hell yes

Fuck yeah.

I was worried the quest was dead.

Yes! It's not Mr TT being a fag, again.

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Events Summary:

Auriel has decided to join you, Flint, and Joey on your journey to find Adavan and Abigail, supposedly to protect your other two companions from yourself. She is stubborn in her prejudice against the shadow, and whether you can convince her to abandon her position is an open question

In any case, you're not sure if you truly feel compelled to do so.

But, feeling obliged to your friend Sir Flint, who seemed to find affection for Auriel during the battle, you assisted the angel in coming to terms with her feelings for him. You've arrived at a coordial truce with her, which should at least hold while Sir Flint requires your aid.

You've followed Adavan's trail into Tarun Gakth, a maze of ancient, twisted canyons carved out by a centuries-past battle between Geb, the Earth Lord, and Aeolus, the Wind Lord. You were caught in a battle between a giant golem and a huge rock worm.

The worm took down the golem, and, after fighting a team of smaller golems that emerged from its inside as it tried to repair itself, retrieved its power core. You attempted to negotiate with the robots, but communication proved impossible, and you had no choice but to finish them off to keep your prize.

You continued to follow Adavan's trail. After walking for some time, you were set upon by a large group of orcs, led by an old orc mage named Rogul. Rogul denied you passage across his land, but, inspired by Flint's plea, a human with Rogul's group named Kirt offered to vouch for the party while they were in orc territory.

You found a Shadow mana pool hidden below Refuge in the upper levels of the Timorian Deep. You fought a powerful Shadow Elemental and consumed it, earning a Shard of True Darkness...though you don't yet know its purpose.

In the early morning, you finally resolved Flint and Auriel's relationship. Flint has openly declared his affections for her, and, for now, has put his old pains firmly behind him. Satisfied, you took some time to reflect.

Yes at last the wait is over

wheres the daily reminder?

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>Daily reminder

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>>25019555

I was just on vacation. My parents are still visiting, so this'll be the only one this week, probably.

Ability Tree

GREEN abilities have been unlocked and learned.

BLUE abilties are unlocked, but are not yet purchased.

RED abilities are revealed, but locked due to prerequisites.

UNDERLINED abilities are active-use, as opposed to passive. Not all active abilities require mana.

Unlocked Ability Descriptions Located in the following Pastebin link (full list in progress):

http://pastebin.com/jwKHrukg

Books the Main Character has read can be found here:

http://pastebin.com/X59yWD5p

----------
----------

Also, I didn't update the pastebin with the following yet, so here's that:


>Shadow Mask - Gain a small bonus to magical stealth.

>Water Recovery - While in or near water, you have enhanced regeneration speed and can regenerate to full health. Requires larger natural bodies of water or deep wells.

>Mighty Regeneration - You regeneration occurs still faster in dark areas, and you regenerate slowly even in lighted areas. Your regeneration limit is not 4/5 of your total HP, rounded down.

>Vaporal - all physical attacks have a 25% chance to simply not hurt you. The magical components of physical attacks are still dangerous.

>Pool of Darkness - Spend 30 experience points to create a Shadow element mana pool. Cannot be performed in battle. Mana pools can recharge your mana indefinitely, and may be useful for other things as well...


Servants gain all the abilities you've unlocked for them. All old servants are upgraded when you purchase new servant abilities. Even without any extras, your servants have boosted physical abilities.

You can have any number of servants.

A servant's mind is unaffected. They can disobey you, and even turn against you.

You can withdraw the power you've granted a servant at any time, but you don't regain your experience points.

Fuck yeah! You're backT

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>>25019641
>>25019629

>remindingmind

Current Statistics:

HP: 37/37
Mana: 10/10
EXP: 0
Humanity: 94
Temerity: 51
Shards of True Darkness: 1

Party Members:

Sir Donovan Flint - A knight of Dobshire, the capital of Arland. Fourth son of the lord and ruler of Arland. 29 years old. Wears iron armor and wields a two-handed longsword.

Joey - A young boy from Jacob's Field, now Sir Flint's squire. 16 years of age. No particular magical talent. Wields a shortsword.

Angel Auriel - Formerly a powerful angel of the Ringed City, now traveling with you, ostensibly to protect Sir Flint and Joey from you. 756 years old. Wears heavy plate steel and wields a one-handed sword and a wide, round buckler.

Summon:

Wisp (1 mana per order, does not break control, stealths with you)

Equipment:

Utility belt with purse

Inventory:

Shadow Sword Shard x 2
Fancy Sun-Moon Key
Mind-Scribing Pen
Succubus Reagents x2
Jen Fang's Diary (Abigail's father)
Summoning Textbooks (in saddlebags)
Golem Power Core

Current Location:

Refuge

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Remember that traveling form talk of combining the Tetsu doll with that Chaos Mage pic?

>>25019525
IT'S SHADOW TIME!
When I saw we were having a thread today on the twitter I nearly jumped out of my seat in joy.
Hope you have a nice vacation.

>Last time...

Your companions are quite an interesting bunch. But you feel that life is more interesting for their company.

You look to the rise of the sun over the canyon walls.

You're collecting the keys to the source of power under Jacob's Field...
...but why, exactly?

You're not sure. It feels like the right thing to do. You remember the voice that called Erebus's name...and can only believe that answers await you there.


You own one of the keys. The duke has another. There should be two more...one for wind, and one for fire. Perhaps Flint's family possesses the wind key, as he seemed to believe...but where would the fire key be?

Are you Erebus? You aren't sure.

What was that shadow you ate? It was a strong elemental...but it wasn't like the spirit elemental you encountered earlier. Something about it was different.

Flint's curse continues to endanger him. It must be removed. That has to be first priority. You need to find Adavan, and Abigail. You glance at the orange-red-brown streaks of the canyon rock. Where is Adavan heading?

And then, there's Ila. She's waiting for you in Heavensgate...to meet her alone, beneath a tree that blooms with black flowers.

And beyond that...who knows?

All things considered, you've got a lot on your plate.

