>>31566385

“In faint whispers,” she says, “withering Spirits speak of the power of the traitorous Calizan, whom even the Dark fears. The powers of Spirits are diverse, but we believed that only two were unknown to us; we believed it impossible for a Spirit to completely destroy another, and we believed it impossible for a Spirit to truly enslave another.”

Your eyes widen, as she continues.

“With Anise serving under him, Calizan has both of these things at his command. His power destroys Soul, and can utterly unmake Spirits, leaving nothing behind. Now, with the power of a Shardkeeper in his service, he can force the power of other Spirits into his allegiance.” She smiles at you, and the hands on her head quiver, thumbs scraping at her temples. “It is curious, though; does this Shardkeeper realize she is merely a slave to his power?”

“I will be gone by midnight, and the people of this town will awaken from their dream. Though possessed by lethargy, they will be well-rested, and will suffer no permanent harm.” The entity paces away again, hands at her sides, hips swaying, and turns; at once, you feel a thousand hateful glares bearing down upon you, the presence of Soul becoming evident in all directions. Despite this, you feel this place's grip on you loosen. “Unless you believe you have some further business here, you are dismissed.”

What will you do?
>Ask the Spirit about the creatures that travel in her presence.
>This spirit seems to resent Anise, despite her pact. Ask for her help.
>Dismiss yourself. She's still your enemy, and you're clearly not welcome.
>Other

>>31566399
>Dismiss yourself. She's still your enemy, and you're clearly not welcome.
This place gots some bad juju man

>>31566399
>Dismiss yourself. She's still your enemy, and you're clearly not welcome.

As curious as I am she doesn't seem like she's in any mood to answer questions.

Rolled 1

>>31566399
>>Dismiss yourself. She's still your enemy, and you're clearly not welcome
If there's no lasting harm, we have no reason to intervene

>>31566385

Hey! I thought you were dead! Welcome back once again!

>>31566622
>>31566813
>>31566831

The Shadow Spirit is clearly not against us, though the things she's feeding clearly are. Why not ask about them at least?

>>31566975
From these lines
>The entity paces away again, hands at her sides, hips swaying, and turns; at once, you feel a thousand hateful glares bearing down upon you, the presence of Soul becoming evident in all directions.
It sounds like somebody I looking for us

>>31567131

Alright then, I guess our companions are probably worried about us too. I'll 4th dismissing ourself.

>>31566399
>Offer help against Anise if the spirit wishes to rebel
Then
>Dismiss yourself

“I understand, Spirit.” The shadows moving about just beyond your field of vision seem like they won't tolerate your presence much longer. “If what you say is true, then I've no further reason to intervene.”

“A wise decision.” She responds. “You are an interesting one, Shardkeeper. I pray that we do not cross paths at a graver time... or that the path you choose does not intersect with Calizan's.”

You feel the Spirit's grip on you loosen as the shadows around you give way to the familiar sights of the town around you. You stumble slightly as the ground rushes up to meet you, surprised by the sudden sight of your companions.

“Valstein! Wake up, damnit!” Rebecca shakes you around as you come to; regaining your bearings in a place with visible directions, you feel nauseated, almost losing your balance. “Are you alright? What the hell are you looking at?

You push away from her, pressing a hand to your forehead as you explain the situation—the Spirit that's snatched up the people of Pleasance, as well as what you now know of Calizan.

“That doesn't sound good.” Daeron says. “First of all, you're sure everyone in town will be back safe?”

You nod. “By midnight. At least, that's what I was told.”

“I still can't wrap my head around this Calizan.” Grato folds his arms.“What gives rise to a Spirit that can just take out anyone he wants?” You haven't quite figured the whole thing out, either. What of the Spirit's words, of how Anise is simply a slave to his power?

“Hopefully, you don't mind postponing your research.” Rebecca plants a hand on your shoulder. “If everything's fine here, what do you suggest we do now?”

