>>23398185
I am here.

>>23398185
Ready as always.

Ready as I'll ever be.

Hell yeah!

>>23398185
>WHEN LAST WE LEFT OUR HEROES
>Trym had been chosen to accompany Derrik into the Deep Forest, a realm apart from the mortal world, in the hopes of finding a way to put an end to the supernatural phenomenon occurring around the village. Though terrified by the passage into the Deep Forest, Trym boldly presses on...

"It's testing you." Derrik's aged voice nearly shocks Trym out of his skin in the oppressive, silent cacophony, "No human has ever walked this path before. It is dangerous, but we are almost through."

As if simply waiting for him to say it, the trees suddenly open out and Derrik leads Trym into a large, open clearing, the ground carpeted with thick and spongy moss and gnarled roots, both of which crawl up, over a VAST boulder in the centre of the clearing, meeting an even more colossal tree growing atop the stone. The trees around, while still huge and ancient, seem suddenly no-where near as oppressive as they did only moments before. The sound of all the forest is gone, replaced by the normal sounds of a forest in the height of the day. and the atmosphere and feeling of being hunted no longer nags at Trym's mind. "You can let go now," says Derrik simply, shrugging his shoulders, "We've arrived. Welcome to the Deep Forest. If we're to leave, we must return here, or find another place like this; it's a site where the border is weak, like the Wolf Oak back home."

"From now on, be extra-careful," the old priest reminds the hunter, "There are things here that make wolves and bears look like squirrels and raccoons."

>>23398580
Leading away from the clearing are three paths. One looks to be a deer track, draped with low-hanging branches and winding its way through the trees. Another is a slightly larger and clearer pathway, possibly more well-used and by larger animals. The third path is actually a small creek, winding away from the rock and stone that marks the clearing. The stream is cramped closely by bushes and trees, but the stony stream-bed does make for a good (if damp) pathway.

A) Follow the deer track
B) Follow the wide path
C) Follow the stream
D) Fuck that shit; Trym goes where he pleases
E) I wanna go hoooome!
F) Other

>>23398752
F) Derrik goes where he pleases. If anyone can tell us which direction is the most safe and direct it is him. If he does not know instead let us walk along the stream.

>>23398752
D. Trym goes where he damn well wants.

>>23398798
This is me.

>>23398798
Sceond.

>>23398815
This.

>>23398798
thirded, seems fine to me.

>>23398752
C, follow the stream. If we do get lost, at least we have water

>>23398798
Disreguard this, I am instead throwing my support behind Josh's plan.

>>23398752
>D) Fuck that shit; Trym goes where he pleases
You guys realise this means Trym ignores the paths completely and just forges off alone, right? I forgot I have to be crystal-clear all the time.

Trym picking his own path turns out to be a bad idea.

C. Follow dat stream. >>23398912 makes a good point. The stream does make sense.

>>23399363
No we did not. Instead I put my support back behind: >>23398798 Have Derrik tell us what the paths do if he knows, if no head down stream.

>>23398912
Sceonding this. Even though we don't know if this water will actually do us any good, being in a spirit world and all that.

>>23398798
going to this then.

>>23398185
How can you give the channel but not the server? Seriously now. Come on.

What chnanel?

And...I'm curious about any mechanics you use? I think a civ game would be cool as something run over IRC, or tacked on to an existing RPG game

>>23399793
Its mibbit that we use.

>>23399810
What IRC server though?

>>23399992
http://client00.chat.mibbit.com/

Enter a nickname into the name field. #longfangs into the channel field

O hai guiz.

>>23399427
Refrek merely shrugs. "I've never been here before. You're as much in the dark as I am. I'd advise being careful however. Some things here are here because they don't know about humans. Others are here because they don't care. Others just hate humans. Not much way to know in advance, according to Hrunti."
In the absence of having any clue where to go, Trym and Derrik decide to follow the stream. The water is pleasantly cool as they splash through it, following the stream down, into the dense undergrowth. It almost seems to be a tunnel of green, as the two heroes proceed downstream, the branches overhead so thick that they block out nearly all light and turn the air a shadowy green.

As the brook continues, it turns into a small stream as groundwater slowly engorges it, until suddenly, the branches overhead clear and leave both Trym and Derrik blinking in the sudden light. The brook drops about a breadth (the length of a man's arms stretched out to the sides) into a larger stream flowing fast and shin-deep , with a steep bank on the side of the two humans, while a more shallow incline marks the other side. Fishing in the river is a brown bear of quite exceptionally massive size. At the sound of Trym and Derrik's arrival, the bear looks up curiously and snorts shortly, looking at them curiously.

>Wat do?
A) Go back up the brook and pick another route?
B) Jump into the stream and walk down it, ignoring the bear?
C) Try to cross the stream?
D) Try to go downstream on the near bank (it is over-grown and will be difficult, if not impossible)?
E) Other

>>23400371
E) Call out to the bear, this place is full of spirits and the bear is too large to be natural. THere is a possibility it is a intelligent spirit. If it doesn't respond we simply go into the stream and start wading downwards, if it is merely a normal bear then it will ignore us and keep fishing. If it doesn't act like a normal bear then we will have to run no matter what.