>>25019693
Somehow, wearing a cloak made of eyes and teeth seems freakier than just being a black blob.

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>>25019693

And this pic is the original one a nice drawfriend made.

I changed the jaw, enlarged the hat, and recoloured the energy orb to get that first one I posted.

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>>25019673

Guys, what if at 100 Humanity we become humanand lose all our cool shadow powers and get destroyed by Hyperion, bad end.

Nah just joking, have a pic!

>>25019711
>Hope you have a nice vacation.

Thanks! The wedding was awesome, actually.

>>25019693

Did you draw that? Looks great!

>>25019746
Drawfriend made the original. I changed a few minor things that looked off to me.

The original he/she drew is >>25019737

>>25019743
>>25019743

Oh, that's fantastic. Right in line with another picture I already have in my folder.

>fukken saved

>>25019693
Traveling form acquired.

>>25019693
I like it!
Clearly it is the perfect choice for our traveling form.
>>25019723
Think of that picture as us when we are about to go kick some ass. Eyes, teeth, and tentacles start popping out of the cloak.

>>25019760

The one with your edits is better, so we'll keep that.

Unless there is massive anti-consensus, I think that's quite suitable. Obviously, the tentacles and mouths and eyes only come out when you let the illusion drop intentionally.

Once you're back on the road, I'll have Shadow assume that form.

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>>25019693

Oh shit. Just realized his clothing is mouths and eyes!

before the quest is fully underway, when we get some exp can we please upgrade stealth a bit more? we're the least stealthy shadow. a stealthy dude maybe, but we're awful at stealth for something that is a living shadow

>>25019816
Sweeeeeeeeet

Okay, had a lot of time to comb the previous threads and examine a little bit of the characterization and hints. And the ones I don't mention here ensure my belief that you are a CAWCAW SM. A right CAWCAW.

Shaman is earth mage, elf queen was earth mage (in character we probably don't remember that though), the shaman might know something about unblocking memories, perhaps we should ask (very politely) now that we know we won't be shunned outright. Mostly because we want to ask the extremely few powerful friendly mages in our vicinty about memory recovery, or more specifically memory unblocking, which may be an important distinction.

If we don't want to reveal our presence formally and just continue towards our goal we can ask Adavan when we get whereverthere because the first time we met him he hinted at knowing about memory manipulation and we never asked him about unblocking memories, though asking the shaman to have more than Adavans opinion/knowledge would be nice.

Ink can be used to make the ground slippery, although it will still count as "us" and be attackable, we should remember that if we ever want to slipslide someone to hinder without major injury. Or send a running man off a cliff.

We probably want to hold off on a human(doll&hat) form until we get to Abigail/Adavan? might be too much of change for the little Abby. as it's been a long time (to a child) it would probably be smart to initially look similar to how we were when we left her with the SOM. To comfort our very first friend when we reunite.

We might also ask the ridiculously suspicous specific question of Kirt if he has any Fire related heirlooms, just to see if he has the Fire key to the nice lady chamber, or an even more valuable question to ask would be if he knows about anything similar. Although asking about his past is a bomb waiting to happen, he is obviously experienced.

Just some things for consideration.

What do you do now?

>wait for your companions to exit the tavern
>sneak into the tavern, hide in a shadow
>do something else while they eat breakfast

>>25019843
I believe we were waiting on the roof.

Or are we past that?

>>25019843

>wait for your companions to exit the tavern
Time to hurry up and wait.

>>25019838

I'd like to clarify something; you had a moment (I think it was after you ate the first dynamo...it was supposed to be then, anyway) in which you felt that the barrier in your mind was gone. You looked behind it, only to find nothing at all.

What you should gather from this is that the block is gone...but whatever was behind it has vanished.

How memories or whatever part of you was behind it can vanish is something you don't understand.

>>25019843
Go meet our friend Kirt as he was heading this way if I remember correctly.

>>25019843
>wait for your companions to exit the tavern
Just enjoy the day while we wait.

>>25019900

If you're talking about Kirt, he just went into the tavern. You are still on the roof.

>>25019843
should we visit the madman again this time with all of are crew?

>>25019911
Nice, that's several things out of the way.

>>25019843

Can we strut our stuff in the tavern with our classy human form? We might get compliments.

>>25019693
>>25019816
Can't wait to see how the party reacts to that.

My body is ready for Shadow's new body.

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>>25019693

You mean this picture?

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>>25019974
Yep that one. Mixed with pic related.

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>>25019911
>How memories or whatever part of you was behind it can vanish is something you don't understand.

Does this mean we're like a shadow version of Swamp Thing?

>mfw we become Dark Thing

>>25019966
It's supposed to be pretty androgynous, so that should be funny.

Auriel: "Ugh! Even when you pretend to be a human I can't tell what gender you are!"
<Why would I take part in something as silly as gender?>

And then Flint facepalms as our eyecloak billows in the wind.

>>25019974
>>25019991
shit we can be scary and creepy as fuck probably gonna have night mare about porslin dolls that have a moving shadows

>>25020034
Go read that new Vampire Quest.

I got dolls to be a main feature of it. The dolls are made out of people, and they eat teeth.

You'll love it.

>>25020053

Lady Markova is a very persuasive slaver!

>>25019843
>do something else while they eat breakfast

Test out our new form

>>25020034
It's not like just mentioning it will make you see them when you open your eyes when experiencing sleep paralysis or anything like that, right? All those dolls, just staring, flitting side to side in the shadows around you. Just staring. Staring. Staring. Staring. Staring.

You decide you've had enough conversation for one morning, and sit on the roof of the tavern and wait patiently.

After a time, Kirt, Flint, Auriel, and Joey walk outside. Your three companions gather their two remaining horses from the nearby stables. Joey and Kirt stay on foot. You slip into the shadow of Flint's horse.

<How was breakfast?>

Flint nearly falls out of the saddle. He heaves a breath and straightens. "Don't sneak up on me like that."

"What, you didn't sense him?" Kirt asks.

Auriel gives Kirt a look. "He's rather thick-headed, at times."