What will you do?
>Eastward to Imedagne, to investigate the trouble at the border—or further, to seek the influence of Calizan.
>Return to Callestria; the Captain of the Guard or someone else in power would be glad to hear of what you've done so far, as well as of the situation in Pleasance.
>Other

>>31567529
>Return to Callestria; the Captain of the Guard or someone else in power would be glad to hear of what you've done so far, as well as of the situation in Pleasance.

>>31567529
>>Return to Callestria; the Captain of the Guard or someone else in power would be glad to hear of what you've done so far, as well as of the situation in Pleasance.

>>31567529
>Eastward to Imedagne, to investigate the trouble at the border—or further, to seek the influence of Calizan.

>>31567529

>Return to Callestria
I wonder if the Captain of the Guard has any more problems for us to solve.

Rolled 2

>>31567529
>>Return to Callestria; the Captain of the Guard or someone else in power would be glad to hear of what you've done so far, as well as of the situation in Pleasance.

“Since we decided to pack light, it'd probably be best if we head back to the city before it gets too dark.” You suggest. “I'll track down Isaac Forstner once we're there, and let him know that the problems at the fishing village as well as Pleasance are both solved for the time being.”

“Damn. When you say it like that, we have put in a lot of work.” Daeron sighs, entwining his hands behind his head as the five of you begin to exit the still-abandoned town. “The city's lucky you showed up when you did, huh? Otherwise, nobody would even know where to start with all these Spirit problems.”

“That makes me wonder why all of these problems are popping up now to begin with.” Rebecca says, turning toward you. “I'm sure you've noticed by now that people don't seem to know anything about Soul and Spirits. That's because they don't typically intervene in our lives this close to civilization. What we've seen in the past couple of days is unlike anything that's ever happened before.”

You nod. “I've noticed. It is unusual, and I've yet to figure it out myself. Perhaps some sort of upheaval is underway in their realm—perhaps it has to do with Calizan.”

The five of you remain quiet as you journey back to the city gates. Strangely enough, not even Sonia seems to have much to say.

“Ah, Erick.” Rebecca says. “You know where to look for this Forstner guy, right? I'm coming with you. As long as the city's still in the state it is, I'd like to talk business with him.”

What will you say?
>“No need. He already knows my face, as well as what I've done. I'll put in a good word for us.”
> “No problem. I'd rather not raise alarms about the Spirits, so I'll let you do the talking.”

>>31568043
> “No problem. I'd rather not raise alarms about the Spirits, so I'll let you do the talking.”

>>31568043
>“No problem. I'd rather not raise alarms about the Spirits, so I'll let you do the talking.”

>>31568043
> “No problem. I'd rather not raise alarms about the Spirits, so I'll let you do the talking.”
There's probably not going to be any trouble, but might as well be cautious.

>>31568147

Indeed.

Anyone else expecting us robbing the store to bite us in the ass?

>>31568043

Still alive, Soul?

“No problem,” You say, “I'd rather not raise alarms about the Spirits, so I'll let you do the talking.”

“Sounds fine. Things work out, I'll get us paid.” The huntress grins. “Things keep up, we'll all be very happy people.”

“Ah, don't let it go to your head.” Grato sighs.

“What about the rest of you?” You ask.

“Back home.” Sonia points vaguely in the direction of the lodge.

“Mhm. Early to bed, and whatnot.” The axeman responds.

“I've got a couple of errands to run.” Daeron says, already beginning to turn and head off. “I'll catch up with the rest of you later.”

The five of you part ways, and Rebecca leads you in the direction of Crown Street. Old bruises ache dully as you pass the site of your most recent duel with Anise, and the adjacent residential district, a smoking crater where repairs have not yet begun in earnest. You wonder how many people were displaced, and where they ended up—lodging with friends and family, or perhaps they've left the city altogether?

“City guard is based up here.” Rebecca leads you up a white stone staircase toward some sort of barracks, with reinforced wooden double-doors stopped open. “From what I've heard, most of the officers live in lodges they've got inside. Doors stay open during the day.”