>>23400458
Second because why the fuck not.

>>23400458
I'll second this even though I doubt the bear speaks long fanginese. Never know though, could surprise us and it isn't openly hostile yet so ref makes a valid point.

>>23400458
Why not?

Second

>>23400458
Sceonding our new tribe's hero.

>>23400371
> Refrek merely shrugs. Seems like we have a new character, congrats Ref.

>>23400518
Feels good to be a hero.

>>23400518
>>23400556
Well dick. I didn't even notice that. You all know who I meant.

>>23400458
Sceonding

Shit, now I keep coming back. Knew this would happen. Must. not. read. all. archives.

>>23400458
Second, worst case scenario, we've got the best god-fighter in the village here, so maybe we'll be okay.

>>23400832
You know you will, V, you're one of us. You can't ever leave. You know you'll just keep coming back. That maddening drive to KNOW will never, EVER leave you! You cannot leave! You cannot escape!

>>23400458
The bear looks up and snorts again as Trym calls out to it, apologising for the interruption. Sure enough, it replies."What are you?" the bear rumbles, in a deep and vaguely grumpy voice, "You are not hawk, or cat, or mouse, or deer... You look like the wolf, but only one of you smells like him... And you don't have any tails. You're not fox either, so what are you? Bah..." It turns back to the river, seemingly losing interest, "Whatever you are, you aren't big enough to hunt me. Go fish somewhere else, if you eat fish. This is my stream."

Wat do?
A) Try to make friends
B) Try to trick the bear somehow
C) Ask some questions
D) Jump down and keep walking
E) Go back the way you came
F) Other

>>23401216
A/F) Offer him all the fish he can eat if he accompanies us through the forest. We'll take him back to the village afterwards, hold a feast in his honor etc.

>>23401262
This, we could do with a guide that's a massive bear.

>>23401216
C) Tell him it's him we're trying to hunt, but something more mischievous. Ask it if it knows anything about the firelights that attack from the forest, or if there's something else in this forest that could give us a clue.

>>23401399
*it's NOT him we're trying to hunt.
Dammit.

>>23401216
C. Great spirit, we are men from beyond the deep woods and we are on a quest. We seek to end the ravages of the floating light spirits that have come to torment our people and we seek but a few answers from you to help our cause. We have dealings with others from your world and perhaps a deal could be struck if such a thing interests you. If not, we will be on our way and trouble you no more."

>>23401262
Thirded

>>23401410
Sceonding this.

>>23401262
this also, if possible.

>>23401410
Second

>>23401410
>>23401262

Want to mix these then?

>>23401574
Might as well. Never hurts to have a bear spirit, I don't think.

>>23401399
>>23401410
The bear merely grunts, "And that's my problem? There's plenty of things in the forest that form floating lights like that, but you're probably looking for... Them." He scowls and stands up. Even with the small cliff on their side, he is easily half as tall again as Trym and Derrik. The bear turns to one side and wiggles his stubby tail at them. "I used to have a great, long, fine tail, just like them! But then I was TRICKED! They fooled me into fishing with it in winter! My tail was frozen in the ice and I had to pull myself free with such force, it came right off!" It glares angrily at Trym and snarls, falling back on all fours with a thud that shakes the trees. "If you seek them, head down-river until you reach the fallen trees, then walk up the path. If you are 'men', you'll recognise their home when you see it. Tell them I still remember their trick and will have my revenge as soon as I can catch them! Now leave me be!" The bear grumbles and goes back to fishing. "I've no interest in going with you. Leave me to fish."

A) Try to convince the bear to come with you
B) Try to trick the bear into coming with you
C) Head upstream
D) Go back another way
E) Ask something else
F) Other

>>23402311
A) If you want revenge for you tail, then it might be good to come with us. If came to make peace, but if that is impossible then a fight will come sooner or later, and allies would be a great help. We can pay you, if fish is what you desire we do that regularly and can supply it to you so you need not fish yourself, or if goods we can give you that as well.

Besides, we are new, are you not curious as to what is going to happen? The first of the men to walk in the deep wood, the world just might change a bit, and certainly those who are near when it does shall glean some power.

>>23402311
C) Head upstream
D'oh! DOWN stream. Good grief, I need to pay attention!

>>23402376
This is me.

>>23402398
At least I'm not a hero again.

>>23402376
Second

>>23402376
Sceonding this.

>>23402376
Sure, lets do this.

>>23402376
Well, that all depends on how upset chani would be by us fishing her river to make sacrifices to another god. And the fact that we just came off a couple years of starvation might not endear this idea to our village. And the bear looks pissed and literally just told us he wasnt coming with us. But lets look past all that stuff, eh?

C. Head down stream.

>>23402376
Amendment
>We came to make peace.

>>23402525
This is me.

>mfw bear attacks and kills trym and/or derrik

Or just as likely we waste a turn.

>>23402376
"No, I DON'T want to know," the bear grunts, looking up, "I really could not care less what you're going to do. Every time I try to go after them head-on, I end up being made a fool of again. No more! I am NOT so foolish as to be tricked again! When I get my revenge, it will be on MY terms!"