"...oh..." Flint sighs, then grumbles something under his breath. Auriel chuckles, then flashes him a bright smile.

It's strange on her face. The past weeks, there's hardly been a moment she wasn't scowling. The grin steals away that firm, tense demeanor, the angelic agelessness...she seems, then, to just be a normal woman.

Flint notices. His grumbling subsides, and he smiles, too. Auriel puts her hand on his arm, and he takes up her hand, squeezing her fingers. Then he lets her arm drop, and they move their horses forward.

You slowly make your way up the cliffs toward Taremtis's towers. Joey is quiet, hands strung tight around his pack's straps. Kirt's face is set and grim. You wonder what he's thinking.

You wander up toward Taremtis's towers.

>con't

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>>25020074
>Oops. Was I staring? Teehee.

>>25020158
well it not as bad as that clown doll i hade as a kid that always sat on the dresser always watching me sleep.

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You reach the towers. The odd architecture assaults you once again - windows, arches and balconies strewn about at random, patched together like afterthoughts of other houses. A few birds flap about the stone. Others are perched here and there in nooks and crannies.

"...by Hyperion's light," Auriel whispers. "Those are birds."

"He raises them," Kirt grunts. "Sky-sever stops near his towers. Some spell he made up years ago, before he went totally insane."

Flint tears his eyes off the flying creatures and stares at Kirt. "...so, how mad is he, exactly?"

"Oh, benevolently addled," Kirt says. "He wouldn't hurt a fly."

"...if you say so."

You reach the door of the tower. Kirt moves forward...

The wood flies open. "AH!" The bearded sage stands before you. "VELERON! DRAGON-KIN, I KNEW YOU'D COME FOR ME ONE DAY! HAVE AT THEE!"

A bolt of green wind whips from Taremtis's finger. Kirt barely dodge. It cracks the bridge under his feet. "You old fool, it's me!"

Taremtis lets his hand drop. "Oh. Why didn't you say so in the first place?"

Kirt just sighs. "...are you going to let us come in, or are we to convene a hundred feet over the precipice?"

"Oh, come in! I've got tea, and cockroach guts, ground up for a spell, but I've got extra to spare if you care for it." He marches back into his house.

Kirt walks in immediately. Flint and Auriel exchange glances. Joey looks pale.

"...what do you think?" Auriel asks.

What do you say?

>he seems coherent enough not to harm us. Let's see what he has to say.
>let's get the hell out of here before he destroys his own house

>he seems coherent enough not to harm us. Let's see what he has to say.

>>25020191
>he seems coherent enough not to harm us. Let's see what he has to say.
As if some green wind would drive us off.

>>25020199
>>he seems coherent enough not to harm us. Let's see what he has to say.

>>25020199

>He has cockroach guts. Let's see what he has to say.

Also remember to eat with your face mouth, only your face mouth.

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It took me a while to find what those dolls reminded me of but I finally found a comparison in my korean mangas. I'll probably be imagining this doll look from now on...

>>25020199
>he seems coherent enough not to harm us. Let's see what he has to say.

>>25020191

Can't sleep
Clown will eat me
Can't sleep
clown will eat me

>>25020199
>he seems coherent enough not to harm us. Let's see what he has to say.

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>>25020241
I suppose they do look similar.

>>25020199
>he seems coherent enough not to harm us. Let's see what he has to say.

He also offered us cockroach guts and how can refuse such an offer?

>>25020199
>...Well, it's still probably safer than outside...Anyway, let's see how this goes.

>>25020226
Shoulda linked to >>25020199

Meh.

>>25020266
The memory loss of the character was also a similarity that made me think of him.

>>25020266
So why did you save so many pics of these dolls?

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>>25020364
Because I like them.

<What's the worst that could happen?>

"I can think of a few things," Auriel says.

<Knowledge is power. If you wish to wait outside, you may.> You walk through the door.

You hear a sigh, and the other three come in behind you.

The inside of the tower is surprisingly cozy. Tall shelves line the way all the way up the curved walls. Walkways and staircases crisscross the open air, providing access to the odd library. Some books, a desk and a few chairs float in midair. A globe soars over your heads and floats up into the middle of the room.

The bottom floor seems entirely compose of red velvet. There's a large wood table lined with red velvet chairs, all positioned on a red velvet carpet. Velvet also coats the walls where there aren't bookcases.

Kirt looks back at you. "Don't touch the books without permission. A wizard's prized possessions are not to be tampered with."

Taremtis emerges from an adjoining doorway with a wide tray. It rattles and shakes as he waltzes forward. He loses his grip on the tray. Most of the glass breaks on the floor. The liquid seems into the velvet.

He doesn't even break stride, waves a hand, and the liquid and shattered cups gather themselves up. The tray and glass all reassembles on the table. The liquids, which had gathered into balls in midair, pour themselves back into the appropriate locations. Kirt takes all of this in without much surprise and seats himself next to the head chair, which Taremtis has already taken.

The rest of your party shakes off their incredulity and moves in around the table. You take the last remaining seat. Green ooze sits in your cup.

What do you do?

>drink from the cup
>wait
>something else

>>25020199
I'm sure this has been asked before and if so I apologize for the derail, but should mighty regeneration still be locked (red)?

>>25020388
lets drink!

Though perhaps our companions shouldn't.

>>25020388

>Fill yourself with green snacky happiness

>>25020388
Ehh. May as well take a sip

>>25020388
Let's politely drink from the cup. Shadowy pinky extended in civility.

>>25020399

Yes.

>>25020388
>Purify then drink.
Unless we can determine whether it's safe (ask the ex-angel if she's seen the like before?) we might as well not take chances with out companions' health. Unless their drinks are different, then we should probably just be polite and drink ours.

>>25020388
>>drink from the cup
wait until till he have taken a drink first dont whant to be rude and start with out permisson

>>25020388
Down the hatch!

I'm curious as to what the skill between Mighty Regeneration and Pure Darkness is. It looks like the color around it is the darkest grey yet revealed on the tree. And it's in a swirly star shape.