“Can I help you?” A man asks Rebecca as the two of you approach, standing just inside.

“We're here to see the Captain of the Guard.” She responds, folding her arms.

“I'm afraid he's not taking visitors at the moment. I can ask him if he's expecting you, or if you've got paperwork you need submitted, I can direct you to the proper government office, though you'll need to leave your weapons...”

“Hang on.” You raise your hand. “He should be expecting me, actually. He owes me a favor, sort of—or told me to come find him later.”

“Your name?”

“Erick Valstein.”

“...He did mention you. Follow me.”

>Continued

>>31569339

He leads you through a set of winding hallways; you see a dining hall and a quartermaster taking stock of a small armory, among other things, before you ascend a flight of stairs and cross through another hallway with bedrooms on either side. At what seems like the top of the building, and furthest back, is Forstner's office, where the guard stops, gesturing toward the door.

“Thanks.” Rebecca says, as the two of you cross inside.

The office is relatively large, with a desk at one end, a large leather chair behind it and several small wooden ones in front. Several other tables are around the outside of the room; decorating them, as well as the walls, are various bits of armor, shields, and weaponry. You spy a few sheets of paper on another table—old letters, a map of Callestria and various building plans, and some certificates indicating honors or accolades.

As you enter, you barely recognize Forstner without his helmet; his blonde hair is cut short and kept neat, and his red shawl still adorns his body. He sits behind the desk, scribbling intently on one of many documents in front of him. In one of the visitors' chairs sits an unfamiliar figure, a man wrapped in a white cloak, lined with fur around his shoulders and neck. He turns to face you and Rebecca as the door opens behind him, long, discolored brown hair spilling across his face.

“Erick Valstein.” Isaac Forstner, the Captain of the Guard, looks up from his work as you and the huntress approach his desk. “Good to see you again. Feel free to take a seat. Have you enjoyed your stay in the city?”

>Continued

>>31569358

Right, you told them you were a traveler. You suppose it wasn't a lie, though. You nod. “Yes, though I've also been out quite a bit.”

“Is this a friend of yours?” He asks.

“Rebecca.” She introduces herself, smiling. “I work with a group of hunters who used to be on contract with the city. We've met before, though not formally.”

“Then it's nice to meet you.” Isaac smiles.

“Are you usually doing this kind of work?” You ask Isaac, curious.

“Negative.” He sighs. “As I'm sure you're well aware, the unknown dragon rider's attack on the city caused an insurmountable number of issues. I've been relegated to insurance work, as there's apparently no one else to do it. One of the warehouses a little ways from here was holding some things meant to be transported to the museum, but as you can imagine, the building and all its contents were destroyed. Until just a moment ago, I've been discussing matters related to that particular incident with Andor, here—he's a friend of mine, a young historian who does a lot of work over at the museum.”

“Pleased to meet you both.” The long-haired man grins, offering Rebecca a hesitantly-accepted handshake. His voice bothers you a bit; it is rough, and somewhat ghostly. “Isaac told me what you did for the city, Erick. Those relics you and your companion carry look... positively delightful.”

“Right.” Rebecca says. She looks eager to get to the point.

“So, what brings the two of you here?” Isaac asks. “Come to ask a favor? I'm quite busy, but I suppose we do owe you...”

What will you do?
>Say something. (Description)
>Rebecca's leading this one. Better sit back and watch what happens.
>Other.

>>31569410
>Rebecca's leading this one. Better sit back and watch what happens.
>Other.
Watch the old man closely if possible spirit sense

>>31569410
>Rebecca's leading this one. Better sit back and watch what happens.

>>31569410

Let Rebecca lead for a while, but before we go, to the Museum Curator/worker.

"I wasn't aware that the fires had spread to the museum or warehouse districts. I don't mean to pry, but could the dragon rider have been after something there and used furthering the attack as a distraction so they'd be less likely to be missed afterwards?"

