>>28594700
The numbers are skewed, you are certain, by the necessity of information you cannot allow the enemy to have. Still, out of nearly three thousand Tagers, a mere ten to twenty Efreet is tragically disproportionate. The numbers of the Dhohanoids range into the tens or hundreds of thousands mark already, and they can breed.

“Do you speak Aklo?” Towern surprises you with the question.

“No. I know the Pnakotic script and Tsath-yo, but nothing as esoteric as Aklo, Elder.”

“Dho-na is translated, as best as possible, into 'the empty space around something that gives it meaning.' The Dhohanoids are fillers for the space of humanity. They mean to displace humanity. And in the end, they're nothing more than a toy to the Many Faced One.” He looks at you seriously, his dark eyes calm and calculating. “Your responsibility is to keep the Children of Chaos as off balance and scrambling for their goals as long as possible. Every day that passes may bring more of their kind into the fold, but despite the Aeon War, I believe humanity will survive. But to do that, the Chysalis Corporation must be brought low before they can undercut Human and Nazzadi powerbases.” The fact that he's repeating things you should already know is ominous enough.

[Con't.]

>>28594710
“With training, you can control your searing flesh, reduce the damage to a minimum. With further training, you can achieve greater and more powerful attacks. But no amount of training in the world can teach you to make the hard decisions well. That is what makes you and I different than the others. Our symbiont is not merely a hunter. It is a hunter with a true purpose.” You've felt it already, those moments when you feel the need to prove to another something, or taking offense at the mildest of corrections. Telling Towern as much, he nods. “You have been fortunate to have become one with an especially strong connection to your symbiont, Anne. And there will be times when this can be a great disadvantage.”

But if you so choose, this can make you even stronger in time. Pay heed to your symbiont, as well as your conscience. Doing the right thing is difficult, even impossible, but if you wish to become closer to your symbiont....pay heed.”

Despite your trepidation at being brought to a combat circle, it is no longer combat that most concerns you. You think....you are fairly sure that Towern is suggesting you try and become an Inferno. To try an achieve a closer union with the alien symbiont within you.

Which is damn near impossible for experienced Tagers, much less a novice.

“I am sure you have questions – I did. But you are fortunate, in that I may have some answers for you personally. It is very rare to have an exceptional Tager on hand when one is reborn to the Society who is of the same kind.” He smiles and looks down at you, his nod encouraging you to ask questions. Unlike the others you could have question, this is an Elder who knows everything about the Society and the Cult of Chaos and the Chrysalis Corporation you could want to know.

[con't]

>>28594715
More importantly, he obviously trusts you. Of course, Viss is watching, but he doesn't know that.

[] Wave Viss off.
[] Let Viss watch.
[] Let him know Viss is watching.
Other.
>Up to six questions will be answered in game. You may ask them as you wish, one question per post please, though you may post all six immediately. The response may take a short time. This is an opportunity to get to know the game world and your potentials.

>>28594722
>[] Let Viss watch.

>>28594722
[X] Let Viss watch.
Question: Are we actually trained to be a spy? There was mention of it in the previous thread.

>>28594757
>>28594794
[X] Let Viss watch.
>Up to six questions will be answered in game. You may ask them as you wish, one question per post please, though you may post all six immediately. The response may take a short time. This is an opportunity to get to know the game world and your potentials.

“Why are we so heavily trained in spy work, Elder Towern?”

He doesn't seem as surprised by the question as you might have thought. Certainly the training is obvious, but you had thought it was to foil others spying. “Though we do very little true infiltration, much of the recruitment and information gathering we use is similar to that of spies and intelligence agents. You will make contact with many Office of Internal Security agents, as well as black marketeers, the Miskatonic Research Archives, the global Intelligence Agency, mercenaries, and many others whom you may need to do certain kinds of work for you. Knowing how to deal with intelligence and counter intelligence is part and parcel of the Shadow War, and there will come a time when you discover those whom may become members of the Society. You might even come into conflict with spies sent against us, or by proxy another murder of Tagers. It is invaluable to have those abilities under your belt.”

[Con't.]

>>28594892
Towern seems fairly pleased by your question. “Then if you have no other immediate questions, I would test your strengths.” His shift is immediate and the wave of heat that accompanies it is shocking. He stands almost ten feet tall, his armor more like onyx or shale than obsidian, though the many cracks and veins of smoking flame and heat are present in him as well. ((I know that you were not the strongest of people before your change, and though that may have changed some, it was your agility and speed you were infamous for. Continue to use that in your favor.)) With that he lunges towards you, a wash of heat emanating from his outstretched hand.