Sensing they likely aren't going to get anything more out of the bear, Derrik and Trym walk downstream, past the sullen creature and along the banks. Before long, they come to a trio of fallen trees, pushed together over the stream and forming a quite effective bridge. On the far side lies a trodden-earth path... Up to, shockingly enough, a sturdy, wooden palisade, complete with a gate and tall watch-tower with a straw thatch roof behind the walls! Derrik in particular is shocked, "This is... Unexpected! It would seem some of the spirits have brought home ideas from our world."

A small figure seems to be up in the watch-tower, but it's unclear if they've noticed Trym and Derrik yet. Wat do?
A) Approach the gates
B) Try to sneak closer
C) Wait and watch
D) Nope. We're off!
E) Other

>>23403271
C) Wait and watch. Let's see what happens.

>>23403271
C. We have no idea what these things are like.

>>23403271
E)

Approach the gates and announce our presence. State that we represent the other world, and we wish to know why they're attacking our people.

>>23403271
C) Watch yourselves around elves.

>>23403305
I'll sceond this, I suppose. Never hurts to get a feeling for what we're about to face.

>>23403271
B) Try to sneak, and see if they're just imitating our world, or actually present a threat. Derrik should be able to help us sneak, or even get away if things get ugly. And Trym could probs take on the village, depending on how things look. But let's try and keep the element of surprise until we know exactly whats up, as it seems to be the only advantage we have in this world.

Trym and Derrik hunker down on the far bank of the river, to watch and wait. All through the day, nothing happens, until at last, dusk rolls around. Both hunters, Derrik and Trym have no problem keeping still and hidden from the not-so-watchful eyes of the sentry. As dusk rolls in... The entire forest around the palisade lights up. Blue flames spring up, alongside orange and yellow. The heroes can just make out the ones closest, the flames burning in small, clay pots, hung from the branches of the trees. Moving through the forest, lit by the lights, can be glimpsed signs of figures, all converging on the palisade. There is a brief commotion as the gates open and suddenly figures rush forth, along with the shadowy figures in the trees. The poor light makes it difficult to make out, but it appears a battle is taking place before the gates! There are flashes of polished bronze, but most of the fighting is done, strangely enough, with bare hands and bolts of blue flames! The fight goes on for some time, most of the combat being broken into a series of one-on-one battles, or small groups against one another; there is little sense of a unified fight. Some figures even lurk on the outskirts, in among the trees, seemingly content to watch, until one of their companions is defeated, whereupon they step forward to take their place.

As the night draws on, some of the figures in the trees break off, crossing the bridge at a leisurely pace and walking into the forest. As they pass Trym and Derrik, they talk in a strange language, lighting their way with balls of blue fire held in their hands or floating near to them. Most strange of all however, is their appearance. Like Hrunti, they possess animal features; the tails and ears of beasts, slightly clawed hands, yellow eyes and a slightly inhuman cast to their faces. Unlike Hrunti however, some possess more than one tail (though none more than four) and they seem vulpine more than lupine.
>cont.

>>23404708
Well no matter what happens we need to take one of those glowing pots back with us.

>>23404708
Some wear clothes, either of fine skins, or the same woven cloth and Yeneth wore in her manifestation before the tribe, while others go naked, covering themselves with their tails. The group of about half-a-dozen, both male and female, quickly vanish into the darkening forest, but their passing leaves Trym and Derrik with a new understanding of the nature of what assails their village and who tricked the bear. "Fox-folk," Derrik sighs, "Not gods, from what I smelt, but that peppery scent's definitely fox. Strange they're causing so much evil though. According to Hrunti, foxes love tricks, but not usually attacking humans. I wonder what's got them so riled up..."

>>23404790
Okay, I vote we kidnap one fox, they wont know its us if worst comes to worst we murder it and bury its body, ban everyone in the village from talking about it and hope that by the time the foxes turn up at our village its a few generations down the line.

Also take one of them god dam lights/

>>23404790
Step forward and introduce ourselves. Ask them if they know what's been going on up in our world, thank them with a gift if they can help us.

>>23404830
I agree with taking one of the lights, AFTER we're done here. Don't want to let them notice us yet.

No fox murder though. They will easily track us down.

>>23404790
And regretfully, that is all I have time for tonight, folks! Sorry it slowed down there at the end...

And here's more bad news; sadly, due to unforeseen circumstances, there will be no quest thread this Thursday! I know, I know, it sucks. Trust me, I'd rather be here to run it too, but unfortunately, life jumped me and threatened me with a big stick until I paid attention to it.

So, the next thread will be next Tuesday, at 1600EST, same as ever! Until then, I hope you all have a great week, eat healthy, exercise, be nice to others... You know the score. Thank you /tg/ and good night. I hope you had a good time!

>>23404830
Burn the forest, it may only be purged with fire.

>>23404905
Night man, thanks.

>>23404905
Great thread as always, Brit. Good night and see you next tuesday!

>>23404708
Don't go now, they will be spooked from the battle. Lets wait until dawn then approach the gates and try to come into contact with whoever is there.