>>25020520
Only time will tell, I suppose.

>>25020520
Interest piqued.

>>25020520
Considering that it's something that pure darkness and hydra lead to, it's probably frickin' awesome. And expensive.

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>>25020388

All those people trying to advance to Hydra... it looks like we need a plot point reached to actually unlock that part of the tree.

>>25020520
This reminds me that we should add Shadow Mask to the "MUST BUY" list.
Though Operation Hydra must continue.

>>25020388

>drink from the cup

>>25020520
That reminds me, what was the current growth plan before the break? The last goal I remember was vampiric.

>>25020606
We bought vamp

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You take a sip from the cup, with your pinky out. It tastes pond scum and rotting meat. This doesn't bother you in the slightest, and you drain the rest of it.

"Oh, another fan of cockroach?" Taremtis grins toothily. "Delectable, isn't it! It's all about the texture. Smooth, but with those little gooey hunks mixed in!"

You say nothing, because you're not sure what to say.

Auriel glances down at her own ooze-filled cup, then pointedly looks away. Flint and Kirt and Joey each sip from their tea. Taremtis himself downs his cockroach in one go.

"So," he says, "what did you want to talk about?"

Kirt just looks at him. "You invited us, Taremtis. You said you wanted to see them."

"Me? See them? Let's see." He gazes at each of you in turn. "A Shadow Elemental. A young boy, unremarkable. A former angel. And a would-be knight? What strange company you keep."

You all just stare at the wizard. Kirt leans forward. "Is that it?"

"Of course not! But you haven't even introduced yourselves."

"How did you know all that?" Flint asks.

"Isn't is obvious?"

"...not really."

"Well." The sage clears his throat. "I am Taremtis. Who are you?"

"...Sir Donovan Flint, of Dobshire. Fourth son of the Lord Flint."

"Auriel Lightcho - " She stops, and licks her lips. "...just, Auriel," She says.

"Uh...J-Joey Erikson," Joey stammers.

Taremtis looks at you when you remain silent. "And yourself?"

<Shadow will do.>

"That's so -boring-," Taremtis says. "How about Donovan Auriel Erikson the Great?"

<...I think not.>

"If you say so, Donovan," Tarmetis says, still looking at you. He glances back at Kirt. "...what were we talking about?"

Kirt is visibly growing more frustrated. "I had -hoped- that YOU would have something to talk about."

>con't

>>25020606
Buffing magic would be boss. It wrecks.

>>25020388
>drink from the cup

But make a really loud sipping/slurping noise.

>>25020583
We just need a whole lot of exp. There are a minimum of 12 abilities or more to get to hydra so it's quite a long term goal.

>>25020621
I know, the question is whether anything had major consensus after that? I know I wanted mighty strength so we can carry the party while flying, but I know that didn't have much support...

>>25020600

That reminds me. We have Water Strike now. How effective would it be against fire mages?

>>25020641
Whoops, meant to say minimum of 9, that I can be sure of.

>>25020646
I think the plan was to focus on magic for a bit.

>>25020646
Magic is what I wanted to put some into when not getting hydra skills.

Some people wanted more stealth.

>>25020674
Getting the cheap (relatively) stealth skills out of the way does sound like a good idea. It looks like there is only one ability after soundless, but it's hard to tell...

I want to polish off all those 2 and 3 pointers we've been neglecting. Poison and Observe especially.

There is upgrades for operation HYDRA, but I think we wanted more magic. That being said though, we just got our new traveling form so getting more magical stealth might be a good idea aka shadow mask.

>>25020650

this aint pokemon it will do the same amount of damage to any other mage but if we launch it at a fire spell I think it would have a high chance of overcoming it

>>25020741
actually as far as the elements go? Its exactly like pokemon. Water is strong vs Fire, and Fire is strong vs Water.

>>25020741
Actually it would hit super effective on fire mages, just like light hits us harder.

>>25020762
>Its exactly like pokemon
Sorta. All opposites are super effective, samesies are not very effective.

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"There's no need to raise your voice."

"No need." Kirt rubs the bridge of his nose. "Just tell me something, dammit. You said you'd have something to say when I brought them all here."

Taremtis sits at the table, silent. He stares at the wood. His eyes don't move. His hands sit together, holding his cup.

The cup vanishes. And steadily, something else appears. A ball of light forms, slowly twisting and turning. Green-blue mists swirl within it.

"...a Telling crystal," Auriel whispers. "He is a sage, then."

"I am," Taremtis says. "Do you know the price of a telling?" His voice is different. Solid. Deep. His eyes are focused on the ball.

Auriel nods solemnly.

"...you never spoke of a price," Kirt says.

"To glimpse at what -could-, what -should-, what -may-, steals my mind away. Too many are the possibilities. I am a tiny candle in a storm of potential. And now, after many Tellings, I am a kernel buried in kindhearted madness. Your impatience does not lighten that burden."

"...my apologies. I did not know."

"No. You did not." Taremtis looks up from the ball, and glances around the table. "I have only a short time. I cannot Tell for long, these days, and still preserve what remains of my own self. Ask your questions. One each. One, and only one."

Kirt clears his throat. He takes a breath. "...as you told me before, I have waited. What should I do, now?"

There's a moment's pause, and then the sage speaks. "Go with them. Reclaim the truth of your birth. If the Shadow does not help you, you will certainly fail, though even if it does, you may still fall short. And if you fail, you -will- die."

"...you told me to wait for this long," Kirt begins, his voice rising, "and now I'm simply to go and take it all back? Just like that?!"

"One question, no more." Taremtis looks at Flint while Kirt fumes in his chair. "Lord's son. What of you?"

Flint hesitates a moment, thinking.

What do you do?

>suggest something
>let him ask his own question
>something else

>>25020843
>>let him ask his own question

>>25020843
>let him ask his own question

>let him ask his own question
In the end this is his choice. Merely aid him iif the parasite steals his tongue again.

Alright guys we might as well brainstorm our own question.

>>25020843
Let Flint ask his own question, he's a real man now after all.

