, it's still a big part of Sanctuary's culture.

>>23208287
Pff, they aren't witches, so to the Great and Noble Primm family, they might as well be *dogs*.

>>23208313
Does this mean Ariana's going to get even more pressure because she's got a new gift that nobody's seen before?

>>23208313
So when the Primm family says that, at what point do the army of grateful wereforms descend upon their house to tear it to pieces?

>>23208349
I'd give it about eight and a half seconds. Just enough time for them to see all the wereforms transform halfway, and then scream as they're charged.

>>23208347
Normally the pressure comes from someone's family, parents, grandparents, aunts or uncles. Since Ariana has none of that, and she's Nobilis as well, she won't be pressured at all.

>>23208349
About half a minute, give or take ten seconds or so.

>>23208389
Are the Primms all douchenozzles? Or just the one daterapist?

>>23208389
So what your saying is that attempts to play matchmaker with Ariana are expected? This is awesome.

>>23208525
The primms are a very large family. Some of them (namely, the 'core' of the family) are douchenozzles because they're spoiled brats, but the cousin families with the weaker gifts aren't so douchenozzly.

I take my dick and stick it in

>>23208389
What would the Crones do (if anything) in such a situation?

>>23208603
The crones would encourage Ariana to find someone she likes.
Unless you're talking about the wereforms- in which case the crones would directly interfere with help of the Giftless. Most of the wereforms would have to explain themselves, and then the crones would vote on if the weres would need to pay fines.

>>23208565
They're not only expected, they're *encouraged*. Matchmake away!

>>23208658
Oh, that would be murder, and most of the weres would be executed or exiled under pain of death.

>>23208643
> they're *encouraged*
mehehhehehehee!

Man I hope we get to sanctuary again.

>>23208678
I derped and didn't read your entire post before responding, sorry.

>>23208688
What's even better is that she doesn't even have to commit to any of them. She just has to get pregnant.

And if the only obstacle is how persuasive Abel can be? It's really just a matter of time before Ariana has a child of every haircolor. Even gingers!
And then we can matchmake *them*!

>>23208730
Gingers wouldn't work as witches. How would they have familiars if they have no souls?

>>23208761
Who said they have to be witches to matchmake them? They just have to be descended from witches.

>>23208761
>>23208730
...

You realize that Ariana herself is ginger, right? Or... Or was that the joke?

>>23208779
I thought Astora was the redhead, and Ariana had dark hair...

>>23208796
Although, it does explain the gift of void.

>>23208779
For some reason I thought Ariana had purple hair

>>23208814
... Okay, I laughed.

>>23208796
>>23208880
They both have red hair in a shade that isn't *quite* natural for human beings, though Ariana just has darker, shaggy short hair, and Tori has a lighter shade, long enough that she needs to tie it up, lest she tangle herself up in it.

>>23208959
so shaggy Crimson hair, and long pink hair

>>23209056
>pink
Not... not that light.

>>23208959
Neon hair was fairy blood, if I remember? I guess that helps with the family's affinity with fire.

Do they have pointed ears?

Does the Family have any other Nobilis level gifts?

>>23209115
Astora has rounded ears... and you actually don't think you've ever seen Ariana's ears before- her hair or hood has always covered them.

Which Family do you mean?

>>23209203
The Catastras. They've got their gift of flame, but did any of their ancestors have Earth or Frost or anything?

>>23209339
No, their only big Gift that they have is the Gift of Flame. It's pretty much exclusive for whatever reason, though- those that marry out of the Catastra family tend to not pass on the Gift of Flame, so they're popular by virtue of exclusivity. Also... Ariana's Gift of Peace may or may not be in the family.

>>23209203
Okay Exa, we need to know this for breeding purposes regarding Ariana: Who all has the Gift of Japan in Sanctuary?

File: 1361071570515.jpg-(367 KB, 1280x1024, shana.jpg)

367 KB JPG

>>23209085
more like this?

>>23209415
More like that, yes.

>>23209399
... Nobody. Nobody has the Gift of Japan anywhere.

>>23209432
>>23209399
The fuck is the gift of japan?

>>23209446
futa

>>23209446
Dark hair and eyes.

>>23209446
Dicks. If you're female you get a dick, if you're male you get tentacles. Because Japan. It was a joke.