[] Dodge: 1d30+8 Agility.
[] Transform and block: 1d30+15 Strength.
[] Remain untransformed and counterthrow: 1d30+9 Tenacity
[] Other – Write in.

>>28594901
If we touch his arm I'm pretty certain that we will take damage, even if we block it so the only option remaining is:

[X] Dodge: 1d30+8 Agility.

Rolled 8 + 8

>>28594925
>>28594901
Ah, I fucked up the roll:

Rolled 27 + 15

>>28594925
[] Transform and Block

Rolled 11 + 8

>>28594901
>[X] Dodge: 1d30+8 Agility.

>>28594934
>>28594936
>>28594940
[X] Dodge: 1d30+8 Agility.
[x] Transform and block: 1d30+15 Strength.
>Dodge 16, 19
>Block 42

Your attempt to simply get out of the way is hampered by the fact that his body is much, much, MUCH larger than what you are used to dealing with, and also by your own strength; rather than ducking under his arm and moving past him, you tuck and roll under it....but you leap up instead of merely standing up! While you managed to dodge his initial assault, and not get scorched, you are too close for comfort. Realizing that there isn't any way to avoid impacting against his body mid flight, you have no choice but to transform as well.

The inversion of bodies and flesh is as natural as breathing and you surprise Towern by transforming inside his reach, effectively body-blocking him by surprise. Thrown off balance by the sudden increase from a mere five-foot-eight to nine-foot-three and more than quintupling your mass, Towern falls back, and slams into the ground on his back. You land on your feet and are now standing over him in a rather surprising role reversal.

[] Follow up with a stomp. 1D30+15 Strength
[] Flying elbow! 1D30+10 Agility
[] Wait for him to stand.
[] Other – Write in.

Rolled 27 + 15

>>28595010
>[X] Follow up with a stomp. 1D30+15 Strength

Can he stomp his leg or is that forbidden since he said this is a test?

Because limiting his movement seems like a good idea.

Rolled 19 + 15

>>28595010
>[] Follow up with a stomp. 1D30+15 Strength

Rolled 12 + 15

>>28595010
[X] Follow up with a stomp. 1D30+15 Strength

>>28595051
>Tagers regenerate, and exceptional Tagers such as yourselves heal fast. It's rare that anything other than limit weapons is disbarred.

>>28595104
Ah so maiming is a-ok.

Rolled 1 + 15

>>28595010
>[X] Follow up with a stomp. 1D30+15 Strength
>[X] Other - be ready to get out of the way if he tries to grab the leg or tries to sweep our other leg

>>28595061
>>28595076
>>28595135
>>28595051
[X] Follow up with a stomp. 1D30+15 Strength
[x] Watch for the sweep.
>42, 34, 27, 16

((Darkness, Anne, where did you learn to do that?)) Viss' shocked exclamation isn't much of a distraction; you're used to tuning things out. Having just made up the move, you keep your attention on the more dangerous problem of Towern. Prone he's a fairly large target, and smoke billows from around his body from the artificial concrete that the Tager combat platform is made of. Unlike the regular concrete it will not melt; it would take a limit weapon to damage the stuff.

He sweeps a massive arm towards your leg, clearly intending to sweep you off your feet, but you take all your weight off of that leg, and lean over your other leg as you step over him. His arm impacts your leg, but does nothing more than turn a one footed stomp into a full weight impact of your foot onto his hip.

The shocking crunch of shattering stone and the burst of liquid magma that accompanies it startles you; you didn't expect to punch through that much armor!

((I yield!)) He's in quite a bit of pain, and he doesn't immediately get up. You can see his regeneration in effect; stone rebuilding, the rivulets or magma drying up and seething along his body, and the bright glow from his damaged hip becoming more subdued. ((By the Forgotten Ones, that was painful!)) He slowly sits up, and looks at you with eyes formed of burning rock. ((I underestimated your instinctive skills. I do not think any Elder will ever make that mistake again.))

[Con't.]

>>28595195

((….holy darkness Anne, you could have killed him!)) You rather doubt that, but Viss does have a point. You might not be the strongest Efreet, but your instinctive combat techniques are stronger than what you learned on the training floor.