Also, when it gets our turn, what the fuck are we gonna ask?

>>25020843
>let him ask his own question

I don't think we should interject with anything.

>>25020843

>Let him ask his own question.

For our question:

"Who am I?"

>>25020843
Suggest he ask him about the parasite? I don't really want to tell him what to ask though. But we do need to know more, and I'd like us to ask about... something.

>>25020843
inb4 parasite takes over his voice temporarily

>>25020916
That's way too broad for a seer, we can get a good amount of nothing from a question phrased like that.

>>25020892
Easy, we want to find out the truth behind our existence. Ask him where we can find such answers.

>>25020950
Forgot my full name.

>>25020950

This.

>>25020950
So, like: "<Where can I find out the truth behind our existence?>"
I'm paranoid he'd answer something stupid simple like "within yourself."

>>25020950
That's sort of against the point. We already *know* the purpose of our existence. It's the one thing we are absolutely sure of. If our companions see us questioning what we are, when we have gone to such great lengths to show that it has no bearing on *who* we are, then what was the point of them following us in the first place?

>>25020977
Eh, put a 'my' where that 'our' is.

>>25020999
This. Also silly vague/open ended questions are bad to ask seers because they have too many answers. We need to ask something more precise.

Why don't we ask how to bring the earth elemental back to sanity?

>>25021028
Or how to make a dynamo.

>>25020843
Our question: "At what cost could a true harmony be restored between the elements?"

>>25021028
I like this question.

Flint licks his lips, then nods to himself. "...how can I be rid of the parasite on my soul?"

"There are many ways," Taremtis says. "None preserve all those for whom you care. Seek the lich with the young girl. Or, seek the aid of the Black Lady. Or, find and use the four keys. In any case, you must return home to end your curse."

Flint seems surprised by this, but nods. Taremtis looks at Joey. "Your question?"

Joey swallows. Then, his face goes firm. "...I want to be stronger, and be a great knight. How can I do that?"

"Trust the Shadow. Trust your teachers. Trust yourself. But be careful, or you will die."

Joey nods.

"Angel?" Taremtis prompts.

Auriel is quiet. She starts to speak, then stops. She seems torn.

Then, she decides.

"...how can I protect Sir Flint?"

"Trust the Spirit within you."

"...no. I cannot. There must be another way."

"If there was, I would Tell you. If you refuse to bend on this, he may very well die."

"I cannot!" Auriel shouts. "What else can I do?"

"One question, I said."

Finally, Taremtis faces you. The crystal ball glows like green fire. You can feel its Wind swirling harder.

"...the crystal dislikes you, Shadow. Ask quickly. I will bend it to my whim."

What do you ask the sage?

>Am I Erebus?
>What am I?
>What should I do after I help Flint?
>something else

>>25021042

I like this one.

>>25021028
Although this interests me greatly. Why would shadow want to do this?

>>25021042

THIS.

>>25021028
Oh god that is an amazing question. We could also ask how to make a Dynamo, or how Abigail is doing(!), or how to destroy the parasite on Flint, etc.

>>25021047

Auriel is a spirit mage?

>inb4 Adavan has to teach her too

>>25021047
>How do I make a dynamo?

>>25021045
So do I. I'm kinda worried that at this point we're going to have to break him and let him reform over time to wash away the centuries of torture.

>>25021028
>>25021047
Let's ask this one. Shadow has been pretty selfless this far.

>>25021042
Well I'll third/fourth this one because it's incredibly in character for everything we've talking about doing now and is utterly related to our long term goals. We may as well ask if it's possible.

Also,
>Auriel has spirit magic
>Suddenly more eligible for shadow angelficaton

Rolled 21

>>25021047
Who was phone?

>>25021084
Honestly, I'd rather figure that one out on our own at this point.

>>25021093
>>25021042
I'll second that one. Since that will hopefully include bringing the earth elemental back to sanity.

------------------

Vote 1:

>How can I bring the Earth Elemental, Geb, back to sanity?

Vote 2:

>What cost must be paid to restore true harmony between the elements?

>>25021047
this
>>25021042

>>25021127
1

>>25021042
>>25021047

I like it.

>>25021127
2

>>25021127

2

Dude, the seeing ball thingy is Wind magic. It should hate Ged.

>>25021127
1

>>25021123
Well it would have to! Can't have harmony if the earth element is bananas.

>>25021127
>What cost must be paid to restore true harmony between the elements?

#2 please

>>25021127

2
>What cost must be paid to restore true harmony between the elements?

>>25021127
2

>>25021096
We already knew that. Remember the truth compulsion (or detection, can't remember) spell she used at the Duke's castle? Its going to take a long time for her to be comfortable accepting that part of herself though...

>>25021127
Voting 2.

>>25021127
2

>>25021127
2

>>25021127
2

>>25021127
2

>>25021127
1

I don't feel as if any of these questions are significant. But I can't think of anything better, so 2.

>>25021127
>What cost must be paid to restore true harmony between the elements?
inb4 "it's not possible"

If the ball can tell us how to restore the elements of harmony, then it could tell us how to restore Taremtis' mind.

>not wishing for more wishes

>>25021180
>>25021191
>>25021172
>>25021168

2 is winning even with these samefags

also guys remember samefags are fagets

>>25021217
Or alternatively, "Everything must be paid in full, shadow."

>>25021217
Probably not as things are now. That's probably our end game.

>>25021224
It would probably end up having him stop being a seer.

>>25021201
Well, we could always ask about Hyperion's plans/motivations, but that might play poorly in front of the light mages... So yeah, also drawing a blank here...

>>25021127
2

>>25021230
Not all samefagging? I mean, I know I posted just a 2 on its own, so one of them is mine.

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>>25021230
Nope. Alternatively, you can samefag check if you want to know for sure.

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>>25021230
>waaaaaaaaaah these people have different opinion as me!
>Samefag!