>>31569510

Or something like that. Warehouses are generally by the docks, and the fire started (to our knowledge) with Anise attacking us at the tavern. It would be odd for it to have spread that far. I want to know more about this, for our safety.

>>31569541

(( The tavern was on the same street as some of the city's warehouses; Daeron did mention, in fact, that a warehouse was destroyed. Also, Callestria is completely inland.

Update soon. ))

Rolled 37

>>31569617

Well it smells significantly less like a plot hook now.

“Sort of.” Rebecca says. The two of you sit down in the other visitors' chairs, with her on your right and Andor to your left. “Actually, we're here to report a few successes. Spreading good news, if you will.”

“Hm?” Isaac asks.

“Well, first, we've solved the problem down at the fishing village.” Rebecca says. “You know, how they'd thought the ocean adjacent had been dried up, so to speak?”

“Right—that miracle fishing hole that finally went dry. Most of the folk with any significant knowledge of animal husbandry live outside the city proper, but we were supposed to send word down there to cut back on fishing, lest we lose access to that avenue completely.” Isaac says. “You're the courier, then?”

“No, no.” Rebecca shakes her head. “I said we've solved the problem. Overfishing wasn't it. Since everyone down there switched over to fishing rather than hunting for a few years, the local beast populations grew out of control. It was Fangworms and other creatures that drove the fish off. Erick and my group scored a few big kills down there, earlier. Fed the village good, and the fish population is already on the rise again.”

“Interesting... no one here had thought of anything like that.” The captain responds. “How astute. You're sure the population will reach the usual level again?”

“Yes, and that's not all. We've also discovered the fate of the citizens of Pleasance; don't be alarmed, though. They'll be making a safe return to town.” Rebecca folds her arms, smiling wide.

“What? That's ridiculous. How do you know that?”

>Continued

“Erick's seen something similar before, off in his homeland a long time ago. He recognized the problem immediately, and showed us how to solve it.”

“Problem?” Isaac shakes his head. “I'm told the town was ransacked by a monster from Imedagne. I've been too busy to go check it out myself.”

“Had you gone, you'd know what you've been told was incorrect. As of now, Pleasance is empty, but perfectly intact. The missing people were... trapped.”

“Trapped?”

“In a manner of speaking, yes. Stuck in a dream world, of sorts by some spiritually-aligned monster; we used a remedy Erick knew from way back when to lure it out and drive it off.” She responds. “Now that it's gone, expect them to return by midnight.”

Isaac cocks an eyebrow, giving her a look of disbelief. The two of them continue back and forth, and you glance over at Andor, noticing he's been giving you a strange look. He doesn't look quite old enough to fit your idea of a “historian” either; you suppose one doesn't have to be a piece of history to study it.

>Continued

“I wasn't aware museum property was destroyed in the attack. I don't mean to pry, but could the dragon rider have been after something in that warehouse?” You ask.

“Not likely. We were expecting something mundane from a dig site—the Kharan desert, far to the north of here. There's a valley where a river runs, before it gives way to the mountain region beyond. That place is thought to be a critical location for early civilization, and numerous relic tools have been discovered in the surrounding area.” Andor responds. “There were no such things in that warehouse. Were they after relics, they would go to the museum proper—even so, few relics are on site at any given time, and plowing through the building with a red drake would most certainly be an inefficient way of stealing them.”

Curious. “I see.”

“You carry unique relics yourself, Erick; I'm told you used one to destroy that drake and drive off its rider.” Andor raises his eyebrows, folding his hands in his lap. “I'm sure you're a man who can appreciate the history of objects like these, yes? Would you care to tell me a little about them?”

What will you say?
>Other

>>31570251
Tell him that you found them in various ruins, nothing too interesting.

>>31570251
"A cloak of the earth, a bow of the trees and vines, and a polearm, though its nature is more difficult to discern. Poison perhaps.

I inherited the cloak and the glaive from my Master who taught me to fight, I came from a fair distance away and stumbled across the bow on my journey which ended up here."