((I will remain transformed for now; I must heal. But I will answer any other questions you may have.)) There is more respect for you in his voice, and it is not merely a wary respect, nor grudging respect. You managed to put down an elder, by yourself, in two blows.

You can't wait to try that on a Dhohanoid. Literally, you wish you had one now to tear apart.

[] Thank him for his time.
[] Soothe your symbiont.
[] Transform back and bow.
[] Other – Write in.

>>28595200
>[] Transform back and bow.

We will be respectful towards those that respect us. As far as questions go, nothing comes to mind right now.

When appropriate, I'd like us to ask if what happened to Yen ever happens to the Dhohanoids.

I'm not too familiar with CthulhuTech, but aren't they quite similar to Tagers?

>>28595200
>[X] Transform back, bow, sit down

>>28595200
> [x] Transform back and bow.
Ask him about our enemies.

>>28595200

Do Tagers use weapons?
((i dont know anything about the setting))

What is this "mission" you sent my Murder to anyway?

>>28595299
>There are weapons that have been modified for Tager use, but by and large they don't need them. All tagers have built in ranged weaponry - in Anne's case, a flaming projective breath weapon - and melee weapons.

>>28595299
I think they can. Or at least some of them can.
But really, you don't need one when your entire body is a weapon.

>>28595228
>>28595234
>>28595262
>>28595299
>Combat Technique Added: Demonic Uppercut.
[X] Transform back and bow.

Taking a moment to collect your thoughts and rein in your symbiont's destructive urges – though they do mesh with yours very well in this instance – you change back into yourself and bow deeply to Elder Towern. It was educational, though not entirely in the way you expected it to be. That doesn't relieve out the combat-urge, it is just as strong in either form. You mark it as something to be aware of.

While your first instinct is to sit, it would make looking into Towern's 'face' difficult, given he cannot sit up. “Elder Towern....I was wondering if what happened to....to Yen Chau ever happens to the Dhohanoids. There are similarities between us....” The very thought is accompanied by revulsion, true though it is. “I understand their ritual is easier and more readily available to them as well.”

The voice of a transformed Tager is shockingly ungarbled, though breathless and incredibly deep in the case of an Efreet. You can't even imagine what you might sound like. Smoke erupts from fissures along Towern's face, and though nothing obviously moves, the seething fires with wax and wane as he speaks. “They do not. The only barrier that we know of to the Ritual of Transmogrification is the presence of latent Para-Psychic abilities, or taint from Beyond. Only those two things cause their ritual to go awry. Would that it were otherwise.”

[Con't.]

Unrelated to the quest but XS, your stories used to be up on /rs/ and now are not thanks to website failure. If you've still got all the stuff you've written, would you be happy to upload it?

>>28595390
“What of the Dhohanoids themselves? While they are the creatures of the Children of Chaos, are there other enemies we should be wary of?” Not the center-most enemies of the Eldritch Society – you've learned more than enough about the worshippers of Nyarloahotep in one of his many guises, and their plan to overthrow all humanity in favor of turning everyone into the horrific Dhohanoids.

He stands up, the horrifying injury you dealt him completely healed in less than two minutes. Once more he becomes the powerfully built man you first met so long ago. “The many types and kinds of Dhohanoids are given form by those who command the Ritual of Transformation – not the sorcerer's will, but that of the Many Faced God, Anne.” Your stomach lurches. The idea that they have direct aid from an Outer God – a MANIFESTED Outer God at that! – in their creation ritual is a shock. You knew it was a daunting task that you set for yourself, but that was nothing like what you expected. Towern looks at you seriously. “The Dhonanoids are merely monsters given flesh. Any humanity they may have once had is gone, devoured. You will know them when you see them, no matter what form they take. Your instincts will reveal them, even without the sight that you have as a Tager.”

“While the children of Chaos are the only threat we concern ourselves with, there is little doubt there will be others they attempt to turn against us. Th Office of Internal Security, despite the help we give them, can only ever view Tagers as a threat. Be circumspect and careful in your use of their people.” He smiles faintly. “One day we may gain their full trust. Until then, our first concern myst be stopping Chrysalis Corporation and the cult which rules it's vast resources. We cannot turn aside for much else, I fear. You will understand more when we send you on your mission.”

[Con't.]