---------------------
>dat feel when you all composed and asked the perfect question to get a freebie
---------------------

<What cost must be paid to restore true harmony between the elements?>

"...you know nothing," the sage says. His hands seem to tighten on the ball for a moment, then relax. "Harmony? Between the elements? There is no harmony to be had. It is their interaction, their very disharmony that forms the world we live in. Would you return the world to nothingness? Learn the difference between disharmony and peace." The sage tenses, then relaxes. The wind is spinning faster. "Ask your question before I can no longer answer."

>How can I bring the Earth Elemental back to sanity?
>write-in new question

>How can I bring the Earth Elemental back to sanity?

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>>25021230
Go suck a bucket of cocks.

>>25021230

Hi. >>25021172 (i think) here. Wasn't samefagging, just was lazy in responding. Can't speak for the others though.

>>25021257
But samefag checking hasn't worked in years.

>>25021269

b-but I voted for 2 so I have the same opinion as you

>>25021270
>How can I bring the Earth Elemental back to sanity?

>inb4 how do I create peace between the elements.

>>25021270
Lel.

Looks like 1 wins anyway.

>>25021270
<What am I?> pls

>>25021270

That's what we meant by peace.

>>25021270
What should I do?

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>>25021285
Most certainly not! But good try.

>>25021310

*harmony

>>25021304
A shadow elemental, what's so difficult about that?

>>25021270
>How can I bring the Earth Elemental back to sanity?

>>25021270
Earth elemental back to sanity!

>>25021270
>How can I bring the Earth Elemental back to sanity?

>>25021270
>How can I bring the Earth Elemental back to sanity?

>>25021304
A sentient fragment of a greater force of shadow

>How make dynamo?

>>25021270
Huh, I originally wrote "peace" but changed it because I figured I'd get "the only peace between the elements is the peace of the dead!" or something to that effect, as the response. Whelp, at least we know we can't fix the world be eliminating magic.

>>25021361
Theory: We are the moral part of erebus, and that thing we absorbed was the lonely part of erebus.

I we really wanted to freak out Auriel
<Do I win?>

>>25021407
Then there should be a lot more than that one...
Shards of darkness...

>>25021407
Where's the horny part of Erebus?

>>25021407
I like this.

Though perhaps not Erebus, maybe just some other greater shadow

>>25021409
Maybe we could joke about us asking that question after we get the answer for this one. Just for fun.

>>25021427
in Auriel

>>25021409
He can't see the future, he sees the possible outcomes. The answer to that question is yes, no, and everything in between.

>>25021427
Black Lady.

>>25021438
No pls

>>25021448
Dats raycis

>>25021270

Am I Erebus?

>>25021448

Black bitches be fine, therefore Shadowy bitches be even better!

>>25021427
Or the maternal instinct... We keep playing parent/guardian and matchmaker to our companions after all.

When we find Erebus' inner That Guy...

>>25021270
How to bring Geb back.

-----------
-----------

<How can I bring the Earth Elemental, Geb, back to sanity?>

"Remove the curse upon Sir Flint - his power will be needed, or you will die in your quest. Then, speak with Yi Fang, the Lich of Archon. Seek his aid in acquiring the Staff of Winds. The staff will part the storm holding Geb captive. The parasite of Light keeps him mad. You must - "

Spears of wind spike at the edges of the crystal. Taremtis's arms are thrown backward. Almost as quickly, he lunges forward, putting his hands in place around the sphere. He can barely contain the rising force.

"...one...last...thing..." He looks at Kirt. "...to reclaim what is yours...Blackwater...you'll need her..."

He clenches his hands, and the crystal fades back to nothing. Light returns to the room.

Taremtis smiles at you all. "Well, my birds need feeding. TALLY-HO!" He flies up into the air, his robes flapping wildly, and soars out of a nearby window.

"...that was weird," Joey says.

Flint looks at you. "...you're planning to help Geb?"

<He is bound and tortured mad. From what I know, he is a friend of the Shadow. But it seems as though we have a long path ahead of us.>

"...I..." Kirt stands. He looks at all of you. "We don't know each other well...but...if you'll have me, I wish to travel with you. I have a feeling that I need to do so, after what he said. In exchange...all my skill as a warrior, and ranger, against any obstacles you may face."

What is your response?

>agree immediately
>consult with Flint and Auriel
>...tell me who you are, exactly, first. Then we'll decide.
>something else

>>25021409

but we already know the answer

In the End Shadow always wins, it might take a thousand millennia but in the End it will consume all before it until nothing but a deep dark emptiness remains

>>25021481
Considering how much we trolled Flint and Auriel about their drunken antics, we've probably got a bit of that part in us already.

>>25021270
We got an answer, and an unpleasant one at that. I'd kind of like to let the sage keep what's left of his mind intact rather than asking another.

Barring that, "what do I most need to know?"

>>25021494
oh dear god. A light parasite... to match a shadow parasite. What if the curse upon flint is hereditary? One made to bind Geb?

>>25021494
Immediate acceptance. Because we're just that kinda dude.

>>25021494
>...tell me who you are, exactly, first. Then we'll decide.

>>25021497
>Deep nothingness remains

Sounds boring.

Let's not have that.

>>25021497
Night always comes.

But just as surely, the sun will rise tomorrow.

>>25021494
>implying we can deny Kirt
He would, apparently, die without us.

Still though, we need to know his story. Cough it up.

>>25021546
Heat death of the universe.

>>25021546

such is the hope of children and fools

>>25021494
>agree immediately
Then ask, since we'll be travelling together, if he wouldn't mind telling us who he really is.

>>25021494
>>agree immediately
>>consult with Flint and Auriel
Kinda both. <I have no objections. Flint? Auriel?>

>>25021569
The existence of magic may well invalidate thermodynamics.

>>25021494
>agree immediately

>>25021569
May not even be a thing in this setting, we have no idea how the complex bullshit elemental magic metaphysics of it all work.

>>25021581
yup

>>25021494
>Shadow accepts him
However, this is something like a nominal democracy, so we need to consult Flint and Auriel before formally accepting him.

>>25021494
Accept, then ask him to tell us about himself.