>>31570251
His uncle was an adventurer and Erick inherited them when his uncle died. Erick's not sure where they came from.

>>31570251

What obvious relics do we have equipped rightnow?

I'd go for telling him that we've found a few in ruins, and bought a few in other places, though if he'd like to inquire after a specific one we could provide a more detailed story.

Ourhalberd has Skeith right? We could tell that story nearly straight, and might want to offer it as an example to deter further curiosity.

>>31570428
He's doesn't need a whole run down of Erick's inventory. And these artifacts are rare enough that most people won't just happen to find them.

Say they were all inherited. Erick's not sure about the history behind them because the person he inherited them for never said where he got them.

>>31570500
>>31570457
>>31570428

Let's combine these.

>>31570457
This. Simplest explanation is always the best explanation.

>>31570251
"There's not much I know, honestly. One of them was a gift from my master for completing my training, I'd have to ask him where he got it. The rest I've acquired over my travels. I've found these things in the weirdest places. Like this halberd, I found it in a bog pit in the northern swamps. It's some kind of poison weapon, it was killing the swamp just by being there. Nasty thing, this."

>>31570428
>>31570500
I'm going to vote against any option where they were found in different places or where bought them.

Even one artifact costs a fortune. And, there are adventurers that spend their entire lives looking for artifacts and never find a single one. We have half a dozen.

>>31570567
You're going to tall this man that there are people dedicating their entire lives to finding these and we just happened to stumble across half a dozen? No one is going to believe that.

Rolled 27

>>31570623

The only obvious ones are thehalberd, cloak, and bow.

It's not unreasonable to think that we inherited two from our relative who was a great hunter or whatever, and found one.

>>31570623
And from their perspective we have many more. We swap our spirits around, since no one else knows that can be done it looks like we have a huge amount of them. We've got three new relics from the last time Isaac saw us, just from swapping them around. Throw in acquiring Illyanas and the Ocean Fangworm and we've got a ridiculous treasure trove of these. I'm not sure we can practically hide that we can make new ones. At least, not for long. Especially if we do our "sell the ones we make pretending they're relic weapons" thing.

Rolled 9

>>31570694

When isaac saw us we didn't have our halberd, and the cloak was the same.

The bow does require a bit more explanation though. Care to offer one?

>>31570665
Any explanation for us having all these is unbelievable. We've got five relics on us. Seven if you count the minor charms of the turtle anklet and mosquito necklace. We're either the luckiest man in the world, the richest man in the world, or the heir of the luckiest or richest man in the world. I think we might have to come clean eventually on the "we can make new relics" bit.

>>31570694
We weren't going to sell them because of how dangerous they can be

>>31570675
Why not just say we inherited all of them? Ever heard of Occam's razor?

>>31570694
Rebecca is holding one of them. We could just say that one is her's and we don't know where she got it.

>>31570761
Oh that's right, Skeith talked us out of that. Even so, the fact remains that we are INCREDIBLY conspicuous with our powers right now.

>>31570251
One cuts and stab things, another shoots arrows, and the last one keeps me warm and dry

>>31570796
Best explanation so far.

>>31570694

I still feel you're conflating the issue a little bit. We have 3 objects that are identifiable as relics, and Rebecca has 1. It's unlikely that Isaac remembered what our bow looked like when he had so much stuff to deal with, and Rebecca's can be explained by her life of mercenary work.

>>31570796
Second this.

>>31570796

Explain that we got the halberd by modifying the story of how we acquired Skeith.

Then use this explanation, stating that we surely need to keep some secrets don't we?

It's not like we have to reveal everything about ourselves to every person we meet.

>>31570796

“One cuts and stabs.” You say. “The second shoots arrows, and the third keeps me warm.”

“I see.” The historian raises an eyebrow. “You wish not to tell me, then?”