>>28595480
>I shall do so post quest.

>>28595498
He glances at one of the digital clocks in the combat training room, and sighs. “Speaking of which, it is close to time for the funerary rites to be conducted. Also, I would recommend you speak to the quartermaster later to have some appropriately insulated footwear designed for you.” With a wry smile he confirms your suspicion. “I did the same thing when I first became united with the Higher Being.” He looks at the pseudo-crete flooring, which despite some scorch marks and burn marks, is undamaged – except for some deep gouges where your crushed your mentor's hip into the ground. “That was an impressive blow,” he notes looking at the damage to the floor.

With that he dismisses you, and you quickly walk to the door you entered by. As you leave, you see it is being guarded by Scrivener, who gives you a slow nod, and then steps inside as you depart.

[] Collect Viss.
[] Get to the meeting hall.
[] Other – Write in.

Question. Not one of our six.

So, a Tager is a willing partnership between a human, and a being from beyond, and a Dohanoid is a being from beyond crammed into a mortal, devouring everything that made them who they were, their essence?

>>28595552
>Dohanoid is a being from beyond crammed into a mortal, devouring everything that made them who they were, their essence?
Yes, but by mortal I think that includes animals too.

>>28595535
>[] Collect Viss.

Let's hear what he thinks about what he saw.

>>28595535
> [x] Collect Viss.
Are we proper for the funeral or do we need to change after this entire incident?

>>28595567
Essentially yes.

>>28595552
>You are correct.

>>28595567
>The ritual only works on willing participants, and they must be absolutely human or nazzadi.

>>28595535

>[X] Collect Viss.
why not

>>28595590

The Dhohanoid ritual requires the participant/victim to be willing? Do any scraps of the original person remain? Memories, etc.?

>>28595632
>Memories do, but they are quickly discarded as just tools to help impersonate the original person. Dhohanoids are nothing more than monsters with memories of having once been human.

>>28595591
>>28595583
>>28595580
[X] Collect Viss.

With the prearranged gesture you inform Viss that you want to meet with her in person once more, and you head towards your room. While you are dressed appropriately for a funeral, being that such things tend to be sadly casual in the Eldritch Society, being barefoot might not be too appropriate. The transformation has no effect on your clothing, which is a good thing; unlike Dhohanoids, your other self is contained entirely within an extra-dimensional space, and in theory so your body is when the Tager is present here. On the other hand, being on fire tends to leave your foot-wear vulnerable to whatever you happen to be standing in when you change back.

Viss is waiting for you at your room, her slender figure accentuated by the black silk dress she chose for the funeral. A simple necklace sports a silver cross, a gift from Fanzi that she received on her sixteenth birthday. She is wearing flats as well, though hers are somewhat more stylish than the simple black slip-on flats you're forced to make do with. Her eyes are wide and somewhat shocked; a great deal of her black sclera is visible, and her pupils are wider than usual. “I'm not sure if that was awesome or terrifying, Anne. I don't think I've ever seen anything take down an Elder that fast.”

“It was mostly luck to be honest. Well, luck and instinct.”

She nods as you brush your clothing free of lint and wrinkles. Unnecessary, but it's a funeral. You've seen enough of those.

[] Ask her about seeing Yen die.
[] Ask her about what she thinks about whatTowern said.
[] Tell her that the Elder has put her in your Murder officially.
[] Other – Write in.

>>28595715
>[] Ask her about what she thinks about what Towern said.

>>28595715
> [x] Ask her about seeing Yen die.
> [x] Ask her about what she thinks about what Towern said.

First, lets check how she's doing. She lost a teammate as well. Then questions about Yen acting strangely. Why was he so interested in her and Rechert? Did he have anything against us in particular, or was he only jealous of us becoming an Efreet?

>>28595715
>[X] Tell her that the Elder has put her in your Murder officially.

>>28595737
>>28595810
>>28595814
[X] Ask her about what she thinks about what Towern said.
[x] Ask her about seeing Yen die.
[x] Tell her that the Elder has put her in your Murder officially.

“I think it's pretty obvious that they're going to send you to help another Enclave. I don't know about the rest of us, we're pretty ordinary in comparison, except for Jakob.” The amphibious Echo has little place in Detroit, but there is no Tager that is invaluable. “I think....no, it's pretty obvious he wants you to try and metamorphose, Anne. I just can't imagine him pushing that on you so quickly. Unless there's some reason he would want you to.”