>>25021497
But remember what was also said about shadows, that while the most deadly element, it is not strong enough to overwhelm the others, else the world wouldn't exist.

>>25021586
>>25021591
You have a point, in settings where energy can come from nothing I guess entropy takes the piss to the market.

>>25021586
>>25021591
Eh? I wasn't even talking about the setting. I was talking about the statement "the sun always rises."

>>25021494
Show our approval but ask the group still

>>25021494
Consult the rest of the group (Flint, Auriel, and Joey), at least for politeness' sake; we're not the dictator of this expedition.

We can find out more about Kirt as we go; we don't need to grill him now.

Bugger, now I feel guilty for not asking how to heal the sage's mind... (Perhaps a certain spirit Mage could have helped)

>>25021645

"I would accept if you wish to join, but considering that we are a group..."

Stare meaningfully at Auriel and Flint.

You look at your companions. <I would approve.>

Flint nods. "I won't say no to your offer."

Auriel thumps her elbows on the table. "I've got a few questions. Who the hell are you, and what did he mean about 'take back what is yours'? I've got enough on my plate without getting dragged into someone else's mess."

You wish she was a little more subtle, but you have to admit she gets to the point quickly. <I, too, would like to know these things,> you say. <Apparently, you need me. I would appreciate honesty.>

Kirt seems about to say something when Taremtis flies back in through the window. He uses his wind magic to propel something down to the floor. It nearly slams into Kirt, but at the last moment, it stops dead, then falls to the floor. "Don't forget your shit, you ungrateful canyon rat!" He cackles like a madman and flies back outside.

Kirt lifts one of the fallen objects. It's what appears to be a metal shield. A large ram is carved into the front.

Auriel cocks her head. "That shield is Kanian."

Kirt turns toward you all, still holding his shield. He looks at the ground, then back. "...I...am not entirely sure I want to do what he says. But if I don't travel with you, I lose the option." He looks at the face of the ram on the shield. "...if I do...then, I will tell you."

What is your response?

>well, I suppose
>tell us now, or travel alone
>something else

>>25021494
To tell the truth i'm more interested in Auriel reaction to our plan to help Geb.

>>25021772
He can travel with us.

>>25021772
We can always kill his ass, just take him.

>>25021772
>something else
threaten him with being the first person in our shadow-harem if he doesn't come with us.

>>25021772
<We can learn more of each other over time. For now, I will settle for this: are you out for justice, or personal vengeance? I will gladly help you with the former, but not with the latter.>

>>25021772
> Kanian
...OH SHIT!
Guys, I think we just found the missing prince.

>well, I suppose
Very well. You can decide then if you do come with us we would appreciate honesty.

>>25021772
>>well, I suppose
I'll hold you to it.

>>25021772
>>25021772
He needs to come with us

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>>25021831
Holy shit damn I forgot all about that.

>>25021772
>>well, I suppose

Forcing the issue would just damage our friendship. And frankly, we would be in a much worse position if he hadn't taken a leap of faith in us first.

>>25021772
>tell us now, or travel alone

"We don't want any trouble that could have been solved by you telling us at the start of our journey."

>>25021831
I do believe you're right. Say so, and see if he becomes a bit more talkative since we know the story.

You know Shadow is very blunt. we should just say <Are you the missing prince?>

>>25021868
I'll support this.

>>25021772
"...Just tell me this has nothing to do with human copulation rituals...I have had enough headaches trying to understand what all the fuss you humans seems obsessed with making around the whole issue!"

>>25021885
>>25021868
>>25021831
>>25021849

Writing.

>>25021868
Go for it.

>>25021868
>>25021831
I must have missed something, where did we hear about a missing prince?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkS16NkrOyE

<You don't need to tell me,> you say. <You are Obis Vin, rightful ruler of Kan Abar, ousted by your brother, Nulis Vin. Though most believe you dead.>

Kirt is stunned. Auriel, Flint, and Joey all look at you. Kirt takes a breath. "...what makes you say that?"

<It is simple,> you say. <I have learned in reading that the remnants of the True Flame - those dedicated to Logi, the Fire Elemental - settled in Kan Abar after the war. It makes sense that their descendents would retain their fiery souls...as you so obviously have. Secondly, your cloak, also painted with a ram, carries a powerful enchantment that hides you from detection. Such a great treasure would naturally be possessed by one of your status, and would also explain how you escaped from your brother in one piece. You also related to Flint that you were familiar with the comforts of a noble home, revealing that you were likely of highs status. Finally, the sage said that you needed to take back what was yours - and what else could he mean, but the throne stolen from you?>

"...damn," Auriel mutters.

"You're an observant one," Kirt says. "I guess there's no point in hiding it. I am indeed Obis Vin. Formerly, the prince of Kan Abar. Now, an anonymous exile."

<Why did you leave Kan Abar?>

"...my brother drove me out."

<I remember hearing Kanians lamenting your brother's heavy-handed rule, and wishing for your return. Would you deny them?>

"...you know who I am, but you don't know the half of it."

<I am listening.>

Roll 1d100

Rolled 55

Oh boy here we go.

Rolled 68

>>25022085
its happening

Rolled 95

>>25022085

Rolled 12

>>25022085
rolling to know the half of it.

>>25022103
not a nat 100, but I'm not complaining.

Rolled 49

>>25022103
>>25022111
Neither am I; that should work nicely.

Rolled 65

>>25022085

Rolled 67

>>25022085
>>25022085

Rolled 52

>>25022085
keep rolling rolling rolling

>>25022157
Actually it might be better to stop rolling after getting acceptable rolls. Less chance of a nat 1 in the top ten.

>>25022085
I have a feeling he is going to react badly when we tell him his brother has started a war and is summoning demons.

>>25022103

Based, Redaeth.

>>25022085
>"...you know who I am, but you don't know the half of it."
>>25022103
<Actually, I lack only one part in twenty.>

>>25022192
Might be tied to why he left, but if he doesn't yet know then we certainly need to tell him if he hasn't updated his journal.

>>25022216
We also need to ask if he knows this "Blackwater" the sage spoke of.