>>31570528
>>31570457

“There's not as much to tell as you might think. I inherited them.” You say. “I'm from the north. A hunter by trade, from an old family of explorers and slayers of beasts. I'm told artifacts like these were passed down among us for generations, but I don't know too much about their particular history.”

“Ah, shame.” Andor says, with a languishing sigh. “But I'm sure you know of their power. It is palpable, is it not? That cloak, for example—it feels of earth, and such warmth. There are men in this world who would give their lives to own one such thing, you know. To possess such a collection is truly... what of your companion's spear, there?”

“That one's hers. I'm not sure where it came from.” You shrug. “Doing what she does for a living, though? She can probably afford it.”

“Well,” The man nods. “If you'd allow it, I'd love to study them later—in your company, of course. Many differing theories circulate among scholars, of course, but there may be much that I personally can teach you about their origin. It would do quite a bit for my research as well, if it makes a difference.”

What will you say?
>Other

>>31571226

I'm down for letting him have at it at a later date. We might even be able to tell him what we are later, and he'll likely be able to help us too.

>>31571226
Thanks, but we're pretty busy at the moment. Maybe some other time.

>>31571226

Well of course sir, I'm very much a fan of history and would love to hear what you can tell me about these.

>>31571226
"Of course. These are fascinating objects. I'd love to learn more about them. I've picked up a fair bit from practical experience working with them, but having some more abstract understanding of them would be appreciated."

>>31571355
>>31571406
What if he's able to figure out that they're new? We decided we want to keep our little talent a secret as long as possible.

Rolled 8

>>31571544

Then he's one person, if we tell him the whole story we can impress upon him the need for secrecy. Worked for our hunting team, it'll probably work for him.

>>31571621
Or we could just deny it. I mean, who would believe him?

>>31571621
We really shouldn't tell him we're a shard keeper considering everything that's happening we should wait awhile before anything

>>31571406
>>31571320

“We're a bit busy at the moment, but I might consider it sometime.” You say. “I would, after all, love to learn more about them—I've only got what I know from practical experience, so a more abstract understanding could prove useful.”

“That would be excellent.” He nods.

You turn back to Rebecca and Isaac, both of whom appear to be staring silently at one another, looking somewhat displeased. During your conversation with the historian, they've been exchanging one or two sentences at a time, and writing figures down on a torn-off piece of paper they've been passing back and forth across the table.

Back at home, you lived communally, and your villages traded with those adjacent, with traveling merchants' caravans peddling goods from far away. What you're looking at now, you suppose, is how business works.

“It pains me to say it, but...” Isaac grits his teeth. “I suppose that would be a square deal. But you're not going to see any of it until I hear word from Pleasance.”

“Hey, calm down.” Rebecca says. “You've sure got a lot of faith in the guy who saved Callestria.”

You see a vein pop in the Captain's forehead as he begins to say something, then pauses and takes a deep breath, eye twitching slightly. “...Is there anything else I can do for the two of you?”

What will you say?
>Other

>>31571923

"Heh, you continue to surprise, Rebecca. You shouldn't be so hard on him though, he's got a city to repair. It was nice to see you again, Captain.

Oh, was there a reason you invited me here? Some work or something you wanted done?"

>>31571923

Anyone think we should check Pleasance in the morning to make sure the Shadow was telling the truth?

>>31571923
No, but I thank you for your time.

>>31572164
It looks like the city guard will be doing that for us.

Rolled 10

>>31572007
This is good

>>31572007

“Wasn't there a reason you invited me here? Some work or something you needed done?” You ask.

“I'd invited you here in hopes of doing something for you, after what you did for the city.” Isaac says. “But provided you're working with Rebecca here, I think we've made good on that.”

“I'd say so, Captain.” Rebecca nods. “I can't wait to tell the crew about this. Wonder what we're going to do next.”

“With the kinds of problems that have been plaguing the greater Callestria area recently, I'd be perfectly content if you kept up what you're already doing.” The Captain says.

“Which is... a fervent dedication to following the news.” Rebecca says.