The idea is disturbing to say the very least. With a symbiont-link as strong as yours is – even the most oblivious person can tell it's affecting your personality and fighting skills – becoming an Inferno would mean becoming even closer. That's a lot of humanity to give up so quickly.

“I've read about the process in detail.” You look at Viss curiously. “Well....we need stronger warriors. And that's the only way to go about it, really. But you have to be more like the symbiont. I'd have to become even more voyeuristic, more determined, even if it means I'd get hurt. I'd have to convince the rest of my murder to be patient and careful, even if they don't want to be. You....you'd have to become a controlled pyromaniac, slay your enemies with fire, and take the high road even if it meant endangering yourself and others. It's not easy, and it can be pretty dangerous.”

You nod and stand up, glancing at the room you shared with Fanzi. “You believe him about Yen's death?”

[Con't.]

>>28595966
She doesn't answer for a moment, but then nods. “I do. I think he was telling the whole truth, the entire time. His heart beat stayed the same, his temperature didn't spike, and he didn't flinch or have any unusual boy language.” You stare at her for a moment, and she grins. “Yeah, I know. Don't worry, I won't peek in your shower too often.”

Ah yes, Whispers are feisty. And now she was your responsibility.

“I think that we should keep Yen's death between us. I want the others to think of him as a warrior, not....what he was like before he died.” You glance at her when she says this without prompting from you. “It might be a secret but the way he died....I think it really wasn't his fault. Or yours, of course. Maybe we can find out more from Doctor Kalinka or Mordecai though, later.”

“I'll need to talk to you and Rechert at length about Yen, too. He seemed fixated on you two.”

[Con't.]

>>28595977
She looks looks confused and shakes her head. “I have no idea what he was talking about, Anne. Rechert was closer to Yen than I was, I just helped Rechert out with the things he studied, outside of magic. I didn't have much of a talent for it.”

“There's one more thing, Viss.” She looks at you calmly, evenly. Not with the calculated coldness of a Spectre or Shadow, but simply calm and relaxed, ready for anything without being worried. “Elder Farsight placed you in my Murder – officially.” She blinks, and gives you a sly grin. “No benefits until we get everything ELSE sorted out! Dark fire, girl, your symbiont is a pervert!”

You manage to startle a burst of giggles from her, and she shakes her head, sobering quickly. “We really have to go, Anne.” You sigh and nod, and head to the meeting room.

The meeting hall is in another building, but set up in a sub-basement of the building. There are numerous secret and public ways into it, from all across the compound. Years of raids against Society strongholds have taught the Society that anywhere people gather is dangerous, and without mystic shielding in addition to mundane countermeasures, the best way to destroy any stronghold is by striking where everyone gathers. It's a tactic used by the Tagers and the Dhohanoids alike to great effect.

[Con't.]

>>28595988
The meeting hall is large enough to house a good portion of the local Society members, and it is also televised on a secure channel for those who cannot participate in person. Given the nature of most Tager deaths, there is rarely a recoverable body and often the symbiont itself ensure the flesh and blood of the Tager cannot be collected. Even those members who are not Tagers are often not recovered.

Making your way to the front of the crowd, you are greeted by Rechert, Holmes, Viss, and Jakob. Irren arrives shortly, once more stoic and in control of himself. The six of you are asked to step forward by Loco, a dark skinned man who is the oldest Tager in this enclave, in addition to being an Elder. To each of you he gives a small plaque of resin with Fanzi Hyacinth's name engraved in it artfully. A larger one stands on the podium where the other eight Elders stand, dressed in black robes or black combat suits, all heads bowed.

Loco walks back up to the podium and turns on the microphone headset waiting there for him. “We come together today to mourn the loss of Fanzi Hyacinth. Her efforts to become a Holy Warrior in the service of The Eldritch Society were never in vain; she aided others, protected out Enclave, and taught us that perseverance in the name of the Forgotten Ones task for us ends at death....but that the works done while living will bear fruit despite that. Her companions live on, newly born Holy Warriors, to carry on the work she may not. Her memory will live on with them and those whom she was close to.”

With that, a moment of silence covers the room. No prayers are said aloud, and while some few may pray to themselves, all too often it is recalled that in the Aeon War, gods too often answer.

[] Say a silent prayer for Fanzi.
[] Remain silent and remember her.
[] Other – Write in.