Kirt grits his teeth. Then he sighs, and slumps back into his chair. "...Nulis...he was always the general - our greatest. I was an administrator. Good with politics, in handling the noble families, popular amongst the people. When our father withdrew from the public eye, in poor health due to his advancing years, he relied on us to run the kingdom. And run them we did. Very well. New trade agreements with Arland, and Imil, and the elves. The long tension between ourselves and the empire seemed settled. Our people prospered.

"Nulis never resented me for my position as the elder. He was always my friend, and ally, and more importantly, my family. I trusted him implicitly."

Obis rubs the bridge of his nose. "One day, that changed. We were visited by a large diplomat contingent from the empire. Amongst them were several of Heavensgate's merchant councilmen, and several angels. And a large noble retinue."

Auriel nods. "I remember this. It was to bring Kan Abar into the fold against the Black Lady. Tyrael and Sandalphon both went. A high honor."

"Indeed," Obis says. "...I've never been much a mage, myself, beyond a few tricks. No talent. But I remember my brother's face when he saw the Highest of the High."

Auriel nods again, but says nothing.

"...amongst the nobles was a woman that captured my eye...and, soon enough, my heart," Obis says.

What is your response to this?

>silence. Let him continue.
>Not this shit again
>something else

>>25022295
<Ah, of course. I had a feeling it would come back to that.>

Then let him continue.

>silence. Let him continue.


>Not this shit again
but facepalm at the same time.

>>25022295
Smile at Flint and Auriel, but otherwise say nothing.

>>25022295
Shadow should probably now take the hint that copulation is related to screwing up peoples lives, if anything.

Just let him continue though. Exposition and characterization!

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>>25022295
>>Not this shit again
Oh humans and their mating rituals

>>25022295
>silence. Let him continue.

>>25022295
>silence. Let him continue.

But a bit of >Not this shit again in the form of a heavy, audible sigh of annoyance.

>>25022334
>Shadow should probably now take the hint that copulation is related to screwing

Flint told him that much already.

>>25022295
>>silence. Let him continue.

Uh ooooooh.

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>>25022295
Kirt...

It doesnt take a sage to see that the future will contain spaghetti.

>Inb4 this Blackwater was a soulbound mage slave to the angels.

>>25022389
Quick! Think of pasta names that fit Kirt!

>>25022295
>not this shit again

>>25022408
Spaghetti alla Fiamma

>>25022408
>PostarObis

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>>25022295
>Not this shit again
>mfw

>>25022408
This is getting fusilli.

>>25022327
>>25022317
These.

>>25022408
Reignette

You glance at Flint and Auriel, and you make a rather not-subtle smile. Auriel goes stony-faced. Flint just ignores you.

"The meeting ended after two weeks, and the retinue all flew back on their airship," Obis continues. "But for the lady, Kullia Nesteral. Daughter of the Councilman Nesteral. A beautiful woman, and kind. Fiercely intelligent. I'd courted many women, if just for show. But her...she was different.

"It wasn't long until we were engaged. The match was a good one - a very prominent lady of Heavensgate, through whom I could open much trade with the empire proper. It was seen as a positive for both sides. My father approved, and the engagement was set. But though all this, my brother changed. Through my informants, I heard rumors he coveted Kullia. I ignored them. Few men wouldn't covet her, I believed. I ignored how he grew distant. How he began working with some of the nobles behind my back.

"I knew something was wrong when he started pushing me to attack Kelvere," Obis says. He stares up at the rows of books lining the walls of the tower. "At a time when another push was being made to reclaim Temerland...he seemed to believe that was the time to strike. He'd ignore all our promises of friendship for territory, for war. And on top of that, if half of what I'd heard about the duke was true, he'd be planning much worse for us should we strike at him. I held firm to my position - a cautious extension of some troops to Gaphold, while stoking further trade agreements from the imperial council.

>con't

>>25022408
inb4 Kirt is thinking with his Penne.

You know, if we keep collecting royal heirs like this, we're going to end up with every assassin on the continent chasing our party.

>>25022556
More xp for us

>>25022556
I bet the next heir will be an elf or someone of the vamp lands.

"Then I discovered his experiments with demons. A secret weapon to guarantee victory against Kelvere." Obis hangs his head. "...I believed it was the work of a group in league with Archon, who wanted to reconquer and divide up Arland and Kelvere. Yi Fang is a strong ruler, but I believe that the path to peace lay with the empire, and trade, not through yet war. Not realizing the truth, I ran to my brother with what I found. He pretended to share my concerns...and then led me into a den of traitors."

Obis holds his face his a hand. He leans low from his seat, tense with memories. "...he ranted at me, then. Saying how he'd rule the world with Kullia. How I was a short-sighted fool that was leading Kan Abar toward becoming a mere puppet of the empire. And he went on about her, again, and again. Telling me that they were meant for each other, and I was using my status as the heir to get in the way and steal her from him.

"...if it wasn't for one precaution I'd taken when I found out about the traitors, I'd be dead. An old ally, Vidar Blackwater, gave me distraction enough to slip away. There was a fight in the palace, then, between my loyal followers and the much larger faction my brother had turned to his side. It turned into a slaughter. I tried to reach Kullia...but Nulis beat me to her. He held her hostage, threatening to kill her if I persisted." His hand clenches tight. "There was no time. His men were surrounding me. I ran. Abandoned her. I ran. Kept running. All the way here."

For a time, it's quiet.

"...how did you end up in Refuge?" Auriel asks.

"...I was lost in Tarun Gakth," he says, "barely surviving. I collapsed from exhaustion, and hunger. When I woke up, I was here, in these towers. Taremtis used his crystal...and told me to wait, until the time was right." Obis looks at you. "...I would travel with you, Shadow. I do not know if I have it in me to return...but to close that door entirely..." He clenches his fist. "...not yet."

>choices in next post

What is your response?

>the more, the merrier (accept offer)
>would you be out for revenge, or for justice?
>do you know what's happening out there?
>something else

>>25022742
>>the more, the merrier (accept offer)