“Which is making sure the townsfolk have food to eat, and aren't holed up afraid of getting swallowed whole by some monster, or burned alive by dragon's fire.” Isaac says. “If you'd like, I can run something by the city council and see if there's anything...”

“Actually, we were planning on investigating the situation at the Imedagne border.” Rebecca says. “I'm sure you're aware of wildlife coming through the pass, and the attacks on caravans?”

“I'm not so sure. With the state Callestria is currently in, we're quite close to giving up on Imedagne altogether.” Isaac folds his arms.

>Continued

>>31572475

“Giving up? Is that something you can do?” Rebecca asks.

“Well, what you say is true: the fauna are in uproar. Multiple caravans have been attacked and destroyed, with numerous casualties; not just merchants, but travelers and supply wagons from Geffen.” Isaac says. “And speaking of Geffen, I've been told that the law there is completely defunct. The attacks have driven people into a bit of an anarchic state, and the town is on the cusp of being taken over by criminals.”

“So what's going to happen?”

“We've got a plan for the next couple of years, actually. Once the repairs in the city are complete, we'll start opening up more farmland just south of here. With Geffen gone, we'll need to establish a new hub for sea trade, so our fishing village will be expanded into a full-fledged port.”

“And if Imedagne monsters don't stop crossing the border?” Rebecca asks.

“We... haven't quite figured that out yet.”

What will you say?
>Other

>>31572496
"I'll keep watch on the Imedagne situation if anything happens I'll inform you as soon as possible."

>>31572496
We can check out that area, see what's causing the local wildlife to become aggressive.

Might score ourselves some nice shards.

>>31572496

Hmm, this is an interesting predicament.

Tell him we might swing by there and see if there's anything we can do to help in a more immediate sense.

>>31572496
"I was actually thinking about investigating Imedagne sooner or later. Someone I know has gotten caught up in the madness out east, I want to go see what's happened to them. If I find out anything useful while I'm there I'll tell you. I might not head that way for a while, though. I need a little time to recoup before going off to deal with more monsters. I'm sure my companions would agree."

(( Gonna wrap up shortly. One or two more updates. ))

“Well, like I said, we were thinking about checking out the situation out there sooner or later.” Rebecca says.

You nod in kind. “Someone I know has gotten themselves caught up in the situation to the east, and I'd like to go and see what's happened to them. We might not be going that way for a while, though.”

“Mhm. The group might need a rest before we head off to deal with more monsters.” Rebecca says. “But if we ever get to heading out there, we'll see if there's anything we can do to offer you guys a more... immediate solution. No offense, but something tells me the long-term plan isn't a terribly good standby.”

“It's fine.” Isaac says. “Really, it's all we have. If all you've said is true, I can't thank the two of you and your company enough for all you've done for us. If there's further work, I'll make sure you hear about it—and if you find out something pressing, come see me anytime.”

“And Erick,” Andor says calmly. “I'll be around here as well, should you change your mind.”

The two of you head downstairs, and back toward the lodge; the guard from earlier waves you off on your way into the streets. It's just starting to get dark outside, and the walk back doesn't seem terribly long. Still, between the Ocean Fangworm and the Dark Spirit in Pleasance, it's certainly been a full day.

>Continued

>>31573195

"No wonder he's the Captain. He's a tough one, alright.” Rebecca says. “But they all crack eventually. I figured since city council has him buried in insurance reports, he'd say anything just to get me out of his hair.”

“Well, I can't say I'm not surprised.” You say. "The way he looked, I expected us to get thrown out."

“Yeah. It's looking like Daeron's going to be able to take his vacation after all.” She chuckles. “But not for a while. I think we're sort-of on contract now, actually. Isaac seemed a little halfway on the details, but that's natural for someone in his current position. Oh, what was the deal with that museum guy? Something about him didn't sit right with me.”

“He says he knows a lot about relics. He invited us to come by and let him study them.”

“You weren't actually going to do that, were you?”

“I'm thinking about it. Though something tells me he might be a bit suspicious.”