>>28595994
>[X] Say a silent prayer for Fanzi.

>>28595994
>[] Say a silent prayer for Fanzi.

>>28596032
>>28596115
[X] Say a silent prayer for Fanzi.

You pray to the Forgotten Ones that your companion rests with them, forgotten only in name, never in truth. The sense of rightness and faith you receive from the act is strong....perhaps not merely your own prayers.

After the moment of silence is observed, Elder Loco lifts his hands. “In this time of tragedy, out of death, new warriors arise. Behold, seven more Holy Warriors have passed through the Rite of Sacred Union, and stand now to aid us all, one already in the field of battle.” There is a shocking loud cheer; Slipt and Scrivener step to the sides of the dais, and gesture for the six of you to join them. Viss glances at you, knowing the seventh is no more, but says nothing.

Another heartfelt cheer is made, and while there are a few tears shed, the crowd looks up solemnly at you and your companions. There are a fair number of raised fists spread throughout the crowd – Tagers, saluting their new brothers- and sisters-in-arms. Loco walks to stand before you all as you face the crowd. “They are reborn to us, our Holy Warriors, and we thank them for their dedication, their strength, and their courage.” With that, he turns and kneels before you, head bowed; behind you the other Elders do the same.

As does the entire crowd. It should be somewhat nerve wracking, to be the ones being knelt to rather than being among the kneeling, but it feels right, proper to you. Obeisance from those beneath you, those you will lead into battle against the Enemy. The moment passes, and the crowd slowly disperses, save the Elders and some few guards. Elder Loco turns off the microphone and takes the headset off. “Greetings, brothers and sisters. It is good to have your strength with us now.” He gestures fr you all to follow Towern, who walks towards the back entrance to the meeting hall.

[con't.]

>>28596132
It doesn't take long before you gather in a conference room near the meeting hall doors. The sensation of a mystic barrier at the door tingles along your skin as you walk into the room, and the source is undoubtedly the gleaming crystal sphere that rests in a small display case in the middle of the large oval table. There are enough seats for twenty, and the elders take their places at one side of the table, indicating you may sit wherever you like. Jewel and Farsight bring pitchers of water, for your comrades and the Elders, as well as glasses. Towern starts brewing coffee, while Loremistress Geolai sets up a kettle for making tea.

Loco gazes at each of the six of you in turn, assessing, memorizing perhaps. He sighs and leans back, giving the impression of age beyond his years. “I am sorry for your loss. It is difficult to lose a fellow warrior in such a way. Sadly, we can spare no time to mourn any of our dead, for the enemy is ever on the move, in greater numbers.” Towern and Geolai sit down and Radessi sets a sheaf of papers in front of Loco. “The time has come to make some decisions, and you are now Tagers. You are not Elders, but nor are you merely soldiers. All that we do must come in some part from your choices, and we will inform your choices as best as we are able.”

“We have sent Gravedigger, once known as Yen Chau, on a deeply important mission. Considering the skills of a Spectre, and the urgency of the mission, we could not have him stand with you, I fear.” His gaze sweep your companions. “Anne must go to Los Angeles.” At the looks of shock and dismay, he lifts his hand, preventing any exclamation. “The Enclave there has been hit hard by the Chrysalis Corporation's activities, and they lost almost one-third of their entire fighting force. Anne's presence, as well as any who chose to join her, will give them a measure of hope. Viss will accompany her, as well, as part of her murder.”

[Con't]

>>28596160
Radessi speaks up at this point. “We have a mission, however, that would be well suited to you all, and Anne has asked to stay with you until it is done, whether or not you chose to become part of her murder. Viss will be necessary to the mission, and it will be well suited to all of your skills and talents.”

Irren speaks up before anyone else can do so. “I would be honored to serve under Anne, if she will have me.”

Jakob looks at the Nazzadi, and then nods. “I as well.” Irren gives Jakob a grateful look. His grin is awfuly predatory in response. “And there's a beach in Los Angels.”

Holmes snorts laughter, and then looks at Rechert, who looks somewhat surprised at the turn of events. “How about you?” At Rechert's nod, Holmes looks at the assembled Elders and spreads his hands. “That makes it unanimous. Anne heads up our murder.” Despite your symbiote's pleasure at the obvious claim to leadership, the show of solidarity is still moving.