“Ah. Makes sense, though. Seems like at any given time, you're the largest collection of relics for miles.” Rebecca says. “To someone who studies them, that's gotta set off a few alarms.”

She pauses. “Ah, speaking of. Sonia says you're going to teach her to become a Shardkeeper. Is that true? How would you even go about doing that?”

What will you say?
>Other

>>31573242
I guess we would just try to emulate our master as best as we can.

Glad to have you back, SoulQM.

>>31573242
I'll try and teach her the same way my master taught me. But being a shardkeeper doesn't happen over night. It'll take a few years before she'll be able to make proper relics.

The first step is getting her to be able to sense soul.

>>31573242
"Honestly on still kinda on the fence about that. If Being a ShardKeeper is what probably got this while mess in Cellestria started. I'm hesitant to drag Sonia into this mess. It's something I need to think on."

>>31573242

"I might show her a thing or two, set her along the path so to speak but the training to actually become a shardkeeper takes years to decades...And that's if you have a master teaching you.

She has the spark though, and there are so precious few that know my craft. There's some sort of feeling that I'm nearly obliged to teach her. Without relic weapons, after all, we're just mere men and women and helpless against the forces of this world."

Can we kill a couple of birds and infuse them into our arrows. I know it won't be a huge boost but it should improve accuracy. (or increase range)

>>31573454
Nah, we already agreed to teach her.

>>31573503

...That's just cruel, man.

>>31573521
No different than killing those swamp mosquitos for poison protection.

>>31573573

A little different. We had a need then, and they were still monstrous and dangerous. Your common bird is neither.

They probably don't have enough soul in them to do anything either.

>>31573461
>>31573399

Yep.

“It's something I'm still thinking about, but I might show her a thing or two. She has the spark, and since there's so few people that know the craft, I feel like I'm obligated to teach her.” You say. “Without the artifacts our art creates, we humans are helpless against the forces of the world. Spirits and monsters both possess the Soul that we lack, after all.”

“Even when you explained it to us, I didn't think about it that way. Maybe Shardkeeping is what we were given to even the scales?”

“Maybe.” You continue. “The best I could do is teach her the same way my Master taught me. Even so, it's not a process that happens overnight. It'd be years before she could forge a relic herself—the first step is teaching her to sense the presence of Soul.”

The two of you near the hunters' lodge, and Rebecca sighs. “Erick, I'd still like to thank you myself. For repairing my glaive, and for the things you've let us see and helped us do. As long as we're in each other's company... I don't want you to feel like you're being used. If you need anything the city has to offer—or anything we have to offer—let me know, and I'll make it happen.”

“I understand. Thank you, Rebecca.”

“Ah... and I'm sorry that things have to be the way they are. With your Master, and Anise.”

You nod, and linger outside as she passes into the lodge. The Seaward Ring glows faintly, the ocean's breath flowing through the relic's shallow grooves. Skeith and Ilyanas walk in your company. Your Master's gift protects your body, and the beast that killed Eisa's father now serves as your shield.

Why, then, do you still fear Calizan, and the Shardkeeper now bound to his service?

(( Archived at the usual spot, linked in the OP. As always, the posts are appreciated, especially so on account of my hellacious QMing schedule. You guys are great, though. ))

>>31573991
Dammit Soul you're a loose cannon you barely show up. But you're Damm good you're keeping your badge now get outta here

>>31573396

(( Bitch I'm back out my coma.

Seriously, though, yesterday was my last test until finals in a couple weeks. I should get another thread or two in before then, but outside summer and holidays I've been too busy/lethargic to run more than two/three times a month since I started Soul Quest.

Which sucks ass, but at least I come back. ))

Rolled 9

>>31574050

Concurred.

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>>31573991
And your awesome, thanks for your time OP.

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Rolled 11

>>31574070

Thanks for sticking with it man, look forward to seeing you soon.

Oh, you are back! It's been a while, good to have you back.