Loco is pleased, and so is Farsight. Towern smirks as if he expected nothing less, while Radissa turns to Loco and inclines his head. Geolai, the Nazzadi Loremistress who is the oldest non-Tager at the table, turns to you, and murmurs softly. “Then it is time for you to chose the names by which you will be known in our annals.” Your call-signs.

>What is Anne's call-sign?

>>28596169
>What is Anne's call-sign?

Dickbutt.

Seriously now, something like Firefly might be ok? I have no idea if it fits the setting though.

>>28596169
...Amaterasu?

>>28596169

i agree with Firefly

>>28596169
Hestia?

>>28596169
seconding Hestia

>>28596249
>>28596238
>What is Anne's call-sign?
>Firefly....for now.

It doesn't take long to come up with something simple. “Firefly will do for now. I may change it later.” Towern gives you an appraising look, which is noted by Radessi. Your symbiont is fairly certain you'll have a much more appropriate name one day.

Rechert speaks softly. “I would like to be called Lucky.” That gets him an odd look from both Viss and Holmes, and he smirks a little, the expression strange on his youthful face. “Well, since I'm never lucky, maybe that will change.”

“Reminds me, you still owe me twenty nubills,” Jakob says as he rises to get some coffee.

Irren glances at Rechert. “It's not working.” Even some of the Elders chuckle at that.

“Guts,” claims Holmes. “I think it's appropriate for a Phantom.” Loco nods agreeably, being one as well.

Jakob sets a cup of tea in front of the Loremistress who looks at him gratefully as he settles back in his seat. “Fangface. Straightforward and-”

Viss buries her face in her hands.

“-to the point.”

There aren't too many who don't groan at that. “The joke is older than the N.E.G. It's definitely older than my race.” Your deadpanned response garners a frown from Geolai and Farsight, but Slipt smiles into her cup of coffee as she takes a sip.

Irren smiles faintly. “Call me the Fourth.” There are a few curious looks from around the table, and he explains, “There were never Three Musketeers. There were always four. That is why they invariably won.” Loco chuckles at that, while Viss, Rechert, and Jakob all look mildly confused. “Old story. I'll tall you some night around a campfire.”

viss shrugs mildly. “Just Watcher.”

Rechert looks at Viss. “Not very creative.”

“But very accurate,” she says simply.

[Con't.]

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>>28596328
You refrain from agreeing to vehemently with that.

The Loremistress nods to Loco, and the Elder Tager touches a few control points on the table. As the room darkens, he speaks firmly, sounding much more dangerous and quiet. “In that case, let us begin your briefing....”

TO BE CONTINUED....

>>28596261
>>28596307
>I'll keep this in mind for later.

I'll be completing a character sheet and personality sheet this weekend, and will have the pastebin up tomorrow.

Thank you for joining me.

>>28596368
Nice.

>>28596368
Thanks for running, and see you next time.

For the anon who asked earlier:
>>28595480

http://www.mediafire.com/download/yax89ev33ic973a/XS+Tales.rar

>>28596382
Yo, thanks. Are there any authors you read for this kind of stuff that you'd recommend?

Pastebin updated, and thread archived.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/28594700/

>>28596427
It's a niche genre. SM Stirling has the Drakon series, and there is the animorph series, but there are no actual Cthulhutech novels out that I know of.

C.S. Friendman does very good science fiction in the 'more human than human' style, as does Roger Zelazny, but unfortunately there are very few stories that are specific to this style.

>>28596451
OK, thanks. I can at least check out Stirling and Friendman.

>>28596427
Oh, for my horror. That's different. and still very niche.

Stephen King's novelettes (Four Past Midnight, Four Seasons) and short stores are good. I would recommend Early (very early) John Saul and Peter Straub. For darker, deadlier tales, Robert Bloch, for more sensual weirdness, Tanith Lee's Flat Earth Series (good luck finding it, sadly), and for lighter fare Louise Cooper's Time's Master trilogy (not very thick books). Greag Bear's Songs of Earth and Power is very influential.

>>28596478
>>28596451
I appreciate both sets of reccomendations anyway. I often find fantasy or horror stuff hard to get into.

Do you/did you ever want to write professionally yourself?

>>28596534
I have a hard time doing anything more than short stories without a co-writer to keep me on track.

way too late to matter this thread, but I would suggest either Archangel or Flashfire as our call sign.